Aleksandra Lavrikova | Environmental Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aleksandra Lavrikova | Environmental Health | Best Researcher Award

Post – doctoral at EPFL | Switzerland

Aleksandra Lavrikova is a highly promising early-career researcher with strong academic and professional achievements that make her a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a solid background in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and biophysics, and currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Swiss Plasma Center, EPFL, she has developed expertise in advanced experimental methods and interdisciplinary plasma research. Her work focuses on microbial inactivation, biofilm eradication, wastewater treatment, and plasma–cell interactions, resulting in multiple publications in reputed international journals. She has secured independent grants as a principal investigator, received awards for scientific excellence, and actively participated in international collaborations, reflecting leadership potential and global engagement. While her profile could be further strengthened through more high-impact publications, expanded translational research, and greater leadership in multi-institutional projects, her contributions to plasma science and biomedical applications already demonstrate significant impact, making her a deserving candidate for recognition.

Professional Profile 

Education

Aleksandra Lavrikova’s educational journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation that has shaped her into a skilled and versatile researcher. She began her studies with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology where she gained essential knowledge in life sciences and laboratory research. Building upon this, she pursued a Master’s degree in Nanotechnology and Microsystems Technology at the People’s Friendship University of Russia  equipping her with advanced technical and analytical skills at the intersection of biology and engineering. Her academic path culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biophysics from Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia where she specialized in the study of plasma interactions with biological systems and microbial biofilms. This progression from biotechnology through nanotechnology to biophysics demonstrates her commitment to integrating multiple disciplines, enabling her to conduct impactful research with both scientific depth and practical relevance.

Experience

Aleksandra Lavrikova’s professional experience highlights her steady growth as a dedicated and innovative researcher in the fields of microbiology, plasma science, and biophysics. She began her career as a laboratory assistant at the Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Moscow where she gained valuable hands-on experience in molecular biology, microbiological analysis, and cell culture techniques. This early role laid the groundwork for her future focus on microbial systems and their interactions with novel technologies. Following the completion of her PhD, she advanced to her current role as a postdoctoral researcher at the Swiss Plasma Center, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). In this prestigious position, she has been actively involved in interdisciplinary projects exploring cold atmospheric plasma applications for microbial inactivation, biofilm control, and environmental treatments. Her international research collaborations, grant leadership, and contributions to high-impact publications reflect her growing independence and recognition as a promising researcher.

Research Interest

Aleksandra Lavrikova’s research interests lie at the intersection of microbiology, biophysics, and plasma science, with a focus on innovative solutions to biomedical and environmental challenges. She is particularly interested in the microbiological analysis of single cells, fungi, and bacterial biofilms, as well as the study of plasma–cell interactions at the molecular and cellular levels. Her expertise spans advanced molecular biology techniques, including PCR, protein and RNA isolation, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry, alongside spectroscopy and microscopy methods for in-depth characterization. A key area of her research involves the use of cold atmospheric plasmas and plasma-activated liquids for microbial inactivation, biofilm eradication, and wastewater treatment, highlighting the practical applications of her work in both healthcare and environmental sustainability. She is also engaged in studying mechanisms such as cell membrane integrity, DNA damage, and reactive oxygen species accumulation. This multidisciplinary approach demonstrates her commitment to advancing plasma-based technologies for global benefit.

Award and Honor

Aleksandra Lavrikova has received notable awards and honors that reflect her excellence, innovation, and growing recognition in the scientific community. she was a finalist in the Falling Walls Lab (Slovakia) competition, which highlights breakthrough ideas with global impact, underscoring the novelty and societal relevance of her research. The same year, she was awarded a Short Term Scientific Mission Grant to pursue collaborative research on cold plasma interactions with bacterial biofilms at University College Dublin, Ireland, demonstrating her active engagement in international scientific exchange. She also earned the Ján D. Skalný Prize for Best Oral Presentation at the Symposium on Application of Plasma Processes recognizing her outstanding ability to communicate complex research effectively. In addition, she successfully secured multiple competitive research grants as principal investigator during her PhD studies, which highlights her leadership and independence in scientific inquiry.

