Jiang Wu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jiang Wu | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Wenzhou Medical University | China

Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Jiang Wu began her academic journey in pharmaceutical sciences with a solid foundation in biology and chemistry, completing both undergraduate and doctoral studies at a leading Chinese university. Her early curiosity in material science and biomedical applications laid the groundwork for a lifelong interest in regenerative medicine. During her doctoral studies, she further enhanced her international academic exposure through a visiting research stint in the United States. This period catalyzed her exploration into biomaterials and biofunctional hydrogels research directions that would later become central to her career.

Professional Endeavors

Professor Wu embarked on her professional academic career as an assistant professor, quickly advancing through academic ranks due to her significant research output and dedication to teaching. She also gained international academic experience as a visiting professor in the United States, where she collaborated with global experts in drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine. Returning to China, she steadily rose through the academic hierarchy, eventually attaining full professorship. Her professional trajectory reflects a deep commitment to both institutional growth and global scientific collaboration.

Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Wu’s research contributions have significantly advanced the field of wound healing and regenerative medicine. Her core research interests revolve around three major themes: the underlying mechanisms of wound regeneration, the development of smart and functional biomaterials, and the design of hydrogel-based delivery systems. Her work frequently explores innovative uses of stimuli-responsive hydrogels, microneedles, and bioactive wound dressings to improve the treatment of diabetic wounds, burns, and spinal cord injuries. She has consistently focused on translational research bridging the gap between laboratory development and clinical application.

Impact and Influence

Professor Wu’s research has left a profound impact on the fields of biomedical engineering and pharmaceutics, particularly in the development of novel wound dressings and transdermal delivery systems. She has been instrumental in designing multifunctional materials that are both responsive to biological stimuli and effective in promoting tissue repair. Her work is often cited in studies related to polymer science, drug delivery, and regenerative therapies. Her influence is evident not only in academic literature but also in the development of practical medical solutions being explored for clinical applications.

Academic Citations 

Having authored over 40 high-impact publications in prestigious journals such as Advanced Healthcare Materials, Biomaterials, Small, and the Journal of Controlled Release, Professor Wu’s work has garnered widespread recognition. She frequently serves as a corresponding author, reflecting her leadership in collaborative research projects. Her publications are well-cited by peers, indicating the relevance and timeliness of her findings in fields ranging from material chemistry to tissue engineering. Her inclusion in regional talent and leadership programs further underlines her academic prestige.

Technical Skills

Professor Wu possesses deep technical expertise in polymer chemistry, nanofabrication, and biomaterial engineering. Her lab routinely employs techniques such as electrospinning, hydrogel synthesis, drug conjugation, and surface modification. She is proficient in the development of biodegradable scaffolds, microneedle systems, and zwitterionic hydrogels with tailored release profiles. These skills have allowed her to innovate across multiple domains, from antimicrobial dressings to spinal cord regeneration systems.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

In parallel with her research, Professor Wu has been an active educator and mentor. She has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, and biomedical engineering. Known for fostering a research-driven learning environment, she has supervised numerous graduate theses and contributed to curriculum development. Many of her students have co-authored papers with her and gone on to pursue academic or industry careers, reflecting her dedication to shaping future scientists.

Awards and Honors

Professor Wu has received numerous honors for her academic excellence and leadership in science and technology. These include recognition by provincial and city-level government programs for leading talents and innovative researchers. Her appointment as a vice president for science and technology by a provincial authority highlights her influence in shaping regional innovation policy. These accolades underscore her dual role as a scholar and policy influencer.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Professor Wu’s legacy is characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation in regenerative medicine and biomaterials. Her work has pushed boundaries in tissue engineering and smart material design, offering practical solutions for chronic wound care and therapeutic delivery. Looking ahead, she is poised to further impact the biomedical field through interdisciplinary collaborations, continued mentorship, and translational research aimed at clinical implementation. Her future endeavors are expected to focus on scalable biomaterials, personalized medicine approaches, and next-generation therapeutic platforms.

Notable Publications

General fabrication of bioactive dissolving microneedles from whole grain seeds derived starch for transdermal application

  • Authors: Zhang, J.; Xu, D.; Li, B.; Wang, K.; Ni, Y.; Xu, J.; Wu, J.; Li, X.; He, H.

  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

  • Year: 2025

Drug conjugates crosslinked bioresponsive hydrogel for combination therapy of diabetic wound

  • Authors: Zheng, M.; Song, W.; Huang, P.; Huang, Y.; Lin, H.; Zhang, M.; He, H.; Wu, J.

  • Journal: Journal of Controlled Release

  • Year: 2024

Bio-inspired aFGF modification functionalized piezoelectric chitosan films for promoting scald wound healing

  • Authors: Luo, Y.; Luo, H.; Yang, X.; Ding, X.; Wang, K.; Zhang, M.; Wei, J.; An, Y.; Xu, J.; He, H.; Wu, J.

  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

  • Year: 2024

Tissue-Adaptive BSA Hydrogel with Dual Release of PTX and bFGF Promotes Spinal Cord Injury Repair via Glial Scar Inhibition and Axon Regeneration

  • Authors: Zhu, S.; Wu, Q.; Ying, Y.; Mao, Y.; Lu, W.; Xu, J.; Cai, X.; He, H.; Wu, J.

