Heng Zhang | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Heng Zhang | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer | Nankai University | China

Dr. Zhang Heng is a Lecturer in Pharmacology at Nankai University, specializing in investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant tumor progression and developing innovative drug therapies. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Nankai University, completing his doctoral studies with high distinction. Since joining the faculty as a lecturer, he has been actively engaged in teaching, mentoring, and advancing cutting-edge cancer research. Dr. Zhang has published multiple high-impact papers in prestigious SCI-indexed journals, including Molecular Cell, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, and Advanced Materials. His scholarly contributions include original research on extrachromosomal DNA, tumor stem cell propagation, and nanomedicine-based immunotherapy. He also holds four patent applications and has received several top academic and innovation awards. Through his research and academic leadership, Dr. Zhang continues to make significant contributions toward improving the understanding of cancer biology and developing novel therapeutic strategies for clinical application.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Zhang Heng pursued his higher education entirely at Nankai University, a leading institution in China recognized for excellence in pharmaceutical research. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he built a strong foundation in pharmacology, molecular biology, and medicinal chemistry. Continuing at Nankai, he completed his Master of Science degree, focusing on the molecular biology of tumors and early drug discovery methodologies. His master’s research involved extensive laboratory experiments, including molecular cloning, protein analysis, and tumor cell line studies. Dr. Zhang then earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, conducting advanced research on the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and identifying new targets for therapeutic intervention. His doctoral studies resulted in multiple publications in internationally recognized journals. This academic path, marked by consistent excellence and research productivity, has equipped him with the knowledge and skills essential for his role as an independent researcher and educator.

Experience

Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Dr. Zhang Heng was appointed Lecturer at the College of Pharmacy, Nankai University. In this role, he has been responsible for delivering lectures in pharmacology, supervising undergraduate and graduate students, and leading research initiatives in molecular oncology. He has designed and managed multiple research projects, often collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and has successfully bridged fundamental science with translational medicine. His experience encompasses conducting high-level molecular biology research, managing laboratory operations, and contributing to scientific publications as both first and corresponding author. He has filed patents for innovative drug delivery systems and tumor immunotherapies, demonstrating the applied impact of his work. Beyond laboratory research, Dr. Zhang has participated in national-level innovation competitions and academic conferences, presenting his findings to peers and experts in the field. His experience reflects a balance of teaching excellence, research innovation, and contribution to the broader scientific community.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhang Heng’s research interests lie at the intersection of cancer biology, molecular pharmacology, and drug innovation. He investigates the fundamental mechanisms that drive the malignant progression of tumors, including the role of extrachromosomal DNA, R-loop dynamics, and vasculogenic mimicry. His work also explores how specific proteins and epigenetic factors regulate tumor growth, immune evasion, and stem cell maintenance. In addition to basic research, Dr. Zhang focuses on developing new therapeutic strategies, such as tumor-targeted nanomedicines, biomimetic exosomes, and in situ tumor vaccines. He aims to integrate these novel approaches into translational medicine frameworks, ultimately leading to more effective, personalized cancer treatments. His interdisciplinary methodology combines molecular biology, pharmacology, nanotechnology, and immunotherapy, with the overarching goal of creating clinically applicable solutions for some of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. This research focus reflects both scientific curiosity and a commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes.

Award

Dr. Zhang Heng has been recognized for his outstanding research achievements, innovative contributions, and academic excellence through multiple prestigious awards. He received the Second Prize of the Tianjin Science and Technology Progress Award, which acknowledges impactful scientific advancements with practical applications. His innovative work in drug development and cancer therapy earned him the Gold Award at the China International “Internet Plus” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. In recognition of his leadership, scientific merit, and contributions to society, he was awarded the Tianjin May Fourth Youth Medal. While a student, Dr. Zhang received the Zhou Enlai Scholarship, the highest honor granted by Nankai University, and was named Nankai University Student of the Year. These distinctions highlight not only his research excellence but also his dedication to innovation, community engagement, and the advancement of pharmacological sciences on both a national and international level.

Top Noted Publication

Dr. Zhang Heng has authored a series of impactful publications in high-ranking scientific journals, contributing significantly to the fields of molecular oncology and drug development. His research outputs span mechanistic cancer biology studies, novel therapeutic approaches, and the application of nanotechnology in tumor immunotherapy. These publications have been cited in multiple peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating their influence within the global scientific community. His work continues to inform and inspire ongoing research in cancer treatment innovation.

Publications list (single-line prompt):

Title: Extrachromosomal DNA biogenesis is dependent on DNA looping and religation by YY1–Lig3–PARylation complex
Journal: Molecular Cell
Year: 2025

Title: MTA2 triggered R-loop trans-regulates BDH1-mediated β-hydroxybutyrylation and potentiates propagation of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells
Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
Year: 2021

Title: Biomimetic Immunosuppressive Exosomes that Inhibit Cytokine Storms Contribute to the Alleviation of Sepsis
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2022

Title: Magnetic sculpture-like tumor cell vaccines enable targeted in situ immune activation and potent antitumor effects
Journal: Theranostics
Year: 2025

Title: Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) hijacks Twist1 to inhibit vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma
Journal: Theranostics
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Zhang Heng is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His combination of scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact aligns well with the award’s criteria. With continued growth in global collaboration and academic leadership, he has the potential to become a leading figure in pharmacology and cancer research worldwide.

 

Tereza Nesporova | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Mrs. Tereza Nesporova | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Mrs. Tereza Nesporova, at Czech Agrifood Research Center, Czech Republic.

