Dr. Hao Yang is a distinguished professor and leading neuroscientist specializing in stem cell therapy for central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently serving as Director of the Translational Medicine Center at Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, he has made significant contributions to regenerative medicine, particularly in reprogramming mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and astrocytes for functional recovery in spinal cord injury. With over 90 SCI-indexed publications—more than 60 as first or corresponding author—and a total impact factor exceeding 330, his research is widely recognized, earning over 3,700 citations in high-impact journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Cell, and Neuron. Dr. Yang has led 13 major research projects and holds editorial and reviewer roles in several international journals. He has been honored with multiple national awards, including the Provincial First Prize for Scientific Progress and the Gusu Talent Award, reflecting his leadership and innovation in translational neuroscience.
ORCID Profile
Dr. Hao Yang earned his Ph.D. in Neurobiology in 2007 from the prestigious Fourth Military Medical University (FMMU), under the mentorship of Academician Ju Gong, a renowned neuroscientist. His strong academic foundation was further enriched through international postdoctoral training. In 2010, he joined Emory University in the United States as a Postdoctoral Fellow, gaining exposure to cutting-edge neuroscience research. He later enhanced his global academic experience as a Visiting Scholar at Loma Linda University in 2015. This diverse educational background, combining rigorous Chinese academic traditions with Western biomedical research approaches, laid the groundwork for his expertise in neuroregeneration and stem cell therapy. Dr. Yang’s educational journey reflects a strategic focus on translational neuroscience, bridging theoretical insights and clinical application. His training under leading scientists and at world-class institutions has significantly shaped his scientific vision and capacity for innovative research in central nervous system repair and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Hao Yang has held several key academic and research leadership roles throughout his career. Following completion of his Ph.D., he joined the faculty of the Fourth Military Medical University, where he began building his research credentials. From 2012 to 2016, he served as Principal Investigator at the Stem Cell Research Center of Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, where he led pioneering work in regenerative therapies. Since 2016, he has been the Director of the Translational Medicine Center at Honghui Hospital, affiliated with Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he leads multidisciplinary teams in translational neuroscience. He also holds the title of Distinguished Professor at Soochow University and Adjunct Professor at Ningxia Medical University. These positions reflect his strong academic reputation and leadership in advancing stem cell therapy and neurorepair research. Dr. Yang’s professional journey demonstrates a consistent upward trajectory marked by innovation, leadership, and impactful collaboration.
Dr. Hao Yang’s research focuses on developing novel stem cell-based therapies for central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. His pioneering work integrates tissue engineering with stem cell biology to enhance neural repair and functional recovery. A key area of his research involves reprogramming mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and astrocytes into neural stem cells and neurons, aiming to treat spinal cord injuries more effectively. He also investigates MSC paracrine effects and their application in osteochondral degeneration, often incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technologies to enhance regenerative outcomes. Dr. Yang’s studies bridge fundamental neuroscience and clinical application, contributing to the emerging field of translational medicine. His work not only explores cell-based mechanisms of regeneration but also emphasizes therapeutic strategies that are clinically viable. By combining cellular reprogramming, biomaterials, and advanced delivery systems, his research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in functional neural restoration.
Dr. Hao Yang has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions that underscore his contributions to neuroscience and regenerative medicine. In 2016, he was honored with the Provincial/Ministerial First Prize for Scientific Progress, highlighting the societal impact of his research. That same year, he earned a Third-Class Military Merit Citation for his academic excellence within the military medical system. In 2015, he was selected as a “100 Talents” Reserve Scholar by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of China’s most competitive academic honors. More recently, he was awarded the Gusu Talent Award and named a Leading Young Talent at Honghui Hospital in 2022, reflecting his continuing leadership in the field. In addition to accolades, he serves on multiple academic committees and grant review panels, including the NSFC and Ministry of Education. These honors affirm his scientific leadership, research innovation, and ongoing contributions to the advancement of medical science in China and beyond.
In summary, Dr. Hao Yang is a highly accomplished neuroscientist and research leader whose work in stem cell therapy and CNS regeneration has made significant scientific and clinical impacts. With a solid educational foundation, international research experience, and a series of prominent academic appointments, he has established himself as a leading figure in translational medicine. His research, which combines cellular reprogramming, biomaterials, and regenerative biology, addresses critical unmet needs in neural repair and neurodegeneration. Dr. Yang’s achievements are further reflected in his extensive publication record, competitive research funding, and numerous national honors. His leadership roles, including director-level appointments and editorial board service, demonstrate a deep commitment to scientific advancement and collaboration. While he continues to expand his global influence, his current body of work firmly establishes him as a top-tier researcher. Dr. Yang is exceptionally well-qualified for high-level scientific recognition, including consideration for the Best Researcher Award.
1. Aberrant Development of Hippocampal GABAergic Neurons Arising from Hypothyroidism Contributes to Memory Deficits in Mice Through Maf Suppressing Mef2c
2. Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell‑Derived Exosomes in Spinal Cord Injury
3. Advances in Genetically Modified Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Central Nervous System Injury and Neurological Diseases
4. An Overview of Current Advances in Perinatal Alcohol Exposure and Pathogenesis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
5. The Neuroprotective Role of Fisetin in Different Neurological Diseases: a Systematic Review
6. An Overview of Recent Advances in the Neuroprotective Potentials of Fisetin …
7. The aOECs Facilitate the Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells …
8. The Anti‑inflammation Property of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Neural Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury
9. Tetramethylpyrazine Induces the Release of BDNF from BM‑MSCs …
10. The Involvement of Bioactive Factors in the Self‑Renewal … of Spermatogonial Stem Cells
11. Generation of Functional Dopaminergic Neurons from Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells …
12. Sonic Hedgehog Improves the Reprogramming of Oct‑4‑Mediated Astrocytes …