Sang-Eun Oh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Kangwon National University | South Korea

Prof. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh is a leading environmental engineer and biotechnologist at the Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, South Korea, where he serves as Professor and Director of the Environmental Research Center. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from Gwang-Ju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in 2002, following M.S. and B.S. degrees in Environmental Engineering from Chung-Nam National University. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh gained international research experience as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at The Pennsylvania State University, USA, before joining Kangwon National University in 2006. His research focuses on microbial fuel cells, bioenergy production, wastewater treatment, eco-toxicological monitoring using sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms, and sustainable environmental biotechnology. Over his career, he has led more than 27 completed and three ongoing national and international projects, including pioneering work in microbial electrochemical systems, livestock waste treatment, and hydroponic cultivation technologies. Dr. Sang-Eun Oh has authored 182 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Biodegradation, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Chemosphere, and Sustainability, and holds 26 patents for innovative environmental technologies. He has collaborated with global leaders including Bruce E. Logan’s laboratory at Penn State University, advancing bioenergy generation, green hydrogen production, and microbial bio electrochemical systems. His outstanding contributions have earned him prestigious awards including the Minister of Environment Award, Best Environmental Technology Award, and multiple Best Paper Awards. Recognized for his scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership in clean technology and sustainable environmental solutions, Dr. Sang-Eun Oh exemplifies excellence and is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

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Featured Publications

  1. Min, B., Kim, J. R., Oh, S. E., Regan, J. M., & Logan, B. E. (2005). Electricity generation from swine wastewater using microbial fuel cells. Water Research, 39(20), 4961–4968.

  2. Rahimnejad, M., Adhami, A., Darvari, S., Zirepour, A., & Oh, S. E. (2015). Microbial fuel cell as new technology for bioelectricity generation: A review. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 54(3), 745–756.

  3. Oh, S. E., Min, B., & Logan, B. E. (2004). Cathode performance as a factor in electricity generation in microbial fuel cells. Environmental Science & Technology, 38(18), 4900–4904.

  4. Kim, J. R., Cheng, S., Oh, S. E., & Logan, B. E. (2007). Power generation using different cation, anion, and ultrafiltration membranes in microbial fuel cells. Environmental Science & Technology, 41(3), 1004–1009.

  5. Oh, S. E., & Logan, B. E. (2005). Hydrogen and electricity production from a food processing wastewater using fermentation and microbial fuel cell technologies. Water Research, 39(19), 4673–4682.

  6. Logan, B. E., Oh, S. E., Kim, I. S., & Van Ginkel, S. (2002). Biological hydrogen production measured in batch anaerobic respirometers. Environmental Science & Technology, 36(11), 2530–2535.

  7. Oh, S. E., & Logan, B. E. (2006). Proton exchange membrane and electrode surface areas as factors that affect power generation in microbial fuel cells. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 70(2), 162–169.

  8. Oh, S. E., Van Ginkel, S., & Logan, B. E. (2003). The relative effectiveness of pH control and heat treatment for enhancing biohydrogen gas production. Environmental Science & Technology, 37(22), 5186–5190.

Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Wannan Medical College | China

Prof. Zhiliang Xu, affiliated with Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China, is a distinguished molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher whose work focuses on histone ubiquitination, chromatin remodeling, and their implications in neurological disorders, cancer, gametogenesis, and cellular reprogramming. He earned his Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017. According to Scopus, Prof. Zhiliang Xu has authored 11 publications, which have been cited 34 times, and he holds an h-index of 4, demonstrating the impact of his research in the scientific community. His seminal studies elucidated the role of H2B ubiquitination in chromatin relaxation during meiosis and cellular reprogramming, published in journals such as Nucleic Acids Research (2016), Cell Proliferation (2021), and Reproduction (2017). His recent work on neuronal repair, gut-liver axis regulation in diabetes, and genomic approaches to thalassemia has been featured in FASEB Journal (2025), Annals of Hematology (2025), and Neuroscience Letters (2025). Prof. Zhiliang Xu leads multiple high-impact national and provincial research projects, serves as a peer reviewer for journals including Scientific Reports and Neurochemical Research, and evaluates theses for graduate and doctoral candidates. Recognized with the 2021 National Maternal and Child Health Science and Technology Award (First Prize), the 2022 Guangzhou High-level Talent Award, and the 2024 Outstanding Young Talent honor in Anhui Province, Prof. Zhiliang Xu continues to advance fundamental understanding of chromatin biology and epigenetic regulation, exemplifying excellence, mentorship, and translational scientific impact, making him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shi, L., Yan, X., Xia, Y., Zhao, Y., Zhu, X., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Beyond transfusions and transplants: Genomic innovations rewriting the narrative of thalassemia. Annals of Hematology.

2. Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Huang, S., Liu, M., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviates cortical neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by rebalancing HES1 and NF-κB expression. Neuroreport.

3. Yan, X., Shi, L., Zhu, X., Zhao, J., Zhao, Y., Luo, J., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). From microbial homeostasis to systemic pathogenesis: A narrative review on gut flora’s role in neuropsychiatric, metabolic, and cancer disorders. Journal of Inflammation Research.

4. Huang, S., Lu, Y., Fang, W., Huang, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation-induced apoptosis. Open Life Sciences.

5. Li, Q., Zhang, L., Sun, Y., Du, Z., Xu, S., Wang, X., Wei, S., Tao, Y., Li, B., Jiang, J., Di, G., Huang, Y., & Xu, Z. (2025). p53 modulates the gut-liver axis via PI3K/AKT/Wnt signaling pathways in type 2 diabetes. FASEB Journal.

6. Li, Q., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Paeonol mitigates chronic stress-induced amygdalar neuronal damage through glycogen synthase kinase-3β/calcineurin axis regulation of synaptic plasticity. Neuroreport.

7. Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Shi, L., Sun, Z., Meng, K., Zong, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Paeonol facilitates the repair of neuronal damage in the mPFC caused by chronic stress via the Rho GTPases-cofilin1 signaling pathway. Neuroscience Letters, 138329.

Alina Lokteva | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Alina Lokteva | Chemistry and Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

ITMO University | Russia

Mrs. Alina Lokteva is an outstanding young scientist whose interdisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, nanotechnology, and hybrid living materials has positioned her as an emerging leader in biomedical innovation. Currently serving as a lecturer and junior scientist at ITMO University, she has successfully integrated microbial biotechnology with material science to pioneer advanced antibacterial and regenerative systems that address urgent challenges in healthcare. With a strong academic background in ecology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, she has built a solid foundation for cutting-edge research on microbial stress responses, nanoparticle toxicity, and biohybrid material development. Scientifically, Mrs. Alina Lokteva has authored five peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, with a citation record of 62 and an h-index of 4, reflecting both the quality and the growing influence of her work. Her research spans nanoparticle-enhanced antibacterial activity, mechano-bactericidal particles for oral biofilm treatment, magnetic soft robots for biofilm eradication, and probiotic-based biohybrid living materials with regenerative properties, with results published in highly regarded journals including Chemical Communications, Antibiotics, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, ACS Nano, Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, and Macromolecular Bioscience. Beyond her publications, she has successfully secured more than $120,000 in competitive funding, participated in over five collaborative grant projects, and demonstrated commitment to education by supervising and mentoring students in microbiology and biotechnology. Her international training at Universidade de Vigo strengthened global scientific collaboration, while her recognition as the 2024 Saint Petersburg Young Scientist Award winner highlights her academic excellence.

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Featured Publications

Baburova, P. I., Kladko, D. V., Lokteva, A., Pozhitkova, A., Rumyantceva, V., & others. (2023). Magnetic soft robot for minimally invasive urethral catheter biofilm eradication. ACS Nano, 17(21), 20925–20938.

Otinov, G. D., Lokteva, A. V., Petrova, A. D., Zinchenko, I. V., Isaeva, M. V., & others. (2020). Positive and negative effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on antibiotic resistance genes transfer. Antibiotics, 9(11), 742.

Serov, N., Darmoroz, D., Lokteva, A., Chernyshov, I., Koshel, E., & Vinogradov, V. (2020). One-pot synthesis of template-free hollow anisotropic CaCO₃ structures: Towards inorganic shape-mimicking drug delivery systems. Chemical Communications, 56(80), 11969–11972.

