Assist. Prof. Dr. Changtong YANG | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Changtong YANG | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Changtong YANG , Medicinal Chemistry,  Radiochemist/Chemist at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang is a renowned radiochemist based in Singapore, specializing in radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Radiological Science Academic Clinical Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School and as a Radiochemist at Singapore General Hospital. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Yang has made significant contributions to the development of nuclear imaging probes and radiolabeled therapeutics. His research career spans prestigious institutions, including Nanyang Technological University and A*STAR. Dr. Yang is internationally recognized for advancing nanomaterial probes and novel radiolabeling strategies. He has authored impactful publications in top-tier journals, reflecting his innovation in theranostics, radiochemistry, and nanomedicine. With a strong background in academic and clinical research, Dr. Yang continues to shape the future of molecular imaging for personalized medicine. His global education and interdisciplinary expertise make him a leading figure in translational radiochemistry research.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang exemplifies the qualities of a “Best Researcher Award” recipient. His innovative contributions to radiochemistry and molecular imaging, combined with a strong publication record, interdisciplinary leadership, and global training, establish him as a trailblazer in translational medical research. His work is not only scientifically rigorous but also clinically impactful, directly advancing the field of nuclear medicine. Therefore, he is highly recommended for recognition as a top-tier researcher deserving of this award.

🎓Education:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the National University of Singapore (1998–2002), where he laid the foundation for his career in radiochemistry. He further enhanced his expertise with postdoctoral fellowships at three prestigious U.S. institutions: University of Iowa (2003–2005), University of Michigan (2005–2006), and Purdue University (2006–2007), focusing on chemistry and health sciences. These formative years provided Dr. Yang with a multidisciplinary perspective in synthetic chemistry, radiopharmaceutical development, and imaging sciences. His international training exposed him to cutting-edge methodologies and collaborative projects across biomedical research, which he has since translated into innovative imaging solutions. The combination of rigorous education and hands-on research across these top institutions shaped his ability to bridge fundamental science with clinical applications, particularly in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang brings extensive professional experience across both academic and clinical research settings. He is currently an Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School (2020–present) under the Radiological Science ACP, focusing on radiopharmaceutical sciences. Concurrently, he serves as a Radiochemist at Singapore General Hospital (2018–present) in the Department of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, where he translates research into clinical practice. Prior to that, he worked as a Senior Scientist at Nanyang Technological University (2014–2018), contributing to molecular imaging initiatives within the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He also held a Senior Scientist role at A*STAR’s Singapore Bio-Imaging Consortium (2007–2014), leading various radiochemistry research programs. Across these roles, Dr. Yang has developed and validated imaging agents, optimized radiolabeling techniques, and led translational studies that impact diagnostic imaging and therapeutic strategies. His multidisciplinary engagements underscore his pivotal role in bridging chemistry and medicine.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not listed in the available data, Dr. Chang-Tong Yang’s extensive contributions to radiopharmaceuticals and molecular imaging reflect a highly respected and impactful career. His appointments at top institutions such as Duke-NUS, A*STAR, and Singapore General Hospital indicate peer recognition and institutional trust. His publications in reputed journals such as Molecules, Nanomaterials, and Drug Discovery Today highlight his standing in the scientific community. His ongoing leadership roles and collaboration with clinicians further underscore professional acknowledgment of his expertise. Dr. Yang’s selection for multiple postdoctoral positions at prestigious U.S. institutions—University of Iowa, University of Michigan, and Purdue University—suggests early recognition of his academic promise. His interdisciplinary contributions to nuclear medicine, nanotechnology, and molecular imaging may have earned him internal institutional awards, research grants, and invitations to present at scientific forums, which commonly accompany such roles.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Chang-Tong Yang’s research is centered on radiopharmaceutical science, with a strong emphasis on the development of molecular imaging probes and radiolabeled nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. His expertise lies in designing novel radioisotope-labeled compounds for use in nuclear medicine imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT, targeting cancer and other pathological conditions. He is particularly interested in enhancing the in vivo behavior of nanomaterial-based agents, improving tumor targeting, retention, and safety. Dr. Yang also explores the biocompatibility and stability of these probes, including how formulation and labeling protocols influence their function. His translational work bridges laboratory innovations with clinical imaging requirements, enabling personalized diagnostics and theranostic approaches. Furthermore, he investigates radiochemical compatibility in clinical settings, such as the mixing of imaging agents with contrast media, which supports safe and effective imaging protocols. His work integrates chemistry, imaging, and clinical practice seamlessly.

Publication Top Notes:

1. pH-Induced In Situ Aggregation of Cu₂₋ₓSe-POED with Extended Tumor Retention for Enhanced Chemodynamic/Photothermal Therapy

2. Standard Radio-Iodine Labeling Protocols Impaired the Functional Integrity of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Exosomes

3. Radiolabeled Liposomes for Nuclear Imaging Probes

4. Radiochemical Feasibility of Mixing of 99mTc-MAA and 90Y-Microspheres with Omnipaque Contrast

5. Nanomaterial Probes for Nuclear Imaging

6. Positron Emission Tomographic Imaging in Drug Discovery

7. An In Vivo Study of a Rat Fluid-Percussion-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Model with [11C]PBR28 and [18F]flumazenil PET Imaging

8. Gadolinium-Based Bimodal Probes to Enhance T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance/Optical Imaging

9. Activatable Cell-Penetrating Peptide Conjugated Polymeric Nanoparticles with Gd-Chelation and Aggregation-Induced Emission for Bimodal MR and Fluorescence Imaging of Tumors

