Prof. Dr Hein Van Poppel | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hein Van Poppel 🇧🇪 is an internationally renowned urologist and oncologist 👨‍⚕️🔬 with over four decades of experience in prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer surgery 🎯🧬. As Full Professor at KU Leuven and former Director of Education at the European School of Urology 📘🏥, he has mentored thousands and performed 3,000+ prostatectomies. Author of over 500 scientific publications 📚✍️ and recipient of multiple lifetime achievement awards 🏆, he has revolutionized urologic care with innovations like the “N” pouch. His commitment to research, education, and patient advocacy makes him a global leader in medical science 🌍💡.

Prof. Dr Hein Van Poppel, EAU and KU Leuven, Belgium

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🎓 Education 

Prof. Dr. Hein Van Poppel 🎓 is a leading figure in urology, earning his MD in General Surgery (1980) and Urology (1983), followed by a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences in 1988 🧠📘. He completed postgraduate training in major European centers including London, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Mainz, and Rotterdam 🌍🔬. In 1992, he became a Fellow of the European Board of Urology (FEBU) 🏅. Appointed Full Professor at KU Leuven in 1993 and Department Chair by 2002, his academic path laid the foundation for a distinguished global career in urologic oncology and medical education 🧪🏥.

👨‍⚕️ Experience 

Prof. Dr. Hein Van Poppel is a world-renowned urologist 👨‍⚕️ with over 40 years of experience in uro-oncology, academic leadership, and surgical innovation 🔬✂️. Former Chair of Urology at KU Leuven 🏥, he pioneered techniques like the “N” pouch and prepubic urethrectomy. He served as Adjunct Secretary General of the EAU and Director of the European School of Urology 📘🇪🇺. With 3,000+ radical prostatectomies, 35+ doctoral mentorships 🎓, and 1,000+ global lectures 🌍🎤, he has significantly shaped prostate cancer care, surgical education, and health policy through EU initiatives like PRAISE-U 🧠🏛️.

🏆 Awards, Leadership & Impact 

Prof. Van Poppel has received prestigious awards including the Folke Edsmyr Award (🇸🇪1999), Pieter De Mulder Award (🇫🇷2015), Francisco Diaz Medal (🇪🇸2015), SIU Distinguished Career Award (🇦🇷2016), and the Frans Debruyne Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) 🏅. In 2024–2025, he earned the Klaus-Meier Award, Laurent Boccon-Gibod Award, and the Wil de Jongh Medal 🏆. As EAU Adjunct Secretary General, he established the Patient Office 🧑‍⚕️🗣️, Policy Office 🏛️, and now coordinates PRAISE-U, an EU-funded initiative shaping the future of prostate cancer screening in Europe 🇪🇺📊. His leadership bridges research, advocacy, and public health innovation 🌍🔬.

🧬 Research Focus 

Prof. Van Poppel’s research focuses on prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers 🔬🧬, with a strong emphasis on early detection, screening policies, and surgical oncology. He has led major studies on PSA testing, PRAISE-U early detection programs, and neoadjuvant therapies for high-risk prostate cancer 🧪💉. His work addresses public health impact, patient outcomes, and inequalities in urological cancer care across Europe 🌍🏥. With groundbreaking contributions in clinical trials, surgical techniques, and policy advocacy 📈📜, his research bridges clinical excellence and health equity—paving the way for smarter, earlier, and more effective cancer interventions 🚀🎯.

📘 Publications

Title: SIU-ICUD: Screening and Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
Contributors: Ola Bratt, Mohamed Jalloh, Anwar R. Padhani, Paul F. Pinsky, Hein Van Poppel, Weranja Ranasinghe, Kamran Zargar-Shoshtari, Kai Zhang, Anssi Auvinen
Journal: Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal (2025)

Understanding the Barriers to Prostate Cancer Population-Based Early Detection Programs: The PRAISE-U BEST Survey
Contributors: Katharina Beyer, Renée C. A. Leenen, Lionne D. F. Venderbos, Jozien Helleman, Sebastiaan Remmers, Vera Vasilyeva, Juan Gómez Rivas, Erik Briers, Thomas Frese, Josep Vilaseca et al.
Journal: Journal of Personalized Medicine (2024)

