Jingfeng Li | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Jingfeng Li | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

School of Pharmacy, Yantai University | China

Dr. Jingfeng Li is a distinguished molecular biologist and biotechnology expert with extensive experience in cancer research and gene therapy innovation. He currently serves as a Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, where he leads pioneering research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor-suppressive effects of oncolytic HSV1 viruses across various solid tumors. Concurrently, as Chief Science Officer, Chief Scientist, and Deputy General Manager at Beijing WellGene Company Ltd., Dr. Li oversees the strategic development and implementation of advanced gene therapy pipelines, guiding the company’s research, innovation, and product development in alignment with global biomedical trends. His career reflects a deep commitment to translational research, having previously held academic positions at The Ohio State University, where his team investigated the molecular pathways driving HPV-associated head, neck, and cervical cancers, and conducted significant studies on transposon epigenetics and hereditary disease gene cloning. Earlier in his career, at the National Cancer Institute (NIH), he focused on DNA methylation and retrotransposon polymorphisms, contributing to foundational insights in tumor biology. Dr. Li’s entrepreneurial endeavors include founding Singlebase LLC in the United States, where he developed genetic testing products for targeted lung cancer therapy, including fusion detection and resistance mutation assays. A Ph.D. graduate from the Karolinska Institute in Cell and Tumor Biology, Dr. Li has been recognized for his leadership and innovation, notably as part of Beijing’s Overseas Talent Gathering Project and as a Yicheng Outstanding Talent. His work has been presented at major international conferences, including the International Papillomavirus Conference and the CGCS Summit on Cell and Gene Therapy, reflecting his global reputation in advancing the frontiers of molecular oncology and gene therapy.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Lv, J., Zhu, W., Xie, X., Tian, C., Zhu, C., Hu, Z., Li, Y., Shao, M., Liu, W., Ma, D., Wang, S., Li, X., & Li, J. (2026). Engineered oncolytic herpes simplex virus expressing interleukin 12 suppresses tumorigenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, 1872(1), 168033.

Hu, Z., Liu, W., Liu, J., Zhou, H., Sun, C., Tian, C., Guo, X., Zhu, C., Shao, M., Wang, S., Zhu, W., Li, X., & Li, J. (2024). The anti-tumor efficacy of a recombinant oncolytic herpes simplex virus mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery targeting in HPV16-positive cervical cancer. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Zhu, W., Shao, M., Tian, C., Yang, J., Zhou, H., Liu, J., Sun, C., Liu, M., Wang, J., Zhu, C., Wei, L., Li, S., Li, X.#, & Li, J.# (2024). Synergistic induction of systemic antitumor immunity in bilateral tumor models through combined treatment with oncolytic virus VT1092M and anti-PD-L1 antibody.

Tian, C., Liu, J., Zhou, H., Li, J., Sun, C., Zhu, W., Yin, Y., & Li, X. (2021). Enhanced anti-tumor response elicited by a novel oncolytic HSV-1 engineered with an anti-PD-1 antibody. Cancer Letters, 518, 49–58.

Zhu, W., Lv, J., Xie, X., Tian, C., Liu, J., Zhou, H., Sun, C., Li, J., Hu, Z., & Li, X. (2021). The oncolytic virus VT09X optimizes immune checkpoint therapy in low immunogenic melanoma. Immunology Letters, 241, 15–22.

Abimbola Arise | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Abimbola Arise | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Abimbola Arise, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Dr. Abimbola Kemisola Arise (née Jayeoba) is an esteemed researcher and academic in Food Science and Technology. Born on July 5, 1977, she currently serves in the Department of Home Economics and Food Science. She began her academic career as an Assistant Lecturer in 2011 and has since contributed significantly to food research, focusing on food safety, protein characterization, and product development. A dedicated scholar, she has published extensively in international journals and authored book chapters on sensory evaluation and functional food properties. Dr. Arise is a passionate mentor and an active member of multiple professional societies, including the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and the South African Association for Food Science and Technology. She has also received awards for her outstanding research contributions. Her expertise in food biochemistry and technology continues to impact both academia and industry.

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Abimbola Kemisola Arise (née Jayeoba) is an esteemed researcher and academic in Food Science and Technology. Born on July 5, 1977, she currently serves in the Department of Home Economics and Food Science. She began her academic career as an Assistant Lecturer in 2011 and has since contributed significantly to food research, with a focus on food safety, protein characterization, and product development. A dedicated scholar, she has published extensively in international journals and authored book chapters on sensory evaluation and functional food properties. Dr. Arise is a passionate mentor and an active member of multiple professional societies, including the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) and the South African Association for Food Science and Technology. She has also received awards for her outstanding research contributions. Her expertise in food biochemistry and technology continues to impact both academia and industry, fostering advancements in nutritional science, product innovation, and food safety standards.

