Liying Zhang | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Liying Zhang | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of California, Los Angeles, United States

Dr. Liying Zhang, MD, PhD, FACMG, is a distinguished researcher and professor specializing in molecular diagnostics and precision oncology. She serves as the Director of the Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Service at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the Director of Cancer Molecular Diagnostics at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. With extensive experience in molecular genetics, her research focuses on cancer diagnostics, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine. She has contributed to numerous high-impact studies, secured significant research funding, and played an active role in national and international expert committees. Her expertise spans clinical molecular genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and laboratory medicine, making her a leading figure in the field of cancer molecular diagnostics.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Zhang earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The Johns Hopkins University in 2003, alongside a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Bioinformatics in 2002. She obtained her MD from Peking University, Beijing, China, in 1994. She holds multiple clinical licensures and board certifications, including Clinical Molecular Genetics and Genomics from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Her strong educational foundation in medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, and computational science has equipped her with the interdisciplinary expertise required for advancing molecular diagnostics and precision medicine.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zhang has held several prestigious roles in molecular pathology and diagnostics. Since 2020, she has been a Professor and Director at UCLA, leading advanced molecular diagnostics initiatives. Previously, she served as a Director and Molecular Geneticist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 2005 to 2019, overseeing diagnostic molecular genetics laboratories and contributing to groundbreaking cancer research. Her earlier roles include research positions at the National Research Institute for Family Planning in China. Additionally, she has been actively involved in professional committees, journal reviews, and mentorship programs, furthering advancements in molecular diagnostics and genetic research.

Research Interest

Dr. Liying Zhang’s research focuses on molecular diagnostics, cancer genomics, and precision oncology. She is dedicated to identifying genetic biomarkers that enhance cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment strategies. Her work involves integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, bioinformatics, and molecular pathology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnostics. She is particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development, drug resistance, and targeted therapies. Through collaborations with oncologists, geneticists, and data scientists, she aims to translate genetic findings into clinically actionable insights that improve patient outcomes. Her research also extends to liquid biopsy, epigenetics, and the development of novel molecular assays for early cancer detection.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to molecular genetics and cancer diagnostics. She has been honored as a Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (FACMG), acknowledging her leadership and expertise in clinical molecular genetics. She has also received research excellence awards from institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and UCLA for her groundbreaking work in cancer molecular diagnostics. Additionally, she has been an invited speaker at leading international conferences, including the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP). Her contributions to scientific research and clinical practice have earned her recognition as a thought leader in precision medicine and molecular oncology.

Research Skills

Dr. Zhang possesses a diverse range of research skills in molecular diagnostics and genomics. She is proficient in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, whole-genome and transcriptome analysis, and single-cell sequencing. She has extensive experience in bioinformatics, data mining, and computational modeling for genetic variant interpretation. Her expertise includes designing and validating molecular assays for clinical diagnostics, including PCR-based and hybrid capture-based sequencing methods. She is also skilled in laboratory management, regulatory compliance, and quality control in clinical molecular genetics laboratories. Additionally, her strong background in translational research allows her to bridge the gap between basic scientific discoveries and clinical applications, ensuring that her findings have a direct impact on patient care and personalized treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Dr. Liying Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional contributions to molecular diagnostics, cancer genomics, and precision medicine. Her extensive experience in research leadership, grant acquisition, and clinical applications makes her an outstanding candidate. Strengthening her independent research leadership and international collaborations would further solidify her candidacy for this prestigious award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Inherited DNA-repair gene mutations in men with metastatic prostate cancer
    Authors: CC Pritchard, J Mateo, MF Walsh, N De Sarkar, W Abida, H Beltran, …
    Year: 2016
    Citation: 1765

  • Title: Clinical results of long-term follow-up of a large, active surveillance cohort with localized prostate cancer
    Authors: L Klotz, L Zhang, A Lam, R Nam, A Mamedov, A Loblaw
    Year: 2010
    Citation: 1402

  • Title: Long-term follow-up of a large active surveillance cohort of patients with prostate cancer
    Authors: L Klotz, D Vesprini, P Sethukavalan, V Jethava, L Zhang, S Jain, …
    Year: 2015
    Citation: 1399

  • Title: CT angiography clot burden score and collateral score: correlation with clinical and radiologic outcomes in acute middle cerebral artery infarct
    Authors: IYL Tan, AM Demchuk, J Hopyan, L Zhang, D Gladstone, K Wong, …
    Year: 2009
    Citation: 792

  • Title: Gene expression analysis of human prostate carcinoma during hormonal therapy identifies androgen-responsive genes and mechanisms of therapy resistance
    Authors: J Holzbeierlein, P Lal, E LaTulippe, A Smith, J Satagopan, L Zhang, …
    Year: 2004
    Citation: 708

  • Title: Microsatellite instability is associated with the presence of Lynch syndrome pan-cancer
    Authors: A Latham, P Srinivasan, Y Kemel, J Shia, C Bandlamudi, D Mandelker, …
    Year: 2019
    Citation: 591

