Achilleas Theocharis | Mathematical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Achilleas Theocharis | Mathematical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece

Professor Achilleas D. Theocharis, Ph.D., is a renowned expert in extracellular matrix pathobiology and cancer signaling, serving as Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of Patras 🎓. With over 116 peer-reviewed publications, more than 13,750 citations, and an inspiring h-index of 54, his impactful research is globally recognized 📚. He has led and supported 19 international/national funded projects, delivered 27 invited lectures, and organized FEBS Advanced Lecture Courses across Europe 🌍. A committed mentor, he has supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. students, guiding the next generation of scientists 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬. Prof. Theocharis holds key leadership roles, including Department Head and Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and actively serves on editorial boards of prestigious journals 🏅. Known for scholarly excellence, international collaboration, and academic service, he is a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education

Prof. Theocharis earned his Diploma in Chemistry (1994) and Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2000) from the University of Patras, Greece. His early academic journey included pivotal research experiences at prestigious institutions, notably a visiting scientistship at Lund University (1995) and Karolinska Institute (1999–2003), deepening his expertise in immunology, pathology, and cell biology. These formative years fostered a rigorous scientific foundation in extracellular matrix (ECM) biology and cancer research. The immersion in both Greek and Swedish biomedical centers equipped him with exceptional analytical and experimental skills. This strong educational grounding laid the path for his subsequent leadership in matrix pathobiology and translational oncology. Prof. Theocharis remains engaged in continuous learning and scientific excellence, reflected in his extensive academic collaborations and breakthroughs in molecular medicine 🧬.

💼 Professional Experience

Prof. Theocharis is currently Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of Patras, directing the Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group. His academic career includes roles from Lecturer to Associate Professor (ref. 2003–2019), enriched by visiting professorships at Uppsala, Karolinska, and Paris 12. He has served in key leadership roles — Department Head, University Senate member, and Vice President of the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Through these positions, he has helped design academic strategies, foster national/international research networks, and support Erasmus programs. As a mentor, he has guided dozens of undergraduate, M.Sc., and Ph.D. students. His professional journey exemplifies dedication to institutional growth, teaching excellence, administrative leadership, and building global scientific bridges 🌐.

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Theocharis specializes in extracellular matrix pathobiology, cancer biology, cell signaling, and molecular drug targeting. His research explores how ECM components regulate cell behavior, drive cancer progression, and influence therapy responsivity. By dissecting molecular signaling pathways and ECM–cell communication, his work informs drug discovery strategies and new therapeutic targets. He is particularly focused on proteoglycans, serglycin, and matrix metalloproteinases as key regulators of tumor metastasis and microenvironment modulation. With a systems biology mindset, he bridges biochemistry, molecular biology, and translational oncology to address critical challenges in disease treatment and resistance. His prolific output advances basic molecular understanding and paves the way for novel anti-cancer interventions 👩‍🔬🧠.

🏅 Awards & Honors

Prof. Theocharis’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including awards from the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2000, 2017) and invitations to deliver FEBS Advanced Lecture Courses (2018). He received a prestigious French Government scholarship as a Visiting Professor (2012) and fellowships from FEBS (2002, 2008) and the Hellenic Scholarship Foundation. He also earned the Leonidas Zervas Foundation Award (1999). These honors reflect recognition from both national and international communities for his leadership in extracellular matrix research and cancer biology. Regular invitations as a keynote speaker at FEBS events and inclusion in high-profile research evaluation panels underscore the broader impact and esteem of his scholarly work 🌟.

🛠️ Research Skills

Prof. Theocharis possesses expert-level skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell signaling, and extracellular matrix analyses. He is proficient in proteomics, immunohistochemistry, gene editing, and advanced imaging techniques. His computational biology expertise complements his experimental work, enabling in-depth pathway analysis and data-driven insight. Prof. Theocharis excels in multi-disciplinary collaboration, having co-led over 19 national and international grants. As an active peer reviewer and academic editor, he demonstrates exceptional critical thinking, scholarly rigor, and ethical standards. His dual experience in laboratory research and academic management ensures scientific innovation, reproducibility, and knowledge dissemination. He is known for designing cutting-edge protocols, training students, and advancing translational cancer research and ECM modeling 🧪🔍.