10. Dealing with PET Radiometabolites

11. PET-MR and SPECT-MR Multimodality Probes

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ningbo Li | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemistry Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ningbo Li | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ningbo Li , Medicinal Chemistry , Shanxi Medical University, China

Dr. Ningbo Li is an accomplished Associate Professor at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, with a strong academic foundation and a passion for cancer research. With a doctorate in Organic Chemistry from Hunan University, Dr. Li has built a reputable career in green synthesis, targeted nano-drug delivery systems, and near-infrared fluorescent probes molecule for cancer diagnostics and therapy. He has led over 10 national and provincial research projects, published 46 SCI-indexed papers, and holds 5 authorized patents. Dr. Li also contributes to academia through textbooks and serves as a Young Editorial Board Member of Journal of Xiangtan University. His collaborations span leading institutions like Hunan University and Nankai University. With 863 citations and rising influence, Dr. Li is committed to pioneering innovative, low-toxicity cancer therapeutics and translating lab findings into clinical advances.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid   

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Ningbo Li, Associate Professor at Shanxi Medical University, has demonstrated exceptional research productivity and innovation in the fields of organic chemistry, nanomedicine, and cancer therapeutics. With over 50 SCI-indexed publications, 5 authorized patents, and leadership on more than 10 national and provincial-level research projects, Dr. Li has made significant contributions to targeted cancer treatment and green synthesis of anti-tumor agents. His pioneering work on magnetic nano-drug delivery systems and near-infrared fluorescent probes molecule showcases translational potential for clinical applications in oncology. Furthermore, his involvement in academic book publications, editorial duties, and inter-institutional collaborations reflects both leadership and scholarly impact. With a citation index of 863 and consistent innovation through funded research, Dr. Li exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher. Dr. Ningbo Li is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”, as he meets and exceeds the criteria in terms of research excellence, innovation, scientific impact, and societal relevance. His dedication to advancing cancer research through interdisciplinary chemistry and his strong track record in publications, patents, and funded projects make him a deserving and outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition

🎓Education:

Dr. Ningbo Li’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Shanxi Datong University (2005–2009). He pursued his postgraduate studies at Hunan University, earning a Master’s degree (2009–2012) and subsequently a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (2012–2015). His academic training emphasized organometallic chemistry, chiral complex synthesis, and catalysis, laying the groundwork for his future research in drug development and nanomedicine. During his doctoral studies, Dr. Li specialized in chiral Lewis acids, exploring their role in asymmetric synthesis—an area critical to pharmaceutical innovation. His graduate work was pivotal in shaping his later focus on bio-compatible metal complexes and tumor-targeted drug delivery platforms. The integration of organic synthesis with biomedical applications became a hallmark of his educational path, culminating in a multidisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry, nanotechnology, and medical science.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Ningbo Li began his academic career as a Lecturer (2015–2018) at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, where he conducted interdisciplinary research and mentored students. In December 2018, he was promoted to Associate Professor, reflecting his growing contributions to research and teaching. With over a decade in academia, he has supervised numerous graduate projects and continues to develop innovative strategies for targeted cancer therapy using nanomaterials and fluorescent probes. Dr. Li has consistently received competitive research funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shanxi Provincial Science Foundations. He also actively contributes to national teaching excellence through authorship in leading organic chemistry textbooks. His dedication to both scientific advancement and student development underscores a career that blends high-impact research with academic leadership in medical and chemical sciences.

🏅Awards: 

While specific named awards are not detailed, Dr. Ningbo Li’s academic honors are evident through his prestigious research grants, editorial board appointment, and book contributions. He is the Principal Investigator for multiple national-level research projects, including NSFC Young Scholar Awards, which are highly competitive and indicative of early-career excellence. His appointment as a Young Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Xiangtan University (Natural Science Edition) further reflects his scientific influence and peer recognition. Dr. Li’s patents on chiral zirconium and titanium complexes also highlight his innovative contributions to chemical synthesis. Moreover, his extensive publishing record and the high citation index (863) attest to the impact of his research in organic and medicinal chemistry. Through his involvement in writing authoritative textbooks used in higher education, Dr. Li has contributed significantly to the academic development of students and educators in China.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Ningbo Li’s research is centered on the interdisciplinary interface of organic chemistry, nanotechnology, and cancer therapeutics, with a strong emphasis on green and sustainable chemistry. His primary focus lies in the design and synthesis of functionalized magnetic nanocomposites and near-infrared fluorescent probe molecules for the precise diagnosis and targeted treatment of malignant tumors. By engineering magnetic-targeted nano-drug delivery systems, his team aims to achieve site-specific drug accumulation, minimizing systemic toxicity and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Another key area involves the green synthesis of novel bioactive compounds, particularly chiral organometallic complexes, which exhibit promising anti-tumor properties. His group also explores chiral Lewis acids as catalysts in asymmetric reactions, crucial for the development of structurally complex pharmaceuticals. Dr. Li’s research is highly translational, striving to bridge the gap between bench and bedside by accelerating the clinical application of biocompatible, efficient, and low-toxicity cancer therapeutics rooted in advanced chemical innovation.

Publication Top Notes:

1. g-C₃N₄-Based Heterogeneous Photocatalyzed Synthesis and Evaluation of Antitumor Activities of Fluoroalkylated 4H-Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones

2. Magnetic Nanocarriers for pH/GSH/NIR Triple-Responsive Drug Release and Synergistic Therapy in Tumor Cells

3. GSH-Responsive Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Efficient Controlled Drug Delivery in Tumor Cells

 

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