Rosario Osta | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof.Dr. Rosario Osta | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Rosario Osta, CIBERNED-Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza,  Spain.

Prof. Rosario Osta Pinzolas is a distinguished geneticist and full professor at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. Her academic roots in veterinary sciences and a Ph.D. in Genetics laid the foundation for a prolific career in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and genetic disorders. With leadership roles in multiple high-profile research consortia such as CIBERNED, TRICALS, and ENCALS, she has established herself as a central figure in neurodegenerative disease research. Her scholarly output includes over 100 indexed publications, multiple national and international research projects, and an h-index exceeding 45.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Rosario Osta Pinzolas began her academic journey with a solid foundation in veterinary sciences, graduating as Licenciada en Veterinaria from the University of Zaragoza in 1989. Her academic inclinations quickly shifted toward molecular genetics, leading her to complete a Ph.D. in Genetics at the same university in 1994. Her early studies were driven by a deep curiosity about the mechanisms of heredity and gene expression, setting the tone for a lifelong commitment to biomedical research. These formative years cultivated her scientific rigor and sowed the seeds for a career that would eventually bridge basic science and translational medicine.

🧬 Professional Endeavors in Genetics and Biomedicine

Prof. Osta currently holds the esteemed title of Catedrática (Full Professor) in the Department of Anatomy, Embryology, and Genetics at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza. Since 2018, she has led her department with a focus on integrative biomedical sciences. She is the principal investigator of the LAGENBIO group recognized by both the Aragon Health Research Institute and the Government of Aragon. Under her leadership, the group has developed two major subprograms: TERAGEN and REGENERAGEN. As coordinator of the “Neuroscience and Mental Health Program” at IISA, she has spearheaded numerous efforts to understand and address neurological diseases through genetic approaches.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus in Neuroscience

A prominent figure in neuroscience, Prof. Osta’s research lies at the intersection of genetics and neurodegeneration. She is currently the principal investigator of the only Aragon-based group within CIBERNED (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas), reflecting her national influence. Her team represents Zaragoza in prominent European consortia such as TRICALS and ENCALS, both focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases. Through more than 100 indexed publications, predominantly in top-tier journals, her work delves into the molecular underpinnings of neurological disorders and explores regenerative medicine strategies, thereby contributing to innovative therapeutic avenues.

🧪 Accolades and Recognition in Scientific Excellence

Prof. Osta’s academic and research career has been punctuated by consistent recognition. She has completed five research productivity periods and one technology transfer period, acknowledged by CNEAI — a mark of sustained scientific impact. She has led over 74 research projects and contributed to more than 100 collaboration contracts, earning her four competitive research awards from respected institutions including CORIS, AREA, IIS, and SEBBM. Her contributions have been lauded not only for scientific quality but also for practical relevance in biomedical advancements.

🚀 Innovation and Impact in Translational Research

An ardent advocate for science with societal impact, Prof. Osta has significantly contributed to technology transfer. She holds nine patents, five of which have been licensed to industry partners. Her collaborations with companies have led to meaningful translational outputs, emphasizing her role in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions. As former Director of the Technology Transfer and Innovation Secretariat at the University of Zaragoza for nearly a decade, she played a crucial role in institutional innovation strategies. Her involvement in joint university-company chairs and her role in the UZ Technology-Based Business Creation Committee for over 12 years further underscore her influence on academic entrepreneurship.

📚 Mentorship and Educational Leadership

Beyond the lab, Prof. Osta has left a profound mark as an educator and mentor. Since 2013, she has coordinated the Interuniversity Doctoral Program in Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, a joint initiative between the Universities of Zaragoza and La Rioja. Her mentorship includes the supervision of 13 Ph.D. theses — 9 of which earned international distinction and 6 received extraordinary doctoral awards. Her influence extends to guiding numerous undergraduate and master’s theses, fostering a new generation of scientists with a deep commitment to research excellence and innovation.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Rosario Osta’s legacy is defined by her ability to integrate scientific discovery, mentorship, and innovation. As a member of the Scientific Committee of the Luzón Foundation, her vision reaches beyond academia into public health advocacy and strategic research planning. With nearly 19,000 citations on Google Scholar and an h-index of 45, her work continues to inspire and inform global research communities. Her continued leadership in collaborative European projects ensures her contributions will shape the future of neuroscience, genetics, and translational medicine for years to come.

