Weiqi Zhang

Weiqi Zhang (; pinyin: Zhāng Wéiqǐ) is a Chinese scientist specializing in aging and stem cell biology. She is a Principal Investigator at the Beijing Institute of Genomics (BIG) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB).

Her research leverages aging clocks to decode the complex mechanisms of aging and its associated pathologies. Her work ranges from uncovering deep mechanistic drivers and identifying therapeutic targets to developing novel anti-aging strategies, to implementing clinical precision interventions guided by biological age indices. As a corresponding author, she has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including publications in Cell and Nature. Consistently ranked among the World's Top 2% Scientists, her contributions have been recognized twice as China's Top 10 Science Advances and five times as China's Top 10 Life Science Advances.

Education and career Zhang received her Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from Nanchang University in 2005. She subsequently earned her Ph.D. in Cell biology from Peking University in 2011. In 2019, she moved to the Beijing Institute of Genomics (BIG), CAS / China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB), where she currently serves as a Professor. Biomarkers & Biological Age: Leveraging big data analysis to systematically reveal biomarkers of organ and individual aging. By utilizing cross-age population cohorts and AI-driven computation, she is establishing a comprehensive index system for biological age and early warning protocols for age-related disease risks. Intervention Targets & Clinical Translation: Leveraging functional genomic screening to identify actionable targets for aging. She integrates pharmacogenomics, gene editing, and rejuvenating biology to develop novel anti-aging strategies and actively advances their clinical translation.

She frequently collaborates with scientists Guang-Hui Liu and Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte.

Affiliations and recognition Zhang is affiliated with several professional societies. She has served as the Vice Chairwoman of the Anti-Aging Branch of the Chinese Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics and is a Member of the Stem Cell Biology Branch of the Chinese Society for Cell Biology.

She has received several awards for her contributions to science, including: Zhong Nanshan Youth Science and Technology Innovation Award Stem Cell Excellence Young Investigator Award

Selected publications