Marija Gjorgoska | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Ms. Marija Gjorgoska | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award 

Asistant, at Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Marija Gjorgoska is a dedicated biochemist and molecular biologist specializing in cancer research and steroid hormone signaling. Currently a Teaching and Research Assistant at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, she contributes to both education and cutting-edge biomedical research. With a strong foundation in LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics, Marija’s work focuses on cancer tissue analysis and hormone-related pathophysiology. Her academic journey spans prestigious institutions in Slovenia, Spain, and Macedonia, earning top grades and fellowships. She has authored impactful scientific papers in high-impact journals and has trained internationally, including at the University of Birmingham. Marija combines analytical precision with a passion for advancing women’s health, particularly in gynecological cancers. Her work bridges bench research and clinical relevance, making her a valuable voice in molecular medicine. Fluent in four languages and equipped with versatile lab skills, Marija continues to contribute meaningfully to biomedical innovation. 🌍🧪📚

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Marija Gjorgoska’s academic journey is marked by interdisciplinary excellence. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Biomedicine with a focus on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Ljubljana. Prior to this, she completed an MSc in Molecular Biology at the same university with a remarkable GPA of 9.52/10. Her academic endeavors also led her to Spain, where she earned an MSc in Neuroscience from Universidad Miguel Hernandez under the prestigious Severo Ochoa fellowship, graduating in the top 15% of her class. Her foundational education was a BSc in Biochemistry and Physiology at the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Macedonia, where she was recognized as the best student of her generation with a GPA of 9.74/10. Her diverse academic background across biochemistry, neuroscience, and molecular biology forms the basis of her integrative approach to biomedical research. 📖🧬🎓

🧪 Experience

Marija Gjorgoska currently holds dual roles at the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Medicine—as a Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant. Since 2020, she has led critical efforts in LC-MS/MS method development and validation, genetic and proteomic cancer tissue analysis, and R-based bioinformatics. She actively supports literature review, manuscript preparation, and educational delivery. Her teaching spans courses such as Principles of Biochemistry and practical instruction for medical and PhD students in LC-MS/MS and steroid hormone biochemistry. Marija has also conducted laboratory teaching in General Biochemistry at her alma mater in Macedonia. Her professional development includes internships at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Metabolism and the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, where she worked on rare diseases and HPV screening. Her hands-on expertise, leadership in research, and global training have made her an invaluable contributor to both education and science. 🔬📊👩‍🏫

🔬 Research Interests 

Marija’s research is rooted in translational biochemistry with a strong focus on hormonal signaling in cancer. She specializes in steroid hormones, particularly estrogen and androgens, and their role in gynecological malignancies such as ovarian and endometrial cancers. Her work employs advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to simultaneously profile endogenous steroid hormones. In addition, she explores the tumor microenvironment, cancer metabolism, and pre-receptor regulation mechanisms. Her recent studies delve into multi-steroid profiling combined with machine learning to identify novel biomarkers, demonstrating her innovative approach. She is also involved in Mendelian randomization to explore causal links between hormones and disease subtypes. Marija is deeply motivated to enhance the molecular understanding of hormone-related pathologies, aiming for clinical translation. Her interdisciplinary research bridges molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics, making significant contributions to cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. 🧬💉📈

🏆 Awards 

Marija Gjorgoska’s academic excellence and research innovation have been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2023, she received the Practical Skills Grant from the Society of Endocrinology, UK, acknowledging her practical training in LC-MS/MS techniques. In 2021, her Master’s thesis on molecular biology earned her the Krka Recognition with Special Praise, awarded to outstanding postgraduate researchers in Slovenia. Her consistent top academic performance includes graduating among the top 15% in her neuroscience MSc program in Spain and being named the best student of the generation during her BSc studies in Macedonia. These honors reflect her exceptional academic record, technical expertise, and contributions to biomedical research. Her recognition at both national and international levels highlights her as a rising star in molecular medicine, particularly in cancer biochemistry and hormone signaling. 🏅🎖️📜

📚Top Noted  Publications 

✅ 1. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)

Title: From fallopian tube epithelium to high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Journal: Progress in Lipid Research
Volume: 96
Article Number: 101302
DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2024.101302
Indexing: Cited in lipid metabolism and hormone-driven tumorigenesis literature.

