Niladry Sekhar Ghosh | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Niladry Sekhar Ghosh | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Assam Down Town University, Guwahati | India

Prof. Niladry Sekhar Ghosh is a distinguished researcher and Professor at Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, serving also as Member Secretary of the Board of Studies, with extensive expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical research. He earned his B.Pharm. and M.Pharm. degrees from S.C.S College of Pharmacy, R.G.U.H.S Bangalore, graduating with first-class honors, and completed his Ph.D. at Shobhit University in 2020, focusing on the synthesis of bioactive fluoro-benzothiazole derivatives and the biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles for biological and pharmacological screening. With over 18 years of teaching experience and significant contributions to research, his key areas of interest include drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, pharmacological evaluation of bioactive compounds, and cancer therapeutics. Prof. Ghosh has authored more than 50 publications in high-impact journals indexed in SCI, Scopus, and ESCI, including studies on cathepsin inhibitors, benzimidazole and indole derivatives as anticancer agents, and green synthesis of nanoparticles. He has been recognized with multiple honors, notably the Young Teacher Awards by SPER in 2016 and 2018, and has secured competitive research grants from SERB-DST, DBT, ICMR, and NCW for innovative projects in pharmaceutical biotechnology and nanomedicine. Additionally, he holds patents for metallic nanoparticle synthesis and biomedical devices. Beyond research, he serves as a resource person, reviewer, and editor for various scientific journals, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and nanotechnology. His leadership roles in academic administration and research guidance underscore his commitment to advancing pharmaceutical education and translational research. He has 90 citations from 22 documents with an h-index of 7.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S., & Singh, R. (2022). Zebrafish as an emerging model: An important testing platform for biomedical science.

2. Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S., Gupta, A., & Singh, S. (2023). A review on current epidemiology and molecular studies of lumpy skin disease virus—An emerging worldwide threat to domestic animals.

3. Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S., Agnihotri, N., Kumar, A., Pandey, M., & Nishad, S. (2022). Herbs derived bioactive compounds and their potential for the treatment of neurological disorders.

4. Dubey, A., Ghosh, N. S., Rathor, V. P. S., Patel, S., Patel, B., & Purohit, D. (2022). SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric diseases.

5. Chandra, D., Yadav, I. K., Jaiswal, D., Ghosh, N., Singh, H. P., Mishra, A., … (Year not specified). Formulation and evaluation of satranidazole microspheres for colon-targeted drug delivery.

Nayeralsadat Fatemi | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nayeralsadat Fatemi | Oncology | Best Researcher Award 

Researcher | Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases | Iran

Dr. Nayeralsadat Fatemi is a distinguished Research Scientist at the Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (RIGLD), Tehran, Iran, with a profound background in genetics and molecular medicine. She obtained her B.Sc. in Genetics from Esfahan University in 2007, followed by an M.Sc. in Genetics from Shahrekord University in 2012, and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Dr. Fatemi’s research primarily focuses on colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, reproductive genetics, and the interplay between microbiota and cancer-related molecular pathways. Her work integrates genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics analyses to uncover biomarkers, drug resistance mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. She has contributed to over thirty peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Gut Pathogens, Virulence, Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, and International Journal of Cancer, with notable studies on Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer, microRNA-mediated regulatory networks, and genetic causes of recurrent pregnancy loss. Dr. Fatemi has presented her findings at numerous national and international conferences, earning recognition for excellence in research communication, including Best Poster awards at reproductive medicine congresses. Beyond her research contributions, she serves as an active reviewer and editorial board member for several scientific journals in molecular medicine, cancer biology, and reproductive genetics, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific rigor and knowledge dissemination in health sciences. Her career exemplifies a dedication to translational research, bridging fundamental molecular discoveries with clinical applications to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient outcomes in gastroenterology and reproductive medicine. She has 218 citations from 31 documents with an h-index of 7.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Fatemi, N., Tierling, S., Es, H. A., Varkiani, M., Mojarad, E. N., Aghdaei, H. A., … (2022). DNA methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer: Clinical applications for precision medicine.

2. Fatemi, N., Sanati, M. H., Shamsara, M., Moayer, F., Zavarehei, M. J., Pouya, A., … (2014). TBHP-induced oxidative stress alters microRNAs expression in mouse testis. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics.

3. Amiri Yekta, A., Dalman, A., Eftekhari-Yazdi, P., Sanati, M. H., Shahverdi, A. H., … (2013). Production of transgenic goats expressing human coagulation factor IX in the mammary glands after nuclear transfer using transfected fetal fibroblast cells.

4. Fatemi, N., Sanati, M. H., Jamali Zavarehei, M., Ayat, H., Esmaeili, V., … (2013). Effect of tertiary‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)‐induced oxidative stress on mice sperm quality and testis histopathology.

5. Rejali, L., Seifollahi Asl, R., Sanjabi, F., Fatemi, N., Asadzadeh Aghdaei, H., … (2023). Principles of molecular utility for CMS classification in colorectal cancer management.

