Philipp Kanske | Medicine | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske | Medicine | Research Excellence Award

Professor | TUD Dresden University of Technology | Germany

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske is an internationally recognized expert in cognitive and affective neuroscience whose work bridges psychology, social cognition, neuroimaging, and mental health research. His research centers on empathy, compassion, emotion regulation, personality functioning, and the neurobiological mechanisms that shape human social behavior across the lifespan. He investigates how individuals perceive and respond to others’ emotions, how empathic stress is transmitted within families, and how interventions such as meditation and compassion training can induce functional neural plasticity and improve emotional well-being, particularly in older adults. His interests extend to personality organization in both clinical and non-clinical populations, disease progression in bipolar disorder, white-matter microstructure, attachment dynamics in couples, value integration for self and others, and ritual-based methods for strengthening human–nature connectedness in the context of sustainability transformations. Prof. Kanske is skilled in a wide range of methodologies including experimental psychology, behavioral analysis, longitudinal study design, cognitive testing, psychoneuroendocrinology, structural and functional MRI, and advanced statistical modeling. His contributions to research transparency and reproducibility are reflected in his leadership in developing the PECANS methodological framework for cognitive and neuropsychological studies. Throughout his career, he has received multiple awards and honors (as listed in Scopus’s “Awarded Grants” section), recognizing his innovative contributions to social neuroscience, aging research, and clinical psychology. According to Scopus Preview, he has 7,136 citations, 163 documents, and an impressive h-index of 43, underscoring his global scientific influence and sustained scholarly productivity. Overall, Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske’s work provides significant insights into how emotional, neural, and relational processes shape human behavior, offering important implications for mental health, interpersonal functioning, and societal well-being, and solidifying his role as a leading figure in modern neuroscience and psychology.

ProfilesScopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Kanske, P., Heissler, J., Schönfelder, S., Bongers, A., & Wessa, M. (2011). How to regulate emotion? Neural networks for reappraisal and distraction. Cerebral Cortex, 21(6), 1379–138.
    Citations: 698

  2. Schurz, M., Radua, J., Tholen, M. G., Maliske, L., Margulies, D. S., Mars, R. B., … Kanske, P. (2021). Toward a hierarchical model of social cognition: A neuroimaging meta-analysis and integrative review of empathy and theory of mind. Psychological Bulletin, 147(3), 293–. Citations: 648

  3. Kanske, P., & Kotz, S. A. (2007). Concreteness in emotional words: ERP evidence from a hemifield study. Brain Research, 1148, 138–148. Citations: 630

  4. Preckel, K., Kanske, P., & Singer, T. (2018). On the interaction of social affect and cognition: Empathy, compassion and theory of mind. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 19, 1–6.
    Citations: 554

  5. Moshontz, H., Campbell, L., Ebersole, C. R., IJzerman, H., Urry, H. L., Forscher, P. S., … Kanske, P. (2018). The Psychological Science Accelerator: Advancing psychology through a distributed collaborative network. Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science, 1(4), 501–515. Citations: 499

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske’s work advances global scientific understanding of empathy, compassion, and emotion regulation by uncovering the neural and psychological mechanisms that drive healthy social functioning. His research enables evidence-based mental-health interventions, strengthens human well-being across communities, and supports interdisciplinary innovation in neuroscience, clinical psychology, aging research, and societal resilience.

 

Hengrui Liu | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hengrui Liu | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom

Dr. Hengrui Liu is a distinguished researcher at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, whose interdisciplinary work spans molecular biology, oncology, pharmacogenomics, and bioinformatics. With a remarkable Scopus h-index of 31, over 2,300 citations, and 55 publications, Dr. Liu has made substantial contributions to understanding cancer biology and translational medicine. His research integrates computational modeling, systems biology, and experimental oncology, focusing on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance, tumor progression, and therapeutic targeting.One of Dr. Liu’s notable contributions includes the use of CRISPR screening and cell line IC50 data to uncover genes responsible for trametinib resistance, highlighting potential pathways for targeted cancer therapy. He also explores the role of transcription factors in protein autoubiquitination across multiple cancer types through pan-cancer in-silico profiling, advancing precision oncology approaches. His expertise extends to traditional medicine and integrative therapies, as seen in his recent studies on the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in improving liver transplantation outcomes, bridging conventional and modern biomedical practices.Dr. Liu’s recent review on the multidimensional role of laminin γ2 (LAMC2) in cancer progression provides a comprehensive understanding of how extracellular matrix components influence tumor behavior and metastasis. His interdisciplinary research brings together molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance, and computational insight, reflecting a holistic approach to biomedical innovation. Moreover, his collaborative network of over 100 co-authors underscores his global impact and leadership in international scientific research.Through his pioneering studies, Dr. Hengrui Liu contributes to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, drug resistance biomarkers, and predictive computational frameworks that enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of complex diseases such as cancer. His work exemplifies the synergy between data-driven research and molecular experimentation, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking scientist shaping the future of personalized medicine and biomedical innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Liu, H., et al. (2025). CRISPR screening and cell line IC50 data reveal novel key genes for trametinib resistance. Open-access Letter. 26 citations.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). In vitro antibacterial activity of neochebulinic acid from aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula Retz against Helicobacter pylori. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 1 citation.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). An in-silico pan-cancer bulk and single-cell profiling of transcription factors in protein autoubiquitination. Discover Oncology. 2 citations.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). The multidimensional role of laminin γ2 (LAMC2) on cancer progression. Review Article. 0 citations.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). Role of traditional Chinese medicine in supporting liver transplantation outcomes. World Journal of Transplantation. 4 citations.

Shinichiro Sawa | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shinichiro Sawa | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Kyushu University | Japan 

Dr. Shinichiro Sawa is a highly accomplished Japanese immunologist and medical researcher renowned for his pioneering work in immune regulation, autoimmunity, and inflammation. He currently serves as a Professor at the Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Japan, where he leads innovative studies in molecular and cellular immunology. Dr. Sawa began his academic journey at Osaka University, earning his Medical Degree (M.D.) in 2000 and subsequently his Ph.D. in Medicine in 2006 from the same institution, where he developed a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and experimental medicine. His professional trajectory includes significant academic roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo (2011–2016) and Associate Professor at Hokkaido University’s Institute for Genetic Medicine (2016–2018) before joining Kyushu University in 2019. Dr. Sawa’s research interests center on understanding how immune cells, such as γδ T cells, fibroblasts, and plasma cells, interact with tissue environments to regulate immune tolerance, autoimmunity, and inflammatory diseases. His studies, published in prestigious journals such as Nature Immunology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Journal of Investigative Dermatology, have shed light on how fibroblasts contribute to central immune tolerance and how plasma cells promote osteoclastogenesis in autoimmune arthritis. His research skills encompass cellular immunology, molecular signaling analysis, animal modeling of immune diseases, flow cytometry, and translational immunopathology, demonstrating both depth and precision in experimental design and interpretation. Recognized for his scientific contributions, Dr. Sawa has received numerous academic honors and research recognitions throughout his career, reflecting his influence in the global immunology community. In conclusion, Dr. Shinichiro Sawa stands as a leading figure in immunological research, bridging basic science and clinical application to advance our understanding of immune homeostasis and to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies against autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Nonaka, D., Yoshida, S., Nakano, K., Li, X., Okamura, T., Umemoto, E., Yamada, T., Watanabe, M., Jinno, S., Ito, M., Tsuda, M., Noguchi, N., Jiang, X.-J., Sumiya, E., & Sawa, S. (2025). Fibroblast-derived CSF1 maintains colonization of gut mucosal macrophage to resist bacterial infection. Mucosal Immunology.

  2. Onji, M., Sigl, V., Lendl, T., Novatchkova, M., Ullate-Agote, A., Andersson-Rolf, A., Kozieradzki, I., Koglgruber, R., Pai, T.-P., Lichtscheidl, D., Nayak, K., Zilbauer, M., Carranza García, N.-A., Sievers, L., Falk-Paulsen, M., Cronin, S. J. F., Hagelkruys, A., Sawa, S., Osborne, L. C., Rosenstiel, P., Pasparakis, M., Ruland, J., Takayanagi, H., Clevers, H., Koo, B.-H., & Penninger, J. M. (2025). RANK drives structured intestinal epithelial expansion during pregnancy. Nature, 637(8044), 156–166.

