Roberto Berni Canani | Molecular Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Roberto Berni Canani | Molecular Medicine | Best Researcher Award 

Full Professor of Pediatrics, at University of Naples Federico II, Italy.

Prof. Dr. Roberto Berni Canani is a globally esteemed expert in pediatric allergy, gastroenterology, and nutrition. He holds the position of Full Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Naples “Federico II” and leads multiple pivotal programs, including the Pediatric Allergy Gastroenterology and Nutrition Program, ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, and NutriTechLab. His interdisciplinary approach integrates clinical practice with cutting-edge research, focusing on food-induced diseases, gut microbiome, and immunonutrition. With over 400 scientific publications and an H-index of 94, his work has significantly influenced pediatric healthcare. Prof. Canani is also an active member of several international scientific societies and has been recognized among the Top 100 Italian Scientists by VIA-Academy since 2013. Biocodex Microbiota Institute

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Prof. Canani earned his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Naples “Federico II”. His doctoral research delved into the pathophysiology of acute and chronic intestinal diseases, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. He further specialized in Pediatrics, obtaining board certification, and pursued advanced training through research fellowships and visiting professorships at esteemed institutions such as Harvard Medical School, University of Chicago, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. These experiences enriched his expertise, particularly in the areas of pediatric digestive diseases and nutrition, and facilitated collaborations that have been instrumental in his research on food-induced diseases and the gut microbiome. ResearchGate

💼 Experience

With a career spanning over three decades, Prof. Canani has been at the forefront of pediatric healthcare and research. He founded and currently leads the Pediatric Allergy Gastroenterology and Nutrition Program at the University of Naples “Federico II”, one of Europe’s largest centers dedicated to pediatric allergy and nutrition. Under his leadership, the program has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the World Allergy Organization. He also established the ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, focusing on translating research findings into clinical applications. His roles extend to directing the Master’s Degree Course in Human Nutrition and participating in various task forces addressing microbiome studies, nutraceuticals, and T2 diseases.

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Canani’s research is deeply rooted in understanding the interplay between nutrition, the immune system, and the gut microbiome in pediatric populations. His work explores the pathogenesis of food-induced diseases, aiming to develop innovative strategies for prevention and treatment. Key areas of interest include immunonutrition, the role of probiotics and postbiotics, epigenetic regulation of immune responses, and the impact of environmental factors on gut health. His interdisciplinary research team employs advanced methodologies, from organoid cultures to artificial gut systems, to unravel complex biological mechanisms and translate them into clinical interventions. ceinge.unina.it

🏆 Awards

Prof. Canani’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He has received several scientific prizes for his research activities and has been a member of the Expert Panel and the Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Since 2013, he has been listed among the Top 100 Italian Scientists by VIA-Academy. In 2019, he was included in the PLOS Biology list of the most influential international scientists. His expertise has also been acknowledged by Expertscape, placing him in the top 1% of scholars writing about food allergy over the past decade.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Prof. Canani has authored over 400 scientific publications, contributing significantly to the fields of pediatric allergy, gastroenterology, and nutrition. His work is widely cited, with more than 44,000 citations and an H-index of 94. Below are some of his notable publications:

1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-supplemented formula expands butyrate-producing bacterial strains in food allergic infants

  • Journal: ISME Journal, 2016; 10(3):742–750

  • Citations: 200+

  • Key Insight: Supplementation with L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) increases butyrate-producing strains, indicating a protective microbiota profile in allergic infants.

2. Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula with LGG prevents additional allergic manifestations

  • Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017; 139(6):1906–1913.e4

  • Citations: 150+

  • Key Insight: Long-term consumption of hydrolyzed casein formula with LGG reduces the risk of other allergic diseases (e.g., eczema, asthma).

3. Altered miR-193a-5p expression in children with cow’s milk allergy

  • Journal: Allergy, 2018; 73(2):379–386

  • Citations: 100+

  • Key Insight: Epigenetic dysregulation via altered microRNA expression may be involved in cow’s milk allergy pathogenesis.

4. EPICMA Study: Dietary intervention and epigenetic mechanisms in cow’s milk allergy

  • Journal: Scientific Reports, 2019; 9(1):2828

  • Citations: 80+

  • Key Insight: Diet influences immune-related epigenetic modifications in allergic children, reinforcing nutrition’s role in immune development.

5. Healthy infants harbor intestinal bacteria that protect against food allergy

  • Journal: Nature Medicine, 2019; 25(3):448–453

  • Citations: 300+

  • Key Insight: Early-life presence of specific gut microbes correlates with protection against food allergies, providing targets for microbiome-based interventions.

6. Targeting Food Allergy with Probiotics

  • Book Chapter: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2019

  • Citations: 50+

  • Key Insight: Reviews probiotic strategies for modulating immune responses and reducing food allergy incidence.

7. Synbiotic trial: L. paracasei B21060 + prebiotics in children with acute diarrhea

  • Journal: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2012

  • Citations: 70+

  • Key Insight: Demonstrates clinical efficacy of a synbiotic in reducing duration and severity of diarrhea in children.

8. Epigenetic Regulation of Early Nutrition on Immune System

  • Book Chapter: Handbook of Nutrition, Diet, and Epigenetics, 2017

  • Citations: 60+

  • Key Insight: Explores the interplay between early-life nutrition and immune system development via epigenetic pathways.

9. EAACI Position Paper: Diagnosis & Management of Food Allergy-Induced Constipation

  • Journal: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2024; 35(6)

  • Citations: 30+

  • Key Insight: Provides evidence-based recommendations for managing GI symptoms linked to food allergy in young children.

10. Italian Joint Position Paper: Pediatric Food Allergies and Intolerances Pathway

  • Journal: Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2022

  • Citations: 40+

  • Key Insight: Establishes an integrated clinical pathway for diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up in children with food allergies in Italy.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Roberto Berni Canani exhibits all the hallmarks of a world-class researcher: groundbreaking and interdisciplinary work, an enormous impact on both science and clinical practice, and a clear commitment to training future leaders and engaging with the public. His contributions have transformed the understanding and management of pediatric gastroenterology and food-induced diseases, making him eminently deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Jin-Ju Lei | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

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.