Dr. Henu Verma | Immunology | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Helmholtz zentrum Munich,Germany

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma is an accomplished Senior Postdoctoral Scientist at the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) / Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany. With a strong background in biotechnology, medical research, and immunology, he has developed expertise in lung biology, lung transplantation, and neutrophil activation. Dr. Verma earned his PhD as an International Marie Curie fellow from the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, Naples, Italy. He is an active researcher, having published over 77 papers, with research interests that span lung immunopathology, cancer biology, and viral diseases. Additionally, Dr. Verma collaborates with renowned international scientists and has contributed to diverse fields, including gastrointestinal cancer research, hematological diseases, and viral pathogenesis. His global research impact is further reflected in his editorial roles and collaborations with researchers in Europe, USA, India, and other countries.

Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

1. Academic Excellence and Research Output:
   • Dr. Verma holds a PhD from a prestigious program as a Marie Curie fellow at the University of Luigi Vanvetelli, Naples, Italy.
   • He has published an impressive 77 papers, including high-impact journal articles, and contributed to 7 book chapters. With over 160 total impact factors, 828 citations, and an h-index of 15, his research clearly has been influential in multiple areas of medical and biological sciences.
   • His work spans a broad spectrum, including biotechnology, oncology, immunology, and molecular biology, with a specific focus on lung health, cancer, and genetic disorders like Sickle Cell Disease.
2. Leadership in Research:
   • As a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist at the Comprehensive Pneumology Center in Helmholtz Zentrum, Munich, Dr. Verma is currently leading critical research on lung immunopathology and lung transplantation, a field of global relevance.
   • He has a strong track record of mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, showcasing his role as a leader and educator in the scientific community.
3. Global Collaborations and Multidisciplinary Expertise:
   • Dr. Verma has an extensive network of international research collaborators across Germany, USA, Italy, France, Turkey, China, and India, contributing to a wide range of studies from cancer biology to viral research.
   • His research contributions span multiple fields, including oncology, immunology, gastroenterology, and clinical trials, indicating his versatility and cross-disciplinary approach to solving complex medical challenges.
4. Editorial and Peer-Review Contributions:
   • Dr. Verma holds several editorial roles and frequently reviews for high-impact journals like Nature, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and Elsevier, reflecting his expertise and recognition in the scientific community.
   • His involvement in the editorial boards of prestigious journals such as the Journal of Pediatric Genetics and the World Journal of Gastroenterology further solidifies his position as a thought leader.
5. Research Focus and Societal Impact:
   • His research on lung transplantation, primary graft dysfunction, and the mechanisms of smoking-induced neutrophil activation after transplantation highlights the potential real-world impact of his work, especially in addressing critical healthcare challenges.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Language Proficiency:
   • Dr. Verma has only basic proficiency in German (A1) and intermediate skills in Italian (A2). Given his long-term stay in Germany, enhancing his language skills could improve his ability to engage with local collaborators, teach, and mentor students more effectively in a German-speaking environment.
2. Grant Funding and Independent Projects:
   • While his research output and collaborations are impressive, Dr. Verma could benefit from securing more independent research grants as a lead investigator. This would further establish his capacity to manage large-scale projects and enhance his visibility as a principal researcher.

Education:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree (2009-2012) in Biotechnology, Botany, and Chemistry from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology (2012-2014) from Ayush Health Science University, Raipur, where his focus on advanced molecular biology techniques and their applications in healthcare solidified his path toward biomedical research. In 2018, Dr. Verma embarked on his PhD journey as an International Marie Curie Fellow at the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS) under the University of Luigi Vanvetelli in Naples, Italy. His doctoral research centered on unraveling molecular mechanisms in cancer metastasis and understanding their broader implications on human health. This educational background laid a strong foundation for his expertise in immunology, cancer research, and the molecular basis of diseases, shaping his subsequent career as a leading researcher in lung immunopathology.