Virginie Guastella | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Virginie Guastella | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University Hospital Clermont-ferrand | France

Dr. Virginie Guastella is a distinguished physician and researcher specializing in palliative care and pain management. She holds a Doctorate in Medicine and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) focused on opioid analgesics and cancer pain. She currently serves as Head of the Palliative Care Unit at CHU Clermont-Ferrand and as Associate Professor in Palliative Medicine at the University Clermont Auvergne, leading the UIC “Douleur, qualité de vie et maladie grave” within the GRUIC “Douleurs chroniques et thérapeutiques.” Her clinical work emphasizes optimizing pain management, end-of-life care, and therapeutic support for patients with advanced illness, while her research explores critical areas including opioid misuse, the integration of virtual reality and music care in palliative settings, and early detection of chemotherapy-induced neuropathies. She has supervised over 24 medical theses and numerous master-level projects, contributing significantly to clinical education, and is a prolific author with 20 international peer-reviewed publications, multiple national articles, and several book chapters addressing topics from opioid prescribing practices to patient and caregiver experiences in palliative care. Beyond research and clinical responsibilities, she actively participates in national and regional committees, contributes to guideline development, and advocates for palliative medicine education and ethics. Through her combined contributions in research, education, and clinical practice, she has played a pivotal role in advancing patient-centered care, promoting evidence-based practices, and improving the quality of life for patients facing serious illness, establishing herself as a leading figure in palliative care and pain management. She has 485 citations from 41 documents with an h-index of 9.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Lawton, G., Calvel, L., Perceau-Chambard, E., Guastella, V., Economos, G., & Evin, A. (2025). Career trajectories after palliative care training: A national e-survey of medical interns in France.

2. Klaeyle, D., Calvel, L., Perceau-Chambard, E., Guastella, V., Economos, G., & Evin, A. (2025). Teaching palliative medicine in the medical school clerkship in France: A national e-survey.

3. Guastella, V., Lambert, C., Lafforgue, A., Metretin, P., Verstreate, A., Watelet, S., Perceau-Chambard, É., & Lautrette, A. (2024). Withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Guastella, V., Delorme, J., Chenaf, C., & Authier, N. (2022). The prevalence of off-label prescribing of transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl in France. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

5. Preux, C., Bertin, M., Tarot, A., Authier, N., Pinol, N., Brugnon, D., Pereira, B., & Guastella, V. (2022). Prevalence of opioid use disorder among patients with cancer-related pain: A systematic review.

Yang Zhang | Clinical Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yang Zhang | Clinical Medicine | Best Researcher Award 

Director | Department of Laboratory Medicine Chongqing University | China

Dr. Yang Zhang, Ph.D., currently serves as Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chongqing University Affiliated Renji Hospital and is an Associate Chief Physician, Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, and doctoral and master’s supervisor at Chongqing University. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine in Laboratory Medicine (2008), Master of Medicine in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (2011), and Ph.D. in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (2015) from the Third Military Medical University, complemented by a Ministry of Education-sponsored visiting scholarship at Loma Linda University, USA (2012–2015). Her research centers on precision molecular diagnostics in oncology, with a special focus on POCT rapid diagnostic reagents and spectroscopy-based label-free diagnostic techniques. Dr. Zhang has led multiple high-level research projects, including three funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, one by the National Key R&D Program, and numerous provincial and military projects, securing over 6.88 million RMB in funding. She has published more than 40 academic papers as first or corresponding author, with 15 SCI-indexed articles, an H-index of 24, and a single paper cited over 280 times. Her scholarly contributions extend to 12 Chinese invention patents, 1 international PCT patent, and five co-edited scientific monographs, including works on molecular diagnostics and terahertz applications. Dr. Zhang’s achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, such as Chongqing High-Level Young Medical Talent (2022), the “Top Ten Young Scientists in Shapingba District” (2022), First Prize in the Chongqing Association for Science and Technology Innovation (2023), and the National Laboratory Medicine Science and Technology Innovation Award (2021). She also serves as a reviewer for the NSFC and contributes to several national professional committees in laboratory medicine. She has 1044 citations from 43 documents with an h-index of 16.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID 

Publications

1. Zhang, Y. (2020). ENT1 inhibition attenuates apoptosis by activation of cAMP/pCREB/Bcl2 pathway after MCAO in rats. Experimental Neurology, 331, 113362.

2. Zhang, Y. (2020). Identification of immune-related prognostic biomarkers based on the tumor microenvironment in 20 malignant tumor types with poor prognosis. Frontiers in Oncology, 10, 1008.

3. Tian, H., Yuan, C., Liu, Y., Xia, K., Li, M., Xie, F., Chen, Q., Chen, M., Fu, W., & Zhang, Y. (2020, July 28). A sample-to-answer quantification platform for point-of-care testing of circulating microRNAs based on allosteric spherical nanoprobe. Preprint.

4. Zhang, Y. (2020). Evaluation of the reliability of six commercial SERS substrates. Plasmonics, 15(5), 1323–1332.

5. Zhang, Y. (2020). Dataset concerning plasmonic thermal destruction of murine melanoma by gold nanoparticles obtained by green chemistry. Data in Brief, 30, 105370.

Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award

Clinical Professor at University of Michigan, United States

Francis Worden is a highly respected clinical professor of internal medicine with a specialization in hematology and oncology at the University of Michigan. His career reflects a steady progression through academic and leadership roles, demonstrating both dedication to patient care and commitment to advancing cancer research. He has focused his research on organ preservation strategies in head and neck cancers, as well as developing medical treatment approaches for advanced thyroid and adrenal cancers. His extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals highlights his contributions to improving outcomes in oncology, and his collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams has advanced both clinical practice and scientific understanding. In addition to research, he has played an important role in medical education and mentorship, particularly through directing fellowship programs and guiding future oncologists. With a balance of clinical excellence, research productivity, and educational leadership, he is recognized as an influential figure in academic oncology.

Professional Profile

 Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Francis Worden’s educational background reflects a strong and diverse foundation in both the pharmaceutical sciences and medicine. He first completed a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Purdue University, which provided him with a deep understanding of pharmacology and drug therapy principles. Building on this knowledge, he pursued a medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was part of the Pediatric Honors Program, demonstrating early distinction in his training. Following medical school, he undertook an internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne State University, which gave him dual expertise and broadened his clinical skills. He then completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Michigan Health System, which set the stage for his lifelong career in oncology. This educational journey, spanning pharmacy, medicine, and advanced subspecialty training, has shaped his ability to integrate research, clinical care, and education in cancer medicine.

Experience

Francis Worden has built an extensive professional career that integrates clinical practice, academic leadership, and research in oncology. He began his work as a pharmacist before fully transitioning into medicine, where he gained experience as a physician in urgent care, emergency settings, and hospice care, reflecting a broad understanding of patient needs across different stages of illness. At the University of Michigan, he advanced through multiple academic roles, ultimately becoming a clinical professor in hematology and oncology. His leadership positions have included serving as a medical oncology clinic team leader, medical director for hospice programs, and director of the hematology/oncology fellowship program, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring and training future oncologists. Alongside his clinical responsibilities, he has maintained an active research portfolio, contributing to advancements in head and neck cancer management, thyroid and adrenal cancers, and strategies for organ preservation. His career embodies dedication to patient care, education, and impactful research.

Research Interest

Francis Worden’s research interests are centered on advancing treatment strategies for complex cancers with a strong emphasis on improving patient outcomes and quality of life. A major focus of his work has been organ preservation in head and neck oncology, where he has contributed to developing approaches that aim to maintain function without compromising survival. He is deeply involved in exploring systemic therapies for advanced and metastatic head and neck cancers, seeking to refine chemoradiation protocols and identify biomarkers that predict response to therapy. His research also extends to the management of rare but challenging malignancies such as adrenal and metastatic thyroid cancers, where he has investigated therapeutic options that may improve survival in patients with limited treatment choices. Additionally, he maintains an interest in medical education research, particularly in shaping oncology training programs. His efforts reflect a balance of translational and clinical research that bridges innovation with patient-centered care.

Award and Honor

Throughout his career, Francis Worden has earned recognition for his significant contributions to oncology, education, and patient care. His dedication to advancing cancer treatment through clinical research has positioned him as a respected figure in the medical community, earning honors that reflect both his scientific impact and his commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex cancers. As a leader in head and neck oncology, he has been acknowledged for his role in pioneering organ preservation strategies and contributing to the development of evidence-based therapies. His long-standing service as a mentor and fellowship program director has also brought him distinction within academic medicine, highlighting his influence on training the next generation of oncologists. While much of his recognition is embedded in professional appointments, leadership roles, and invitations to collaborate on national clinical guidelines, these achievements collectively illustrate the esteem with which his peers and institutions regard his professional accomplishments.

Research Skill

Francis Worden possesses a wide range of research skills that have enabled him to make meaningful contributions to oncology and medical education. He demonstrates strong expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials, particularly in developing and evaluating treatment strategies for head and neck, thyroid, and adrenal cancers. His ability to integrate clinical practice with research allows him to identify relevant patient-centered questions and translate them into impactful studies. He is skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary research, working with experts in radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and radiology to generate comprehensive approaches to cancer management. His proficiency in analyzing clinical outcomes, interpreting imaging, and exploring biomarker-driven therapies reflects a capacity to connect clinical data with translational science. Additionally, his scholarship and publication record highlight his ability to effectively disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals, influencing both practice and future research. These skills underscore his strength as a clinician-researcher dedicated to advancing cancer care.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles,

Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis

Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu

Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French  Bryan R. Haugen

Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu, Eric J. Sherman, Shaylene McCue, Nathan R. Foster, et al.

Conclusion

Dr. Francis Worden is a highly accomplished academic oncologist whose career reflects deep commitment to clinical care, education, and impactful cancer research. His contributions to head and neck cancer management and organ preservation strategies are particularly noteworthy and have advanced patient care significantly. While areas such as expanding independent authorship visibility, diversifying into emerging oncology frontiers, and showcasing international leadership could further enhance his candidacy, his overall profile demonstrates excellence, longevity, and leadership in oncology research. He is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in fields related to clinical oncology, translational research, and academic mentorship.