Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Staff member, at National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), South Korea.

Hyo Jin Yoon is an accomplished Clinical Laboratory Scientist with over 15 years of expertise in cytogenetics and biological dosimetry. Based at the National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), she plays a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic and emergency response strategies in radiation exposure cases. Her professional journey includes significant roles at Yonsei University Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. She has been instrumental in developing DiCADE, an AI-driven software for dicentric chromosome analysis, enhancing the accuracy and speed of biodosimetric assessments. A certified ASCPi-IMLT professional, she also serves as a KOLAS Technical Expert for ISO 15189. Through her multidisciplinary approach combining clinical practice, research, and innovation, Hyo Jin continues to elevate global standards in radiation emergency medicine. 🌍🧪💡

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Hyo Jin began her academic journey in clinical pathology by earning an associate degree from Daejeon Health College, which laid a strong foundation in laboratory sciences. She furthered her education at Eulji University, completing bachelor’s-level coursework with a specialization in medical laboratory technology. Her dedication to professional growth led her to earn the prestigious ASCPi-IMLT certification in 2012, an internationally recognized credential in medical laboratory science. Her continuous pursuit of learning has enabled her to integrate traditional laboratory practices with modern innovations in AI-based diagnostics. 📚👩‍🔬🎓

💼 Experience 

With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, Hyo Jin Yoon has made significant contributions across clinical, academic, and research domains. She began her professional tenure at Yonsei University Medical Center and later at St. Mary’s Hospital, gaining frontline diagnostic experience in clinical pathology. Since 2015, she has been a core member of the Laboratory of Biodosimetry at KIRAMS-NREME, where she is actively engaged in radiation biodosimetry, diagnostics, and AI-integrated tool development. Her practical insights have been crucial in enhancing laboratory standards and emergency response protocols in radiation medicine. Additionally, as a KOLAS Technical Expert (ISO 15189), she ensures quality and compliance in laboratory operations. 🏥🧬🛡️

🔬 Research Interest

Hyo Jin’s research interests lie at the intersection of cytogenetics, radiation biodosimetry, and medical AI applications. Her core focus is on developing diagnostic tools that improve the biological dose assessment of radiation exposure, particularly during emergencies. Her innovative work on DiCADE—a semi-automated AI-powered dicentric chromosome analysis system—demonstrates her commitment to precision diagnostics. She is deeply involved in international collaboration networks such as RENEB and works with partners like Health Canada and Hirosaki University. Her current research also involves harmonizing scoring standards for cytogenetic assays across biodosimetry networks in South Korea. Her interdisciplinary interests aim to make radiation response faster, more accurate, and globally standardized. 🤖🔎📈

🏆 Awards & Recognitions 

Hyo Jin Yoon’s pioneering work in the field of radiation biodosimetry has earned her respect and recognition across scientific communities. In addition to securing a software copyright for DiCADE (Reg. No. C-2025-019817, dated May 27, 2025), she also has a pending trademark for the tool. As a certified KOLAS Technical Expert, she has contributed to national laboratory quality assurance initiatives. Her participation in international intercomparison exercises with RENEB and Health Canada further reflects her global outreach and credibility. She is a consistent contributor to academic conferences and technical exchange programs, and her work is regarded as a benchmark in South Korea’s preparedness for radiation emergencies. 🥇🔬📜

📚 Top Noted Publications

Hyo Jin Yoon has co-authored six peer-reviewed articles, significantly advancing the field of biological dosimetry:

1. Collaborative Activities in a Biological Dosimetry Network for Radiation Emergencies in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2025

  • Citations: 7

  • Summary:
    This paper presents the establishment and development of a coordinated biological dosimetry network in South Korea. It focuses on preparedness strategies for radiation emergencies, inter-laboratory collaboration, and standardization of methodologies across partner institutions. The paper emphasizes international alignment with IAEA and WHO guidelines and proposes protocols for emergency biodosimetry response.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Strengthens Korea’s radiation emergency response infrastructure.

    • Highlights the importance of capacity building and shared resources.

    • Demonstrates real-case simulations for readiness evaluation.

2. Lessons on Harmonization of Scoring Criteria for Dicentric Chromosome Assay in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2024

  • Citations: 5

  • Summary:
    This study reports on efforts to unify scoring criteria among Korean biodosimetry laboratories for the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA), a key cytogenetic tool in radiation dose assessment. It compares results across labs and discusses discrepancies and consensus-building.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Establishes baseline standards for DCA scoring nationwide.

    • Recommends training protocols and QA practices.

    • Encourages future harmonization with global networks.

3. Application of a Semi-Automated Dicentric Scoring System in Triage and Monitoring Occupational Radiation Exposure

  • Journal: Frontiers in Public Health, 2024

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary:
    This paper evaluates a semi-automated image analysis platform for scoring dicentric chromosomes in metaphase cells. Its application for radiation triage and occupational health surveillance is assessed, showing increased speed and reproducibility.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reduces manual workload and inter-scorer variability.

    • Supports large-scale triage in radiation emergencies.

    • Offers a model for integrating AI-assisted analysis in routine monitoring.

4. Chromosome Aberration Dynamics in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy

  • Journal: Mutation Research, 2023

  • Citations: 10

  • Summary:
    This study tracks the temporal profile of chromosome aberrations, including dicentrics and translocations, in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. It assesses the persistence of aberrations post-treatment as a biomarker of cumulative exposure.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reveals individual variation in chromosomal response to radiotherapy.

