Odayme Quesada | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Odayme Quesada | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Cincinnati, The Christ Hospital | United States

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Odayme Quesada is a clinician-scientist specializing in women’s cardiovascular health, with a strong focus on coronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunction (CMVD), ANOCA, and MINOCA. Her research integrates innovative diagnostic strategies and targeted therapeutic approaches to improve cardiovascular outcomes in women. She has authored 78 Scopus-indexed publications, achieving 1,615 citations and an h-index of 22. Her scholarly contributions include high-impact journal articles, book chapters, and leadership in multicenter clinical trials. She has advanced specialized research programs and contributed significantly to understanding sex-specific cardiovascular risk factors and disease mechanisms.

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Featured Publications

Fulya Erendor Cihan | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fulya Erendor Cihan | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

Ordu University | Turkey

Dr. Fulya Erendor Cihan is an emerging researcher in gene and cell therapy, with a strong focus on precision gene editing, viral vector systems, and therapeutic strategies for metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Her work integrates advanced molecular biology techniques with translational research, particularly in diabetes, COVID-19 vaccine development, and neuroprotection. She has contributed to multiple nationally funded research projects and international collaborations, emphasizing lentiviral and adenoviral vector-based therapies. Her research outputs include high-impact journal publications, conference proceedings, and book chapters, reflecting her growing influence in biomedical innovation and experimental therapeutics.

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Featured Publications


Gene and cell therapy of human genetic diseases: Recent advances and future directions

– Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 2024 | Cited by: 33

Xuefei Wang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Xuefei Wang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University | China

Prof. Xuefei Wang is a leading researcher in gastric cancer biology and translational oncology, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications and significant citation impact. His work focuses on molecular mechanisms of tumor metastasis, DNA damage repair, and chemoradiotherapy resistance. He has contributed to high-impact journals such as Cell Death & Differentiation and Advanced Science. His research integrates CRISPR-based functional genomics, post-translational modifications, and targeted therapeutic development. He is actively involved in multi-institutional collaborations and serves as a reviewer for international SCI journals. His innovations include peptide-based therapeutic strategies targeting cancer resistance pathways.

View ORCID Profile  View ResearchGate Profile

Featured Publications

Ebeney Whillas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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

Fatma Magdi | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatma Magdi | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Fatma Magdi is an accomplished nursing researcher and academic at Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU), United Arab Emirates. Her scholarly work spans geriatric health, community nursing, mental health, and nursing education innovation, with additional interdisciplinary collaborations in bio-nanotechnology, AI in medical imaging, and biosensor technologies. She has authored and co-authored 25 Scopus-indexed publications, accumulating 95 citations across 94 documents, and holds an h-index of 7 (Scopus ID: 57225999851 | ORCID: 0000-0002-2762-3350). Her research has appeared in several high-impact international journals including Cell Biochemistry and Function, Heliyon, Nursing Open, Biological Research for Nursing, Palliative & Supportive Care, and Microchemical Journal. Dr. Fatma Magdi’s work emphasizes evidence-based nursing interventions to enhance the quality of life, sleep, and psychological well-being among elderly populations. She has developed innovative approaches such as home-based Tai Chi exercise programs and tele-nursing applications to promote holistic elder care. Her studies on COVID-19-related mental health, vaccine acceptance, and health behavior models have contributed valuable insights to public health and nursing practice. Beyond clinical and community research, Dr. Fatma Magdi multidisciplinary collaborations address artificial intelligence in healthcare, probiotic applications, and affordability of essential medications in developing nations. She has also contributed book chapters and review papers on the digital transformation of nursing and the future of healthcare education.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  1. Ibrahim, F. M., Fadila, D. E., & Elmawla, D. A. E. A. (2023). Older adults’ acceptance of the COVID‐19 vaccine: Application of the health belief model. Nursing Open, 10(10), 6989–7002. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.2084

  2. Ibrahim, F. M., Dabou, E. A. R., AbdelSamad, S., & Abuijlan, I. A. M. (2024). Prevalence of bullying and its impact on self-esteem, anxiety and depression among medical and health sciences university students in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Heliyon, 10(3), e24756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24756

  3. Ibrahim, A. M., Zaghamir, D. E. F., Sultan, H. M. S., Ibrahim, F. M., & Abdel-Aziz, H. R. (2024). Optimizing geriatric palliative care in Egypt: Comprehensive patient and family perspectives. Palliative & Supportive Care, 22(5), 1272–1281. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951524000216

  4. Ibrahim, F. M., Fadila, D. E., & Saad, M. T. (2022). A pilot protocol for improving institutionalized older adults’ psychosocial health during COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S4), 12521–12536. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS4.12521

  5. Ibrahim, F. M., Salmi, R. N., Saif, M. A., & Mohammed, A. (2024). Sleep disorders’ prevalence and impact on academic performance among undergraduate nursing students in a selected university, United Arab Emirates. SAGE Open Nursing, 10, 23779608241274229. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241274229

Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Damascus University | Syria

Dr. Rama Ayash is a medical advisor, senior lecturer, and scientific researcher specializing in clinical biochemistry, diabetes research, and molecular mechanisms of β-cell apoptosis. Her primary research focuses on the pathophysiological role of cytokines and death receptors in glucose dysregulation and prediabetes, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic effects of DPP4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin. Her recent publications include groundbreaking studies in Scientific Reports, BMC Endocrine Disorders, and the European Journal of Pharmacology, exploring inflammatory cytokine modulation, apoptotic biomarkers (FAS, TNFR1, TRAIL-R2), and their relationship to β-cell dysfunction. Dr. Rama Ayash’s research contributions advance understanding of early diabetic mechanisms, aiding in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to preserve pancreatic function. She has also supervised diverse clinical and molecular research projects in cardiovascular pharmacology, endocrine biomarkers, and celiac disease diagnostics, demonstrating her interdisciplinary expertise. Her work integrates clinical biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, and translational medicine, contributing to the growing field of preventive and precision diabetology. Dr. Rama Ayash has been an active conference speaker and scientific presenter, sharing insights on cardio-renal pharmacology, metabolic pathways, and biomarker discovery. Her continuing research endeavors aim to bridge laboratory findings with clinical outcomes to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in metabolic diseases.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Exploring the predictive potentials of IL-1β and TNFR1 in atherogenic risk in prediabetes. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 37369. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-37369

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Association of soluble apoptotic biomarkers (FAS, TNFR1 and TRAIL-R2) with β-cell dysfunction in early glucose dysregulation. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 25(1), 218. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-025-0218

• Ayash, R., Kabalan, Y., & Chamaa, S. (2025). Sitagliptin reduces cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis in prediabetes: A six-month interventional study. European Journal of Pharmacology, 177708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177708

Haifang Du | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

Long Chang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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.

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.

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.

Tashi Negi | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tashi Negi | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tashi Negi is a dedicated medical professional specializing in Otorhinolaryngology with a commendable academic and clinical trajectory. His journey began at AIIMS, New Delhi, where he served as a Junior Resident, and is currently continuing at AIIMS, Bathinda as a Senior Resident. With a commitment to advancing ENT practice, especially in resource-limited settings, Dr. Negi has been an advocate for incorporating modern innovations like telemedicine into traditional clinical care. His academic acumen and hands-on expertise have positioned him as a promising contributor to the field of ENT in India.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Clinical Relevance and Timely Research:
    Dr. Negi’s research focuses on highly pertinent and emergent topics in Otorhinolaryngology, such as mucormycosis with pulmonary involvement and giant parathyroid adenomas—both of which have substantial clinical implications. The recent case series on mucormycosis aligns with public health concerns during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Publication in Reputed Journals:
    He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, indicating a commitment to evidence-based medicine and academic visibility.

  • Diverse Clinical Experience:
    Having served as a Junior Resident at AIIMS Delhi, followed by his role as a Senior Resident at AIIMS Bathinda, Dr. Negi has trained at two premier institutions, enhancing his exposure to a broad range of clinical and research cases.

  • Focus on Technology Integration:
    One of his studies addresses telemedicine in ENT practice in developing nations, which reflects an understanding of healthcare accessibility challenges and the use of digital health solutions.

🎓 Education

Dr. Tashi Negi received his foundational medical education and specialized training in Otorhinolaryngology at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, one of India’s premier medical institutions. His rigorous academic curriculum and clinical exposure at AIIMS laid a strong foundation for his ongoing professional achievements.

💼 Experience

Dr. Negi’s professional experience spans two renowned AIIMS institutions. From January 2019 to January 2022, he served as a Junior Resident in Otorhinolaryngology at AIIMS, New Delhi, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a tertiary care setup. Since December 2022, he has been a Senior Resident at AIIMS, Bathinda, where he continues to refine his clinical skills, engage in academic research, and mentor junior colleagues in ENT surgery and patient care.

🔬 Research Interests On Health Professions

Dr. Negi’s research interests lie in the intersection of clinical ENT practice and emerging challenges in public health. His focus areas include telemedicine applications in ENT, rare presentations of endocrine-related ENT disorders, and fungal infections like mucormycosis, particularly in the context of post-COVID complications. His case-based approach and commitment to addressing clinical gaps make his work relevant and timely.

🏆 Awards

While formal awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Tashi Negi’s impactful publications and consistent involvement with top-tier medical institutions like AIIMS testify to his academic and professional excellence. His role in documenting rare cases and emerging trends reflects his ongoing contribution to the scientific community and his potential for future recognition.

📚 Publications

  1. “Recent Trend of Surge in Pulmonary Involvement in Sinonasal Mucormycosis: A Case Series” (2025), published in Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery – This study addresses the growing complexity of mucormycosis and its pulmonary involvement post-pandemic.
    👉 Read here | Cited by: 4 articles

  2. “Giant Parathyroid Adenoma Causing Dyspnea: A Rare Clinical Presentation” (2025), featured in Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery – This paper highlights a unique endocrine manifestation with significant ENT relevance.
    👉 Read here | Cited by: 6 articles

  3. “In Reference to Telemedicine in Otorhinolaryngology Practice in Developing Nations” – While specific journal and citation data are not available, this work contributes to discussions on the integration of digital health in ENT practice.

📝 Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Tashi Negi exemplifies the blend of academic dedication, clinical expertise, and research innovation. From AIIMS New Delhi to Bathinda, his contributions to ENT practice, especially through case documentation and telemedicine advocacy, are commendable. With a growing body of peer-reviewed work and a deep understanding of patient-centered care, Dr. Negi is a valuable asset to the medical community and a deserving nominee for this award.