Zhefeng Meng | Evolutionary Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhefeng Meng | Evolutionary Biology | Best Researcher Award

Diretor at Fudan University, China

Dr. Zhefeng Meng (PhD, MD) is an accomplished Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Department at Minhang Hospital, Fudan University. With over two decades of research experience, his work spans HIV molecular evolution, viral-host interactions, cancer biomarker discovery, and tumor immunology. He has published extensively in leading journals such as J Hepatol, J Infect Dis, Front Immunol, and Cell Death & Disease, contributing significantly to both basic and translational biomedical sciences. Dr. Meng has secured multiple competitive research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, and various postdoctoral programs. His scientific excellence has earned him numerous honors, including the Leading Talent Award of Minhang District and prestigious international travel and scholarship grants. His current research focuses on improving early cancer diagnostics and advancing immunotherapeutic strategies, positioning him as a key contributor to global efforts in infectious disease control and cancer research.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education Background of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng has built a strong and multidisciplinary academic foundation in medical sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Molecular Virology from the National Center for AIDS and STD Control and Prevention (China CDC) between 2005 and 2008, focusing on HIV gene variation and evolution. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Medical Molecular Biology at Wenzhou Medical College from 2001 to 2004, where he conducted research on fusion proteins and gene expression. His academic journey began with a College Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Medicine at Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 1996 to 1999. This diverse educational background laid a solid foundation for his future contributions in virology, oncology, and immunology.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng has amassed extensive professional experience across leading medical and research institutions. Since 2015, he has served as an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Department at Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, where he leads cutting-edge studies on HIV recombination, syphilis and influenza evolution, and cancer biomarkers. Prior to this, from 2010 to 2015, he worked as an Associate Professor at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, also affiliated with Fudan University, focusing on HIV-host protein interactions and viral replication mechanisms. From 2008 to 2010, Dr. Meng undertook postdoctoral research under Prof. Yumei Wen at Fudan University’s Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, where he studied therapeutic vaccines and HIV gene mutations. His earlier roles include Ph.D. research at China CDC, research assistantship at Taizhou Hospital, and work in the biotech industry, all of which contributed to his development as a versatile and impactful researcher in infectious diseases and oncology.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng’s research interests lie at the intersection of virology, immunology, and oncology, with a strong focus on infectious disease pathogenesis and tumor biology. He is particularly interested in the genetic evolution, recombination, and functional mutations of HIV, as well as their impact on viral infectivity, immune evasion, and host interactions. His work extends to studying early diagnostic biomarkers for liver and colorectal cancers, aiming to improve cancer detection and treatment strategies. Additionally, Dr. Meng explores the immune regulatory roles of viral proteins and develops novel immunotherapeutic approaches, such as peptide-based vaccines and fusion proteins. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, clinical research, and translational science to address pressing global health challenges.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to biomedical research through numerous national and international awards. He was honored as one of the Leading Talents of Minhang District in 2018 and received the First Rank Zhejiang Provincial Award for Medical and Health Technology Innovation in 2012. His excellence as a young scientist was acknowledged with Young Investigator Scholarships at both AIDS 2012 and AIDS Vaccine 2012, and he earned travel grants for global virology symposiums. Earlier in his career, he was named a Top PhD Student at China CDC and received multiple provincial awards for science and technology innovations. His consistent academic excellence was also marked by honors such as the Kwang-Hua Scholarship, Top Graduate Student distinction from Wenzhou Medical College, and leadership awards during his undergraduate years. These accolades reflect Dr. Meng’s sustained impact, innovation, and leadership in the fields of virology and medical science.

Conclusion 

Dr. Zhefeng Meng is a highly accomplished biomedical researcher with a sustained and impactful contribution to infectious disease research, oncology, and molecular medicine. His work is scientifically rigorous, clinically relevant, and nationally recognized. With high-quality publications, funded research projects, and strong institutional leadership, he exemplifies the criteria for the Best Researcher Award.

📄 Publication Top Noted

  1. Title: TLR10 expression in unswitched memory B associates with the disease activity of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
    Authors: Lumin Zhang, Linchang Yu, Quanfu Li, Meiping Ni, Qiongzhu Dong, Yufang Bao, Jinguan Zhang, Danping Ruan, Zhefeng Meng*, Nannan Lai
    Journal: Clinical Rheumatology
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 3

  2. Title: Nesfatin-1 regulates the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation and its effects on the random skin flap survival in rats
    Authors: [Not fully visible]
    Journal: International Immunopharmacology
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

  3. Title: Roxadustat promotes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signalling to enhance random skin flap survival in rats
    Authors: [Not fully visible]
    Journal: International Wound Journal
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 9

