Hui-ting Xu | biophysical chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hui-ting Xu | biophysical chemistry | Best Researcher Award

lecturer at Yancheng Teachers University, China

Dr. Hui-ting Xu, currently serving as a lecturer at Yancheng Teachers University, is an emerging scholar in the field of biophysics and molecular simulation. Born in 1997, she earned her Ph.D. from Beijing Normal University in 2023, demonstrating early promise in theoretical and computational research. Since joining academia, she has quickly established herself through her work on DNA conformational transitions, ion-specific interactions, and biophysical modeling. Her contributions are already being recognized across peer-reviewed publications, reflecting a strong trajectory in cutting-edge scientific inquiry.

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Education

Dr. Xu completed her doctoral studies in biophysics at Beijing Normal University in 2023, where she focused on advanced theoretical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. Her education was rooted in computational modeling, allowing her to gain expertise in the analysis of DNA behavior under various ionic and environmental conditions. This rigorous academic training laid a solid foundation for her contributions to the understanding of structural transitions in biomolecules.

Experience

Since 2023, Dr. Xu has held the position of lecturer at Yancheng Teachers University, where she is involved in both teaching and research. While her academic career is at an early stage, she has demonstrated substantial research capabilities, particularly in the computational biophysics domain. She also holds a professional membership with the Radiation Beam Technology Branch of the Chinese Nuclear Society, showcasing her interdisciplinary engagement and professional commitment. Despite limited formal project experience, her independent research productivity highlights her capacity for innovation and technical skill.

Research Interest

Dr. Xu’s research focuses on the theoretical study of biophysical systems, with a specialization in the interactions between DNA and metal ions, solvation dynamics, and conformational transitions of biomolecules. She is proficient in molecular dynamics tools like GROMACS, CHARMM, and NAMD, using them to model ionic atmospheres and sequence-specific effects on DNA. Her studies on the B-to-A conformational change in DNA, driven by base sequence and metal ion coordination, represent a novel perspective in molecular biology and physics.

Awards

Though Dr. Xu is still at an early stage in her career, her work has already positioned her as a strong candidate for prestigious recognitions such as the “Best Researcher Award.” Her impactful first-author publications and clear research vision distinguish her from many of her peers. She also holds six patents under process, which further underscores her innovative mindset and potential for translational impact in the life sciences.

Publications

Dr. Xu has authored several notable publications, including:

Xu H. et al. (2025). Ion-Specific Binding Law and DNA Conformation, Results in Chemistry, DOI:10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102290 – Cited by 8 articles.

Xu H. (2025). Solvation Effects on DNA Stability, Springer Proceedings in Physics, DOI:10.1007/978-3-030-80924-9_7 – Cited by 4 articles.

Xu H. (2021). Dynamic Modeling of Ionic Atmospheres Around DNA, Journal of Molecular Liquids, DOI:10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117781 – Cited by 13 articles.

Xu H. (2021). Sequence-Dependent DNA Structural Change, Journal of Molecular Liquids, DOI:10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115899 – Cited by 11 articles.

Xu H. (2020). Base-Sequence Regulation of B→A DNA Transitions, Chemical Physics Letters, DOI:10.1016/j.cplett.2020.137344 – Cited by 16 articles.

Co-author (2022). Conformational Transitions in DNA by Ca²+ Coordination, Springer Proceedings in Physics.

Co-author (2020). Electrostatic Modeling in DNA-Ion Interactions, Chinese Physics Letters, DOI:10.1088/0256-307x/37/8/088701 – Cited by 7 articles.
These publications reflect a consistent and specialized focus, with citation metrics showing her increasing impact within the scientific community.

Conclusion 

Given her strong academic foundation, impactful publications, innovative use of simulation tools, and commitment to solving complex problems in biophysics, Dr. Hui-ting Xu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions exemplify research excellence, innovation, and scientific leadership, making her an ideal recipient of this honor.

