Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Neurodegenerative diseases | Excellence in Research Award 

Published on by Computational Biologists

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Neurodegenerative diseases | Excellence in Research Award 

Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University | Taiwan

Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a distinguished molecular biologist whose influential work spans molecular biology, marine biotechnology, developmental biology, and gene transgenesis in aquatic organisms. Renowned for pioneering advancements in plasmid gene transfer, he has significantly shaped the understanding of microbial genetics and its applications in biotechnology. His early research on gene conjugation between lactic acid bacteria laid foundational insights for modern microbial engineering. He is widely recognized for his contributions to fish molecular biology, particularly in growth hormone gene evolution, pathogen characterization, and genomic techniques for aquatic species. Dr. Tsai’s innovative work in transgenesis has advanced the development of genetically enhanced aquatic models, including the notable golden zebrafish technology that earned major scientific accolades. His studies in marine pathogens have strengthened global approaches to aquatic disease diagnostics and prevention. Through extensive publications in leading journals, he has elevated the scientific understanding of aquatic genomics and marine microbial interactions. His leadership within major academic and research institutions has fostered interdisciplinary growth, driving progress in biotechnology and life sciences. Over the years, he has been celebrated for groundbreaking inventions, high-impact research, and excellence in teaching and mentorship. His achievements continue to influence fields ranging from aquaculture biotechnology to developmental genetics. Dr. Tsai remains a respected global figure whose contributions have shaped both fundamental science and applied innovations in marine and molecular biology.

Profile: Scopus

Publications

Extracellular Pgk1 interacts neural membrane protein enolase-2 to improve the neurite outgrowth of motor neurons. (2023). Communications Biology.

The promising role of a zebrafish model employed in neural regeneration following a spinal cord injury. (2023). [Journal name unavailable].

Genomic structure, protein character, phylogenic implication, and embryonic expression pattern of a zebrafish new member of zinc finger BED-type gene family. (2023). Genes.

Anp32a promotes neuronal regeneration after spinal cord injury of zebrafish embryos. (2022). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Quantification of Idua enzymatic activity combined with observation of phenotypic change in zebrafish embryos provide a preliminary assessment of mutated idua correlated with mucopolysaccharidosis type I. (2022). Journal of Personalized Medicine.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola | Population Genetics | Research Excellence Award 

Published on by Computational Biologists

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola | Population Genetics | Research Excellence Award 

Kunming Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Adeniyi Charles Adeola is a leading evolutionary geneticist recognized for his contributions at the intersection of genomics, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. His research focuses on uncovering the genetic mechanisms that shape disease resilience, livestock adaptation, and the conservation of threatened species, with a strong emphasis on African fauna. He has gained international recognition for decoding the genetic basis of resistance to African Swine Fever Virus and for mapping adaptive signatures in tropical livestock, advancing both global food security and agricultural sustainability. His extensive research portfolio includes influential work in pathogen genomics, evolutionary dynamics of livestock, and conservation genetics of freshwater and terrestrial wildlife. With over a hundred peer-reviewed publications, substantial citation impact, and major competitive grant successes, he has built a reputation as a globally impactful scientist. Dr. Adeola also plays a key role in mentoring emerging researchers and leading multinational collaborative genomics initiatives that strengthen scientific capacity across Africa and Asia. Through his integrative and solution-driven approach, he continues to shape the future of evolutionary genomics, livestock improvement, and ecosystem stewardship.In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Adeola actively engages with policy-makers to translate genomic research into practical strategies for sustainable agriculture and conservation. He has fostered partnerships between academic institutions, governmental organizations, and industry stakeholders to promote evidence-based decision-making. His leadership in international consortia has facilitated large-scale data sharing and standardization in genomics research. Dr. Adeola is widely regarded as an innovator in the application of cutting-edge genomic technologies to real-world challenges. His ongoing work promises to further enhance global food security, biodiversity preservation, and the adaptive potential of livestock populations in the face of climate change.

Profile: Orcid

Publications

Bello, S. F., Xu, H., Bolaji, U.-F. O., Aloryi, K. D., Adeola, A. C., Gibril, B. A. A., Popoola, M. A., Zhu, W., Zhang, D., Zhang, X., et al. (2025). Expression profiling and single nucleotide polymorphism of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) in white muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata). Gene, 2025.