  • Title: Prospective genomic profiling of prostate cancer across disease states reveals germline and somatic alterations that may affect clinical decision making
    Authors: W Abida, J Armenia, A Gopalan, R Brennan, M Walsh, D Barron, D Danila, …
    Year: 2017
    Citation: 583

  • Title: Celiac disease: summary
    Authors: A Rostom, C Dubé, A Cranney, N Saloojee, R Sy, C Garritty, M Sampson, …
    Year: 2004
    Citation: 511

  • Title: Mutation detection in patients with advanced cancer by universal sequencing of cancer-related genes in tumor and normal DNA vs guideline-based germline testing
    Authors: D Mandelker, L Zhang, Y Kemel, ZK Stadler, V Joseph, A Zehir, …
    Year: 2017
    Citation: 508

  • Title: Tumour lineage shapes BRCA-mediated phenotypes
    Authors: P Jonsson, C Bandlamudi, ML Cheng, P Srinivasan, SS Chavan, …
    Year: 2019
    Citation: 384

  • Title: Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer: updated clinical practice guidelines
    Authors: VR Blair, M McLeod, F Carneiro, DG Coit, JL D’Addario, JM van Dieren, …
    Year: 2020
    Citation: 381

  • Title: Update of the international consensus on palliative radiotherapy endpoints for future clinical trials in bone metastases
    Authors: E Chow, P Hoskin, G Mitera, L Zeng, S Lutz, D Roos, C Hahn, …
    Year: 2012
    Citation: 374

  • Title: Reliable pan-cancer microsatellite instability assessment by using targeted next-generation sequencing data
    Authors: S Middha, L Zhang, K Nafa, G Jayakumaran, D Wong, HR Kim, …
    Year: 2017
    Citation: 363

  • Title: Genetic predictors of response to systemic therapy in esophagogastric cancer
    Authors: YY Janjigian, F Sanchez-Vega, P Jonsson, WK Chatila, JF Hechtman, …
    Year: 2018
    Citation: 352

Jian Zhou | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jian Zhou | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Zhongshan hospital, fudan university, China

Dr. Jian Zhou is an Associate Chief Physician in the Department of Orthopedics at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, specializing in spinal surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and bone defect repair. With a Ph.D. in Orthopedics and over a decade of experience, he has led multiple national and provincial research projects, securing competitive grants such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund. His research has resulted in numerous high-impact SCI-indexed publications and several patented innovations in orthopedic surgery. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Science and Technology Progress Award, Dr. Zhou is also actively involved in professional committees and serves as an AO Spine Young Faculty. His contributions to orthopedic advancements, particularly in biomaterials and surgical techniques, have significantly influenced spinal surgery practices. While his impact is well-established in China, expanding global collaborations and publishing in top-tier international journals could further enhance his research influence worldwide.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Jian Zhou obtained his Bachelor of Clinical Medicine degree from China Medical University in 2006, laying a strong foundation in medical sciences. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Orthopedics at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from 2006 to 2011, where he specialized in spinal surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and bone defect repair. His doctoral research focused on innovative orthopedic treatments, particularly in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Zhou demonstrated exceptional research capabilities, earning recognition for his contributions to orthopedic advancements. His education provided him with in-depth expertise in both basic and clinical research, enabling him to develop novel surgical techniques and therapeutic approaches for spinal disorders. His academic excellence was further acknowledged through prestigious awards, including Fudan University’s Outstanding Dissertation Award and Academic Star recognition, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated researcher and clinician in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Professional Experience

Dr. Jian Zhou has built a distinguished career in orthopedic surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. He began as a Resident Physician in the Department of Surgery in 2011 before transitioning to the Department of Orthopedics in 2012. In 2013, he was promoted to Attending Physician, where he gained extensive experience in spinal surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and bone defect repair. His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as an Associate Chief Physician in 2018, a role in which he continues to advance surgical innovations and mentor young medical professionals. Over the years, Dr. Zhou has played a crucial role in pioneering new surgical methods, securing research funding, and contributing to national and international orthopedic advancements. His professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence in patient care, medical research, and academic leadership, making him a recognized figure in the field of spinal and orthopedic surgery.

Research Interest

Dr. Jian Zhou’s research interests focus on spinal surgery, minimally invasive spine techniques, and bone defect repair, integrating both basic and clinical research to develop innovative orthopedic treatments. He has dedicated his work to advancing biomaterials for bone regeneration, particularly in the development of antibiotic-eluting bone substitutes and nano-silver composite scaffolds for infected bone defects. His research also explores tumor-related spinal conditions, including surgical strategies for spinal metastases and optimizing blood loss management in complex spinal procedures. Through various national and provincial research grants, Dr. Zhou has contributed significantly to orthopedic biomaterial innovation, helping improve patient outcomes in spinal reconstruction and fracture healing. His work extends to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where he investigates novel approaches to enhance spinal fusion and cartilage repair. With numerous high-impact publications and patents, Dr. Zhou continues to push the boundaries of orthopedic research, aiming for safer and more effective surgical solutions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Jian Zhou has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to orthopedic research and innovation. He was awarded the National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Class) in 2014 and the Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award (First and Second Class) for his groundbreaking work in spinal surgery and biomaterials. His achievements also include the Shanghai Medical Science and Technology Award and the Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences. As a testament to his early academic excellence, he was named a Shanghai Outstanding Graduate and received Fudan University’s Outstanding Dissertation Award. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Shanghai Rising-Star Scholar and a recipient of the Shanghai Outstanding Young Medical Talents Training Program. These accolades highlight his significant impact on orthopedic advancements, reinforcing his status as a leading researcher and clinician in spinal surgery.

