Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Wilfried Schwab | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Technische Universität München , Germany

Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Dr. Wilfried Schwab’s academic journey began with the Abitur at Balthasar-Neumann-Gymnasium in Marktheidenfeld in 1980. He pursued a degree in Food Chemistry at the University of Würzburg (1981–1985), completing his 1st State Examination. Driven by a passion for natural product chemistry, he began his Ph.D. under Prof. Dr. Peter Schreier, completing it in 1989. His early research focused on the chemistry of natural flavors, a theme that would define much of his career. He then underwent professional training for the 2nd State Examination in Erlangen (1990–1991). His academic foundation was further strengthened with a Habilitation (1999), granting him venia legendi in Food Chemistry.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Schwab’s postdoctoral career launched in the USA (1989–1990) at Washington State University with Prof. Rodney Croteau, a leading figure in plant biochemistry. He held several short-term research positions across Europe and the U.S., building a network of international collaborations. From 1994 to 2003, he led an independent research group at the University of Würzburg, where he developed his expertise in plant secondary metabolism. In 2003, he became a C3 professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Biomolecular Food Technology, which was renamed Biotechnology of Natural Products in 2010. His leadership extended to serving as acting head of multiple departments at TUM and a Chair Professorship at Anhui Agricultural University in China (since 2018), highlighting his global academic reach.

Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s research is anchored in the biochemistry of plant-derived natural products, particularly focusing on glycosyltransferases, terpenoids, apocarotenoids, and flavor compounds. He has significantly advanced the understanding of enzyme structure–function relationships and metabolic pathways in fruits like strawberry and grapevine. His work bridges basic and applied science, often connecting plant metabolic processes with practical applications in food chemistry, fragrance, and biotechnology.

Impact and Influence

With a rich publication history in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, New Phytologist, Plant Physiology, and Nature Genetics, Prof. Schwab has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. His involvement in the woodland strawberry genome project underscores his role in major collaborative efforts. Additionally, he holds several patents, including methods for identifying glycosyltransferase substrates and aroma precursors, demonstrating his impact beyond academia and into industrial applications.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Prof. Schwab’s publications have been widely cited, with key studies serving as references for both academic and applied research in plant biochemistry. He received the Unterfränkische Gedenkjahresstiftung für Wissenschaft award for his Ph.D. thesis and the Josef-Schormüller Award in 1999, recognizing his exceptional contributions to food chemistry. He also serves on the editorial board of Horticultural Research, reflecting peer recognition of his expertise.

Technical Skills

Prof. Schwab possesses deep technical expertise in enzymology, plant metabolomics, analytical chemistry (GC-MS, LC-MS), and molecular biology. His ability to translate complex biochemical pathways into functional insights about plant defense and aroma biosynthesis has made him a leader in the field. He has also demonstrated proficiency in industrial research, particularly during his time with Hoechst AG and AgrEvo (1991–1994), working on agricultural metabolism.

Teaching and Academic Leadership

Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Schwab has mentored numerous students and researchers. His leadership roles at TUM—including acting head of departments in Biofunctionality of Food and Fruit Science—highlight his commitment to nurturing future scientists. His teaching integrates foundational knowledge with state-of-the-art discoveries in biotechnology and natural products.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Schwab’s legacy is defined by his interdisciplinary approach, combining food chemistry, plant biology, and biotechnology to unravel nature’s complexity. As he continues his work in Germany and China, his research will likely influence sustainable agriculture, food innovation, and natural product development for years to come. His role in shaping modern food biochemistry ensures a lasting impact on both scientific discovery and industrial practice.

📖Notable Publications

β-Carotene alleviates substrate inhibition caused by asymmetric cooperativity

  • Authors: Jieren Liao, Umar F. Shahul Hameed, Timothy D. Hoffmann, Stefan T. Arold, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Nature Communications

  • Year: 2025

Squalene acts as a feedback signaling molecule in facilitating bidirectional communication between tea plants

  • Authors: Jieyang Jin, Mingyue Zhao, Keke Yu, Wilfried G. Schwab, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Science Advances

  • Year: 2025

Evolution and functional divergence of glycosyltransferase genes shaped the quality and cold tolerance of tea plants

  • Authors: Jingming Wang, Yutong Hu, Danyang Guo, Enhua Xia, Chuankui Song

  • Journal: Plant Cell

  • Year: 2025

Kinetics of Secoisolariciresinol Glucosyltransferase LuUGT74S1 and Its Mutants

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Lukas Böhm, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Year: 2024

