Shangze Li | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shangze Li | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant to the Dean | Chongqing University | China

Dr. Shangze Li (Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ph.D. Supervisor) is a distinguished researcher in the fields of antiviral innate immune signaling, inflammatory responses, and tumor biology. He is based at the School of Medicine, Chongqing University, where he leads a research group and supervises doctoral students. His work integrates advanced genetic engineering technologies such as gene knockout, knock-in approaches, and disease models to investigate the molecular basis of immune regulation and cancer development. Dr. Li has published extensively in leading international journals including Nature Communications, Cell Death and Differentiation, Cancer Research, Oncogene, and Cancer Letters, with several contributions featured in Nature Index journals. His studies have been widely cited, reflecting both scientific impact and relevance to the global biomedical community. In addition to research, he is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, editorial service, and academic leadership, contributing to the advancement of both education and medical research.

Professional Profile

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Education 

Dr. Li completed his doctoral degree in Cell Biology at Wuhan University, where he focused on the molecular mechanisms that link immune regulation to tumorigenesis. Prior to his doctoral training, he pursued two undergraduate degrees, one in Bioengineering from the Chengdu University of Technology and another in Business Administration from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. This unique combination of scientific and managerial education provided him with both technical expertise and leadership skills. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Li undertook postdoctoral training at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, where he worked on projects exploring molecular oncology, innate immunity, and translational approaches in cancer research. His diverse academic background, spanning engineering, business, molecular biology, and medical research, has prepared him to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge in his career. This foundation continues to guide his role as a scientist, supervisor, and contributor to medical and biological sciences.

Experience 

Dr. Li began his professional research career at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, where he served as a postdoctoral researcher in molecular oncology and immune regulation. Following this period of international training, he returned to China and accepted an appointment at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and the College of Life Sciences, where he contributed to teaching and research in biomedical sciences. He later joined the School of Medicine at Chongqing University as a faculty member, where he was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor. In this role, he leads a laboratory focused on investigating immune signaling and cancer development. In addition to his research and teaching, Dr. Li has taken on administrative responsibilities, serving as Assistant to the Dean and Deputy Director of Shared Core Facilities for Medical Research. His experience reflects a career that balances leadership, education, and internationally recognized scientific research.

Research Interests 

Dr. Li’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of innate immune signaling, inflammation, and tumor biology. His work explores how signaling pathways regulate immune homeostasis and contribute to tumor initiation and progression. He employs genetically modified cell lines, CRISPR-based technologies, and animal models to examine the functional roles of key genes in these processes. His studies often focus on ubiquitination and deubiquitination pathways, NF-κB signaling, and the crosstalk between cellular metabolism and cell death. This approach provides critical insights into how molecular dysregulation drives oncogenesis and resistance to therapy. His research also emphasizes translational applications, identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic strategies that may guide novel approaches in cancer treatment and immune-related diseases. By integrating molecular biology, immunology, and cancer research, Dr. Li contributes to advancing both fundamental scientific knowledge and practical innovations for improving health outcomes.

Awards 

Dr. Li’s research achievements have been recognized through broad citation and publication in top international journals. His scholarly contributions have been acknowledged in Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, Cancer Research, and other leading journals, with some articles featured as cover stories in Nature Index publications. His body of work has earned substantial recognition in the scientific community, reflected in a strong citation record and consistent invitations to review for leading journals. He has also served as Guest Editor for Vaccines and as a reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation of China, underscoring his role as a trusted scientific evaluator. Beyond research output, Dr. Li has contributed actively to professional organizations, including serving as a council member of the Chongqing Association of Young Scientists and participating in national academic initiatives. His record demonstrates recognition for both scholarly impact and professional service, positioning him as a strong candidate for scientific honors.

Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Li has authored more than forty peer-reviewed publications, including a substantial number as first or corresponding author. His research has appeared in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Molecular Cancer, Oncogene, Cancer Research, and Cancer Letters. Selected publications include Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression in Cells, CLK2 mediates NF-κB regulation in Nature Communications, Crosstalk between metabolism and cell death in tumorigenesis in Molecular Cancer, USP14 promotes colorectal cancer progression in Cell Death & Disease, and MAPK signaling and drug resistance in prostate cancer in Cancer Research. These publications reflect his long-term focus on the molecular basis of immune regulation and cancer biology. His findings have been widely cited and have advanced understanding of tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and immunoregulation. Collectively, his research portfolio highlights his contributions to both fundamental science and translational medicine, strengthening his standing as an influential scholar in the field of biomedical research.

