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

Gabriella Gould | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Gabriella Gould | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Bond University | Australia

Ms. Gabriella Gould is a dedicated physiotherapist and researcher with a focused expertise in musculoskeletal and vestibular physiotherapy, emphasizing evidence-based clinical assessment and rehabilitation strategies. Her research endeavors explore the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of physiotherapy interventions, with a particular emphasis on musculoskeletal conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy. Ms. Gabriella Gould’s most notable contribution is her systematic review on the use of diagnostic ultrasound for assessing rotator cuff tendinopathy, published in Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. This work rigorously synthesizes current methodologies, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of ultrasound as a clinical assessment tool, and provides clinicians with clear, evidence-based guidance for improved diagnostic accuracy. Her research approach integrates clinical insights with scientific rigor, bridging the gap between research evidence and practical physiotherapy applications. In addition to her publications, Ms. Gabriella Gould actively engages with the broader research community through professional memberships, contributing to the development of standardized assessment protocols and evidence-informed practice guidelines. Her research contributions extend to promoting patient-centered care by ensuring that diagnostic and rehabilitation strategies are both effective and accessible. By combining innovative research, systematic evidence evaluation, and a commitment to translational application, Gabriella Gould’s work not only enhances the scientific understanding of musculoskeletal assessment but also drives improvements in clinical practice, optimizing patient outcomes. Her ongoing research interests continue to focus on advancing diagnostic precision, validating therapeutic interventions, and supporting the integration of emerging technologies into physiotherapy practice, establishing her as a rising contributor to evidence-based musculoskeletal and vestibular physiotherapy research.

Profiles: ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publication

Gould, G., Macindoe, C., Wong, J., & Matthews, W. (2025). The use of diagnostic ultrasound for the assessment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.

Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Federal University of Jataí | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes, is a distinguished researcher in immunometabolism, human physiology, and applied health sciences, recognized for his multidisciplinary contributions integrating experimental pathology, human anatomy, and exercise science. With 28 Scopus-indexed publications, 119 citations, and an h-index of 5, his research advances understanding of metabolic, genetic, and physiological adaptations in healthy individuals and those with clinical or lifestyle-related conditions, including people living with HIV/AIDS. Fernandes has produced influential studies covering immunometabolism responses, exercise physiology, body composition, sports nutrition, metabolic syndrome, cancer immunopathology, and antiretroviral therapy effectiveness. His scientific output includes peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and collaborative investigations published in respected journals such as Metabolites, Geriatrics, Sports, Current HIV Research, Molecular Biology Reports, and Discover Public Health. Fernandes leads and collaborates on research projects exploring exercise prescription, photo biomodulation, osteopathic interventions, muscle damage biomarkers, and functional health indicators such as handgrip strength. His expertise also extends to educational research on human anatomy, including remote versus in-person instruction and academic performance in health-science students. Through public health outreach initiatives, he contributes to community wellness by developing structured exercise programs and participating in One Health–aligned interdisciplinary actions. Supported by competitive funding from major Brazilian agencies, he conducts R&D focused on immunometabolism health, functional performance, and applied health interventions. His growing citation base, broad research themes, and sustained collaborations underscore his scientific relevance and expanding impact across exercise science, pathology, and applied health research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. De Rossi, T., Lozovoy, M. A. B., da Silva, R. V., Fernandes, E. V., Geraldino, T. H., & others. (2011). Interações entre Candida albicans e hospedeiro. Semina: Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, 32(1), 15–28.

2. Weber, M. G., Dias, S. S., de Angelis, T. R., Fernandes, E. V., Bernardes, A. G., & others. (2021). The use of BCAA to decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness after a single bout of exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Amino Acids, 53(11), 1663–1678.

3. Romanin, P., Palermo, R. L., Cavalini, J. F., Favaro, L. S., De Paula-Petroli, S. B., Fernandes, E. V., & others. (2019). Multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a tertiary hospital from Brazil: The importance of carbapenemase encoding genes and related resistance mechanisms. Microbial Drug Resistance, 25(9), 1365–1373.