Tereza Nešporová is a dedicated researcher specializing in proteomics and mass spectrometry, with a strong focus on plant stress responses. She holds a Master’s degree from UCT Prague and is currently pursuing a Ph.D., working on proteomic analysis of plant stress. With extensive experience in biochemical research, suborganelle proteomics, and metabolomics, she has contributed significantly to understanding drought adaptation in plants. Tereza has worked in leading research institutions, including the Czech Agrifood Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology. She has received multiple awards for her research presentations and has been involved in high-impact projects funded by CRI. Her work includes advanced protein analysis techniques like HDX-MS, cyclic ion mobility MS, and MALDI-TOF MS. Tereza actively contributes to international conferences and publishes in top-tier journals.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education 

Tereza Nešporová pursued her Master of Science at UCT Prague (2014–2016), where she focused on surface mapping of the HIV matrix protein using mass spectrometry detection. Her research provided insights into protein characterization through MS-based techniques. Since 2016, she has been a Ph.D. candidate at UCT Prague, specializing in proteomic analysis of plant stress, particularly drought adaptation mechanisms in crops like wheat. Her doctoral research involves quantitative proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and metabolomics to understand suborganelle proteome dynamics in stressed plants. Her expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics enables her to study plant responses at the molecular level. She has also undertaken research visits and collaborations with prestigious European institutes, strengthening her multidisciplinary expertise. Tereza’s work bridges the gap between biochemistry, plant physiology, and analytical chemistry, making significant contributions to the field of plant proteomics and environmental adaptation.

💼 Experience 

🔹 Czech Agrifood Research Center (2018–present) – Research & development specialist, focusing on proteomic and metabolomic analysis in plant stress biology. She specializes in suborganelle proteomics and drought adaptation studies.

🔹 Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (2024–present) – Works as a Structure Proteomics Specialist, utilizing HDX-MS, native MS, and cyclic ion mobility MS to analyze biomolecular structures.

🔹 Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (2018–2019) – Conducted proteomic and metabolomic research within the Environmental Research and Innovation division.

🔹 UCT Prague (2019–2022) – Scientific-pedagogical worker, responsible for MALDI-TOF MS service and biochemical research.

Her expertise spans biomolecular analysis, mass spectrometry, structural proteomics, and biochemical engineering, making her a key contributor to plant resilience research and biotechnological advancements.

🔬 Research Interests 

Tereza Nešporová’s research focuses on proteomics, mass spectrometry, and plant stress adaptation mechanisms. She specializes in:

🌱 Suborganelle Proteomics – Investigating chloroplasts and nuclear proteomes to uncover plant adaptation strategies to drought.
🧬 Mass Spectrometry in Structural Biology – Utilizing HDX-MS, native MS, and cyclic ion mobility MS for detailed protein interaction studies.
💦 Plant Stress Physiology – Examining drought-induced proteomic changes in wheat, with a focus on phosphoproteomics and metabolomics.
🛠 Analytical Biochemistry – Developing novel MS-based methods for protein characterization in environmental and agricultural sciences.

Her research integrates molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and computational proteomics, leading to new insights into crop resilience and environmental sustainability.

🏆 Awards 

🥇 1st place poster presentation – 9th Czech MS Conference (2021) for research on suborganelle proteomics and plant drought response.
🥈 2nd-3rd place poster award – 6th Czech MS Conference (2017) for her work on HIV matrix protein mapping using MS.
🎓 CRI Grant for Young Scientists (2020–2022) – Two-time recipient for projects on phosphoproteomics and suborganelle proteomics in wheat drought adaptation.
🔬 Recognized expert in mass spectrometry – Serves as a service engineer for cyclic ion mobility MS, supporting research in structural proteomics.

Her contributions to plant proteomics, biomolecular analysis, and advanced MS techniques have earned her a strong reputation in the scientific community.

📚Top Noted  Publications 

Purkrtova, S., et al. (2022) – Microbial Contamination of Photographic and Cinematographic Materials, Microorganisms

  • Citations: 12
  • Summary: This study investigates microbial contamination affecting photographic and cinematographic materials, identifying key microorganisms responsible for deterioration. It provides insights into conservation strategies for historical archives and cultural heritage preservation.

2️⃣ Koval, D., et al. (2022) – Formation of dihydrophenolic acids and aroma-active volatile phenols, European Food Research and Technology

  • Citations: 9
  • Summary: This research focuses on the formation of dihydrophenolic acids and volatile phenols that contribute to food aroma and quality. It discusses biochemical pathways, enzymatic transformations, and their implications for food processing and sensory evaluation.

3️⃣ Nešporová, T., et al. (2024) – Water-saving and water-spending strategy in wheat drought response, Plant Stress

  • Citations: 5
  • Summary: The study examines how wheat employs different physiological strategies—water-saving or water-spending—in response to drought conditions. Using proteomic and metabolomic analyses, the researchers identify key molecular markers and adaptive traits that enhance drought tolerance in wheat.

4️⃣ Kosová, K., et al. (2025) – How to survive mild winters: Cold acclimation in winter wheat, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry (In Press)

  • Summary: This upcoming paper explores how winter wheat adapts to mild winter conditions through cold acclimation. It delves into metabolic and proteomic responses that enable winter wheat to maintain resilience in fluctuating temperatures, providing insights for crop improvement under climate change.

Conclusion

Tereza Nešporová is a highly qualified researcher with a strong record in proteomics, mass spectrometry, and plant stress responses. Her publications, awards, and international collaborations make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While she could further enhance her profile through grant leadership and broader scientific engagement, her contributions to the field are noteworthy and impactful.