Magdalena Koziol | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Magdalena Koziol | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Chinese Instistute for Brain Research | China

Dr. Magdalena Koziol is an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator at the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), China, where she leads an innovative research program at the intersection of developmental biology, epigenetics, and neuroscience. She completed her PhD in Developmental Biology at the University of Cambridge, UK, supported by a prestigious Wellcome Trust Studentship, with laboratory rotations under globally recognized leaders including Sir John B. Gurdon, Sarah Bray, and Azim Surani. Prior to this, she earned a BSc in Medical Genetics from the University of Leicester, UK, where she received two academic excellence awards, and previously undertook Physics studies at the University of Stuttgart, Germany. Dr. Koziol’s postdoctoral career includes highly competitive appointments with Sir John B. Gurdon at the Gurdon Institute, Antonio Giraldez at Yale University, and John Rinn at Harvard University and the Broad Institute. Her interdisciplinary background has helped shape a research portfolio focused on uncovering previously unknown chemical modifications of DNA and RNA and understanding their functional relevance in the vertebrate brain. Her groundbreaking discovery of methylated deoxyadenosine (m6dA) in vertebrate genomes, published in 2015, established a new field of study in epigenetic regulation and earned recognition from AAAS Science for excellence in scientific achievement. Her research has secured major competitive funding, including support from the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, the Koziol Laboratory core funding at CIBR, the BBSRC (UK), the Isaac Newton Trust, and the Human Frontiers Long-Term Fellowship program. She has also been recognized with distinguished honors, including an invitation to Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II. Through high-impact publications, international collaboration, and translational scientific vision, Dr. Koziol’s work contributes to advancing molecular neuroscience, with growing implications for understanding brain disorders and developing therapeutic strategies.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

Li, S., Zhang, S., Li, H., Yin, N., Yang, R., Zhang, Y., Koziol, M. J., & Faiola, F. (2025). Environmental UV filters threaten human neurodevelopment: Disruption of central and peripheral nervous system lineage commitment via WNT signaling dysregulation.

Feng, S., & Koziol, M. J. (2025). Unraveling brain complexity: From single-cell to spatial m6A technologies.

Feng, S., Tellaetxe-Abete, M., Zhang, Y., Peng, Y., Zhou, H., Dong, M., Larrea, E., Xue, L., Zhang, L., & Koziol, M. J. (2024). Single-cell discovery of m6A RNA modifications in the hippocampus.

Feng, S., Tellaetxe-Abete, M., Zhang, Y., Peng, Y., Zhou, H., Dong, M., Larrea, E., Xue, L., Zhang, L., & Koziol, M. J. (2023, December 13). Single-cell discovery of m6A RNA modifications in the hippocampus.

Wen, M.-H., Triana, H. B., Butler, R., Hu, H.-W., Dai, Y.-H., Lawrence, N., Hong, J.-J., Garrett, N., Jones-Green, R., Rawlins, E. L., & others. (2023). Deterministic nuclear reprogramming of mammalian nuclei to a totipotency-like state by amphibian meiotic oocytes for stem cell therapy in humans.

Georgia Zahariou | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Georgia Zahariou | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece

Dr. Georgia Zahariou is an accomplished physicist specializing in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, photosynthetic water oxidation mechanisms, and bioinorganic magnetic materials. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the National Center for Scientific Research (NCSR) Demokritos in Athens, Greece, where she contributes to cutting-edge research on photosystem II and the molecular mechanisms underlying oxygen evolution. Dr. Zahariou earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in collaboration with NCSR Demokritos, graduating with Excellence. Her doctoral research focused on spin-spin interactions in metalloradical systems and the mechanistic study of natural photosynthetic water splitting, forming the foundation of her long-term scientific trajectory. She also holds a Master’s degree in Solid-State Physics and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the same institution. With extensive research experience across leading laboratories in Greece and internationally—including the University of Padova and the University of Crete—Dr. Zahariou has contributed to multiple national and European research programs such as HELIOS, THALIS, and KRIPIS. She has presented her work at numerous international conferences, delivered invited talks, and earned important distinctions including the Young Talent Award (2015) and the 4th Poster Prize (2007) from the International Society of Photosynthesis Research. Her scientific output includes over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, with contributions published in high-impact venues like Angewandte Chemie, FEBS Letters, and Biochemistry. Her research features both experimental and theoretical studies, reflecting strong interdisciplinary expertise in spectroscopy, magnetochemistry, molecular bioenergetics, and computational modeling. Dr. Zahariou’s work continues to advance global understanding of catalytic mechanisms in natural and artificial photosynthesis, positioning her as a recognized expert in magnetic resonance applications to biological energy conversion.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. (2021). Di-2-pyridyl ketone-based ligands as evergreen “trees” in the “forest” of manganese chemistry: Mononuclear Mn(III) complexes from the use of MnF₃. Polyhedron, 207, Article 115350.

