Amel Latifi | Quantitative Research | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Amel Latifi | Quantitative Research | Research Excellence Award

Aix-Marseille Université-CNRS | France

Amel Latifi is a Professor of Microbiology at Aix-Marseille University, where he leads the research team focused on Differentiation, Evolution, and Adaptation in Cyanobacteria and directs the Master programs in Microbiology. He earned his PhD in Cellular Biology with a specialization in Microbiology in 1996, investigating mechanisms regulating virulence factor production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Following postdoctoral research in Lausanne and academic appointments in Grenoble and Marseille, he established a research program centered on gene regulation, cell differentiation, and stress-response mechanisms in cyanobacteria, with additional contributions to bacterial genetics, oxidative-stress responses, and biohydrogen production. Over his career, he has coordinated multiple funded research projects, including FunDate, Otolhyd, and Cyanhy, advancing understanding of prokaryotic signaling and metabolism. His extensive publication record reflects long-standing collaborations in microbial genomics, environmental microbiology, and synthetic biology. Latifi has served in elected roles within national academic committees and university governance, contributing to scientific training and educational policy. His work has supported advancements in sustainable biotechnology, microbial physiology, and cyanobacterial metabolism. Overall, his career integrates fundamental microbial science with applied research aimed at environmental and energy-related challenges.

Profiles : Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Independence of a Marine Unicellular Diazotroph to the Presence of NO₃⁻, Microorganisms, 2021 — S. Rabouille, B. Randall, A. Talec, P. Raimbault, T. Blasco, A. Latifi, A. Oschlies

Stress Signaling in Cyanobacteria: A Mechanistic Overview, Life, 2020 — R. Rachedi, M. Foglino, A. Latifi

 

Weiren Huang | Genomic Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Weiren Huang | Genomic Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Weiren Huang | Genomic Data Analytics – The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Department of Urology, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital | China

Dr. Weiren Huang is a pioneering researcher and principal investigator at The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, working within the Department of Urology and the Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine. Recognized for his significant contributions to synthetic biology and its therapeutic applications in oncology, Dr. Huang has emerged as a national figure in precision gene circuit design and tumor-targeted interventions. As Deputy Director of the Synthetic Biology Committee under the China Medicinal Biotechnology Association and a committee member of several national scientific panels, he continues to drive innovation at the intersection of engineering biology and translational medicine. His work is transforming bladder cancer treatment through personalized, programmable therapeutics that hold promise for clinical implementation.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Huang earned his Ph.D. in a highly competitive program from Sun Yat-sen University, one of China’s premier research institutions. This rigorous academic foundation enabled him to integrate core knowledge in molecular biology, biomedical engineering, and translational medicine. His doctoral research set the stage for a career focused on genetic control systems and their application in oncology, especially through synthetic biology platforms. His educational background laid a solid groundwork for interdisciplinary research, bringing together urology, gene therapy, and bioengineering in a seamless and impactful way.

Experience

With extensive experience as Principal Investigator in national and regional research programs, Dr. Huang has led critical projects supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission, and Shenzhen Medical Research Fund. These initiatives address emerging clinical needs using genetic circuitry, tumor organoid modeling, and synthetic therapeutics. His notable leadership includes the National Key R&D Program project focused on microenvironment remodeling via gene circuits, where he directed a team on an ¥18.53 million venture that concluded successfully in 2024. As a research leader, he has managed multidisciplinary teams in high-throughput drug screening, cancer modeling, and cell-factory development, ensuring the translational potential of every scientific outcome.

Research Interest

Dr. Huang’s research interests center on synthetic biology, specifically the design and deployment of gene circuits for bladder cancer therapy. His approach involves integrating programmable gene expression modules with delivery vectors that selectively induce pyroptosis in tumor cells, ensuring minimal off-target effects. Another major focus is the use of tumor organoid chips to create personalized models that can evaluate drug sensitivity and gene circuit performance under near-physiological conditions. His work also touches on tumor microenvironment remodeling, examining how synthetic control systems can modulate immune responses and cellular signaling to enhance therapeutic outcomes. His unique angle lies in the development of cell factories and controllable gene expression systems that bridge lab innovation and clinical feasibility.

