Octavio Monroy-Vilchis | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Octavio Monroy-Vilchis | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Autonomous University of Tlaxcala | Mexico

Dr. Octavio Monroy-Vilchis is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in biodiversity, conservation biology, and wildlife management. He earned his PhD in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Alicante in 2004 and holds a Master of Science in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the National University of Tlaxcala. Throughout his career, Dr. Monroy-Vilchis has completed numerous postgraduate and refresher courses in areas such as experimental design, statistical analysis, cognitive strategies in teaching, and sustainable development, primarily at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. He has contributed extensively to research on the ecology, behavior, and conservation of wild mammals, particularly felids, jaguars, ocelots, and endangered amphibians in Mexico and Central America, producing influential publications on genetic diversity, habitat connectivity, and human-wildlife interactions. In addition, he has led long-term conservation and management programs for ecological parks and protected areas, conducted field-based studies on predator-prey dynamics, and actively participated in international courses and collaborations across Latin America and Europe. Dr. Monroy-Vilchis’ work integrates field research, applied conservation, and environmental education, making significant contributions to both scientific knowledge and biodiversity preservation policies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

"Prevalence of injuries in a Caiman crocodilus chiapasius (Bocourt 1876) population from the South Pacific coast of Mexico", GA González-Desales, GJ Soria-Ortiz, O Monroy-Vilchis, Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment 60 (1), 2025.

"Morphometric variability and productivity of the fruits of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. on an altitudinal gradient in Peru", Y Quinteros-Gómez, M Zarco-Gonzalez, D Gómez-Ticerán, FC Gonzáles, Caldasia 47, 2025.

"Productivity and morphometric variability of Mauritia flexuosa Lf fruits along altitudinal gradient in Peru", Y Quinteros-Gómez, M Zarco-Gonzalez, D Gómez-Ticerán, Caldasia 47, 2025.

"Morphometric variability and productivity of Mauritia flexuosa Lf fruits along an altitudinal gradient in Peru", YMQ Gómez, MMZ González, DG Ticerán, FCC Gonzáles, OM Vilchis Caldasia 47 (1), 2025.

"Proximal and underlying geoecological drivers of the current distribution of the volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi): new evidence for habitat expansion", AA Luna-Gil, A Velazquez, LA Garcia-Almaraz, O Monroy-Vilchis, Revista mexicana de biodiversidad 96, 2025.

Yunjie Zhao | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Yunjie Zhao | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Central China Normal University | China

Prof. Yunjie Zhao is a distinguished biophysicist who earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2012, where he conducted pioneering research on computational prediction of non-coding RNA structures under the mentorship of Prof. Yi Xiao, following his B.S. in Physics from the same institution. He advanced his expertise as a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at The George Washington University with Prof. Chen Zeng, contributing significantly to de novo protein design and bionetwork modeling. Since 2016, he has been a faculty member at Central China Normal University, becoming a full Professor in 2019, and has taught a wide range of courses including Machine Learning, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Physics. Prof. Zhao is an active member of several professional societies, including the Chinese Physical Society and the Biophysical Society of China, and previously the American Physical Society. He serves as an editorial board member for leading journals such as Briefings in Bioinformatics, iScience, Pharmaceuticals, Life, Biomolecules, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Scientific Reports, and is a frequent reviewer for top-tier publications including Nature Biotechnology, Nature Reviews Genetics, Nature Machine Intelligence, Nature Communications, and Physical Review Letters. His research contributions are further reflected in multiple granted patents spanning protein–ligand binding site prediction, RNA contact prediction, plant lectin polymerization peptide inhibitors, and protein drug binding pocket prediction, underscoring his impactful contributions to computational biology and biophysics.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"RNA-protein interaction prediction using network-guided deep learning", H Liu, Y Jian, C Zeng, Y Zhao, Communications Biology 8 (1), 2025.

"Advances and Mechanisms of RNA–Ligand Interaction Predictions", C Zhuo, C Zeng, H Liu, H Wang, Y Peng, Y Zhao Life 15 (1), 2025.

"Decoding the effects of mutation on protein interactions using machine learning", W Xu, A Li, Y Zhao, Y Peng, Biophysics Reviews 6 (1), 2025.

"Advances in Methods for Accurate Prediction of RNA–Small Molecule Binding Sites: From Isolated to AI-Integrated Strategies", J Gao, C Zhuo, C Zeng, H Liu, Y Zhao, Pharmaceuticals 18 (10), 2025.