  4. Title: Saxagliptin promotes random skin flap survival
    Authors: [Not fully visible]
    Journal: International Immunopharmacology
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10

  5. Title: Evidence of Residual Ongoing Viral Replication in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Successfully Treated With Nucleos(t)ide Analogues
    Authors: Yu T, Zhang M, Zhang H, Zheng J, Shen C, Jiang N, Zou L, Wang J, Yu Y, Zhang Q, Yu S, Huang Y, Huang Y, Zhang J, Qiu C*, Zhang W*, Meng Z*.
    Journal: Journal of Infectious Diseases
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

 

Jwee Chiek Er | Biology and Life Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

Jwee Chiek Er | Biology and Life Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

Researcher, Norwegian Veterinary Institution, Norway

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er is a distinguished veterinary epidemiologist and researcher dedicated to advancing animal health. 🐖📈 Since 2007, he has worked full-time at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, focusing on epidemiology and bioinformatics. 🇳🇴🔬 He also serves part-time as a church servant at Uranienborg Menighet since 2020. ⛪ Previously, Dr. Er contributed significantly to veterinary inspection in Singapore’s pig and poultry slaughterhouses (1991–2006) and served as a Captain in the Singapore Armed Forces (1989–1991). 🛡️🏥 With a Ph.D. from the University of Life Sciences, Norway, an MPVM from UC Davis, and a BVSc from the University of Queensland, Dr. Er’s career blends scientific excellence with public service. 🎓🌍 His pioneering research on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in pigs has had lasting impacts on veterinary public health. 🦠📖 A committed scholar with 14 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Er exemplifies the qualities honored by the Pioneer Researcher Award. 🏆✨

Publication  Profile

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er holds a rich academic background dedicated to veterinary science and epidemiology. 🎓🐾 He earned his Ph.D. in 2006 from the University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway, presenting a landmark thesis on epidemiological studies of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infections in Norwegian pigs. 🇳🇴📚 He pursued his Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) at the prestigious University of California, Davis, USA, graduating in 2000 with a focus on Veterinary Epidemiology. 🇺🇸📊 Dr. Er began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 1989, grounding him firmly in veterinary practice. 🇦🇺🩺 His education reflects a lifelong commitment to enhancing animal health and advancing veterinary epidemiology through global learning experiences, interdisciplinary knowledge, and applied research, making him a fitting nominee for the Pioneer Researcher Award. 🏅🌟

Experience 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s professional journey reflects outstanding dedication across diverse fields. 🌟 From 2007 onwards, he has been a full-time researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, specializing in epidemiology and bioinformatics. 🐷📊 In 2020, he also took on part-time service as a church servant at Uranienborg Menighet, den norsk luthersk kirke. ⛪ Before his research career, Dr. Er served in Singapore’s civil service (1991–2006), ensuring veterinary inspection and public health in pig and poultry slaughterhouses. 🐔🔍 He started his career in national service, where he rose to the rank of Captain in the Singapore Armed Forces as a logistics officer (1989–1991). 🎖️🚛 These extensive experiences demonstrate his leadership, scientific expertise, and commitment to public welfare. His professional background embodies the spirit of perseverance and innovation celebrated by the Pioneer Researcher Award. 🏅📈

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s career is a testament to persistent excellence and leadership. 🌟 Although specific award listings were not detailed, his achievements themselves reflect high recognition in the veterinary science community. 🐾📈 His Ph.D. thesis and impactful peer-reviewed publications have significantly advanced knowledge of influenza epidemiology in pig populations, demonstrating award-worthy innovation. 🦠🔬 His pioneering surveillance work on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infections in Norway greatly contributed to national animal health strategies. 🇳🇴🐖 Furthermore, Dr. Er’s role in public veterinary service in Singapore and his distinguished service in the Singapore Armed Forces earned him respect and authority early in his career. 🎖️🌏 Nomination for the Pioneer Researcher Award is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to animal health, epidemiological innovation, and scientific leadership. 🏅📚 His work bridges practice and research, influencing veterinary policies across nations. 🌐✨

Research Focus 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s research centers on the epidemiology of infectious diseases in animal populations, with a strong focus on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in pigs. 🐖🦠 His studies analyze infection patterns, serosurveillance, and economic impacts on animal health, providing essential insights for disease control and public health policy. 📊🛡️ Using bioinformatics and mathematical modeling, such as discrete-time Markov Chain modeling, he projects disease prevalence and evaluates herd-level interventions. 📈🖥️ His research also explores serological cross-reactivity between influenza strains, crucial for improving diagnostic and surveillance systems. 🧬🔍 Through longitudinal studies at boar testing stations and comprehensive serological surveys, Dr. Er has significantly advanced understanding of viral behavior in livestock. 📑📈 His interdisciplinary approach integrating epidemiology, economics, and computational tools highlights him as a pioneer in veterinary research. 🏆🔬 His work supports healthier livestock systems and contributes to global food security. 🌍🍖

