Ebeney Whillas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Ms. Ebeney Whillas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Wollongong | Australia

Ms. Ebeney Whillas is a sports nutrition researcher whose work focuses on nutrition-related experiences during the transition from elite sport to post-competitive life. Her research is grounded in qualitative inquiry, addressing a critical gap in sports nutrition literature by centering the voices of former elite athletes. She is the lead author of a peer-reviewed article published in Nutrients (MDPI), which examines how entrenched sporting cultures continue to shape eating behaviours, health perceptions, and wellbeing after retirement from elite competition. Her scholarship contributes to a growing recognition that athlete nutrition support must extend beyond performance-focused phases to encompass long-term health and adjustment. Ms. Whillas’ research interests include athlete transition, sports nutrition culture, and the relationship between nutrition practices and mental wellbeing. Through her work, she provides evidence to inform more holistic, sustainable, and athlete-centered nutrition interventions across the full athletic lifespan.

Profiles: Sci Profiles | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

• Whillas, E. K., Craddock, J. C., & Lambert, K. (2025). Navigating nutrition beyond elite sport: A qualitative exploration of experiences after retirement. Nutrients, 17(24), Article 3920. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243920

Long Chang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Long Chang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Peking Union Medical College Hospital | China

Dr. Long Chang is an accomplished physician and clinical researcher whose career demonstrates excellence in patient care and significant contributions to hematology. He currently serves as an Attending Physician at the Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, building upon his medical training at Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University. His research focuses on rare hematologic disorders, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms and histiocytic diseases, with emphasis on improving diagnostic precision, expanding therapeutic strategies, and enhancing patient outcomes. According to Scopus (Author ID: 57225110413), Dr. Long Chang has authored 39 publications, which have collectively received 165 citations across 152 documents, reflecting the impact of his work, and holds an h-index of 6. He has published influential studies in leading journals including Leukemia, EClinicalMedicine, Oncologist, and Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. His work has advanced treatment options for Rosai-Dorfman disease and Langerhans cell histiocytosis while also providing novel insights into gamma heavy chain disease. Notably, his clinical trials have introduced promising approaches such as low-dose cytarabine and novel immunomodulatory therapies, offering alternatives for conditions with limited treatments. Beyond publications, Dr. Long Chang demonstrates commitment to translational medicine by bridging molecular research with patient-centered care. Recognized by peers for his rigor, innovation, and leadership, he has progressed from Resident and Chief Resident to Attending Physician, reflecting both clinical expertise and academic excellence. With impactful contributions influencing practice worldwide, Dr. Long Chang exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated physician-scientist whose work continues to advance the frontiers of hematology.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Chang, L., Zhou, D. B., & Cao, X. X. (2023). Gamma heavy chain disease: A retrospective analysis of 6 cases. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 18(1), 77.

  • Chang, L., Qiao, B., Cai, H., et al. (2023). Clinical phenotypes, molecular analysis, and outcomes of patients with Rosai-Dorfman disease. Leukemia, 37(11), 2297–2300.

  • Chang, L., Lang, M., Lin, H., et al. (2024). Phase 2 study using low dose cytarabine for adult patients with newly diagnosed Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Leukemia, 38(4), 803–809.

  • Chang, L., Lang, M., Liu, T., et al. (2024). Lenalidomide and dexamethasone for Rosai-Dorfman disease: A single arm, single center, prospective phase 2 study. EClinicalMedicine, 73, 102685.

  • Chang, L., Cai, H. C., Lang, M., et al. (2024). Liver involvement with Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults. The Oncologist. Advance online publication.

Sonja Jahnke | Medicine and Health Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Ms. Sonja Jahnke | Medicine and Health Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Group Practice Drs. Jahnke | Germany

Ms. Sonja Jahnke is a promising young physician-scientist whose academic trajectory reflects an exceptional blend of clinical excellence, research productivity, and international engagement in orthopaedics and sports medicine. She completed her medical education at Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), complemented by clinical rotations at Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Brandenburg, and St. Vinzenz Hospital, where she gained comprehensive training in internal medicine, trauma care, orthopaedics, and sports orthopaedics. Since July 2025, she has been serving as a resident physician in training, advancing her clinical expertise while building upon her earlier role as a surgical assistant at Sporthopaedicum Berlin. Her research focuses on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, rehabilitation strategies, and the influence of bracing and muscular strength on functional recovery, bridging biomechanics with patient-centered outcomes. Ms. Sonja Jahnke has authored three peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, with 34 citations across 34 documents and an h-index of 2, reflecting her growing scholarly impact. Her contributions have appeared in leading journals such as the Journal of Clinical Medicine (2025), Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology (2023), Efort Open Reviews (2023), and Healthcare Basel (2023), advancing knowledge on ACL rehabilitation, orthopaedic outcomes, and innovative treatment approaches. In addition, she has delivered invited presentations at prestigious international meetings, including ESSKA 2024 in Milan and the Berlin Arthroscopy Course, underscoring her recognition as a dynamic and insightful communicator. Her achievements have been further acknowledged with the Young Investigator Award from Brandenburg Medical School in 2022, highlighting her strong potential as an emerging leader in sports medicine research and clinical practice.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Jahnke, S., Prill, R., Królikowska, A., & Becker, R. (2025, September). Test learning effects influence coordinative but not strength-related tasks in patients six months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

  2. Prill, R., Cruysen, C., Jahnke, S., & Becker, R. (2023, June). Der Einfluss von Bandagen und Orthesen auf die Performance in der Back in Action Testbatterie. Conference Paper.