Protasiuk, L. E., Serov, N. S., Lokteva, A. V., Kladko, D. V., Koshel, E. I., & others. (2022). Mechano-bactericidal anisotropic particles for oral biofilm treatment. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 10(25), 4867–4877.

Lokteva, A. V., Trushlis, E. V., Ivankova, O. V., & Koshel, E. I. (2025). Induction of oxidative hormesis by TiO₂ nanoparticles enhances antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus. Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 51(4), 1801–1812.

Lokteva, A. V., & Sidorova, N. A. (2018). Ecology of Beggiatoa and its role in the biogeochemical cycle of sulfur in areas of technogenic risk. In Biodiagnostics of the state of natural and natural-technogenic systems (pp. 251–253).

Sidorova, N. A., & Lokteva, A. V. (2018). New approaches to the extraction of metals from multicomponent ores using a consortium of heterotrophic and lithotrophic microorganisms. In Lebedeva Nadezhda Anatolyevna – Doctor of Philosophy in the field (p. 32).

Zhechun Wu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhechun Wu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Chaoyang Hospital | China

Mr. Zhechun Wu is a resident physician in the Department of Urology at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, who has established himself as an emerging clinician–scientist combining medical training with impactful research. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Capital Medical University and is currently advancing his clinical expertise through residency while contributing to translational oncology research. His work is focused on prostate cancer, with particular emphasis on identifying therapeutic targets that regulate tumor immunity, a critical area for developing next-generation treatment strategies. Mr. Zhechun Wu has published in reputable international journals, including a recent article in Investigational New Drugs that explored drug targets modulating tumor immune response, a study that has already been cited in related scholarly work, reflecting its scientific significance. His projects are supported by competitive funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China  and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation, highlighting his ability to secure prestigious grants and deliver research with clinical and academic value. Alongside research, his clinical practice in urology, oncology, and kidney transplantation strengthens his understanding of patient-centered challenges, allowing him to align laboratory findings with real-world medical needs. This dual role as physician and researcher equips him to contribute to both advancing cancer therapeutics and improving clinical outcomes, establishing a foundation for future leadership in medical innovation and academic research.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Zhang, Y., Qiu, X., Wu, Z., Li, Y., Shen, X., Wu, J., Cao, P., Sun, Z., & Wang, W. (2025). Comprehensive analysis of the association between volatile organic compound pollutants and chronic kidney disease in hypertensive populations: Insights from multi-omics approaches and identification of potential therapeutic targets. Environmental Research, 121966.

Wu, Z., Li, S., Li, Y., Wang, Z., & Wang, W. (2025). Identifying potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer with mediating role in tumor immunity. Discover Oncology, 16, 98.

Wu, Z. (2025). Higher sexual frequency correlated with lowered PSA complex levels in U.S. men over 40 and without prostate conditions: A nationwide cross-sectional study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Yan Bai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Bai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Yunnan University | China

Dr. Yan Bai is a highly accomplished postdoctoral researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan and the Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China. She earned her PhD in Cell Biology from Yunnan University, MSc in Pharmacology from the Chinese PLA Medical Academy, and BSc in Pharmacy from Dali University, establishing a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning pharmacology, microbiology, and cellular biology. Prior to her current role, she conducted research at the Chinese PLA General Hospital, focusing on combination therapies against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Her research primarily investigates mitochondrial homeostasis, tumor biology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial genetic diseases, with particular attention to mitochondria-associated condensates (MATOs) as regulators of protein translation and mitochondrial integrity. Dr. Yan Bai has led and contributed to several major research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Basic Research Program, and Yunnan Province Science and Technology initiatives. Her work has resulted in high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Aging (2025), Sci China Life Sci (2025), EMBO J (2024), and Biophys Rep (2024). According to Scopus, she has authored 10 publications, cited 177 times across 169 documents, with an h-index of 6, demonstrating both productivity and influence in her field. Through her interdisciplinary collaborations, innovative experimental approaches, and groundbreaking findings on mitochondrial regulation and aging, Dr. Yan Bai has made significant contributions to biomedical science, advancing understanding of mitochondrial biology, disease mechanisms, and translational biomedical applications.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Bai, Y., Ma, T., Zhao, S., Li, S., Wang, X., Li, J., Sun, W., Yang, Y., Liu, F., Shan, Q., Qin, Z., Liu, N., Zhang, J., Tian, F., Duan, M., Chen, S., Lai, F., Chen, Q., Wu, X., & Yang, C. (2025). Mitochondria-associated condensates maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and promote lifespan. Nature Aging.

