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

Ufuomanefe Jones | Nursing and Health Professions | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ufuomanefe Jones | Nursing and Health Professions | Research Excellence Award

Coventry University | United Kingdom

Dr. Ufuomanefe Jones is a health and wellbeing researcher whose scholarship examines cardiovascular care, patient–family experiences, and equity in healthcare education and practice. Her work integrates qualitative inquiry with applied clinical perspectives to understand how communication, consultation styles, and cultural context shape outcomes for people living with heart failure and for families of frontline healthcare workers. She has contributed to interdisciplinary research on ethnic diversity, leadership barriers, and inclusion within paramedic and nursing education, advancing asset-based and equity-focused approaches. Dr. Jones has published in peer-reviewed international journals and presents regularly at public health and healthcare education conferences. Her research is recognised for amplifying underrepresented voices, strengthening culturally responsive practice, and informing workforce development and patient-centred cardiovascular care.

View ORCID Profile

Featured Publications


Family Experiences of living with frontline Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom: Perspectives from Black and Asian Community

– Jones, U., Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye, A., Khutan, R., Murandu, M. · Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Infectious Diseases, 2026


Addressing the lack of ethnic diversity in the UK paramedic profession: A call for action

– Adegboye, A.A., Jones, U., Gilkes, G., et al. · British Paramedic Journal, 2025


Enhancing diversity and inclusion in paramedic education: Exploring educator and learner perspectives on asset-based initiatives

– Graham, K., Jones, U., Rehling, T., et al. · Health Services Management Research, 2025


Addressing Leadership diversity barriers for Ethnic Minority staff in WMAS

– Hyllam, M., Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye, A., Jones, U., et al. · European Journal of Public Health, 2025

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

Aimilios Lallas | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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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Zengxin Gao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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

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.

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.

Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhiliang Xu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Wannan Medical College | China

Prof. Zhiliang Xu, affiliated with Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China, is a distinguished molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher whose work focuses on histone ubiquitination, chromatin remodeling, and their implications in neurological disorders, cancer, gametogenesis, and cellular reprogramming. He earned his Ph.D. from the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017. According to Scopus, Prof. Zhiliang Xu has authored 11 publications, which have been cited 34 times, and he holds an h-index of 4, demonstrating the impact of his research in the scientific community. His seminal studies elucidated the role of H2B ubiquitination in chromatin relaxation during meiosis and cellular reprogramming, published in journals such as Nucleic Acids Research (2016), Cell Proliferation (2021), and Reproduction (2017). His recent work on neuronal repair, gut-liver axis regulation in diabetes, and genomic approaches to thalassemia has been featured in FASEB Journal (2025), Annals of Hematology (2025), and Neuroscience Letters (2025). Prof. Zhiliang Xu leads multiple high-impact national and provincial research projects, serves as a peer reviewer for journals including Scientific Reports and Neurochemical Research, and evaluates theses for graduate and doctoral candidates. Recognized with the 2021 National Maternal and Child Health Science and Technology Award (First Prize), the 2022 Guangzhou High-level Talent Award, and the 2024 Outstanding Young Talent honor in Anhui Province, Prof. Zhiliang Xu continues to advance fundamental understanding of chromatin biology and epigenetic regulation, exemplifying excellence, mentorship, and translational scientific impact, making him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shi, L., Yan, X., Xia, Y., Zhao, Y., Zhu, X., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Beyond transfusions and transplants: Genomic innovations rewriting the narrative of thalassemia. Annals of Hematology.

2. Zhang, Y., Wang, J., Huang, S., Liu, M., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviates cortical neuronal injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by rebalancing HES1 and NF-κB expression. Neuroreport.

3. Yan, X., Shi, L., Zhu, X., Zhao, J., Zhao, Y., Luo, J., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). From microbial homeostasis to systemic pathogenesis: A narrative review on gut flora’s role in neuropsychiatric, metabolic, and cancer disorders. Journal of Inflammation Research.

4. Huang, S., Lu, Y., Fang, W., Huang, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation-induced apoptosis. Open Life Sciences.

5. Li, Q., Zhang, L., Sun, Y., Du, Z., Xu, S., Wang, X., Wei, S., Tao, Y., Li, B., Jiang, J., Di, G., Huang, Y., & Xu, Z. (2025). p53 modulates the gut-liver axis via PI3K/AKT/Wnt signaling pathways in type 2 diabetes. FASEB Journal.

6. Li, Q., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., & Zhu, X. (2025). Paeonol mitigates chronic stress-induced amygdalar neuronal damage through glycogen synthase kinase-3β/calcineurin axis regulation of synaptic plasticity. Neuroreport.

7. Zhu, X., Zhang, Y., Yan, X., Zhao, Y., Shi, L., Sun, Z., Meng, K., Zong, Y., Li, Q., & Xu, Z. (2025). Paeonol facilitates the repair of neuronal damage in the mPFC caused by chronic stress via the Rho GTPases-cofilin1 signaling pathway. Neuroscience Letters, 138329.