Prof. Kuo Hsuan Chang – Neurology – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Innovator Awards

Prof. Kuo Hsuan Chang - Neurology - Best Researcher Award

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital - Taiwan

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

ORCID 

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Kuo Hsuan Chang began his academic journey with distinction at the taipei municipal chien-kuo high school from 1990 to 1993. he then entered the prestigious school of medicine at taipei medical university (formerly taipei medical college), where he studied from 1993 to 2000. his passion for neurology and medical sciences set the foundation for his future endeavors. driven by curiosity and scientific excellence, he pursued his ph.d. at imperial college london from 2007 to 2010, focusing on stem cell neurogenesis under the mrc clinical sciences center. this early immersion in both clinical medicine and neurobiology illustrates his ambition to merge clinical practice with advanced biomedical research—laying the groundwork for his power electronics–level impact in neurological science.

🩺 Professional endeavors

Chang’s clinical career launched with an internship at mackay memorial hospital in 1999. he then progressed through a rigorous residency in the second department of neurology at chang-gung memorial hospital, linkou medical center. he continued his training with a specialized fellowship in neuromuscular diseases before securing a long-standing position as an attending Neurology physician at the same institution. in 2019, he was promoted to professor at chang-gung memorial hospital and university college of medicine. his professional trajectory, marked by consistency and depth, has amplified his contributions in both academic and clinical settings—mirroring the precision and reliability found in power electronics systems.

🧠 Contributions and research focus

Chang’s research spans clinical neurology, neurodegenerative diseases, neurogenetics, neuroimmunology, stem cell research, and developmental biology. he has combined his expertise in Neurology cellular neuroscience with clinical applications, pioneering translational approaches to understand and treat complex neurological conditions. his role in multiple national and regional societies has also empowered him to advocate for better diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. notably, his stem cell-based research into neural repair mechanisms offers hope for conditions that were once deemed untreatable—channeling the disruptive energy of power electronics to innovate in brain science.

🌍 Impact and influence

As an executive and council member in several prominent societies, including the taiwan neurological society and the pan-asian committee on treatment and research in multiple sclerosis Neurology (pactrims), chang has contributed significantly to the development of neurology across asia. his educational outreach, policy influence, and participation in international forums have made him a respected voice in neurological research and healthcare systems. his dual fluency in mandarin and english facilitates broader communication and collaboration in the global scientific community.

🏛️ Academic cites

Chang has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences, and translational studies—particularly in the domains of stem cell neurogenesis and neurodegeneration. his time at imperial college london provided access to elite research networks, enhancing the global visibility of his work. his citations reflect a scholar whose research has both depth and breadth, often cited in works focusing on innovative neural therapies and clinical protocols for rare neurological disorders.

🌟 Legacy and future contributions

With a career that bridges clinical neurology and stem cell research, chang’s legacy lies in his ability to unify these fields for the betterment of patient care. his continued presence at chang-gung memorial hospital ensures mentorship to upcoming physicians and researchers. future initiatives are likely to delve deeper into personalized medicine, neuro-regenerative technologies, and collaborative clinical trials. his sustained contribution to neuroimmunology and rare disease advocacy paves the way for groundbreaking treatment models in asia and beyond.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Appropriate volumes of water for non-invasive swallowing assessments of nursing home residents: A descriptive correlational study
    Author(s): Tsai, M.R.; Shieh, W.Y.; Tsai, H.H.; Lotus Shyu, Y.I.; Chang, K.H.; Wen, F.H.; Liu, C.Y.
    Journal: Heliyon

  • Title: Dysregulation of choline metabolism and therapeutic potential of citicoline in Huntington's disease
    Author(s): Chang, K.-H.; Cheng, M.-L.; Tang, H.-Y.; Lin, C.-Y.; Chen, C.-M.
    Journal: Aging Cell

  • Title: Heterogeneous Integration of Memristive and Piezoresistive MDMO-PPV-Based Copolymers in Nociceptive Transmission with Fast and Slow Pain for an Artificial Pain-Perceptual System
    Author(s): Tsao, S.-C.; Chang, K.-H.; Fu, Y.; Tai, H.-H.; Lin, T.-H.; Wu, M.-C.; Wang, J.-C.
    Journal: Small

  • Title: Impact of comorbidities on relapsing rates of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Insights from a longitudinal study in Taiwan
    Author(s): Hsu, J.L.; Cheng, M.-Y.; Su, J.J.; Liao, M.-F.; Kuo, H.-C.; Chu, C.-C.; Chen, C.-M.; Chang, K.-H.; Chang, C.-W.; Wu, Y.-R., et al.
    Journal: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

