Zhechun Wu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Andrej Sirek | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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.

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.

Professional Profile

Scopus

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ORCID

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.