Health Policy for Prostate Cancer Early Detection in the European Union and the Impact of Opportunistic Screening: PRAISE-U Consortium
Contributors: Katharina Beyer, Renée Leenen, Lionne Venderbos, Jozien Helleman, Frederique Denijs, Wichor Bramer, Vera Vasilyeva, Erik Briers, Juan Gómez Rivas, Renata Chloupkova et al.
Journal: Journal of Personalized Medicine (2024)

Navigating Through the Controversies and Emerging Paradigms in Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: Bridging the Gap from Classic RCTs to Modern Population-Based Pilot Programs
Contributors: Juan Gómez Rivas, Renée C. A. Leenen, Lionne Venderbos, Jozien Helleman, Irene de la Parra, Vera Vasilyeva, Moreno-Sierra J., Partha Basu, Arunah Chandran, Roderick C. N. van den Bergh et al.
Journal: Journal of Personalized Medicine (2023)

European Cancer Organisation’s Inequalities Network: Putting Cancer Inequalities on the European Policy Map
Contributors: Hendrik Van Poppel, Nicolò M. L. Battisti, Mark Lawler, Teodora Kolarova, Jacqueline Daly, Katie Rizvi, Robert Greene, Guy Buyens, Kathy Oliver, Richard Price et al.
Journal: JCO Global Oncology (2022)

Serum PSA-Based Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Europe and Globally: Past, Present and Future
Contributors: Hendrik Van Poppel, Tit Albreht, Partha Basu, Renée Hogenhout, Sarah Collen, Monique Roobol
Journal: Nature Reviews Urology (2022)

Dr Eun-Gyung Cho | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eun-Gyung Cho is a leading biomedical scientist specializing in extracellular vesicles (EVs), skin biology, and stem cell applications. She currently holds multiple leadership positions, including Director of the H&B Science Center at CHA Meditech Co., Ltd., Director of the Consumer Health 2 Center at CHA Advanced Research Institute, and Adjunct Associate Professor at CHA University. Her career bridges cutting-edge biomedical research with real-world therapeutic and cosmetic applications, particularly in skin regeneration, aging, and immunology. She has published over 50 scientific papers and filed more than 240 patents, demonstrating innovation and scientific excellence across academia and industry.

Dr Eun-Gyung Cho, CHA R&D Institute/CHABio group, South Korea

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🎓 Education

Dr. Eun-Gyung Cho holds a strong academic foundation in biological sciences and biotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Seoul National University (1998–2002) 🧬🎓, where she specialized in molecular and cellular biology. Prior to that, she completed her M.S. in Life Science at GIST, Kwangju (1996–1998) 🔬📘, gaining expertise in bio-research and developmental biology. Her academic journey began with a B.S. in Agricultural Biology at Seoul National University (1992–1996) 🌱🧪, where she built her initial skills in genetics, plant science, and biotechnology. This educational pathway laid the groundwork for her exceptional career in biomedical innovation.

🏢 Professional Experience

Dr. Eun-Gyung Cho brings over two decades of dynamic experience across academia, research, and biotechnology innovation. She currently serves as Director at CHA Meditech and the CHA Advanced Research Institute, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at CHA University 🏢🔬📚. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Amorepacific Corporation, including Team Leader and Chief Scientist, where she led R&D in bio-cosmeceuticals and exosome-based technologies 💄🧫. Her global expertise is further enriched by postdoctoral research at the NIH and Sanford-Burnham Institute in the USA 🌍🧠. Dr. Cho’s career reflects a blend of scientific depth, leadership, and innovation 💡🧪.

🧖‍♀️ Research Experience

Dr. Eun-Gyung Cho has led a distinguished research career in extracellular vesicles (EVs), stem cell biology, and skin science across academia and industry. At CHA Meditech and Amorepacific, she developed innovative biomaterials including EV-based skin boosters, anti-aging formulations, and microbial-derived therapies 🧪🧖‍♀️🌿. Her postdoctoral work at Sanford-Burnham and NIH advanced neurogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and bio-signaling mechanisms 🧠🔬🧫. With over 240 patents and 40+ publications, she has made pioneering contributions in cosmeceuticals, dermaceuticals, and regenerative medicine 🌟📈💊. Her research bridges fundamental science with real-world applications in skin health and personalized biotherapy.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Eun-Gyung Cho’s research centers on extracellular vesicles (EVs) 🧫, particularly their roles in intercellular communication, drug delivery, and as biomaterials for dermatological therapy 💉🧴. She specializes in developing skin boosters and biostimulators using EVs, peptides, recombinant proteins, and stem cell-conditioned media 🧬. Her work extends to skin biology 🧖‍♀️—exploring melanogenesis, skin barrier function, and cutaneous immunity—and stem cell biology, including iPSC differentiation into skin and neural lineages 🌱🧠. With deep roots in molecular biology, she also investigates cell cycle regulation, tumorigenesis, and apoptosis, bridging fundamental science with regenerative and aesthetic medicine 🧪💡.