  2. (2021). Arrested substrate binding resolves catalytic intermediates in higher-plant water oxidation. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 60, 3156–3162.

  3. (2021). Electronic properties of the S = 5/2 Mn(II) complexes [MnPhC(O)NP(O)PPh₂(N,N)(NO₃)], (N,N) = phenanthroline, neocuproine, 2,2′-bipyridine. Polyhedron, 207, Article 115374.

  4. (2021). Electronic structure of tyrosyl D radical of photosystem II, as revealed by 2D-hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy. Magnetochemistry, 7, Article 131.

  5. (2021). Orientational Jahn–Teller isomerism in the dark-stable state of nature’s water oxidase. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 60, 13493–13499.

Lan Hong | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Lan Hong | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Yanbian University, China

Dr. Lan Hong, a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology at Yanbian University’s College of Medicine, has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge in cardiovascular physiology, with a specialized focus on cardiac protection mechanisms and stem cell therapy. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Hong’s research addresses critical challenges in cardiovascular health, particularly in understanding and treating ischemia-reperfusion injuries and myocardial infarction. She has made substantial contributions to the field through high-impact publications, collaborative research initiatives, and conference presentations. As a recognized figure in her field, she has also served as a visiting scholar at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she expanded her work on regenerative medicine, specifically focusing on cardiac-induced RNA and pluripotent stem cells. Dr. Hong’s research is well-cited, with an H-index of 10 and a citation count of over 300, reflecting her influence in cardiac physiology research. Her extensive involvement in academic conferences, journal reviews, and mentoring has bolstered her reputation as a leader in cardiovascular research. She is also recognized through multiple awards and invitations to present her research, which underscores her commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Lan Hong’s educational journey is anchored in her commitment to understanding the intricacies of cardiovascular physiology. She earned her PhD in Physiology from Yanbian University in 2012, where she also completed her MSc in the same field in 2009. Prior to her postgraduate studies, she graduated with a degree in Clinical Medicine from Yanbian University in 2006, which laid the foundation for her subsequent research in cardiac health. Her academic path reflects a deep specialization in cardiac physiology, particularly in exploring protective mechanisms for the heart and developing innovative treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Throughout her education, Dr. Hong cultivated a robust theoretical and practical understanding of physiology, providing a strong foundation for her later research on myocardial infarction and stem cell therapy. Her scholarly background, coupled with hands-on experience in clinical medicine, has greatly enriched her approach to research, enabling her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application in her ongoing studies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Lan Hong has built a distinguished career as a cardiovascular researcher, currently serving as a Professor at the College of Medicine at Yanbian University, where she has worked since 2013. She initially joined the university’s Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology as an Assistant Professor, where her research began to focus on ischemia-reperfusion injury and cardiac fibrosis mechanisms. Her career includes international experience as a visiting scholar and postdoctoral researcher at Texas A&M University-Commerce from 2017 to 2018. During her tenure there, she collaborated on groundbreaking work using cardiac-inducing RNA and stem cell technology for post-infarction heart repair. Dr. Hong’s role as an educator and mentor is integral to her professional experience, as she has supervised graduate students, organized research conferences, and contributed as a reviewer for respected journals. Her professional trajectory reflects a consistent dedication to advancing cardiovascular health and supporting academic development in her field, cementing her reputation as a respected academic and researcher in cardiovascular physiology.

Research Interests

Dr. Lan Hong’s research interests center on cardiovascular physiology, with a particular emphasis on mechanisms of cardiac protection and regeneration. Her work seeks to address key challenges in treating myocardial infarction and mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury. One of her primary research interests is exploring molecular pathways such as the Sirt1/Nrf2/ATF3/4 axis and the role of ferroptosis in cardiac injury. Additionally, Dr. Hong is committed to advancing stem cell therapy, specifically investigating the regenerative potential of induced pluripotent stem cells in cardiac repair. Her studies also delve into the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in modulating cellular responses to injury and in promoting cardiomyocyte regeneration. By targeting these cellular pathways, Dr. Hong aims to develop novel therapeutic approaches that offer improved outcomes for patients with cardiovascular conditions. Her research interests reflect a balanced approach that combines molecular biology, regenerative medicine, and clinical application, making significant strides in cardiovascular health advancements.