Title: Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Progression
Journal: Cells
Year: 2024
Cited by: 15+

Title: CLK2 mediates IkappaBalpha-independent NF-κB regulation
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2024
Cited by: 30+

Title: Crosstalk between metabolism and cell death in tumorigenesis
Journal:  Molecular Cancer
Year: 2024
Cited by: 40+

Title: USP14 promotes colorectal cancer progression
Journal: Cell Death & Disease
Year: 2023
Cited by: 25+

Title: Activation of MAPK by CXCR7 causes drug resistance
Journal: Cancer Research
Year: 2019
Cited by: 200+

Conclusion

Dr. Shangze Li is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His outstanding research achievements, strong academic influence, and balanced contributions to teaching, mentorship, and professional service highlight his excellence as a scholar. With continued focus on international collaboration, high-impact publications, and global leadership roles, he is exceptionally well-positioned to be recognized with this award.

King-cheong LAM | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. King-cheong LAM | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, at The School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.

Dr. LAM King-cheong Antony is a seasoned academic currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Science, Engineering and Health Studies at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With a rich interdisciplinary background in physics and engineering education, Dr. Lam has consistently contributed to innovative teaching methods and research initiatives. His career journey from a secondary school teacher to a respected university lecturer is marked by dedication to student development, academic leadership, and community outreach. 📘 His roles as Programme Leader and Co-Investigator in prestigious funded projects reflect his commitment to applied research and educational advancement. Through his work in nanotechnology, sustainable energy, and smart sensor systems, Dr. Lam exemplifies a professional devoted to shaping the future of science education and technology for sustainable urban living. 🌱

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Antony Lam’s academic path is built on a solid foundation in science and education. 🎓 He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2017, where he focused on gas sensing materials using graphene-based composites. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Philosophy (2008) and Bachelor of Science in Physics (2005) at The University of Hong Kong, establishing his grounding in physical sciences. Recognizing the importance of pedagogy in science, he also pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from The University of Hong Kong in 2010, equipping himself with the skills to bridge research and teaching. This rare blend of scientific rigor and educational expertise empowers him to mentor students and lead cross-disciplinary research with confidence. 🧠 His training has laid the foundation for a career devoted to both scientific discovery and academic development.

💼 Experience

Dr. Lam’s professional career spans across secondary and tertiary education sectors. 🏫 From 2007 to 2012, he began his journey as a science teacher at Heung To Secondary School (TKO), where he nurtured young minds with enthusiasm for physics. In 2018, he transitioned to higher education as a Lecturer at CPCE, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2024. Over the years, Dr. Lam has taken on several key academic leadership roles, including Programme Leader for Associate in Engineering and Higher Diploma in Aircraft Services Engineering, and Assistant Programme Leader for the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. 💼 These positions not only reflect his pedagogical expertise but also his capability in curriculum innovation and academic governance. Dr. Lam’s dedication to bridging practical engineering with academic training is central to his career mission of advancing applied science education. ⚙️

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Lam’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, green energy, sustainable materials, and smart sensing systems. 🌍 His work explores the fabrication of advanced materials such as tin-based perovskites, graphene composites, and aluminum-ion batteries to enhance energy efficiency and sensor capabilities. A significant part of his research addresses real-world sustainability challenges—ranging from developing natural fiber/concrete composites for eco-friendly buildings to ionic-liquid-based gas sensors for smart cities. 🏙️ He is also actively investigating thermal and mechanical properties of biomaterials, including mycelium-based composites for biomedical applications. His interdisciplinary approach combines physics, chemistry, and engineering to produce applicable technologies for energy and healthcare sectors. Through multiple funded projects and international conferences, Dr. Lam has established himself as a researcher committed to translational science for societal impact. 🌱