📚 Publications

Human Probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Improve Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Inflammatory Phenotypes in Human Skin
Authors: Kwang-soo Lee, Yunsik Kim, Jin Hee Lee, Suji Shon, Aram Kim, An Vuong Quynh Pham, Chungho Kim, Dong Hyun Kim, Yoon-Keun Kim, Eun-Gyung Cho
Journal: Cells, 2023

Comparative Lipidomic Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Lactobacillus plantarum APsulloc 331261 Living in Green Tea Leaves Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hyoseon Kim, Minjung Kim, Kilsun Myoung, Wanil Kim, Jaeyoung Ko, Kwang Pyo Kim, Eun-Gyung Cho
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020

Kojyl Cinnamate Ester Derivatives Increase Adiponectin Expression and Stimulate Adiponectin-Induced Hair Growth Factors in Human Dermal Papilla Cells
Authors: Phil June Park, Eun-Gyung Cho
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019

Circadian Expression of TIMP3 Is Disrupted by UVB Irradiation and Recovered by Green Tea Extracts
Authors: Sunyoung Park, Eun-Soo Lee, Nok-Hyun Park, Kyeonghwan Hwang, Eun-Gyung Cho
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019

Prof. Dr Yuan Xu | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yuan Xu is a renowned physician-scientist and Chief Physician at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital 🏥. Holding both an MD and PhD, he specializes in the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine 🔬🌱. He serves as Deputy Director of the National Center for Integrated Medicine and is a Master’s Supervisor guiding future clinicians 🎓🧑‍⚕️. As a former visiting scholar at Yale University, his global outlook informs research on rheumatology, fibromyalgia, and chronic disease care 🌍💡. With 48 publications, 12 SCI papers, and multiple funded projects, he is a leader in translational healthcare innovation 🧠🏆.

Prof. Dr Yuan Xu, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, China

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Education 🎓

Prof. Dr. Yuan Xu holds both an MD and a PhD, establishing a strong foundation in clinical medicine and biomedical research 🩺🔬. His dual training bridges Western medical science and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), enabling an integrative approach to healthcare 🌍🌱. He further enriched his academic profile as a visiting scholar at Yale University, USA, where he engaged in global research collaboration and advanced clinical studies 🇺🇸📖. This diverse educational background equips him with a comprehensive and holistic view of medicine, fueling his innovative work in rheumatology and chronic disease treatment 💡🧠.

Experience 🏥

Prof. Dr. Yuan Xu is a seasoned Chief Physician at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and serves as a Master’s Supervisor, nurturing the next generation of clinicians and researchers 🎓👨‍🏫. As Deputy Director at the National Center for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, he leads national initiatives merging TCM with modern medical science ⚕️🌿. Recognized as an Innovative Young Talent and a “New 125” TCM Leader, he also gained international exposure as a visiting scholar at Yale University 🌍📚. His career spans clinical care, policy leadership, and translational research in chronic disease management 🧠🦴.

Contributions 📖

Prof. Dr. Yuan Xu has made impactful contributions in three core research areas: the development of diagnostic and treatment protocols for rheumatoid arthritis using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 🌿🦴, the advancement of fibromyalgia care strategies 🧠💊, and the management of integrated TCM and Western medical systems 🏥⚖️. He has led 12 major research projects, securing over 10 million yuan in funding 💰📊. His academic output includes 48 publications, with 12 SCI-indexed papers, where he served as first or corresponding author ✍️🔍. His work bridges clinical care and scientific discovery in modern integrative medicine 🧬🩺.

Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Dr. Yuan Xu’s research primarily targets rheumatoid diseases, with a strong emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia syndrome 🦴🧬. His work integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern biomedical approaches to develop more effective diagnostic models and personalized treatments 🌱⚕️. He investigates immune system dysregulation, inflammatory pathways, and syndrome differentiation in chronic joint disorders 🔍💊. Through national and international collaborations, including with Yale University, he bridges ancient practices with advanced clinical research 🏥🌍. His translational focus ensures that findings directly improve patient outcomes in chronic rheumatologic care 📈🧑‍⚕️.

