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.

Milton Mondal | Mathematical Modelling | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Milton Mondal | Mathematical Modelling | Best Researcher Award

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore | 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

"Dynamics of a phytoplankton–zooplankton model with three-dimensional patch under the impacts of hydrodynamic conditions", M Mondal, CS Rao, T Zhang, Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, 2025.

"Bloom dynamics under the effects of periodic driving forces", M Mondal, T Zhang, Mathematical Biosciences, 2025.

"Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of Harmful Algal Bloom", M Mondal, Bulletin of the Australian Mathematical Society, 2024.

Raquel Martín García | Biological Network | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Raquel Martín García | Biological Network | Best Research Article Award

Puerta de Hierro University Hospital Majadahonda | Spain

Dr. Raquel Martín García is a highly accomplished neurologist specializing in movement and sleep disorders, with extensive academic and clinical expertise. She earned her Degree in Medicine and Surgery (2010–2016) and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery at the Autonomous University of Madrid. After completing her Neurology specialization at Puerta de Hierro University Hospital (2017–2021), she has since served as a Specialist Physician in the Movement Disorders Unit and the Sleep Unit at leading hospitals and research centers in Madrid, including the Sleep Research Institute and CISNe Comprehensive Sleep and Neuroscience Center. Dr. Martín García holds multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a Master’s in Movement Disorders, expert titles in Headaches and Neurosonology, and advanced certifications in cerebrovascular and hereditary neurological diseases. Her research contributions include several publications in prestigious international journals such as European Journal of Neurology, Brain Sciences, and Epilepsy & Behavior, as well as book chapters for Springer and the Oxford Handbook of Sleep and Sleep Disorders. She has actively presented her work at major neurology conferences, participated as a sub-investigator in numerous Phase II and III clinical trials on Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and contributed to teaching and mentoring at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Recognized for her dedication to advancing neurological sciences, she received the STADA Fellowship from the AMN Movement Disorders Group in 2024.

Profiles: Scopus

Featured Publications

"Device-aided therapies (DATs) in Parkinson's disease (PD). The DATs-PD GETM Spanish Registry Protocol Study", Martín García R, Plos One, 2025.

Kumail Abbas | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kumail Abbas | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Chulalongkorn University | Thailand

Dr. Kumail Abbas is a veterinary scientist and researcher specializing in precision livestock farming, animal health, and welfare technologies. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Science and Technology at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, where his doctoral research focuses on employing artificial intelligence to track and monitor dairy cow behaviour during the transition period to predict postpartum disorders. As a Visiting Researcher at the Bristol Vet School, University of Bristol, and University of Salford (UK), Dr. Abbas contributes to the British Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy (2023–2028) through AI-based behavioural monitoring and data-driven welfare benchmarking. He holds a Master’s in Bioscience Technology from Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan, where he investigated the neurophysiological and toxicological effects of ractopamine in zebrafish models, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. His professional experience spans academia, industry, and farm management, including roles as Graduate Research Assistant at Chung Yuan Christian University, Product Information Officer at Prix Pharmaceutica (Pvt.) Ltd., and Assistant Farm Manager at Kasur Dairies Pvt. Ltd., where he developed strong expertise in animal reproduction, health management, and sustainable dairy operations. Dr. Abbas’s research integrates AI, deep learning, and animal behaviour analysis to promote sustainable livestock production. He has received multiple awards and grants, including the Second Century Fund (C2F) Doctoral Fellowship, the 90th Anniversary Ratchadaphisek Somphot Endowment Fund, and the Biotech Excellent Award for academic excellence. His work has been published in international journals and presented at global conferences, reflecting his commitment to advancing innovation in animal science, digital agriculture, and welfare-oriented livestock technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Impacts of early postpartum behavioral patterns on the fertility and milk production of tropical dairy cows"

"Behavioral Adaptations in Tropical Dairy Cows: Insights into Calving Day Predictions"

"Ractopamine at the Center of Decades-Long Scientific and Legal Disputes: A Lesson on Benefits, Safety Issues, and Conflicts"

"Evaluation of Effects of Ractopamine on Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Locomotory Physiology in Animal Model Zebrafish Larvae"

"Sex determination by CHD (Chromo helicase DNA binding) gene in local rock pigeons (Columba livia) from Lahore, Pakistan"

Nurulhasanah Othman | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nurulhasanah Othman | Technological Networks | Best Researcher Award

University of Science | Malaysia

Dr. Nurulhasanah Othman is a distinguished researcher recognized for her extensive contributions in the fields of molecular parasitology, proteomics, and infectious disease research. As a Principal Investigator and Co-Researcher on numerous national and university-funded projects, her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing biomedical science and public health. She currently leads a national grant project under the Ministry of Education Malaysia (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia) focusing on elucidating the potential inhibitory roles of dextromethorphan and azathioprine targeting Rho GTPase to combat metronidazole-resistant E. histolytica HM1-IMSS (MTZR). Her collaborative projects span a range of innovative studies, including comparative proteome profiling in cervical cancer tissues, identification of immunogenic proteins in G. duodenalis, exploration of antibody profiles in Strongyloides stercoralis, and the development of novel multiplex qPCR assays for triple-negative breast cancer markers. Dr. Nurulhasanah has also served as the Principal Investigator for multiple University Sains Malaysia (USM) research grants, including investigations into pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti, proteomic analyses of Entamoeba histolytica for vaccine development, and protein detection studies using MALDI-TOF/TOF technology. As a Co-Researcher, she has contributed to large-scale genome projects, such as the genomic and proteomic analyses of Malaysian mangrove crab species and horseshoe crabs, as well as molecular diagnostic assay development for Leptospira spp. detection. Through her leadership and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Nurulhasanah has made significant strides in proteomic-based pathogen research, genomic studies, and the pursuit of novel molecular tools for disease control and therapeutic innovation.

Profiles: Orcid ID | Scopus

Featured Publications

"Application of Proteomics to the Study of the Therapeutics and Pathogenicity of Giardia duodenalis"

"Entamoeba histolytica: Membrane and Non-Membrane Protein Structure, Function, Immune Response Interaction, and Vaccine Development"

"A Review: Natural and Synthetic Compounds Targeting Entamoeba histolytica and Its Biological Membrane"

"Evaluation of Total Female and Male Aedes aegypti Proteomes Reveals Significant Predictive Protein–Protein Interactions, Functional Ontologies, and Differentially Abundant Proteins"

"Entamoeba histolytica: Proteomics Bioinformatics Reveal Predictive Functions and Protein–Protein Interactions of Differentially Abundant Membrane and Cytosolic Proteins"