Saeed Aghebat Bekheir | Translational Research | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Saeed Aghebat Bekheir | Mental Health | Research Excellence Award

PhD Candidate in Toxicology | Tehran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Saeed Aghebat Bekheir is a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate in Toxicology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, working under the mentorship of Prof. Abdollahi. His research focuses on mitochondrial toxicology, cardiotoxicity, and mechanistic modeling of toxin-induced bioenergetic failure, with a particular emphasis on developing therapeutic strategies for aluminum phosphide–induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Dr. Aghebat Bekheir has demonstrated expertise in a wide range of experimental approaches, including in vivo animal studies, cellular and molecular assays, and in vitro toxicological models, integrating mechanistic toxicology with translational research to address acute mitochondrial injury and cardiotoxicity. His scholarly contributions are reflected in several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, and he actively serves as a reviewer for multiple journals in toxicology and biomedical sciences, highlighting his commitment to advancing scientific rigor and dissemination. Collaboratively, he engages in research partnerships within the toxicology and mitochondrial research community, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to environmental and translational toxicology challenges. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of oxidative stress, bioenergetic disturbances, and cardiotoxic mechanisms, with broader implications for public health and therapeutic innovation. Beyond his laboratory and scholarly pursuits, Dr. Aghebat Bekheir’s research emphasizes societal relevance by addressing environmental toxicants and their impacts on human health, providing foundational knowledge for developing interventions to mitigate toxicity-related diseases. Through his professional memberships, editorial activities, and collaborative initiatives, he actively contributes to shaping the global toxicology landscape, promoting evidence-based strategies, and inspiring emerging researchers in the field. His ongoing research underscores a commitment to integrating scientific excellence with practical solutions for human health, reflecting both scholarly distinction and societal impact. He has 23 citations from 5 documents with an h-index of 3.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Ghanati, K., Jahanbakhsh, M., Shakoori, A., Aghebat-Bekheir, S., … (2024). The association between polycystic ovary syndrome and environmental pollutants based on animal and human study; a systematic review.

2. Ghanati, K., Eghbaljoo, H., Akbari, N., Mazaheri, Y., Aghebat-Bekheir, S., … (2023). Determination of melamine contamination in milk with various packaging: A risk assessment study.

3. Aghebat-Bekheir, S., Abdollahi, M. (2024). Discovering the most impactful treatments for aluminum phosphide cardiotoxicity gleaned from systematic review of animal studies.

4. Reihani, A., Marboutian, F., Aghebat-Bekheir, S., Reyhani, A., Akhgari, M. (2024). Diagnostic aspects of paraquat in the forensic toxicology: A systematic review.

5. Aghebat-Bekheir, S., Hekmatirad, S., Asar, N., Abdollahi, M. (n.d.). Aluminum phosphide as a model for exploring acute mitochondrial disorders.

Miguel Garcia-Gonzalez | Translational Research | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Miguel Garcia-Gonzalez | Translational Research | Innovative Research Award

Research group leader | FIDIS/IDIS | Spain

Dr. Miguel García González is a distinguished biomedical researcher and Group Leader at the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS/CHUS) in Spain, specializing in Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology of Kidney Diseases. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Santiago de Compostela, where he developed a strong foundation in genetics, molecular mechanisms, and translational nephrology. His research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular bases of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and related hereditary disorders, integrating genomic, cellular, and developmental biology approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets. Dr. García González has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Medicine, PNAS, Kidney International, and Human Molecular Genetics, contributing significantly to the field’s understanding of renal pathophysiology. His work has received numerous national and international research grants and awards, recognizing his excellence in scientific innovation and mentorship. He actively participates in editorial and peer-review roles for several leading journals in nephrology and molecular biology, further influencing the direction of biomedical research. In addition to his research contributions, Dr. García González is deeply committed to training young scientists, supervising doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across clinical and molecular domains. His pioneering work continues to advance precision medicine approaches in nephrology, bridging basic science discoveries with clinical applications aimed at improving outcomes for patients with genetic kidney diseases. He has 1913 citations from 50 documents with an h-index of 20.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. A comparative proteomic, transcriptomic and glycomic analysis of extracellular vesicle isolation techniques highlights ExoGAG efficiency for a more complete identification of breast milk molecular signaling pathways. (2025). Cell Communication and Signaling.

2. Therapeutic opportunities in polycystic kidney and liver disease through extracellular matrix dynamics. (2025). Biochemical Pharmacology.

3. Characterization of recurrent UMOD variants (p.C255Y and p.Q316P) in a Galician cohort: Genotype–phenotype correlation and clinical implications. (2025). Nefrología.

4. Characterization of the functional component in human milk and identification of the molecular mechanisms undergoing prematurity. (2025). Clinical Nutrition.

5. HNF1B transcription factor: Key regulator in renal physiology and pathogenesis. (2025).

Jack Ogony | Infectious Diseases | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Jack Ogony | Infectious Diseases | Outstanding Scientist Award

Research Associate | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University | Kenya

Dr. Jack Ogony is a distinguished Research Associate at the Institute for Health Research, Epidemiological Surveillance and Trainings (IRESSEF), with over 13 years of extensive experience in public health research across Sub-Saharan Africa. He is currently completing his PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, having previously earned a Master’s in Epidemiology from the same institution, a Postgraduate Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Kenya Institute of Management, and a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Dr. Ogony’s research primarily focuses on epidemiology, infectious diseases, climate change impacts on health systems, and vaccine and drug trial studies. He has contributed significantly to understanding the burden of Plasmodium falciparum and Dengue virus infections among under five in Western Kenya and the wider implications of climate change on African healthcare infrastructure. His work has been published in high-impact journals including Frontiers in Public Health, PLOS Global Public Health, and the East African Medical Journal, others, reflecting both the depth and breadth of his contributions. He has also served as Principal Investigator on multiple USAID-funded  under the Climate Adaptation Research Program (CARP). Recognized for his leadership and expertise, Dr. Ogony is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine. He has earned awards for scientific excellence and serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals, contributing to the advancement of global health research and capacity building in and infectious disease control across Africa. He has 28 citations from 5 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Ogony, J., Menya, D., Mangeni, J. N., Ayodo, G., & Karanja, S. M. (2025). Public health facility vulnerabilities, preparedness and health outcomes for P. falciparum and Dengue virus infected children under 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Western Kenya. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1526558.

2. Ogony, J., Mangeni, J., Ayodo, G., Amulen, E., Scopas, F., Juma, T., … & Hannah, C. (2025). The stifling burden of climate change on African public healthcare systems. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1559737.

3. Ogony, J., Karanja, S., Menya, D., Mangeni, J., & Ayodo, G. (2024). Prevalence and risk factors of Plasmodium falciparum and Dengue virus infections among children below 5 years with acute febrile illnesses in Kisumu and Busia Counties. East African Medical Journal, 101(12).

4. Owusu Agyare, B., Eder, P., Shenai, S., Chendi, B. H., Carlson, C., Iradukunda, A., Mukoka, M., Ogony, J., Manigart, O., O., O., Ogbaini-Emovon, E., & Seida, A. A. (2024). Potential implications of the climate crisis on diagnostics. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(3), e0002935.

5. Ogony, J., Obiero, B., Tukhuwa, B., Gondwe, C., Kampeta, E., Orner, C., & Tiruneh, T. (2021). Research knowledge translation activities in Africa: An outlook of the opportunities and obstacles. International Journal of Scientific Advances, 2(5), 8.