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.

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Yasaman Salari | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Yasaman Salari | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University Hospitals Sussex | United Kingdom

Dr. Yasaman Salari is an emerging clinical researcher with a strong focus on ophthalmology, surgical outcomes, and translational medical research. Her scholarly contributions include first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, notably addressing advanced glaucoma management and breast cancer surgical outcomes. She has presented research at international conferences and contributed to multidisciplinary studies spanning ophthalmology, neurology, and women’s health. Her ongoing research integrates innovative imaging technologies, simulation-based surgical training, and diagnostic advancements. Dr. Yasaman Salari demonstrates expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, contributing to evidence-based clinical practice and advancing patient-centered innovations in ophthalmic and surgical research.

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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

Marta Cudzik | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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

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

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

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

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