Lichun Zhao | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Lichun Zhao | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China

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.

Nceba Gqaleni | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Nceba Gqaleni | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Professor Nceba Gqaleni is a renowned academic and researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He currently serves as an Acting Academic Leader in the Discipline of Traditional Medicine and as a Research Professor. With a passion for integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, his research aims to address health challenges facing Africa, including HIV, diabetes, and cancer. His work on herbal treatments and immunomodulators has positioned him as a pioneer in exploring alternative therapies. Prof. Gqaleni’s research is characterized by the synergy between modern science and indigenous knowledge systems, contributing significantly to the global healthcare landscape. His work continues to impact public health, with ongoing clinical trials and innovative studies aimed at improving health outcomes. Additionally, he is committed to training the next generation of researchers, having mentored numerous postdoctoral, PhD, and master’s students.

Professional Profile

Education

Professor Nceba Gqaleni’s educational background is rooted in biochemistry, with a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. He also holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa. His academic journey has been marked by a deep interest in both the molecular and traditional aspects of medicine, leading him to pursue research that bridges these fields. His formal education laid the foundation for a distinguished career in both academia and research, where he has applied his scientific expertise to explore alternative therapies and the integration of traditional medicine into contemporary health systems. Prof. Gqaleni’s educational path reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge and improving healthcare, particularly in the African context.

Professional Experience

Professor Gqaleni’s professional experience spans academia, research, and leadership. He currently holds the position of Acting Academic Leader in the Discipline of Traditional Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His role involves guiding academic initiatives and research in traditional medicine, while also providing leadership in curriculum development and research supervision. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Prof. Gqaleni has led numerous significant research projects, particularly focused on traditional medicine’s role in addressing major health issues such as HIV and diabetes. His extensive work in supervising postgraduate students, including over 7 postdoctoral researchers, 12 PhD candidates, and 25 master’s students, demonstrates his dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars and researchers. Prof. Gqaleni’s professional experience is a blend of academic excellence, mentorship, and groundbreaking research in the field of traditional medicine and biochemistry.

Research Interests

Professor Nceba Gqaleni’s research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry and traditional medicine, with a primary focus on finding alternative treatments for diseases prevalent in Africa, such as HIV, diabetes, and cancer. He has led pioneering research on herbal compositions for the treatment of HIV and is currently conducting clinical trials for a patented HIV cure. In addition to HIV, his research extends to cancer therapies, immunomodulators, and the application of Indigenous phytotherapy in managing diseases like diabetes and HIV. Prof. Gqaleni’s ongoing research projects also explore the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples, particularly in the context of climate change and global health disparities. His work is driven by the goal of bridging the gap between traditional healing practices and modern medical approaches, thereby improving health outcomes in African communities and globally.

Awards and Honors

Professor Nceba Gqaleni’s career has been marked by significant achievements and recognition. He has been honored for his pioneering work in traditional medicine and biochemistry, particularly in the field of HIV and diabetes treatment. One of his notable accomplishments is the filing of a patent for a herbal composition aimed at curing HIV, which is currently undergoing clinical trials. Prof. Gqaleni has also received substantial funding for his research, including a $4.4 million NIH grant for a study on Indigenous phytotherapy. His contributions to science and public health have earned him the respect of both academic and medical communities. Prof. Gqaleni’s work in advancing the integration of traditional medicine into global health systems continues to garner international attention and recognition. His awards and honors reflect his exceptional leadership and groundbreaking contributions to healthcare research.

Conclusion

Professor Nceba Gqaleni demonstrates exceptional potential for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative contributions to HIV treatment, integration of traditional medicine, and impactful mentorship. His work addresses critical health challenges in Africa, blending traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods. While broader dissemination and commercialization efforts could strengthen his profile, his contributions make him a strong contender for the award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Indigenous Medicinal Plants Used in the Management of Diabetes in Africa: 5 Years (2019–2024) in Perspective
    • Authors: Frimpong, E.K., Thembane, N., Hlatshwayo, S., Ngcobo, M., Gqaleni, N.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2
  • Review on the Anti-Hyperglycemic Potential of Psidium guajava and Seriphium plumosum L.
    • Authors: Thembane, N., Hlatshwayo, S., Ngcobo, M., Ngubane, P., Gqaleni, N.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Erratum: An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of Product Nkabinde on immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors
    • Authors: Setlhare, B., Letsoalo, M., Nkabinde, S.A., Ngcobo, M., Gqaleni, N.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of product Nkabinde on immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors
    • Authors: Setlhare, B., Letsoalo, M., Nkabinde, S.A., Ngcobo, M., Gqaleni, N.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Analysis of Three Species of Cassipourea Traditionally Used for Hypermelanosis in Selected Provinces in South Africa
    • Authors: Mpofana, N., Yalo, M., Gqaleni, N., Dlova, N.C., Hussein, A.A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Melasma in People with Darker Skin Types: A Scoping Review Protocol on Prevalence, Treatment Options for Melasma, and Impact on Quality of Life
    • Authors: Mpofana, N., Chibi, B., Gqaleni, N., Kgarosi, K., Dlova, N.C.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3
  • The Effect of Melasma on the Quality of Life in People with Darker Skin Types Living in Durban, South Africa
    • Authors: Mpofana, N., Paulse, M., Gqaleni, N., Hussein, A., Dlova, N.C.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • The Met and Unmet Health Needs for HIV, Hypertension, and Diabetes in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Multimorbidity Survey
    • Authors: Singh, U., Olivier, S., Cuadros, D., Ramnanan, A., Harilall, S., Gqaleni, N.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 5
  • An Investigation into the Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Extracts of Cassipourea flanaganii Stem Bark In Vivo
    • Authors: Mpofana, N., Chipangura, J.K., Paulse, M., Hussein, A.A., Crouch, N.R.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  • Treatment of Melasma on Darker Skin Types: A Scoping Review
    • Authors: Mpofana, N., Chibi, B., Visser, T., Hussein, A.A., Dlova, N.C.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4