Publications Top Notes

  • 📄 “Adverse Effects of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection on Growth Performance of Norwegian Pigs – a Longitudinal Study at a Boar Testing Station” (BMC Vet Res, 2014)

  • 📄 “Occurrence and Spread of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection in Norwegian Pig Herds Based on Active Serosurveillance from 2010 to 2014” (Epidemiol Infect, 2016)

  • 📄 “Production Impact of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection on Fattening Pigs in Norway” (J Anim Sci, 2016)

  • 📄 “Longitudinal Projection of Herd Prevalence of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection in the Norwegian Pig Population by Discrete-Time Markov Chain Modelling” (Infectious Disease Reports, 2021)

  • 📄 “Antibodies of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus in Pigs’ Sera Cross-React with Other Influenza A Virus Subtypes: A Retrospective Epidemiological Interpretation of Norway’s Serosurveillance Data from 2009–2017” (Epidemiology and Infection, 2020)

  • 📄 “A Survey of Skin Neoplasms in Dogs from the Brisbane Region” (Aust Vet J, 1989)

Zsuzsanna Izsvak | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zsuzsanna Izsvak | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Zsuzsanna Izsvak, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Germany

Dr. Zsuzsanna Izsvák is a distinguished geneticist and the Permanent Group Leader of Mobile DNA at Max-Delbrück-Center in Berlin, Germany. Renowned for her pioneering work on the Sleeping Beauty transposon system 🧬, she has revolutionized gene therapy and genome engineering. With over 17,000 citations and an H-index of 67 📚, her research spans transposon-based genome manipulations, stem cell technology, and translational applications in cancer and gene therapy. Awarded the European Young Investigator Award, ERC Advanced Grants, and nominated for a Nobel Prize 🏆, Dr. Izsvák’s innovative contributions have had a profound impact on modern genetics.

Publiucation profile

google scholar

Education

In 1994, He earned my Ph.D. in Biology from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. My post-doctoral journey included prestigious institutions such as the University of Minnesota and the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, NL. From 1991 to 1997, he served at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and from 1997 to 1999, He continued my research at the Medical University of Debrecen in Hungary. In 2011, He was recognized as an EMBO fellow and awarded a DSc. My academic focus has spanned Genetics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics, and Human Genetics, culminating in my current role as a Professor 👩‍🔬📚🔬.

Honors

Dr Zsuzsanna Izsvak, a distinguished scientist in molecular biology, has garnered numerous accolades throughout a prolific career. Notable milestones include receiving the Excellence Award from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1990 🏆, an EMBO long-term postdoctoral fellowship in 1996 🌍, and the prestigious EURYI European Young Investigator Award in 2004 🌟. Their groundbreaking work on SB100X earned them international acclaim, including the SB100X Molecule of the Year in 2009 and recognition from the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Nominated for a Nobel Prize in 2011, Dr.  Zsuzsanna Izsvak continues to shape research, notably with ERC Advanced grants and leadership roles in scientific committees. Elected as a foreign member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 2019, they now serve as President of the Dennis Gabor Gesellschaft since 2023 🌐.

Research focus

Based on their research focus, the authors primarily delve into the molecular characteristics, evolution, and applications of transposable elements (TEs), particularly the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon. Their work spans from fundamental studies elucidating the structural and functional domains of TEs to pioneering applications in genetic manipulation across vertebrate species, including humans. They explore how TEs like SB can be harnessed as genetic tools for stable gene transfer and long-term transgene expression, highlighting their potential in molecular therapy and genome engineering. This research is crucial for understanding TE biology and exploiting their utility in biotechnological and biomedical contexts. 🧬🔬

Publication top notes

Molecular reconstruction of Sleeping Beauty, a Tc1-like transposon from fish, and its transposition in human cells

Ten things you should know about transposable elements

Molecular evolution of a novel hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposase enables robust stable gene transfer in vertebrates

Somatic integration and long-term transgene expression in normal and haemophilic mice using a DNA transposon system

Resident aliens: the Tc1/mariner superfamily of transposable elements

Sleeping Beauty, a wide host-range transposon vector for genetic transformation in vertebrates

Primate-specific endogenous retrovirus-driven transcription defines naive-like stem cells

Gibbon genome and the fast karyotype evolution of small apes

Transposon-mediated genome manipulation in vertebrates

Progress and prospects in rat genetics: a community view