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

Orcid 

Scopus

 

🎓 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.

Peng Jun | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Peng Jun | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Peng Jun, Qilu hospital of Shandong University, China.

Professor Jun Peng is a distinguished leader in hematology, currently serving as Vice President of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Director of the Department of Hematology. His research is deeply rooted in the immunological pathogenesis and immune tolerance of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), where he has made significant breakthroughs, including the publication of 14 papers in Blood. With a career supported by prestigious national awards, and leadership in 15 high-level research projects, Professor Peng is also a vital figure in Chinese hematology societies and editorial boards of leading journals. His academic rigor, clinical insight, and mentorship continue to shape the future of hematological science in China and beyond.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Jun Peng embarked on his academic journey with a strong commitment to medicine and hematological sciences. From the outset, he exhibited exceptional academic talent and dedication, leading him to pursue both an M.D. and Ph.D. His early education laid a robust foundation for his future specialization in hematology, particularly in the complex field of immunological disorders. His doctoral work, recognized nationally, foreshadowed the groundbreaking contributions he would later make in immune thrombocytopenia research.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as the Vice President of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Professor Peng also holds the roles of Chief Physician, Professor, and Ph.D./M.D. Advisor, in addition to being the Director of the Department of Hematology. His clinical and academic responsibilities are carried out with unwavering diligence, mentoring future medical experts while overseeing high-level clinical operations. As a Distinguished Professor of Shandong University, he is actively engaged in shaping the university’s medical excellence on both national and global stages.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

At the heart of Professor Peng’s career is his pioneering work on the immunological pathogenesis and immune tolerance of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). He has made substantial contributions to understanding the autoimmune mechanisms that underlie ITP, one of the most challenging hematologic disorders. His scholarly dedication is evidenced by the publication of 14 papers in Blood, a leading journal in hematology, where he served as corresponding or co-corresponding author. His research, grounded in clinical insight and scientific precision, has contributed new perspectives on immune regulation in hematologic diseases.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Professor Peng’s excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. These include the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, which highlights his scientific creativity and impact at a young age. He is also a recipient of the One-Hundred National Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award, a testament to the academic rigor of his early research. Additionally, he earned the First Prize of the Natural Science Award for Outstanding Achievements in Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education and the Science and Technology Progress Award, reflecting both his academic brilliance and practical impact in the medical field.

🧪 Impact and Influence

Beyond research publications, Professor Peng has significantly influenced the broader scientific and medical communities. As a principal investigator, he has led fifteen national and ministerial-level research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the 973 Program under the Ministry of Science and Technology. His leadership extends to active roles in national academic societies, including the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Group of the Chinese Society of Hematology and the Professional Committee of Experimental Hematology of the Chinese Society of Pathophysiology. These positions allow him to shape the direction of hematological research and clinical guidelines in China.

📚 Academic Leadership and Editorial Roles

A passionate advocate for knowledge dissemination, Professor Peng is a key editorial board member for several respected journals such as Thrombosis Journal, Thrombosis Research, Journal of Clinical Hematology, and the Chinese Journal of Hematology. Through these roles, he ensures that cutting-edge research in hematology is critically evaluated and shared widely, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration across the globe.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Professor Jun Peng’s legacy is being forged not only through his past achievements but also through his continued commitment to the advancement of hematological science. His influence spans clinical innovation, academic mentorship, and scientific discovery. As he continues to push the boundaries of understanding in ITP and immune tolerance, he inspires a new generation of physician-scientists. The impact of his work promises to resonate for years to come, offering hope and healing for patients and propelling China’s medical research onto the world stage.

Publication

  • Title: Autoimmune effector mechanisms associated with a defective immunosuppressive axis in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
    Authors: Qizhao Li, Geneviève Marcoux, Yuefen Hu, Jung Peng, John W. Semple
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Quantitative detection of macular microvascular abnormalities identified by optical coherence tomography angiography in different hematological diseases
    Authors: Tianzi Jian, Fabao Xu, Guihua Li, Li Zhang, Jung Peng
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Nicotinamide enhances Treg differentiation by promoting Foxp3 acetylation in immune thrombocytopenia
    Authors: Ju Li, Cheng Zhang, Yuefen Hu, Qi Feng, Xiang Hu
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: The effects of complement-independent, autoantibody-induced apoptosis of platelets in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
    Authors: Lin Sun, Yichen Zhang, Ping Chen, Jung Peng, Zi Sheng
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report, meta-analysis, and systematic review
    Authors: You Yuan Su, Yafei Yu, Zhenyu Yan, Jung Peng, Xinguang Liu
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Ion channel Piezo1 activation aggravates the endothelial dysfunction under a high glucose environment
    Authors: Xiaoyu Zhang, Shaoqiu Leng, Xinyue Liu, Shuwen Wang, Jung Peng
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Intelligent dual-modality label-free cell classification with light scattering imaging and Raman spectra measurements
    Authors: Faihaa Mohammed Eltigani, Xiaoyu Zhang, Min Liu, Jung Peng, Xuantao Su
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Eltrombopag plus diacerein vs eltrombopag in patients with ITP: a multicenter, randomized, open-label phase 2 trial
    Authors: Lu Sun, Xiaoyang Huang, Juan Wang, Ming Hou, Yu Hou
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Risk Factors for Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Coagulation Abnormalities: A Retrospective Cohort Study
    Authors: Qiuyu Guo, Jung Peng, Tichao Shan, Miao Xu
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Platelet-derived TGF-β1 induces functional reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in immune thrombocytopenia
    Authors: Lingjun Wang, Haoyi Wang, Mingfang Zhu, Ming Hou, Yu Hou
    Year: 2024

 

✅ Conclusion

Through his pioneering research, unwavering clinical dedication, and impactful academic leadership, Professor Jun Peng stands at the forefront of immuno-hematology. His work not only deepens scientific understanding of ITP but also contributes directly to improved patient outcomes. As he continues to inspire through teaching, research, and innovation, Professor Peng’s legacy is one of excellence, influence, and ongoing transformation in the global hematology community.