Zuzana Sekeyová | Formulation Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Zuzana Sekeyová | Formulation Science | Best Researcher Award

Slovak Academy of Sciences | Slovakia

Mrs. Zuzana Sekeyová is a highly accomplished virologist and microbiologist with extensive expertise in the study, diagnosis, and prevention of rickettsial and intracellular pathogens. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Virology from Comenius University, Bratislava, and completed her Ph.D. at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, focusing on the biology of Rickettsiae and related organisms at the Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences. She advanced her knowledge through postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baltimore, USA, and through multiple visiting research fellowships supported by the Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD) at Justus Liebig Universität, Giessen, Germany, and the WHO Collaborative Center for Rickettsial Reference and Research, CNRS UPRESA 6020, Marseille, France. She further enhanced her global expertise as a visiting research fellow with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Obihiro University of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, Japan.Mrs. Sekeyová began her career as a scientific assistant and young scientist at the Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, progressing to senior research scientist and deputy head of the Department of Rickettsiology, where she currently oversees the Laboratory for Diagnosis and Prevention of Rickettsial and Chlamydial Infections. She serves as an expert verifier for the Slovak National Accreditation Service under the Good Laboratory Practice Compliance Program and is a key member of the National Reference Center for Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnostics of Rickettsiae. She is also an internationally recognized expert in synthetic biology, participating in the Open Ended Online Forum and the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.Her research emphasizes the molecular biology, epidemiology, and diagnostics of rickettsial and related intracellular microorganisms, contributing to innovative detection methods and preventive strategies. Notable publications include Evaluation of cytotoxic activity against A549 human lung cancer cells using green synthesized N-Cholyl D-Penicillamine encapsulated silver and gold nanoparticles, Mucoadhesive and drug release of cholic acid based thiomeric micelles and encapsulated silver and gold nanoparticles for anticancer studies, and C-type natriuretic peptide induces cell death and sensitizes the effect of cisplatin in human non-small cell lung cancer cells. Through decades of research, Mrs. Sekeyová has combined rigorous laboratory investigations with translational and global health applications, establishing herself as a leading authority in virology, rickettsial diseases, and synthetic biology, with a strong commitment to advancing international scientific collaboration and public health initiatives.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Špitalská, E., Sabaka, P., Komorníková, A., Minichová, L., Palkovičová, K., Fenollar, F., Škultéty, Ľ., Miková, E., Sekeyová, Z., & Fournier, P.-E. Abdominal manifestations of Q fever. International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Danchenko, M., Benada, O., Škultéty, Ľ., & Sekeyová, Z. Culture Isolate of Rickettsia felis from a Tick. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Sekeyová, Z. Case studies of rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and Q fever in Slovak population from 2011 to 2020. Biologia.

Sekeyová, Z. Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis inermis ticks in Slovakia. Biologia.

Sekeyová, Z. Hymenopteran Parasitoids of Hard Ticks in Western Africa and the Russian Far East. Microorganisms.

Liangxing Tu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liangxing Tu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine | China

Prof. Dr. Liangxing Tu is a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist recognized for his extensive contributions to drug delivery systems and biopharmaceutics. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he developed a strong foundation in advanced pharmaceutical formulations and nanotechnology-based therapeutics. After completing his doctoral studies, he began his professional journey at FosunPharma in Shanghai, where he contributed to pharmaceutical innovation and product development. He later joined the Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he currently serves as the Director of the Division of Innovative Pharmaceutical Sciences, leading cutting-edge research in formulation science and nanomedicine.Dr. Tu’s research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems, including nanocrystals, polymeric micelles, and vesicular systems, to enhance the oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of poorly soluble drugs. His work also extends to exploring biopharmaceutics mechanisms to improve the in vivo performance of active pharmaceutical ingredients. His innovative approaches have positioned him at the forefront of translational pharmaceutics, bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications.He is an active member of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and contributes his expertise as a member of the Elsevier Advisory Panel. Additionally, he serves on the Editorial Board of Chinese Chemical Letters (ISSN: 1001-8417), reflecting his strong academic presence and influence in the pharmaceutical sciences community. Dr. Tu has been awarded multiple research grants, including projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other governmental bodies, underscoring the national and international recognition of his research excellence.Dr. Tu has published around 30 peer-reviewed papers in top-tier journals such as Chinese Chemical Letters, Drug Delivery, and the International Journal of Pharmaceutics. His representative publications include “Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems for Oral Absorption Enhancement,” “Multi-functional Chitosan Copolymer Modified Nanocrystals as Oral Andrographolide Delivery Systems for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anti-inflammatory Efficacy,” “Fabrication of Ultra-Small Nanocrystals by Formation of Hydrogen Bonds: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation,” “Multi-functional Chitosan Polymeric Micelles as Oral Paclitaxel Delivery Systems for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anti-Tumor Efficacy,” and “Study on the Preparation of Stabilizer-Free Silymarin Nanocrystals and Its Oral Absorption Mechanisms.”

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, J., Sun, Y., Meng, L., Feng, J., Cheng, M., & Tu, L. Intestinal transporters and oral absorption enhancing strategies based on these transporters. Chinese Chemical Letters.

