Simon Podnar | Medical Discoveries | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Simon Podnar | Medical Discoveries | Research Excellence Award

University Medical Centre Ljubljana | Slovenia

Prof. Simon Podnar, MD, DSc, is a distinguished neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist at the University of Ljubljana and the University Medical Center Ljubljana. He specializes in electromyography, neuromuscular imaging, and advanced neurophysiological diagnostics, with international training across Europe and the United States. He introduced neuromuscular ultrasonography to Slovenia and has held major leadership roles in national and international neurological societies. He leads Slovenia’s only state-funded clinical neurological research program, serves on leading journal editorial boards, and has authored over 400 scientific works, including influential discoveries in neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorders.

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Featured Publications

Sylvia Mangani | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sylvia Mangani | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sylvia Mangani | University of Patras | Greece

Sylvia Mangani is a biochemist–biotechnologist and PhD candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Patras, whose research centers on cancer biology, particularly the influence of the extracellular matrix on tumor growth and regulation through 3D cell culture systems. Her academic journey combines strong foundations in biochemistry and biotechnology (BSc, MSc) with advanced experimental and analytical expertise. Her work integrates a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, functional assays, and RNA sequencing, complemented by bioinformatics analysis for gene expression and signaling pathway interpretation. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding how 3D cellular microenvironments influence cancer progression, focusing on breast cancer models. She has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications in recognized international journals, with her work cited over 55 times according to Google Scholar, reflecting growing recognition within the scientific community. Her contributions have also supported award-winning synthetic biology initiatives under the iGEM program and have been presented at national and international scientific conferences. She has established productive collaborations with prominent research institutions in Greece and abroad. Notably, she completed a funded Erasmus+ research placement at the University Hospital of Münster, Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Martin Götte, where she engaged in experimental oncology projects exploring cancer cell behavior and matrix interactions. She has also collaborated with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on biochemical and molecular analyses within the Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Molecular Analysis. A member of the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (HSBMB), she actively contributes to the advancement of biochemical and cancer research in Greece and Europe. Her ongoing studies aim to deepen the understanding of tumor–matrix dynamics in breast cancer, offering new insights for therapeutic innovation and cancer model development, positioning her among emerging researchers in molecular oncology.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Mangani, S., Piperigkou, Z., Mangani, S., Koletsis, N. E., Koutsakis, C., Mastronikolis, N. S., Franchi, M., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, August). Principal mechanisms of extracellular matrix‐mediated cell–cell communication in physiological and tumor microenvironments. The FEBS Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.70207

Mangani, S., Vetoulas, M., Mineschou, K., Spanopoulos, K., Vivanco, M. d. M., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, July 15). Design and applications of extracellular matrix scaffolds in tissue engineering and regeneration. Cells, 14(14), 1076. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14141076

Franchi, M., Masola, V., Onisto, M., Franchi, L., Mangani, S., Zolota, V., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, July 7). Ultrastructural changes of the peri-tumoral collagen fibers and fibrils array in different stages of mammary cancer progression. Cells, 14(13), 1037. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14131037

Karamanos, N. K., Piperigkou, Z., Gourdoupi, C., Mangani, S., & Vivanco, M. d. M. (2025, June 1). Extracellular matrix matters: Matrix-based bioscaffolds in advancing translational cancer research and targeted therapy. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 328(6), C1235–C1251. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00050.2025

Ciampelli, C., Mangani, S., Nieddu, G., Formato, M., Ioannou, P., Kremmydas, S., Karamanos, N., & Lepedda, A. J. (2025, March). Effects of acidic polysaccharide-enriched extracts from Holothuria tubulosa on two- and three-dimensional invasive breast cancer cell models. Biology, 14(4), 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040334

Mangani, S., Kremmydas, S., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, March). Mimicking the complexity of solid tumors: How spheroids could advance cancer preclinical transformative approaches. Cancers, 17(7), 1161. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071161

FURONG LI | Medical Discoveries | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. FURONG LI | Medical Discoveries | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. FURONG LI, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, China

Dr. Fu-Rong Li, MD, PhD, is the Director of the Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center at the First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People’s Hospital) of the Southern University of Science and Technology, China. With a prolific academic background in clinical medicine, parasitology, and molecular biology, Dr. Li has made significant contributions in stem cell research, cancer immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and regenerative medicine. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and holds several national patents. His pioneering work continues to influence the fields of translational and precision medicine both nationally and internationally.