Awards

Dr. Huang has received significant recognition for his scientific contributions, including the prestigious Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award. He is also a recipient of the Guangdong Provincial Special Support Program for Distinguished Talents, placing him among the Top 100 Scholars of Guangdong. These accolades reflect not only his leadership in synthetic biology but also his broader influence on China’s biomedical innovation ecosystem. His ability to translate benchside discoveries into actionable therapies has earned him a reputation as a transformative scientist and clinician-researcher.

Publications

BCG therapy in bladder cancer and its tumor microenvironment interactions

Authors: Ni Jian, Lei Yu, Lijuan Ma, Binbin Zheng, Weiren Huang, Christopher Staley, Aaron Miller
Journal: Clinical Microbiology Reviews
Year: 2025

CD133⁺PD-L1⁺ cancer cells confer resistance to adoptively transferred engineered macrophage-based therapy in melanoma

Authors: Jiaojiao Xu, Zhe Li, Qinli Tong, Sihang Zhang, Jianchen Fang, Aihua Wu, Guoguang Wei, Chen Zhang, Sheng Yu, Binbin Zheng, et al.
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2025

Modulation of SRSF2 expression reverses the exhaustion of TILs via the epigenetic regulation of immune checkpoint molecules

Authors: Ziqiang Wang, Kun Li, Wei Chen, Xiaoxia Wang, Yikun Huang, Weiming Wang, Wanjun Wu, Zhiming Cai, Weiren Huang
Journal: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Year: 2020

Francesca Iannone – Molecular Biology Award – Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Francesca Iannone - Molecular Biology Award - Young Scientist Award

University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro - Italy 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Francesca Iannone's academic journey began with her enrollment in the University of Calabria, where she pursued her passion for biology. Her dedication and academic excellence were evident as she graduated with top honors, receiving a grade of 110/110 cum laude for both her three-year degree and her master's degree in Biology. During her undergraduate years, she undertook internships to gain practical experience in microbiology and virology, showcasing her commitment to bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory work. This early exposure laid a solid foundation for her future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

After completing her master's degree, Francesca embarked on a path of continuous learning and exploration. She secured a position as a research fellow at the University of Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, delving into the realms of proteomics and mass spectrometry. Her work focused on analyzing the peptidome of cancer-associated fibroblasts, demonstrating her commitment to cutting-edge research in cancer biology. Additionally, she served as a tutor for General Biology, sharing her expertise with the next generation of scientists.

Contributions and Research Focus On Molecular Biology Award

Dr. Francesca's research journey has been characterized by a multifaceted approach to understanding complex biological phenomena. From investigating genetic and epigenetic markers of human aging and longevity during her Ph.D. to exploring muscle-specific microRNAs in sarcopenia, her work spans various facets of clinical biochemistry and molecular biology. Notably, her contributions to the characterization of genetic factors related to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis highlight her commitment to advancing our understanding of these conditions.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic and research career, Francesca has garnered recognition for her exemplary work. Her outstanding academic achievements, including receiving top honors for her degrees and winning prestigious research awards, underscore her dedication to excellence in the field of life sciences. Moreover, her publications in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences have solidified her reputation as a promising young scientist.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Francesca's research has the potential to make a significant impact on both scientific knowledge and clinical practice. By elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying age-related diseases and cancer progression, her work lays the groundwork for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, her commitment to mentorship and education ensures that her influence extends beyond the laboratory, inspiring future generations of scientists to pursue excellence in biomedical research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Francesca continues to advance in her career, her legacy as a dedicated researcher and mentor is already well-established. Moving forward, she aims to further deepen our understanding of disease mechanisms and contribute to the development of personalized medicine approaches. Through her ongoing research endeavors, mentorship activities, and collaborative efforts, Francesca remains poised to leave a lasting impact on the field of clinical biochemistry and molecular biology, shaping the future of healthcare and scientific inquiry.

Notable Publication