4. Khan, S. A., Venancio, E. J., Ono, M. A., Fernandes, E. V., Hirooka, E. Y., Shimizu, C. F., & others. (2019). Effects of subcutaneous ochratoxin-A exposure on immune system of broiler chicks. Toxins, 11(5), 264.

5. Vitorino, R. W. S., Fornaziero, C. C., & Fernandes, E. V. (2020). Evaluation of performance and perception of learning in teaching human anatomy: Traditional method vs constructivist method. International Journal of Morphology, 38(1), 74–77.

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

Tuncay Kiris | Medicine and Health Sciences | Forensic Scientist of the Year Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuncay Kiris | Medicine and Health Sciences | Forensic Scientist of the Year Award

Izmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital | Turkey

Dr. Tuncay Kırış, an Associate Professor at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University, Izmir, Turkey, is a distinguished cardiology researcher recognized for his extensive contributions to cardiovascular medicine, particularly in the fields of cardiovascular risk prediction, interventional cardiology, acute coronary syndromes, and cardiac biomarkers. His research has provided valuable insights into myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, renal complications following cardiac interventions, and the prognostic implications of biochemical and hematological markers in predicting patient outcomes. Dr. Tuncay Kırış has authored 83 peer-reviewed publications in prestigious international journals indexed in SCI and SCI-Expanded, including Angiology, BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, The Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, Clinical and Experimental Hypertension, Herz, and Acta Radiologica. His works have received 591 citations from 544 documents, with an h-index of 15, according to Scopus (Author ID: 55321350600), reflecting his strong academic impact. His studies emphasize innovative predictive and prognostic modeling approaches, such as exploring the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, red cell distribution width, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as novel indicators of adverse cardiovascular events and renal complications. Beyond his research, he has supervised postgraduate theses on cardiovascular risk assessment, contributed to collaborative projects in clinical and translational cardiology, and serves as Editor of the Ege Klinikleri Tıp Dergisi. As an active reviewer for several international cardiology journals, Dr. Tuncay Kırış continues to advance evidence-based cardiology through data-driven research, bridging clinical practice with innovation to improve patient outcomes and global cardiovascular health.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  • Yildirim, S. E., Yildirim, T., Kırış, T., & Avci, E. (2025, October). Prognostic value of the NAPLES score and serum uric acid in chronic coronary syndrome: Evidence from time-dependent ROC and time-varying hazard ratio analyses. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(20), 7416. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207416

  • Tiryaki, M. M., Yılmaz, C., Ince, H. S., Karaca, B., Kayaalti Esin, F., & Kırış, T. (2025, September). Neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio as a predictor of in-hospital mortality in infective endocarditis. Biomarkers in Medicine, 19(17), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/17520363.2025.2562554

  • Akkan, G., Kırış, T., Esin, F., & Karaca, M. (2025, May). Evaluation of mortality and hospitalization due to decompensated heart failure and appropriate shocks in reduced ejection fraction in patients with an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator according to a novel tissue Doppler echocardiographic method. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(9), 3226. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093226

  • Esin, F., Bozkurt, H., Palac, B., Akar, B., Kırış, T., Özdemir, E., & Karaca, M. (2025, February). The impact of pleural effusion on long-term mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(5), 1596. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051596

  • Usta, A., Sancakli Usta, C., Lafci, D., Kırış, T., & Avci, E. (2024, December). Contrast induced nephropathy in women with infertility undergoing hysterosalpingography. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-024-01334-3

Xiaowen Mao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Xiaowen Mao | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Macau | Macau