Li, Z., Yao, L., Liu, Z., Wang, L., Ruan, H., Shen, Y., Zhang, P., Li, K., Wang, H., Fan, L., et al. Andrographolide Sulfonates and Xiyanping: A Review of Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Activities, Clinical Applications, and Adverse Reactions. Pharmaceuticals.

Tu, L., Wang, J., Sun, Y., & Wan, Y. Fabrication of Luteolin Nanoemulsion by Box-Behnken Design to Enhance its Oral Absorption Via Lymphatic Transport. AAPS PharmSciTech.

Zou, L., Cheng, M., Hu, K., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Vesicular drug delivery systems for oral absorption enhancement. Chinese Chemical Letters.

He, Y., Cheng, M., Yang, R., Li, H., Lu, Z., Jin, Y., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Research Progress on the Mechanism of Nanoparticles Crossing the Intestinal Epithelial Cell Membrane. Pharmaceutics.

Liu, W., Cheng, M., Yuan, F., He, J., Feng, Y., Jin, Y., Yang, S., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Enhancing oral bioavailability of andrographolide via sodium dodecyl sulfate and D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate copolymer modified nanocrystals. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.

Liu, W., Cheng, M., Lu, Z., Li, H., Feng, Y., Jin, Y., Yang, S., Feng, J., & Tu, L. Multi-functional chitosan copolymer modified nanocrystals as oral andrographolide delivery systems for enhanced bioavailability and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Drug Delivery.

Gheorghe Fundueanu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Institutul de chimie macromoleculara “Petru Poni” | Romania

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu is a senior researcher and Head of the Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Iassy, Romania. He is a recognized expert in polymer science, focusing on the design of smart polymeric materials for biomedical use. With decades of experience, his work integrates drug delivery systems, biomimetic hydrogels, and polymer-based therapeutics. His multidisciplinary approach includes in vitro and in vivo evaluations, advancing translational biomedical research. He has significantly contributed to the development of pharmaceutical formulations and has earned national and international recognition for his impactful scientific contributions.

Publication Profile 

Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu obtained his M.Sc. in Chemistry with a focus on macromolecular compounds from “Al. I. Cuza” University, Iassy, Romania. He pursued his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, where he specialized in polymeric drug delivery systems and hydrogel design. His academic background provided a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of macromolecular chemistry and biomedical applications. Dr. Fundueanu has further enriched his expertise through postdoctoral fellowships and collaborative research programs across Europe, focusing on biomaterials, pharmacokinetics, and advanced polymer synthesis for medical applications.

Experience 

Dr. Fundueanu has held leading roles in polymer research. As Head of the Department of Natural Polymers, Bioactive and Biocompatible Materials at the “Petru Poni” Institute, he has supervised numerous national and European research projects. His expertise spans polymer synthesis, hydrogel engineering, drug delivery systems, and biomedical testing. He has collaborated extensively with pharmaceutical and academic institutions, contributing to translational research in bioactive materials. His interdisciplinary work involves analytical chemistry, cell culture methodologies, and regulatory aspects of biocompatibility testing. Dr. Fundueanu has also mentored students and postdoctoral fellows in advanced materials science.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu has received multiple honors for his significant contributions to macromolecular chemistry and biomedical applications. He was awarded the “Gheorghe Spacu” Prize by the Romanian Academy and recognized by the Ministry of Education and Research for excellence in scientific innovation. He has also received accolades at national conferences and international symposia for his work in polymer-based drug delivery systems. His research has been repeatedly supported by prestigious European funding programs. In addition to his awards, Dr. Fundueanu has served as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals and is a respected figure in Romania’s scientific and academic community.

Research Focus 

Dr. Fundueanu’s research primarily targets the synthesis and characterization of smart polymeric materials tailored for biomedical applications. His work emphasizes drug delivery systems based on natural and synthetic polymers, with a special interest in biomimetic hydrogels that mimic extracellular matrices. He investigates the in vitro and in vivo behavior of these materials to evaluate their biocompatibility and therapeutic performance. His studies also include protocols for pharmaceutical analysis in biological media, ensuring precision in dosage and release kinetics. By bridging polymer science with pharmacological applications, his research supports innovations in personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and advanced drug formulations.

Publication Top Notes

Physico-chemical characterization of Ca-alginate microparticles produced with different methods
Cited by: 383 | Year: 1999

Preparation and characterization of pH-and temperature-sensitive pullulan microspheres for controlled release of drugs
G Fundueanu, M Constantin, P Ascenzi
Cited by: 222 | Year: 2008

Removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions by an ion-exchanger based on pullulan microspheres
Cited by: 152 | Year: 2013

Preparation and characterization of Ca-alginate microspheres by a new emulsification method
Cited by: 135 | Year: 1998

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) cross-linked thermoresponsive microspheres obtained from preformed polymers: influence of the physico-chemical characteristics
Cited by: 125 | Year: 2009

Lower critical solution temperature versus volume phase transition temperature in thermoresponsive drug delivery systems
Cited by: 123 | Year: 2011

Preparation and characterisation of poly(vinyl alcohol)/cyclodextrin microspheres as matrix for inclusion and separation of drugs
Cited by: 100 | Year: 2004

