Yi Yao | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yi Yao | Nanomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University | China

Prof. Yi Yao is a distinguished oncologist, Ph.D., Chief Physician, and Director of the Cancer Center at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China, with a career dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and research. He earned his medical degree and doctorate from Wuhan University and received international training as a Visiting Scholar at the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg University, and MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States. His clinical and research interests focus on tumor radiotherapy and the tumor immune microenvironment, with particular emphasis on how irradiation influences tumor biology, radiotherapy efficacy, and radiation-induced lung injury, including the role of fibroblasts and tumor interstitial fibrosis in treatment outcomes. Prof. Yao has secured major research funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Hubei Natural Science Foundation, and multiple institutional projects, while building collaborations with world-leading cancer research centers in Germany and the United States. He has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, The EMBO Journal, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Medicine, Histopathology, Nano Letters, and Frontiers in Immunology, in addition to co-editing oncology volumes and holding software copyrights. Recognized with numerous national, provincial, and institutional awards for his contributions to research, clinical practice, and mentorship, Prof. Yao serves on national and provincial oncology committees, is a member of ASCO and ESMO, and continues to mentor doctoral and master’s students, making lasting contributions to oncology education, clinical innovation, and cancer research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured publications

  • Zhang, H., Chen, L., Li, L., Liu, Y., Das, B., Zhai, S., Tan, J., Jiang, Y., Turco, S., Yao, Y., & Frishman, D. (2025). Prediction and analysis of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes across 28 cancers by TILScout using deep learning. NPJ Precision Oncology, 9(1), 76.

  • Dong, Y., Khan, L., & Yao, Y. (2024). Immunological features of EGFR-mutant NSCLC and clinical practice. Journal of the National Cancer Center, 4(4), 289–298.

  • Yi, L., Wen, Y., Xiao, M., Yuan, J., Ke, X., Zhang, X., Khan, L., Song, Q., & Yao, Y. (2024). The proportion of tumour stroma predicts response to immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy in stage IIIB–IV NSCLC. Histopathology, 85(2), 295–309.

  • Yao, Y., Shen, Y., Yao, J. C., & Zuo, X. (2024). Editorial: New advancement in tumor microenvironment remodeling and cancer therapy. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 12, 1384567.

  • Li, Y., Chen, J., Wang, B., Xu, Z., Wu, C., Ma, J., Song, Q., Geng, Q., Yu, J., Pei, H., & Yao, Y. (2023). FOXK2 affects cancer cell response to chemotherapy by promoting nucleotide de novo synthesis. Drug Resistance Updates, 67, 100926.

  • Yao, Y., Chu, Y., & Xu, B. (2019). Radiotherapy after surgery has significant survival benefits for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Medicine, 8(2), 554–563.

Hanghang Liu | Nanomedicine | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hanghang Liu | Nanomedicine | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at China Three Gorges University | China

Prof. Dr. Hanghang Liu is an accomplished Associate Professor at China Three Gorges University, with expertise in nanomedicine, molecular imaging, and targeted drug delivery. Her academic foundation blends chemistry and preclinical medicine, enabling her to develop multifunctional nanomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and breast cancer. She has made significant research contributions published in high-impact journals. In addition to her research achievements, she actively mentors graduate students in the development of natural product-based nanomedicine, promoting interdisciplinary innovation in biomedical science. Prof. Liu’s work stands at the intersection of fundamental research and clinical translation, making her a leading figure in the advancement of therapeutic nanotechnologies.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Prof. Dr. Hanghang Liu has a strong and interdisciplinary academic foundation in chemistry and biomedical sciences. She began her academic journey at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, where she developed a solid grounding in chemical principles and research methodologies. She then advanced her studies at the Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine at Soochow University, where she completed a doctoral degree in Chemistry with a focus on multifunctional metal nanoprobes for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Continuing in the same laboratory, she further specialized in preclinical medicine, exploring the application of multifunctional nanomaterials for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Her academic path reflects a seamless integration of chemistry, nanotechnology, and translational medicine, which serves as the backbone of her pioneering research in nanomedicine.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Hanghang Liu has cultivated a distinguished career in nanomedicine and molecular imaging through a combination of research, teaching, and mentorship. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at China Three Gorges University, where she leads research efforts in the development and application of natural product-based nanomedicine. In this role, she supervises six master’s students and contributes to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the Natural Products Research and Utilization Laboratory. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience as a Research Assistant at Soochow University’s Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, where she was deeply involved in cutting-edge projects related to nanoparticle-based diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Throughout her professional journey, Prof. Liu has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation and academic excellence, consistently contributing to high-impact research and nurturing future scientific talent.