"Ab initio HIV-1 Tat–TAR interactions study using hybrid scoring-enhanced molecular modeling across subtypes", C Zeng, H Wang, J Gao, H Liu, C Zhuo, Y Zhao, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 27 (27), 2025.

Yingzi Yang | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Yingzi Yang | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Harvard School of Dental Medicine | United States

Prof. Yingzi Yang is a distinguished developmental biologist whose career spans leading institutions including Harvard Medical School and the National Institutes of Health. She earned her BS in Biology from Fudan University in 1988 and completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at the Sloan-Kettering Institute and Weill Medical College of Cornell University in 1996, followed by postdoctoral training with Andrew P. McMahon at Harvard University. She joined the NIH in 2000 as an Investigator and rose to Senior Investigator before being appointed Professor of Developmental Biology at Harvard Medical School in 2015, where she also serves as Principal Faculty of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and a member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. Widely recognized for her contributions to Wnt signaling, skeletal biology, and developmental mechanisms, Prof. Yang has received numerous honors including the AAAS Fellowship, ASBMR Fellowship, the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award, multiple NIH Awards of Merit, and the Vincent du Vigneaud Award of Excellence. She has held major leadership roles such as President of the Chinese Biological Investigators Society (2022–2024), member of the NIH SBDD Study Section, and keynote speaker at national scientific meetings. Her extensive service includes high-level Harvard committees, NIH central tenure committees, Gordon Research Conference leadership, international symposium organization, and major grant review panels for NIH, NSF, and global scientific agencies. A respected scholar and reviewer for top-tier journals including Cell, Nature family journals, Science family journals, and Development, Prof. Yang is recognized worldwide for advancing fundamental understanding of developmental and stem cell biology and their implications for human disease.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Disrupting bile acid metabolism by suppressing Fxr causes hepatocellular carcinoma induced by YAP activation", Y Liu, J Zhu, Y Jin, Z Sun, X Wu, H Zhou, Y Yang, Nature Communications 16 (1), 2025.

"Fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome: state-of-the-art advances, pathogenesis, and basic/translational research", B Palmisano, C Berry, A Boyce, JF Charles, MT Collins, A Corsi, FA Fierro, Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 20 (1), 2025.

"Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction controls osteocyte maturation and dendrite development via a YAP-CCN-Src signaling axis", YJ Hu, X Wu, F Wang, Y Jin, Y Jin, Y Liu, Q Cong, Y Yang, Nature Communications, 2025.

"Injury-induced niche factors Cxcl12 and Shh/Ihh coordinate suture stem cell activation during calvarial bone regeneration", B Li, T Ouchi, J Liu, Y Yang, Science Signaling 18 (909), 2025.

"Neutralization of Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand reduces fibrosis and promotes osteoblast differentiation in a mouse model of fibrous dysplasia driven", RT Ormsby, Y Zhang, C Hodys, LA Wake, SM Perez, K Tsang, Y Yang, JBMR plus 9 (10), 2025.

Leke Victor Aiyesa | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Leke Victor Aiyesa | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

University Of Göttingen | Germany

Dr. Leke Victor Aiyesa is a researcher specializing in the use of data and data-driven methodologies to uncover the molecular basis of agronomic and adaptation traits. His work bridges computational insight with real-world experimentation, and he collaborates closely with field and laboratory technicians to design and supervise experiments, generate high-quality datasets, and deliver impactful scientific outcomes. By integrating analytical research with hands-on experimental processes, Dr. Aiyesa ensures that his findings are not only comprehensive but also grounded in practical applications that advance agricultural science and trait improvement.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Individual plant genetics reveal the control of local adaptation in European maize landraces", LV Aiyesa, D Kaufmann, B Zumbach, W Link, S Scholten, T Beissinger, BMC biology 23 (1), 2025.

"Dissection of genomic regions associated with plant height and flowering time in a diverse panel of common snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using GWAS", LV Aiyesa, L Malysheva-Otto, T Meyer-Luepken, U Lohwasser, Euphytica 221 (10), 2025

"Identification of core, conditional and crosstalk components of tomato heat stress response using integrative transcriptomics and orthology", Dennis Psaroudakis, Abul Khayer, Leke V Aiyesa, Nick Bergau, Alain Tissier, Yunlong Lu, Philip A Wigge, Alon Israeli, Naama Teboul, Andrea Bräutigam, Jędrzej J Szymański,

"Unravelling the genetics of pod stringiness and agronomic traits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using genome-wide association studies and genotyping-by-sequencing", LV Aiyesa, L Malysheva-Otto, JC Reif, N Stein, LG Otto, Göttingen, 2022.

