Assist Prof Dr. Taku Ishii | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Research Article Award

Assist Prof Dr. Taku Ishii | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Research Article Awar

Institute of Science Tokyo | Japan

Author Profile

ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Taku Ishii’s academic path reflects a focused dedication to understanding and addressing complex pediatric cardiovascular diseases. From the outset of his medical education, he was drawn to the intricacies of pediatric cardiology, a specialty that demands both technical precision and a deep sense of compassion. His early clinical training allowed him to develop expertise in diagnosing and managing congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, conditions that profoundly affect the lives of young patients and their families. Seeking to enhance his approach to patient care, he pursued graduate studies in public health, which broadened his perspective beyond individual treatment toward the systemic and epidemiological aspects of healthcare. This unique combination of clinical and public health training equipped him with a multifaceted approach to pediatric cardiology, enabling him to address not only the biological mechanisms of disease but also the societal factors influencing patient outcomes.

Professional Endeavors

In his current role as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Taku Ishii operates at the intersection of clinical practice, academic instruction, and research leadership. As a clinician, he provides specialized care to children with life-threatening and complex cardiac conditions, applying innovative treatment strategies to improve long-term health outcomes. His academic contributions involve mentoring medical students and residents, fostering their clinical judgment, technical skills, and dedication to compassionate care. Beyond the classroom and hospital, he actively participates in the Japanese Association of Congenital Heart Disease with Pulmonary Hypertension (JACPHR), contributing to collaborative research and nationwide efforts to advance understanding and management of these conditions. His professional life is characterized by a commitment to advancing patient care while building the capacity of the next generation of pediatric cardiologists.

Contributions and Research Focus

Taku Ishii’s research portfolio reflects his dual commitment to scientific advancement and clinical relevance. His studies encompass molecular biology, clinical cardiology, and epidemiology, creating a holistic body of work that addresses both the mechanisms and management of pediatric heart diseases. His co-authored research in The FASEB Journal explores the role of Hedgehog signaling in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, identifying cyclopamine as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate disease progression. His work published in Cureus examines the role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in preventing sudden cardiac death in children with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, providing much-needed data to guide treatment in pediatric populations. Additionally, his collaboration in the Journal of Human Genetics documents novel cases of HYAL2 deficiency, linking genetic variations to different clinical severities, and reinforcing the integration of genetic insights into pediatric cardiology. Through these contributions, he advances both the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of patient-centered therapeutic strategies.

Accolades and Recognition

Taku Ishii’s achievements have earned him professional recognition within both national and international medical communities. His appointment as an assistant professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo underscores his standing as a respected academic and clinician. His publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals demonstrate the scientific rigor and clinical relevance of his work, contributing to ongoing global conversations in pediatric cardiology. His active involvement in collaborative research networks, such as the JACPHR, not only highlights his commitment to team-based science but also positions him as a valued contributor to the advancement of pediatric cardiac care. These acknowledgments reflect the trust placed in his expertise and his role in influencing the future direction of his field.

Impact and Influence

The influence of Taku Ishii’s work is evident in both direct patient care and the broader advancement of pediatric cardiology. Clinically, his interventions have improved the lives of children with complex and often life-threatening cardiac conditions. Academically, his teaching and mentorship shape the perspectives and capabilities of emerging pediatric specialists, instilling in them the values of precision, empathy, and evidence-based practice. His research, grounded in both clinical and public health perspectives, informs treatment guidelines and contributes to national health strategies aimed at better managing pediatric cardiovascular diseases. By bridging molecular research with patient care and policy considerations, he has established himself as a central figure in ensuring that scientific advances translate into tangible improvements in health outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Taku Ishii is well-positioned to continue driving innovation in pediatric cardiology through cutting-edge research and collaborative initiatives. His ongoing studies in pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease have the potential to yield new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children. His interest in genetic research is likely to further integrate precision medicine into pediatric care, paving the way for individualized treatment strategies. Equally important is his role as an educator and mentor, ensuring that his knowledge and values are passed on to future generations of physicians and researchers. His legacy will be defined by both his scientific contributions and his enduring influence on the medical professionals he has trained and inspired.

Notable Publications

Pharmacological Treatment Practices for Patients with Congenital Heart Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension in Japan: Insights from the Japanese Association of Congenital Heart Disease Registry (JACPHR)

Authors: Taku Ishii; Keiko Uchida; Susumu Hosokawa; Reina Ishizaki; Naofumi F Sumitomo; Yoshiyuki Furutani; Hidekazu Ishida; Shinichi Takatsuki; Kei Inai; Kunihiko Takahashi et al.
Journal: The American Journal of Cardiology
Year: 2025

Marked improvement in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension following airway infection in a patient with a heterozygous BMP9 nonsense mutation: A case report

Authors: Taku Ishii; Makito Sakurai; Yohei Yamaguchi; Kei Takasawa; Susumu Hosokawa
Journal: — (Other publication type)
Year: 2025

Challenges in Accurately Assessing Acute Vasoreactivity in Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Case Reports Highlighting the Impact of Sedation on Diagnostic Accuracy

