Hongru Li | Brain Metastasis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Hongru Li | Brain Metastasis | Best Researcher Award

Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital | China

Dr. Hongru Li, MD/PhD, is a distinguished clinician-scientist and Chief Physician in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian Medical University. With a career dedicated to advancing respiratory medicine and oncology, his expertise lies in lung cancer, metastasis mechanisms, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Over the years, he has combined clinical excellence with groundbreaking research, focusing on molecular pathways and targeted therapies. Dr. Li has published extensively in reputable journals, contributing to understanding brain and bone metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer. His leadership extends to supervising clinical innovation projects funded by national and provincial research grants. Recognized as an outstanding respiratory scholar, he has made notable contributions in translational medicine, bridging laboratory findings with patient care. His research on nanoliposomes, ceramide pathways, and genetic susceptibility in lung cancer exemplifies his commitment to improving treatment outcomes and patient survival in respiratory oncology.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Hongru Li’s academic foundation is firmly rooted in medicine and specialized respiratory science. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at Fujian Medical University, where he developed his core clinical knowledge and interest in pulmonary health. To deepen his expertise, he pursued postgraduate studies in respiratory medicine at Fujian Medical University, gaining hands-on exposure to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in pulmonary and critical care. His academic journey culminated with a PhD in Respiratory Medicine from Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, where he focused on molecular mechanisms of lung cancer progression and metastasis. His doctoral research provided a solid grounding in translational medicine, integrating clinical insights with cellular and molecular biology. This comprehensive educational background has enabled him to pursue a career balancing patient care with high-impact research, positioning him as a leader in respiratory medicine, oncology, and translational research with a strong focus on innovation and clinical application.

Experience

Dr. Hongru Li has accumulated extensive clinical and academic experience at Fujian Provincial Hospital, where he has advanced through progressive leadership roles in respiratory and critical care medicine. Starting as a resident doctor, he gained experience in managing complex respiratory cases, developing proficiency in critical care interventions. He then served as an attending doctor, where he refined his clinical judgment and mentored junior staff. His expertise led to his appointment as Associate Chief Physician, where he oversaw specialized clinical programs and research initiatives. Currently, as Chief Physician, Dr. Li leads the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, managing advanced patient care, research collaborations, and clinical training. His responsibilities span from clinical decision-making to developing research projects funded by provincial and national agencies. With deep involvement in translational research, he bridges laboratory discoveries with real-world patient care, positioning him as both a skilled clinician and an innovative medical researcher.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Hongru Li has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to clinical medicine, research innovation, and academic excellence. Early in his career, he received the Excellent Graduate Award and Excellent Postgraduate Award from Fujian Medical University, reflecting his academic dedication and professional promise. His trajectory of excellence was further reinforced with the prestigious Outstanding Youth Respiratory Scholar Award for Clinical Innovation in China, acknowledging his groundbreaking research and leadership in respiratory medicine. These honors underscore his commitment to advancing lung cancer research, patient care, and translational medicine. His ability to secure competitive research funding and lead innovative studies further reflects his recognition as a trusted expert in his field. In addition, his patents and numerous peer-reviewed publications highlight the impact of his scientific contributions. These accolades collectively demonstrate not only his academic excellence but also his role as a leading physician-researcher shaping the future of respiratory and oncology medicine.

Research Focus

Dr. Hongru Li’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms driving lung cancer progression and metastasis, with particular emphasis on brain and bone metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. He explores signaling pathways, genetic susceptibility, and the role of lipids and ceramide metabolism in tumor development. His studies have investigated proteins such as livin, RPTOR, and ceramide synthase in regulating tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic spread. Through innovative approaches, including nanoliposome-based therapies, he seeks to inhibit cancer metastasis and improve treatment responses. He has also examined genetic polymorphisms and signaling cascades, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt pathways, to understand cancer susceptibility and therapy resistance. His translational research aims to transform laboratory findings into clinical applications, offering new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Supported by national and provincial grants, his work significantly contributes to advancing precision medicine, improving survival, and developing novel treatment strategies for patients with lung cancer.

 

Publications

 

Title: KLF9 Inhibits Brain Metastasis of Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating Ceramide Synthase 1 Synthesis
Year: 2025

Title: Efficacy of Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation in Early to Mid-stage Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in the Era of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Year: 2024

Title: Development and validation of a nomogram model based on blood-based genomic mutation signature for predicting the risk of brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer
Year: 2024

Title: Antibacterial effect of phage cocktails and phage-antibiotic synergy against pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae
Year: 2024

Title: Clinical application value of metagenome next-generation sequencing in pulmonary diffuse exudative lesions: a retrospective study
Year: 2024

Title: Successful treatment of severe lung cancer caused by third-generation EGFR-TKI resistance due to EGFR genotype conversion with afatinib plus anlotinib
Year: 2024

Title: RPTOR blockade suppresses brain metastases of NSCLC by interfering the ceramide metabolism via hijacking YY1 binding
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Hongru Li exemplifies the integration of clinical expertise and research innovation, dedicated to advancing respiratory and cancer medicine through groundbreaking studies, translational discoveries, and compassionate patient care.