  3. Nitta, T., Tsutsumi, M., Nitta, S., Muro, R., Suzuki, E. C., Nakano, K., Tomofuji, Y., Sawa, S., Okamura, T., Penninger, J. M., & Takayanagi, H. (2020). Fibroblasts as a source of self-antigens for central immune tolerance. Nature Immunology, 21(10), 1172–1180.

  4. Nagashima, K., Sawa, S., Nitta, T., Tsutsumi, M., Okamura, T., Penninger, J. M., Nakashima, T., & Takayanagi, H. (2017). Identification of subepithelial mesenchymal cells that induce IgA and diversify gut microbiota. Nature Immunology, 18(6), 675–682.

  5. Onder, L., Mörbe, U., Pikor, N., Novkovic, M., Cheng, H.-W., Hehlgans, T., Pfeffer, K., Becher, B., Waisman, A., Rülicke, T., Gommerman, J., Müller, C., Sawa, S., Scandella, E., & Ludewig, B. (2017). Lymphatic endothelial cells control initiation of lymph node organogenesis. Immunity, 47(1), 80–92.

 

Hugh Sampson | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hugh Sampson | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Pediatrics | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | United States

Dr. Hugh A. Sampson, MD, is a distinguished physician-scientist and pediatric immunologist best known for his pioneering contributions in food allergy and immunopathogenesis, and is currently the Kurt Hirschhorn Professor of Pediatrics and Director Emeritus of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He earned a B.A. in Biology from Hamilton College in 1971, then obtained his M.D. from SUNY Buffalo in 1975, followed by a pediatric residency at Northwestern University / Children’s Memorial Hospital and an allergy/immunology fellowship at Duke University (1978–1980). Over his career, he has held leadership roles including chairing the Section on Allergy & Immunology of the American Academy of Pediatrics, serving as past President of AAAAI, holding editorial board positions in leading allergy/immunology journals, and directing national food allergy research consortia. His research interests encompass the pathogenesis of food-induced anaphylaxis, the molecular and immunologic characterization of allergenic food proteins and epitopes, genetics and immune regulation in food allergy, development of precision diagnostics (e.g. epitope-specific IgE/IgG4 profiles), and immunotherapy strategies (oral, epicutaneous, sublingual, and biologics such as anti-IgE) as well as novel therapeutic approaches. His research skills include translational and clinical trial design, immunologic assays (e.g. epitope mapping, serologic biomarkers), mechanistic in vitro and in vivo models, bioinformatics integration, large cohort epidemiologic and registry studies, and mentoring interdisciplinary teams. Among his many awards and honors are election to the National Academy of Medicine (Institute of Medicine) in 2003, the Brett Ratner Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Distinguished Scientist Award of AAAAI, memberships in honorary societies (Alpha Omega Alpha, Sigma Xi), and repeated recognitions from Research.com as a top immunology scientist. According to his institutional profile, his h-index (based on Scopus/Pure) is listed at ~85,982 (which appears anomalous and may reflect internal counting metrics), while bibliometric sources more conservatively report an h-index of ~147 with over 800+ publications; traditional citation counts exceed 100,000 across his work. In conclusion, Dr. Sampson’s career exemplifies a remarkable integration of basic immunology and clinical translation: his leadership, mentorship, and sustained high-impact scholarship have shaped the modern field of food allergy research, spawning diagnostic and therapeutic innovations and training generations of investigators in allergy and immunology.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

  1. Rose, N. R., Milisauskas, V., & Sampson, H. A. (1975). Species-specific tissue antigens. III. Immunological relationships of enzymic antigens in various species. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 20, 359–370.

  2. Sampson, H. A., & Buckley, R. H. (1981). Human IgE synthesis in vitro: A reassessment. Journal of Immunology, 127, 829–834.

  3. Rich, K. C., Sampson, H. A., Edwards, N. L., & Fox, I. H. (1981). Familial hypogammaglobulinemia with variable serum immunoglobulins: Concordance with lymphocyte ecto-5′-nucleotidase deficiency. American Journal of Diseases of Children, 135, 795–798.

  4. Sampson, H. A., Walchner, A., & Baker, P. (1981). Recurrent pyogenic infections in individuals with absence of the second component of complement. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2, 39–45.

  5. LoGalbo, P. R., Sampson, H. A., & Buckley, R. H. (1982). Symptomatic giardiasis in three patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Journal of Pediatrics, 101, 78–80.