Research Skill

Aleksandra Lavrikova possesses a broad and advanced set of research skills that enable her to conduct interdisciplinary investigations in microbiology, plasma science, and biophysics. She is proficient in microbiological techniques, including the cultivation and analysis of bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, as well as in vitro manipulations involving virus-infected eukaryotic cells. Her expertise extends to molecular biology methods such as PCR, protein and RNA isolation, electrophoresis, and immunoblotting, which allow her to explore cellular mechanisms at the molecular level. She is skilled in spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, including fluorescence spectroscopy, absorption studies, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy, for detailed cellular and structural characterization. Additionally, she has experience with flow cytometry and animal experiments, further strengthening her versatility. A key aspect of her skill set is her ability to operate cold plasma discharges and study plasma–cell interactions, enabling innovative applications in biomedical and environmental research.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Flow cytometry study of Escherichia coli treated with plasma-activated water: confirming the absence of the viable but non-culturable state in bacteria
Authors: Agus, Rita; Avino, Fabio; Lavrikova, Aleksandra; Myers, Brayden; Furno, Ivo

Title: Non-thermal plasma coupled with photocatalysis for indoor air treatment at high air flow rates: effects on VOCs and bio-aerosols
Authors: Vazquez, Thomas; Lavrikova, Aleksandra; Wiedermann, Dalimír; Babic, Jan; Palko, Miroslav; Palko, Maroš; Machala, Zdenko

Title: Organic wastewater decontamination by cold plasmas – Improving bacteria inactivation by post-plasma treatment
Authors: Lavrikova, Aleksandra; Avino, Fabio; Agus, Rita; Furno, Ivo

Title: Eradication of single- and mixed-species biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus by pulsed streamer corona discharge cold atmospheric plasma
Authors: Lavrikova, Aleksandra; Janda, Mário; Bujdáková, Helena; Hensel, Karol

Title: Plasma-activated water retains antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli after 72 h of storage
Authors: Agus, Rita; Pipoz, Laurens; Avino, Fabio; Lavrikova, Aleksandra; Myers, Brayden; Furno, Ivo

Conclusion

Aleksandra Lavrikova shows strong potential and already has a remarkable track record for an early-career researcher. Her multidisciplinary expertise in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and plasma biophysics, combined with her successful independent grants, peer-reviewed publications, and international collaborations, make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She stands out particularly for her contributions to plasma applications in microbiology, biofilms, and environmental treatment, which have both scientific and societal relevance. With continued growth in high-impact publications, expanded leadership roles, and stronger translational applications of her work, she has the potential to become an internationally recognized leader in her field. At her current trajectory, she is highly suitable for recognition, and awarding her would not only honor her achievements but also encourage further groundbreaking contributions to science.

Hamidreza Aghababaeian | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member at DUMS, Iran

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian is a distinguished health scientist with in healthcare, academia, and disaster-related research. Holding a PhD in Health in Emergencies and Disasters, he has made significant contributions as Dean of the Center for Climate Change and Health Research and through leadership in numerous national projects on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and environmental health impacts. His extensive publications, systematic reviews, and policy-oriented studies address urgent public health issues such as dust storms, extreme weather, and drought adaptation. As a faculty member, he has trained future professionals in disaster health, research methods, and emergency management, while also serving as an editorial board member and reviewer for leading international journals. His work demonstrates a strong blend of scholarly excellence, societal relevance, and leadership. With potential to expand global collaborations and adopt advanced analytical tools, he is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian possesses a strong academic foundation in health sciences, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Surgical Nursing from Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. He advanced his expertise with a PhD in Health in Emergencies and Disasters from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, focusing on the development of models to assess the health impacts of extreme weather events and dust storms. His academic journey reflects a commitment to integrating clinical knowledge with public health and disaster management, bridging the gap between patient care and large-scale emergency preparedness. Additionally, he has enriched his qualifications through specialized international training, including the Health Emergencies in Large Populations (HELP) course by the International Committee of the Red Cross, Health in Emergencies and Disasters courses, and the European Climate Resilient Health Systems Course, demonstrating dedication to lifelong learning and global expertise.

Experience

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian has extensive professional experience spanning healthcare services, academic leadership, and disaster health research. He has served in health centers and disaster response fields, applying both clinical and strategic expertise. He has been a faculty member at Dezful University of Medical Sciences, teaching courses in health in emergencies and disasters, disaster management, triage, and research methodology. He has held leadership positions as a group manager and as the Dean of the Center for Climate Change and Health Research, where he directed numerous national projects on disaster resilience, climate change impacts, and environmental health risks. His professional contributions extend to scientific publishing as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for prestigious journals. Through a combination of teaching, research, and leadership, Dr. Aghababaeian has significantly advanced the field of disaster health and climate-related public health strategies.

