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.

 

 

Prof. Yueping Ma | Plant Biology | Women Researcher Award 

Published on by Computational Biologists

Prof. Yueping Ma | Plant Biology | Women Researcher Award

 Northeastern University | China

Dr. Yueping Ma is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Institute of Biotechnology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, specializing in plant molecular systematics and evolutionary biology. Her research centers on the Asteraceae family, particularly Chrysanthemum, focusing on its systematics, genetic diversity, and evolutionary development. Integrating morphology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics, she explores the molecular mechanisms of inflorescence evolution and stress adaptation. Her studies have advanced understanding of floral architecture, pigment diversification, and environmental resilience in ornamental plants. As the lead investigator on multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, Dr. Ma has contributed to Chrysanthemum domestication, genetic mapping, and molecular evolution. Her work has been published in respected journals, including Journal of Systematics and Evolution, Plants, and Scientia Horticulturae, influencing both theoretical and applied plant sciences. Recognized as a Distinguished Talent of Shenyang City, she has earned honors such as the “Three Educations” Advanced Individual Award and the “March 8th Red Banner Pacemaker” Award. Dr. Ma actively serves on the Council of the National Chrysanthemum Industry Innovation Alliance and is a member of key professional societies. In teaching, she leads courses like Genetic Engineering, Experimental Genetics, and Ecology, emphasizing research-driven learning. Deeply committed to mentorship, she cultivates innovation and academic growth among young scientists. Her interdisciplinary work bridges classical botany with modern genomics, promoting sustainable horticultural advancement. By combining molecular tools and evolutionary analysis, she drives global collaboration in biodiversity research. Through her leadership, creativity, and scientific excellence, Dr. Ma continues to shape the field of plant biotechnology and evolutionary genomics.

Profile: Orcid 

Publications

Zhang, K., Gu, R., Yang, Y., Yan, J., Ma, Y., & Shen, Y. (2025). Recent distribution changes of invasive Asteraceae species in China: A five-year analysis (2016–2020). Journal of Environmental Management, 376, 124445.

Wang, X., Meng, Y., Zhang, S., Wang, Z., Zhang, K., Gao, T., & Ma, Y. (2024). Characterization of bZIP transcription factors in transcriptome of Chrysanthemum mongolicum and roles of CmbZIP9 in drought stress resistance. Plants, 13(15), 2064.

Ma, Y., Meng, Y., & Lin, J. (2023). Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal different regulatory mechanisms in ecological adaptation between Chrysanthemum vestitum and Chrysanthemum mongolicum. Horticulturae, 9(8), 868.

Zhao, Y., Qu, D., & Ma, Y. (2022). Characterization of the chloroplast genome of Argyranthemum frutescens and a comparison with other species in Anthemideae. Genes, 13(10), 1720.

 

Dr. Karolina Stępień | Extracellular Matrix | Best Researcher Award 

Published on by Computational Biologists

Dr. Karolina Stępień | Extracellular Matrix | Best Researcher Award 

Medical University of Silesia | Poland

Dr. Karolina Stępień is a molecular biologist and medical scientist specializing in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its role in connective tissue and vascular diseases, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Her research explores the molecular architecture and remodeling of the ECM, focusing on collagens, elastin, metalloproteinases, and thrombospondins to understand vascular wall degeneration and identify biomarkers for prognosis and therapy. Beyond vascular pathology, she has contributed to studies on osteogenesis imperfecta and the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in gene therapy and regeneration, as well as on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pediatric craniopharyngioma as a predictor of tumor recurrence. Her work, published in leading journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Biomolecules, and Journal of Applied Genetics, advances knowledge of ECM-driven disease mechanisms and molecular medicine. As an educator at the Medical University of Silesia, she teaches molecular biology and genetics, integrating research and clinical application. Leading the “BIOMOLEK” Scientific Club, she mentors young researchers in ECM biology and molecular diagnostics. She actively participates in international scientific collaborations and conferences, strengthening the global exchange of knowledge in vascular and molecular pathology. Through her interdisciplinary research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Stępień continues to bridge fundamental molecular science with translational therapeutic innovation, shaping the future of biomedical research and education.