Yan Niu | Drug Design | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Yan Niu | Drug Design | Research Excellence Award

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University | China

Yan Niu is an Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, with extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery and targeted protein degradation. Her research focuses on the discovery, design, and optimization of biologically active compounds, particularly innovative chemical strategies that modulate protein function for therapeutic benefit. A central contribution of her work is the development of amino acid–based hydrophobic tagging approaches for targeted protein degradation. Her studies demonstrate that N-tert-butoxycarbonyl–protected amino acid hydrophobic tags can effectively induce degradation of proteins of interest through mechanisms distinct from conventional PROTAC technologies, offering advantages in structural diversity, onset and duration of action, and degradation pathways. Beyond protein degradation, Dr. Niu has led multiple national and regional research projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, including the design and optimization of non-peptide β-secretase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease and anti-aging therapies. Her work integrates medicinal chemistry, mechanism-of-action studies, and pharmacological evaluation to advance drug-like properties and translational potential. With 46 peer-reviewed publications, an H-index of 14, multiple patents, and international research experience in Germany and Austria, her contributions have significantly expanded chemical strategies for therapeutic innovation in medicinal chemistry.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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543

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46

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14

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Featured Publications

Ahmed Hamdan | Pharmaceutical and Clinical Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Ahmed Hamdan | Pharmaceutical and Clinical Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Tabuk | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Elsaid Hamdan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Tabuk, with more than 14 years of academic and research experience in pharmaceutical sciences. His research is centered on chronopharmacology, chronotherapeutics, and smart drug delivery systems, with a strong translational focus on neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. His work aims to elucidate how biological rhythms and circadian regulation influence drug efficacy, toxicity, and disease progression. A major theme of Dr. Hamdan’s research is the development of evidence-based non-pharmacological and nutritional therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. He extensively investigates phytochemicals, probiotics (particularly Lactobacillus species), and nutraceuticals, emphasizing the gut–microbiome–brain axis as a key mechanistic pathway. His studies integrate pharmacological, behavioral, biochemical, and molecular approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms. In parallel, Dr. Hamdan has contributed significantly to advanced nano- and smart drug delivery systems for cancer therapy, dermatological disorders, infectious diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions, enhancing drug bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes. His research portfolio also includes hepatoprotective and cardioprotective strategies and chronopharmacological exploration of natural products. Dr. Hamdan has published 105 peer-reviewed articles, with the majority appearing in high-impact Q1–Q2 journals, and holds an h-index of 26. He has secured 13 competitive research grants, is involved in an ongoing patent, and maintains active collaborations with national and international institutions, reflecting his strong commitment to innovative and multidisciplinary biomedical research.

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1,047

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19

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Featured Publications

Xiao Sheng | Drug Development | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiao Sheng | Drug Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiao Sheng | Naval Medical University School of Pharmacy | China

Dr. Sheng Xiao, affiliated with the Navy Medical University, China, is a dedicated researcher in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a strong focus on intestinal stem cell biology, aging, and traditional Chinese medicine. He has led and contributed to major national and provincial projects exploring molecular mechanisms of aging, gut regeneration, and herbal medicine efficacy. With impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Nature Communications, PLoS Biology, and Phytomedicine, Dr. Xiao has advanced understanding of intestinal injury repair, antioxidant mechanisms, and gut–brain interactions. Recognized with prestigious honors including the “Shizhen” Scholar (2025), he actively contributes to professional societies and serves on multiple editorial boards, bridging fundamental research with translational applications in medicine and nutrition.

Academic Profile 

orcid

Education

Dr. Sheng Xiao received his academic training in biochemistry and molecular biology, where he built a strong foundation in molecular mechanisms underlying cellular processes, aging, and disease development. His education emphasized both traditional biochemical approaches and modern molecular biology techniques, enabling him to integrate classical knowledge with cutting-edge research in cell signaling, stem cell biology, and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds. Through this academic journey, he developed expertise in experimental design, translational medicine, and the intersection of traditional Chinese medicine with modern molecular research.