Research Interest

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian’s research interests lie at the intersection of public health, disaster medicine, and climate change, with a strong focus on understanding and mitigating the health impacts of environmental hazards. His work extensively explores extreme weather events, dust storms, heat and cold waves, drought, and their implications for morbidity, mortality, and health system resilience. He is particularly interested in developing models, frameworks, and policy strategies to strengthen healthcare preparedness and community resilience against climate change–induced risks. His research also examines the role of social resilience, sex-based health differences, and adaptation strategies in vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities. Through systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and applied field studies, he aims to translate scientific findings into actionable solutions for policymakers, healthcare providers, and disaster management authorities. Ultimately, his research seeks to bridge the gap between climate science, health systems, and community preparedness to enhance public health resilience at local, national, and global levels.

Award and Honor

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to health sciences, disaster medicine, and climate change–related public health research. His leadership at the Center for Climate Change and Health Research and his pivotal role in numerous nationally significant projects have positioned him as a leading figure in advancing evidence-based strategies for disaster resilience and health system preparedness. He has been honored through appointments as an editorial board member for the Journal of Advanced Immunopharmacology and as a peer reviewer for prestigious international journals, including Frontiers in Public Health, PLOS One, and the Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. These roles reflect the scientific community’s trust in his expertise and scholarly judgment. His achievements also include invitations to participate in specialized international courses and collaborations, underscoring his global reputation. Collectively, these honors highlight his exceptional dedication, professional excellence, and lasting impact on public health and disaster management.

Research Skill

Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian possesses advanced research skills encompassing study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, with a particular expertise in public health, disaster medicine, and climate change–related health impacts. He is proficient in conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and policy-oriented research, translating complex scientific evidence into practical strategies for health system resilience. His analytical capabilities are supported by strong command of statistical software such as SPSS and Excel, enabling him to perform detailed epidemiological and environmental health analyses. He has successfully managed multidisciplinary research projects, from conceptualization to dissemination, often involving collaboration with national and international stakeholders. His skill set extends to developing models and preparedness frameworks, designing adaptation strategies for vulnerable populations, and integrating qualitative and quantitative research methods. With extensive experience in peer review and editorial responsibilities, Dr. Aghababaeian demonstrates exceptional ability to critically evaluate scientific work while maintaining high standards of academic rigor and research integrity.

Publications Top Notes

Title: The concept of successful aging: a review article
Authors: F. Estebsari, M. Dastoorpoor, Z.R. Khalifehkandi, A. Nouri, D. Mostafaei
Year: 2020

Title: Air pollution and hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: M. Dastoorpoor, Z. Sekhavatpour, K. Masoumi, M.J. Mohammadi
Year: 2019

Title: Global health impacts of dust storms: a systematic review
Authors: H. Aghababaeian, A. Ostadtaghizadeh, A. Ardalan, A. Asgary, M. Akbary
Year: 2021

Title: Alcohol intake in an attempt to fight COVID-19: A medical myth in Iran
Authors: H. Aghababaeian, L. Hamdanieh, A. Ostadtaghizadeh
Year: 2020

Title: The methanol poisoning outbreaks in Iran 2018
Authors: H. Aghababaeian, L. Araghi Ahvazi, A. Ostadtaghizadeh
Year: 2019

Title: Design and implementation of an empowerment model to prevent elder abuse: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: F. Estebsari, M. Dastoorpoor, D. Mostafaei, N. Khanjani, Z.R. Khalifehkandi
Year: 2018

Title: Heat waves and adaptation: A global systematic review
Authors: M. Kiarsi, M. Amiresmaili, M.R. Mahmoodi, H. Farahmandnia, N. Nakhaee
Year: 2023

Title: Lag time structure of cardiovascular deaths attributed to ambient air pollutants in Ahvaz, Iran, 2008–2015
Authors: M. Dastoorpoor, G. Goudarzi, N. Khanjan, E. Idani, H. Aghababaeian
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Based on his extensive academic qualifications, leadership in climate change and health research, prolific contributions to disaster and emergency health literature, and active engagement in scientific peer review, Dr. Hamidreza Aghababaeian is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His career reflects a strong combination of scholarly excellence, societal impact, and mentorship. With continued focus on expanding international research collaborations and leveraging emerging technologies, he holds great potential to further influence global health resilience strategies and shape the next generation of health scientists.