Navid Abedpoor | Health | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Navid Abedpoor | Health | Young Researcher Award

Researcher at Islamic Azad university of Isfahan, Iran.

Dr. Navid Abedpoor Dardashti is a dynamic Ph.D. student in the Department of Physiology at the Faculty of Sport Science, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Iran. With a strong foundation in sport science, food engineering, and nutrition, Dr. Abedpoor has seamlessly integrated molecular biology and physiology into his research. His work primarily focuses on understanding metabolic diseases, inflammation, and oxidative stress using exercise physiology and nutraceutical interventions. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters in the field of sport nutrition, diabetes, cancer biology, and herbal medicine. Dr. Abedpoor’s collaborative efforts span various esteemed institutions, including Royan Institute and University of Isfahan. A passionate researcher, his work blends experimental science with in-silico bioinformatics, yielding innovative insights into non-coding RNAs, senolytic therapies, and gut-brain axis modulation. In addition to research, he actively contributes as a peer reviewer for prominent journals and remains committed to interdisciplinary innovation.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile 
ORCID

🎓 Education 

Dr. Abedpoor is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Physiology at the Faculty of Sport Science, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch. His doctoral research centers on the impact of exercise and nutrition on inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic disease progression. He previously earned a Master’s degree in Sport and Nutrition from the same institution, with a focus on the physiological effects of branched-chain amino acids in trained mice, combining nutritional strategies with exercise science. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Food Sciences and Engineering from the Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, where he explored food biotechnology and bioactive compounds. This combination of training in nutrition, molecular biology, and sport physiology has shaped his multifaceted approach to research in chronic diseases and therapeutic interventions.

👨‍💼 Experience 

Dr. Abedpoor has held several research-oriented positions at leading Iranian academic institutions. He is currently working as a researcher at the Islamic Azad University of Isfahan, where he investigates molecular pathways involved in chronic disease management using exercise and dietary interventions. Prior to this, he conducted research at the University of Isfahan on mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and diabetes. From 2012 to 2019, he was affiliated with the Royan Institute’s Cellular Biotechnology Lab, where he gained experience in cancer biology, regenerative medicine, and genetic modeling. Across these roles, Dr. Abedpoor has worked with in vivo animal models and employed laboratory techniques such as PCR, ELISA, Western blotting, and gene expression profiling. His expertise also extends to computational biology and systems-based research, allowing him to investigate interactions between genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways.

🔬 Research Interest 

Dr. Abedpoor’s research is focused on bridging exercise physiology, nutrition science, and molecular biology to develop novel interventions for chronic metabolic and inflammatory diseases. His key areas of interest include adipose tissue browning through the Irisin–PGC-1α axis, modulation of inflammation using herbal compounds, and regulation of the brain–gut axis. He is particularly interested in the therapeutic use of natural compounds and nutraceuticals in conditions such as diabetes, obesity, neurodegeneration, and cancer. He also explores the role of non-coding RNAs and lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Through a combination of wet lab experimentation and in silico bioinformatics, Dr. Abedpoor identifies novel molecular targets and evaluates their relevance using gene expression, signaling pathways, and protein–gene interaction analyses. His long-term goal is to translate his findings into clinical therapies that improve metabolic health and reduce disease burden.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions 

Dr. Abedpoor has received recognition for multiple research articles published in high-impact journals such as Molecular Neurobiology, Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Oncology, and Environmental Research. His contribution to academic literature includes authoring book chapters published by Nova Science Publishers on subjects like inflammation, amino acids, and gene regulation. He has served as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals including ACS Chemical Neuroscience, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, and Diabetes Therapy. His scientific insights have been presented at national and international conferences related to sport science, physiology, and computational biology. Additionally, he was awarded a research fellowship at Royan Institute, Iran’s premier research center for biotechnology and stem cell therapy, where he participated in several multidisciplinary projects.

Skills

Dr. Abedpoor brings a comprehensive and interdisciplinary skill set to his research work. His laboratory expertise includes molecular biology techniques such as RNA and DNA extraction, PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. He is proficient in handling in vivo animal models of diabetes, obesity, and physical training interventions. He has advanced knowledge of bioinformatics tools including Cytoscape, STRING, R software, and MetaCore for analyzing genetic and protein interaction networks. He also uses computational pharmacology for drug modeling and systems biology. In addition to lab-based work, Dr. Abedpoor is skilled in scientific writing, literature review, and meta-analysis. He regularly uses SPSS and GraphPad Prism for statistical evaluation and data visualization. His communication skills are reflected in his peer-reviewed publications, book contributions, and reviewer roles for multiple scientific journals. These diverse capabilities enable him to navigate across disciplines and contribute effectively to academic and translational research.

Conclusion

Navid Abedpoor Dardashti is highly suitable for the Research for Young Researcher Award. He exemplifies what the award seeks: early-career brilliance, interdisciplinary innovation, and a strong track record of impactful research. His productivity, scientific curiosity, and service to the academic community position him as a rising star in biomedical and sport science research.