Dr. Xiaowen Mao, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, where she leads translational research on cancer biology, immunotherapy, and tumor microenvironment modulation. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Hong Kong and her B.Sc. in Clinical Medicine from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Her research focuses on extracellular vesicles, immune homeostasis, metabolic reprogramming in tumors, and hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis, integrating molecular, cellular, and translational approaches. Dr. Xiaowen Mao has led several high-impact projects as principal investigator, funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund, National Natural Science Foundation Young Scientist Fund, and FDCT Innovation and Technology Promotion. Her significant contributions include the development of broadly potent neutralizing antibodies targeting Nidogen 1 to inhibit tumor growth, elucidation of extracellular vesicle-mediated metabolic reprogramming in tumors, and advances in dendritic cell vaccine strategies. She holds a U.S. patent on Nidogen 1 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, serves as Guest Editor for Frontiers in Endocrinology, and is an ad-hoc reviewer for multiple high-impact journals. According to Scopus, she has 31 publications, 1,114 citations by 1,010 documents, and an h-index of 20. Dr. Xiaowen Mao’s work bridges fundamental research and clinical translation, delivering innovative therapies and advancing precision medicine in oncology, while demonstrating a profound impact on cancer biology, immunotherapy, and translational research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Xue, T. M., Yeung, C. L. S., Mao, X. W., Tey, S. K., Lo, K. W., Tang, H. N., Yun, J. P., & Yam, J. W. P. (2025). Development of a broadly potent neutralizing antibody targeting Nidogen 1 effectively inhibits cancer growth and metastasis in preclinical tumor models. Journal of Translational Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1515/jtim-2025-0008

  • Xia, L., Li, C. G., Zhao, J., Sun, Q. C., & Mao, X. W.* (2025). Rebalancing immune homeostasis in combating disease: The impact of medicine food homology plants and gut microbiome. Phytomedicine, 136, 156150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156150

  • Chen, Z., Yam, J. W. P., & Mao, X. W.* (2024). The multifaceted roles of small extracellular vesicles in metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironments. Proteomics, e2300021. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.202300021

  • Lee, K. W., Yam, J. W. P., & Mao, X. W.* (2023). Dendritic cell vaccines: A shift from conventional approach to new generations. Cells, 12(2147). https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12172147

  • Li, S., Delvecchio, M., Ramkumar, K., Mao, X. W., Sun, X. D., & Guo, S. Z. (2023). Editorial: Clinical and genetic determinants of diabetes and complications. Frontiers in Endocrinology.

Oguz Ozcelik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Oguz Ozcelik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Kastamonu University | Turkey

Dr. Oğuz Özçelik (MD, PhD) is a distinguished Professor at Kastamonu University, Turkey, widely recognized for his pioneering work in exercise physiology, metabolism, and oxidative stress. His academic foundation in medicine and physiology has driven decades of impactful research exploring the complex relationships between aerobic fitness, respiratory regulation, and metabolic health. Through rigorous experimental design and translational insights, he has advanced understanding of how exercise modulates physiological and biochemical responses in both healthy and clinical populations. Dr. Oğuz Özçelik’s scientific contributions span more than forty peer-reviewed publications in international journals, reflecting depth, innovation, and clinical relevance. His notable works include studies on the relationship between aerobic fitness levels and isocapnic buffering periods during incremental exercise tests (Cellular and Molecular Biology, 2017, cited by 132), the effects of body mass index on maximal work production and aerobic capacity (Physiological Research, 2004, cited by 84), and the role of nesfatin-1 in glucose tolerance and depressive disorders (Physiological Research, 2016; Psychiatry Investigation, 2018). With an h-index of 13 and more than 474 citations, his scholarly influence demonstrates sustained research excellence. Dr. Oğuz Özçelik’s current investigations focus on the hormonal and metabolic adaptations to exercise and their relevance to neuroendocrine and cardiometabolic health. His leadership, academic rigor, and enduring contributions to human performance and biomedical science exemplify the highest standards of professional achievement and research integrity within the global scientific community.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Algul, S., Ozcelik, O., & Yilmaz, B. (2017). Evaluation of relationship between aerobic fitness level and range of isocapnic buffering periods during incremental exercise test. Cellular and Molecular Biology, 63(3), 78–82.

