Yousef Moradi | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yousef Moradi | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Epidemiologist | Kurdistan University | Iran

Dr. Yousef Moradi is an accomplished researcher and academic whose work spans epidemiology, public health, and biomedical sciences, reflecting a sustained commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving population health outcomes. His expertise integrates communicable and non-communicable disease epidemiology, health inequalities, infectious disease surveillance, molecular and clinical research, and advanced evidence-synthesis methodologies. He has authored an extensive body of peer-reviewed publications and earned broad scholarly recognition through citations, editorial contributions, and active peer-review involvement with reputable international journals. Dr. Moradi’s research collaborations extend across multidisciplinary teams, national health authorities, and global agencies, contributing to policy-relevant studies, community-centered interventions, and high-impact investigations focused on vulnerable and high-risk populations. His work has informed health service delivery, strengthened public health programs, refined national guidelines, and generated actionable insights for health system improvement. He has also contributed meaningfully to academic environments through postgraduate teaching, thesis supervision, professional development activities, and curriculum enhancement, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and student achievement. His leadership in research design, data analytics, field implementation, and interdisciplinary coordination supports evidence-based decision-making and the development of informed health policies. With a strong record of contribution to global scientific discourse, a commitment to ethical and equity-driven research, and active engagement in collaborative investigations, Dr. Yousef Moradi continues to advance public health knowledge, address emerging health challenges, and promote socially responsive, evidence-informed solutions with lasting societal impact. He has 19639 citations from 233 documents with an h-index of 39.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Ghadirzadeh, B., Afshar, M., Afraie, M., Moradveisi, B., & Moradi, Y. (2025). Efficacy of zinc sulfate supplementation in managing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine.

2. Ouyang, F., Hu, W., Reisman, J., Pogoda, T. K., Carlson, K. F., Liu, W., Moradi, Y., & colleagues. (2025). Association between PTSD and health-related social needs in US Veterans: An NLP analysis using Veterans Health Administration data. Journal of Affective Disorders.

3. Mestrovic, T., Naghavi, M., Aguilar, G. R., Weaver, N. D., Swetschinski, L. R., & colleagues. (2025). The burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region 1990–2021: A cross-country systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet Public Health.

4. Ghaderkhanzadeh, H., Asadi, J., Hemmati, Z., Saed, L., Nouri, E., & Moradi, Y. (2025). The role of thyroid autoimmunity in assisted reproductive techniques outcomes: An updated comprehensive meta-analysis. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology.

5. Rahimi, M., Haghighi, L., Majidnia, M., Ghadirzadeh, B., & Moradi, Y. (2025). Diagnostic performance of PAPP-A and β-hCG in early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis. Acta Diabetologica.

Melkamu Dagnew | Infectious Diseases | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Melkamu Dagnew | Infectious Diseases | Editorial Board Member

Lecurer | Bahir Dar University| Ethiopia

Melkamu Andargie is a dedicated scholar in plant pathology and plant disease management whose work reflects a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural systems and improving crop resilience through scientific innovation. With a research background rooted in rigorous academic training at Bahir Dar University, he has contributed to a diverse portfolio of studies spanning plant–microbe interactions, disease epidemiology, biocontrol strategies, and the broader ecological dimensions of agricultural health. His publications demonstrate a wide-ranging expertise, from exploring the ethnobiological importance of animals in traditional medicine to investigating physiological interventions such as gibberellic acid seed priming for enhancing germination and early growth under salinity stress. He has also collaborated extensively on multidisciplinary assessments of environmental contaminants, including heavy metal accumulation in aquatic ecosystems, reflecting his broader interest in agroecological safety and public health. In the field of crop protection, his reviews and field-based research provide critical insights into the occurrence, distribution, and management of major cereal diseases, particularly rice and finger millet pathologies that threaten food security in vulnerable regions. His recent work highlights the potential of microbial biocontrol agents in managing destructive fungal diseases, underscoring his commitment to eco-friendly, scalable solutions for smallholder farming communities. Through active collaboration with national and international researchers across plant sciences, crop protection, microbiology, and environmental studies, he has built a research profile that contributes meaningfully to global scientific discourse. His scholarship has gained steady recognition through citations and readership across respected journals, reflecting both academic impact and practical relevance. Overall, Melkamu Andargie’s research advances evidence-based, sustainable approaches to plant health, while supporting agricultural resilience, environmental stewardship, and improved livelihoods for farming communities. He has 114 citations from 8 documents with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus 