Authors: Kana Inoue; Taku Ishii; Yohei Yamaguchi; Satoshi Nagahara; Makito Sakurai; Susumu Hosokawa; Shozaburo Doi; Diego Araiza-Garaygordobil
Journal: European Heart Journal – Case Reports
Year: 2025

Exploring viral infections’ role in Kawasaki disease onset: A study during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Authors: Taku Ishii; Nobutoshi Nawa; Susumu Hosokawa; Tomohiro Morio; Takeo Fujiwara
Journal: Journal of Medical Virology
Year: 2024

Association between the initiation of insurance coverage for fetal echocardiography and mortality from congenital heart disease in infants: An interrupted time series analysis

Authors: Taku Ishii; Nobutoshi Nawa; Shozaburo Doi; Tomohiro Morio; Takeo Fujiwara
Journal: Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Taku Ishii’s career embodies the integration of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and research innovation. His journey from focused academic preparation to impactful professional practice demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving the lives of children with complex cardiac conditions. Through his clinical care, he offers hope and healing to patients and families; through his research, he advances the understanding and treatment of pediatric heart diseases; and through his mentorship, he shapes the future of the field. His work stands as a testament to the power of combining science, compassion, and education to create meaningful and lasting change in medicine.

Prof Jinn P. Chu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof Jinn P. Chu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan 

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Jinn P. Chu embarked on his academic journey with a profound interest in materials science and engineering, a field that combines the complexity of physics, chemistry, and engineering to develop advanced materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) between August 1988 and May 1992—one of the premier institutions for this discipline. His doctoral training at UIUC, surrounded by globally renowned researchers and access to cutting-edge laboratories, laid a solid foundation for a lifetime of scientific inquiry and innovation. This formative period not only shaped his technical acumen but also instilled in him a global outlook on research and its applications.

🧑‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Chu’s professional trajectory is a testament to his dedication, vision, and leadership in both academic and administrative roles. He began his professorial career at the National Taiwan Ocean University in 1993, where he served for over a decade as Associate Professor, Professor, and eventually Chairman of the Institute of Materials Engineering. In 2007, he transitioned to the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), where he would leave an indelible mark. Rising through the ranks, he became Professor, Distinguished Professor, and currently serves as a Chair Professor since 2022.

His administrative leadership is equally noteworthy. From 2018 to 2021, he served as Vice President of Taiwan Tech, guiding strategic planning and research development. He also held significant roles as Dean and Vice Dean of the Office of Research and Development, and Vice Dean of the College of Engineering. Additionally, Prof. Chu directed the Applied Research Center for Thin-Film Metallic Glass, a pivotal unit fostering innovation in advanced materials.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Jinn P. Chu has made pioneering contributions in the field of thin-film metallic glasses, nanostructured coatings, and advanced materials for medical, environmental, and industrial applications. His interdisciplinary research integrates materials science with engineering design to solve real-world challenges. His work on metallic glass nanotube arrays and nano-structured stainless-steel coatings is globally recognized, influencing the development of next-generation separation membranes and medical devices.

He is an inventor with over 50 patents, including breakthroughs such as thin-film metallic glass coated medical needles, tattoo needles, and diaphragms reinforced with metallic coatings. These innovations not only advance science but also demonstrate his commitment to translating lab results into practical tools that benefit society.

His scholarly impact is amplified by a number of high-impact publications in leading journals such as Nature Materials, npj Clean Water, and Materials Today. These papers have garnered significant citations, reflecting his work’s resonance with the global scientific community.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Chu’s illustrious career has been decorated with numerous national and international awards. He has been consistently ranked in the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide (2021–2023) by Stanford University, acknowledging both his lifetime scientific impact and annual influence. Among his many accolades are the Outstanding Research Award from Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology (2021), the Taipei Tech Distinguished Alumni Award (2021), and two-time National Innovation Awards in 2017 and 2019.

His ingenuity was also recognized globally when he received two silver medals at the Concours Lépine International in Paris in 2018 and an ACS Award at Japan Nano Tech the same year. These honors validate his international stature in materials innovation.

His service to the scientific community is equally commendable. He served as President of the Taiwan Association for Coatings and Thin Films Technology (TACT) and is currently Vice President of the Materials Research Society-Taiwan (MRS-T). His editorial work includes roles as Associate Editor of the AVS Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology, and Editorial Board Member of Thin Solid Films.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Jinn P. Chu has had an enormous influence on both academic research and industry collaboration. He has played key roles in major projects with international and national corporations, such as Foxlink Precision Industry, Dupont Taiwan, and Sino MG Technology, and has participated in EU research initiatives like the nanoCOOL project under FP7. His efforts have bridged the gap between fundamental research and industrial application, reinforcing the relevance of academic expertise in real-world innovation.

Moreover, his impact extends through his mentorship. As a professor and former administrator, he has shaped the careers of numerous students, postdocs, and junior researchers. His work ethic, integrity, and passion have left a lasting impression on Taiwan’s materials science landscape and beyond.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As he continues his tenure as a Chair Professor at Taiwan Tech, Prof. Chu remains a beacon of inspiration in his field. His legacy is built not only on his technical achievements but also on his role as a visionary leader, innovative researcher, and dedicated educator. Looking ahead, he is poised to expand his work on nanostructured functional coatings, sustainable materials, and biomedical applications, shaping the next chapter in materials engineering.