  2. Ozcelik, O., Aslan, M., Ayar, A., & Kelestimur, H. (2004). Effects of body mass index on maximal work production capacity and aerobic fitness during incremental exercise. Physiological Research, 53(2), 165–170.

  3. Algul, S., Ozkan, Y., & Ozcelik, O. (2016). Serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with different glucose tolerance levels. Physiological Research, 65(6), 979–985.

  4. Ozcelik, O., Ward, S. A., & Whipp, B. J. (1999). Effect of altered body CO₂ stores on pulmonary gas exchange dynamics during incremental exercise in humans. Experimental Physiology, 84(5), 999–1011.

  5. Algul, S., & Ozcelik, O. (2018). Evaluating the levels of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin hormones in patients with moderate and severe major depressive disorders. Psychiatry Investigation, 15(2), 214–218.

Swaroop S. Sonone | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Faculty Award

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Mr. Swaroop S. Sonone | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Faculty Award

School of Forensic Sciences, JSPM University, Pune | India

Mr. Swaroop S. Sonone, Assistant Professor at the School of Behavioural and Forensic Sciences, Jayawant Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (JSPM) University, Pune, India, is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in Digital and Cyber Forensics, Forensic Ballistics, and Cyber Psychology. He holds an M.Sc. in Forensic Science (Digital & Cyber Forensics) and a B.Sc. in Forensic Science from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, along with a Diploma in Photography. He has qualified multiple national eligibility tests, including UGC-NET (three times) and MH-SET (SPPU, 2021), showcasing his academic competence and commitment to higher education. His research credentials, as indexed in Scopus (Author ID: 57219960845; ORCID: 0000-0002-3358-348X), include 24 publications, 670 citations, and an h-index of 5, reflecting his consistent scholarly contribution and scientific impact. Mr. Sonone has demonstrated exemplary academic leadership as Programme Coordinator, IQAC Coordinator, and Editor of the International Journal of Forensic Sciences (IJFSC). His notable publications, such as Water Contamination by Heavy Metals (2020) and Unveiling the Power of Nanoparticles for Latent Fingerprints (2024), highlight his interdisciplinary expertise bridging forensic and environmental sciences. Recognized for his excellence in teaching and research, he received the Young Forensic Faculty Award (NAEF-2025) by ThinkSakshya. Beyond academia, he actively engages in public science communication through national media, fostering forensic awareness. With his intellectual rigor, innovation, and leadership, Mr. Swaroop S. Sonone continues to advance forensic science education and research in India, exemplifying professional excellence and academic integrity.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn | Staff Page

Featured Publications

  • Sonone, S. S., Jadhav, S., Sankhla, M. S., & Kumar, R. (2020). Water contamination by heavy metals and their toxic effect on aquaculture and human health through food chain. Letters in Applied NanoBioScience, 10(2), 2148–2166. Cited by 562.

  • Gulia, S., Rohilla, R. K., Sankhla, M. S., Kumar, R., & Sonone, S. S. (2020). Impact of pesticide toxicity in aquatic environment. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 11(3), 10131–10140. Cited by 166.

  • Verma, R. K., Sankhla, M. S., Rathod, N. V., Sonone, S. S., Parihar, K., & Singh, G. K. (2022). Eradication of fatal textile industrial dyes by wastewater treatment. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 12(1), 567–587. Cited by 74.

  • Mohan, H., Rajput, S. S., Jadhav, E. B., Sankhla, M. S., Sonone, S. S., Jadhav, S., et al. (2021). Ecotoxicity, occurrence, and removal of pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs from aquatic systems. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 11(5), 12530–12546. Cited by 65.

  • Singhal, M., Jadhav, S., Sonone, S. S., Sankhla, M. S., & Kumar, R. (2021). Microalgae-based sustainable bioremediation of water contaminated by pesticides. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 12, 149–169. Cited by 54.

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