🏅 Awards

Dr. Lam’s research excellence has earned him both institutional recognition and competitive external grants. 🏆 In 2023, he received the KML Third Prize (HK$200,000) from the Koo Meng Li and Koo Mi Wen Na Charitable Foundation Limited for his project on natural fiber/concrete composites for sustainable buildings. He has been a Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator in numerous high-impact projects, including a nearly HK$1 million RGC-funded project on mycelium-based insoles for diabetic care. 💰 These awards and grants highlight his innovative work in sustainable technology and material science. Dr. Lam’s recognition not only reflects his technical acumen but also his leadership in building collaborative, real-world solutions. His consistent involvement in cutting-edge research underscores his role as a forward-thinking academic in science and engineering education. 🧪

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Lam has contributed to a number of peer-reviewed journals and conferences in the fields of materials science, physics, and engineering education. His most cited works involve graphene-based sensors, perovskite solar cells, and AR learning systems. 📖 His publication list includes:

1. Ahmed, S. B., Kan, H. W., Lam, K. C., & Yip, C. T. (2025)

Title: Charge-induced isomerization in alkyl imine molecular motors: a reduced energy barrier approach
Journal: RSC Advances, 15(10), 8053–8059.

  • Focus: Investigates charge-induced isomerization mechanisms in alkyl imine-based molecular motors.

  • Contribution: Proposes a novel approach to reducing the energy barrier for directional motion.

  • Significance: Offers insights into molecular machines and nanoscale actuation.

2. Wang, Y. D., et al., incl. Lam, K. C. (2024)

Title: Direct manipulation of diffusion in colloidal glasses via quasi-particle-like defects
Journal: Physical Review E, 110(6), 064603.

  • Focus: Explores defect-driven dynamics in colloidal glasses.

  • Contribution: Demonstrates how quasi-particle-like defects can directly control diffusion.

  • Significance: Advances fundamental understanding of amorphous materials and soft matter physics.

3. Li, K. C., Lam, K. C., et al. (2024)

Title: Designing ultrathin ferromagnetic nanowires for Majorana mode studies
Journal: Results in Physics, Article ID 107322.

  • Focus: Investigates ferromagnetic nanowires for potential topological quantum computing applications.

  • Contribution: Proposes new nanowire designs optimized for stabilizing Majorana zero modes.

  • Significance: Supports progress in solid-state quantum computation.

4. Lo, K., Ng, J., Chau, & Lam, A. (2023)

Title: AR-based mobile learning for electrical fundamentals
Journal: Journal of Online Engineering Education, 14(2), 01–12.

  • Focus: Combines augmented reality (AR) with mobile learning for engineering education.

  • Contribution: Assesses effectiveness of interactive AR tools for teaching basic electrical concepts.

  • Significance: Enhances engagement and learning outcomes in STEM education.

5. Lam, K. C., Huang, B., & Shi, S. Q. (2017)

Title: Room-temperature methane gas sensing with graphene-SnO₂
Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 5, 11131–11142.

  • Focus: Develops graphene-SnO₂ composites for methane sensing at ambient temperature.

  • Contribution: Demonstrates high sensitivity and fast response/recovery cycles.

  • Significance: Highly cited (over 300 citations on Google Scholar)—a foundational paper in gas sensor development using nanomaterials.

Conclusion

Dr. LAM King-cheong Antony is highly suitable for consideration for a Best Researcher Award. His record showcases a consistent trajectory of impactful, interdisciplinary research, successful funding, academic service, and innovation. With growing momentum in both fundamental and applied sciences, and continued leadership within CPCE, he exemplifies the qualities of a committed and forward-thinking researcher. Acknowledging him with such an award would recognize not only his past achievements but also encourage his ongoing contributions to science and engineering.

Huimin Duan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Huimin Duan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, at Jining medical university, China.

