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

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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

Dmitry Guschin | Biological Networks |  Outstanding Research Achievement Award

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Dr. Dmitry Guschin | Biological Networks |  Outstanding Research Achievement Award

Sirius university of Science and Technology | Russia

Author Profiles

Oricd ID

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dmitry Guschin began his scientific journey in Moscow, Russia, where his early research as a Research Scientist at the Laboratory of Chromosome Structure (1990–1991) focused on the role of histone tails in maintaining chromatin structure during transcription. This pioneering work, published in Cell, laid the foundation for his long-term interest in chromatin dynamics and molecular mechanisms of gene regulation. His subsequent fellowship at the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in London (1991–1995) enabled him to uncover the role of Jak kinases in interferon signaling, a finding published in Nature. These formative years established his reputation as a molecular biologist with a keen ability to address fundamental questions in gene regulation.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his career, Dr. Guschin has held prestigious positions across internationally recognized institutions. From visiting scientist roles at Argonne National Laboratory and the NIH, to his decade-long tenure at Sangamo BioSciences (2000–2014), he contributed to groundbreaking advances in genome editing. His later positions at the Institute of Basic Science in Korea (2015–2019), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (2019–2022), Ecole Polytechnique (2021), Nazarbaev University (2023–2024), and his current role as Lead Scientist at Sirius University (2024–) reflect a global career marked by innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Guschin’s research has consistently revolved around genome editing, chromatin biology, and translational medicine. At Sangamo BioSciences, he demonstrated targeted deletions using Zinc-Finger nucleases and developed methods for genome mutation detection, securing 10 U.S. patents. His contributions to CRISPR research at the Institute of Basic Science in Korea, where he engineered Cpf1 (CRISPR type V) proteins with novel PAM specificities, further advanced gene-editing precision. Additionally, his innovations in base editing and co-selection strategies positioned him as a thought leader in functional genomics.

Impact and Influence

The global trajectory of Dr. Guschin’s career underscores his broad scientific influence. His work has impacted both fundamental science-such as uncovering chromatin regulation mechanisms-and applied biotechnology, including methods adopted for therapeutic genome editing. His publications in Cell, Nature, Nature Biotechnology, and Science highlight the international recognition of his discoveries. Moreover, his patents and translational research contributions demonstrate lasting influence on both academia and industry.

Academic Citations

With over 20 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, Dr. Guschin’s scholarship has been widely cited across molecular biology, biochemistry, and genome engineering fields. His publications not only advanced scientific discourse but also served as reference points for subsequent innovations in gene-editing technologies and cancer research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Guschin’s legacy lies in bridging basic molecular discoveries with applied genome-editing technologies. His early contributions to chromatin biology and interferon signaling remain benchmarks in molecular biology, while his later work in Zinc-Finger nucleases and CRISPR engineering has influenced therapeutic development pipelines. In his current role at Sirius University, he continues to shape translational medicine by focusing on colloidal medicine and advanced biomedical applications. Looking forward, his expertise positions him to mentor future scientists and contribute to cutting-edge therapies in personalized medicine.

Conclusion

Dr. Dmitry Guschin’s career reflects a rare blend of scientific depth, technological innovation, and translational impact. From uncovering fundamental molecular mechanisms to pioneering genome-editing tools and mentoring the next generation, his contributions have left an indelible mark on modern biology. His ongoing work promises to expand the horizons of translational and personalized medicine, ensuring his influence will continue to grow in both academic and clinical domains.

Notable Publications

"Circulating Tumor DNA in Prostate Cancer: A Dual Perspective on Early Detection and Advanced Disease Management" 

  • Author: Stepan A. Kopytov; Guzel R. Sagitova; Dmitry Y. Guschin; Vera S. Egorova; Andrei V. Zvyagin; Alexey S. Rzhevskiy
  • Journal: Cancers
  • Year: 2025

"Modern approaches to engineering human reporter cell lines using CRISPR within Safe Harbor loci and endogenous genes" 

  • Author: A. G. Bykonya; D. Y. Guschin; N. A. Barlev
  • Journal: Critical Reviews in Biotechnology
  • Year: 2025

"Vinculin–Arp2/3 interaction inhibits branched actin assembly to control migration and proliferation" 

