Zhenhua Zhang | Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Zhenhua Zhang | Biology | Research Excellence Award

Hunan Agricultural University | China

Zhenhua Zhang is a plant scientist specializing in plant nutrition, crop physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient use efficiency in major crops. His research integrates physiological, molecular, and agronomic approaches to understand how plants acquire, distribute, and utilize essential nutrients—particularly nitrogen—in order to improve nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and support sustainable crop production. He completed postdoctoral research in plant genetics at the CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, where he gained experience in molecular plant–environment interactions. His doctoral work, conducted jointly at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Hunan Agricultural University, focused on crop physiology with an emphasis on rice nutrient dynamics.

Zhang’s research contributions include studies on nitrogen redistribution during late growth stages of oilseed rape and the physiological mechanisms controlling nitrogen allocation and efficiency. As Head of the Department of Plant Nutrition at Hunan Agricultural University and Principal Investigator in the Southern Grain and Oil Crop Collaborative Innovation Center, he leads projects aimed at enhancing nutrient efficiency in rice, rapeseed, and other staple crops through improved fertilization strategies and molecular breeding targets. His work is further enriched by international training and visiting scientist appointments in the United States, Europe, and IRRI, strengthening global collaboration in plant nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Jian, S. F., Liao, Q., Liu, Q., Luo, J. S., Guan, C. Y., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). NRT1.1 regulates nitrate allocation and cadmium tolerance in Arabidopsis. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10, 384.

Liao, Q., Jian, S. F., Song, H. X., Guan, C. Y., Lepo, J. E., Ismail, A. M., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). Balance between nitrogen use efficiency and cadmium tolerance in Brassica napus and Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Science.

Liang, G. H., Hua, Y. P., Zhou, T., Liao, Q., Song, H. X., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). Bioinformatics analysis and response to nitrate–cadmium stress of NRT1.5 and NRT1.8 family genes in Brassica napus. Crop Science, 45(3), 365–380.

Liao, J. Y., Song, H. X., Zhao, D. S., Wang, T., Guan, C. Y., Zhang, Z. H.*, & others. (2019). Effects of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers on soil inorganic nitrogen forms and fertilization efficiency at different growth stages of rape. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 33(1), 158–164.

Esmaa Bouhamida | Molecular and Cellular Biology | Cell Biology Research Award

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Dr. Esmaa Bouhamida | Molecular and Cellular Biology | Cell Biology Research Award

Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata (VIMM) | Italy

The candidate’s research centers on understanding how mitochondrial signaling, hypoxia-responsive pathways, and cell-cycle regulatory networks collectively influence cardiac regeneration and cardiovascular disease. Their work investigates how hypoxia-inducible factors, particularly HIF-1α, modulate mitochondrial function during ischemic injury, with the broader goal of identifying mechanisms that could restore or enhance the regenerative potential of adult cardiac tissue. Through advanced molecular and cellular approaches, their studies explore how metabolic rewiring, mitochondrial stress responses, and oxygen-sensing pathways govern cardiomyocyte survival, proliferation, and reprogramming.

Building on expertise in molecular biology, signal transduction, and genetics, the researcher has expanded their focus to include the interplay between mitochondrial homeostasis and protein-quality control mechanisms in muscle tissues. Their postdoctoral work examines signaling pathways that regulate proteostasis and their impact on muscle integrity under physiological and pathological conditions. This integrated approach bridges cardiac regeneration, mitochondrial dynamics, and muscle biology, enabling the identification of therapeutic targets relevant to heart failure, ischemia, and degenerative muscle disorders.

Their long-term vision is to develop interventions that combine mitochondrial modulation, gene therapy, and cellular reprogramming strategies to promote tissue repair and functional recovery in cardiovascular disease. Their contributions have been recognized through competitive scientific evaluations at international cardiovascular and stem-cell research forums.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Bouhamida, E., Vadakke-Madathil, S., Mathiyalagan, P., Ranjan, A. K., Khan, A., Sherman, M. P., & others. (2025). Single nucleus transcriptomics supports a role for CCNA2-induced human adult cardiomyocyte cytokinesis. bioRxiv.