📚Top Noted  Publications 

Mitigating Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The Synergistic Potential of Sea Buckthorn and Metformin Explored via Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2025
• Journal: Biology

The role of Sparasis Latifolia and Aerobic Exercise on Anti-inflammatory Activities…
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2025
• Journal: Journal of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology
Exploring the dynamics of exercise intensity on male fertility…
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2024
• Journal: Frontiers in Reproductive Health
Sparassis latifolia and exercise training… (5-fluorouracil side effects)
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2024
• Journal: Cancer Cell International
System biology analysis for gastric cancer (maggot compounds)
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2023
• Journal: Environmental Research
Types of Cell Death from a Molecular Perspective
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2023
• Journal: Biology
The molecular perspective on melanoma and T-cells
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2023
• Journal: Environmental Research
Pathomechanisms of Non-Coding RNAs and Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2023
• Journal: F1000Research
Polyherbal Compounds & Mobility Training in Alzheimer’s
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2023
• Journal: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience
 Natural remedies from flaxseed for diabetic heart conditions
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2022
• Journal: Journal of Food Biochemistry
 Combination of endurance exercise and SGTC
• Authors: Navid Abedpoor, et al.
• Year: 2022
• Journal: Nutrition & Metabolism

Heng Zhang | Biomedical Research | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Heng Zhang | Biomedical Research | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist at Versiti Blood Research Institute, United States

Dr. Heng Zhang is a Research Scientist specializing in integrin structure and signaling at the Blood Research Institute, Versiti, U.S. His expertise spans biochemical and structural biology, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. With a strong academic background from Waikato University and Shandong Normal University, he has contributed significantly to the fields of virology, protein interactions, and blood-related research. His work includes pioneering studies on integrins, viral receptors, and hemophilia mutations. Dr. Zhang has received numerous prestigious awards and serves as a reviewer for scientific journals. His research has led to patents and publications in high-impact journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing biomedical science.

professional profiles📖

Scopus Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Zhang earned his Ph.D. in Biochemical and Structural Biology from Waikato University, New Zealand, in 2019, where he focused on protein structure and function, particularly in relation to bovine salivary proteins and microbial interactions. Before that, he obtained an M.Sc. in Molecular Genetics with First-Class Honors from Waikato University, specializing in genetic and biochemical approaches to understanding molecular pathways. His academic journey began at Shandong Normal University, China, where he completed a B.Sc. in Biotechnology in 2009, gaining foundational knowledge in biotechnology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering.

work Experience💼

Currently, Dr. Zhang serves as a Research Scientist at the Blood Research Institute, Versiti, where he investigates integrin structure and signaling. Previously, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the same institute from 2019 to 2023, focusing on molecular mechanisms in virology and blood coagulation. His experience also includes teaching molecular biology and biochemistry as a Teaching Assistant at Waikato University from 2013 to 2019, where he mentored students and supported laboratory research. Additionally, he worked as a Research Technologist at Waikato University from 2013 to 2014, conducting laboratory experiments related to protein structure and microbial interactions.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang has received multiple accolades throughout his career. In 2024, he was honored with the Education Committee Award from Versiti Blood Research Institute. During his graduate studies, he earned the DairyNZ Graduate Student Award from AgResearch Ltd (2015-2019) and multiple internal awards from Waikato University in 2014 and 2012. His academic excellence was recognized early on with First and Second Class Scholarships from Shandong Normal University (2005-2009) and a Second Prize award in the China High School Biology Olympiad in 2003.

Skills

Dr. Zhang is highly skilled in structural biology, with expertise in X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and protein modeling. He has strong computational biology skills, using tools such as AlphaFold and molecular dynamics simulations. His biochemical expertise includes protein purification, enzyme kinetics, and cellular assays, while his genetic engineering experience covers CRISPR, recombinant protein expression, and cloning. As an active contributor to the scientific community, he serves as a reviewer for Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine and has been involved in patent development for antiviral receptor-based technologies.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research revolves around integrin structure and signaling, exploring mechanisms of cell adhesion and immune response regulation. He has made significant contributions to understanding hemophilia and blood disorders, utilizing computational modeling to study coagulation factors. His work in virology includes investigating cell-attachable viral receptors for infectious disease control. Additionally, he applies structural biology techniques, including cryo-EM and AlphaFold-based predictions, to study protein interactions. His research extends to biomedical engineering and drug development, with a focus on innovative therapeutic approaches for blood-related diseases.

Conclusion✅

Dr. Heng Zhang is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his substantial contributions to biomedical and structural biology research. His impressive publication record, patents, mentorship roles, and international collaborations make him a strong contender. However, further advancements in leading research projects, securing independent funding, and expanding his first-author publications in top journals could further bolster his qualifications for the award. Overall, he demonstrates outstanding research excellence with strong potential for future leadership in his field.

📚Publications to Noted

 

Predicting the effects of single pathological mutations in Hemophilia A and Type 2N Von Willebrand Diseases using AlphaFold2‐multimer and AlphaFold3

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2025

Facilitating and restraining virus infection using cell‐attachable soluble viral receptors

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2024

Integrin α 5 β 1 contributes to cell fusion and inflammation mediated by SARS‐CoV‐2 spike via RGD‐independent interaction

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2023

Family‐wide analysis of integrin structures predicted by AlphaFold2.

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2023

Intracellular tPA–PAI-1 interaction determines VLDL assembly in hepatocytes

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2023

Coagulopathy in COVID‐19 and anticoagulation clinical trials

Authors: Not provided

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2022

The three dimensional structure of Bovine Salivary Protein 30b (BSP30b) and its interaction with specific rumen bacteria.

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2019

A new method to extract and purify DNA from allophanic soils and paleosols, and potential for paleoenvironmental reconstruction and other applications

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2016

What can the geographic distribution of mtDNA haplotypes tell us about the invasion of New Zealand by house mice Mus musculus?

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2016

DNA adsorption by nanocrystalline allophane spherules and nanoaggregates, and implications for carbon sequestration in Andisols

Authors: Heng Zhang (assumed)

Citations: Not provided

Year: 2016