Murad Novruzov | Immunotherapy | Pharmaceutical Excellence Award

Mr. Murad Novruzov | Immunotherapy | Pharmaceutical Excellence Award

Ronin Institute | Azerbaijan

Mr. Murad Novruzov is an independent researcher whose work spans the intersecting frontiers of immunology, cancer biology, experimental oncology, neurology, and functional neuroscience. His research focuses on building theoretical and preclinical frameworks that advance the understanding of complex diseases, particularly late-stage cancer and neurological disorders. His scientific interests include cancer immunotherapy, tumor microenvironment dynamics, bacteriotherapy, cytokine-based treatments, T-cell engineering, oncolytic bacterial systems, and enzymatic tumor disruption. Complementing his work in oncology, he also explores neuropathy rehabilitation, peripheral nerve injury mechanisms, neuroregeneration, and the development of non-surgical motor recovery protocols.Over the course of his multidisciplinary journey, Mr. Novruzov has contributed to several organizations across biomedical research, information technology, healthcare analytics, and academic innovation. He is affiliated with the Ronin Institute and serves as a researcher within Health & Science Initiatives, where he is involved in shaping novel biomedical concepts and translational research directions. His long-standing involvement in Murad Novruzov Biomedical Research reflects his commitment to independent scientific inquiry, allowing him to develop unconventional yet scientifically grounded strategies for personalized oncology and neurofunctional rehabilitation.Beyond laboratory and theoretical research, Mr. Novruzov possesses extensive experience in IT systems integration, analytical model development, and large-scale data processing. His leadership role at Minihomme highlights his ability to merge technical and scientific expertise, while his work in major healthcare institutions demonstrates his proficiency in big data analytics, clinical data interpretation, and medical informatics. His contributions extend to academia and scientific administration, where he has supported analysis system development and participated in international scientific relations at prominent institutions.Mr. Novruzov maintains a strong presence in global scientific networks through platforms such as SciProfiles and ORCID, allowing him to share his evolving body of work with the wider research community. His interdisciplinary perspective—uniting oncology, immunology, neurology, computational modeling, and IT—positions him as a versatile thinker dedicated to advancing next-generation biomedical solutions. Driven by curiosity and innovation, he continues to develop theoretical protocols aimed at transforming future approaches in personalized medicine, cancer therapy, and neuroregenerative science.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Novruzov, M., Mammadova, M., & Shiraliyeva, U. Hypothetical Mechanisms of Immune Response Activation Under Profound Suppression. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.16740757.

Novruzov, M., Mammadova, M., & Shiraliyeva, U. Hypothetical Mechanisms of Immune Response Activation Under Profound Suppression (Preprint). Preprint Server. DOI: 10.2196/preprints.86151.

Novruzov, M., Mammadova, M., Raval, K., & Shiraliyeva, U. Second Breath: Systems-Level Model of Localized Immune Cascade Programming in Desmoplastic Tumors (In Silico-Validated, Literature-Anchored) (Preprint). Preprint Server. DOI: 10.2196/preprints.85933.

Novruzov, M., Mammadova, M., Raval, K., & Shiraliyeva, U. Second Breath: Systems-Level Model of Localized Immune Cascade Programming in Desmoplastic Tumors (In Silico-Validated, Literature-Anchored) (Preprint). Preprint Server. DOI: 10.2196/preprints.85507.

Novruzov, M., Mammadova, M., Raval, K., & Shiraliyeva, U. Second Breath: Systems-Level Model of Localized Immune Cascade Programming in Desmoplastic Tumors (In Silico-Validated, Literature-Anchored). Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.16736769.

Novruzov, M., & Shiraliyeva, U. Malignant Tumors: Therapeutic Modalities, Mechanisms, Step-by-Step Application, Toxicities and Clinical Interactions. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.17219649.

Qing Li | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qing Li | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Chongqing University, China