Publications 📚

Early prediction of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis through machine learning analysis of plasma metabolites
Authors: Wang Zihan, Lan Tianyi, Jiao Yi, Tao Qingwen, Xu Yuan
Journal: Arthritis Research and Therapy, 2025 🧠💉📊

Clinical Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Cold Dampness Obstruction Syndrome
Authors: Chen Yanyu, Li Yanqi, Liu Longxiao, Xu Yuan, Tao Qingwen
Journal: Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae, 2025 🌿🦴📘

Integrated phytochemistry and network pharmacology analysis to reveal effective substances and mechanisms of Bushen Quhan Zhiwang decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Liubo, Yan Yu, Ma Ru, Tao Qingwen, Xu Yuan
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024 🌱⚗️🔎

Prof. Dr Ramasamy Paulmurugan | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan is a globally recognized biomedical scientist and Professor of Radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine 🏛️. With expertise in molecular imaging, nanomedicine, and gene therapy, his work focuses on cancer diagnostics and targeted therapeutics 🎯🧫. He leads the Cellular Pathway Imaging Laboratory, developing cutting-edge biosensors and nanoparticle-based delivery systems 💡🧪. Author of 145+ publications, he has received prestigious awards for innovation and research excellence 🏅📚. His interdisciplinary impact spans academia, clinical research, and biotechnology, making him a trailblazer in translational medicine and precision oncology 🌐⚕️.

Prof. Dr Ramasamy Paulmurugan, Stanford University, United States

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Education  🎓

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry (1986–1989) from Madurai Kamaraj University, India 🐸🌿🧪. He pursued an M.Sc. in Biomedical Genetics (1989–1991) at the University of Madras, developing a strong foundation in genetic science and human biology 🧬🧠. He then earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Genetics with specialization in Molecular Virology (1991–1997) from National Environmental Engineering Research Institute and University of Madras, India 🔬🦠. His education equipped him with the interdisciplinary knowledge and research skills essential for his impactful work in cancer biology and molecular medicine 💡⚕️.

Honors & Awards 🏅

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career for outstanding contributions to biomedical science 🧬🧠. His accolades include the Best Research Fellow Award (1991) from CSIR-NEERI 🇮🇳, the Young Scientist Award (1999) from the Government of Kerala, and multiple Travel Awards from international imaging societies for best paper presentations in the USA and Germany ✈️📄. He was honored with the Distinguished Investigator Award (2018) by the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research 🧪 and recently received the SAASCR Outstanding Achievement Award (2025) for advancing Asian American cancer research 🌍🔬.

Experience  🏥

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan has over three decades of research and academic experience across India and the United States 🌍. He began as a Junior and Senior Research Fellow in Molecular Virology in India (1991–1996) 🔬, later leading the Environmental Biotechnology Division at RGCB as Scientist B and C (1996–1999, 1999–2003) 🧫. He was a Visiting Scientist at UCLA (2001–2003) 🧠, then joined Stanford University, where he advanced from Senior Research Scientist to Professor of Radiology (2003–present) 🏛️. His roles have spanned molecular imaging, translational research, and biomedical innovation across prestigious global institutions 💡📈.

Book Chapter 📖

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan has authored and co-authored over 27 book chapters, contributing to prestigious scientific volumes on molecular imaging, cancer biology, gene therapy, bioluminescence, and nanomedicine 📖🔬. His work spans publishers like Springer, Elsevier, Cambridge University Press, and World Scientific, reflecting his expertise in cutting-edge biomedical innovations 🌍📗. Topics include theranostics, glioblastoma resistance, protein-protein interaction imaging, microRNA therapy, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems for precision medicine 🎯💊. His chapters are widely cited and used globally in advanced medical research, showcasing his status as a thought leader in translational and molecular medicine 🧪🌟.