Tanyanika Phillips | Care Delivery in Thoracic Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips | Care Delivery in Thoracic Oncology | Best Researcher Award

City of Hope National Med Center | United States

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips is an accomplished physician and academic leader specializing in thoracic and geriatric oncology. Currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope National Medical Center, she integrates patient care, research, and community health advocacy. Her professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to improving cancer care across diverse populations, with a special focus on equity in access and outcomes. Throughout her career, she has held pivotal roles as a clinician, researcher, and administrator, contributing to health system development, rural oncology programs, and national initiatives in cancer equity. Known for her commitment to advancing inclusive research, Dr. Phillips has been instrumental in developing geriatric oncology services and clinical trials that address the needs of aging populations. Her career is distinguished by numerous leadership positions, prestigious awards, and recognition for her community-focused work in eliminating health disparities.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips’ educational foundation reflects a balance of clinical excellence and population health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, followed by her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Her interest in public health and health outcomes led her to pursue a Master of Public Health at Vanderbilt University, specializing in population-based studies and non-experimental design. She furthered her training through an internal medicine residency at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, a geriatric fellowship at Vanderbilt, and a prestigious medical oncology fellowship at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University. She also completed K12 Research training at Vanderbilt, emphasizing outcomes-based cancer research. Her executive education at Harvard School of Public Health and Case Western Reserve University enhanced her expertise in leadership, project management, and measurement design. This multidisciplinary academic preparation laid the groundwork for her career in oncology research, clinical innovation, and health equity.

Experience

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips has built a dynamic career across academic medicine, community oncology, and health equity leadership. She began as Assistant Professor at Case Western University, where she also directed the Health Equity Initiative in Cancer. Her dedication to accessible oncology care expanded during her tenure as a staff physician at St. John Medical Center and CHRISTUS Health, where she also served as Medical Director for Rural and Community Health. At Antelope Valley Hospital, she led the cancer program as Medical Director before joining City of Hope, where she has since shaped geriatric oncology programs, served as Site Research Champion, and directed community-focused cancer initiatives. In her current role, she balances clinical care and research, directing City of Hope’s Antelope Valley Cancer Program while advancing clinical trials in aging and thoracic oncology. Her leadership positions include Deputy Director of the Center for Cancer and Aging and Enterprise Champion for Advancing Inclusive Research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips’ career is marked by consistent recognition for excellence in medicine, leadership, and community service. Early in her journey, she received the Community of Caring Award from Ochsner Medical Foundation and the Futures Scholar distinction from the American Medical Directors Association. Her research potential was recognized with the American Society of Clinical Oncology Young Investigator Award. She has also been honored with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her leadership in Ohio. Her dedication to minority health and community empowerment was acknowledged through multiple awards, including the Unsung Hero Award from the North Coast Nurses Coalition and the Minority Faculty Development Award at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. At St. John Medical Center, she received Values in Action Awards for Human Dignity, Wisdom, and Presence. More recently, her contributions at City of Hope earned her the Values in Action Award for Collaboration and the 2025 Hope Colleague Award.

Research Focus

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips’ research interests are centered on thoracic oncology, geriatric oncology, and advancing equity in cancer care. She is particularly committed to designing and implementing clinical trials that address the unique needs of aging patients with cancer. Her work integrates population-based research methods, health outcomes assessment, and translational oncology to bridge gaps between laboratory advances and real-world applications. As a site research champion and program lead for geriatric oncology at City of Hope, she has facilitated community-based clinical trials aimed at improving access and participation among underrepresented populations. She is also deeply engaged in health equity research, focusing on reducing disparities in cancer outcomes through inclusive trial design and community navigation programs. Her leadership in advancing inclusive research has established her as a key figure in initiatives that integrate cancer biology, geriatrics, and population health, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into equitable patient care.

 

Publications

 

Title: Clin-STAR Corner: Practice Changing Advances at the Interface of Oncology and Geriatrics
Year: 2025

Title: Smoking prevalence and association with sociodemographic variables in cancer clinical trial participants
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Tanyanika Phillips stands as a distinguished oncologist, educator, and leader whose career reflects an enduring commitment to patient-centered care, health equity, and translational research, integrating clinical excellence with a vision for advancing inclusive and community-driven oncology practice.