  • Title: Investigating the therapeutic effects of novel compounds targeting inflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 signaling pathways in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
    Author(s): Chen, I.-C.; Chen, W.-L.; Chang, K.-H.; Lee, J.-W.; Lin, T.-H.; Lin, W.; Chen, C.-M.; Lee-Chen, G.-J.
    Journal: European Journal of Pharmacology

Prof. Adriana  Montaño – Lysosomal storage disorders & Brain – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Innovator Awards

Prof. Adriana  Montaño - Lysosomal storage disorders & Brain - Best Researcher Award

Saint Louis University - United States

Author Profile 

ORCID 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Adriana Maria Montaño Suárez embarked on her academic journey with a passion for biological sciences, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia. Her early interest in biochemistry led her to work as a research assistant at the Biochemistry Research Center in Colombia. Seeking to expand her expertise, she pursued her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences at Gifu University in Japan, where she focused on the genetic and biochemical aspects of metabolic disorders. Her dissertation on the mouse N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (Galns) gene showcased her dedication to understanding genetic regulation and metabolic pathways. Additionally, she honed her linguistic skills by completing a Japanese language course at Nagoya University, which facilitated her research and integration into Japan's scientific community.

🌟 Professional endeavors

Dr. Montaño Suárez's career has been marked by significant roles in academia and research. After completing her postdoctoral training at prestigious institutions in the USA and Japan, she joined the School of Medicine at Saint Louis University as an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics. Over the years, she progressed through the ranks, earning tenure and becoming a professor in both the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her leadership abilities were recognized, leading her to serve as Vice Dean for Research at the School of Medicine and later as the Interim Senior Associate Dean for Research. In 2024, she was honored with the Dr. Robert Wilmott IMMUNO Chair in Pediatric Research, solidifying her influence in pediatric medicine and molecular biology.

🤝 Contributions and research focus

A pioneer in molecular biology and pediatrics, Dr. Montaño Suárez's research primarily focuses on inborn errors of metabolism and lysosomal storage disorders. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of rare genetic diseases affecting lysosomal function. Her studies have paved the Lysosomal storage disorders & Brain way for gene therapy and enzyme replacement strategies, offering new hope for patients suffering from these debilitating disorders. Through her extensive research in biochemical  genetics and molecular pathways, she has contributed to the development of potential therapeutic interventions, making a lasting impact on metabolic disorder treatments.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Dr. Montaño Suárez's dedication and contributions to science have been recognized globally. She is a member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), reflecting her innovative Lysosomal storage disorders & Brain approach to research and biotechnology. She is also an esteemed member of various international and national societies, including the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM), the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), and the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT). Her groundbreaking work has earned her multiple grants and awards, reinforcing her reputation as a leading researcher in her field.

📚 Impact and influence

Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Montaño Suárez has been a mentor and role model for young researchers and students. Her involvement in teaching, research mentoring, and academic leadership has shaped the careers of numerous scientists in molecular biology and pediatric research. As an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, she has fostered Lysosomal storage disorders & Brain partnerships between biochemists, geneticists, and pediatricians to advance precision medicine and genetic therapies. Her influence extends beyond the laboratory, as she actively participates in global discussions on rare diseases and genetic research, driving policy changes and awareness initiatives.

🌍 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Montaño Suárez's legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to medical genetics and pediatric research. Her efforts in gene therapy and molecular diagnostics continue to inspire the next generation of scientists. As she holds prestigious academic and research leadership positions, her future contributions are expected to shape the evolution of personalized medicine and advanced therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases. Through her research, mentorship, and leadership, she is paving the way for breakthroughs in genetic medicine that will benefit countless patients worldwide.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Hydrogel Delivery Device for the In Vitro and In Vivo Sustained Release of Active rhGALNS Enzyme
    Author(s): Flanagan M, Gan Q, Sheth S, Schafer R, Ruesing S, Winter LE, Toth K, Silviya Zustiak, Montaño AM
    Journal: Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 2023

  • Title: Growth Patterns in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis VII
    Author(s): Montaño AM, Różdżyńska-Świątkowska A, Jurecka A, Ramirez AN, Zhang L, Marsden D, Wang RY, Paul Harmatz
    Journal: Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports, 2023

  • Title: DLX6 and MSX1 from Saliva Samples as Potential Predictors of Mandibular Size: A Cross-Sectional Study
    Author(s): Cooper RBV, Kim KB, Oliver DR, Armbrecht E, Behrents RG, Montaño AM
    Journal: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2022

  • Title: Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA: Extracellular Matrix Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease
    Author(s): Montavon B, Winter LE, Gan Q, Arasteh A, Montaño AM
    Journal: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2022

  • Title: Epidemiology of Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) in United States: Challenges and Opportunities
    Author(s): Puckett Y, Mallorga-Hernández A, Adriana M. Montaño
    Journal: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 2021