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

 

Ajoy Kumar Bauri | Isolation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ajoy kumar Bauri | Isolation | Best Researcher Award

Scientific Officer at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai , India

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri is a Senior Scientist (SO ‘F’) at the Bio-Organic Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, Dr. Bauri’s primary research interests lie in the investigation of bioactive secondary metabolites from medicinal plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms. He is a specialist in isolating and characterizing natural products that serve as potential pharmaceutical agents. His work focuses on developing safer, more potent drugs from natural resources such as medicinal herbs and marine organisms, contributing significantly to the fields of pharmacology and biotechnology. Through his groundbreaking research, Dr. Bauri is advancing the development of novel agents with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, aiming to improve global healthcare.

professional profiles📖

Education 🎓

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri holds a Ph.D. in Science, specializing in the isolation and characterization of bioactive natural products, particularly secondary metabolites from medicinal plants and marine organisms. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his scientific career, enabling him to develop a deep understanding of bio-organic chemistry and pharmacology. His focus on medicinal plants, natural product chemistry, and molecular pharmacology stems from his academic pursuits, during which he gained expertise in advanced chromatographic techniques, spectroscopy, and the structural elucidation of bioactive compounds. He continuously strives to stay updated with the latest advancements in his field, ensuring his work remains at the cutting edge of bio-organic and pharmaceutical research.

work Experience💼

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri has over three decades of research experience at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. During his tenure, he has specialized in investigating bioactive secondary metabolites from traditional medicinal plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms. Dr. Bauri has extensive experience in utilizing advanced chromatographic techniques, including column chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography to isolate bioactive compounds. His expertise also extends to spectroscopic analysis, employing various techniques such as NMR, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to elucidate the structures of isolated compounds. In addition to his laboratory work, Dr. Bauri has studied the potential biomedical applications of these compounds, including their anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities. He has also explored the biosynthetic and biotransformation processes of these compounds, using bacterial and fungal cultures to produce novel analogues for further study.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri’s contributions to the field of bioactive natural products have earned him recognition in various scientific circles. Although specific awards and honors are not detailed in the provided information, his work is widely acknowledged in the scientific community for its potential impact on pharmaceutical research. His focus on isolating bioactive compounds from natural sources and contributing to drug development, especially in the areas of anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial therapies, has made him a valuable member of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He has also been instrumental in the exploration of marine organisms and microorganisms as sources of novel bioactive molecules. Dr. Bauri’s research continues to influence future drug development, and his scientific excellence makes him a candidate for recognition in national and international research awards in pharmaceutical science and bio-organic chemistry.

Research Focus

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri’s primary research focus is on the investigation of bioactive secondary metabolites derived from medicinal plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms. He isolates and characterizes new pharmaceutical agents, especially those used in traditional herbal and Ayurvedic systems. Dr. Bauri’s work emphasizes the exploration of natural products as a safer and more potent alternative to synthetic drugs, focusing on their potential in treating diseases like cancer, infections, ulcers, and inflammation. His research spans the isolation of compounds using advanced chromatographic techniques, followed by detailed structural characterization through various spectroscopic methods such as NMR, mass spectrometry, and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, Dr. Bauri investigates the biosynthesis and biotransformation of these compounds to create novel analogues, contributing to the development of new, more effective therapeutics. His research is aimed at the biomedical applications of these compounds, with an emphasis on their pharmacological activities and overall therapeutic potential.

Skills

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri possesses an extensive skill set that enables him to carry out advanced research in the field of bioactive natural products. His technical skills include proficiency in chromatographic techniques such as column chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which he uses to isolate bioactive compounds. He is highly skilled in spectroscopic methods such as one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, allowing him to accurately characterize the structure of isolated compounds. Additionally, Dr. Bauri has expertise in testing the pharmacological properties of natural products, including anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities. His ability to explore biosynthesis and biotransformation pathways using microbial cultures adds depth to his research, contributing to the creation of novel drug analogues. His comprehensive approach to natural product chemistry, coupled with his biomedical focus, ensures the applicability of his research in pharmaceutical development.

Conclusion✅

Dr. Ajoy Kumar Bauri’s exceptional contributions to the field of bioactive natural products, his innovative research methodologies, and his focus on the biomedical applications of his findings position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses crucial health challenges, particularly in oncology, infectious diseases, and inflammation, through the development of pharmaceutical agents derived from nature. By expanding his outreach and fostering collaborations, Dr. Bauri could further amplify the global impact of his research.

📚Publications to Noted

Exhibition of Förster resonance energy transfer from CdSe/ZnS quantum dot to zinc porphyrazine studied in solution.
J. Mol. Liq., 276, 770-778 (2019)
Year: 2019
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Analysis of Chemical constituents of Steam Distillate of Trachyspermum roxburghianum
Am. J. Food Sci. & Nutrition, 5(4), 76-81 (2018)
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Anti-proliferative Active Flavones from the Methanol Extract of Indian Herb Artemisia reticulata.
Am. J. Pharma & Pharmacol. 5(4), 27-32 (2018)
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Anti-proliferative Allyl phenol from the Methanol Extract of Piper betle.
Am. J. Pharma & Pharmacol. 5(3), 13-18 (2018)
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Molecular assembly of PC70BM with a designed monoporhyrin: Spectroscopic investigation in solution and theoretical calculations.
J. Mol. Liq., 272, 137-150 (2018)
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Study of Chemical Physics on Energy Transfer Phenomenon between Quantum Dots and Designed Diporphyrin in Solution.
J. Mol. Liq., 263, 64-71 (2018)
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Synthesis and Evaluation of Polyphenolic Malabaricones for their Anti-cancer Potential.
BARC NEWSLETTER Research Article, September-October 2018
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

The spice-derived phenolic, malabaricone B induces mitochondrial damage in A549 cells via p53-independent pathway.
Food & Function, 14:9(11), 5715-5727 (2018)
Year: 2018
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Crystal structure of tetrahydro seselin, an angular pyranocoumarin.
Acta Cryst. E, 2017-06-21
Year: 2017
DOI: 10.1107/S205698901700932X
Author: Ajoy Bauri

(10R,13R)-17-(6-Hydroxy-5-methylheptan-2-yl)10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,-tetradecahydro-1H cyclopenta[a] phenanthre-3-ol hemihydrate: a bioactive steroid isolated from the Indian herb Artemisia reticulata.
Year: 2017
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Crystal structure of a photobiologically active brominated angular pyranocoumarin: bromo hydroxyl seselin.
Acta Cryst (2017). E73, 453-455
Year: 2017
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Crystal structure of dibromomethoxy seselin, a photobiologically active pyranocoumarin.
Acta Cryst (2017). E73, 774-776
Year: 2017
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Crystal structure of tetrahydro seselin, an angular pyranocoumarin.
Acta Cryst (2017). E73, 1117-1120
Year: 2017
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Identification of GTP binding nuclear protein Ran as an upregulation target in acetoin glycoside mediated plant growth enhancement.
Natural Product Journals, 7, 1-7 (2017)
Year: 2017
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Crystal structure of Bergapten, a photomutagenic and photobiologically active furanocoumarin.
Acta Cryst. E, 2016-07
Year: 2016
Author: Ajoy Bauri

Crystal structure of bergapten: a photomutagenic and photobiologically active furanocoumarin.
Cryst. Acta. E72, 1194-1196 (2016)
Year: 2016
Author: Ajoy Bauri

 

Lubomír Janda | Animal model | Best Researcher Award