Experience

Dr. Arise has over a decade of experience in academia and food research. She joined the University of Ilorin as an Assistant Lecturer in 2011 and has progressed through the ranks due to her research excellence. Her career has been dedicated to teaching and mentoring students in Food Science and Technology, with a strong emphasis on applied research and industry collaboration.She has led multiple research projects focusing on food safety, functional food development, and protein characterization. Dr. Arise also participates in peer review activities, contributing as a reviewer for reputable scientific journals. Beyond academia, she engages with professional organizations and has presented her findings at international and national conferences.Her experience extends to supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students, developing innovative food products, and collaborating with industry professionals to advance food processing and safety standards in Nigeria and beyond.

Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 Best Poster Presenter Award – NIFST Conference, University of Ilorin (2019)

  • 🎖️ Member, Nigerian Women in Agriculture Research & Development (2019–Present)

  • 🎖️ Member, Nigerian Society of Experimental Biology (NISEB) (2013–Present)

  • 🎖️ Member, South African Association for Food Science and Technology (2014–Present)

  • 🎖️ Member, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) (2011–Present)

Dr. Arise has been recognized for her impactful research, securing the Best Poster Award at the 2019 NIFST Conference. She is a distinguished member of several professional bodies, contributing to advancements in food science through research, mentorship, and collaborations. Her professional affiliations reflect her commitment to scientific excellence and continuous learning in the field.

Research Focus

Dr. Abimbola Kemisola Arise’s research primarily focuses on food biochemistry, functional food development, and protein extraction. She specializes in protein characterization and the functional properties of legumes, particularly exploring alternative protein sources such as Bambara groundnut 🥜. Her work in fortified and enriched food products 🌿 aims to enhance nutritional quality, while her expertise in sensory evaluation and consumer acceptability 🍪 ensures that innovative food products meet consumer preferences. She also investigates food preservation and safety techniques 🧫 to improve shelf life and reduce spoilage. Additionally, her research delves into nutritional profiling and the health benefits of indigenous foods 📉, providing insights into their potential role in public health. Dr. Arise’s studies on Moringa-enriched maize flour, Bambara groundnut proteins, and food storage techniques have contributed significantly to functional food science. She is committed to bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical food solutions, promoting sustainable food processing technologies to minimize waste and maximize nutrient retention.

Publication Top Notes

📝 Journals

1️⃣ Effects of storage conditions and periods on glycoalkaloids content and nutritional value of Solanum tuberosum – Journal of Agricultural Research and Development (2012)
2️⃣ Acceptability and Nutritional Attributes of Moringa oleifera–enriched maize flour – Journal of Agricultural Research and Development (2012)
3️⃣ The effects of addition of moringa leaf waste fibre on proximate and sensory characteristics of cookies – Agrosearch (2013)
4️⃣ Acceptability and sensory characteristics of moringa leaf and moringa-based species in Kwara State – International Journal of Phytofuel and Allied Sciences (2014)
5️⃣ Proximate composition, functional and sensory properties of “TUWO” from maize and Bambara groundnut – Applied Tropical Agriculture (2019)
6️⃣ Comparative studies on amino acid and functional properties of black benniseed and false sesame protein concentrates – Ajayi Crowther Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (2024)

📖 Book Chapters

7️⃣ Understanding Sensory Evaluation of Food – Food Science and Technology, Walter De Gruyter STEM (2021)
8️⃣ Bambara Groundnut Protein in Food and Potential Industrial Applications – Springer (2021)

Maria Morello | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | | Best Researcher Award

Maria Morello | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Maria Morello, University of Tor Vergata, Italy

Prof. Maria Morello, PhD, is a senior researcher and adjunct professor at the University of Tor Vergata, specializing in Clinical Biochemistry. She earned her MSc in Biological Sciences (cum laude) from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 1991 under Nobel laureate Prof. Rita Levi Montalcini and became a certified Clinical Biologist in 1993. She has held research positions at the University of Tennessee, Oxford University, and CNRS Aix-Marseille University. Her PhD (2017) focused on Vitamin D’s role in Alzheimer’s disease. Prof. Morello’s research spans neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory markers in COVID-19. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in leading scientific organizations. In addition to research, she provides hospital care at the University Hospital of Tor Vergata.