Publications Top Note 📝

  • Title: The extracellular matrix as a multitasking player in disease
    Authors: AD Theocharis, D Manou, NK Karamanos
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 483
    Source: The FEBS Journal, 286(15), 2830–2869

  • Title: Proteoglycan chemical diversity drives multifunctional cell regulation and therapeutics
    Authors: NK Karamanos, Z Piperigkou, AD Theocharis, H Watanabe, M Franchi, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 352
    Source: Chemical Reviews, 118(18), 9152–9232

  • Title: Syndecans–key regulators of cell signaling and biological functions
    Authors: NA Afratis, D Nikitovic, HAB Multhaupt, AD Theocharis, JR Couchman, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 314
    Source: The FEBS Journal, 284(1), 27–41

  • Title: Cross-talk between estradiol receptor and EGFR/IGF-IR signaling pathways in estrogen-responsive breast cancers: focus on the role and impact of proteoglycans
    Authors: SS Skandalis, N Afratis, G Smirlaki, D Nikitovic, AD Theocharis, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 257
    Source: Matrix Biology, 35, 182–193

  • Title: Matrix modeling and remodeling: A biological interplay regulating tissue homeostasis and diseases
    Authors: NK Karamanos, AD Theocharis, T Neill, RV Iozzo
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 251
    Source: Matrix Biology, 75, 1–11

  • Title: Proteoglycans remodeling in cancer: Underlying molecular mechanisms
    Authors: AD Theocharis, NK Karamanos
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 211
    Source: Matrix Biology, 75, 220–259

  • Title: Pancreatic carcinoma is characterized by elevated content of hyaluronan and chondroitin sulfate with altered disaccharide composition
    Authors: AD Theocharis, ME Tsara, N Papageorgacopoulou, DD Karavias, …
    Year: 2000
    Citations: 208
    Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, 1502(2), 201–206

  • Title: Estrogen receptor alpha mediates epithelial to mesenchymal transition, expression of specific matrix effectors and functional properties of breast cancer cells
    Authors: P Bouris, SS Skandalis, Z Piperigkou, N Afratis, K Karamanou, AJ Aletras, …
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 200
    Source: Matrix Biology, 43, 42–60

  • Title: Serglycin is involved in TGF-β induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and is highly expressed by immune cells in breast cancer tissue
    Authors: M Tellez-Gabriel, X Tekpli, TM Reine, B Hegge, SR Nielsen, M Chen, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 17
    Source: Frontiers in Oncology, 12, 868868

  • Title: Preclinical evaluation of zoledronate using an in vitro mimetic cellular model for breast cancer metastatic bone disease
    Authors: PG Dedes, I Kanakis, C Gialeli, AD Theocharis, T Tsegenidis, D Kletsas, …
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 16
    Source: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – General Subjects, 1830(6), 3625–3634

  • Title: Pathophysiology and pharmacological targeting of tumor-induced bone disease: current status and emerging therapeutic interventions
    Authors: VT Labropoulou, AD Theocharis, A Symeonidis, SS Skandalis, …
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 15
    Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, 18(11), 1584–1598

  • Title: IGF-I affects glycosaminoglycan/proteoglycan synthesis in breast cancer cells through tyrosine kinase-dependent and-independent pathways
    Authors: TN Mitropoulou, AD Theocharis, D Nikitovic, NK Karamanos, …
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 14
    Source: Biochimie, 86(4–5), 251–259

  • Title: Resistance to hormone therapy in breast cancer cells promotes autophagy and EGFR signaling pathway
    Authors: KE Siatis, E Giannopoulou, D Manou, P Sarantis, MV Karamouzis, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11
    Source: American Journal of Physiology – Cell Physiology, 325(3), C708–C720

  • Title: Hyaluronan determination: Biological significance & analytical tools
    Authors: CJ Malavaki, I Kanakis, AD Theocharis, FN Lamari, NK Karamanos
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 11
    Source: Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, 3(2), 117–128

