Can Yang Zhang | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Can Yang Zhang | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, at Tsinghua University, China.

Dr. Can Yang Zhang is an accomplished biomedical engineer and associate professor at Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, China. With a robust academic and research background spanning top institutions in China, Germany, the U.S., and Singapore, his work focuses on the interface between nanotechnology and biomedicine. 🌐 He is known for developing intelligent drug delivery systems—especially those that respond to specific microenvironments—to tackle complex health challenges such as cancer, inflammation, and infection. 🧬 Dr. Zhang leads an innovative research lab aiming to bridge artificial systems and living biology for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Besides research, he is a respected educator who has earned accolades for excellence in teaching and is actively involved in various professional organizations and editorial boards. 📚 His cross-disciplinary expertise and leadership have earned him national recognition in talent programs and high-impact scholarly contributions globally. 🌍

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Zhang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Southwest University for Nationalities, China (2005–2009). 🎓 He pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at South China University of Technology (2009–2014), where his research laid the foundation for his career in nanomedicine and biotherapeutics. During his doctoral studies, he was selected as a Visiting Ph.D. Fellow at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany (2012–2013), gaining international exposure to advanced biopharmaceutical technologies. 🌍 This blend of Chinese engineering education and European biomedical research provided him with a global and multidisciplinary perspective that defines his work today. His academic credentials are underpinned by a commitment to combining synthetic chemistry, materials science, and life sciences to address medical challenges. 🔬

🧪 Experience 

Dr. Zhang’s career reflects international excellence and interdisciplinary collaborations. He started as an Assistant Professor at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China (2014–2015). He then moved abroad, taking on postdoctoral roles at Washington State University (2016–2019) and later at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (2019–2020), where he expanded his expertise in micro/nanotherapeutics. 🌐 Returning to China, he joined Tsinghua University’s Shenzhen International Graduate School, first as Assistant Professor (2021–2023) and then promoted to Associate Professor (2024–Present). 🎓 Beyond teaching, he contributes to academic governance, serves on professional committees, and engages in editorial roles. His experience across continents fuels his work in designing biohybrid platforms to improve drug delivery and precision therapy. 🧫

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Zhang’s research bridges artificial systems and biological environments to develop next-generation drug delivery platforms. 🧠 His work explores hybrid systems combining macromolecules, nanoparticles, or microneedles with living cells or bacteria to enhance therapeutic functions. Key areas of interest include:
1️⃣ Targeted nanotherapeutics that interact with immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages.
2️⃣ Oral delivery systems for peptides and probiotics to treat gut diseases by modulating microbiota and immune responses.
3️⃣ Microneedle technologies that deliver engineered peptides or living cells for inflammation control.
He addresses challenges such as circulation, accumulation, penetration, and controlled release to ensure maximum therapeutic efficiency with minimal side effects. 🧬 His research is featured in Science Advances, Advanced Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Chemical Engineering Journal. 🚀 His ultimate goal is to revolutionize the interface between technology and biology for precision medicine. 🧑‍⚕️

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards for his outstanding academic and teaching performance. 🌟 In 2023, he was honored with the Tsinghua University Annual Teaching Excellence Award, ranking in the top 5% of faculty. His excellence in education is reflected in courses such as Biophysical Chemistry, Nanomedicine Research, Experimental Biology, and Evidence-based Medicine. 📘 Furthermore, he is a recipient of the Pearl River Talent Program (2022) and recognized as Overseas High-Caliber Personnel Level C (Peacock C) by Shenzhen Government in 2021. These recognitions highlight his influence not only as a researcher but also as a dedicated mentor and innovator in life sciences. 🧑‍🏫

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Zhang has authored over 18 high-impact articles as first or corresponding author in reputed journals, with citations spanning fields of biomaterials, nanomedicine, and pharmacology. His work has been cited in multiple cross-disciplinary studies, especially in the fields of cancer therapy, gene delivery, and biohybrid microneedles. 🔍
Full publication list here

ACS Applied Bio Materials (2024)

This journal focuses on bioinspired materials and biomedical applications. Notable papers include:​Test Publications China