Research Skill

Dr. Jian Zhou possesses strong research skills in orthopedic surgery, spinal reconstruction, and biomaterials innovation, combining clinical expertise with cutting-edge scientific inquiry. His ability to design and execute experimental studies is evident in his extensive work on antibiotic-eluting bone substitutes, nano-silver composite scaffolds, and minimally invasive spinal techniques. He has successfully secured and led multiple national and provincial research grants, showcasing his grant-writing proficiency and ability to drive impactful projects. His expertise in biomechanics, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine enables him to develop novel approaches for bone defect repair and spinal tumor management. Additionally, his contributions to high-impact scientific publications demonstrate his data analysis, manuscript writing, and peer review skills. With several patents for innovative orthopedic devices, Dr. Zhou also excels in translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. His comprehensive research skill set solidifies his role as a pioneer in spinal and orthopedic advancements.

Conclusion

Dr. Jian Zhou is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to spinal surgery research, innovative approaches to bone defect repair, and recognition through prestigious awards and grants. While he could enhance his profile through greater international collaborations and higher impact publications, his current credentials make him highly deserving of such an honor.

Publications Top Noted

  • Functional Silver‐Loaded Porous Composite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Bacterial Infection
    Authors: An’nan Hu, Jian Zhou
    Year: 2025
    DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202500004

  • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with self-locking standalone cage for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease in patients over 80 years
    Authors: Jian Zhou, Hu An, Zhou XG, Dong J
    Year: 2025
    DOI: 10.1186/s10195-025-00820-7

  • Computed Tomography Perfusion Combined With Preoperative Embolization for Reducing Intraoperative Blood Loss in Separation Surgery for Thoracolumbar Metastases
    Authors: Jian Zhou, Yi Zhou, Sheng Qian, Xilei Li, Hong Lin, Jian Dong, Xiaogang Zhou
    Year: 2024
    DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000004780

  • Engineering BPQDs/PLGA nanospheres-integrated wood hydrogel bionic scaffold for combinatory bone repair and osteolytic tumor therapy
    Authors: Zhichao Hu, Jiaqi Lu, An’nan Hu, Yongjiang Dou, Sheng Wang, Dihan Su, Wang Ding, Ruixian Lian, Shunyi Lu, Lan Xiao et al.
    Year: 2022
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.137269

  • Could self-locking stand-alone cage reduce adjacent-level ossification development after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
    Authors: Jian Zhou, Juan Li, Hong Lin, Xilei Li, Jian Dong, Xiaogang Zhou
    Year: 2020
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.06.014

  • A comparison of a self-locking stand-alone cage and anterior cervical plate for ACDF: Minimum 3-year assessment of radiographic and clinical outcomes
    Authors: Jian Zhou, Juan Li, Hong Lin, Xilei Li, Xiaogang Zhou, Jian Dong
    Year: 2018
    DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2018.04.033

  • Treatment of osteomyelitis defects by a vancomycin-loaded gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate composite scaffold
    Authors: J. Zhou, X. G. Zhou, J. W. Wang, H. Zhou, J. Dong
    Year: 2018
    DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.bjr-2017-0129.r2

  • Anterior decompression and hybrid reconstruction with titanium mesh cage plus plate and self-locking stand-alone cage for the treatment of three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy
    Authors: Jian Zhou, Xilei Li, Xiaogang Zhou, Hong Lin, Jian Dong
    Year: 2017
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.04.022

  • Tissue-engineered cartilage constructed by a biotin-conjugated anti-CD44 avidin binding technique for the repairing of cartilage defects in the weight-bearing area of knee joints in pigs
    Authors: H. Lin, J. Zhou, L. Cao, H.R. Wang, J. Dong, Z.R. Chen
    Year: 2017
    DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.65.bjr-2016-0277

  • Biotin‐conjugated anti‐CD44 antibody–avidin binding system for the improvement of chondrocyte adhesion to scaffolds
    Authors: Hong Lin, Jian Zhou, Longxiang Shen, Yuhui Ruan, Jian Dong, Changan Guo, Zhengrong Chen
    Year: 2014
    DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34770

  • The controlled release of vancomycin in gelatin/β‐TCP composite scaffolds
    Authors: Jian Zhou, Taolin Fang, Yichao Wang, Jian Dong
    Year: 2012
    DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.34170