Prof. Avnesh Thakor | Precision Delivery | Best Academic Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Stanford University, United States

Dr. Avnesh S. Thakor is a distinguished Associate Professor at Stanford University and a dual-certified adult and pediatric Interventional Radiologist. He directs the Interventional Radiology Innovation at Stanford (IRIS), a translational lab pioneering “Precision Delivery” for advanced therapies. His multifaceted clinical and academic expertise spans drug, gene, cell, cell-free, and thermal therapies, with an emphasis on optimizing delivery methods that enhance efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. As a physician-scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. Thakor bridges cutting-edge science and clinical translation, shaping the future of interventional regenerative medicine.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Thakor’s academic journey began at the University of Cambridge, where he earned BA, MA, and PhD degrees, complemented by a medical degree (MB BChir) and an MD through the prestigious MB/PhD program. He pursued multiple specialized fellowships in Interventional Radiology at the University of Cambridge (adult vascular), University of British Columbia (adult oncology), and University of Toronto (pediatric), culminating in comprehensive clinical training. He also earned an MSc from the University of London, focused on nanoparticle-mediated tumor targeting, reflecting his long-standing interest in molecular imaging and targeted therapy.

Experience

Dr. Thakor has served at Stanford University since 2015 as a pediatric interventional radiologist and director of the IRIS lab. His clinical work spans both pediatric and adult interventions, and his research focuses on advancing targeted therapy delivery using tools such as pulsed focused ultrasound. He holds medical licensure in both the UK and USA, is a fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists, and has founded and advised multiple biotech startups, including Teal Health. Additionally, he contributes extensively to teaching and mentoring across educational levels and institutions, from Stanford to Cambridge.

Research Interest

His research is centered on three interconnected modules of Precision Delivery: targeted delivery, microenvironment modulation, and cellular interaction. At IRIS, Dr. Thakor investigates optimal strategies for delivering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) to damaged tissues. His lab explores how to use focused ultrasound to prime therapies and modulate target tissues, enhancing the regenerative potential of cellular interventions. Current projects span diabetes, kidney injury, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, often integrating molecular imaging, genomics, and nanotechnology.

Awards

Dr. Thakor’s work has earned him national and international recognition. Recent honors include being named a Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology (2024), selection to Marquis Who’s Who in America (2024), and the Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research Distinguished Investigator award (2023). His academic accolades span multiple prestigious scholarships and fellowships from organizations like the American Cancer Society, the British Institute of Radiology, and the European Association of Cancer Research.

Publications

Dr. Thakor has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers.

• A Theoretical Approach in Applying High-Frequency Acoustic and Elasticity Microscopy to Assess Cells and Tissues

  • Authors: F. Wïnterroth, J. Wang, O. Wink, J.J. Dahl, A.S. Thakor

  • Type: Article • Open Access

  • Citations: 1

• The Third Pillar of Precision Medicine — Precision Delivery

  • Author: A.S. Thakor

  • Journal: MedComm

  • Type: Article • Open Access

  • Year: 2025

  • Citations: 0

• Controlled Nutrient Delivery to Pancreatic Islets Using Polydopamine-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

  • Authors: R. Primavera, J. Wang, P. Buchwald, P. Decuzzi, A.S. Thakor

  • Journal: Nano Letters

  • Year: 2025

  • Type: Article • Open Access

  • Citations: 0

• Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Different Sources of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

  • Authors: S. Regmi, A. Ganguly, S. Pathak, S. Patel, A.S. Thakor

  • Journal: Stem Cell Research and Therapy

  • Year: 2024

  • Type: Article • Open Access

  • Citations: 2

• Correction to: Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Lipopolysaccharide Activated Human Microglia

  • Authors: M. Garcia-Contreras, A.S. Thakor

  • Journal: Cell Death Discovery

  • Type: Erratum • Open Access

  • Original Article Published: 2021

  • Citations: 0

• Time-course Analysis of Cisplatin Induced AKI in Preclinical Models: Implications for Testing Different Sources of MSCs

  • Authors: A. Ganguly, S.S. Chetty, R. Primavera, J. Wang, A.S. Thakor

  • Journal: Journal of Translational Medicine

  • Year: 2024

  • Type: Article • Open Access

  • Citations: 1

• Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

  • Authors: S.F. Samavati, R. Yarani, S. Kiani, A.S. Thakor, K. Mansouri

  • Type: Review • Open Access

  • Citations: 3

• Precision Delivery of Therapeutics to the Intestine: A Case Series of Superselective Steroid Administration in Pediatric Intestinal Transplant Recipients

  • Authors: S. Levitte, A.A. Guevara-Tique, A. Ganguly, C.A. Bonham, A.S. Thakor

  • Type: Letter

  • Citations: 1

Conclusion

Dr. Avnesh S. Thakor exemplifies the highest standards of academic research through his visionary innovation, prolific scientific contributions, leadership in clinical translation, and unwavering commitment to mentorship and diversity. His work bridges scientific discovery and real-world healthcare solutions, making him not just a deserving candidate, but an exemplary choice for the Research for Best Academic Researcher Award.