  • “Differential Effects of Confinement on the Dynamics of Normal and Tumor-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Organoids” by Jonah M. Rosas et al. (Nov 22, 2024)

  • “Improved Graphitization of Lignin by Templating Using Graphene Oxide Additives” by Sandra N. Ike et al. (Nov 21, 2024)

  • “A Review on Microengineering of Epithelial Barriers for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research” by Ruchira Chakraborty et al. (Nov 20, 2024)

  • “Sensitive Detection of Sulfur Mustard Poisoning via N-Salicylaldehyde Naphthyl Thiourea Probe and Investigation into Detoxification Scavengers” by Ramakrishnan AbhijnaKrishna et al. (Nov 20, 2024)

  • “Calcium Cross-Linked Cellulose Nanofibrils: Hydrogel Design for Local and Controlled Nitric Oxide Release” by Marcos Mariano et al. (Nov 20, 2024)

  • “Boosting the Microbial Electrosynthesis of Formate by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 with an Ionic Liquid Cosolvent” by Ashwini Dantanarayana et al. (Nov 20, 2024)

  • “Exploring the Potential of Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids in the Development of Materials for Biomedical and Sports Applications” by Dulexy Solano-Orrala et al. (Nov 20, 2024)

  • “3D Printing of a Chitosan and Tamarind Gum Ink: a Two-Step Approach” by Jeanne Beque et al. (Nov 19, 2024)American Chemical Society Publications

These articles are available on the ACS Publications website.Test Publications China

Materials Today (2023)

Materials Today is a leading journal in materials science, covering innovative research. Some highlighted papers from 2023 include:​ScienceDirect

  • “Is alloying a promising path to substitute critical raw materials?” by François Rousseau et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “2D perovskitoids for enhanced photovoltaic stability” by Hao Zhang et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “Extraordinary piezoresponse in free-standing two-dimensional Bi₂O₂Se semiconductor toward high-performance light perception synapse” by Yafang Li et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “Monolithically stacked VIA-free liquid metal circuit for stretchable electronics” by Minwoo Kim et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “Mitochondria-inspired general strategy simultaneously enhances contradictory properties of commercial polymers” by Yuepeng Wang et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “Supersonic puncture-healable and impact resistant covalent adaptive networks” by Zhen Sang et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “Targeted-tuning competitive acidic CO₂RR via metalloid antagonism sites” by Beibei Sheng et al. (March–April 2025)

  • “Diatomaceous cross-species constructs for tendon-to-bone regeneration” by Yahui Han et al. (March–April 2025)ScienceDirect

These articles can be accessed through ScienceDirect.ScienceDirect+1ScienceDirect+1

Chemical Engineering Journal (2024, 2022)

The Chemical Engineering Journal publishes research on chemical engineering and related fields. Key topics include:​

  • Emerging materials and processes for green conversion of resources

  • Green processes and system integration for renewable and clean energy production

  • Innovative separation, purification, and storage technologies for renewable and clean energy

  • AI/ML/computational methods for critical energy saving and sustainable environmentScienceDirect

Specific articles from 2024 and 2022 can be found on ScienceDirect.ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2

Conclusion

Dr. Can Yang Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award.
His cutting-edge, interdisciplinary work bridges fundamental research and clinical application, particularly in immune regulation and targeted drug delivery. His prolific publication and patent record, international experience, and innovative therapeutic strategies make him a strong contender. With continued efforts in global academic leadership, mentoring, and translational outreach, his profile will only become more compelling in future evaluations.

Diksha Sharma | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Diksha Sharma | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award 

PhD scholar, at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, India.