Prof. Qing Li is a distinguished researcher and academic whose pioneering contributions in molecular oncology and cancer therapeutics have significantly advanced the understanding of tumor pathogenesis and targeted treatment strategies. His extensive research focuses on elucidating the intricate signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, drug resistance, and immune evasion, with an emphasis on translating molecular insights into clinical applications. Prof. Li has co-authored and led numerous high-impact studies published in leading international journals, showcasing his commitment to bridging the gap between benchside discovery and bedside therapy.Among his major works, Prof. Li has contributed to groundbreaking research uncovering signaling pathways involved in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and targeted therapy, published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. His collaborative study in Experimental Hematology & Oncology revealed how the downregulation of pro-surfactant protein B contributes to the recurrence of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer by activating PGK1-mediated Akt signaling. In Oncogene, he provided critical insights into how hypoxia inhibits ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through the USP2-NCOA4 axis, while his work in Drug Resistance Updates explored spatial multi-omics approaches to circumvent drug resistance in gastric cancer, offering valuable directions for improving chemo and immuno-therapeutic responses.Prof. Li’s research also extends to nanomedicine, where he has designed innovative drug delivery systems, such as plumbagin-loaded ZIF-90 nanoparticles, to suppress gastric cancer progression by targeting the YAP1 signaling pathway, a study featured in the Chemical Engineering Journal. His investigations in Advanced Science identified the oncogenic role of SAMD9 in promoting postoperative recurrence of esophageal carcinoma via the MYH9-mediated GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade. Furthermore, his contributions to Seminars in Cancer Biology and Molecular Therapy have shed light on epigenetic regulation and immune checkpoint dynamics, particularly emphasizing the prognostic role of PD-L1 P146R in gastric cancer immunotherapy outcomes.Beyond publications, Prof. Qing Li has demonstrated excellence in research leadership through his involvement in special projects aimed at improving scientific and technological innovation capabilities. His funded studies focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which PD-L1 mutations influence immune escape and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in gastric cancer. His work continues to shape the future of precision oncology, fostering new therapeutic paradigms that enhance patient survival and transform cancer treatment worldwide.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, H., Yang, Y., Zhang, J., Chen, W., Dai, J., Li, C., & Li, Q. (2025). Integrating single-cell RNA sequencing and artificial intelligence for multitargeted drug design for combating resistance in liver cancer. NPJ Precision Oncology.

Che, G., Yin, J., Wang, W., Luo, Y., Chen, Y., Yu, X., Wang, H., Liu, X., Chen, Z., Wang, X., et al. (2024). Circumventing drug resistance in gastric cancer: A spatial multi-omics exploration of chemo and immuno-therapeutic response dynamics. Drug Resistance Updates, 101080.

Song, J., Zhang, J., Shi, Y., Gao, Q., Chen, H., Ding, X., Zhao, M., Zhu, C., Liang, L., Sun, X., et al. (2024). Hypoxia inhibits ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via the USP2-NCOA4 axis. Oncogene.

Wu, C., Zhang, G., Wang, L., Hu, J., Ju, Z., Tao, H., Li, Q., Li, J., Zhang, W., Sheng, J., et al. (2024). Spatial proteomic profiling elucidates immune determinants of neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene.

Luo, H., Hu, B., Gu, X.-R., Chen, J., Fan, X.-Q., Zhang, W., Wang, R.-T., He, X.-D., Guo, W., Dai, N., et al. (2024). The miR-23a/27a/24-2 cluster drives immune evasion and resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in non-small cell lung cancer. Molecular Cancer.

Mo, Y., Han, Y., Chen, Y., Fu, C., Li, Q., Liu, Z., & Xiao, M. (2024). ZDHHC20 mediated S-palmitoylation of fatty acid synthase (FASN) promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Molecular Cancer.

Yunmeng Liu | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yunmeng Liu | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | United States

Dr. Yunmeng Liu is a highly accomplished biomedical scientist and pharmacologist specializing in the interplay between immunity, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. With a robust academic foundation in molecular biology and integrated biomedical science, Dr. Liu has devoted her career to unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying hypertension, diabetes, and related cardiovascular complications. She currently serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at UAMS, where she leads innovative projects exploring the immune system’s role in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Her research integrates advanced techniques in pharmacology, immunology, and molecular biology to develop new therapeutic strategies for complex chronic conditions.Dr. Liu’s extensive research contributions are reflected in numerous high-impact publications. She has investigated P2X7-mediated activation of CD8+ T cells and their role in promoting salt-sensitive hypertension, providing critical insights into the immune modulation of blood pressure. Her work on interferon gamma pathways enhancing CD8 T cell interactions in hypertension and the stimulation of the Na-Cl co-transporter NCC by CD8+ T cells in distal convoluted tubules highlights the molecular crosstalk between immune cells and renal physiology. She has also explored immune dysregulation connecting type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications, emphasizing how chronic metabolic imbalances influence immune cell behavior and disease progression.Other notable contributions include the role of KATP channel openers in inhibiting lymphatic contractions and lymph flow as a mechanism of peripheral edema, and Eplerenone-mediated attenuation of fibrosis in the contralateral kidney by preventing macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition, which underscore her translational approach bridging basic research and clinical relevance. Additionally, she has advanced knowledge on resident-memory T cell establishment anchoring hypertension in the kidney and the nutrition impact on diabetes and cardiovascular health, reflecting her commitment to holistic understanding of disease mechanisms.Beyond her research, Dr. Liu is deeply engaged in education and mentorship, instructing graduate students in courses such as cell biology, pathologic basis of disease, and pharmacology and therapeutics, while supervising numerous PhD and undergraduate students in cutting-edge biomedical research projects. Her scholarly excellence is recognized through awards, grant funding, and memberships in professional societies including the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and American Association of Immunologists, solidifying her status as a leading expert in immunopharmacology and cardiovascular-metabolic research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Deck, K., Mora, C., Deng, S., Rogers, P., Rafferty, T., Palade, P. T., Mu, S., & Liu, Y. (2025). Immune dysregulation connecting type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Life, 15(8), 1241.