Research Skills

Dr. Lan Hong’s research skills are rooted in a robust knowledge of cardiovascular physiology, paired with technical expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques. She is proficient in various lab methodologies essential to cardiac physiology research, including in vitro and in vivo models for studying ischemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial infarction. Dr. Hong’s work with stem cells, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells, requires advanced skills in cellular reprogramming and RNA-mediated gene expression techniques. Her proficiency extends to molecular techniques such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR, which she utilizes to investigate gene expression patterns and protein signaling in cardiac tissues. Her ability to perform complex experimental procedures, analyze data critically, and interpret results within the context of cardiovascular health has made her research impactful and well-regarded. Dr. Hong’s research skills are complemented by her collaborative approach, which has facilitated cross-disciplinary studies and allowed her to mentor students effectively, contributing to the next generation of cardiovascular researchers.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Lan Hong has received recognition for her contributions to cardiovascular research. Her work has earned her multiple awards, reflecting her expertise and influence in cardiac physiology. She has been invited to present her findings at national and international conferences, showcasing her research on ischemia-reperfusion injury and stem cell therapy. Her role as an invited speaker demonstrates the high regard in which her peers hold her work and highlights her contributions to advancing cardiovascular health. Additionally, Dr. Hong’s editorial and peer-review roles for respected journals underscore her commitment to maintaining rigorous standards in scientific research and her influence in the academic community. Her research achievements, high-impact publications, and the positive impact of her mentorship have solidified her standing as a leader in cardiovascular physiology. Her recognition through these awards and honors underscores her dedication to her field and highlights her impact on the scientific understanding of cardiac health and disease.

Conclusion

Lan Hong’s extensive research and contributions in cardiovascular physiology, along with her impactful publications, make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her international experience, academic achievements, and innovative work in cardiac protection mechanisms are commendable. Addressing minor gaps in industry collaboration and expanding her professional presence may further strengthen her profile for future recognitions. Overall, her dedication to advancing cardiovascular health and her achievements make her highly deserving of the award.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of rhodanine-based 5-aryloxy pyrazoles against selected methicillin-resistant and quinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and QRSA)”
    Authors: MX Song, CJ Zheng, XQ Deng, LP Sun, Y Wu, L Hong, YJ Li, Y Liu, …
    Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 60, 376-385
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 57
  2. “MAPK and PI3K pathways regulate hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic peptide secretion by controlling HIF-1 alpha expression in beating rabbit atria”
    Authors: Q Zhang, B Cui, H Li, P Li, L Hong, L Liu, D Ding, X Cui
    Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 438 (3), 507-512
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 38
  3. “Atrial natriuretic peptide prevents the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening by inactivating glycogen synthase kinase 3β via PKG and PI3K in cardiac H9c2 cells”
    Authors: L Hong, J Xi, Y Zhang, W Tian, J Xu, X Cui, Z Xu
    Journal: European Journal of Pharmacology, 695 (1-3), 13-19
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 37
  4. “Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-aryloxypyrazole derivatives bearing a rhodanine-3-aromatic acid as potential antimicrobial agents”
    Authors: CJ Zheng, MX Song, LP Sun, Y Wu, L Hong, HR Piao
    Journal: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 22 (23), 7024-7028
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 35
  5. “Synthesis and positive inotropic activity of N-(4, 5-dihydro-[1, 2, 4] triazolo [4, 3-a] quinolin-7-yl)-2-(piperazin-1-yl) acetamide derivatives”
    Authors: CB Zhang, X Cui, L Hong, ZS Quan, HR Piao
    Journal: Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 18 (16), 4606-4609
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 26
  6. “Adenosine A2 receptor activation ameliorates mitochondrial oxidative stress upon reperfusion through the posttranslational modification of NDUFV2 subunit of complex I in the heart”
    Authors: J Xu, X Bian, Y Liu, L Hong, T Teng, Y Sun, Z Xu
    Journal: Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 106, 208-218
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 22
  7. “Ethanol attenuates sensory stimulus-evoked responses in cerebellar granule cells via activation of GABAA receptors in vivo in mice”
    Authors: G Wu, H Liu, J Jin, L Hong, Y Lan, CP Chu, DL Qiu
    Journal: Neuroscience Letters, 561, 107-111
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 19
  8. “Ouabain stimulates atrial natriuretic peptide secretion via the endothelin-1/ETB receptor-mediated pathway in beating rabbit atria”
    Authors: L Liu, L Hong, L Yu, H Li, D Ding, S Jin, X Cui
    Journal: Life Sciences, 90 (19-20), 793-798
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 16
  9. “Cathepsins in the extracellular space: Focusing on non-lysosomal proteolytic functions with clinical implications”
    Authors: H Wang, A Inoue, Y Lei, H Wu, L Hong, XW Cheng
    Journal: Cellular Signalling, 103, 110531
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 13