🧬 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Fu-Rong Li embarked on his medical journey with an M.D. from Ningxia Medical College in 1984, followed by a Master’s degree in Parasitic Diseases with a focus on hydatidosis at Lanzhou Medical College in 1991. His academic dedication culminated in a Ph.D. in Molecular and Immune Parasitology from Tongji Medical University in 1999. These formative years laid the groundwork for his enduring contributions to translational medicine, immunotherapy, and stem cell biology. His research curiosity took root early, especially in the intersection of infectious diseases and immune response, which later evolved into a lifelong dedication to stem cell differentiation, regenerative medicine, and cancer immunotherapy.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Li currently serves as the Director of the Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center at Shenzhen People’s Hospital, affiliated with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). Since 1999, he has held progressive roles from Assistant Professor to Professor, contributing significantly to the evolution of translational medicine in China. His early career included a stint as an Attending Physician in the Department of Digestive Medicine at Ningxia Medical University (1984–1988), followed by senior research and teaching roles at Lanzhou University’s Hydatid Research Laboratory. His professional trajectory showcases his dual capabilities in clinical practice and cutting-edge biomedical research.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Li is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in stem cell biology, regenerative therapies, cancer diagnostics, and nanomedicine. His research contributions are vast, with over 85 peer-reviewed publications, covering topics like:

  • Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into pancreatic β cells.

  • Cancer proteomics and exosomal signaling in lung adenocarcinoma.

  • Nano-immunodiagnostic tools for infectious and oncological diseases.

  • Single-cell analysis of non-coding RNAs in stem cell differentiation and immunity.

  • Development of novel multi-omics frameworks for understanding tumor biology.

His work has been published in prestigious journals such as Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Advanced Science, Cell Death & Disease, and NPJ Genomic Medicine.

🧪 Innovation and Patents

Dr. Li holds nine Chinese national invention patents, reflecting his commitment to translational applications of research. His inventions include:

  • Methods for iPSC to pancreatic cell differentiation via miRNAs.

  • Novel liquid chip-based miRNA detection kits.

  • Dual-labeled gold nanoprobes for diagnostic purposes.

  • Preparation methods for nano-magnetic drug microspheres.

These patents highlight his role as a scientific innovator and entrepreneurial researcher, bridging laboratory discoveries with real-world applications.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Li’s research excellence has earned him national and institutional recognition, especially for his work on diabetic wound healing, tumor immunotherapy, and stem cell engineering. His research has contributed to clinical advancements in personalized medicine and biomaterial-assisted stem cell therapy. He is frequently invited to speak at international conferences, reflecting his status as a leading expert in translational medicine and regenerative biology in China and beyond.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through mentoring emerging scientists, supervising graduate students, and leading interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Li has cultivated a strong academic legacy. He is a bridge between fundamental biology and clinical medicine, influencing drug delivery systems, immunotherapy protocols, and biosensing platforms used globally. His work in lung cancer biology, in particular, has offered insights into cancer metastasis, immune checkpoint modulation, and exosome-mediated signaling pathways—laying the foundation for next-generation immunotherapies.

🔭 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a respected leader in Shenzhen’s biomedical ecosystem, Dr. Fu-Rong Li continues to shape the future of regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and translational diagnostics. With over four decades of combined clinical and research expertise, he remains committed to advancing therapies for diabetes, cancer, and immune diseases. Looking ahead, Dr. Li is expected to contribute significantly to the integration of AI, single-cell sequencing, and precision medicine for real-time diagnostics and personalized treatment. His multidisciplinary approach ensures that his legacy will influence generations of scientists and physicians to come.

✍️Notable Publications

SLC4A7 suppresses lung adenocarcinoma oncogenesis by reducing lactate transport and protein lactylation

Author:  Haojie Yan , Qian He, Yubiao Gao, Xiaomei He, Haitao Luo, Lijuan Shao, Jun Dong, Furong Li

Journal: International Journal of Oncology .,

Year: 2025

Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Emerging Tools for Cancer Therapeutics

Author: Lin DingChih-Jung ChangMin-Li LiangKang-Mei DongFu-Rong Li

Journal: Advanced Therapeutics

Year: 2024

Novel DNA Biosensing Platform for Detecting HIV Integrase for Highly Sensitive and Quantitative HIV Detection, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Monitoring

Author:  Fuming Chen, Jing Wang, Jie Ma, Li Song, Haojie Yan, Feng Wang, Zhengrong Yang, Furong Li