    • Proposes implications for patient-specific radiation sensitivity.

    • Highlights the utility of cytogenetics in post-therapy surveillance.

5. An Intercomparison Exercise to Compare Scoring Criteria and Develop Image Databank for Biodosimetry in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2023

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    This paper documents an inter-laboratory comparison in which multiple Korean institutions scored the same set of metaphase images to assess consistency. It led to the creation of a national image databank to support training and harmonization.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Identifies scoring variability and proposes mitigation strategies.

    • Establishes a digital resource for future reference and QA.

    • Supports IAEA-compliant training infrastructure.

6. Effective Centrifugation Techniques for Improving Metaphase Spreads in Lymphocytopenic Patients

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2022

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary:
    This methodological paper explores optimized centrifugation protocols to enhance metaphase yield in samples with low lymphocyte counts, such as from immunocompromised or radiotherapy-treated individuals.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Offers practical improvements to sample preparation protocols.

    • Increases metaphase cell quality and scoring accuracy.

    • Beneficial for labs working with difficult patient samples.

Conclusion

Hyo Jin, Yoon demonstrates exceptional dedication to scientific advancement in the field of biological dosimetry, combining clinical excellence with innovative research. Her work in developing AI-driven diagnostic tools and her collaborative efforts in national and international radiation emergency networks make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a few strategic steps to broaden her academic leadership, her impact can be even more significant.

Can Yang Zhang | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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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 environment​ScienceDirect

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.

Hang Zhao | Crop genetic breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Hang Zhao | Crop genetic breeding | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at Qufu Normal University, China.

Prof. Hang Zhao is a distinguished researcher in plant science, currently serving at the College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, China. He is the principal investigator of the “Outstanding Young Innovation Team of Higher Education Institutions in Shandong Province.” Prof. Zhao contributes to several editorial boards, including “Agricultural Communications” and “Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology.” As a guest editor for “Frontiers in Plant Science” and “Frontiers in Genetics,” he influences cutting-edge research. His pioneering work in crop agronomic trait regulation and elite variety selection has earned him two national invention patents. With over 50 publications in top-tier journals such as Nature, Trends in Plant Science, and Plant Biotechnology Journal, he has made significant contributions to agricultural research. His dedication to scientific excellence has been recognized with the Outstanding Reviewer Award from Agricultural Communications.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Prof. Hang Zhao holds a strong academic background in plant science and biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology, where he specialized in molecular breeding and agronomic trait regulation. His research focused on enhancing crop resilience and productivity, particularly in cotton. During his doctoral studies, he investigated gene expression pathways affecting early maturation and multiple cropping indexes. His academic journey included advanced coursework and research training in plant genetics, transgenic crop development, and agronomic improvement strategies. Prof. Zhao has collaborated with international institutions to refine breeding technologies, integrating genomic tools into modern agricultural practices. His rigorous academic training and research expertise have laid the foundation for his impactful contributions to plant science and agricultural biotechnology.

Experience 💪

With a wealth of experience in agricultural biotechnology, Prof. Zhao has led groundbreaking research projects focused on improving crop traits through genetic engineering and molecular breeding. As the principal investigator of an elite research team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping modern plant biotechnology. His leadership extends to academic publishing, serving as a young editorial board member for Agricultural Communications and Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology. He has also contributed as a guest editor for Frontiers in Plant Science and Frontiers in Genetics, influencing the direction of plant research globally. Prof. Zhao has successfully supervised numerous postgraduate students and researchers, fostering innovation in crop improvement. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications, ensuring agricultural sustainability and enhanced food security.

Research Interest 🌱

Prof. Zhao’s research focuses on the genetic regulation of agronomic traits and the molecular breeding of elite crop varieties. He is dedicated to identifying early-maturing genes in upland cotton, developing strategies to mitigate yield losses due to climate variability. His work also addresses the optimization of multiple cropping indexes to resolve conflicts in grain and cotton cultivation. By leveraging transgenic technologies, Prof. Zhao and his team aim to enhance crop resilience, improve growth efficiency, and integrate desirable agronomic traits into modern varieties. His research extends to understanding germplasm resources and applying genetic pyramiding techniques to develop high-performing crop strains. His commitment to agricultural innovation contributes to the advancement of sustainable and efficient farming systems.

Awards 🏆

Prof. Zhao’s outstanding contributions to plant science have earned him multiple prestigious awards. He was honored with the Outstanding Reviewer Award by Agricultural Communications, recognizing his dedication to maintaining high research standards. Additionally, he has been granted two national invention patents as the first inventor, highlighting his innovative approaches to crop trait regulation and genetic enhancement. His research achievements have positioned him as a leading figure in agricultural biotechnology, driving advancements in sustainable crop production. As a key investigator in agronomic trait improvement, Prof. Zhao’s groundbreaking discoveries continue to shape modern agricultural practices and inspire future researchers in plant science.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Conclusion

Prof. Hang Zhao is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his strong publication record, leadership roles, patents, and significant contributions to cotton genetics and agronomy. While he already has an impressive academic footprint, expanding his industry collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and global outreach could further solidify his position as a leading researcher.