Diksha Sharma is a dedicated JRF and Ph.D. scholar, specializing in immunology and bioinformatics. With a strong background in medical sciences, Diksha’s research focuses on identifying immunogenic peptides and their role in diagnosing infections. She is currently working on an Indo-Russian project sponsored by DST, investigating orthohantavirus infections. Diksha holds a Master’s degree in Science from the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, and has been actively involved in laboratory work and scientific research since her academic years. She is known for her skills in bioinformatics, protein expression, and grant writing. 💼🔬

Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Diksha Sharma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Sciences from SCD Government College, Ludhiana, which she completed in 2018. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Science at the prestigious Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, from 2018 to 2020. During her schooling years, Diksha attended D.N. Model School, Moga, and Sacred Heart School, Moga, completing her education under CBSE and ICSE boards, respectively. Her robust academic foundation has prepared her well for the ongoing research work she engages in, combining practical lab skills with theoretical knowledge to contribute significantly to the field of medical sciences. 🎓📚

Experience

Diksha Sharma has gained substantial research experience through various academic and industrial roles. She interned at the Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, in June 2019, where she gained hands-on experience in lab testing, anti-sera production, and bacterial culturing. Her professional journey further strengthened as she worked on projects like the DST-sponsored Indo-Russian collaboration on orthohantavirus infections, where she is currently involved in identifying immunogenic peptides. Additionally, her master’s project focused on the extraction of bioactive agents and their microencapsulation, adding a layer of depth to her expertise in immunology and bioinformatics. 🔬🏥

Research Interests

Diksha Sharma’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunology, bioinformatics, and infectious diseases. Her primary focus is on the identification of immunogenic peptides, with ongoing work on diagnosing orthohantavirus infections through peptide-based diagnostics. Additionally, she has a keen interest in protein expression and gene cloning, which she has explored extensively through her research projects. Her work aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-based discoveries and real-world medical applications, contributing to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for infectious diseases. 🔬🧬

Awards

Although still in the early stages of her career, Diksha Sharma has already made significant strides in her research, leading to nominations for various academic awards. She is recognized for her innovative work on bioactive agents and orthohantavirus peptide diagnostics. Her excellence in research has been acknowledged through grants and funding, notably the DST-sponsored Indo-Russian project. Diksha’s dedication to her field and continuous contributions reflect her potential to achieve even greater recognition as she progresses through her academic and research career. 🏅🎖️

Publications

Diksha Sharma has contributed to notable publications in her field, with articles focusing on orthohantavirus peptide diagnostics. Some of her key papers include:

  • Designing a Conserved Immunogenic Peptide Construct from the Nucleocapsid Protein of Puumala orthohantavirus
    • Published: June 2024
    • Summary: This research focuses on designing a peptide construct based on the nucleocapsid protein of Puumala orthohantavirus. The study aims to develop a conserved immunogenic peptide that could be used in diagnostic applications for hantavirus infections. By targeting a highly conserved region of the nucleocapsid protein, this construct may enhance the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostics.
    • Cited by: 3 articles
  • Cross-reactivity of Hantavirus Antibodies After Immunization with PUUV Antigens
    • Published: May 2024
    • Summary: This paper investigates the cross-reactivity of antibodies produced after immunization with Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) antigens. The study explores the immune responses elicited by these antigens and evaluates their potential cross-reactivity with other orthohantaviruses, providing valuable insights for vaccine development and diagnostic tools.
    • Cited by: 5 articles
  • Identification and Validation of Cross-Reactivity of Anti-Thailand orthohantavirus Nucleocapsid Peptides
    • Status: Accepted
    • Summary: This paper identifies and validates the cross-reactivity of antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid peptides of Thailand orthohantavirus. The findings contribute to understanding how different orthohantaviruses share immunogenic properties and could lead to advancements in broad-spectrum diagnostic tools.
  • Recovering Immunogenic Orthohantavirus Puumalaense N Protein from Pellets of Recombinant Escherichia coli
    • Status: Accepted
    • Summary: This study focuses on recovering and purifying the N protein of Orthohantavirus Puumalaense from recombinant Escherichia coli pellets. The research aims to establish an efficient method for producing high-quality protein, which could be used for further immunological studies and vaccine development.

Conclusion

Diksha Sharma is a promising candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her involvement in cutting-edge virology research, especially in immunogenic peptide identification for orthohantavirus diagnosis, and her technical and industrial experience make her stand out. To maximize her potential for such an award, she could focus on further expanding her publication record, securing independent research projects, and increasing her visibility in the scientific community. Overall, Diksha’s profile demonstrates strong potential and growing contributions to biomedical research, making her a suitable candidate for this prestigious award.