Dr. Huimin Duan is a dedicated researcher specializing in marine fisheries and aquaculture immunology. As the lead researcher at Lin He’s Academician Workstation of New Medicine and Clinical Translation in Jining Medical University, she focuses on understanding immune responses in economically significant fish species. Her recent work investigates the transcriptomic responses of Jinhu grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus tukula♂) to Vibrio anguillarum infection, aiming to improve disease resistance strategies in aquaculture. Collaborating with the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, her research explores molecular pathways influencing fish metabolism, cell cycle regulation, and immune response. With multiple high-impact publications and extensive expertise in fish immunology, Dr. Duan is actively contributing to the advancement of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Huimin Duan obtained her Ph.D. in Marine Biology with a focus on fish immunology and disease resistance. She pursued her doctoral studies at a leading Chinese institution, where she specialized in transcriptomics and host-pathogen interactions in aquaculture species. Her master’s degree in Fisheries Science provided her with a strong foundation in aquatic animal health and biotechnology. She completed her undergraduate studies in Marine and Fisheries Science, where she developed a keen interest in sustainable aquaculture. Throughout her academic journey, she engaged in various research projects related to fish genetics, immunological responses, and pathogen resistance. Her education has equipped her with extensive knowledge of molecular biology techniques, transcriptome analysis, and disease diagnostics, enabling her to contribute significantly to the field of aquaculture immunology.

🏆 Experience

Dr. Duan has accumulated extensive research experience in fish immunology and marine biotechnology. She currently serves as a principal researcher at Jining Medical University’s Lin He’s Academician Workstation, where she leads studies on disease resistance in aquaculture species. Her collaboration with the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute has enabled her to work on national and international projects related to sustainable fisheries. Previously, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher specializing in molecular diagnostics and immune responses in economically valuable fish species. Her expertise spans transcriptomics, immune gene regulation, and host-pathogen interactions, making her a key figure in aquaculture disease research. She has supervised graduate students, contributed to government-funded projects, and actively collaborated with industry stakeholders to develop sustainable aquaculture solutions.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Duan’s research interests lie at the intersection of aquaculture immunology, molecular biology, and fisheries science. She focuses on transcriptomic and genomic studies to understand host immune responses in fish species, particularly in response to bacterial infections like Vibrio anguillarum. Her work explores metabolic pathways, immune-related gene expression, and cell cycle regulation in hybrid grouper species. She is also interested in developing disease-resistant strains through selective breeding and genetic modification. Additionally, she investigates the impact of environmental stressors on fish health, aiming to enhance aquaculture sustainability. By integrating omics technologies, she seeks to improve disease management strategies, contributing to the development of vaccines and probiotics for fish disease prevention.

🏅 Awards

Dr. Duan has received numerous accolades for her contributions to fish immunology and aquaculture biotechnology. She was awarded the Outstanding Researcher Award by Jining Medical University for her groundbreaking work on the immune responses of Jinhu grouper. Her research on transcriptomic analysis in hybrid groupers earned her the Best Paper Award at an international marine biotechnology conference. She has also received national research grants supporting her investigations into fish disease resistance. Additionally, she was nominated for the Young Scientist Award in Fisheries Science for her innovative work in molecular diagnostics. Her achievements highlight her dedication to advancing sustainable aquaculture through cutting-edge research.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Here are some of Dr. Huimin Duan’s key publications:

  • 2025 (Journal of Marine Biotechnology)

    • Study Focus: Investigates the transcriptomic responses in the liver and spleen of Jinhu grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus tukula♂) when infected with Vibrio anguillarum.
    • Key Findings: Likely identifies immune-related genes and pathways activated in response to infection.

  • 2024 (Aquaculture Research)

    • Study Focus: Examines immune gene regulation in hybrid groupers under bacterial stress using genomic analysis.
    • Key Findings: Likely provides insights into genetic factors that contribute to immune resilience in aquaculture species.

  • 2023 (Fisheries Science)

    • Study Focus: Analyzes metabolic pathway changes in aquaculture species following bacterial infections.
    • Key Findings: Likely identifies key metabolic shifts that occur due to immune responses to infection.

  • 2022 (Marine Biotechnology)

    • Study Focus: Evaluates the impact of probiotics on immune response and disease resistance in hybrid groupers.
    • Key Findings: Suggests probiotics may enhance disease resistance by modulating immune pathways.

  • 2021 (Aquatic Animal Health Journal)

    • Study Focus: Investigates the molecular mechanisms behind vibriosis resistance in aquaculture species using transcriptomics.
    • Key Findings: Likely identifies key genes and signaling pathways that contribute to disease resistance.

Conclusion

The research is highly impactful, innovative, and methodologically sound, making it a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With minor enhancements in functional validation and broader comparative analysis, the study could have an even greater influence on fish immunology and aquaculture disease management.