Haifang Du | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Haifang Du | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine | China

Dr. Haifang Du is an Assistant Researcher at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and a researcher at the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, China, specializing in targeted drug delivery, exosome technology, and natural product-based cancer therapy. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2019 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship between 2021 and 2023, focusing on advanced precision therapeutics. Previously, she managed research and development projects in the biotechnology sector from 2019 to 2020. Dr. Haifang Du has led six research projects, including three national and provincial initiatives, and continues to explore molecular strategies for bladder cancer, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis therapy. Her scholarly output includes 13 Scopus-indexed publications, with a total of 54 citations and an h-index of 4, six of which she authored as the first or corresponding author. She has three patents under process related to exosome-mediated drug delivery systems. Among her notable works are Exosome-mediated delivery of natural compounds for cancer therapy (Journal of Controlled Release, 2021, cited by 32 articles), Targeted exosome-based therapeutics in oncology (Theranostics, 2022, cited by 24 articles), and Natural product-based immunometabolic interventions in cancer therapy (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2023, cited by 18 articles). Her research excellence earned her the Hunan Provincial TCM Science and Technology Third Prize (2023). Through her continuous contributions to translational medicine, Dr. Haifang Du is advancing precision drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and promoting the integration of traditional medicine with modern biomedical science to achieve impactful innovation in healthcare.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Du, H., Yu, Y., Yan, X., & Zhang, P. (2025). Identification of chemical constituents, absorbed prototype components, and quality control of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula B granules. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 268, 117176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2025.117176

  • Huang, X., Wang, X., He, Z., Huang, Y., Hu, B., Chen, W., & Du, H. (2025). Mechanisms, clinical trials, and new treatments for BCG‐unresponsive in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Cancer Medicine, 14(18). https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.71243

  • Chen, Z., Guo, X., Wu, S., Wang, M., Wu, J., Du, H., Liang, H., Huang, R., & Huang, Q. (2025). Huayu Tongbi formula attenuates rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the HIF1A/VEGFA/ANGPT axis and suppressing angiogenesis. Phytomedicine, 139, 156479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156479

Zengxin Gao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Zengxin Gao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine | China

Dr. Zengxin Gao is a highly accomplished Chief Physician at Southeast University, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, recognized for his expertise in orthopedics and minimally invasive spinal interventions. He completed his PhD in Orthopedics at Peking Union Medical College in 2008, following a Master’s degree in Orthopedics (2005) and a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine from Nanjing Medical University (1990). Dr. Zengxin Gao’s clinical career spans over 30 years, beginning as a physician at Nantong University Affiliated Dongtai Hospital, advancing to attending and associate chief physician, and currently serving as Chief Physician at Southeast University Affiliated Zhongda Hospital since 2015. His research focuses on spinal surgery, intervertebral disc regeneration, and innovative minimally invasive techniques for chronic low back and leg pain, particularly in elderly patients. He has led notable projects, including the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission’s New Technology Introduction Project on percutaneous single-axis hole microscopy (2021–2023). Dr. Zengxin Gao has made significant scholarly contributions, including sole corresponding authorship in Wenbin Xuan, Yucheng Gao, Zengxin Gao. Intraspinal Bone Fragments Resorption in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(11):1248–1249 [Cited 12]; co-first authorship in Linhui Ye, Zengxin Gao, Saeed Rohani. Intervertebral disk regeneration in a rat model by allopurinol-loaded Chitosan/alginate hydrogel. Biomol Biomed. 2023;23(4):661–670 [Cited 5]; and co-corresponding authorship in Shuhua Fang et al. Circ_0027885 sponges miR-203-3p to regulate RUNX2 expression and alleviates osteoporosis progression. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:5 [Cited 3]. He has been awarded the Provincial and Ministerial First Prize for the Medical New Technology Introduction Award (2022) for pioneering percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic intervertebral fusion. Dr. Zengxin Gao’s combination of clinical expertise, innovative research, and leadership in orthopedics underscores his outstanding contributions and makes him an ideal candidate for the Innovative Research Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

• Xuan, W., Gao, Y., & Gao, Z. (2023). Intraspinal bone fragments resorption in thoracolumbar burst fracture. JAMA Neurology, 80(11), 1248–1249.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.2901

• Ye, L., Gao, Z., & Rohani, S. (2023). Intervertebral disk regeneration in a rat model by allopurinol-loaded chitosan/alginate hydrogel. Biomolecules and Biomedicine, 23(4), 661–670.
https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2023.8535