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

Prof. Maria Morello earned her MSc in Biological Sciences (cum laude) from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 1991, where she conducted research in neurobiology under the mentorship of Nobel laureate Prof. Rita Levi Montalcini. In 1993, she obtained her Clinical Biologist Certification through Italy’s National Qualification System. She later pursued a PhD in Applied Medical and Surgical Sciences, specializing in Clinical Nutrition, at the University of Tor Vergata, completing it in 2017 with a focus on the role of Vitamin D in Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout her career, she has undertaken significant research training and collaborations, including a visiting research position at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, in 1995, where she studied the basal ganglia in neuroscience. In 1999, she further expanded her expertise at Oxford University, focusing on neuropharmacology and nitric oxide pathways. From 2013 to 2017, she collaborated with CNRS Aix-Marseille University, investigating neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease.

Experience

Prof. Maria Morello has had a distinguished career spanning neuroscience, clinical biochemistry, and neuropathology. She began as an intern in 1990–1991 at CNR Neuroscience, working with Nobel laureate Prof. Rita Levi Montalcini. From 1992 to 1993, she served as a Research Investigator at Istituto C. Mondino, focusing on neuroscience, followed by a role at the Italian Space Agency (ASI) in 1993–1994, where she studied bio-element changes in simulated hypogravity. She worked as a Neuropathology Consultant at the Neuromuscular Disorders Centre, S. Eugenio Hospital, from 1995 to 2009. Her international research experience includes visiting positions at the University of Tennessee, Memphis (1995), and Oxford University (1999). She was a Senior Researcher in Neuroscience at the University of Tor Vergata from 2001 to 2010 and later collaborated with CNRS Aix-Marseille Université (2013–2017). Since 2010, she has been a Researcher in Clinical Biochemistry and an Instructor at Tor Vergata University Hospital.

Awards & Honors

Prof. Maria Morello has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to neuroscience, clinical biochemistry, and neurobiology. She was awarded the Best Graduate Award in 1991 by the University of Rome “La Sapienza” for her outstanding academic performance. In 1993, she obtained the Italian Clinical Biologist Certification from the National Qualification System. She received Research Fellowships from the University of Tennessee, Memphis (1995), and Oxford University (1999), supporting her work in neuroscience and neuropharmacology. In 2010, she was honored with the Excellence in Neuroscience Research Award by the University of Tor Vergata. Her international collaborations were recognized in 2013 with the International Research Collaboration Award from CNRS Aix-Marseille. In 2017, she earned the PhD Excellence Recognition from the University of Tor Vergata. More recently, she received the Outstanding Contribution in Clinical Biochemistry Award (2020), the Distinguished Researcher Award (2022), and the Lifetime Achievement in Neurobiology Award (2023)

Research Focus

Prof. Maria Morello’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19 biochemistry. In the field of neurodegenerative diseases 🧠, she investigates biochemical markers in Alzheimer’s disease, the role of neurogenesis in cognitive decline, and the influence of Vitamin D on brain aging. Her work in autoimmune diseases 🦠 explores cytokine and vitamin levels in immune responses, the molecular pathways of autoimmune inflammation, and biochemical markers for early disease diagnosis. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she has studied inflammatory markers in severe cases, the long-term biochemical effects of COVID-19, and molecular interactions in post-viral syndromes. Her research contributes significantly to understanding disease mechanisms and developing potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Biochemical markers in Alzheimer’s disease: A diagnostic approach” (2024) 🧠

  • “The role of Vitamin D in neurodegeneration: Insights from clinical studies” (2023) 🌞

  • “Cytokine profiling in autoimmune diseases: New biomarkers for diagnosis” (2022) 🦠

  • “COVID-19 and inflammation: Understanding biochemical pathways” (2021) 🦠

  • “Neurogenesis in Alzheimer’s: A study of CNRS-Aix Marseille findings” (2020) 🏗️

  • “Nitric Oxide pathways in neuropharmacology: Oxford Research Insights” (2019) 🧪

  • “Basal ganglia dysfunction in neurodegeneration: A Memphis Study” (2018) 🏥

  • “Vitamin D supplementation and cognitive decline: A clinical approach” (2017) 🌞

  • “Inflammatory markers in COVID-19: A biochemical perspective” (2020) 🦠

  • “Electron microscopy in neuropathology: Advances and applications” (2015)