Cheng Ji | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheng Ji | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Jiangsu University | China

Dr. Cheng Ji, an Associate Professor at Jiangsu University Medical College, has established a strong research foundation in the field of stem cell extracellular vesicles (EVs) and renal tissue regeneration. With an h-index of 23, he has authored 30 SCI-indexed publications that have collectively garnered over 1,200 citations, reflecting his impactful contributions to regenerative medicine and translational nanobiotechnology. His ongoing investigations center on the mechanistic roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in mitigating acute and chronic kidney injury, focusing on fibrosis prevention through ubiquitination pathways. Dr. Ji has successfully completed two research projects and continues work on three ongoing studies, complemented by five industry collaborations that bridge academic discovery with clinical application. His book, Extracellular Vesicles: From Bench to Bedside, exemplifies his leadership in knowledge dissemination, while six patents highlight his commitment to innovation. As a member of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), Dr. Ji actively contributes to global collaborative research networks. His integrative work on magnetically modified dual-targeted stem cell EVs to combat chronic kidney fibrosis positions him as a frontrunner for the Best Researcher Award, with a research vision that unites molecular insight and therapeutic advancement.

Featured Publications

Jin, C., Wu, P., Wu, W., Chen, W., Liu, W., Zhu, Y., Wu, Q., Chen, B., Ji, C., & Qian, H. Therapeutic role of hucMSC-sEV-enriched miR-13896 in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through M2 macrophage polarization. Cell Biology and Toxicology.

Wang, M., Yang, D., Li, L., Wu, P., Sun, Y., Zhang, X., Ji, C., Xu, W., Qian, H., & Shi, H.  A dual role of mesenchymal stem cell derived small extracellular vesicles on TRPC6 protein and mitochondria to promote diabetic wound healing. ACS Nano.

Ji, C., Zhang, J., Shi, L., Shi, H., Xu, W., Jin, J., & Qian, H. Engineered extracellular vesicle-encapsulated CHIP as novel nanotherapeutics for treatment of renal fibrosis. npj Regenerative Medicine.

Zhang, J., Gu, J., Wang, X., Ji, C., Yu, D., Wang, M., Pan, J., Santos, H. A., Zhang, H., & Zhang, X. Engineering and targeting neutrophils for cancer therapy. Advanced Materials.

Zhang, J., Yu, D., Ji, C., Wang, M., Fu, M., Qian, Y., Zhang, X., Ji, R., Li, C., & Gu, J. Exosomal miR-4745-5p/3911 from N2-polarized tumor-associated neutrophils promotes gastric cancer metastasis by regulating SLIT2. Molecular Cancer.

Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Bonner Institut fur Organismische Biologie (BIOB) | Germany

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an impressive scholarly record: he has published  41 documents, garnered 1,800 citations, and holds an h-index of about 46, evidence of both consistent productivity and strong impact in invertebrate palaeontology and evolutionary biology. His work, covering the evolution, phylogeny and paleobiology of insects, the early evolution of arthropods, molluscs, and theoretical aspects of phylogeny and systematics, has not only enriched fundamental scientific understanding but also shaped disciplinary debates. Since his habilitation, and especially in his long tenure as Professor at the University of Bonn, Jes Rust has combined rigorous field and laboratory research with high-quality publications and editorial leadership (e.g. editorship of Palaeontographica A), further amplifying his influence in the scientific community. His citation count and h-index reflect that many of his papers are regularly referenced, confirming their lasting relevance. In addition, his leadership roles in scientific societies and committees demonstrate recognition by peers. Taken together, his documents, citations, and metric indicators make Prof. Dr. Jes Rust an eminently suitable laureate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Jiang, H., Moulds, M. S., Blank, S. M., Rust, J., Wedmann,  Wang, B. (2025). Sounds from the Eocene: The first singing cicada from the Messel Pit, Germany. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 12826.

Rust, J., & McCoy, V. E. (2025). Fossilisation ecology – A more complete concept of taphonomy. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. Advance online publication.

Jiang, H., Szwedo, J., Labandeira, C. C., Chen, J., Moulds, M. S., Mähler, B., Muscente, A. D., Zhuo, D., Nyunt, T. T., Zhang, H., Wei, C., Rust, J., & Wang, B. (2024). Mesozoic evolution of cicadas and their origins of vocalization and root feeding. Nature Communications, 15(1), Article 376.

Pratap Mali | Drug Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pratap Mali | Drug Development | Best Researcher Award

University of Rajasthan, Jaipur | India

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali is a Professor in the Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, specializing in reproductive biology and physiology with a strong research focus on antifertility effects of medicinal plants and natural products. His academic profile is supported by a notable citation record, with 636 citations, an h-index of 12, and an i10-index of 16, reflecting his scholarly contributions and impact in the field. Over the years, he has authored numerous scientific documents and research articles, many of which explore innovative strategies for fertility regulation, contraceptive development, and reproductive health using phytochemicals and natural extracts. His publications span international journals, conferences, and symposiums, indicating both national and global engagement in advancing reproductive bioscience. In addition to his research, Prof. Mali has played significant editorial roles across multiple reputed journals and has been an invited speaker at high-profile scientific conferences worldwide. His research portfolio demonstrates a consistent dedication to addressing reproductive health challenges while exploring safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive methods. With his substantial output of academic documents, coupled with steady citation growth, Prof. Mali continues to influence the domains of reproductive biology, contraceptive innovation, and natural product pharmacology.

Profiles: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publication

Targeting IDO1 in Huntington’s Disease: Network Pharmacology and Preclinical Evidence from Coffea arabica