  3. Diquattro, E., Jahnke, S., Traina, F., & Kopf, S. (2023, May). ACL surgery: Reasons for failure and management.

  4. Jahnke, S., Cruysen, C., Prill, R., & Becker, R. (2023, February). Protocol for a randomized crossover trial to evaluate the effect of soft brace and rigid orthosis on performance and readiness to return to sport six months post-ACL-reconstruction.

  5. Jahnke, S., Becker, R., Królikowska, A., & Prill, R. (2022, August). Manual estimation of hip abductor strength – A practical alternative to conventional assessment tools? Conference Paper.

  6. Jahnke, S., Królikowska, A., Becker, R., & Prill, R. (2022, August). Influence of hip abductor strength on pelvis and knee position during a single-leg landing test. Conference Paper.

  7. Rinaldi, V. G., Prill, R., Jahnke, S., & Becker, R. (2022, August). The influence of gluteal muscle strength deficits on dynamic knee valgus: A scoping review.

Daniela Tichá | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Daniela Tichá | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

MD Dr. | Department of Orthodontics, Regenerative and Forensic Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava | Slovakia

MD Dr. Daniela Tichá is an emerging orthodontics specialist and dedicated researcher with extensive academic and practical experience. Currently enrolled in an Internal PhD and Orthodontics Specialization at Comenius University, Daniela combines a passion for clinical work with rigorous training, bringing forward-thinking approaches to dental and orthodontic care. Her research interests include the intersection of AI with orthodontics, and she has already contributed to both academic and clinical settings through internships, conferences, and cutting-edge research in facial orthodontics and treatment planning.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  • Innovative Research in Dental Materials: Daniela Tichá’s research focuses on three-dimensionally printed polymer and composite materials tailored for dental applications, especially orthodontics. This aligns well with current advancements in dental science and could contribute significantly to both regenerative and forensic dentistry. The innovative use of 3D printing for dental applications showcases her commitment to cutting-edge research.
  • Interdisciplinary Contribution: The research covers orthodontics, regenerative, and forensic dentistry, which suggests a broad interdisciplinary approach. This is valuable in a field where regenerative technologies and forensic applications can have life-changing impacts.
  • Collaborative Work: The study published in Polymers involved multiple contributors, indicating Daniela’s ability to work collaboratively. Collaboration is often a strong factor for awards as it shows effective teamwork and knowledge-sharing.
  • Recent Publication in a High-Impact Journal: Publishing in Polymers, a journal with rigorous peer-review standards, demonstrates that her work meets high academic standards, which is a strong indicator of quality.

Education 🎓

  • Internal PhD Study at Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine (2024-present)
  • Specialization in Orthodontics at Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine (2024-present)
  • Doctorate in Dentistry from Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (2017–2023)
  • Gymnasium Veľká Okružná, Žilina (2011–2015)
  • Language School, English Certification (2008–2016)

Experience 🏥

Daniela has honed her clinical skills through various roles, currently working at Stoma SA, s.r.o. since July 2024. Previously, she gained experience at 24 dental s.r.o., DentSmile s.r.o., and multiple internships across leading dental clinics, including Blanc Dental and ProSmile. Her background spans hands-on dental procedures, internships, and part-time roles promoting products like Meridol and Elmex, adding to her clinical and academic growth.

Research Interests 🔬

Daniela’s research focuses on AI in orthodontic planning, 3D dental modeling, and the impact of orthodontic treatments on facial profiles. She is particularly interested in utilizing advanced technologies like CBCT and AI for cephalometric analyses, aiming to streamline orthodontic care for complex cases.

Awards and Recognition 🏆

Nominated for the Orthodontics and Digital Dentistry Excellence Award for her work integrating AI with orthodontics, Daniela has presented at prestigious forums, including the Czech-Slovak Orthodontic Congress and Prague Dental Days. She has also gained certifications from elite orthodontics programs, such as DAMON ULTIMA and Invisalign.

Publications 📚

  • “Implantological Solution for the Lateral Segment of the Maxilla” – Master’s Thesis, 2023
  • “The Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on Facial Profile in Combination with or without Orthognathic Surgery” – The Dental Times
  • “3D Printed Polymer and Composite Materials for Dental Applications” – In Preparation
  • “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Face-Driven Orthodontic Planning” – In Preparation
  • “3D Cephalometry from CBCT Using Artificial Intelligence” – Dissertation Topic in Preparation

Conclusion 🔍

MDDr. Daniela Tichá is well on her way to becoming a transformative force in orthodontics, with her innovative research and dedication to digital dental advancements. Her ongoing PhD work and active clinical experience position her as a promising expert in the field of AI-driven orthodontics and dental modeling.