Prof. Dr. Xiaofeng Dai | Authentic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiaofeng Dai | Authentic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Xi’an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital: The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dai Xiaofeng’s academic journey exemplifies a commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation. His early studies took him to Tampere University of Technology, Finland, where he pursued a master’s degree in bioinformatics, and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he earned a master’s degree in molecular biology. These foundational studies provided him with a solid background in computational and biological sciences, setting the stage for his later achievements. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining a Ph.D. in computational systems biology from Tampere University of Technology, focusing on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and molecular mechanisms. Not content with a singular academic trajectory, he pursued a second Ph.D. in econometrics from Aalto University, Finland, where he applied computational biological methods to economic modeling. His doctoral education in genetics at the University of Helsinki added yet another layer to his multidisciplinary expertise.

Professional Endeavors and Research Focus 🔬

Following his extensive academic training, Dai Xiaofeng embarked on a research career that took him to the Finnish Center for Molecular Medicine and Helsinki Central Hospital, where he conducted postdoctoral research in GWAS and anti-cancer molecular mechanisms. These experiences allowed him to refine his expertise in genetic research and translational medicine. Upon his return to China, he established a pioneering research group at Xi’an Jiaotong University’s First Affiliated Hospital, focusing on the medical applications of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAP). His work in this domain has led to significant advancements in precision and translational medicine. He has investigated the multimodal anti-cancer molecular mechanisms of CAP and proposed a CAP redox balance model. His research also extends to the development of multi-dimensional anti-cancer tools, including the establishment of the first CAP database both domestically and internationally. He has played a crucial role in developing high-throughput, minimally invasive, and portable CAP medical devices, ensuring that these technologies can be effectively translated from research to real-world medical applications. His efforts to overcome technological barriers in CAP active preservation have further cemented his reputation as a leader in the field.

Contributions and Publications 📚

Dai Xiaofeng’s contributions to scientific literature are substantial. He has authored 104 SCI-indexed papers as the first and/or corresponding author, with his work appearing in top-tier journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Redox Biology, Progress in Polymer Science, Biotechnology Advances, Advanced Science, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Computational Biology and Medicine, Trends in Biotechnology, and Trends in Genetics. His research, spanning over 110 internationally published articles, has amassed a total impact factor of 746, highlighting the significance of his findings in both medical and engineering disciplines.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dai Xiaofeng’s innovative research has earned him numerous accolades. His groundbreaking work in CAP translational medicine has been recognized through prestigious research grants and awards, both in China and internationally. His expertise has led to invitations to speak at global conferences on plasma medicine, molecular biology, and biomedical engineering. In addition to his academic honors, his collaborations with leading medical institutions and engineering firms have further reinforced the importance of his research. His contributions to national healthcare policies, particularly through his work on CAP-based therapeutic applications, demonstrate his influence beyond academia.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Dai Xiaofeng’s interdisciplinary research has had a profound impact on multiple fields. His work in CAP-based cancer treatment has introduced non-invasive therapeutic modalities, offering new hope to patients. His contributions to medical device innovation have led to the development of cutting-edge plasma-based tools, which are poised to revolutionize the treatment landscape. His emphasis on translational medicine ensures that groundbreaking research is not confined to laboratories but reaches the clinical setting, where it can benefit real patients. Beyond his own research, he has dedicated himself to mentoring young scientists, fostering a new generation of researchers capable of bridging multiple scientific disciplines.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌐

Dai Xiaofeng’s legacy is one of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of scientific advancement. Looking ahead, he aims to expand CAP-based therapeutics into broader clinical applications, ensuring that these technologies become a staple in modern medical treatment. His future work will focus on the integration of artificial intelligence into CAP devices, optimizing their therapeutic potential. Strengthening collaborations between academia, industry, and healthcare providers remains a priority, as does advocating for policy changes that support the integration of CAP technology into mainstream medical practice. Through his pioneering research, Dai Xiaofeng continues to shape the future of biomedical science, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of medicine, engineering, and computational biology.