Jianjun Deng | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Jianjun Deng | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Northwest University | China

Professor Jianjun Deng, Ph.D., is a distinguished scholar and Ph.D. supervisor at Northwest University, specializing in natural products, chronic disease prevention, food chemistry, nutrition, and bioactive lipids in cancer. He earned his Ph.D. in Food Biotechnology from China Agricultural University (2010), following an M.S. in Postharvest Biotechnology (2007) and a B.S. in Horticulture (2004) from Gansu Agricultural University. Since joining Northwest University in 2010, he has progressed from Lecturer to Associate Professor and is currently a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering, complemented by prestigious postdoctoral research experiences at The University of Hong Kong and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Deng has served as a fund reviewer for major national and provincial research programs and as a manuscript reviewer for leading journals in food science, nutrition, pharmacology, and molecular biology. He is an active member of several professional societies, including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Virology, the Hong Kong Association of Scholars, and national nutrition societies. Widely recognized for his scientific contributions, he has received numerous honors such as the Hong Kong Scholar Award (2014), Young Science and Technology Star of Shaanxi Province (2013), Outstanding Young Academic Backbone and Outstanding Teacher of Northwest University, multiple science and technology awards, and medals in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions. Dr. Deng has an extensive portfolio of granted and pending patents in functional hydrogels, drug delivery systems, biomedical materials, fermentation devices, and food science innovations, alongside numerous conference presentations worldwide in areas including phytochemicals, virology, metabolic regulation, and chronic disease mechanisms. He is also an accomplished educator, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in food science and biotechnology, and has independently supervised fourteen M.S. students, contributing significantly to talent cultivation and scientific advancement.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Novel Eco-Friendly Extraction of Oat Bran Protein: A Multifaceted Analysis of Structure, Physicochemical, and Functional Properties", H Peng, Q Wang, Y Zhang, Y Zhao, W Zhang, Y Li, J Deng, H Yang, Food Hydrocolloids, 2025.

"Comparison of different ginsenosides with C-3 or C-6 sugar moieties on activities in alcohol-induced liver injury mice", W Wang, K Zhou, Z Fu, Y Huang, J Deng, D Fan, H Yang, Journal of Ginseng Research, 2025.

"Structural–Functional Characterization and Bioactive Potential of Alternative Grain Proteins: An In-Depth Comparison of Quinoa and Oat Proteins Isolates", Y Zhang, W Zhang, Y Zhao, Y Li, Z Zhang, H Yang, J Deng, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 73 (33), 2025.

"Valorization of broccoli waste: Unlocking its potential as a functional food ingredient for sustainable nutrition", Habtamu Ayalew Engida, Q Wang, Y Zhao, W Zhang, J Deng, H Yang, Journal of Advanced Research, 2025.

"Analysis on the difference of nutrient components of black wolfberry seed grown in different regions", Y Liu, W Zhang, Y Li, R Shen, S Wang, X Wang, J Deng, Z Xu, H Yang, Food Research International, 2025.

Nikhil Sudhir Sathe | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nikhil Sudhir Sathe | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Reliance Life Sciences Pvt Ltd | India

Dr. Nikhil Sudhir Sathe (PhD), currently associated with Laboratory Animal Research Services (LARS), is a distinguished researcher with over 20 years of expertise in drug discovery and preclinical evaluation of new chemical entities. His extensive professional experience encompasses in vitro genotoxicology, cell and microbial culture (aerobic, anaerobic, and viral systems including rabies virus), and small laboratory animal studies. Throughout his career at Reliance Life Sciences, Vimta Labs, Dabur Research Centre, and Wockhardt Research Centre, Dr. Sathe has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in GLP-compliant laboratory practices, including bacterial reverse mutation, chromosomal aberration, micronucleus, ELISA, cytotoxicity, and microbial monitoring assays. His early research contributions involved innovative in vitro models for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial and cosmetic products. Academically, he holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, both with distinction. Dr. Sathe has contributed significantly to scientific literature with publications in reputed journals such as Vaccine, Microbial Pathogenesis, Infectious Medicine, and BioMed, focusing on bacteriophage therapy and vaccine development against multidrug-resistant pathogens and SARS-CoV-2. His scholarly achievements are complemented by active participation in national conferences and workshops, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing microbiological and biomedical research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Unveiling Lytic Bacteriophages as Promising Biotherapeutics for the Control of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa", CS Nikhil Sathe, Eugene Athan, Arnab Kapat, BioMed, 2025.

"Safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of Relcovax®, a dual receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (N) subunit protein vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 virus", N Sathe, S Shaikh, M Bhavsar, L Parte, A Gadiparthi, S Kad, S Sensarma, Vaccine, 2024.

"Bacteriophage vB_kpnS-Kpn15: Unveiling its potential triumph against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae-Unraveling efficacy through innovative", N Sathe, C Suphioglu, E Athan, A Kapat, Microbial Pathogenesis, 2024.

"Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Infections and novel approaches to treatment “Knowing the enemy” the threat of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and exploring novel approaches to treatment", N Sathe, P Beech, L Croft, C Suphioglu, A Kapat, E Athan, Infectious medicine 2, 2023.

"Development of a novel therapy using bacteriophages: An alternative to antibiotics", NS Sathe, Deakin University, 2023.

Sajid Mehmood | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sajid Mehmood | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Amarkantak | India

Dr. Sajid Mehmood is an emerging researcher in the field of nanoscience and chemistry, currently pursuing his Ph.D. (2021–2024) at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh — a Central University established by an Act of Parliament, Government of India. He holds an M.Sc. in Chemistry (2017–2019) from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, and a B.Sc. (2013–2017) from Govt. Degree College, Poonch, affiliated with the University of Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. His academic excellence and research contributions have been recognized through prestigious honors, including qualifying the national-level GATE examination (2020), receiving the UGC University Fellowship (2021–2024), and earning the IRSD Excellence in Research and Development Award (2025). Dr. Mehmood’s research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis to develop advanced materials with precise structural properties for applications in healthcare, sustainable energy, and agriculture. His work encompasses nanoparticle synthesis using multiple methods, characterization for structural analysis, and exploring applications such as targeted drug delivery, environmental catalysis, sensors, and energy storage. Through his ongoing research, he aims to advance nanomaterial innovation to promote technological growth, sustainability, and national development.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"A comprehensive review on microbial production and significant applications of multifunctional biomolecules: biosurfactants. N Sharma, YK Ahlawat, AJ Sharma, N Chamoli, M Thakur, A Sharma, Biodegradation, 2025"

"Microbial Enzymes in Industrial Biotechnology: Sources, Production and Significant Applications of Lipases. N Sharma, YK Ahlawat, N Stalin, S Mehmood, S Morya, A Malik, J Nellore, Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2025"

"Industrially Significant Extremophiles and Their Unexplored Habitats in Hot Water Springs N Sharma, YK Ahlawat, S Mehmood, AJ Sharma, P Thakur, A Malik, Geomicrobiology Journal, 2025"

"Molecular NiII Complexes as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for O2 Evolution and Urea Electro‐Oxidation Reaction. N Kumar, L Wagh, S Mehmood, AK Das, TK Ghorai, ChemPlusChem, 2025"

"Effect of ZnMgO 2 nanoparticles used as a nanofertilizer: promoting the growth activities of rice seedlings. Environmental Science: Nano, S Mehmood, N Kumar, A Mansoori, M Mohan, A Kumar, TK Ghorai, 2024"

"Design and Development of Sustainable Cu2 (II)- and Mn2 (III)-Embedded Bifunctional Electrocatalysts: Enhanced Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation. N Kumar, L Wagh, S Mehmood, AK Das, TK Ghorai, Inorganic Chemistry 63, 2024"

"A new copper molybdate-doped aluminium phosphate nanocomposite heterostructure for photoreduction of aqueous 2-NA and 4-NA. TK Ghorai, S Chakraborty, N Satpute, S Mehmood, N Kumar, SK Sahu, Materials Advances, 2023"

Anna Maria Pittaluga | Biological Networks | Top Researcher Award

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Prof. Anna Maria Pittaluga | Biological Networks | Top Researcher Award