Comparative Functional Characterization of LuUGT74S1 from Linum usitatissimum L. and Its Closed Homologues from Fragaria vesca Subsp. vesca and Camellia sinensis

  • Authors: Sadiq S. Mareai, Thomas Hoffmann, Wilfried G. Schwab

  • Journal: ACS Food Science and Technology

  • Year: 2024

Liu Yakun | Biochemistry | Best Innovation Award

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Dr. Liu Yakun | Biochemistry | Best Innovation Award

The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Med, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Liu YaKun earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the prestigious Hebei Medical University. From the beginning of her academic journey, she displayed a deep commitment to women’s health and a strong passion for advancing clinical knowledge in gynecology. Her formative years were shaped by rigorous medical education, clinical rotations, and early exposure to research in gynecologic oncology.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as the Associate Chief Physician at the Department of Gynecology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Dr. Liu also holds the significant position of Teaching Director. In this dual role, she combines her medical expertise with academic leadership, mentoring young doctors and medical students. Her clinical work is particularly focused on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of gynecologic tumors, and she is widely recognized for her meticulous approach and dedication to patient care.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s primary research area lies in gynecologic tumors, especially ovarian malignancies. In a groundbreaking study, she and her team became the first in the world to identify a rare germline BMP15 mutation as a causative factor in hereditary ovarian immature teratoma (OIT). Through a combination of cell line experiments and animal models, the pathogenicity of this mutation was verified, significantly advancing the understanding of the etiology of OIT. This work not only provided a crucial biomarker for genetic screening but also paved the way for future studies on ovarian malignant germ cell tumors.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s discovery has had a global impact, offering new insights into rare gynecologic cancers and influencing genetic screening protocols worldwide. Her pioneering research has opened new avenues in oncology, particularly in the identification and treatment of hereditary tumors in women, thus contributing significantly to precision medicine in gynecology.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

As a first author, Dr. Liu has published numerous papers in SCI-indexed and core medical journals, contributing high-impact literature to the field. She has led multiple research projects and was honored with the First Prize of the Hebei Medical Science and Technology Award, underscoring her scientific excellence and clinical relevance.

🧪 Technical Skills

Dr. Liu is proficient in a wide range of clinical and laboratory techniques, including tumor marker analysis, surgical oncology procedures, molecular biology experiments, and animal model development. Her work seamlessly integrates clinical practice with laboratory research, enabling her to translate bench-side findings into bedside applications.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As the Teaching Director of her department, Dr. Liu is deeply involved in medical education and mentoring. She designs and delivers advanced training modules for residents and interns, oversees their clinical rotations, and encourages them to participate in research. Her teaching style is both inspiring and practical, often merging clinical scenarios with research discussions to foster comprehensive learning.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Liu YaKun’s legacy is being built on a foundation of clinical innovation, academic excellence, and compassionate care. She aims to further explore genetic mutations in gynecologic oncology, contribute to personalized medicine, and mentor the next generation of gynecologists. Her future work will likely continue to bridge the gap between clinical practice and genetic research, reinforcing her standing as a trailblazer in women’s health.

📖Notable Publications

New insights into the ferroptosis and immune infiltration in endometriosis: a bioinformatics-based analysis

Authors: Lusha Liu, Feifei Han, Naiyi Du, Yakun Liu, Aihong Duan, Shan Kang, Bin Li
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
Year: 2025

Incorporating genotype information in a precise prediction model for platinum sensitivity in epithelial ovarian cancer

Authors: Nai-Yi Du, Yan Li, Hui Zheng, Ya-Kun Liu, Lu-Sha Liu, Jianbang Xie, Shan Kang
Journal: Frontiers in Oncology
Year: 2025

Stratifin (SFN) Regulates Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Cytoskeletal Remodeling and Metastasis Progression Through LIMK2/Cofilin Signaling

Authors: Naiyi Du, Daojuan Li, Wei Zhao, Yakun Liu
Journal: Molecular Biotechnology
Year: 2024

The Diagnostic Significance of Combined Screening and Human Papillomavirus 16 and 18 Cycle Threshold Values for CIN2+ Cervical Lesions

Authors: Xue Bai, Ya-Kun Liu, Ya-Jing Jia, Dao-Juan Li, Nai-Yi Du
Journal: International Journal of Women’s Health
Year: 2024

Causal effects of genetically determined circulating metabolites on endometriosis: A Mendelian randomization study