  • Journal: Small

  • Year: 2024

Microneedle Patch for Transdermal Sequential Delivery of KGF-2 and aFGF to Enhance Burn Wound Therapy

  • Authors: He, H.; Huang, W.; Zhang, S.; Li, J.; Zhang, J.; Li, B.; Xu, J.; Luo, Y.; Shi, H.; Li, Y.; Xiao, J.; Ezekiel, O. C.; Li, X.; Wu, J.

  • Journal: Small

  • Year: 2024

Conclusion

Professor Jiang Wu stands as a distinguished scholar whose work bridges fundamental science and medical application. Her contributions to smart hydrogels, wound healing, and biomaterials reflect a harmonious blend of creativity, rigor, and purpose. With a strong publication record, a commitment to mentorship, and growing recognition in both national and international scientific communities, she is well-positioned to lead future advancements in pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical engineering. Her journey exemplifies the transformative potential of science when coupled with vision and dedication.

Yuejai Kang | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yuejai Kang | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Kunsan National University, South Korea

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yuejai Kang began his academic journey with a background in social sciences, equipping him with a broad perspective that complements his scientific approach. Driven by a passion for marine and aquatic ecosystems, he transitioned into the field of Aquatic Life Medicine, completing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. His academic pursuits culminated in a doctoral degree in Biotechnology, with a specialization in aquatic animal diseases. His Ph.D. research focused on enhancing disease resistance in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) through systems producing CpG DNA and double-stranded RNA, forming the basis for his long-term research in aquatic immunology and disease prevention.

Professional Endeavors

As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aquatic Life Medicine at Kunsan National University, Dr. Kang has built a career spanning over two decades in aquatic veterinary sciences. His professional responsibilities encompass research leadership, academic instruction, and mentorship, alongside active participation in interdisciplinary projects addressing aquatic animal health. He continues to collaborate with government and industry partners, applying academic insights to real-world aquaculture challenges.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kang’s research is primarily centered on understanding and managing viral and bacterial diseases in aquatic animals. He has contributed significantly to the development of vaccines, immunostimulants, therapeutics, and antibiotics tailored for use in aquaculture. His work explores host-pathogen interactions, mechanisms of disease resistance, and the molecular basis of immunity in fish species. He has investigated the antiviral potential of agents such as remdesivir against fish viruses belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family. Additionally, he is extending his expertise into the study of environmental toxicology, examining how pollutants and environmental stressors affect aquatic disease dynamics.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kang’s work has had a tangible impact on the aquaculture sector, improving disease control strategies and promoting sustainable fish farming practices. His studies have helped enhance disease resistance in cultured species, reducing mortality and economic losses in aquaculture operations. His scientific contributions are influencing policy development and management practices in aquatic health both nationally and internationally.

Academic Citations and Publications

With a strong publication record, Dr. Kang has authored 50 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the global knowledge base in aquatic health science. His work is frequently cited by peers in related fields such as virology, marine biology, fish pathology, and biotechnology, underlining the broad relevance and scientific merit of his research. Notably, his publication on the antiviral effects of remdesivir has gained recognition for its innovative approach to controlling viral infections in aquatic species.

Technical Skills

Dr. Kang’s technical expertise includes advanced molecular biology methods, such as nucleic acid-based vaccine development, diagnostic PCR, and immunological assays. He is adept in laboratory and field-based pathogen challenge experiments, cell culture, and microbiological diagnostics. His hands-on proficiency supports high-quality experimental design and data interpretation in fish health research.

Teaching Experience

In addition to his research, Dr. Kang plays a vital role in academic instruction and student development. He teaches core courses in aquatic medicine and biotechnology and has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. He emphasizes practical learning, scientific reasoning, and innovation, inspiring students to pursue careers in marine and aquatic science.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Kang aims to further explore the intersection of environmental toxicology and aquatic disease, with a focus on how emerging contaminants affect fish health and immune responses. He is committed to advancing integrated disease management approaches and fostering collaborative research networks. Through his continued efforts, he seeks to contribute to the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture systems worldwide.

Notable Publications

First report and pathogenicity of Vibrio campbellii (VC<sub>AHPND</sub>) isolated in South Korea
Authors: Choi H.-J., Choi D.-Y., Lee J.-H., Kim J.-H., Kang Y.J.
Journal: Journal of Fish Diseases
Year: 2024

Process optimization for microfluidic preparation of liposomes using food-grade components
Authors: Hong S.-C., Hong C.R., Kim M., Kang Y.J., Jung Y.H., Park K.-M., Choi J., Chang P.-S.
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2024

Protective Effects of Long Double-Stranded RNA with Different CpG Motifs against Miamiensis avidus and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) Infections in Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Choi H.-J., Choi D.-Y., Park J.-J., Jung H.J., Kim B.-S., Hong S.-C., Kim J.-H., Kang Y.J.
Journal: Fishes
Year: 2024

The use, application and efficacy of biofloc technology (BFT) in shrimp aquaculture industry: A review
Authors: Yu Y.-B., Choi J.-H., Lee J.-H., Jo A.-H., Lee J.-W., Choi H.J., Kang Y.J., Choi C.Y., Kang J.-C., Lee K.M., et al.
Journal: Environmental Technology and Innovation
Year: 2024

Toxic Effects of Microplastics (Polyethylene) Exposure on Neurotransmitter, Stress Indicators and Immunity in Korean Bullhead (Pseudobagrus fulvidraco)
Authors: Lee J.-H., Choi J.-H., Kang Y.J., Choi Y.J., Choi C.Y., Kang J.-C., Kim J.-H.
Journal: SSRN
Year: 2024