Publication

Title: Novel FKBP prolyl isomerase 1A (FKBP12) ligand promotes functional improvement in SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice
Authors: L. Moreno-Martinez, N. Gaja-Capdevila, L. Mosqueira-Martín, R. Osta, F.J. Gil-Bea
Year: 2025

Title: Identifying Hub Genes and miRNAs Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Bioinformatics Pathway to Novel Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: E. Gascón, A.C. Calvo, N. Molina, P. Zaragoza, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Comparative Blood Profiling Based on ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Chemometrics for Differential Diagnosis of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—Pilot Study
Authors: K. Tkachenko, J.M. González Sáiz, A.C. Calvo, R. Osta, C. Pizarro Millán
Year: 2024

Title: Sex differences on constitutive long non-coding RNA expression: Modulatory effect of estradiol and testosterone in muscle cells
Authors: T. López-Royo, L. Moreno-Martinez, L. Moreno-García, R. Manzano, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Differentially expressed lncRNAs in SOD1 G93A mice skeletal muscle: H19, Myhas and Neat1 as potential biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: T. López-Royo, L. Moreno-Martinez, P. Zaragoza, R. Manzano, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Proteomic profiling of human plasma extracellular vesicles identifies PF4 and C1R as novel biomarker in sarcopenia
Authors: P. Aparicio, D. Navarrete-Villanueva, A. Gómez-Cabello, R. Osta, R. Manzano
Year: 2024

Title: Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Skeletal Muscle Transcriptome Analysis: A Comprehensive Examination of Differentially Expressed Genes
Authors: E. Gascón, P. Zaragoza, A.C. Calvo, R. Osta
Year: 2024

Title: Intermediate Repeat Expansion in the ATXN2 Gene as a Risk Factor in the ALS and FTD Spanish Population
Authors: D. Borrego-Hernández, J.F. Vázquez-Costa, R. Domínguez Rubio, M. Povedano, A. García-Redondo
Year: 2024

Title: New Insights into Endogenous Retrovirus-K Transcripts in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: L. Moreno-Martinez, S. Macías-Redondo, M.H.P. Strunk, R. Osta, J. Schoorlemmer
Year: 2024

Title: Analysis of Plasma-Derived Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy
Authors: M. García-Gracia, L. Moreno-Martinez, A. Hernaiz, S. García-Belenguer, I. Martín-Burriel
Year: 2024

🏆 Conclusion

Based on her outstanding research contributions, innovation in translational science, mentorship record, and leadership within national and European research programs, Prof. Rosario Osta Pinzolas is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her profile reflects not only academic excellence but also societal impact and visionary leadership. While there is room for enhanced global outreach, her sustained achievements and contributions make her highly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Zhenhua Wu | Neurogenetics | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Dr. Zhenhua Wu | Neurogenetics | Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Zhenhua Wu, Exegenesis Bio, Inc ,United States.

Zhenhua Wu is a distinguished biotech entrepreneur and scientific leader with over 20 years of experience across the research and development value chain. As the founder, President, and CEO of Exegenesis Bio Inc., he has pioneered accessible, innovative gene therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. His journey spans rigorous academic beginnings, executive leadership in multiple biotechnology companies, and a steadfast commitment to global health advancement. Known for assembling world-class talent and making strategic decisions, Wu has played a key role in shaping the future of gene therapy through both scientific and business excellence.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Zhenhua Wu’s journey into the world of biotechnology and gene therapy was shaped by a solid academic foundation rooted in scientific rigor and innovation. During his early academic pursuits, he demonstrated a deep curiosity for biological systems and therapeutic sciences. This intellectual appetite laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in translational medicine, where scientific discovery meets real-world application. His academic training not only honed his research skills but also instilled a lifelong commitment to innovation in the life sciences.

