Xiao Sheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiao Sheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

lecturer at Naval Medical University School of Pharmacy | China

Dr. Xiao Sheng is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology at the Navy Medical University, China. His work bridges traditional Chinese medicine, molecular signaling, and intestinal health, with a focus on aging and regenerative biology. As a principal investigator of multiple funded projects, he has made significant contributions to understanding mechanisms of intestinal stem cell regulation, tumor progression, and herbal medicine efficacy. His publications in high-impact journals highlight pioneering findings in antioxidant pathways, stem cell biology, and gut regeneration. Dr. Xiao is actively engaged in international collaborations, scientific societies, and editorial responsibilities in biomedical research.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Xiao Sheng completed his academic training in biochemistry and molecular biology, developing a strong foundation in cellular and molecular research. At the Navy Medical University, he pursued advanced education integrating biomedical sciences with translational research approaches. His education emphasized experimental medicine, molecular signaling pathways, and the application of traditional Chinese medicine concepts within modern biological frameworks. This interdisciplinary training enabled him to explore the interaction between cellular metabolism, intestinal regeneration, and aging biology. His academic preparation laid the groundwork for his later success as a principal investigator and contributed to his leadership in national and international scientific initiatives.

Experience 

Dr. Xiao Sheng  has extensive experience leading research in biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational medicine. As principal investigator, he heads projects supported by Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center and the Second Military Medical University, focusing on intestinal injury repair, tumor biology, and herbal medicine. His work extends to national research initiatives such as the National Key R&D Program and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, where he has contributed as a key participant. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, serves on editorial boards, and holds active memberships in professional committees, advancing biomedical research and international scientific collaboration.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Xiao Sheng has received multiple recognitions for his scientific contributions. He earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the International and Chinese Drosophila Biology Congress, demonstrating the novelty of his research in model organisms. His innovative approaches to Chinese medicine research were honored with the Third Prize in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Group at the National Undergraduate Forum on Innovative Research in Basic Medicine and Experimental Design. Recently, he was named a “Shizhen Scholar,” reflecting his leadership and excellence in integrating traditional medicine with modern molecular biology. These awards underscore his contributions to translational and interdisciplinary biomedical research.

Research Focus 

Dr. Xiao’s  Sheng  research centers on molecular mechanisms regulating intestinal stem cell biology, aging, and regenerative medicine. He explores how herbal medicine compounds influence cellular pathways, particularly the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling axis, to mitigate intestinal injury and aging-related disorders. His studies extend to tumor biology, focusing on how nuclear lamina proteins drive cancer development through cell competition. Additionally, he investigates molecular regulators of gut regeneration, including transcription factors and RNA modifications. His interdisciplinary approach combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern molecular biology, advancing novel therapeutic strategies. His work holds promise for improving treatments for age-related diseases and metabolic disorders.

Publication Top Notes

Unlocking nature’s medicine cabinet through Drosophila–Driven exploration

Werner syndrome exonuclease promotes gut regeneration and causes age-associated gut hyperplasia in Drosophila

Phase separation of BuGZ regulates gut regeneration and aging through interaction with m6A regulators

Antioxidant Effects of Caffeic Acid Lead to Protection of Drosophila Intestinal Stem Cell Aging

Aging-related upregulation of the homeobox gene caudal represses intestinal stem cell differentiation in Drosophila

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

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 

Google Scholar

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.

Wai Har Ng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Wai Har Ng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at National Cancer Centre Singapore | Singapore

Ms. Wai Har Ng is a Senior Research Associate at the National Cancer Centre Singapore with over two decades of experience in cancer biology and translational research. His scientific journey spans genetic engineering, molecular oncology, and personalized therapeutics, with a strong focus on hepatocellular carcinoma, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and colorectal cancer. A dynamic contributor to national research consortiums, Ng WH has authored numerous high-impact publications and excels in molecular, cellular, and in vivo experimental platforms. Known for his collaborative spirit, he plays a pivotal role in mentoring, protocol development, and driving clinical translation in cancer therapy through precision medicine and molecular marker discovery.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Education

Ms. Wai Har Ng obtained a Master of Science in Genetic Engineering from University Putra Malaysia (2005), where his dissertation focused on gene expression profiling of oil palm root systems using EST and microarray technology. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (2000) from the same university, working on Arabidopsis root transformation. His foundational education was completed at Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur, from 1990–2000, with certifications including STPM, SPM, and SRP. His early academic training at SRJK (C) Tsun Jin laid the groundwork for a career defined by scientific curiosity, discipline, and innovation in molecular biosciences.

Experience 

Ms. Wai Har Ng currently serves as a Senior Research Associate at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (2017–present), where he spearheads research on molecular therapeutics and biomarker discovery. He previously worked as a Research Officer and Research Associate at the same institute (2004–2017), contributing to groundbreaking oncology studies. Earlier, he served at the Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI) from 2003–2004. His academic skillset spans molecular biology, proteomics, imaging, animal studies, and lab management. Proficient in BSL2 safety, grant collaboration, and multidisciplinary research, he plays a key role in mentoring, lab operations, and translational biomedical research.

