Prof. Kehong Chen | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Kehong Chen | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Department of Nephrology, Daping Hospital | China

Chen Kehong, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Nephrology and Deputy Director of the Department of Nephrology at Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, where he also serves as a doctoral supervisor. He received his medical and doctoral training in nephrology and internal medicine and has developed an academic career combining clinical leadership with translational research. His professional experience includes directing regional quality control initiatives in peritoneal dialysis and leading collaborative dialysis alliances in Southwest China. Actively involved in national and regional academic societies, he contributes to discipline development, guideline promotion, and talent cultivation in nephrology. His research interests focus on acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition, diabetic kidney disease, renal inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy/mitophagy, epigenetic regulation, and blood purification therapies, with sustained funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and regional innovation programs. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing influential findings to renal pathophysiology and immunometabolism. His achievements have been recognized through multiple provincial science and technology awards and talent honors. Overall, Professor Chen is regarded as a clinician-scientist whose integrated leadership, research excellence, and commitment to advancing kidney medicine continue to shape nephrology practice and innovation in China.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Dou, Q., Tong, H., Chen, J., Yi, X., Bai, L., He, J., & Chen, K. (2025). IER3 drives the transition from sepsis-associated acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease by suppressing the mitochondrial translocation of PRDX5. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, Advance online publication.

Han, J., Zhang, S., Hou, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, Z., Yang, J., Xu, Y., Peng, Z., Yin, H., & Chen, K. et al. (2025). A chemical agonist and the Golgi-resident lipid PI4P activate STING by inducing transmembrane helix rearrangement. Immunity, Advance online publication.

Yu, F., Meng, Y., Wang, X., Chen, J., He, J., Yi, X., He, Y., & Chen, K. (2025). Protein lactylation of citrate synthase promotes the AKI–CKD transition by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Cell Reports, Advance online publication.

Chen, J., Wang, W., Yu, F., Wang, X., He, Y., & Chen, K. (2025). Urinary DcR2/Cr level predicts renal outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology, Advance online publication.

Yu, F., Chen, J., Wang, X., Hou, S., Li, H., Yao, Y., He, Y., & Chen, K. (2025). Metabolic reprogramming of peritoneal mesothelial cells in peritoneal dialysis-associated fibrosis: Therapeutic targets and strategies. Cell Communication and Signaling, Advance online publication.

Mr. Wojciech Pepke | Visionary Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wojciech Pepke | Visionary Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Clinic for Orthopaedics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany

Profile

Orcid

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Wojciech Pepke began his academic journey with a steadfast commitment to understanding the intricacies of medicine and human anatomy. His passion for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery was cultivated during his years of rigorous training, where he consistently demonstrated academic excellence and a deep-seated curiosity for spinal health. Completing his medical degree with distinction, he laid a strong foundation for his future specialization. His early years were marked by intensive studies, practical training, and exposure to cutting-edge medical practices, all of which equipped him with the skills to excel in the demanding field of Orthopedics.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Since 2008, Dr. Pepke has been a pivotal member of the medical team at Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany. Specializing in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, he has dedicated himself to advancing the standards of patient care. In 2015, he achieved board certification, marking a significant milestone in his career. Three years later, in recognition of his expertise and leadership abilities, he was promoted to senior physician.

Focusing on spinal surgery since 2015, Dr. Pepke’s surgical expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of procedures, including treating fractures, managing degenerative conditions, and performing complex surgeries for adolescent and juvenile scoliosis. His professional endeavors reflect not only technical precision but also a compassionate approach to patient care, earning him respect among peers and patients alike.🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pepke’s research endeavors have significantly enriched the field of spinal surgery and conservative treatment. With 41 completed and ongoing research projects, he has contributed to the understanding of spinal deformities, particularly their treatment and impact on the sagittal profile. His work, frequently cited in PubMed (under “Pepke W”), has been published in renowned journals such as Elsevier, Sage, MDPI, and the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS).

His primary research areas include the development of innovative surgical techniques, the exploration of conservative treatments for spinal deformities, and the study of complications associated with spinal surgeries. Dr. Pepke’s ability to merge clinical practice with research ensures that his findings directly translate into improved patient outcomes.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Pepke is a member of the prestigious Deutsche Wirbelsäulengesellschaft (DWG), reflecting his standing in the German spinal surgery community. While he has not yet ventured into book authorship or patent development, his journal publications and research contributions speak volumes about his expertise and dedication. His work has consistently been recognized for its impact on advancing spinal surgery and treatment methodologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The influence of Dr. Pepke’s work extends far beyond the operating room. His research has provided valuable insights into the complex relationship between spinal deformities and their management. By focusing on both surgical and conservative treatment methods, he has expanded the options available to patients, ensuring tailored and effective care.

As a senior physician, Dr. Pepke mentors younger doctors and medical students, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience. His leadership within Heidelberg University Hospital fosters an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence, further amplifying his impact.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wojciech Pepke’s commitment to his field promises a lasting legacy in the world of spinal surgery. As he continues to explore the complexities of spinal deformities and their treatment, his contributions are set to shape the future of Orthopedics.

Looking ahead, Dr. Pepke aims to deepen his research into minimally invasive techniques and personalized treatment plans, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. His unwavering dedication to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes ensures that his work will inspire future generations of physicians and researchers.

📝Notable Publications

Does bilateral rib augmentation with lamina bands enhance cranial anchoring in magnetically controlled growing rod treatment? Evaluation of complication rate

Authors: Stefan Hemmer, Raphael Trefzer, Julian Deisenhofer, Lukas Baumann, Wojciech Pepke

Journal: Journal of Orthopaedics

Year: 2025

Supine Traction vs Fulcrum Bending Radiographs in Preoperative Imaging of Scoliosis Patients Treated With Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods (MCGR) – which Technique is Better to Predict Surgical Correction of the Main Curve?

Authors: Stefan Hemmer, Raphael Trefzer, Tobias Renkawitz, Wojciech Pepke

Journal: Global Spine Journal

Year: 2025

Outcome of Conservative Therapy of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) with Chêneau-Brace

Authors: Wojciech Pepke, William Morani, Marcus Schiltenwolf, Tom Bruckner, Tobias Renkawitz, Stefan Hemmer, Michael Akbar

Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine

Year: 2023

Return to Sport after Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Correction Surgery: A Retrospective Data Analysis

Authors: Wojciech Pepke, Abhilash Madathinakam, Tom Bruckner, Tobias Renkawitz, Stefan Hemmer, Michael Akbar

Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine

Year: 2023

Influence of Chêneau-Brace Therapy on Lumbar and Thoracic Spine and Its Interdependency with Cervical Spine Alignment in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

Authors: Wojciech Pepke, Aly El Zeneiny, Haidara Almansour, Thomas Bruckner, Stefan Hemmer, Michael Akbar

Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine

Year: 2021