Liao Jinfeng | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Liao Jinfeng | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Sichuan University | China

Liao Jinfeng, a Young Yangtze River Researcher and Doctoral Supervisor, currently serves as a Researcher at the West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University. He completed his undergraduate studies at the West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University (2006–2010), followed by a direct PhD at the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University (2010–2015) under the supervision of Professor Qian Zhiyong. He began his academic career as a Lecturer at the West China School of Stomatology (2015–2017), completed postdoctoral research under Professor Li Bei through the Hong Kong Polytechnic University “Hong Kong Scholars” Program (2017–2019), and subsequently served as an Associate Professor at the same institution (2017–2021). His major scientific contributions lie in the development of materials for maxillofacial bone tissue repair, leading 7 research projects including 3 funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Dr. Liao has published 52 SCI papers as corresponding or first author in top-tier journals such as Bone Res, Nano Lett, Bioact Mater, Int J Oral Sci, and J Nanobiotech, with 12 publications having an impact factor above 10, 2 cover articles, 6 highly cited papers, and 3 hot papers. His work has been cited 3605 times in prestigious journals including Chem. Rev., Chem. Soc. Rev., Adv. Drug Delivery System, and Adv. Mater., with 5 papers surpassing 100 citations and an outstanding H-index of 36. He has applied for 5 Chinese invention patents and was selected as a “Hong Kong Scholar” by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in 2016.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Bilayer hydrogel microneedles with mild photothermal effect promote infectious skin regeneration", Journal of Materials Chemistry, Gu, W.; Ye, X.; Xie, X.; Tan, B.; Qi, T.; Liao, J, 2025

"Development of a novel hyaluronic acid/alginate/RANKL degradable microneedle patch for accelerating bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement through promoting osteoclastogenesis", Shan, Y.; Jin, Y.; Zhang, X.; Tang, Y.; Lai, W.; Liao, J.; Wu, M.; Long, H.,  Journal article, 2025.

"Injectable Hydrogel as Intracanal Medication for Root Canal Disinfection", Cao, M.; Wu, D.; Tu, H.; Mou, B.; Kang, J.; Liao, J.; Yang, J, Journal of Dental Research, 2025.

"Photothermal sensitive nanocomposite hydrogel for infectious bone defects", Wu, Y.; Xie, X.; Luo, G.; Xie, J.; Ye, X.; Gu, W.; Mo, A.; Qian, Z.; Zhou, C.; Liao, J, Bone Research, 2025.

"Self-degradable nanoparticles hybrid hydrogel with cascade thermal control and spontaneous ion release for complex bone defect regeneration", Yang, S.; Zheng, Z.; Zhang, M.; Tan, B.; Zhang, X.; Chen, W.; Liao, J, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025.

Sarah Miller | Biological Network | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sarah Miller | Biological Network | Best Researcher Award

Medical University of South Carolina | United States

Dr. Sarah Miller is an accomplished respiratory neurophysiologist and nurse educator whose career spans advanced research, academic leadership, and clinical excellence. She earned her PhD in Respiratory Neurophysiology from the University of Florida in 2007, where she studied perceptual responses to respiratory load under the mentorship of Distinguished Professor Paul Davenport, and previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Education at the same institution. She later expanded her clinical and pedagogical expertise by earning an Associate of Science in Nursing, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University. A licensed Registered Nurse in South Carolina and formerly in Florida, she has complemented her clinical training with specialized certifications in end-of-life care and COPD education. Dr. Miller currently serves as Assistant Dean of the PhD Program in the College of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she also holds a tenured Associate Professorship, following earlier faculty appointments at the University of Memphis, Western Governors University, Colorado Technical University, and the College of the Florida Keys. Her research and professional impact are reflected in numerous honors, including the Palmetto Gold Excellence in Nursing Award, recognition among South Carolina’s Best Nurses, MUSC teaching awards, and national distinctions such as the DAISY Award for Excellence in Nursing Education. A highly engaged member of the research community, Dr. Miller serves repeatedly as Co-Chair and reviewer for multiple NIH Study Sections in cardiovascular and pulmonary sciences, contributes as an external scientific expert to major industry-sponsored respiratory health studies, and maintains longstanding service on the Editorial Board of Frontiers in Physiology while acting as an ad hoc reviewer for leading journals in respiratory and pulmonary science.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Reporting of asthma mobile health data for clinical practice: a qualitative study of pediatric provider perspectives", MD McDonald, D Dantzler, M Nichols, S Miller, E Dawley, M Walgrave, Journal of Asthma, 2024.

"RESP-FIT: a technology-enhanced combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength training intervention for adults with COPD", SN Miller, M Mueller, M Nichols, Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis, 2024.

"Exploring the Unmet Care Needs of Women With Advanced Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)", J Madiraca, KO Lindell, S Phillips, P Coyne, S Miller, B26. IT'S TIME TO ADVANCE THE CARE OF PATIENTS WITH COPD, 2023.

"Social Isolation Among Adults Living With Cystic Fibrosis in the United States: A Single-Center Experience", A Gulledge, S Miller, SD Newman, M Mueller, L Christon, PA Flume, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners 19 (5), 2023.

"Identifying Comorbid Subtypes of Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure", KM Potter, H Dunn, A Krupp, M Mueller, S Newman, TD Girard, S Miller, American Journal of Critical Care 32 (4), 2023.

María Eugenia Marín Martínez | Biological Network | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. María Eugenia Marín Martínez | Biological Network | Women Researcher Award

Infanta Cristina University Hospital | Spain

Dr. María Eugenia Marín Martínez is a distinguished specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the University of Valladolid and extensive experience across leading hospitals in Madrid, including Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital and Infanta Cristina University Hospital. Dedicated to advancing women’s health at every stage of life, she has been deeply involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecological conditions. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to excellence, having contributed to the development of clinical protocols, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and spearheaded pioneering work in the field of uterine fibroid management through radiofrequency ablation-performing over 200 procedures and establishing her center as a national and international reference. Dr. Marín is pursuing her doctoral thesis on radiofrequency ablation at the Autonomous University of Madrid, with expected defense in 2026. She actively participates in multidisciplinary committees on breastfeeding, gender violence, and chronic pelvic pain, and contributes to humanitarian medical missions in Cameroon. A dedicated educator and researcher, she has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and clinical guides, while also directing international training courses in gynecological radiofrequency treatment. Through her leadership, innovation, and compassionate care, Dr. Marín continues to play a vital role in advancing obstetric safety, women’s health, and medical education in Spain and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus

Featured Publications

"Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation: a therapeutic option for managing symptomatic uterine fibroids in women with reproductive desires",Maria Eugenia Marin Martinez, F and S Reports, 2024.

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