University of Genoa | Italy

Anna Maria Pittaluga is a distinguished pharmacologist with a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Turin (1990), and MSc degrees in Pharmacy (1983) and in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology with honors (1982) from the University of Genova. She has built a long-standing academic career at the University of Genoa, where she has served as Assistant Professor (1993–2003), Associate Professor (2004–2019), and currently as Full Professor of Pharmacology since 2019. Earlier in her career, she gained international research experience as a Research Fellow at the Italian National Research Council (1990–1992) and as a Foreign Research Associate at Collège de France in Paris (1988–1989). Her scientific interests focus on neurotransmitter release mechanisms, receptor interactions, the effects of HIV-1 proteins and chemokines on central neurotransmission, synaptic function in multiple sclerosis, the neuro-immune interface, and the role of nutraceutics in brain health. She has led numerous national and international projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Research, Ministry of Health, and European programs, serving as principal investigator on studies addressing neuroinflammation, depression, synaptopathies, and the gut-brain axis. Proficient in English and French, in addition to her native Italian, Professor Pittaluga has made significant contributions to advancing pharmacological research with strong translational and clinical implications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Correction: Vallarino et al. Healthy Properties of a New Formulation of Pomegranate-Peel Extract in Mice Suffering from Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis"

"Unveiling Niaprazine’s Potential: Behavioral Insights into a Re-Emerging Anxiolytic Agent"

"Complement tunes glutamate release and supports synaptic impairments in an animal model of multiple sclerosis"

"Anti-NMDA and Anti-AMPA Receptor Antibodies in Central Disorders: Preclinical Approaches to Assess Their Pathological Role and Translatability to Clinic"

"Presynaptic Release-Regulating Sphingosine 1-Phosphate 1/3 Receptors in Cortical Glutamatergic Terminals: Adaptations in EAE Mice and Impact of Therapeutic FTY720"

Jianxun Qi | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jianxun Qi | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jianxun Qi laid a strong academic foundation in microbiology and virology, which paved the way for his remarkable contributions to structural biology and protein chemistry. His early focus was on understanding virus–host interactions, a field that would later define his scientific career and global recognition.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS), Dr. Qi has established himself as a leading scientist in viral pathogenesis and structural virology. In 2021, he was selected as a leading talent in science and technology innovation under China’s prestigious “Ten Thousand Talent Program.” His professional trajectory reflects dedication to advancing viral immunology and translational research with broad societal impact.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Qi’s work centers on deciphering the structural mechanisms of virus–receptor interactions, shedding light on the molecular dynamics of pathogens such as Influenza virus, Coronaviruses, Ebola virus, Thogotovirus, ASFV, Coxsackievirus A10, and SFTSV. Through high-impact publications in Science, Nature, Cell, EMBO, PNAS, and Nature Communications, he has provided pivotal insights into viral entry, immune evasion, and vaccine design. Recent studies extend his expertise to epitope-based vaccine development and broad-spectrum antiviral engineering, offering innovative approaches to combat emerging infectious diseases.

Impact and Influence

With over 19,000 citations and an H-index of 64, Dr. Qi’s research has had a profound influence on the global scientific community. His findings have shaped understanding of pandemic threats, including MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Ebola virus, directly informing vaccine strategies and therapeutic interventions. His recognition as a Highly Cited Researcher (2021–2024) and inclusion in Stanford University and Elsevier’s World’s Top 2% Scientists List underscore his international impact.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Qi’s groundbreaking studies—such as structural revelations on Influenza H7N9 (Science, 2013), MERS-CoV (Nature, 2013), and SARS-CoV-2 (Cell, 2020, 2022)—are extensively cited worldwide. His pioneering discoveries have garnered major honors, including the First Prize of the Beijing Science and Technology Award (2011) and the First Prize of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association Science and Technology Award (2017).

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Qi’s legacy lies in bridging fundamental virology with translational medicine, guiding the development of next-generation vaccines and antivirals. His continued exploration of viral mechanisms, coupled with collaborative innovations such as epitope vaccines and monoclonal antibody studies, positions him to contribute further to global preparedness against pandemics. Looking ahead, his research promises to expand the frontiers of viral immunology and structural vaccinology.

Conclusion

Dr. Jianxun Qi exemplifies scientific excellence through his persistent pursuit of knowledge, impactful research, and leadership in microbiology. His influential work on virus–host interactions and vaccine innovation has not only advanced academic discourse but also delivered tangible benefits to public health. As he continues to push boundaries in virology and immunology, his contributions will remain a cornerstone for future breakthroughs in infectious disease prevention and control.