Hao, Q., Bai, Y., Guan, R., Dong, R., Bai, W., Hamdy, H., Wang, L., Meng, M., Sun, Y., Shen, J., & Sun, J. (2025). VPS35/Retromer-dependent MT1-MMP regulation confers melanoma metastasis. Science China Life Sciences, 68(7), 1996–2009.

Hao, Q., Dong, R., Bai, W., Chang, D., Yao, X., Zhang, Y., Xu, H., Li, H., Kui, X., Wang, F., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Lei, Y., Chen, Y., Shen, J., Sang, L., Bai, Y., & Sun, J. (2024). Screening for metastasis-related genes in mouse melanoma cells through sequential tail vein injection. Biophysical Reports, 10(1), 15–21.

Liu, F., Li, T., Gong, H., Tian, F., Bai, Y., Wang, H., Yang, C., Li, Y., Guo, F., Liu, S., & Chen, Q. (2024). Structural insights into the molecular effects of the anthelmintics monepantel and betaine on the Caenorhabditis elegans acetylcholine receptor ACR-23. EMBO Journal, 43(17), 3787–3806.

Wang, T., Zhou, X., Bai, Y., Zhang, L., Li, L., & Wu, C. (2018). Antiepileptic effect of uridine may be caused by regulating dopamine release and receptor expression in corpus striatum. Brain Research, 1688, 47–53.

Bai, Y., Liu, B., Wang, T., Cai, Y., Liang, B., Wang, R., Liu, Y., & Wang, J. (2015). In vitro activities of combinations of rifampin with other antimicrobials against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 59(3), 1466–1471.

Liu, B., Bai, Y., Liu, Y., Di, X., Zhang, X., Wang, R., & Wang, J. (2015). In vitro activity of tigecycline in combination with cefoperazone-sulbactam against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Journal of Chemotherapy, 27(5), 271–276.

Xiuqin Jia | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiuqin Jia | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Chaoyang Hospital | China

Dr. Xiuqin Jia, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, is a distinguished researcher whose work has significantly advanced the fields of neuroimaging and cognitive neuroscience. Her research addresses the neural correlates of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment, as well as cerebrovascular disorders including CADASIL and cerebral small vessel disease. Through computational modeling and multimodal neuroimaging approaches, she has provided innovative insights into disease mechanisms, progression, and early diagnostic markers, with direct implications for clinical practice and therapeutic intervention. According to Scopus, Dr. Xiuqin Jia has authored 75 publications, which have collectively received 1,716 citations across 1,492 documents, establishing a robust h-index of 23 that reflects her sustained impact and scholarly influence. She has successfully secured major funding as Principal Investigator for projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation, and other national programs, underscoring her leadership in cutting-edge research. In addition to her academic contributions, Dr. Xiuqin Jia serves as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and holds important positions in multiple professional societies, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between radiology, brain science, and artificial intelligence. Her achievements have been recognized through prestigious honors, including the Beijing Outstanding Doctoral Graduate Award, the Capital Medical University Scientific and Technological Progress Award, and the Chinese Medical Science and Technology Youth Award. With her remarkable record of innovation, leadership, and international recognition, Dr. Jia is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

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Featured Publications

Huang, Z., Liang, P., Jia, X., Zhan, S., Li, N., Ding, Y., Lu, J., Wang, Y., & Li, K. (2012). Abnormal amygdala connectivity in patients with primary insomnia: Evidence from resting state fMRI. European Journal of Radiology, 81(6), 1288–1295.

Liang, P., Wang, Z., Yang, Y., Jia, X., & Li, K. (2011). Functional disconnection and compensation in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from DLPFC connectivity using resting-state fMRI. PLoS ONE, 6(7), e22153.