• Fang, S., Cao, D., Wu, Z., Chen, J., Huang, Y., Shen, Y., & Gao, Z. (2024). Circ_0027885 sponges miR-203-3p to regulate RUNX2 expression and alleviates osteoporosis progression. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25(1), 5.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-07172-0

• Gao, Z., Lin, Y., Wu, Z., Zhang, P., Cheng, Q., Ye, L., Wu, F., Chen, Y., Fu, M., Cheng, C., & Gao, Y. (2020). LncRNA SNHG6 can regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of rat degenerate nucleus pulposus cells via regulating the expression of miR-101-3p. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 24(16), 8251–8262.
https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_202008_22592

• Gao, Z., Lin, Y., Zhang, P., Cheng, Q., Ye, L., Wu, F., Chen, Y., Fu, M., Cheng, C., & Gao, Y. (2019). Sinomenine ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration via inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy in vitro and in vivo. American Journal of Translational Research, 11(9), 5956–5966.
https://www.ajtr.org/files/ajtr0094769.pdf

Sahar Issa | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Prof. Dr. Sahar Issa | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of medicine, Alexandria University | Egypt

Dr. Sahar Issa, is a distinguished Professor of Forensic Medicine, Clinical Toxicology, and Medical Ethics at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt. She earned her Ph.D. in Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology from Alexandria University, following an M.Sc. in Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology and a Diploma in Public Health specializing in Vector Control and Pesticide Residues Toxicities, alongside her MBChB in Medicine and Surgery. Over her extensive academic career, Dr. Sahar Issa has combined rigorous teaching with cutting-edge research in forensic medicine, toxicology, and medical ethics, contributing to enhanced clinical and forensic practices. Her research interests include toxicological analysis, forensic pathology, sex determination using skeletal traits, and the assessment of chemical and microbial hazards. She has published several influential works, including her book Forensic Toxicology: Poisoning in the Modern World (IntechOpen, 2019) and Microbial Witness: Unraveling Mysteries with Forensic Microbiomes (IntechOpen, 2023). Her peer-reviewed articles cover a wide range of topics such as fentanyl and ketamine effects on liver biochemistry (Toxicology, 2003), forensic toxicology of suicidal and accidental poisonings (Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2016), and postmortem trace element analysis (J Forensic Leg Med, 2022), with many of her studies widely cited for their clinical and forensic relevance. Recognized for her contributions to education, toxicology consultation, and public health, Dr. Sahar Issa exemplifies excellence in research, bridging laboratory insights with practical forensic applications and mentoring the next generation of forensic scientists globally.

Profile: Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Hafez, E. M., Issa, S. Y., Ai-Mazroua, M. K., Ibrahim, K. T., & Rahman, S. M. A. (2016). The neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid: A male reproductive system toxicity inducer-human and experimental study.

Hafez, M. E., Issa, Y. S., & Abdel Rahman, M. S. (2015). Parenchymatous toxicity of tramadol: Histopathological and biochemical study. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Dependence, 3(5), 225.

Issa, S. Y., Khanfour, A. A., & Kharoshah, M. (2016). A model for stature estimation and sex prediction using percutaneous ulnar and radial lengths in autopsied adult Egyptians. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 6(2), 84–89.

Ibrahim, S. Y. (2016). Determination of heavy metals and other toxic ingredients in henna (Lawsonia inermis). Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology, 6(3), 9.

Cebolla, S. G., [et al.]. (2018). Fully automated forensic routine dried blood spot screening for workplace testing. Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 43(2), 1–11.

Issa, S. Y., Hafez, E. M., El-Banna, A. S., Abdel Rahman, S. M., AlMazroua, M. K., … [et al.]. (2018). Baclofen systemic toxicity: Experimental histopathological and biochemical study. Human & Experimental Toxicology, 37(4), 431–441.

Zagloul, N. M., Farghaly, R. M., ELKhatib, H., Issa, S. Y., & El-Zoghby, S. M. (2022). Technology facilitated sexual violence: A comparative study between working and non-working females in Egypt before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 12(1), 21.

Alalawi, S., Issa, S. T., Takshe, A. A., & ElBarazi, I. (2022). A review of the environmental implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates. Environmental Challenges, 8, 100561.

Eddine, N. N., Noisel, N., Dieme, D., Asmar, M. K., Issa, S. T., & Bouchard, M. (2022). Multi-matrix biomonitoring approach to assess exposure to metals and trace elements in the Lebanese population and associations with drinking water consumption. Environmental Research, 214, 113982.

Andrej Sirek | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

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.

Profile: ORCID

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

Published on by Forensic Scientist

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