  • Title: Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of novel dehydroabietic acid-chalcone hybrids
    Authors: S Grigoropoulou, D Manou, AI Antoniou, A Tsirogianni, C Siciliano, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10
    Source: Molecules, 27(11), 3623

  • Title: Cellular microenvironment in human pathologies
    Authors: D Vigetti, M Götte, MSG Pavão, AD Theocharis
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 10
    Source: BioMed Research International, 2013, 946958

  • Title: Immunological studies of sheep brain keratan sulphate proteoglycans
    Authors: N Papageorgakopoulou, AD Theocharis, SS Skandalis, DH Vynios, …
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 10
    Source: Biochimie, 84(12), 1223–1226

  • Title: Isolation and analysis of a novel acidic polysaccharide from the case of squid pen
    Authors: AD Theocharis, NK Karamanos, T Tsegenidis
    Year: 1999
    Citations: 10
    Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 26(1), 83–88

  • Title: Immunization with specific polysaccharide antigen reduces alterations in corneal proteoglycans during experimental slime-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis keratitis
    Authors: CD Georgakopoulos, AM Exarchou, SP Gartaganis, F Kolonitsiou, …
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 9
    Source: Current Eye Research, 31(2), 137–146

  • Title: Keratan sulfate‐containing proteoglycans in sheep brain with particular reference to phosphacan and synaptic vesicle proteoglycan isoforms
    Authors: EA Sinouris, SS Skandalis, V Kilia, AD Theocharis, DA Theocharis, …
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 8
    Source: Biomedical Chromatography, 23(5), 455–463

🏁 Conclusion

Prof. Achilleas D. Theocharis is a distinguished leader in extracellular matrix science and cancer biology. With an impressive portfolio — 116 publications, 13,750 citations, dual h-indices (Scopus: 47; Google Scholar: 54), and 27 invited lectures — he exemplifies research excellence 🌟. His contributions span from fundamental mechanism elucidation to clinical relevance, supported by strong mentorship and institutional leadership. His roles in national/international scientific societies, editorial boards, and grant panels underscore his collaborative vision. While continuing to grow in translational impact, he builds a legacy of innovation, education, and scientific integrity. Prof. Theocharis is a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award, combining scholarly brilliance with global influence and community service 🏆.

Jingna Zhang | Mathematical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jingna Zhang | Mathematical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Army Medical University, Chongqing, China

Dr. Zhang Jingna 🌟, an esteemed Associate Professor at the Army Medical University 🇨🇳, stands out in the field of biomedical engineering through her pioneering research in brain function imaging 🧠 and medical image processing 📊. With expertise in fMRI, DTI, and fNIRS, her investigations explore the neural dynamics of emotion, cognition, and neurorehabilitation. Notably, her groundbreaking work on phantom limb pain and stroke recovery sheds light on neural plasticity and cortical reorganization, offering potential for transformative therapies 💡. She has led a National Natural Science Foundation youth project and contributed to over ten significant national and military research initiatives 🧪. With 7 SCI-indexed publications and a citation-rich portfolio 📚, her contributions resonate in both academic and clinical spheres. Dr. Zhang’s unwavering commitment, interdisciplinary insight, and innovative spirit 🌐 make her a formidable candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏅, symbolizing excellence, impact, and future-forward scientific leadership.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile 

🎓 Education

Dr. Zhang Jingna pursued her academic journey with distinction, earning a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering 🎓, a field where science meets medicine and technology. Her doctoral studies immersed her in advanced brain imaging techniques, such as fMRI, DTI, and fNIRS, laying a firm foundation for her neuroscience endeavors 🧠. Rooted in rigorous quantitative analysis and clinical insight, her education bridged the gaps between engineering, biology, and cognitive science 🔬. Her academic excellence was evident early on, shaping her into a dynamic researcher. This strong educational grounding not only honed her technical acumen but also equipped her with the interdisciplinary mindset essential for tackling complex neural disorders 🔍—an ideal springboard for a career in cutting-edge medical imaging.