Bouhamida, E., Vadakke-Madathil, S., Mathiyalagan, P., Ranjan, A. K., Sherman, M. P., & others. (2025). Cyclin A2 induces cytokinesis in human adult cardiomyocytes and drives reprogramming in mice. npj Regenerative Medicine, 10(1), 47.

Yuxiang Wang | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yuxiang Wang | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yuxiang Wang, Fudan University, China

Dr. Yuxiang Wang is a Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Supervisor at Fudan University, with an extensive background in molecular biology, oncology, and translational medicine. He earned his Ph.D. in Developmental and Molecular Biology from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he worked under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey W. Pollard. Following this, he completed a prestigious research fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Wang has built a strong academic and clinical research portfolio, focusing on gliomas and muscular dystrophy. His work utilizes state-of-the-art preclinical models and CRISPR screening technologies to identify novel therapeutic strategies. Dr. Wang is a recipient of numerous honors, including the MSK Society Scholar Award and Shanghai Leading Overseas Talent recognition. He actively collaborates with clinicians to translate lab discoveries into patient therapies, and his prolific publication record reflects deep scientific rigor and innovation.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Research Track Record
    Dr. Wang has published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Science Advances, Cancer Research, and PNAS. His publication record demonstrates consistency, depth, and high impact across multiple domains including glioma biology and gene therapy.

  2. Dual Research Focus
    He leads research in two distinct yet critical biomedical areas—malignant gliomas and muscular dystrophy. This breadth shows versatility and the ability to manage complex translational programs.

  3. Innovative Techniques
    Dr. Wang effectively applies CRISPR-based genetic screening, preclinical mouse models, and patient-derived cell lines—cutting-edge tools that reflect a forward-thinking, high-tech research approach.

  4. International Research Background
    His training and professional experience in both the U.S. (at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) and China make him a bridge between Western and Eastern biomedical research ecosystems.

  5. Leadership and Mentorship
    Serving as both Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Supervisor, and having been Vice Director at a major clinical research center, Dr. Wang shows strong leadership and a commitment to research training.

  6. Recognitions and Awards
    Prestigious honors such as the Shanghai Leading Overseas Talent, Shanghai Pujiang Talent, and MSK Society Scholar Award (twice) underline peer recognition and scientific excellence.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Clinical Translation and Implementation
    While his preclinical work is strong, more details or evidence on how these findings have progressed toward clinical trials or therapeutic products could further strengthen his translational profile.

  2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations
    Expanding collaborations across fields like bioengineering, immunotherapy, or computational biology may add further value and broaden research impact.

  3. Visibility and Outreach
    Increasing visibility through keynote lectures, patents, or public datasets could enhance his reputation globally and support broader dissemination of his work.

