Sezgin Gunes | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof. Sezgin Gunes | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Academic Researcher Award

Ondokuz Mayis University | Turkey

Prof. Sezgin Gunes is a renowned academic leader and medical researcher whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge in medical biology and reproductive sciences. As Chair of the Department of Medical Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, she has led pioneering research in molecular medicine, andrology, and clinical genetics. Her scholarly journey reflects a distinguished blend of academic leadership, mentorship, and impactful contributions to scientific literature. Through international collaborations, high-impact publications, and mentorship of young researchers, Prof. Sezgin Gunes has established herself as one of the leading voices in reproductive health and molecular biology.

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Education

Prof. Sezgin Gunes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Middle East Technical University, followed by a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Biology from the Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University. Her solid academic foundation in biology and medical sciences enabled her to pursue a successful career as a researcher and educator. She further enhanced her expertise through a competitive research fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, where she worked at the American Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology. This international training allowed her to engage with global leaders in reproductive health and to develop innovative perspectives on male infertility and molecular diagnostics. Her academic path demonstrates both intellectual depth and a consistent focus on bridging fundamental science with clinical application.

Experience

Prof. Sezgin Gunes has risen through the academic ranks with distinction, serving in multiple leadership and teaching roles at Ondokuz Mayis University. Beginning as a faculty member in Medical Biology, she progressed to leadership roles where she currently chairs the department while also contributing to the Graduate Institute’s Department of Multidisciplinary Molecular Medicine. Beyond her institutional roles, she has played an important part in mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students, supervising their research, and guiding them in scientific publishing. Her international engagements include mentoring summer internship programs at the Cleveland Clinic, where she inspired young researchers in reproductive medicine. She has also been actively involved in scientific project management, European Union projects, and advanced training in assisted reproductive techniques. Her career represents a combination of research excellence, administrative leadership, and dedication to academic mentorship.

Research Interests

The research contributions of Prof. Sezgin Gunes are focused on andrology, male infertility, and the molecular mechanisms underlying reproductive health. Her investigations explore sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin quality, oxidative stress, gene expression, and cytogenetic alterations that contribute to male infertility. In addition, her work on epigenetics and urological malignancies has advanced understanding of how environmental, genetic, and molecular factors interact in reproductive dysfunctions and cancer development. She has explored the role of microRNAs, promoter methylation, and polymorphisms in idiopathic infertility, contributing critical insights into personalized medicine approaches. Her research is not only groundbreaking in the academic sense but also has important translational applications, influencing diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Prof. Sezgin Gunes has been recognized with numerous distinctions, fellowships, and certifications that reflect her dedication to advancing science and education. She has been honored with opportunities to conduct research at leading international institutions, gaining exposure to cutting-edge reproductive medicine technologies. Her professional development includes certifications in scientific project management, European Union project management, and advanced training in assisted reproduction. These achievements highlight her versatility as both a scientist and a leader. Her recognition is not limited to academic achievements but also extends to her role as a mentor, project leader, and collaborator in international research networks.

Publications

Prof. Sezgin Gunes has authored an impressive portfolio of publications in leading international journals, making significant contributions to reproductive medicine, molecular biology, and clinical genetics. Her widely cited works include:

  • Smoking and male infertility: an evidence-based review
    Journal: The World Journal of Men’s Health
    Published on: 2015
    Citation: 379

  • Effects of aging on the male reproductive system
    Journal: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
    Published on: 2016
    Citation: 320

  • Spermatogenesis, DNA damage and DNA repair mechanisms in male infertility
    Journal: Reproductive Biomedicine Online
    Published on: 2015
    Citation: 275

  • The role of epigenetics in idiopathic male infertility
    Journal: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
    Published on: 2016
    Citation: 167

  • Role of genetics and epigenetics in male infertility
    Journal: Andrologia
    Published on: 2021
    Citation: 159

  • Association of interleukin‐10 gene polymorphisms with severe generalized chronic periodontitis
    Journal: Journal of Periodontology
    Published on: 2007
    Citation: 104

  • Polymorphisms of the serotonin-2A receptor and catechol-O-methyltransferase genes: a study on fibromyalgia susceptibility
    Journal: Rheumatology International
    Published on: 2008
    Citation: 100

Conclusion

Prof. Sezgin Gunes stands out as a visionary researcher, accomplished academic, and respected leader in medical biology and reproductive medicine. Her contributions to the understanding of male infertility, gene expression, cytogenetics, and epigenetics have had profound impact in both research and clinical contexts. With an outstanding record of scientific publications, international collaboration, and mentorship of future scientists, she represents the model of a globally engaged and impactful researcher. Her achievements and leadership make her an ideal candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award, reflecting her dedication to advancing science and improving human health through innovative and meaningful research.

