Dr. Youmin Zhu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Youmin Zhu | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai AZ Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

Author Profile

Orchid

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

From the very beginning of his academic journey, Dr. Youmin Zhu demonstrated an exceptional passion for biological sciences. His intellectual curiosity led him to pursue a Ph.D. in biological sciences, where he laid a solid foundation in molecular biology, biotechnology, and pharmacology. During his doctoral years, he cultivated a deep interest in cutting-edge therapeutic strategies, particularly focusing on emerging protein degradation technologies and the role of bioactive peptides. His academic rigor and scientific curiosity propelled him to explore innovative modalities that bridged traditional research with real-world applications in drug and skincare development. These formative experiences not only enriched his technical skills but also instilled a vision to contribute meaningfully to both science and society.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Now serving as the R&D President and Chief Scientist at Shanghai AZ Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Dr. Zhu has emerged as a visionary leader in the field of biotechnology. Under his guidance, the organization has completed over 20 major R&D projects, encompassing the development of peptide PROTACs-based skincare ingredients, enzymes, and probiotics. These endeavors reflect not only his scientific expertise but also his ability to translate theoretical concepts into commercial and therapeutic innovations.

Dr. Zhu’s strategic direction in the biotechnology sector has turned his company into a powerhouse of innovation, where the fusion of peptide-based therapeutics and skincare science is leading to transformative solutions. His work has bridged academic excellence with industrial application, enabling breakthroughs in precision medicine and advanced cosmeceuticals.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhu’s research focus lies at the intersection of molecular biology, pharmacological innovation, and cosmetic science, with a central emphasis on peptide PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras). His pioneering efforts in this area have highlighted the multi-targeting potential of peptides, their biodegradability, low toxicity, and modular design, all of which present significant advantages over conventional small molecules and antibodies.

One of his most notable contributions is the publication of the article titled “The Peptide PROTAC Modality: A New Strategy for Drug Discovery” in MedComm (2025), an SCI-indexed journal with an impressive impact factor of 10.7. This work has been widely recognized in the scientific community and is already making waves in discussions around next-generation therapeutic strategies. The article has been cited across multiple domains, further demonstrating its relevance and value in ongoing pharmaceutical research.

With a total of over 10 scientific publications, Dr. Zhu has consistently contributed to scholarly literature and advanced dialogue in biotherapeutics. In addition, he holds 18 authorized patents in China, such as Patent No. CN202410445356.X, further underscoring his commitment to translating innovation into intellectual property and practical applications.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhu’s groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. His scientific and entrepreneurial achievements have earned him recognition within academic, industrial, and international circles. In addition to being a contributing scientist to impactful research, he has also been actively involved in collaborative projects with prestigious institutions including Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Zhejiang University.

He is also an esteemed member of professional networks such as the Chinese Overseas Alliance and the Chinese Doctoral Alliance, where he continues to contribute to thought leadership and global knowledge exchange.

Furthermore, his work was recently highlighted in a widely circulated WeChat feature and an official PDF document of professional certification, showcasing his influence in both academic and industrial spheres.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhu’s influence extends beyond scientific circles. His work on peptide PROTACs is helping redefine how we understand and treat complex diseases. By leveraging the natural degradation mechanisms of the body through targeted proteolysis, his innovations are creating new avenues for the treatment of conditions previously considered untreatable.

Equally impressive is his impact on precision skincare, where bioengineered peptide-based compounds are providing customized, low-toxicity solutions for skin health. This cross-disciplinary impact, from health to beauty, positions Dr. Zhu as a transformative figure in the biotech and wellness industries.

His articles, particularly those involving collaborative authorship with Yu Dai and Yuncai Tian, have sparked global interest, and the citation of his MedComm article continues to grow. These ripple effects reflect the profound scientific and commercial value of his work.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Zhu continues to push boundaries, the future of peptide-based therapeutics and cosmeceuticals looks increasingly promising. He is paving the way for a new era of precision medicine, where treatments are not only more effective but also safer and more sustainable.

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhu plans to scale his innovations globally and expand his company’s reach into international markets, bringing Chinese biotechnology to the global stage. His future goals include mentoring young scientists, fostering new academic-industry partnerships, and developing a global research ecosystem centered on peptide technologies.

Through his unwavering dedication and strategic foresight, Dr. Youmin Zhu is building a legacy that will inspire a generation of researchers and innovators. His contributions are not only advancing science but also shaping the future of healthcare and skincare for the better. 🌐

The Peptide PROTAC Modality: A New Strategy for Drug Discovery

Authors: Youmin Zhu, Yu Dai, Yuncai Tian
Journal: MedComm
Year: 2025

New Nobel Prize MicroRNA Technology Is Opening up a New Era of Precision Skincare

Authors: Youmin Zhu, Yu Dai, Xiaojing Wang, Shengjie Zhu, Yuncai Tian, Yong Tian
Journal: Advanced Journal of Nursing
Year: 2025

New peptide PROTAC is triggering a revolution in precise targeted skincare

Authors: Youmin Zhu, Yu Dai, Yuncai Tian, Yong Tian
Journal: Preprint (platform not specified)
Year: 2024