Xuexiang Han | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr.Xuexiang Han | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Professor Xuexiang Han is a prominent researcher in the field of nanomedicine and RNA delivery systems. Currently serving as a Professor at the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has significantly contributed to the development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles for RNA-based therapeutics. With a deep commitment to translating chemical innovation into biomedical application, his work bridges the disciplines of chemistry, bioengineering, and molecular biology. Professor Han’s research addresses crucial challenges in drug delivery, aiming to treat diseases ranging from cancer to infectious and genetic disorders through advanced nanotechnology.

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Education

Professor Han’s academic foundation was built at Shanghai University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering in 2014. He then pursued doctoral studies at Tsinghua University, one of China’s premier institutions, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2019. His doctoral work was conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology in Beijing under the co-supervision of Professors Yuliang Zhao and Yadong Li. This interdisciplinary training provided him with the expertise necessary to tackle complex problems at the interface of chemistry and biology, particularly in the design of nanomaterials for biomedical use.

Experience

Following his Ph.D., Professor Han joined the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania as a postdoctoral researcher from January 2020 to January 2024. Under the mentorship of Professor Michael J. Mitchell, he focused on the optimization of lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery. His work during this period was instrumental in advancing the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents. Since February 2024, he has held a faculty position as a Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he leads a research group focused on innovative RNA delivery strategies.

Research Interests

Professor Han’s research is centered on the design and synthesis of ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. His group develops combinatorial chemistries to create novel lipid structures that enhance the delivery, potency, and safety of mRNA and other nucleic acids. Applications of his research span mRNA vaccines, gene editing, and targeted therapy for cancers and genetic diseases. By integrating in vitro and in vivo screening methodologies, Professor Han seeks to refine these delivery systems for both local and systemic administration, with a focus on overcoming biological barriers to RNA delivery.

Award

Professor Han’s scientific excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. In 2023, he was honored as a Young Overseas High-Level Talent of China, a prestigious recognition for emerging leaders in science and technology. Earlier, he received the President Prize of the Chinese Academy of Sciences for Excellent Ph.D. Graduates in 2019 and the National Scholarship of China in 2018. These accolades highlight his ongoing contributions to scientific advancement and his potential to lead groundbreaking research in the coming years.

Publication

Among Professor Han’s extensive publication record, several standout articles have garnered significant citations and recognition. Notable works include:

Han X. et al., “Optimization of the activity and biodegradability of ionizable lipids for mRNA delivery via directed chemical evolution,” Nat. Biomed. Eng., 2024, 8:1412 – cited by numerous follow-up studies in synthetic lipid research.

Han X. et al., “Fast and Facile Synthesis of Amidine-Incorporated Degradable Lipids for mRNA Delivery,” Nat. Chem., 2024, 16:1687 – influential in the field of degradable lipid design.

Han X. et al., “In situ combinatorial synthesis of degradable branched lipidoids for mRNA therapeutics,” Nat. Commun., 2024, 15:1762 – a critical reference for gene editing delivery systems.

Han X. et al., “Adjuvant lipidoid-substituted lipid nanoparticles augment SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines,” Nat. Nanotechnol., 2023, 18:1105 – widely cited in vaccine development.

Han X. et al., “Ligand-Tethered Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted RNA Delivery,” Nat. Commun., 2023, 14:75 – cited for its innovation in liver fibrosis treatment.

Han X. et al., “An Ionizable Lipid Toolbox for RNA Delivery,” Nat. Commun., 2021, 12:7233 – among the top 25 most read articles in Nat. Commun. in 2021.

Han X. et al., “Nanomaterials for Therapeutic RNA Delivery,” Matter, 2020, 3(6):1948 – a comprehensive review frequently cited in the RNA therapeutics community.

Conclusion

In summary, Professor Xuexiang Han exemplifies the attributes of a Best Researcher Award recipient: a visionary scientist, prolific author, dedicated innovator, and impactful academic leader. His pioneering work in RNA nanotechnology and gene therapy has already shaped current biomedical approaches and promises continued influence in years to come. Awarding Professor Han would not only honor his individual achievements but also inspire excellence within the broader scientific community.