Prof. Huasong Ai | Chemical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Huasong Ai | Chemical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.

Prof. Huasong Ai is an Associate Professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, chemical biology, and nucleosome modifications. With a strong background in organic chemistry and pharmacy, he has pioneered innovative methods in histone modification synthesis and chromatin ubiquitination studies. Prof. Ai has published 28 research papers, including 13 as the first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Nature Chemical Biology, Molecular Cell, and JACS. He is a recipient of multiple academic honors, including the Tsinghua University Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award and Innovation Award.

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🎓 Education

Prof. Huasong Ai earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Tsinghua University (2017–2022) under the mentorship of Prof. Lei Liu. His doctoral research focused on epigenetic mechanisms and chemical synthesis of post-translationally modified nucleosomes, contributing to advancements in histone modification studies. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy at Tsinghua University, School of Pharmacy (2013–2017), where he built a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and organic chemistry. His academic journey has equipped him with interdisciplinary expertise in chemical biology, molecular mechanisms, and structural biochemistry.

💼 Work Experience

Prof. Huasong Ai is currently an Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he leads cutting-edge research in epigenetics, chemical biology, and nucleosome modifications. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Researcher and Postdoctoral Fellow at Tsinghua University (2022–Present), working under Prof. Lei Liu to develop novel chemical synthesis methods for studying post-translational modifications of histones and chromatin dynamics.

His research experience also includes international collaborations. In 2023, he was a Visiting Scholar at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he expanded his work on biochemical and structural mechanisms of epigenetic effectors. Additionally, in 2019, he conducted research as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Chicago, working with Prof. Minglei Zhao on advanced molecular biology techniques to study histone ubiquitination and its role in gene regulation.

🔍 Research Interests

Prof. Ai’s research focuses on epigenetic effectors and post-translational modifications of nucleosomes, particularly in:

🔬 Chemical synthesis of modified histones/nucleosomes

🧬 Chromatin ubiquitination mechanisms

⚛️ Structural and biochemical analysis of epigenetic regulators
His innovative work has led to breakthroughs in histone modification studies and protein regulation mechanisms.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Tsinghua University High-Level Young Talent Program "Shuimu Scholar"

Tsinghua University Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award 🏅

Three-time recipient of Tsinghua University Postdoctoral Excellence Award 🎖️

China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Special & General Funding)

Journal ReviewerNature Chemical Biology, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology

📚 Selected Publications

1️⃣ The Emerging Role of the Histone H2AK13/15 Ubiquitination: Mechanisms of Writing, Reading, and Erasing in DNA Damage Repair and Disease
📌 Cells, 2025-02-18

2️⃣ Promotion of RNF168-Mediated Nucleosomal H2A Ubiquitylation by Structurally Defined K63-Polyubiquitylated Linker Histone H1
📌 Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2025-01-02

3️⃣ Promotion of RNF168-Mediated Nucleosomal H2A Ubiquitylation by Structurally Defined K63-Polyubiquitylated Linker Histone H1
📌 Angewandte Chemie, 2025-01-02

4️⃣ Structural and Mechanistic Basis for Nucleosomal H2AK119 Deubiquitination by Single-Subunit Deubiquitinase USP16
📌 Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, 2024-11

5️⃣ Mechanism of Nucleosomal H2A K13/15 Monoubiquitination and Adjacent Dual Monoubiquitination by RNF168
📌 Nature Chemical Biology, 2024-10-11

 

 

Dr. Natascia Bruni | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Natascia Bruni | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Candioli Pharma srl, Italy.

Natascia Bruni is an experienced regulatory compliance and quality management professional with over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and feed supplements industries. Currently, she serves as the Compliance Unit Director, Qualified Person, and QPPV at Acel Pharma srl, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring regulatory compliance, managing product registrations, and overseeing pharmacovigilance activities. Throughout her career, Natascia has worked across various sectors, including pharmaceutical companies (human and veterinary), focusing on quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and strategic business compliance. She is well-versed in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and has made substantial contributions to corporate governance, legal risk management, and quality audits.