Wang, Z., Jia, X., Liang, P., Qi, Z., Yang, Y., Zhou, W., & Li, K. (2012). Changes in thalamus connectivity in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from resting state fMRI. European Journal of Radiology, 81(2), 277–285.

Duan, Y., Liu, Y., Liang, P., Jia, X., Yu, C., Qin, W., Sun, H., Liao, Z., Ye, J., & Li, K. (2012). Comparison of grey matter atrophy between patients with neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis: A voxel-based morphometry study. European Journal of Radiology, 81(2), e110–e114.

Wang, Z., Liang, P., Jia, X., Jin, G., Song, H., Han, Y., Lu, J., & Li, K. (2012). The baseline and longitudinal changes of PCC connectivity in mild cognitive impairment: A combined structure and resting-state fMRI study. PLoS ONE, 7(5), e36838.

Wang, Z., Liang, P., Jia, X., Qi, Z., Yu, L., Yang, Y., Zhou, W., Lu, J., & Li, K. (2011). Baseline and longitudinal patterns of hippocampal connectivity in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from resting state fMRI. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 309(1–2), 79–85.

Jia, X., Liang, P., Li, Y., Shi, L., Wang, D., & Li, K. (2015). Longitudinal study of gray matter changes in Parkinson disease. American Journal of Neuroradiology, 36(12), 2219–2226.

Liu, Y., Liang, P., Duan, Y., Jia, X., Wang, F., Yu, C., Qin, W., Dong, H., Ye, J., & Li, K. (2011). Abnormal baseline brain activity in patients with neuromyelitis optica: A resting-state fMRI study. European Journal of Radiology, 80(2), 407–411.

Baorui Xu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Baorui Xu | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Laoshan Laboratory | China

Mr. Baorui Xu, Associate Professor at Northeast Petroleum University and Laoshan Laboratory, is a leading researcher whose work has advanced petroleum machinery engineering and multiphase flow technologies. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Process Machinery, he has developed expertise in downhole cyclonic separation, oil–water multiphase transport, and co-well injection-production optimization. His research portfolio includes 24 peer-reviewed publications, which have collectively received 283 citations across 224 documents, demonstrating his sustained scholarly impact within the global academic community. His h-index of 9 further reflects both the depth and consistency of his contributions, with several of his works becoming important references in petroleum engineering, separation science, and fluid dynamics. Mr. Baorui Xu has been instrumental in designing innovative hydrocyclone systems, integrating coalescence and stabilization mechanisms, and optimizing separation processes for small-diameter oilfield applications. His research excellence is complemented by 22 authorized national patents, a published monograph on process flow equipment, and leadership of multiple national and provincial research projects, including support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Importantly, his findings have not remained confined to theory but have been successfully applied in large oilfields such as Daqing and Dagang, improving oil recovery efficiency and advancing sustainable petroleum production. His achievements were formally recognized when he received the First Prize of Technological Invention from the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology in 2022. By combining a strong record of publications, measurable citation performance, and field-ready innovations, Mr. Baorui Xu has emerged as a recognized leader in petroleum machinery design and applied fluid mechanics research.

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Featured Publications

Zhang, X., Wei, H., Huang, X., Xu, B., Yu, F., & Zhao, L. (2025). Liutex-based flow structure characterization in vibrating downhole hydrocyclone for oil-water-sand multiphase systems. Chemical Engineering Research and Design. Advance online publication.

Liu, X., You, C., Cao, Y., Xu, B., Yang, Y., Li, H., Lv, P., Sun, C., & Duan, H. (2024). Friction drag reduction of Taylor–Couette flow over air-filled microgrooves. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 984, A18.

Zhang, X., Shakaib, M., Yu, F., Jin, Y., Zhao, L., Wang, S., & Xu, B. (2024). Study on flow field characteristics of gas-liquid hydrocyclone separation under vibration conditions. PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0307110.

Xu, B., Li, H., Liu, X., Xiang, Y., Lv, P., Tan, X., Zhao, Y., Sun, C., & Duan, H. (2023). Effect of micro-grooves on drag reduction in Taylor–Couette flow. Physics of Fluids, 35(4), 045118.