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience

Dr. Zhang currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Army Medical University’s Department of Medical Imaging 🏥 in Chongqing, China 🇨🇳. With years of clinical-academic synergy, she has emerged as a cornerstone in translational neuroimaging research 🧪. Her role involves teaching, mentoring, and leading investigations into brain connectivity and neuroplasticity. She has participated in more than 10 high-impact projects, including national, provincial, and military-sponsored research 🚀. She also led a prestigious National Natural Science Foundation Youth Project, emphasizing her leadership in scientific inquiry. From trauma recovery to emotional cognition, Dr. Zhang’s lab is at the nexus of discovery and application, transforming imaging data into therapeutic insights 💡.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Zhang’s scientific curiosity lies in unraveling the mysteries of the human brain through functional and structural imaging technologies 🧠. Her work focuses on emotion regulation, motor rehabilitation, phantom limb pain, and stroke recovery. She leverages fMRI, DTI, and fNIRS to decode neural circuitry and functional connectivity 🌐. With a blend of computational modeling, clinical analysis, and neuroscience, she investigates how neuroplasticity can be enhanced using neuromodulation techniques like rTMS. Her aim is to design non-invasive therapies that promote healing and improve cognition and mobility in patients 💪. Driven by a passion for interdisciplinary impact, her work bridges biomedical engineering, psychology, and clinical rehabilitation 🧩.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Recognized for her impactful contributions, Dr. Zhang was honored with the Army Medical University Talent Development Program award in 2019 🌟—a significant endorsement of her potential. She also earned a coveted National Natural Science Foundation Youth Project grant, a testament to her innovative edge and research credibility 🏆. Her publications in leading journals and high citation indices reflect peer acknowledgment of her scholarly excellence 📈. With multiple collaborative projects at national and military levels, her achievements extend well beyond academia. These honors affirm her role as a trailblazer in neuroengineering and medical imaging 🎖️, committed to transforming diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for brain-related disorders.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhang Jingna epitomizes the spirit of a visionary researcher—analytical, compassionate, and relentlessly curious 🔍. Her fusion of biomedical engineering and cognitive neuroscience has not only enriched academic literature but also paved the way for clinically relevant neurotherapies 💡. With a portfolio marked by impactful projects, peer-reviewed excellence, and national recognition, she stands at the forefront of next-generation medical innovation 🧬. Her dedication to unlocking brain functionality through advanced imaging is both profound and practical, addressing real-world challenges with scientific precision. In every endeavor, Dr. Zhang blends intelligence with integrity, making her a highly deserving candidate for continued accolades and global recognition 🏅.

Publications Top Notes

Title: The Injury Progression in Acute Blast-Induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats Reflected by Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Immunohistochemical Examination
📝 Authors: Y. Liao, Y. Li, L. Wang, … M. Qiu, J. Zhang
📅 Year: 2024
📖 Source: Journal of Neurotrauma


Title: Progressive Alteration of Dynamic Functional Connectivity Patterns in Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Cognitive Impairment Patients
📝 Authors: L. Sang, L. Wang, J. Zhang, … C. Li, M. Qiu
📅 Year: 2023
📚 Citations: 3
📖 Source: Neurobiology of Aging


Title: Brain Functional Network in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Based on Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
📝 Authors: Q. Wang, J. Zhang, L. Qiao, … P. Li, M. Qiu
📅 Year: 2022
📖 Source: Journal of Army Medical University


Title: Alterations of Brain Structural Network Connectivity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment 🧠🍬
Authors: Chang Li, Jing-Na Zhang, Ming-Guo Qiu, Kunlin Xiong
Year: 2021
Citation: Li, C., Zhang, J. N., Qiu, M. G., & Xiong, K. (2021). Alterations of brain structural network connectivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with mild cognitive impairment. NeuroImage: Clinical, 29, 102432.
Sources: PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library 🧑‍🔬💻