  • Author: John James; Artem I Fokin; Dmitry Y Guschin; Hong Wang; Anna Polesskaya; Svetlana N Rubtsova; Christophe Le Clainche; Pascal Silberzan; Alexis M Gautreau; Stéphane Romero
  • Journal: Life Science Alliance
  • Year: 2025

"BRCA Mutations-The Achilles Heel of Breast, Ovarian and Other Epithelial Cancers" 

  • Author: Loboda, Anna P.; Adonin, Leonid S.; Zvereva, Svetlana D.; Guschin, Dmitri Y.; Korneenko, Tatyana V.; Telegina, Alexandra V.; Kondratieva, Olga K.; Frolova, Sofia E.; Pestov, Nikolay B.; Barlev, Nick A.
  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Year: 2023

"Vinculin-Arp2/3 Interaction Inhibits Branched Actin Assembly to Control Cell Migration and Cell Cycle Progression" 

  • Author: John James; Artem I. Fokin; Dmitry Y. Guschin; Hong Wang; Anna Polesskaya; Svetlana N. Rubtsova; Christophe Le Clainche; Pascal Silberzan; Alexis M. Gautreau; Stéphane Romero
  • Journal: Preprint
  • Year: 2023

 

 

Zhengyang Guo | Metabolism Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhengyang Guo | Metabolism Networks | Best Researcher Award

Peking University Third Hospital | China

Author Profile 

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Zhengyang Guo’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in the life sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Peking University, which provided him with comprehensive knowledge in biomedical sciences. His pursuit of higher education continued at the Department of Microbiology, Peking University, where he obtained his M.D. degree. This academic background not only reflects his commitment to advancing medical research but also highlights the interdisciplinary foundation that shaped his later contributions in oncology and immunology.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Peking University Third Hospital, Guo has dedicated his professional career to the study of tumor biology and clinical translational research. Alongside his teaching responsibilities, he actively contributes to developing cutting-edge techniques through his involvement in the immunology platform and guiding graduate students in experimental teaching. His professional endeavors balance research, teaching, and technological development, underlining his role as both a researcher and mentor.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Guo’s research primarily centers on tumor epigenetics, tumor metabolism, and the tumor microenvironment. His innovative work investigates molecular mechanisms that influence cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. Specifically, he has focused on targeting the enzyme SCD1 in combination with EZH2 inhibitors to enhance the efficacy of melanoma treatment and immunotherapy. His projects, supported by prestigious funding bodies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Peking University Medicine Fund, reflect both the clinical relevance and scientific novelty of his work.

Impact and Influence

As an active contributor to the global scientific community, Guo holds membership in the Biophysical Society of China and the Chinese Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His expertise is recognized internationally, as he serves as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals including Experimental Hematology & Oncology, Cell Communication and Signaling, Apoptosis, and Lipids in Health and Disease. These engagements highlight his influence in shaping scientific dialogue and advancing standards in cancer research.

Academic Cites and Intellectual Property

Guo’s research impact extends beyond publications into intellectual property and patents. He is a co-inventor on multiple patents related to antitumor drug compositions involving EZH2 and SCD1 inhibitors, as well as novel approaches to treating liver cancer using diacylglycerol kinase γ. These patents underscore the translational potential of his work, bridging basic molecular research with therapeutic innovation. His contributions are already shaping new pathways in drug discovery and cancer therapy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong foundation of academic excellence, innovative research, and translational breakthroughs, Guo is poised to make long-lasting contributions to the field of oncology. His ongoing efforts in epigenetic regulation, tumor metabolism, and immunotherapy strategies hold promise for redefining cancer treatment paradigms. By mentoring future scholars and fostering collaborations across disciplines, he is actively building a legacy that will continue to influence both academia and clinical practice.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Zhengyang Guo exemplifies the qualities of a modern medical researcher-a scholar who bridges fundamental biology with clinical application. His journey from early academic pursuits to groundbreaking research in tumor biology reflects dedication, innovation, and leadership. With multiple funded projects, patents, and international recognition, his work significantly impacts the scientific community and promises future advancements in cancer treatment. His career trajectory positions him as a leading figure in biomedical research, with the potential to transform cancer therapy at both national and global levels.

Notable Publications

"3G Internet Diffusion and Secondary Education Attainment: Evidence of Opportunity Cost in Vietnam" 

  • Author: Trang Thi Pham; Bernardo Caldarola
  • Journal: Review of Development Economics
  • Year: 2025