Xu, B. (2020). Structure design and preliminary experimental investigation on oil-water separation performance of a novel helix separator. Separation Science and Technology, 55(16), 2862–2875.

Liu, L., Zhao, L., Yang, X., Wang, Y., Xu, B., & Liang, B. (2019). Innovative design and study of an oil-water coupling separation magnetic hydrocyclone. Separation and Purification Technology, 211, 446–455.

Xu, B., Jiang, M., Zhao, L., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., & Deng, X. (2018). CFD simulation and PIV test of water flow characteristics in helix separator. Shiyou Xuebao/Acta Petrolei Sinica, 39(2), 220–228.

Andrej Sirek | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrej Sirek | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University Hospital Basel | Switzerland

Dr. Andrej Sirek is a dedicated Pathology Resident at the University Hospital Basel, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, where he is actively shaping his career at the intersection of clinical diagnostics and medical research. With his educational foundation built in leading European institutions, Dr. Andrej Sirek has developed a strong grounding in medical genetics, histopathology, and laboratory sciences, which now supports his dual role as both clinician and researcher. His residency provides him with exposure to complex pathology cases while also allowing him to engage in research that seeks to bridge genetic profiling and diagnostic pathology, with the long-term aim of contributing to precision medicine and early disease detection. Currently, he has completed one research project and is progressing with another, both expected to yield indexed publications in the near future. Despite being at an early stage of his academic career, his commitment to innovation in pathology has already been recognized with a nomination for the Best Researcher Award. He maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including SGPATH, ÖGPATH, SGZ, and ESP, which strengthens his global collaborations and engagement with the wider pathology community. While he has yet to publish peer-reviewed articles, his ongoing research demonstrates his potential to make impactful contributions to the field. His academic and professional journey underscores the promise of a new generation of clinician-scientists who integrate advanced diagnostic techniques with research innovation to improve patient care. Dr. Andrej Sirek’s trajectory highlights his dedication, scholarly potential, and commitment to excellence in pathology and medical genetics.

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Featured Publications

Dr. Andrej Sirek has contributed to impactful research in pathology, focusing on diagnostic innovations, tumor biology, and clinicopathological correlations. Key recent publications include:

Sirek, A., Hench, I. B., Hench, J., Alborelli, I., Gross, M. W., Jakscha, J., Schaller, P., Nagel, G., Baumhoer, D., & Tzankov, A. (2025). Recurrent clonal radiotherapy-associated fibroepithelial polyp of the pharynx: Do low grade radiogenic stromal tumours exist? Case report.

Sobottka, B., Vetter, V., Banaei-Esfahani, A., Nowak, M., Lorch, A., Sirek, A., Mertz, K. D., Brunelli, M., Berthold, D., de Leval, L., et al. (2024). Immune phenotype-genotype associations in primary clear cell renal cell carcinoma and matched metastatic tissue.

Naila Camila da Rocha | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Naila Camila da Rocha | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Wisconsin-Madison | United States

Dr. Naila Camila da Rocha is a distinguished researcher specializing in biostatistics, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and predictive analytics, with a strong focus on advancing precision medicine and healthcare delivery. She is completing her Ph.D. in Biometrics at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, following a Master’s in Biometrics, a Professional Master’s in Applied Statistics, and a Bachelor’s in Administration. With over 14 years of experience in strategic planning, business intelligence, and applied statistics, she has held leadership roles including Head of Growth Strategy and Revenue at iFood, Data Science Manager at BRF, and currently works as a Data Scientist at Statbit, while also contributing as a volunteer researcher at the Clinics Hospital of Botucatu (LabData). Her research applies machine learning, natural language processing, and advanced statistical modeling to nephrology, transplantation, and chronic disease management, with impactful results such as predictive models for graft rejection, delayed graft function, and inequities in hemodialysis access. She has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals and received multiple prestigious awards, including the Massola Award (2025), AACD Summit Award (2025), Magaldi Award (2023), and Nestor Schor Award (2023). By successfully bridging data science with clinical applications, she has established herself as an influential voice in developing innovative tools for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and health system optimization, demonstrating excellence as a researcher whose work is shaping both academic knowledge and practical healthcare solutions.