Research Interests

Prof. Dr. Hanghang Liu’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, molecular imaging, and biomedical applications. She focuses on the design and development of multifunctional nanomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and various cancers such as breast cancer. Her work emphasizes the use of metal-based nanoprobes, biomimetic nanoparticles, and natural product-derived nanomedicine to enhance therapeutic efficacy and targeting precision. Additionally, she is interested in the mechanisms of autophagy, oxidative stress modulation, and immune activation through nanoplatforms. Her research aims to bridge fundamental science with clinical application, advancing the field of translational nanomedicine.

Publications

Inhibiting Immune Crosstalk by Modulation of the Intracellular Function and Extracellular Environment of Diseased Microglia to Boost Parkinson’s Disease Therapy

Recent Advance in Sensitive Detection of Demethylase FTO

The Label- and Laser-Free Autocatalytic Nucleic Acid Amplification Reaction for the Sensitive miRNA Detection

Hijacking Endogenous Iron to Amplify Lysosomal-Mitochondrial Cascade Damage for Boosting Anti-Tumor Immunotherapy

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Hanghang Liu is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her pioneering work in developing multifunctional nanoprobes for the diagnosis and therapy of complex diseases like Parkinson’s and breast cancer showcases her as a forward-thinking and impactful researcher. With continued efforts toward global engagement and outreach, she is well-poised to shape the future of nanomedicine and inspire women in science worldwide.

 

Prof. Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas | Nanobiotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Full professor at University of Guanajuato, Mexico

Dr. Bernardo Franco-Bárcenas is an accomplished researcher specializing in molecular microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and nanotechnology-based applications in pathogen control. With a prolific publication record in high-impact journals such as Pathogens, PeerJ, Microorganisms, and Antioxidants, his work spans the study of microbial virulence mechanisms, biosensing technologies, and novel antimicrobial strategies. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of pathogens like Entamoeba histolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic fungi, integrating theoretical and experimental approaches. Notably, his research also explores biologically synthesized nanoparticles and their roles in combating multidrug-resistant organisms. Dr. Franco-Bárcenas frequently collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing genomic, proteomic, and biochemical methodologies to unveil insights into microbial survival, adaptation, and pathogenicity. Although he has not registered patents, his impactful body of work, dedication to collaborative science, and ongoing exploration of nanotechnology in microbiology position him as a strong candidate for recognition in international research awards related to nanomaterials and nanotechnology.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Bernardo Franco-Barcenas holds a robust academic background rooted in the life sciences. Although specific institutional details are not publicly listed, his educational foundation is evident through his proficiency in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. His advanced training likely includes a doctoral degree, given his full professorship and extensive research output. His education has equipped him with deep knowledge in various experimental and theoretical techniques such as nucleic acid manipulation, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Franco has cultivated an interdisciplinary perspective, which he integrates into both teaching and research. His scientific rigor and commitment to continuous learning are evident in his ability to lead complex projects and contribute meaningfully to international peer-reviewed journals. This strong educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his professional career and research contributions to the broader scientific community.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bernardo Franco is a full-time professor at the Universidad de Guanajuato in Mexico, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in subjects including microbiology, immunology, and general biology. His career spans over 20 years in academic research and over 8 years in university-level teaching, reflecting a strong blend of scholarly inquiry and pedagogy. Beyond classroom instruction, he has also served as a mentor for numerous students, guiding them through research and thesis projects. He holds a key editorial role at PeerJ, where he has authored more than 270 publications, reviewed 680 manuscripts, and edited over 4,200 submissions, underscoring his leadership in academic publishing. His technical expertise spans protein purification, microscopy, PCR, and microbial methodologies, which he applies in both lab-based education and collaborative research. This combination of research leadership, editorial influence, and dedicated teaching positions him as a significant figure in the academic life sciences.

