Gilles Pagès | Health & Medicine | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Gilles Pagès | Health & Medicine | Research Excellence Award

Director of Research Exceptional Class | INSERM | France

Dr. Gilles Pagès is an internationally recognized scientist whose research has made substantial contributions to molecular and cellular biology, particularly in the fields of autophagy, intracellular signaling pathways, and mechanisms of disease progression. His work has played a pivotal role in understanding the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), specifically p42MAPK and p44MAPK, which are fundamental to cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival processes. He has significantly advanced knowledge on the nuclear translocation of MAPKs in response to growth factors, thereby elucidating essential regulatory steps in fibroblast signaling. Additionally, his groundbreaking study demonstrating defective thymocyte maturation in ERK1 knockout models has deepened scientific understanding of immune system development, highlighting critical links between signal transduction and immune function. Dr. Pagès has also contributed to receptor biology, including research on thrombin receptor function related to calcium mobilization. He is recognized globally for co-authoring the comprehensive consensus resource “Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy,” which remains a cornerstone reference widely used to standardize experimental approaches and ensure accurate interpretation in autophagy research across disciplines. With publications in top-tier journals such as Science and PNAS and exceptional citation impact reflecting widespread influence, his work supports advancement in disease modeling, oncology, and therapeutic innovations. Dr. Pagès continues to drive scientific progress through rigorous experimental research, impactful knowledge dissemination, and leadership in collaborative initiatives that strengthen the global research community.

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Featured Publications

Klionsky, D. J., Abdel-Aziz, A. K., Abdelfatah, S., Abdellatif, M., Abdoli, A., Abel, S., … Pagès, G. (2021). Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition). Autophagy, 17(1), 1–382.

Pagès, G., Lenormand, P., L’Allemain, G., Chambard, J. C., Meloche, S., & Pouysségur, J. (1993). Mitogen-activated protein kinases p42mapk and p44mapk are required for fibroblast proliferation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 90(18), 8319–8323.

Pagès, G., Guérin, S., Grall, D., Bonino, F., Smith, A., Anjuere, F., Auberger, P., … Pouysségur, J. (1999). Defective thymocyte maturation in p44 MAP kinase (Erk 1) knockout mice. Science, 286(5443), 1374–1377.

Lenormand, P., Sardet, C., Pagès, G., L’Allemain, G., Brunet, A., & Pouysségur, J. (1993). Growth factors induce nuclear translocation of MAP kinases (p42mapk and p44mapk) but not of their activator MAP kinase kinase (p45mapkk) in fibroblasts. The Journal of Cell Biology, 122(5), 1079–1088.

Rasmussen, U. B., Vouret-Craviari, V., Jallat, S., Schlesinger, Y., Pagès, G., … G. G. (1991). cDNA cloning and expression of a hamster α-thrombin receptor coupled to Ca2+ mobilization. FEBS Letters, 288(1–2), 123–128.

 

Eman Abdeall | Health & Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Eman Abdeall | Health & Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Head of Department | Beni-Suef Univeristy | Egypt

Prof. Eman K. A. Abdelall is an accomplished researcher specializing in pharmaceutical organic chemistry with a focus on drug synthesis, molecular design, and structure-activity relationship studies. Her extensive research portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to the discovery and development of bioactive compounds targeting critical human diseases. She has made significant advancements in the design and synthesis of novel molecules with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties, employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates organic synthesis, computational modeling, and biological evaluation. Her recent studies include the development of quinazolinone-based compounds as dual STAT-3 and c-Src inhibitors, the design of antipyrine-celecoxib hybrid analogues with dual COX-2 and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitory activities, and the synthesis of new pyrazoles with selective anti-inflammatory potential. Prof. Abdelall’s work, published in high-impact journals such as Bioorganic Chemistry, Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, and Drug Development Research, reflects her expertise in rational drug design and her ability to translate molecular innovations into pharmacologically relevant candidates. With 46 peer-reviewed publications, over 1,045 citations, and an h-index of 20, her research demonstrates both quality and global impact. Her findings contribute to understanding molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation, cancer proliferation, and viral replication, offering new therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and safety. Through her sustained publication record, interdisciplinary research, and consistent scientific innovation, Prof. Abdelall has established herself as a leading contributor in pharmaceutical chemistry, advancing the field of rational drug design and synthesis with high translational value for modern medicine.

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Featured Publications

  • Abdelall, E. K. A., Lamie, P. F., Fadaly, W. A. A., & Abdelgawad, Y. Y. M. (2025). Development of novel quinazolinone-based compounds with anti-proliferative activity as dual STAT-3 and c-Src inhibitors: Design, synthesis and molecular dynamic studies. Bioorganic Chemistry, 163, 108753.

  • Abdelall, E. K. A., Elshemy, H. A. H., Labib, M. B., Philoppes, J. N., Ali, F. E. M., & Ahmed, A. K. M. (2025). Synthesis of new selective agents with dual anti-inflammatory and SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitory activity: Antipyrine-celecoxib hybrid analogues; COX-2, COVID-19 cytokine storm and replication inhibitory activities. Bioorganic Chemistry, 160, (Article number not specified).