  4. Grants and Funding Portfolio
    While not detailed in the CV, highlighting national/international grant leadership or participation would provide insight into his ability to secure and manage competitive research funding.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Yuxiang Wang holds a distinguished academic background across leading institutions. He completed his Ph.D. in Developmental and Molecular Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2008–2014), under Dr. Jeffrey W. Pollard, focusing on hormone signaling and uterine biology. Before that, he earned a Master of Sciences from Fudan University (2004–2007), mentored by Dr. Bo Chen, where he explored hormone interactions in reproductive biology. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Sciences from the Ocean University of China (2000–2004), majoring in life sciences. This robust education laid the foundation for his later success in cancer biology and translational research. Throughout his academic path, Dr. Wang has demonstrated a consistent focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases, especially cancer and genetic disorders. His education, blending rigorous laboratory work and clinical relevance, has uniquely positioned him for cutting-edge biomedical research.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Wang currently serves as Principal Investigator and Ph.D. Supervisor at Fudan University’s School of Basic Medical Sciences (2020–present), where he leads research on gliomas and muscular dystrophy. From 2021 to 2023, he also held the position of Vice Director of the Research Department at the Clinical Research Center of the Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, coordinating clinical and translational projects. Prior to his return to China, Dr. Wang worked as a Research Fellow at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2015–2020), collaborating with Dr. Timothy Chan and Dr. Jason Huse on the molecular basis of brain tumors and treatment resistance. His career bridges fundamental science and clinical applications, with a focus on leveraging genetic models and CRISPR technologies to uncover therapeutic targets. Dr. Wang’s international experience and leadership in high-impact research programs underscore his contributions to biomedical innovation and mentorship.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Yuxiang Wang’s outstanding scientific contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards. He was named a Shanghai Leading Overseas Talent (2020) and a Shanghai Pujiang Talent (2020), highlighting his excellence in international scientific exchange and leadership. While at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, he was twice awarded the MSK Society Scholar Award (2018, 2019), which recognizes exceptional postdoctoral researchers demonstrating strong potential for independent academic careers. These accolades underscore Dr. Wang’s commitment to impactful research, innovation in therapeutic development, and mentorship of young scientists. His ability to translate fundamental research into preclinical and potentially clinical solutions sets him apart as a research leader. These honors reflect peer recognition of both the depth and translational potential of his work in oncology and genetic diseases.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research centers on two critical areas: malignant gliomas and muscular dystrophy. In glioma studies, his team investigates the cooperative role of IDH and ATRX mutations using CRISPR-based genetic screening in mouse models to identify synthetic lethal targets—genes whose inhibition can selectively kill tumor cells with specific mutations. This strategy opens doors to novel, mutation-specific therapies with minimal harm to healthy cells. In muscular dystrophy, Dr. Wang focuses on rare genetic mutations affecting glycosylation pathways, utilizing patient-derived cells and animal models to evaluate gene therapy and genome editing solutions. His work seeks not only to understand disease mechanisms but also to bridge the lab-to-clinic gap. A long-term objective is to offer personalized therapies for patients with genetically defined diseases. The integration of molecular biology, translational research, and therapeutic innovation defines his approach.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  1. 🧬 Genetically Engineered Mouse Models Unveil Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies for GMPPB-Associated Dystroglycanopathy – Nature Communications (under revision)

  2. 🧠 PRICKLE4 Underlies IDH mutant Tumor Resistance against PARP Inhibition – Advanced Science (under revision)

  3. 🧫 Comprehensively characterizing eRNA in immune cells to screen combinational strategies for anti-cancer immunotherapy – Cancer Research (2025)

  4. 🔬 Targeting therapeutic vulnerabilities with PARP inhibition and radiation in IDH-mutant gliomas and cholangiocarcinomas – Science Advances

  5. 🧬 G-quadruplex DNA drives genomic instability and represents a targetable molecular abnormality in ATRX-deficient malignant glioma – Nature Communications

  6. 🧪 Mutant-IDH1-dependent chromatin state reprogramming, reversibility, and persistence – Nature Genetics

  7. 🧠 Atrx inactivation drives disease-defining phenotypes in glioma cells of origin through global epigenomic remodeling – Nature Communications

  8. 🧬 Activation of protein synthesis in mouse uterine epithelial cells by estradiol-17β is mediated by a PKC–ERK1/2–mTOR signaling pathway – PNAS

  9. 🔬 GSK-3β mediates in the progesterone inhibition of estrogen-induced cyclin D2 nuclear localization and cell proliferation in cyclin D1−/− mouse uterine epithelium – FEBS Letters

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yuxiang Wang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. He demonstrates:

  • A clear and sustained record of scientific excellence,

  • Deep expertise in cancer biology and rare disease genetics,

  • Use of innovative methodologies, and

  • Leadership in both academic and clinical research environments.

His contributions to understanding the molecular basis of gliomas and developing targeted therapies for muscular dystrophy have significant implications for personalized medicine. With continued development in clinical translation and interdisciplinary reach, he stands out as a leader of the next generation of biomedical scientists.