Odayme Quesada | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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

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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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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

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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

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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

Marta Cudzik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Marta Cudzik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology | Poland

Dr. Marta Cudzik is a psychiatry-focused physician–researcher whose scholarly work lies at the intersection of neuroscience, emotional processing, and obesity-related mental health disorders. Her research examines how affective regulation, emotional intelligence, and trauma-related psychological mechanisms influence vulnerability to depression and other psychiatric conditions. She has authored peer-reviewed studies addressing emotional dysregulation, dissociative defense mechanisms in childhood trauma, and alexithymia among individuals with obesity, contributing clinically relevant insights to contemporary psychiatric research. A central theme of her work is the integration of psychological, neurobiological, and metabolic perspectives to better understand complex mind–body interactions. Dr. Marta Cudzik is developing an emerging interdisciplinary research direction referred to as psycho-obesitology, which seeks to bridge psychiatry and metabolic medicine through evidence-based frameworks. Her research aims to support more holistic diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in mental health, with implications for prevention, personalized treatment, and translational psychiatric care.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Cudzik, M., Lis, M., Wichniak, A., & Bieńkowski, P. (2026). Alexithymia among patients with obesity: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.12.030

Cudzik, M., Soroka, E., & Olajossy, M. (2019). The impact of emotional intelligence level on depression vulnerability. Current Problems of Psychiatry, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.2478/cpp-2019-0011

Cudzik, M., Soroka, E., & Olajossy, M. (2019). Dissociative identity disorder as a wide range of defense mechanisms in children with a history of early childhood trauma. Current Problems of Psychiatry, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.2478/cpp-2019-0006

Aimilios Lallas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Aimilios Lallas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Prof. Aimilios Lallas is a leading researcher in dermatologic oncology, with a strong scientific focus on dermoscopy, skin tumor diagnostics, and non-invasive imaging in clinical practice. His research has significantly improved early detection and management of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers through the introduction of innovative diagnostic algorithms and pattern-based approaches. He has published extensively in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, contributed to influential conference proceedings, and edited authoritative international textbooks. His work demonstrates exceptional citation impact and global research visibility. He has led and collaborated on multiple clinical research projects, contributed to translational dermatology, provided editorial and peer-review services, chaired scientific meetings, and received numerous international research awards recognizing innovation, leadership, and sustained excellence in dermoscopy research.

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Rama Ayash | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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

Zengxin Gao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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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

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.