  • Abdelall, E. K. A., EL-Nahass, E. S., Abdellatif, K. R. A., Abdel-Rahman, H. M. (2021). Design, synthesis, biological assessment and in silico ADME prediction of new 2-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl) benzimidazoles as selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. RSC Advances, 11, 27659.

 

Meiling Zhu | Biomimetic nanoparticle & Gene therapy | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Meiling Zhu | Biomimetic nanoparticle & Gene therapy | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant Professor at The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, China

Dr. Meiling Zhu is an accomplished biomedical engineering researcher currently serving as an Associate Researcher at the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) under the prestigious Hundred Talents Program. With a deep-rooted commitment to regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and drug delivery systems, she has consistently contributed cutting-edge research in stem cell differentiation, nanoparticle therapeutics, and tissue engineering. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges pharmaceutics, biomedical engineering, and nanotechnology, propelling forward impactful innovations in healthcare.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Zhu’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutics from Guangdong Pharmaceutical University in 2010. She then pursued her MPhil in Biomedical Engineering at Sun Yat-sen University from 2010 to 2013, where she was mentored by Prof. Yihong Gong and Prof. Zhangqi Feng. She went on to earn her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016 under the supervision of Prof. Liming Bian. Her education laid a strong foundation in biomaterials, drug delivery, and stem cell biology, enabling her to explore interdisciplinary solutions in biomedical research.

Experience

Dr. Zhu has accumulated extensive academic and research experience. From 2013 to 2019, she held positions as a Research Assistant and Postdoctoral Fellow at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the LI Ka Shing Institute of Health Science. She furthered her postdoctoral studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Since December 2020, she has served as an Associate Researcher at SYSU, leading innovative research on hydrogels, nanoparticles, and bio-derived delivery systems. Her career reflects a strong blend of academic excellence and practical application, particularly in the fields of regenerative medicine and nanomedicine.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhu’s primary research interests include biomaterials, hydrogels, supramolecular chemistry, mesenchymal stem cells, and tissue regeneration. She focuses on designing bio-inspired scaffolds and nanoparticles for targeted and sustained drug delivery, enhancing cellular interactions and therapeutic efficacy. Her work also delves into the effects of mechanical and biochemical cues on stem cell behavior, the development of host–guest complexation for responsive drug release, and the engineering of functional microenvironments for osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. These interests underscore her mission to improve clinical outcomes through translational biomaterials research.

Awards

Dr. Zhu has received several prestigious awards recognizing her scientific contributions. In 2018, she was honored with the Outstanding Thesis Award by the Faculty of Engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong—being the sole recipient. She was selected for the SYSU Hundred Talents Program in 2020. She also received the Trainee Award at the World Biomaterials Congress in 2016 and held scholarships at CUHK and SYSU. Additionally, she has been a reviewer for leading journals such as ACS Nano and Journal of Applied Nanoscience, reflecting her recognition in the academic community.

Publications

Dr. Zhu has published extensively in top-tier journals. Below are seven selected publications with corresponding years and citations:

  1. Zhu, M., Lin, S., Sun, Y., et al. (2016). “Hydrogels functionalized with N-cadherin mimetic peptide enhance osteogenesis of hMSCs by emulating the osteogenic niche.” Biomaterials, 77:44–52. – Cited by 275 articles.

  2. Li, R., Lin, S., Zhu, M., et al. (2019). “Synthetic presentation of noncanonical Wnt5a motif promotes mechanosensing-dependent differentiation of stem cells.” Science Advances, 5: eaaw3896. – Cited by 320 articles.

  3. Wei, K., Zhu, M., Sun, Y., et al. (2016). “Robust biopolymeric supramolecular ‘Host−Guest Macromer’ hydrogels for cartilage regeneration.” Macromolecules, 49(2): 509–518. – Cited by 180 articles.

  4. Zhu, M., Feng, Q., Bian, L. (2014). “Differential effect of hypoxia on human mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis in hydrogels.” Acta Biomaterialia, 10(3):1333–1340. – Cited by 210 articles.

  5. Choi, C.K., Xu, Y., Zhu, M., et al. (2015). “A gold@polydopamine core-shell nanoprobe for intracellular detection of microRNAs.” J. Am. Chem. Soc., 137(23):7337–7346. – Cited by 140 articles.

  6. Zhu, M., Lin, S., et al. (2020). “Surface Decoration of Development-inspired Synthetic N-cadherin Motif via Ac-BP Promotes Osseointegration.” Bioactive Materials, accepted. – Cited by 65 articles.

  7. Wu, L., Liu, B., Zhu, M., et al. (2019). “Patterning Perfluorinated Surface with Graphene Oxide and the Biological Applications.” Micromachines, 10(3):173. – Cited by 90 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Meiling Zhu embodies the criteria of a Best Researcher Award recipient through her outstanding academic training, innovative research contributions, international collaborations, and scientific excellence. Her work bridges fundamental science with translational medicine, and she has consistently demonstrated originality, rigor, and relevance. Her active engagement in publishing, presenting, mentoring, and collaborating marks her as a leader among emerging researchers.