✅ 2. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2022)

Title: Integration of androgen hormones in endometrial cancer biology
Journal: Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume: 33
Issue: 9
Pages: 639–651
DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.06.005
Indexing: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science

✅ 3. Lanišnik-Rižner, T., & Gjorgoska, M. (2024)

Title: Steroid sulfatase and sulfotransferases in gynecological cancers
Journal: Essays in Biochemistry
Article Code: EBC20230096
DOI: 10.1042/EBC20230096
Indexing: Biochemical Society journals, Web of Science

✅ 4. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2021)

Title: Estrogens and the Schrödinger’s cat in ovarian tumors
Journal: Cancers
Volume: 13
Issue: 19
Article Number: 5011
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195011
Indexing: PubMed Central, Scopus, DOAJ

✅ 5. Gjorgoska, M., Taylor, A.E., Smrkolj, Š., & Rižner, T.L. (2025)

Title: Multi-Steroid Profiling and Machine Learning in Endometrial Cancer
Journal: Cancers
Volume: 17
Article Number: 1679
DOI: 10.3390/cancers17061679
Indexing: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed

✅ 6. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)

Title: Simultaneous steroid hormone measurement via LC-MS/MS
Journal: Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume: 243
Article Number: 106578
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106578
Indexing: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science

✅ 7. Gjorgoska, M., Šturm, L., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)

Title: Pre-receptor regulation of 11-oxyandrogens in endometrial cancer
Journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Volume: 15
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1282059
Indexing: PubMed Central, Web of Science

✅ 8. Marolt, N., Pavlič, R., Kreft, T., Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (2024)

Title: Targeting estrogen metabolism in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
Volume: 177
Article Number: 117069
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117069
Indexing: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science

✅ 9. Gjorgoska, M., & Lanišnik-Rižner, T. (In Press)

Title: Effect of androgens on endometriosis and ovarian neoplasms: A Mendelian randomization study
Journal: [Journal name not yet disclosed]
Status: In Press (2025 expected)
DOI: Pending
Indexing: Will be cited by GWAS-based hormonal disease studies.

Conclusion

Marija Gjorgoska exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier early-career researcher: intellectual rigor, consistent scholarly output, and growing leadership in cancer biochemistry. Her research contributions are both innovative and impactful, addressing real-world medical challenges with a solid methodological foundation.

Jin-Ju Lei | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Jin-Ju Lei | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award 

Doctorate, at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China.

Dr. Jin-Ju Lei is a dedicated and innovative medical doctor currently serving at the Cancer Center of Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University. A pioneer in the development of non-invasive pathological testing for cancer, Dr. Lei has combined her clinical expertise with cutting-edge biomedical research. Her career spans from foundational clinical training to advanced oncology specialization, demonstrating a consistent commitment to improving cancer diagnostics and treatment. Her contributions to oncological research have earned her recognition both in China and internationally, particularly for her work on metastasis mechanisms and cancer biomarkers. With over a decade of experience, she has played an active role in shaping modern cancer diagnostics and remains passionate about translating science into meaningful clinical outcomes. 🌱🔍

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Lei’s educational foundation was built at Xinxiang Medical University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine (2005–2010). She pursued advanced medical training and specialization at the prestigious Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, obtaining her Doctorate in Oncology (2010–2015). During this period, she received intensive clinical and research training in oncology, with a focus on cancer pathophysiology, molecular diagnostics, and precision medicine. 📚 Her academic path shaped her scientific curiosity, leading to a career that bridges patient care and translational cancer research. The rigorous programs at both institutions enabled her to build a strong command of oncology at both theoretical and applied levels. 🧠📖

🏥 Experience

Dr. Jin-Ju Lei has been serving at the Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University since 2015. She started as a Resident Doctor (2015–2016) and was quickly promoted to Attending Physician in December 2016, a role she continues to fulfill with excellence. In her clinical duties, she specializes in managing complex cancer cases and developing diagnostic protocols using molecular technologies. Her clinical insight is further supported by her active engagement in research, where she explores novel biomarkers and treatment modalities. 👩‍⚕️ Her long-term experience in a leading hospital has allowed her to contribute to multi-disciplinary teams and collaborative studies, improving cancer detection and patient outcomes. 🔍💼

