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

Fatemeh Shirani | Medicine and Health Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani | Medicine and Health Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center | Iran

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani is a distinguished scholar in the field of Nutritional Sciences, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to clinical nutrition, dietary epidemiology, and metabolic health. She has consistently advanced the understanding of how diet and nutrition influence chronic disease prevention and treatment, with a strong emphasis on obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Through her innovative research and global collaborations, she has established herself as a thought leader whose work bridges scientific evidence with practical dietary strategies for public health. Currently serving at the Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, she has become a role model for women in science through her dedication, mentorship, and international engagement.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani completed her academic journey with distinction in Nutritional Sciences, earning her foundational and advanced degrees from leading Iranian institutions. She further enriched her expertise through doctoral-level research at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, where she focused on the intricate links between nutrition and chronic diseases. Her academic training was complemented by international research at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, where she deepened her skills in nutritional biomedicine and clinical research methodologies. This comprehensive educational background provided her with a strong platform to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in clinical and population-based nutrition research.

Experience

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani has accumulated extensive experience across research, teaching, and scientific service. She has contributed to large-scale community-based projects, such as national nutrition surveys and heart health programs, aimed at improving public health outcomes through evidence-based interventions. As a dedicated educator, she has taught undergraduate and graduate students, instilling in them the principles of basic nutrition, clinical dietetics, and community health. Her expertise extends to laboratory techniques such as PCR and cell culture, which she has applied to translational nutrition studies. Beyond academia, she has actively participated as a reviewer for prestigious international journals, shaping the quality of published science in her field. Her professional journey reflects a balance of teaching, research, community service, and scientific leadership.

Research Interests

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani’s research interests lie at the intersection of nutrition, epidemiology, and chronic disease management. She is deeply invested in exploring obesity and weight-loss strategies, nutritional interventions for diabetes and metabolic disorders, and the role of diet in preventing cardiovascular disease. Her work also investigates the emerging field of “infectobesity,” examining the connections between viral infections and obesity. By employing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials, she provides high-quality evidence that informs dietary recommendations and policy guidelines. Her studies not only address the biological mechanisms of nutrition-related diseases but also emphasize the translation of findings into practical interventions for populations at risk.

Awards

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani has been widely recognized for her contributions to nutritional sciences, particularly her ability to merge clinical expertise with public health perspectives. Her nomination for the Women Researcher Award reflects her outstanding achievements in advancing women’s representation in scientific leadership and her sustained impact on global nutrition research. She has consistently demonstrated excellence through her publications, conference presentations, and active participation in national and international nutrition societies. This recognition highlights not only her scientific accomplishments but also her commitment to mentoring young researchers and fostering collaborative networks across borders.

Publication

Dr. Fatemeh Shirani has produced a rich body of work that has been widely cited in international literature. Selected publications include:

Title: Effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet on fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular diseases incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal: Nutrition
Published on: 2013
Citation: 482

Title: The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on weight and body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal: Obesity Reviews
Published on: 2016
Citation: 308

Title: Effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet on some risk for developing type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis on controlled clinical trials
Journal: Nutrition
Published on: 2013
Citation: 288

Title: The role of magnesium in sleep health: a systematic review of available literature
Journal: Biological Trace Element Research
Published on: 2023
Citation: 104

Title: Is phase angle a valuable prognostic tool in cancer patients’ survival? A systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature
Journal: Clinical Nutrition
Published on: 2021
Citation: 98

Title: Vinegar consumption can attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin responses; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Journal: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
Published on: 2017
Citation: 95

Title: Effects of concentrated pomegranate juice on subclinical inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes: A quasi-experimental study
Journal: International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Published on: 2016
Citation: 55

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Fatemeh Shirani stands as a leading figure in nutritional sciences whose contributions have advanced both research and practice in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Her ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical dietary strategies has had a lasting impact on public health. With her strong publication record, global collaborations, and dedication to mentorship, she exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding woman researcher. Her nomination for the Women Researcher Award reflects not only her academic excellence but also her leadership, vision, and commitment to improving health outcomes through nutrition science.