Experience

Dr. Xiao has established himself as a researcher at the Navy Medical University, where he has undertaken leadership roles in national and provincial research projects. He has served as a principal investigator on studies focusing on sleep disorder–related intestinal injury, nuclear lamina proteins in tumor development, and the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine. Beyond leading projects, he has actively collaborated on multidisciplinary programs supported by national funding bodies, contributing to advancements in gut regeneration, stem cell differentiation, and herbal pharmacology. His experience extends to academic service, where he contributes as an editor and active member of multiple scientific organizations, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Research Interests

Dr. Xiao’s research interests span intestinal stem cell biology, aging-related diseases, molecular signaling pathways, and the therapeutic applications of traditional Chinese medicine. His work focuses on understanding how natural compounds influence gut regeneration and repair mechanisms, particularly through pathways such as Keap1–Nrf2 and srebp-mediated regulation. He also explores the molecular interactions between aging, gut health, and neurobiology through the brain–gut axis, providing insights into novel therapeutic strategies. Additionally, he integrates modern molecular biology techniques with traditional knowledge to develop innovative approaches that bridge fundamental discoveries with clinical application.

Awards

Dr. Xiao has received multiple recognitions for his scientific contributions, including awards for outstanding poster presentations at international congresses and national prizes in traditional Chinese medicine research forums. His achievements highlight his innovative approaches and strong impact within both basic and applied biomedical sciences. He has also been honored with distinguished scholar recognition for his excellence in research and commitment to advancing molecular biology and traditional medicine integration. These awards reflect his dedication to scientific innovation and his role as a promising leader in biomedical research.

Publications

Unlocking nature’s medicine cabinet through Drosophila–Driven exploration

Author: Xiao Sheng, Jianzheng He, Lei Zhang
Journal: Phytomedicine
Year: 2025

Werner syndrome exonuclease promotes gut regeneration and causes age-associated gut hyperplasia in Drosophila

Author: Kun Wu, Juanyu Zhou, Yiming Tang, Qiaoqiao Zhang, Lishou Xiong, Xiaorong Li, Zhangpeng Zhuo, Mei Luo, Yu Yuan, Xingzhu Liu, et al.
Journal: PLOS Biology
Year: 2025

Phase separation of BuGZ regulates gut regeneration and aging through interaction with m6A regulators

Author: Qiaoqiao Zhang, Kai Deng, Mengyou Liu, Shengye Yang, Wei Xu, Tong Feng, Minwen Jie, Zhiming Liu, Xiao Sheng, Haiyang Chen, et al.
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2023

ClC‐c regulates the proliferation of intestinal stem cells via the EGFR signalling pathway in Drosophila

Author: Jinping Huang, Xiao Sheng, Zhangpeng Zhuo, Danqing Xiao, Kun Wu, Gang Wan, Haiyang Chen
Journal: Cell Proliferation
Year: 2022

Antioxidant Effects of Caffeic Acid Lead to Protection of Drosophila Intestinal Stem Cell Aging

Author: Xiao Sheng, Yuedan Zhu, Juanyu Zhou, La Yan, Gang Du, Zhiming Liu, Haiyang Chen
Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
Year: 2021

Aging-related upregulation of the homeobox gene caudal represses intestinal stem cell differentiation in Drosophila

Author: Kun Wu, Yiming Tang, Qiaoqiao Zhang, Zhangpeng Zhuo, Xiao Sheng, Jingping Huang, Jie’er Ye, Xiaorong Li, Zhiming Liu, Haiyang Chen
Journal: PLOS Genetics
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Sheng Xiao’s groundbreaking research, leadership in prestigious projects, and commitment to advancing biochemistry and molecular biology make him an outstanding candidate. His contributions have not only deepened scientific understanding but also paved the way for innovative therapeutic applications, positioning him as a highly suitable recipient of the Best Researcher Award.