Awards 

While specific awards were not listed, Ng WH’s achievements are evident through his prolific publication record in high-impact journals, participation in national research consortia like the Singapore Peritoneal Oncology Study (SPOS) and Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium (SGCC), and recognition as a core contributor to precision oncology research. His co-authorship on influential studies in Scientific Reports, Cell Reports Medicine, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences demonstrates academic recognition and leadership. His technical versatility and mentorship roles further highlight his contribution to national cancer research excellence. If formal awards were earned, these would further bolster his already commendable profile.

Research Focus 

Ng WH focuses on translational cancer research with emphasis on hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, peritoneal carcinomatosis, and liposarcoma. His work integrates drug synergy, molecular profiling, biomarker discovery, and machine learning to optimize personalized cancer therapies. He is proficient in CRISPR, ddPCR, organoid modeling, xenografts, and immunofluorescence microscopy. A key area includes developing predictive molecular signatures for chemotherapy response and leveraging advanced imaging to study tumor behavior. With over 13 peer-reviewed publications, Ng WH bridges basic science and clinical application, contributing to a future where cancer treatment is personalized, precise, and highly effective.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Vinorelbine Improves the Efficacy of Sorafenib against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Therapeutic Approach
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Everolimus Acts in Synergy with Vinorelbine to Suppress the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024
Citations: 4

Conclusion

Ms. Wai Har Ng is a highly competent and experienced researcher whose scientific contributions have advanced the field of cancer biology and therapeutics. Her technical mastery, consistent publication output, and collaborative involvement with national research consortia highlight her as a valuable asset to the research community. With increased visibility through leadership roles in publications and funding acquisition, she would stand out even more prominently. She is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her sustained excellence, innovation, and impact in translational cancer research.

Zhao-Jie Wang – Medicinal Chemistry – Best Researcher Award

Zhao-Jie Wang - Medicinal Chemistry - Best Researcher Award

Yunnan Normal University - China

Introduction

Dr. Zhao-Jie Wang is an eminent researcher in the field of natural products, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology. With an extensive portfolio of over 33 SCI-indexed publications, Dr. Wang has made substantial contributions to understanding antimicrobial compounds, drug development, and therapeutic strategies against multidrug-resistant pathogens. His research bridges phytochemistry and pharmacology, offering innovative solutions to pressing challenges in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial Natural Products

Dr. Wang has extensively studied bioactive compounds derived from plants and fungi to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. His work, featured in leading journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry: X, provides a comprehensive analysis of plant-based antimicrobial agents, their chemical compositions, and mechanisms of action. His studies on Zanthoxylum species and Sigesbeckia orientalis are pivotal in discovering new therapeutic agents.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

A significant aspect of Dr. Wang's research focuses on developing novel strategies to address multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. His study on light-controllable chitosan micelles for bacterial biofilm treatment, published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=11.2), exemplifies his innovative approach. This research provides a promising avenue for combating MDR bacteria using advanced nanotechnology.

Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity

Dr. Wang has explored the phytochemistry of various herbs and their bioactivity against pathogens. His work includes detailed characterization of chemical constituents using LC-MS and their evaluation for antibacterial, antifungal, and nematicidal activities. Studies published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and Heliyon highlight his expertise in bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmacology.

Therapeutic Strategies for Infectious Diseases

With a focus on infectious diseases, Dr. Wang has proposed innovative therapeutic strategies to combat intracellular MDR bacteria. His study published in the Journal of Controlled Release (IF=10.8) offers groundbreaking insights into targeted drug delivery systems and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy against challenging infections.

Bioactivity-Driven Drug Development

Dr. Wang’s research on bioactivity-driven isolation and characterization of antifungal and antibacterial compounds has significantly contributed to drug development. Studies on compounds such as diterpenoids, ent-kaurane diterpenes, and formononetin derivatives underscore his efforts in identifying potential therapeutic agents for osteoclast regulation and bacterial resistance management.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhao-Jie Wang's diverse and impactful research continues to advance the understanding of natural products, antimicrobial pharmacology, and innovative therapeutic approaches. His multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to addressing global health challenges have established him as a leading figure in the field of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. Through his work, Dr. Wang aims to contribute to the development of safer and more effective treatments for drug-resistant pathogens, ensuring a brighter future for global healthcare.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Siegesoxylipin A‒J, previously undescribed phyto-oxylipins inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci from Sigesbeckia orientalis

Diterpenoids of Caryopteris trichosphaera W. W. Sm. inhibiting MRSA and VRE in vitro and in vivo.

Oleanolic acid derivatives against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi by multi-targets to avoid drug resistance

Phytocannabinoid-like meroterpenoids from twigs and leaves of Rhododendron spinuliferum

New resorcylic acid derivatives of Lysimachia tengyuehensis against MRSA and VRE by interfering with bacterial metabolic imbalance