Notable Publications

"T cell immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 escapees targeting two cytotoxic T cell epitope hotspots" 

"Enabling the immune escaped etesevimab fully-armed against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants including KP.2" 

  • Journal: Hlife
  • Citation: 5
  • Year: 2025

"Structural basis of DNA replication fidelity of the Mpox virus" 

"Precise motif and cross-presentation of coronavirus peptides by feline MHC class I: implications for the mild infection of SARS-CoV-2" 

"Molecular mechanism of potently neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies against severe fever with thrombocytopenia virus infection" 

 

June Round | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. June Round | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award 

University of Utah | United States

Author Profiles

Scopus

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. June Round’s academic journey reflects a foundation of dedication and scholarly excellence. Beginning with a B.S. in Biology (Cum Laude) at California Lutheran University, she distinguished herself early through departmental honors and multiple scholarships. Her passion for molecular biology led to an M.S. from the University of the Pacific, followed by a D.Phil. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA, supported by highly competitive fellowships. Her formative postdoctoral training at the California Institute of Technology under Sarkis K. Mazmanian provided a strong platform to explore the intricate interplay between microbiota and host immunity, setting the stage for her pioneering career.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor at the University of Utah, Dr. Round has held numerous leadership roles including Director of the Mountain West Microbiota Alliance (MoWMA) and Co-Director of the Microbiota and GI Immunology Consortia (MAGIC). She has chaired multiple search committees, overseen postdoctoral studies, and contributed extensively to university-level, college-level, and departmental governance. Her sustained involvement in NIH study sections, national symposia, and scientific advisory boards underscores her standing as a leader in immunology and microbial pathogenesis.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Round’s research focuses on microbiota–immune system interactions, particularly their role in regulating immune tolerance and driving inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory has produced high-impact work elucidating mechanisms by which commensal microbes shape host immunity, contributing to transformative understanding in immunology, microbiology, and gastrointestinal health. Her investigations into toll-like receptors, dysbiosis, and immune regulation have provided new frameworks for therapeutic exploration in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Impact and Influence

The significance of Dr. Round’s research is reflected in her numerous prestigious awards, including the NIH Innovator Award, Packard Fellowship, Pew Scholar Award, Burroughs Wellcome Investigator in Pathogenesis, and the W.M. Keck Research Award. These honors not only recognize her innovative contributions but also demonstrate her influence in shaping the field. She has trained and mentored a generation of young scientists, many of whom now serve as professors, researchers, and clinicians in leading institutions worldwide—an enduring testament to her academic leadership.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Round’s scholarship has been widely published in top-tier journals including Cell, Nature Reviews Immunology, Science Immunology, and Annual Review of Microbiology. Her reviews and original research articles are highly cited, frequently shaping discourse in immunology and microbiome research. Her contributions extend beyond publications through book chapters and invited conference proceedings, amplifying her thought leadership in the global scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Round’s legacy lies in bridging microbiology and immunology, redefining the microbiota’s role in human health and disease. Through her pioneering studies, administrative leadership, and mentorship, she has cultivated a scientific ecosystem that will continue to grow. Moving forward, her leadership in major microbiome initiatives and consortia is poised to advance translational breakthroughs, from novel therapeutics for autoimmune disease to deeper insights into the human–microbe interface.

Conclusion

Dr. June Round’s career reflects the hallmarks of an exceptional researcher: rigorous scholarship, innovative vision, academic leadership, and transformative mentorship. Her pioneering contributions to microbiome and immune system research have reshaped fundamental scientific understanding while fostering future leaders in biomedical science. With her remarkable impact, both in the laboratory and across academic institutions, Dr. Round stands as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Notable Publications

"Neonatal fungi promote lifelong metabolic health through macrophage-dependent β cell development" 

  • Author: JH Hill, R Bell, L Barrios, H Baird, K Ost, M Greenewood, JK Monts
  • Journal: Science
  • Year: 2025

"The gut microbiome is associated with disease‐free survival in stage I–III colorectal cancer patients" 

  • Author: DA Byrd, V Damerell, MF Gomez Morales, SR Hogue, T Lin, J Ose
  • Journal: International Journal of Cancer
  • Year: 2025

"A microRNA-regulated transcriptional state defines intratumoral CD8+ T cells that respond to immunotherapy" 

  • Author: WW Tang, B Battistone, KM Bauer, AM Weis, C Barba, MZH Fadlullah
  • Journal: Cell reports
  • Year: 2025

"Primary tumor microbiomes predict distant metastasis of colorectal cancer" 

  • Author: B Parajuli, V Midya, R Kiddle, N De Jager, S Eggers, D Spakowicz
  • Journal: Cell reports
  • Year: 2025

"Clec12a controls colitis by tempering inflammation and restricting expansion of specific commensals" 

  • Author: TR Chiaro, M Greenewood, KM Bauer, KS Ost, E Stephen-Victor
  • Journal: bioRxiv
  • Year: 2025