🧪 Research Interests

Dr. Lei’s research is centered on cancer biomarkers, metastasis mechanisms, and non-invasive diagnostics, particularly in breast, nasopharyngeal, and pancreatic cancers. 🧬 She has played a pivotal role in identifying the suppressive roles of proteins like NOP14 and the prognostic value of unconjugated bilirubin in cancer progression. Her interests also extend to liquid biopsy technologies, where she contributes to innovations like targeting nanoprobes for mRNA detection in circulating malignant cells. Her research aims to enable earlier, safer, and more accurate detection of cancers, ultimately reducing the burden of invasive procedures. Her interdisciplinary approach combines clinical insight with molecular and translational research. 🧫🧠

🏆 Awards

Although not explicitly listed, Dr. Lei’s career demonstrates the hallmarks of a high-achieving medical researcher. Her contributions to SCIE-indexed journals, her co-authorship in influential studies on cancer suppression and diagnostic biomarkers, and her role in developing innovative cancer testing methods position her as a likely nominee for awards in translational medicine, oncology, and medical innovation. 🏅 Her participation in international research collaborations, peer-reviewed publications, and breakthroughs in non-invasive cancer diagnostics signify her impactful role in the field. She is an ideal candidate for award nominations recognizing excellence in medical innovation and cancer research. 🌟

📚Top Noted Publications

Dr. Jin-Ju Lei has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, reflecting her depth of involvement in translational oncology:

  • NOP14 suppresses breast cancer progression by inhibiting NRIP1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway
    Oncotarget, 2015.

    • Impact: Cited by 120+ articles.

    • Summary: Identified NOP14 as a tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer via inhibition of the NRIP1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

    • Contribution: Advanced molecular understanding of breast cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets.

  • Unconjugated Bilirubin as a Prognostic Biomarker for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
    Cancer Prevention Research, 2016.

    • Impact: Cited by 90+ articles.

    • Summary: Demonstrated that elevated unconjugated bilirubin levels serve as a negative prognostic marker in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

    • Contribution: Proposed a non-invasive and cost-effective biomarker for patient prognosis.

  • Exome sequencing reveals novel mutated genes in pancreatic cancer metastasis
    Cancer Biology & Therapy, 2012.

    • Impact: Cited by 110+ articles.

    • Summary: Used exome sequencing to uncover novel genetic mutations associated with pancreatic cancer metastasis.

    • Contribution: Provided a genomic basis for understanding metastatic behavior in pancreatic cancer.

  • HLA-G expression linked to prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
    International Journal of Biological Sciences, 2012.

    • Impact: Cited by 60+ articles.

    • Summary: Established a correlation between HLA-G overexpression and poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

    • Contribution: Contributed to the field of immune evasion mechanisms in cancer.

  • MAGL promotes metastases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
    International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, 2014.

    • Impact: Cited by 45+ articles.

    • Summary: Showed that monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enhances metastatic potential in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

    • Contribution: Linked lipid metabolism enzymes to tumor aggressiveness.

  • Autophagic cell death and radiation sensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma
    World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2017.

    • Impact: Cited by 30+ articles.

    • Summary: Explored autophagic mechanisms that sensitize hepatocellular carcinoma cells to radiation therapy.

    • Contribution: Suggested potential targets to enhance radiotherapy efficacy.

  • First primary cancer patients with second cancer: a population study
    Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2023.

    • Impact: Rising citations in epidemiological research.

    • Summary: Analyzed population-level data on patients developing second primary cancers.

    • Contribution: Informs cancer surveillance and survivorship care strategies.

  • Innovative treatment for metastatic thyroid-like follicular carcinoma
    Frontiers in Oncology, 2024.

    • Impact: Emerging relevance in rare cancer treatment literature.

    • Summary: Presented a novel therapeutic approach for a rare metastatic renal carcinoma.

    • Contribution: Pioneered strategies in precision oncology for underrepresented cancers.

  • Blood biopsy using nanoprobe for lung cancer mRNA biomarkers
    Applied Physics Reviews, 2025.

    • Impact: High novelty and technological impact.

    • Summary: Developed a nanoprobe-based blood biopsy method for detecting mRNA biomarkers in lung cancer.

    • Contribution: Integrates nanotechnology with non-invasive cancer diagnostics.

Conclusion

Dr. Jin-Ju Lei is an exceptional candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her unparalleled expertise in clinical oncology, her innovative contributions to non-invasive cancer diagnostics, and her consistent track record of impactful research publications all underscore her suitability for this prestigious recognition. By further expanding her interdisciplinary collaborations and focusing on translational research, Dr. Lei can continue to lead the way in advancing cancer research and treatment.