Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat at Toulouse University | France

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is a molecular virologist and principal investigator at Toulouse University, affiliated with INSERM UMR1291 and CNRS UMR5051. He leads the ViNeDys team at the Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, focusing on host–human cytomegalovirus interactions in brain tumors and therapeutic innovation. With extensive research and teaching experience across France, he has contributed to advancing antiviral strategies, mentoring young scientists, and promoting scientific communication. He is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and community outreach, while securing multiple research grants to strengthen translational virology and oncology research.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat pursued his scientific training at Limoges University, France. He earned a Master of Science degree in Genetics and Physiology, which laid the foundation for his research career. He then advanced to doctoral studies at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges University, where he specialized in Molecular Virology, completing his PhD with distinction. His academic formation emphasized molecular biology, virus-host interactions, and translational virology, providing expertise in genetics, physiology, and applied biomedical sciences. This strong educational background enabled him to develop a career bridging fundamental research and therapeutic applications, particularly in virology, cancer biology, and innovative antiviral treatment strategies.

Experience 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat is Associate Professor of Virology at Toulouse University, where he also serves as Principal Investigator and group leader of the ViNeDys team at the Infinity Institute. His work focuses on host–HCMV interactions and therapeutic innovation in brain tumors. Previously, he was a postdoctoral researcher at INSERM UMR1110 in Strasbourg, specializing in antiviral strategies. He began his research as a Master’s and PhD candidate at INSERM UMR1092, Limoges. Alongside research, he has coordinated training programs, practical courses, and supervised over 20 students. He is deeply involved in scientific societies, equality initiatives, and international collaborations.

Awards and Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including the National Thesis Prize from the French Society of Microbiology and fellowships from the French National Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS). He was awarded an ESCMID Research Grant, travel grants from the French Society of Microbiology, and registration bursaries for international congresses. His successful fundraising as principal investigator includes support from cancer foundations, patient associations, and Inserm/Regional PhD funding. These honors reflect both his scientific excellence and commitment to translational virology and oncology research. His awards highlight his impact on advancing antiviral and therapeutic research.

Research Focus 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaetan Ligat research focuses on the molecular biology of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its interaction with host cells, particularly in brain tumor environments. His work aims to understand how viral mechanisms contribute to disease progression and to identify novel therapeutic targets. He develops innovative antiviral strategies, including peptides and antibodies targeting HCMV protein interactions. His research also explores inflammatory responses, host-pathogen dynamics, and translational approaches for cancer treatment. Through collaborative projects and funded research programs, he seeks to bridge fundamental virology with therapeutic innovation, advancing the fight against viral infections and HCMV-related diseases in oncology.

Publication Top Notes

The human cytomegalovirus terminase complex as an antiviral target: a close-up view

Capsid assembly modulators as antiviral agents against HBV: molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)–apolipoprotein interactions and immune evasion and their impact on HCV vaccine design

Hepatitis B virus–host interactions and novel targets for viral cure

Hepatitis B virus core variants, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma

Targeting viral cccDNA for cure of chronic hepatitis B

The Yin and the Yang of extracellular vesicles during viral infections

Structures and divergent mechanisms in capsid maturation and stabilization following genome packaging of human cytomegalovirus and herpesviruses

Contrasting effect of new HCMV pUL54 mutations on antiviral drug susceptibility: benefits and limits of 3D analysis

Interferon‐Induced Transmembrane Proteins Mediate Viral Evasion in Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Identification of a short sequence in the HCMV terminase pUL56 essential for interaction with pUL89 subunit

Identification of amino acids essential for viral replication in the HCMV helicase-primase complex

Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine | China

Prof. Song Guo Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is an internationally renowned immunologist and clinician-scientist specializing in rheumatology, molecular immunology, and translational medicine. He currently serves as Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With academic leadership roles across prestigious institutions in the U.S. and China, his pioneering work spans autoimmunity, cell therapy, and immunoregulation. A prolific author with over 110 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, Prof. Zheng is also a highly decorated researcher and active leader in global immunology societies. His contributions continue to shape modern immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Publication Profile 

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Orcid

Education 

Prof. Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from the University of Orleans, France (2011), and a Master’s in Pathology and Immunology from Shanghai Medical University (1992). He completed his M.D. at Anhui Medical University (1984). His clinical training included a residency in surgery at Chizhou City Hospital (1984–1989) and an internship at Shanghai Zhabei Hospital (1983–1984). He further pursued a pathology fellowship at Shanghai Medical University Cancer Hospital (1989–1993). These academic and clinical foundations laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in immunology, clinical research, and translational medicine across both China and the United States.

Experience 

Prof. Zheng currently serves as Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy (2023–Present). He previously held senior positions including the Ronald L. Whisler Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology at Ohio State University (2018–2022) and Director at Penn State University’s College of Medicine (2013–2018). His U.S. academic journey began at the University of Southern California as an assistant and associate professor (2004–2013), after postdoctoral work at USC and UCLA. With leadership in research, teaching, and clinical science, he has become a global authority in immunological therapeutics and rheumatology.

Awards

Prof. Zheng has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Outstanding Scientist Award (2023, USA) and the Distinguished Clinical Immunologist Award (2019, China). He was awarded the Edmund L. Dubois Award (2019), NIH STAR Award (2016–2021), and was Chair of NIH MOSS Study Section (2016). Notably, he earned the James R. Klinenberg Award for best immunologist in Southern California (2007) and the Freda Newton Memorial Scholar Award (2006). He is an elected member of The Henry Kunkel Society (2012) and a recipient of the ACR Investigator Award (2008–2010), reflecting his impactful and sustained contributions to clinical immunology.