💼 Professional Endeavors

With more than two decades of hands-on experience in the research and development value chain, Zhenhua Wu has established himself as a seasoned leader in biotechnology. He has served in executive roles across a range of biotech companies of various sizes and strategic focuses. In each capacity, he brought visionary leadership, guiding teams to deliver impactful solutions in the biomedical space. His career has been a progressive climb from scientific inquiry to corporate strategy, integrating a robust understanding of science with sharp business acumen.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

As a pioneer in the field of gene therapy, Zhenhua Wu’s contributions are both profound and multifaceted. He is the founder and current President and CEO of Exegenesis Bio Inc., a multinational gene therapy company based in Philadelphia, PA. Under his leadership, the company has developed a pipeline of innovative, affordable gene therapies designed to address high unmet medical needs. His research focus lies in advancing next-generation gene therapies that are not only effective but also accessible, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and patient care.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Zhenhua Wu’s impactful career has earned him recognition as a visionary entrepreneur and scientific innovator. Though his biography remains modest in tone, his work has resonated across the biotech sector, attracting significant investment and strategic partnerships. His ability to build and lead a cutting-edge biotech company from the ground up has marked him as a key influencer in gene therapy, with accolades stemming from both industry peers and investors who recognize the value and promise of his work.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through Exegenesis Bio, Zhenhua Wu has catalyzed a new wave of therapeutic innovation with global reach. His influence extends beyond the lab and boardroom, impacting regulatory conversations, patient advocacy movements, and international biotech development. By forging cross-continental collaborations and assembling a top-tier team of experts, he has ensured that the company is positioned as a global leader in gene therapy solutions, redefining what is possible in patient care and drug development.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Zhenhua Wu continues to chart a path focused on expanding access to gene therapy on a global scale. His legacy is being built not only through the therapies under development but also through the culture of scientific integrity, innovation, and purpose that he has instilled in his company. He remains dedicated to mentoring future leaders, cultivating partnerships that push boundaries, and shaping a future where life-altering treatments are within reach for all who need them.

🧠 Visionary Leadership in Gene Therapy

At the heart of Zhenhua Wu’s professional identity is his role as a visionary leader in the fast-evolving field of gene therapy. His ability to connect scientific breakthroughs with patient-focused strategies has transformed Exegenesis Bio into a beacon of hope for countless individuals suffering from genetic diseases. Through his relentless pursuit of innovation, ethical leadership, and commitment to excellence, he continues to redefine what leadership means in the life sciences industry.

Publication

  • Title: Tunneling Nanotubes and Gap Junctions–Their Role in Long-Range Intercellular Communication during Development, Health, and Disease Conditions
    Authors: Ariazi J, Benowitz A, De Biasi V, den Boer M, Cherqui S, Cui H, Douillet N, Eugenin EA, Favre D, Goodman S, et al.
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Quantitative assessment of Aβ peptide in brain, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma following oral administration of γ-secretase inhibitor MRK-560 in rats
    Authors: Wu G, Wu Z, Na S, Hershey JC
    Year: 2015

 

  • Title: Role of the MEOX2 homeobox gene in neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer disease
    Authors: Wu Z, Guo H, Chow N, Sallstrom J, Bell RD, Deane R, Brooks AI, Kanagala S, Rubio A, Sagare A, et al.
    Year: 2005

 

🔚 Conclusion

Zhenhua Wu’s career reflects the powerful intersection of science, leadership, and purpose. From building a visionary biotech enterprise to steering the development of transformative therapies, his contributions continue to resonate across the scientific community and healthcare industry. His legacy is not only defined by the innovations he leads today but also by the future he is helping shape—one where advanced gene therapies are more equitable, effective, and globally impactful. Through unwavering dedication and strategic foresight, he stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of modern biotechnology.