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Education 🎓

Natascia Bruni's educational background demonstrates her deep expertise in both scientific and management fields, which has greatly contributed to her successful career in regulatory affairs and quality management. She completed her degree in Chemistry (Nuclear) at the University of Turin from 1991 to 1996, earning the highest distinction with a final vote of 110/110 con lode. This solid foundation in chemistry equipped her with a thorough understanding of chemical processes and analytical methods, which would later be pivotal in her regulatory and quality assurance roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to her scientific education, Natascia pursued specialized training in Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance for Drugs between 2001 and 2002, sharpening her skills in the complex regulatory frameworks governing drug safety and compliance. This training became essential in her role as a Qualified Person and QPPV in various pharmaceutical companies, where she led efforts to ensure products met both safety and regulatory standards.

Furthermore, Natascia completed a Business Management Course from 2015 to 2018, which enhanced her leadership, strategic planning, and operational management abilities. This course helped her integrate business and regulatory perspectives, allowing her to lead teams and drive organizational success in compliance-related activities.

Natascia also deepened her technical expertise by attending the School in Technology Enhanced Chemical Synthesis from 1996 to 1999, where she learned advanced techniques in chemical synthesis that continue to inform her work in pharmaceutical and feed supplement regulatory processes. Her multi-disciplinary education has provided a strong foundation for her leadership role in compliance and regulatory affairs, combining scientific rigor with strategic management skills.

Experience 💼

Compliance Unit Director - Qualified Person - QPPV (2012–Present), Acel Pharma srl (Candioli Group), Beinasco (Torino)
Responsible for ensuring the regulatory compliance of raw materials and finished products, overseeing registration/approvals, and managing import/export activities. Works closely with various departments to ensure that all products sold comply with national and international regulations.

Quality Unit Manager & Qualified Person (2007–2012), Olon Spa (Fidia Group), Rodano (MI) and Settimo Torinese (To)
Led the harmonization of QA/QC and regulatory procedures across two sites, ensuring GMP and regulatory compliance for the company’s product portfolio. Managed communications with health authorities and conducted quality audits for suppliers.

Chemistry Department Responsible (1997–1999), Antibiotic Spa, Settimo Torinese (To)
Conducted independent research and developed experimental procedures within the research project scope.

Researcher (1996–1997), Antibiotic Spa, Settimo Torinese (To)
Developed analytical methods and processes in the field of pharmaceutical research.

Research Interests 🔬

Regulatory Compliance in Pharmaceutical Products 📜

Natascia is particularly interested in the regulatory compliance of both raw materials and finished products in the pharmaceutical industry. Her work emphasizes the critical importance of navigating complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring that all pharmaceutical products, especially those used in veterinary medicine, comply with the highest standards of food safety, quality control, and marketing.

Pharmacovigilance & Product Registration 💊

A key area of Natascia's research is in pharmacovigilance, particularly focusing on the monitoring and reporting of adverse effects for drugs, ensuring products maintain safety and compliance throughout their lifecycle. She explores the processes involved in product registration, striving to streamline the approvals and regulatory checks necessary for market entry, particularly in international markets.

Process Improvement Methodologies 🔧

Natascia is also keen on exploring process improvement methodologies within the regulatory compliance space. Her work in this area aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce legal risks, and strengthen internal control structures. By continuously improving regulatory and operational processes, she contributes to creating a safer and more efficient regulatory environment for pharmaceutical companies, particularly in the feed supplement and veterinary drug sectors.

Awards 🏅

University Senate Award: Best Academic Graduate (1996)
Awarded for excellence in academic performance by the Presidency Council of the Italian Chamber.

OPTIME Award: Best Experimental Dissertation of the Year (1996)
Recognized by the Industrial Union for outstanding research work.

Publications 📚

"Molecular Characterization of the Gorgonzola Cheese Mycobiota and Selection of a Putative Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii for Evaluation as a Veterinary Feed Additive" Published in Applied Microbiology, 2024, 4(2), pp. 650–664.

"Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement in Dogs with Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial"
Published in PLoS ONE, 2022, 17(2), e0263971.

"Chronic Kidney Disease and Dietary Supplementation: Effects on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress", Published in Veterinary Sciences, 2021, 8(11), 277.
"Chronic Intestinal Disorders in Humans and Pets: Current Management and the Potential of Nutraceutical Antioxidants as Alternatives", Published in Animals, 2022, 12(7), 812.