Xuan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Xuan Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Hong Kong Baptist University | Hong Kong

Dr. Xuan Zhang is a highly respected Lecturer II at the School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University. As a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner in both Mainland China and Hong Kong, she has cultivated a strong academic and clinical foundation rooted in traditional Chinese medicine principles. Since joining HKBU in 2016, she has significantly contributed to teaching, research, and international academic collaborations. Her leadership in evidence-based research, combined with her deep understanding of the Huangdi Neijing and classical theories such as the Five Circuits and Six Qi, positions her as a pioneer in integrating tradition with modern scientific approaches. Dr. Zhang has led or participated in more than 15 externally funded projects and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with a strong record of first- and corresponding-author contributions.

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Education

Dr. Zhang earned her Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine from the prestigious Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Her doctoral training provided a rich combination of theoretical studies, classical text interpretation, and hands-on clinical applications. The academic environment fostered her early interest in integrating traditional Chinese medical theories with scientific methodologies. Her educational path laid the groundwork for her to pursue rigorous research in both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of Chinese medicine, particularly in the fields of epidemiology, gastrointestinal diseases, and methodological development.

Experience

With close to a decade of academic and clinical teaching experience, Dr. Zhang has taken on numerous roles that extend beyond the classroom. Since joining HKBU in 2016, she has secured seven research grants as Principal Investigator and served as co-investigator in multiple national-level projects funded by organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (HKSAR). Her expertise has led to contributions in reporting guideline development, multicentre clinical trials, and telemedicine studies. She also serves on editorial boards for international journals such as Scientific Reports, BMC Medical Research Methodology, and the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, underscoring her standing in the academic community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zhang’s core research areas include: (1) theoretical and clinical research based on the Huangdi Neijing, with a focus on the “Five Circuits and Six Qi” (Wu Yun Liu Qi); (2) development of evidence-based Chinese medicine practices and methodological reporting standards; (3) clinical studies on gastrointestinal diseases such as IBS and ulcerative colitis; and (4) epidemiological research in infectious diseases within the framework of Chinese medicine. She has championed multidisciplinary and cross-regional collaborations that explore the integration of data science with ancient medical systems. Her ongoing work also addresses the modernization and standardization of traditional practices to ensure global acceptance and scientific validation.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Zhang has received numerous awards for her outstanding research and contributions to Chinese medicine. She was named among China’s CNKI Highly Cited Scholars (Top 1%) and received the “Top Cited Article” award in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. She was also honored as one of the “100 Outstanding Reviewers” of the China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy and recognized as the “1st Qiu Zhen Scholars of Chinese Medicine.” Additionally, she earned the “Top Articles in Outstanding S&T Journals of China” award twice and the “Third Prize of Science and Technology Award” from the China Association of Chinese Medicine. These accolades reflect her significant impact on both theoretical and applied Chinese medicine research.

Publications

  1. Title: A Protocol for Developing, Disseminating, and Implementing a Core Outcome Set for Clinical Trials of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Medicine
    Published on: 31 Jul 2025

  2. Title: Butyrate-producing commensal bacteria mediates the efficacy of herbal medicine JCM-16021 on abdominal pain in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
    Journal: Phytomedicine
    Published on: Sep 2025

  3. Title: Outcomes reporting in clinical trials of Chinese herbal medicine on ulcerative colitis: A systematic review
    Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
    Published on: 28 Oct 2024

  4. Title: Suboptimal reporting of randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological therapies in Chinese medicine
    Journal: Frontiers in Medicine
    Published on: 17 Jun 2024

  5. Title: Transparency and reporting characteristics of randomized controlled trials with Chinese herbal medicine formulas interventions
    Journal: Frontiers of Medicine
    Published on: 17 May 2024

  6. Title: STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT Statement
    Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
    Published on: 14 Mar 2023

  7. Title: Reporting assessment of multicenter clinical trial protocols: a cross-sectional study
    Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
    Published on: 03 Mar 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Xuan Zhang is a distinguished researcher, educator, and clinical scholar whose work reflects a deep integration of traditional Chinese medicine principles with contemporary clinical and scientific practices. Her extensive publication record, grant leadership, and editorial responsibilities demonstrate her strong research acumen and commitment to globalizing Chinese medicine. With high-impact contributions, international collaborations, and multiple recognitions for academic excellence, Dr. Zhang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work continues to shape the future of evidence-based Chinese medicine and methodological innovation.