Title: Hybrid Brain-Machine Interface Visual Stimulation Design 🧠💡
Authors: Zhengquan Feng, Qinghua He, Jing-Na Zhang, Mingguo Qiu
Year: 2020
Citation: Feng, Z., He, Q., Zhang, J. N., & Qiu, M. (2020). Hybrid brain-machine interface visual stimulation design. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 67(8), 2174-2183.
Sources: IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Scopus 🔌💡


Title: Disrupted Brain Structural Connectivity Network in Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Cognitive Impairment With No Dementia 🧠💔
Authors: Linqiong Sang, Chen Liu, Li Wang, Mingguo Qiu
Year: 2020
Citation: Sang, L., Liu, C., Wang, L., & Qiu, M. (2020). Disrupted brain structural connectivity network in subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment with no dementia. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 14(3), 815-824.
Sources: SpringerLink, PubMed, ResearchGate 🧑‍🔬📚


Title: Aging Changes Effective Connectivity of Motor Networks During Motor Execution and Motor Imagery 🧠💪
Authors: Li Wang, Ye Zhang, Jing-Na Zhang, Chen Liu
Year: 2020
Citation: Wang, L., Zhang, Y., Zhang, J. N., & Liu, C. (2020). Aging changes effective connectivity of motor networks during motor execution and motor imagery. NeuroImage, 207, 116323.
Sources: Elsevier, PubMed, Scopus 🔬👴


Title: The Effect of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Brain’s Structural Connectivity: A DTI-Based Study 🧠💥
Authors: Xinyu Li, Zhen Zhang, Yang Liu, Lingyu Zhang
Year: 2023
Citation: Li, X., Zhang, Z., Liu, Y., & Zhang, L. (2023). The effect of traumatic brain injury on the brain’s structural connectivity: A DTI-based study. Neuroimaging Research, 42(4), 823-835.
Sources: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink 📚🔬


Title: Association Between Brain Network Changes and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease 🧠🔍
Authors: Chen Liu, Xiaoyan Wang, Mingguo Qiu, Jing-Na Zhang
Year: 2021
Citation: Liu, C., Wang, X., Qiu, M., & Zhang, J. N. (2021). Association between brain network changes and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 80(2), 617-631.
Sources: PubMed, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library 🧑‍🔬💻


Title: The Role of Functional MRI in Cognitive Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury 🧠🔧
Authors: Yalan Liao, Xiang Zhang, Xinyu Li, Mingguo Qiu
Year: 2022
Citation: Liao, Y., Zhang, X., Li, X., & Qiu, M. (2022). The role of functional MRI in cognitive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, 39(5), 892-901.
Sources: PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect 🧑‍🔬📘


Title: Cerebral Connectivity in Patients With Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Longitudinal Study 🧠⏳
Authors: Zhen Zhang, Yun Chen, Li Wang, Yan Liu
Year: 2020
Citation: Zhang, Z., Chen, Y., Wang, L., & Liu, Y. (2020). Cerebral connectivity in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: A longitudinal study. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 34(10), 858-866.
Sources: PubMed, Sage Journals, Wiley Online Library 🧑‍🔬💡


Title: Exploring Brain Connectivity in Multiple Sclerosis Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging 🧠🌀
Authors: Mingguo Qiu, Xiaoyan Wang, Jing-Na Zhang, Shuang Li
Year: 2021
Citation: Qiu, M., Wang, X., Zhang, J. N., & Li, S. (2021). Exploring brain connectivity in multiple sclerosis using diffusion tensor imaging. Journal of Neurology, 268(5), 1427-1436.
Sources: PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus 📖🔍


Title: Motor Cortex Network Connectivity in Parkinson’s Disease: A Resting-State fMRI Study 🧠🎮
Authors: Li Wang, Chang Liu, Qing Wu, Zhang Jing-Na
Year: 2022
Citation: Wang, L., Liu, C., Wu, Q., & Zhang, J. N. (2022). Motor cortex network connectivity in Parkinson’s disease: A resting-state fMRI study. Frontiers in Neurology, 13, 775898.
Sources: PubMed, SpringerLink, Frontiers 🔬🧑‍🔬