Authors: Lusha Liu, Junping Yin, Yakun Liu, Bin Li, Shan Kang, Naiyi Du
Journal: Medicine
Year: 2024

LIMK1 promotes the development of cervical cancer by up-regulating the ROS/Src-FAK/cofilin signaling pathway

Authors: Yajing Jia, Yongping Li, Naiyi Du, Wei Zhao, Yakun Liu
Journal: Aging
Year: 2024

Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award – 1648

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Dr. Natalya Kurochkina | Protein Structure | Best Researcher Award

The School of Theoretical Modeling, United States

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Natalya Kurochkina’s academic journey began when she earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics at the Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences. Her postdoctoral work followed in 1991 at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, USA, focusing on Biochemistry. These formative years laid the foundation for her expertise in protein structure and biophysical analysis.

Professional Endeavors 💼

After her postdoctoral studies, Kurochkina worked as a Research Scientist at Applied Thermodynamics in Hunt Valley, MD, between 1996 and 1998. In 1998, she established the School of Theoretical Modeling in Washington, DC, where she has since served as a Professor of Biophysics. She teaches courses in Biomedical Research and Protein Modeling, contributing significantly to the academic development of students in these fields. Her research has focused on the structure and dynamics of proteins, particularly in the context of medical applications.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Kurochkina’s research contributions are substantial and have made a significant impact on the field of biophysics and biochemistry. She developed methods for predicting protein conformation, including novel approaches to designing immunotoxins. Her work on the molecular modeling of various medically relevant proteins, such as fibrin, UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase, and TRP1/TRPV1/CDK5, has advanced the understanding of these molecules. Kurochkina also pioneered studies into the structural determinants of protein assembly and the impact of helix interfaces on ligand binding.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Kurochkina’s work has not only contributed to the scientific community but also has tangible medical implications. Her design of immunotoxins and modeling of critical proteins has advanced therapeutic approaches for various diseases. Additionally, her research in protein structure analysis is essential for understanding disease-related mutations, such as those linked to hereditary conditions like HSAN2A and sialuria. Her innovations have drawn attention globally, and her publications are regularly cited within the scientific literature.

Academic Cites 📚

Kurochkina has published 30 journals in high-impact databases like SCI and Scopus, with a citation index of 14. Her research is widely recognized within the biophysics and protein modeling communities. As a key contributor to multiple fields, her work on the structural and functional aspects of proteins continues to be referenced by experts and researchers worldwide.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Kurochkina possesses advanced technical skills in protein modeling, biophysical analysis, and computational chemistry. Her expertise includes structural modeling of proteins, secondary structure analysis, and the prediction of amino acid interactions. She has also worked extensively with molecular modeling software to simulate and predict the behavior of protein assemblies, particularly in the context of disease-associated mutations.

Teaching Experience 👩‍🏫

As a Professor of Biophysics, Kurochkina has mentored and shaped the careers of many students. Her teaching experience spans biomedical research, protein modeling, and the theoretical foundations of molecular biology. She is known for her ability to inspire students and foster a deep understanding of biophysics. Her guidance in both academic and research settings has been instrumental in the development of the next generation of scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Kurochkina’s legacy is marked by her groundbreaking contributions to protein structure prediction and her innovations in immunotoxin design. Her future research aims to further explore the complexities of protein dynamics and their role in disease. She continues to focus on developing computational tools that enhance the understanding of protein behavior in various biological systems. Her work promises to continue influencing the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, and biomedical research for years to come.

📖Notable Publications

Expression pattern analysis and characterization of the hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy 2 A (HSAN2A) gene with no lysine kinase (WNK1) in human dorsal root ganglion

Authors: Sapio, M.R., King, D.M., Staedtler, E.S., Mannes, A.J., Iadarola, M.J.
Journal: Experimental Neurology
Year: 2023

Phosphorylation of the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 by Cyclin-dependent Kinase 5 affects Chemo-nociception

Authors: Hall, B.E., Prochazkova, M., Sapio, M.R., Iadarola, M.J., Kulkarni, A.B.
Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2018

Phosphorylation, Dephosphorylation, and Multiprotein Assemblies Regulate Dynamic Behavior of Neuronal Cytoskeleton: A Mini-Review

Authors: Kurochkina, N., Bhaskar, M., Yadav, S.P., Pant, H.C.
Journal: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
Year: 2018

Helical assemblies: Structure determinants

Authors: Kurochkina, N.A., Iadarola, M.J.
Journal: Journal of Theoretical Biology
Year: 2015