Experience:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma has a rich scientific career, starting as a Research Fellow at the Sickle Cell Institute, Raipur (2015-2018), where he investigated genetic disorders and blood diseases. His early research experiences led to his PhD (2018-2021) as a prestigious International Marie Curie Fellow at the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology in Naples, Italy, where he conducted cutting-edge research in cancer biology. Since 2021, Dr. Verma has been serving as a Senior Postdoctoral Scientist at Helmholtz Zentrum München in the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity. Here, his research focuses on lung immunopathology, lung transplantation, and neutrophil activation mechanisms. His international collaborations span across Germany, USA, India, and other countries, contributing to significant advancements in molecular biology and disease research. He has supervised undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students and has been active in organizing and participating in several international conferences.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma has been recognized for his exceptional research and contributions to science with multiple awards. He received the prestigious International Marie Curie Fellowship (2018-2021) during his PhD, a testament to his outstanding academic and research potential. His achievements date back to his school years, where he was named Best Student of the Year (2008-2009), and he led the Science & Technology (Eco) Club in Raipur. Dr. Verma has consistently secured top positions in various state and national-level science and technology fairs, including first place at the Indian Science & Technology Fair (2008-2009) and the Western India Science State Level Competition (2006-2007). His consistent excellence in academic research and leadership has positioned him as a key contributor in lung immunology, cancer biology, and biomedical research, earning him editorial roles in several renowned international scientific journals.

Research Focus:

Dr. Henu Kumar Verma’s current research primarily revolves around lung immunopathology and lung transplantation. He is exploring how Cathepsin B-induced ferroptosis contributes to DNA damage after lung transplantation, potentially leading to primary graft dysfunction. Another key focus of his research is understanding the epigenetic changes in neutrophil activation caused by smoking, a factor that contributes to lung transplant rejection. Dr. Verma is also investigating the protective role of Cystatin C in preventing graft dysfunction during lung transplant rejection. His research has broad implications for improving outcomes in lung transplantation and understanding molecular pathways involved in lung diseases. Additionally, Dr. Verma continues his work on cancer biology, especially in understanding the molecular reprogramming of cancer cells. His cross-disciplinary research collaborations, spanning Europe, USA, and Asia, reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge in both lung biology and cancer research.

Publication Top Notes:

• Nanotechnology-based drug delivery system: Current strategies and emerging therapeutic potential for medical science 🧪💊
• Physical Activity and Nutritional Influence on Immune Function: An Important Strategy to Improve Immunity and Health Status 🏋️🍎🦠
• Adapting and surviving: intra and extra-cellular remodeling in drug-resistant gastric cancer cells 🧬👾
• Curcumin Extraction, Isolation, Quantification and Its Application in Functional Foods: A Review With a Focus on Immune Enhancement Activities and COVID-19 🌱💪🦠
• Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress Tethered to Cardiovascular Diseases ❤️🔬
• Pain Management Issues as Part of the Comprehensive Care of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease 🧬⚕️
• Current Updates on the European and WHO Registered Clinical Trials of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 🌍💉🦠
• Current understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on gastrointestinal disease: Challenges and openings 🦠🌡️
• Genetic variant in the BCL11A (rs1427407) loci associate with fetal hemoglobin levels in Indian sickle cell disease patients 🧬🩸
• Dynamic propagation and impact of pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1) in children 🧒💉
• Retrospection of the effect of hydroxyurea treatment in patients with sickle cell disease 💊🧬
• Convalescent Plasma Transfusion a Promising Therapy for Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19) 🧪🩸
• Gastric cancer stem cells: a glimpse on metabolic reprogramming 🧬🔬
• Molecular mechanism, diagnosis, and potential treatment for novel coronavirus (COVID-19): a current literature review and perspective 🦠🔬
• Presence of atypical beta globin gene cluster haplotypes in sickle cell anemia patients of India 🧬🩸
• Assessment of renal function in Indian patients with sickle cell disease 🧬🩸
• Ocular manifestations of sickle cell disease and genetic susceptibility for refractive errors 👁️🧬
• Radiological and clinical spectrum of COVID-19: A major concern for public health 🦠🩺
• A retrospective look at anti-EGFR agents in pancreatic cancer therapy 🧪🔬
• Rapid diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) detection: An evidence-based report 🧪🦠