Prof. Dr. Lichun Zhao is a distinguished researcher and academic leader specializing in trace elements, traditional medicine, and health development. He serves as a doctoral supervisor, director of research centers and laboratories, and executive editor in chief of Trace Elements and Health Research, while holding key leadership roles in national and regional scientific associations. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors, he has successfully led major national and international projects, secured innovative medicine approvals, and contributed to product development. His prolific output includes over two hundred publications, highly cited SCI papers, multiple monographs, patents, and software copyrights, reflecting both scientific innovation and practical application. He has also been honored with multiple science and technology awards, underscoring the impact of his research. Committed to advancing both scholarship and healthcare, Prof. Zhao exemplifies excellence in integrating academic research, innovation, and leadership, making him a highly influential figure in his field.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile

Education

Prof. Dr. Lichun Zhao earned his Ph.D. in a field closely related to trace elements, medicine, and health sciences, building a solid academic foundation for his future research. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued postdoctoral training at Hong Kong Baptist University, where he broadened his expertise and gained valuable international research exposure. His educational journey reflects a strong emphasis on both traditional medicine and modern scientific approaches, allowing him to bridge classical knowledge with contemporary methodologies. By combining advanced laboratory techniques with deep understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, he has cultivated a unique academic profile that continues to drive his research innovations. His educational background not only prepared him for his roles in academia and research but also established his credentials as a mentor for doctoral students and an authoritative voice in integrating traditional practices with modern scientific frameworks.

Experience

Prof. Dr. Zhao has accumulated extensive academic and professional experience through his multiple leadership roles and active engagement in research. He serves as a doctoral supervisor, guiding and mentoring the next generation of researchers, while simultaneously holding positions as director of the Research Department and the Center for Trace Elements and Health Development at Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine. Beyond his university roles, he directs major laboratories in Guizhou and Guangxi, leading innovation in endangered medicinal resources. His editorial work as executive editor in chief of Trace Elements and Health Research further demonstrates his commitment to advancing scholarly communication. In addition, he actively contributes to national scientific development as a project evaluation expert for significant research foundations and technology awards. Through these experiences, Prof. Zhao has built a career that integrates research, leadership, and service, positioning him as both a pioneering scientist and an influential academic administrator.

Research Focus

The core of Prof. Dr. Zhao’s research lies in the intersection of trace elements, traditional Chinese medicine, and health development. His work emphasizes the exploration of medicinal resources, the development of innovative treatments, and the application of modern scientific tools such as big data and artificial intelligence to healthcare research. He has led numerous national and international projects aimed at advancing understanding of trace elements in human health, as well as developing standardized, evidence-based approaches to traditional medicine. A significant part of his focus is dedicated to the preservation and innovation of endangered medicinal materials, ensuring sustainable resources for future therapeutic use. His achievements include obtaining clinical approvals for new medicine, producing certified products, and publishing influential studies recognized globally. Prof. Zhao’s research is notable for its ability to combine ancient knowledge with modern technology, creating novel solutions that enhance healthcare outcomes and scientific advancement.

Award and Honor

Prof. Dr. Zhao has been widely recognized for his scientific excellence and leadership with numerous national and regional awards. He was the first to receive the prestigious National Youth Qihuang Scholar distinction and has been selected for Hong Kong’s “Excellent Talent Plan.” His honors include recognition as an Outstanding Scholar in Guangxi, a leader of high-level innovation teams, and a candidate in talent development initiatives such as the “Ten Hundred Thousand Talents Project.” He has also received the Guangxi Youth Science and Technology Award and multiple provincial science and technology prizes, including the Guangxi Science and Technology Progress Award and the Jilin Province Natural Science Award. His contributions have further been acknowledged through the China Industry-University-Research Cooperation Innovation Award. Collectively, these distinctions highlight not only his research excellence but also his role as an innovator and leader whose work has had profound impact in both academic and applied scientific fields.

Publications Top Notes

• Title: The close relationship between trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, Rb, Si, Cr, and V) and Alzheimer’s disease: Research progress and insights
  Authors: Zhao Lichun et al.
  Year: 2025

• Title: Bacteriostatic activity and mechanism of minerals containing rubidium
  Authors: Zhao Lichun et al.
  Year: 2025

• Title: Traditional Chinese medicine in chronic rhinosinusitis: Mechanisms and postoperative recovery
  Authors: Zhao Lichun et al.
  Year: 2025
  Citations: 3

• Title: Rosmarinic acid promotes mitochondrial fission and induces ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells
  Authors: Zhao Lichun et al.
  Year: 2025
  Citations: 13

• Title: Interfacial Stabilization through MOF-Polymer Core-Shell Design: Ultraefficient, Stable and Recyclable Enzymatic Microreactors
  Authors: Zhao Lichun et al.
  Year: 2025

• Title: Rubidium salt can effectively relieve the symptoms of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis
  Authors: Zhao Lichun et al.
  Year: 2024
  Citations: 22

Conclusion

The reviewed publications of Prof. Dr. Lichun Zhao reflect a strong and diverse research portfolio spanning trace elements, traditional Chinese medicine, cancer biology, inflammatory diseases, and innovative material science applications. His works demonstrate both depth in exploring mechanisms of disease and breadth in applying interdisciplinary approaches to health solutions. The range of topics covered—from Alzheimer’s disease and rhinosinusitis to breast cancer and ulcerative colitis—highlights his ability to integrate traditional medicine knowledge with modern biomedical and technological advances. The citations already received for some of these recent studies, particularly in high-impact areas such as cancer research and therapeutic innovations, indicate growing recognition of his contributions within the scientific community. Overall, his research achievements showcase academic rigor, innovation, and practical significance, further strengthening his candidacy for recognition through prestigious research awards.