With his eyes firmly set on solving emerging global challenges—be it in healthcare, sustainability, or advanced manufacturing—Prof. Jinn P. Chu stands as a paragon of scientific excellence whose work will continue to influence generations of researchers and innovators. 🚀

Mechanisms of deodorizing rapeseed oil with ethanol steam at a low temperature: A focus on free fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols

Authors: Dong, Yiyang; Liu, Fangrong; Li, Wenlin; Wang, Chengming
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2025

 Bleaching of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. Oil Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Adsorbent: Kinetics and Adsorption Isotherms

Authors: Dong, Yiyang; Wang, Chengming; Liu, Fangrong; Niu, Aifeng
Journal: Foods
Year: 2025

Mr. Liangzhu Yan | Innovative Leadership | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Liangzhu Yan | Innovative Leadership | Young Scientist Award

College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, China

🔗 Professional Profiles

👨‍🎓 Summary:

Yan Liangzhu, a dedicated student at Chengdu University of Technology, excels in intelligent drilling and completion, embedded development, and user experience design. His innovations in smart drilling tools and hydraulic fracturing have earned him recognition in the industry.

📚 Education:

Pursuing research at the College of Energy, Chengdu University of Technology, Yan focuses on advancing drilling technologies and geothermal resource exploitation.

🌟 Professional Experience:

Yan has led key projects for CNPC, published extensively, and holds numerous patents and software copyrights in intelligent drilling systems.

🔬 Research Interests:

Intelligent drilling, hydraulic fracturing, numerical simulation, geothermal energy, and innovative tool development.

Notable Publications 

Research progress of technologies and numerical simulations in exploiting geothermal energy from abandoned wells: A review
    • Authors: Zouwei Liu, Wenjian Yang, Kai Xu, Qianqing Zhang, Liangzhu Yan, Bozhi Li, Xulong Cai, Minghe Yang
    • Journal: Geoenergy Science and Engineering
    • Volume: 224
    • Issue: 2023-05
    • Pages: 211624
    • Year: 2023
Eco-development of oil and gas industry: CCUS-EOR technology
    • Authors: Liangzhu Yan, Jiajia Hu, Qiongyao Fang, Xueqing Xia, Banyu Lei, Qiao Deng
    • Journal: Frontiers in Earth Science
    • Volume: 10
    • Issue: 2023-01-17
    • Pages: 1063042
    • Year: 2023
Low-carbon oil exploitation: Carbon dioxide flooding technology
    • Authors: Xueqin Xia, Qiao Deng, Pengfei Sang, Leichuan Tan, Liangzhu Yan, Jingwen Bao, Wenlong Li
    • Journal: Frontiers in Earth Science
    • Volume: 10
    • Issue: 2023-01-09
    • Pages: 1035771
    • Year: 2023
Omni-directional guide intelligent follow-up walker design
    • Authors: Haoxin Li, Liangzhu Yan, Qiongyao Fang, Siying Zhao, Junhao Zhang, Muyu Lin
    • Conference: International Conference on Intelligent and Human-Computer Interaction Technology (IHCIT 2022)
    • DOI: 10.1117/12.2655666
    • Year: 2022

Dr. Susanne Kumpulainen | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Susanne Kumpulainen | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Finland

🔗 Professional Profiles

🌍 Summary:

Susanne Kumpulainen is a dedicated RDI Specialist and Team Lead at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, focusing on Planetary Health and Brain research. Her expertise lies in neurophysiological adaptations, brain neurofeedback innovations, and the wellbeing effects of nature-based interventions.

🎓 Education:

Susanne holds a Doctor of Sport Science, specializing in neurophysiological adaptations of the brain and body. She conducted pioneering research at the University of Jyväskylä and pursued postdoctoral studies at Polar Electro Oy.

💼 Professional Experience:

With over six years at Xamk, Susanne has led the development of validated lab procedures and innovative digital nature ecosystems. She collaborates extensively, aiming to expand research on environmental factors and neurological health.

🔬 Research Interests:

Susanne’s current initiatives explore the intersection of environmental factors and neurological health under the ‘Planetary Health and Brain’ framework.

Publication Top Noted

Assessing the well-being benefits of VR nature experiences on group: Heart rate variability insights from a cross-over study

    • Authors: Susanne Kumpulainen, Samad Esmaeilzadeh, Arto J. Pesola
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Psychology
    • Volume: 2024
    • Issue: 8
    • Pages: (Not specified)
    • Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2024.102366

Enhancing Psychophysiological Well-Being through Nature-based Soundscapes: An Examination of Heart Rate Variability in a Cross-Over Study

    • Authors: Susanne Kumpulainen, Samad Esmaeilzadeh, Markus Pesonen, Catarina Brazão, Arto J. Pesola
    • Journal: Preprint (not yet published in a journal at the time of preprint)
    • Date: 2024-01-16
    • DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/zpfq3