Profile: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • Beltramino, L., Bedacarratx, V., Roldán, P., González, N. A. M., … (2020). Aprendizajes y prácticas educativas en las actuales condiciones de época: COVID-19. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Cited by: 33

  • Da Rocha, N. C., Barbosa, A. M. P., Schnr, Y. O., Machado-Rugolo, J., … (2022). Natural language processing to extract information from Portuguese-language medical records. Data, 8(1), 11. Cited by: 13

  • De Andrade, L. G. M., Barbosa, A. M. P., Da Rocha, N. C., Cardoso, M. M. de A., … (2022). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on solid organ transplant and rejection episodes in Brazil’s Unified Healthcare System. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(21), 6581. Cited by: 11

  • Ordones, F. V., Kawano, P. R., Vermeulen, L., Hooshyari, A., Scholtz, D., … (2025). A novel machine learning-based predictive model of clinically significant prostate cancer and online risk calculator. Urology, 196, 20–26. Cited by: 5

  • Addad, V. V., Palma, L. M. P., Vaisbich, M. H., Barbosa, A. M. P., … (2023). A comprehensive model for assessing and classifying patients with thrombotic microangiopathy: The TMA-INSIGHT score. Thrombosis Journal, 21(1), 119. Cited by: 5

  • Santos, G. P. A., Sesso, R., Lugon, J. R., Neves, P. D. M. de M., Barbosa, A. M. P., … (2024). Geographic inequities in hemodialysis access: A call to reassess dialysis facility locations in Brazil. Journal of Nephrology, 37(9), 2601–2608. Cited by: 4

Nitika Dhingra | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nitika Dhingra | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Chitkara University | India

Dr. Nitika Dhingra  is an academic and researcher at Chitkara University, Punjab, India, with expertise in machine learning–integrated sensor development, non-destructive spectroscopy, and RF-based sensing technologies. She holds a Ph.D. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Chitkara University, supported by an M.Tech from Punjabi University and a B.Tech from Punjab Technical University. Her research advances applications in food adulteration detection, construction material classification, and structural health monitoring of heritage sites. She has contributed significantly as a Junior and Senior Research Fellow under a DST-SHRI scheme, focusing on sensor design, embedded systems, and machine learning integration. In 2024, she secured a DST-funded research grant worth 27 Lakhs as Principal Investigator, demonstrating her leadership in high-impact projects. Her scholarly contributions include 12 publications indexed in Scopus, 9 citations across 8 documents, and an h-index of 2, along with several granted and filed patents. She has been honored with the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation Award, DST Senior Research Fellowship, and the Best Paper Presentation Award at ICAMSE, and was a semi-finalist in the DST–Texas Instruments Innovation Challenge. Dr. Nitika Dhingra’s career exemplifies innovation, academic excellence, and impactful contributions to science and technology.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Dhingra, N., Saluja, N., Garg, R., & Kanwar, V. (2023). Radio frequency as a non-destructive approach to concrete structure health monitoring. Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering. Cited by: 3.

  • Dhingra, N., Ghosh, D., Saluja, N., & Sabapathay, T. (2023). Radio frequency based sensor for adulteration measurement in a continuous two phase-flow of alcoholic beverages. Sensing and Imaging, 24(1), 32. Cited by: 2.

  • Dhingra, N., Saluja, N., Kanwar, V., & Garg, R. (2021). Moisture sensitive electrical property measurement in concrete slab with step graded antenna. Materials Today: Proceedings, 45, 5172–5176. Cited by: 2.

  • Dhingra, N., & Saluja, N. (2024). RF sensor-based adulterant discriminant estimation in mustard oil. Sensing and Imaging, 25(1), 59. Cited by: 1.

  • Dhingra, N., & Saluja, N. (2024). A novel non-destructive technique-based automated classification of construction material using machine learning. Asian Journal of Civil Engineering, 25(1), 805–810. Cited by: 1.

  • Geetanjali, Jindal, P., Saluja, N., Kashyap, N., & Dhingra, N. (2023). Design and optimization of wideband RF energy harvesting antenna for low-power wireless sensor applications. Proceedings of International Conference on Data Science and Applications. Cited by: 1.