Advances in CRISPR/Cas9

Authors: Youmin Zhu, Syed Hassan
Journal: BioMed Research International
Year: 2022

Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals Jasmonic Acid-Associated Metabolism Related to Cotton Fiber Initiation

Authors: Liman Wang, Youmin Zhu, Wenjing Hu, Xueying Zhang, Caiping Cai, Wangzhen Guo
Journal: PLOS ONE
Year: 2015

Mr. Asahi Matsubara | leadership | Best Researcher Award |3637

Mr. Asahi Matsubara | leadership | Best Researcher Award

Graduate school of Nippon Sport Science University, Japan

Author Profile

Orchid 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Asahi Matsubara’s journey into academia and research began with a deep curiosity about human potential and a strong passion for sport psychology. From the earliest days of higher education, Asahi displayed a distinct interest in understanding the psychological intricacies that shape athletic performance and team dynamics. This passion led Asahi to pursue graduate studies at the esteemed Graduate School of Nippon Sport Science University, a leading institution recognized for producing top-tier sports professionals and researchers in Japan. During the formative academic years, Asahi honed critical thinking, empirical research skills, and a commitment to ethical scholarship, laying the foundation for a promising research-oriented career in sports and exercise psychology.

🏫 Professional Endeavors

Currently based at the Graduate School of Nippon Sport Science University, Asahi Matsubara is deeply engaged in both academic learning and empirical research. One of the key hallmarks of Asahi’s professional journey is the commitment to applying advanced psychological theories to real-world athletic settings. This includes investigating how leadership dynamics influence the behaviors and well-being of student-athletes—an area of study that has critical implications for both sports psychology and coaching practices in educational institutions.

In particular, Asahi’s recent work titled “Conditional process analysis of the impact of coach leadership on the voice of Japanese student-athletes”—published in the Asian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology (2025)—exemplifies a nuanced approach to understanding the psychological processes underlying athlete-coach interactions. The research not only reflects Asahi’s academic rigor but also emphasizes real-world relevance by focusing on the lived experiences of Japanese student-athletes. 📘

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Asahi Matsubara’s primary research focus lies at the intersection of leadership psychology, athlete behavior, and educational sports systems. With a keen interest in voice behavior, Asahi explores how athletes express their ideas, concerns, or feedback to coaches, and how leadership styles either foster or inhibit such behaviors. Using sophisticated methodologies like conditional process analysis, Asahi’s research illuminates the mediating and moderating variables that shape this dynamic.

The publication of the 2025 journal article in a Scopus-indexed journal serves as a critical milestone in this research journey. Moreover, Asahi’s scholarly contributions reflect a dedication to data-driven insights that can transform coaching models in educational and professional sports institutions alike.

Beyond publishing, Asahi is actively involved in academic collaborations and maintains an interest in interdisciplinary approaches to sport science. With a citation index that is steadily growing, Asahi is carving out a reputation as a rising scholar in the sport and exercise psychology research community. 📊

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While still early in the professional journey, Asahi’s contributions have already begun to garner attention within academic circles. The nomination for the Best Researcher Award is a testament to the quality, originality, and impact of Asahi’s work. Recognition by peers and senior scholars is a significant milestone that affirms the value and relevance of Asahi’s contributions to the academic and sports communities.

Such acknowledgment is not only a personal achievement but also a motivator for continued excellence. It reinforces Asahi’s belief in the importance of scientific inquiry and its ability to create meaningful change in how we understand athletic performance and leadership. 🥇

🌏 Impact and Influence

Asahi Matsubara’s research goes beyond academic boundaries. By investigating psychological variables in coaching and athlete behavior, Asahi contributes to the development of healthier, more communicative, and empowered athletic environments. The implications of Asahi’s work extend to sports coaches, athletic trainers, school administrators, and policy-makers.

Student-athletes, especially in high-pressure academic contexts like Japan, benefit immensely from research that aims to enhance psychological safety and promote assertiveness. Through Asahi’s findings, institutions are better equipped to build trust-based relationships between coaches and athletes, ultimately leading to improved mental health and performance outcomes. 🌐

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Asahi Matsubara envisions a future filled with impactful contributions to the field of sport and exercise psychology. Plans are underway to expand current research themes into longitudinal studies, incorporating broader cultural variables and diverse athletic populations. Asahi is also eager to contribute to textbook development, academic teaching, and cross-institutional collaborations in Japan and internationally.

With a strong academic base, growing research portfolio, and commitment to social impact, Asahi aims to leave a legacy not just as a scholar, but as a transformational figure in educational sports systems. The long-term goal is to reshape coaching paradigms and champion athlete-centered practices that prioritize mental well-being and mutual respect. 🧭

Asahi Matsubara stands today not only as a researcher with promise but also as a symbol of the new generation of scholars—those who blend scientific excellence with societal relevance.

📝Notable Publications

Conditional process analysis of the impact of coach leadership on the voice of Japanese student-athletes

Author: Matsubara Asahi
Journal: Asian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Year: 2025

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

Scopus

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