Preparation and characterization of starch/cyclodextrin bioadhesive microspheres as platform for nasal administration of Gabexate Mesylate (Foy) in allergic rhinitis treatment
Cited by: 98 | Year: 2004

Dual cross-linked chitosan/PVA hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties
Cited by: 97 | Year: 2021

Cellulose acetate butyrate microcapsules containing dextran ion-exchange resins as self-propelled drug release system
Cited by: 94 | Year: 2005

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) pH/thermo-responsive porous hydrogels as self-regulated drug delivery system
Cited by: 91 | Year: 2014

Smart composite materials based on chitosan microspheres embedded in thermosensitive hydrogel for controlled delivery of drugs
Cited by: 89 | Year: 2017

Novel biodegradable flocculanting agents based on pullulan
Cited by: 81 | Year: 2010

Conclusion

Dr. Gheorghe Fundueanu’s distinguished career, groundbreaking contributions to polymeric biomaterials and drug delivery systems, and his leadership in biomedical research position him as a strong and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also holds immense promise for future therapeutic applications.

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.

Cheng Li | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Cheng Li | Drug Delivery Systems | Best Researcher Award

Profess at Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital | School of Medicine | Tongji Universit | China

Prof. Cheng Li  is a distinguished chief physician, professor, and doctoral supervisor in anesthesiology. A visiting scholar at Harvard University , he directs a National Key Clinical Specialty and serves as a leading researcher at the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function Regulation . Prof. Li has pioneered 11 innovative technologies enhancing elderly critical care and brain protection . His prolific academic, clinical, and mentorship contributions have earned him national recognition . Dedicated to advancing anesthesia and perioperative science, Prof. Li is shaping the future of surgical medicine through groundbreaking innovation and academic excellence.

Profile 

Scopus

Education

Prof. Cheng Li completed his medical education from top-tier Chinese medical institutions . His rigorous academic training in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine laid the foundation for his specialization in critical care for elderly patients and neurological function regulation . He further enhanced his expertise as a visiting scholar at Harvard University , gaining international exposure and experience. As a committed academician, he continues to mentor postgraduate and doctoral students . Prof. Li’s comprehensive education, both domestic and abroad, has equipped him with deep clinical insight, strong research methodology skills, and a global perspective on patient care .

Experience 

Prof. Li Cheng has over two decades of clinical and research experience in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine . He serves as the Director of a National Key Clinical Specialty and leads a research team at the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Brain Function Regulation . He is actively involved in hospital technology adoption and has led the development of 11 technologies for elderly and critically ill patients . Prof. Li holds more than 20 academic positions and has supervised 24 postdoctoral, Ph.D., and master’s students . He continues to impact both policy and practice in Chinese medical institutions .

Awards 

Prof. Cheng Li has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his academic and clinical excellence. These include Shanghai Outstanding Academic Leader, Shanghai Young Top Talent, and the Third Prize of the Shanghai Silver Snake Award. He was named “China’s Good Doctor”, the First Shanghai Good Doctor, and received the Outstanding Young Medical Talent – “Medical Star of Shanghai”. In 2022, he was honored as the “Outstanding Teacher of the Most Beautiful Professional Ethics” by Tongji University. His team has earned collective honors such as the Advanced Collective of the National Health and Wellness System.

Research Focus 

Prof. Li’s research is centered on anesthesia and perioperative management in elderly and critically ill patients. His work on brain protection and neurological regulation has led to 11 innovative clinical technologies. He is actively exploring biomarker-based monitoring, neuro-anesthetic pharmacology, and personalized anesthesia protocols in surgical settings. His involvement in intraoperative brain function control, post-operative cognitive disorder prevention, and advanced anesthesia devices underscores his commitment to translational medicine. Prof. Li’s research integrates clinical expertise with cutting-edge science to elevate surgical safety and efficiency, especially for high-risk elderly patients.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Three-stage sequential targeted nasal drops for correcting abnormal mitochondrial division in microglia
Journal: Bioactive Materials
Year: 2025

Title: Lactate inhibits T-cell activation in sepsis through CD40LG downregulation and SOCS3-mediated JAK1/STAT3 pathway suppression
Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta – Molecular Basis of Disease
Year: 2025

Title: Clinical biomarkers of perioperative neurocognitive disorder: initiation and recommendation
Journal: [Journal name not specified]
Year: 2025
Cited by: 1

Title: Thermo-responsive and biodegradable MoS2-based nanoplatform for tumor therapy and postoperative wound management
Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Year: 2025
Cited by: 2

Title: Disrupting the activity of endogenous gas neurotransmitters: a therapeutic strategy using engineered metal–organic frameworks for cancer
Journal: Medical Gas Research
Year: 2025

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Cheng Li’s impactful innovations, prolific research output, and exceptional leadership in anesthesiology make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His clinical and academic contributions have significantly advanced patient care and scientific knowledge in anesthesiology, earning national recognition and academic prestige. With ongoing focus and minor enhancements in international outreach and interdisciplinary integration, he stands poised to further shape the global landscape of perioperative and critical care research.