Research Interest

Dr. Franco’s research interests are diverse yet tightly integrated across the disciplines of microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology, and biotechnology. His work is particularly focused on understanding microbial interactions, gene regulation, and synthetic biology applications. He employs techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, and computational bioinformatics to explore complex biological systems. Dr. Franco is also involved in applied sciences, using biotechnological approaches to address environmental and health-related challenges. His interest in parasitology enhances understanding of host-pathogen interactions, while his work in molecular biology contributes to uncovering cellular mechanisms at the genetic level. He is passionate about translational research that can lead to innovations in diagnostics, therapeutics, and sustainable biotechnology. Through collaborations and editorial work, he continuously updates his research scope, ensuring relevance and innovation. His work bridges traditional microbiology with cutting-edge molecular tools, positioning him at the forefront of life sciences research in Latin America.

Award and Honor

While specific named awards and honors have not been disclosed publicly, Dr. Franco’s academic stature and professional activities indicate a high level of recognition. His appointment as a full professor and his substantial editorial responsibility at PeerJ—editing over 4,200 scientific papers—are themselves indicators of scholarly respect and trust. Moreover, his H-index of 19 and i10-index of 30 reflect a strong citation record and enduring impact within his research community. These metrics, commonly used to assess academic influence, underscore the quality and relevance of his contributions. His role as a reviewer for over 680 papers further demonstrates his active engagement with global scientific discourse. It is also likely that he holds institutional commendations and national academic credentials, given his senior academic position in Mexico. Collectively, these accomplishments and roles reflect both peer recognition and an ongoing commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bernardo Franco is a distinguished academic whose work bridges foundational science and applied biotechnology. As a full professor at the Universidad de Guanajuato, he has influenced countless students and researchers through his teaching, mentorship, and prolific research output. His extensive expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, and parasitology has contributed significantly to scientific understanding and technological development in life sciences. Dr. Franco’s editorial leadership at PeerJ, alongside his substantial publication and review portfolio, illustrates his commitment to scholarly excellence and scientific integrity. Though specific awards are not listed, his impact is measurable through citation indices and professional respect within the academic community. His career serves as a model of integrated teaching, research, and service, underscoring the value of multidisciplinary inquiry and collaboration. Dr. Franco continues to shape the future of bioscience through education, innovation, and dedication to advancing global knowledge.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Fabrication and characterization of functionalized chitosan/TiO₂ film composites with antimicrobial properties
    Authors: V.A. Pérez Martínez, N.I. Vargas-Maya, L.R. Rosas-Orta, B. Franco, J. Vallejo-Montesinos
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Theoretical Study of Sphingomyelinases from Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis Sheds Light on the Evolution of Enzymes Needed for Survival and Colonization
    Authors: F.B. Ramírez-Montiel, S.Y. Andrade-Guillén, A.L. Medina-Nieto, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Avirulent UG10 Entamoeba histolytica mutant derived from HM-1:IMSS strain shows limited genome variability and aberrant 5-methyl cytosine genomic distribution
    Authors: N.I. Vargas-Maya, A.K. Maunakea, F.B. Ramírez-Montiel, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Pseudomonas environmental strain produces a DegQ-derived and PDZ domain containing peptide with protease activity
    Authors: F. Vargas-Gasca, B. Franco, N.I. Vargas-Maya, M. Vicente-Gómez, V. Olmedo-Monfil
    Year: 2024

  • Title: High-Throughput Screening Method Using Escherichia coli Keio Mutants for Assessing Primary Damage Mechanism of Antimicrobials
    Authors: J.A. Martínez-Álvarez, M. Vicente-Gómez, R. García-Contreras, F. Padilla-Vaca, B. Franco
    Year: 2024