Odongo, L. A., Adeola, A. C., Msalya, G. M., Olaniyan, O. F., Njuki, R. N., Mauki, D. H., Ndiema, E. K., Shi, X., Cai, Z.-F., Yin, T.-T., et al. (2025). Integrated mitogenome and Y-chromosome analysis untangles the complex origin of African pigs. iScience, 2025.

Sola-Ojo, F. E., Abubakar, I. A., Bello, S. F., Fatima, I. H., Bisola, S., Olusegun, A. M., Odongo, L. A., Yin, T.-T., Adeola, A. C. (2025). Genetic diversity in pigeon (Columba livia domestica) from three agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Gene Reports, 2025.

Shi, X., Ma, C., Chen, N., Xu, M.-M., Kambal, S., Cai, Z.-F., Yang, Q., Adeola, A. C., Liu, L.-S., Wang, J., et al. (2025). Selection increases mitonuclear DNA discordance but reconciles incompatibility in African cattle. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2025.

Tao, L., Liu, H., Adeola, A. C., Xie, H.-B., Feng, S.-T., Zhang, Y.-P. (2025). The effects of runs-of-homozygosity on pig domestication and breeding. BMC Genomics, 2025.

 

Mr. Hongwei Liu | Lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Computational Biologists

Mr. Hongwei Liu | Lentiviral vector-mediated gene therapy | Young Scientist Award 

University of Electronic Science and Technology | China

Hongwei Liu is a biomedical engineering researcher whose work focuses on advancing gene therapy through innovative vector design and molecular engineering. His expertise spans tissue engineering, cellular and molecular biology, bioinformatics, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, molecular cloning, cell reprogramming, and biomaterial-based delivery systems. He has made significant contributions to the development of next-generation lentiviral vectors, particularly erythroid-specific β-globin constructs designed to enhance therapeutic outcomes for β-thalassemia. His research includes preclinical evaluation of lentiviral vector-mediated gene correction in disease models, demonstrating that partial hematopoietic stem cell modification and reduced-intensity conditioning can achieve reliable engraftment and phenotype restoration. With multiple first-author and co-authored publications in reputable scientific journals, his work reflects a strong commitment to integrating engineering principles with clinical translational goals. His contributions play an important role in shaping emerging strategies in gene delivery, precision genome engineering, and the development of safer, more effective treatments for genetic disorders. He continues to explore novel delivery platforms that improve therapeutic efficiency while minimizing risk. His work also emphasizes data-driven optimization of vector integration to enhance safety profiles. Through ongoing innovation and rigorous research, he is contributing to the future of personalized and regenerative medicine. He remains focused on advancing therapeutic technologies that address unmet clinical needs. His research vision aligns with creating scalable gene-based solutions for complex diseases. His work is steadily strengthening the scientific foundation for next-generation molecular therapies.

Profile: Scopus

Publications

Fatigue cracking criterion induced by defects in high-strength steel
Author, A., Author, B., Author, C., & Author, D. (2026). Fatigue cracking criterion induced by defects in high-strength steel. Journal of Materials Science and Technology.

Characterization of the Carbides in Carburized CSS-42L Steel and Their Effect on the Fatigue Failure Mechanism
Author, A., Author, B., Author, C., Author, D., & Author, E. (2025). Characterization of the carbides in carburized CSS-42L steel and their effect on the fatigue failure mechanism. Metals.

 A Novel Model for the Relationship Between Microstructures and Strength in Lath Martensite Steels
Author, A., Author, B., Author, C., & Author, D. (2025). A novel model for the relationship between microstructures and strength in lath martensite steels. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science.

 Revisiting the effect of localized alloying elements on stacking fault energy in austenitic steel
Author, A., Author, B., Author, C., & Author, D. (2025). Revisiting the effect of localized alloying elements on stacking fault energy in austenitic steel. Materials Science and Engineering A.

 Multiscale microstructure evolution and its influencing mechanism on yield strength and toughness of a newly high strength martensitic stainless bearing steel
Author, A., Author, B., Author, C., Author, D., & Author, E. (2025). Multiscale microstructure evolution and its influencing mechanism on yield strength and toughness of a newly high strength martensitic stainless bearing steel.