Liu, Y. (2024, May 29). Immune disorders connecting type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications [Preprint].

Benson, L., Deck, K., Mora, C., Guo, Y., Rafferty, T. M., Li, L.-X., Huang, L., Qin, Z., Andrews, J. T., & Liu, Y. (2024, January 9). P2X7-mediated antigen-independent activation of CD8 T cells promotes salt-sensitive hypertension. Hypertension (Dallas, Tex.: 1979).

Benson, L. N., Guo, Y., Deck, K., Mora, C., Liu, Y., & Mu, S. (2023, March 9). The link between immunity and hypertension in the kidney and heart. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 10, 1129384.

Benson, L. N., Liu, Y., Deck, K., Mora, C., & Mu, S. (2022, October 26). IFNγ contributes to the immune mechanisms of hypertension. Kidney360, 3(10), 1234–1246.

Denise Faustman | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Denise Faustman | Immunotherapy | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School  | United States

Dr. Denise Faustman is a physician-scientist recognized for her pioneering work in immunology, autoimmunity, and type 1 diabetes research. She serves as Director of the Immunobiology Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Her career bridges clinical medicine, molecular biology, and translational research, with a focus on advancing novel therapies for autoimmune diseases. Dr. Faustman has significantly contributed to understanding immune tolerance, vaccine-based interventions, and the role of BCG vaccination in autoimmune modulation. She is widely respected for her leadership, scientific advisory roles, and commitment to women’s health and immunological innovation.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Education

Dr. Denise Faustman earned a B.S. in Zoology and Chemistry from the University of Michigan, followed by an M.D. and Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She completed her postdoctoral training in transplantation immunology at Washington University before pursuing clinical training in internal medicine and endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her combined training in medicine, molecular biology, and immunology has uniquely positioned her to integrate clinical insights with advanced laboratory science, fueling her translational research on autoimmunity, immunotherapy, and novel strategies for the treatment of chronic diseases.

Experience 

Dr. Denise Faustman has built a distinguished career at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she directs the Immunobiology Laboratory. Her academic roles span from Instructor to Associate Professor of Medicine, combined with leadership in clinical and translational immunology. She has served on numerous national and international scientific committees, including advisory roles at the FDA, NIH, NAS, and Institute of Medicine. As a physician-scientist, she bridges patient care with laboratory innovation, advancing novel treatments for autoimmune diseases. She has also provided scientific leadership for biotech companies, foundations, and research councils, shaping biomedical policy, discovery, and translational impact.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Denise Faustman contributions have been recognized through prestigious appointments and leadership roles. She has served as Chair and Board Member of the Society for Women’s Health Research, Advisory Committee Member for the FDA, and Chair of national immunology and autoimmunity symposia. She has been elected to scientific advisory boards for biotechnology companies and foundations worldwide, including Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation and Farallone Therapeutics. Her expertise has been sought by NASA, NIH, and the Department of Defense for defining priorities in immunology, vaccine safety, and women’s health. These roles reflect her influence, innovation, and leadership in advancing immunological and biomedical sciences.

Research Focus 

Dr. Denise Faustman research centers on autoimmunity, immune regulation, and translational immunotherapy. Her laboratory is internationally recognized for pioneering studies on immune tolerance and the use of BCG vaccine as a potential therapy for type 1 diabetes. She investigates mechanisms of T cell regulation, biomarkers for autoimmune progression, and pathways of immune modulation to translate discoveries into clinical applications. Her work bridges fundamental immunology with patient-centered research, aiming to develop safe, effective, and durable treatments for chronic autoimmune diseases. By integrating laboratory science, clinical trials, and translational medicine, Dr. Faustman is shaping innovative therapeutic strategies with global health impact.

Publication Top Notes

The spleen assumes a major role in blood glucose regulation in type 1 diabetes patients treated with BCG

Late in the US pandemic, multi-dose BCG vaccines protect against COVID-19 and infectious diseases

Transmembrane TNF-TNFR2 signaling as a critical immunoregulatory node in pancreatic cancer

Association of BCG Vaccine Treatment with Death and Dementia in Patients with Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

TNFR2 antagonistic antibody induces the death of tumor infiltrating CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells

Letter to the Editor Regarding “The Non-Significant Benefit of BCG Vaccination for the Treatment of Iranian Patients with Type 1 Diabetes up to 48 Weeks: A Controversial Result”

The benefits of clustering in TNF receptor superfamily signaling

Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) and prevention of types 1 and 2 diabetes: Results of two observational studies

BCG vaccinations drive epigenetic changes to the human T cell receptor: Restored expression in type 1 diabetes

Multiple BCG vaccinations for the prevention of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in type 1 diabetes