Conference Presentations 🌍🎤

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan has presented over 220 abstracts at leading international conferences spanning oncology, molecular imaging, nanomedicine, and gene therapy 🧬🧠. His research has been showcased at AACR, WMIC, RSNA, IEEE, ASNR, and SPIE, reflecting sustained excellence and innovation across decades 🏛️🔬. Topics include molecular biosensors, microRNA therapy, nanoparticle delivery, ultrasound imaging, and cancer diagnostics. These presentations highlight collaborations with global experts and his role in pioneering translational research that bridges bench to bedside 🧪➡️🏥. His prolific and consistent contributions demonstrate global recognition and influence in biomedical innovation 🌐🏅.

Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Dr. Ramasamy Paulmurugan’s research centers on molecular imaging, nanomedicine, and gene-based therapies to combat cancer and metabolic diseases like diabetes 🧠⚕️. He pioneers in vivo imaging of protein–protein interactions, miRNA delivery, and biosensor technologies for real-time monitoring of disease pathways 🧬📸. His innovations include split-luciferase systems, cell membrane-coated nanocarriers, and redox-sensitive signaling tools for precision therapeutics 🎯🧪. Bridging molecular biology with biomedical engineering, his translational research focuses on targeted drug delivery, noninvasive diagnostics, and theranostic nanoparticles, contributing significantly to personalized medicine and cancer theranostics 💉🧠🌐.

Publications 📚

The fate and toxicity of Raman-active silica-gold nanoparticles in mice
Authors: A.S. Thakor, R. Luong, R. Paulmurugan, F.I. Lin, P. Kempen, C. Zavaleta, et al.
Journal: Science Translational Medicine, Vol. 3 (79), 79ra33

Noninvasive quantitative imaging of protein–protein interactions in living subjects
Authors: P. Ray, H. Pimenta, R. Paulmurugan, F. Berger, M.E. Phelps, M. Iyer, et al.
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Vol. 99 (5), 3105–3110

The emerging role of redox-sensitive Nrf2–Keap1 pathway in diabetes
Authors: E. Bhakkiyalakshmi, D. Sireesh, P. Rajaguru, R. Paulmurugan, et al.
Journal: Pharmacological Research, Vol. 91, 104–114

Ultrasound-guided delivery of microRNA loaded nanoparticles into cancer
Authors: T.Y. Wang, J.W. Choe, K. Pu, R. Devulapally, S. Bachawal, S. Machtaler, R. Paulmurugan, et al.
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release, Vol. 203, 99–108

Effects of epigenetic modulation on reporter gene expression: implications for stem cell imaging
Authors: M. Krishnan, J.M. Park, F. Cao, D. Wang, R. Paulmurugan, J.R. Tseng, et al.
Journal: FASEB Journal, Vol. 20 (1), 106–108

Firefly luciferase enzyme fragment complementation for imaging in cells and living animals
Authors: R. Paulmurugan, S.S. Gambhir
Journal: Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 77 (5), 1295–1302

Molecular imaging of drug-modulated protein-protein interactions in living subjects
Authors: R. Paulmurugan, T.F. Massoud, J. Huang, S.S. Gambhir
Journal: Cancer Research, Vol. 64 (6), 2113–2119

Detection of hepatitis E virus in raw and treated wastewater with the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: N. Jothikumar, K. Aparna, S. Kamatchiammal, R. Paulmurugan, et al.
Journal: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Vol. 59 (8), 2558–2562

Combinatorial library screening for developing an improved split-firefly luciferase fragment-assisted complementation system
Authors: R. Paulmurugan, S.S. Gambhir
Journal: Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 79 (6), 2346–2353

Cell membrane-coated nanocarriers: the emerging targeted delivery system for cancer theranostics
Authors: R.J.C. Bose, R. Paulmurugan, J. Moon, S.H. Lee, H. Park
Journal: Drug Discovery Today, Vol. 23 (4), 891–899

Mr Mohammed Amine ZITOUNI | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohammed Amine Zitouni is an Algerian researcher specializing in polymer chemistry and macromolecular organic chemistry. He was born on August 31, 1985, in Sabra, Tlemcen, Algeria. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry at the University of Tlemcen, he holds a strong academic foundation with a Magister degree and a postgraduate diploma in chemistry. Mr. Zitouni has engaged in both national and international scientific activities, including participation in major conferences across Algeria and Russia. His research focuses on novel hydrogel synthesis, polymeric drug delivery systems, and chitosan-based materials.

Mr Mohammed Amine ZITOUNI, Laboratory of Research on macromolecules, Department of Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Tlemcen, Algeria

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