Hejian Zou | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hejian Zou at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, China.

Dr. Hejian Zou is a renowned physician-scientist in the fields of rheumatology and immunology, with over three decades of academic and clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from Shanghai Medical University and steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a professor in 2003. A prolific researcher and clinician, he has led numerous national research projects focusing on autoimmune mechanisms, macrophage polarization, and innovative therapies for gout and arthritis. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and holds multiple patents. Dr. Zou has also authored influential books and serves on editorial boards of several prominent medical journals. He plays a critical leadership role at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, and in several major national and international professional associations. Through his pioneering research, teaching, and clinical innovations, Dr. Zou has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of autoimmune and connective tissue diseases in China and beyond.

Publication Profile 

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Education

Professor Hejian Zou began his academic journey at Shanghai Medical University, graduating in 1987 with a six-year degree in medical sciences. He continued at the same institution, earning a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1992 from the university’s prestigious graduate school. His educational path laid a strong foundation in both theoretical and clinical medicine, especially in immunology and rheumatology. Throughout his medical training, he demonstrated a profound interest in chronic inflammatory diseases, which later became his central research focus. His academic accomplishments led to successive promotions: he became an associate professor in 1994, a chief physician in 1999, and achieved the rank of full professor in 2003. His academic pedigree and continuous involvement in both teaching and research reflect a lifelong dedication to medical education, innovation, and mentoring the next generation of physicians and researchers in the field of autoimmune disorders and connective tissue diseases.

Experience

Professor Zou has built a distinguished career marked by excellence in clinical medicine, academic leadership, and scientific research. He currently serves as a professor and head of rheumatology and immunology at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, one of China’s premier medical institutions. Over the years, he has led several national research projects, including studies on macrophage polarization in gout, follicular helper T cells in SLE, and T regulatory cell therapy for arthritis. With a citation index exceeding 2600, his publications have influenced both Chinese and global rheumatology. He has actively contributed to medical education, mentoring students and young researchers. In parallel, Dr. Zou has worked on translational research, holding patents for novel gout therapies. His role extends to editorial and advisory positions in key medical journals and organizations. His comprehensive expertise and commitment have established him as a leading voice in rheumatology across clinical, academic, and scientific communities.

Awards 

Professor Hejian Zou’s pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades in the field of rheumatology and immunology. He has been a recipient of national research funding awards for his studies on autoimmune diseases, including three major projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has also received multiple patents for his discoveries in gout therapies, showcasing his commitment to translational and impactful research. Professor Zou is a Vice Chairman of The International Network of Scleroderma Clinical Care and Research (InSCAR) and holds top roles in major Chinese medical associations. His inclusion in editorial boards of renowned journals like the Journal of Chinese Rheumatology and Practical Internal Medicine further reflects his scientific stature. Recognized for both clinical excellence and research, Dr. Zou is a frequent speaker at international conferences, representing China on the global rheumatology stage. His achievements continue to inspire emerging researchers and clinicians worldwide.

Research Focus 

Professor Hejian Zou’s research focuses on autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, with a strong emphasis on gout, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. He explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, particularly macrophage polarization, regulatory T cell therapy, and follicular helper T cell function. His projects aim to develop targeted therapies that improve patient outcomes in autoimmune conditions. A pioneer in translational medicine, he has patented natural and pharmacological agents—such as paeoniflorin and melatonin—for the treatment of gout. His approach combines basic immunology, experimental therapeutics, and clinical trials, enabling bench-to-bedside innovation. He actively collaborates with national institutions, mentors young scientists, and publishes widely in SCI-indexed journals. His lab’s work not only contributes to the understanding of autoimmune pathogenesis but also to drug development and personalized treatment strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Publication Top Notes