📝Notable Publications
  • Spermidine antagonizes the anti-cancer effect of cold atmospheric plasma and induces transit G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of triple negative breast cancers
    Authors: L. Shen, X. Lv, Y. Li, X. Dai
    Journal: Free Radical Biology and Medicine
    Year: 2025

  • Cold atmospheric plasma potentiates ferroptosis via EGFR(Y1068)-mediated dual axes on GPX4 among triple negative breast cancer cells
    Authors: X. Dai, Z. Xu, X. Lv, M. Xi, T. Li
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Sciences
    Year: 2025

  • Cold atmospheric plasma restores skewed macrophage polarization in triple negative breast cancers via enhancing KAT6A acetylation
    Authors: K. Zhu, Q. Lv, X. Lu, Y. Wang, X. Dai
    Journal: Free Radical Biology and Medicine
    Year: 2025

  • Metal-organic frameworks: potential synergies with cold atmospheric plasmas for cancer control
    Authors: X. Dai, Y. Yang
    Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry B
    Year: 2024

  • Magnetic nanoparticles and possible synergies with cold atmospheric plasma for cancer treatment
    Authors: X. Dai, Y. Dai, Y. Zheng, Y. Lv
    Journal: RSC Advances
    Year: 2024

Dr. Haixia (Helen) Hu | Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haixia (Helen) Hu | Management | Best Researcher Award

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom

Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Haixia (Helen) Hu embarked on her academic journey with a keen interest in international business and economic geography. She pursued her Master of Science (MSc) in International Business at the University of Birmingham in 2017, a foundational experience that set the stage for her advanced studies. Recognizing her passion for exploring global business dynamics, she continued her academic journey by enrolling in a Ph.D. program at the University of Birmingham. Her doctoral research delved deep into the internationalization of British independent schools, a study that examined the economic and non-economic transactions between developed and emerging economies. This research provided a critical understanding of how educational institutions expand beyond national borders, engaging with new markets and cultural environments.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Hu’s professional career reflects her commitment to academic excellence and teaching. Before joining the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), she served as a Teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham. In these roles, she was instrumental in educating students on various aspects of international business strategy and economic geography. Her teaching methodologies emphasize qualitative research, case studies, and real-world applications, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. Her transition to LSE as a Fellow in Management marks a significant step in her career, positioning her at one of the world’s leading institutions for business and management education.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔄

Dr. Hu’s research is at the intersection of international business and economic geography, focusing on how institutions navigate globalization. Her doctoral research on the internationalization of British independent schools employed a qualitative approach, incorporating 98 semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the subject. By analyzing the economic and non-economic exchanges between developed and emerging economies, her work contributes valuable insights into global education markets. Beyond her doctoral research, she continues to explore themes of business expansion, institutional strategies in international markets, and the role of geography in economic transactions.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Hu’s research achievements have been recognized at esteemed academic forums. Notably, her work on the internationalization of British independent schools earned the Best Paper Award at the 17th Vaasa International Business Conference. This prestigious accolade highlights the academic rigor and innovative perspectives she brings to the field. Her recognition at international conferences underscores her growing influence in the academic community and her ability to contribute novel insights to ongoing debates in international business and economic geography.

Impact and Influence 🌎

Dr. Hu’s work has significant implications for both academia and industry. Her research provides policymakers and educational institutions with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in global education expansion. By shedding light on economic and non-economic transactions between countries, her studies assist educational institutions in making informed decisions about international partnerships, market entry strategies, and cultural integration. Additionally, her role as an educator allows her to influence the next generation of business leaders and researchers, shaping their understanding of global business dynamics and economic geography.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Dr. Hu is poised to make further contributions to her field. As a Fellow in Management at LSE, she is in a prime position to advance her research and continue mentoring students in international business and economic geography. Her future work is expected to delve deeper into institutional internationalization strategies, the evolving role of geography in global business operations, and the implications of cross-border educational exchanges. With a strong foundation in research, teaching, and academic service, Dr. Hu’s influence will continue to expand, reinforcing her role as a thought leader in international business and economic geography.

Through her academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and research contributions, Dr. Haixia (Helen) Hu has established herself as a prominent figure in her field. Her dedication to exploring the complexities of global business transactions and institutional internationalization ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful for years to come.

📝Notable Publications

Labour’s high tax plan may not mean economic growth

What International Car Companies Seeking Success In China Need To Know

Triple-loop springboarding and simulacrum enterprises: Financialization and new forms of emerging economy educational international businesses

Understanding the uniqueness of emerging markets and their firms: institutional voids-based dynamic capabilities in the Chinese automotive sector