Research Focus 

Prof. Zheng’s research centers on molecular immunology, particularly in autoimmune diseases, Treg/Th17 cell modulation, and immune tolerance mechanisms. He investigates immunometabolism, gene and cell therapy, and inflammatory signaling pathways with an emphasis on clinical translation. His studies on cytokines, nanomedicine, and immune checkpoint regulation aim to advance precision therapeutics for rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. He integrates cutting-edge techniques including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based modulation, and nano-drug delivery systems. His innovative research is highly cited and supports next-generation treatments for autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and organ-specific inflammation, shaping global trends in immune-based medical interventions.

Publication Top Notes

Natural and induced CD4+ CD25+ cells educate CD4+ CD25− cells to develop suppressive activity: the role of IL-2, TGF-β, and IL-10

IL-2 is essential for TGF-β to convert naive CD4+ CD25− cells to CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and for expansion of these cells

Role of vitamin A in the immune system

Generation ex vivo of TGF-β-producing regulatory T cells from CD4+ CD25− precursors

Vitamin D and chronic diseases

TGF-β requires CTLA-4 early after T cell activation to induce FoxP3 and generate adaptive CD4+ CD25+ regulatory cells

Natural and TGF-β–induced Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are not mirror images of each other

Role of TNF–TNF receptor 2 signal in regulatory T cells and its therapeutic implications

Cutting edge: Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells induced by IL-2 and TGF-β are resistant to Th17 conversion by IL-6

Hall of fame among pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 gene and its transcriptional regulation mechanisms

The ubiquitin ligase Stub1 negatively modulates regulatory T cell suppressive activity by promoting degradation of the transcription factor Foxp3

The role of the combination of IL-2 and TGF-β or IL-10 in the generation and function of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+regulatory T cell subsets

Conclusion

Given his outstanding scientific productivity, leadership in global immunology communities, and groundbreaking research on immune regulation, Prof. Song Guo Zheng is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work demonstrates not only scientific depth and innovation but also sustained impact on the field of immunology and clinical medicine. With ongoing contributions and strategic improvements, he remains a central figure in advancing immune-based therapies and education worldwide.

Rulla Tamimi | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

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Rulla Tamimi | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rulla Tamimi at Weill Cornell Medicine Dept of Healthcar, United States.

Dr. Rulla M. Tamimi is a leading cancer epidemiologist and Professor of Population Health Sciences and Pathology at Weill Cornell Medicine. With over two decades of experience in breast cancer research, her work centers on cancer risk prediction, environmental exposures, and molecular epidemiology. A pioneer in integrating biomarkers and epidemiologic data, she has advanced understanding of breast cancer heterogeneity and disparities. Dr. Tamimi is also a principal investigator for multiple NIH-funded studies and a dedicated educator. She plays a critical role in shaping future public health strategies and improving women’s health through rigorous research and community-engaged science.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Education

Dr. Tamimi holds a B.S. in Biology from Tufts University (1993), followed by an M.S. (1999) and Sc.D. (2003) in Epidemiology from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her academic training is rooted in public health, statistical methods, and cancer epidemiology. She received advanced training at Harvard, which set the stage for a prolific research and academic career in molecular and clinical epidemiology. Her education enabled her to translate complex biological mechanisms into population-level cancer prevention strategies, and her leadership has consistently bridged rigorous epidemiological research with patient-focused public health innovation.

Experience

Dr. Tamimi has held prestigious academic positions including Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2003–2020). She currently serves as Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine (2020–Present). With over 20 years in academic medicine, she’s also served as Associate Epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Tamimi leads NIH- and NCI-funded multi-institutional projects, mentoring future epidemiologists while advancing cancer research. She has contributed to global education through lectures and program direction across institutions including Boston University, Harvard, and National University of Singapore.

Awards 

Dr. Tamimi has received multiple accolades for her visionary research. She earned the “Good Questions Meet Big Data” Ideation Challenge Award from Harvard Catalyst in 2017 and became a Susan G. Komen Scholar in 2020. Her election to prominent organizations such as the American Association for Cancer Research, Society for Epidemiologic Research, and Cornell Center for Health Equity highlights her influence in the field. These recognitions reflect her leadership in molecular epidemiology, commitment to health equity, and significant contributions to cancer prevention research on both national and global scales.

Research Focus 

Dr. Tamimi’s research explores breast cancer heterogeneity, environmental exposures, and the biological underpinnings of cancer risk. Her projects evaluate how dietary carotenoids, genetic variants, circulating metabolites, and breast tissue markers influence cancer outcomes. She is especially interested in aggressive tumor subtypes, breast cancer in young women, and disparities across racial and socioeconomic lines. Current studies also examine stromal contributions to carcinogenesis and social determinants of health through the SoCa Center. Her work connects molecular biology with epidemiological insights to improve early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment strategies for breast cancer.

Publication Top Notes

  • Regular aspirin use, breast tumor characteristics and long-term breast cancer survival
  • Development and validation of a risk prediction model for premenopausal breast cancer in 19 cohorts
  • Disparities in adherence to guideline-concordant care and receipt of immunotherapy for Non-Small cell lung cancer in the United States
  • Thromboembolic Events Are Increased After Splenectomy in Postmenopausal Women
  • The Breast Tumor Immune Microenvironment of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Pathogenic Variant Carriers Is Enriched with Tumor-Associated Macrophages
  • The impact of reproductive factors on breast tumor and normal-adjacent tissue immune profile from menarche to menopause
  • Associations of alcohol consumption with expression of CD44, CD24, and ALDH1A1 stem cell markers in benign breast biopsy samples
  • Breast cancer prevention by short-term inhibition of TGFβ signaling
  • Association of body mass index and inflammatory dietary pattern with breast cancer pathologic and genomic immunophenotype in the nurses’ health study
  • A genome-wide association study of mammographic texture variation