Featured Publications

1. Kendie, F. A., Mekuriaw, S. A., & Dagnew, M. A. (2018). Ethnozoological study of traditional medicinal appreciation of animals and their products among the indigenous people of Metema Woreda, North-Western Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.

2. Tsegay, B. A., & Andargie, M. (2018). Seed priming with Gibberellic Acid (GA₃) alleviates salinity induced inhibition of germination and seedling growth of Zea mays L. and Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum A. Braun. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology.

3. Kindie, M., Andargie, M., Hilluf, W., & Amare, M. (2020). Assessment on level of selected heavy metals in Nile tilapia and Barbus fish species and water samples from the southern parts of Lake Tana, Ethiopia. Scientific African.

4. Andargie, M., Abera, M., Tesfaye, A., & Demis, E. (2024). Occurrence, distribution, and management experiences of rice (Oryza sativa L.) major diseases and pests in Ethiopia: A review. Cogent Food & Agriculture.

5. Andargie, M., Abera, M., Alemu, T., & Bekele, B. (2024). The potential of bacterial biocontrols in managing finger millet blast disease and promoting growth: A review. The Microbe.

Andrea Budnick | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrea Budnick | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Researcher | Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin | Germany

Dr. Andrea Budnick is a distinguished scholar in Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science at Charité – Medical University Berlin, recognized for her pioneering contributions to geriatric care research, social medicine, and caregiving innovations. Her academic journey spans advanced qualifications in medical sociology, medical didactics, and social sciences, culminating in her postdoctoral habilitation and current leadership as a private lecturer and head of a junior research group at Charité. Dr. Budnick’s expertise bridges the domains of aging, homecare, pain management, and social determinants of health, with a particular emphasis on informal caregiving, chronic pain, and the evolving dynamics of long-term care in both national and intercultural contexts. She has led and co-led several high-impact projects funded by national and international agencies, including initiatives on distance caregiving, long COVID care improvement, and transnational collaborations between Germany and Hong Kong addressing the future of homecare. Her extensive publication record in leading international journals reflects a consistent focus on applied, evidence-based interventions that improve the quality of life for older adults and enhance caregiver support systems. Beyond academia, Dr. Budnick has served as an expert consultant for the German Federal Government and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, contributing to national policy frameworks on aging, family caregiving, and partnership models in care delivery. Her scholarly impact extends through influential interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate sociological perspectives with clinical and policy-oriented research, fostering a holistic approach to health and social care reform. Internationally respected for her methodological rigor and commitment to bridging science and practice, Dr. Budnick continues to shape contemporary discourse on caregiving innovation, equity in aging, and sustainable healthcare systems through her leadership, mentorship, and research excellence. She has 453 citations from 35 documents with an h-index of 12.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Koios, D., Kuhnert, R., Dräger, D., Wenzel, A., Kreutz, R., & Budnick, A. (2024). The use of nonpharmacological interventions for chronic pain treatment in community-dwelling older adults with a certified need for care. BMC Geriatrics.

2. Kuhlmey, A., & Budnick, A. (2023). [Informal caregivers in Germany: achieving work-life balance]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz.

3. Hering, C., Gangnus, A., Budnick, A., Kohl, R., Steinhagen-Thiessen, E., Kuhlmey, A., & Gellert, P. (2022). Psychosocial burden and associated factors among nurses in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a retrospective survey in Germany. BMC Nursing.

4. Budnick, A., Bünning, F., & Kuhlmey, A. (2022, October). CaRegiving frOm A Distance (ROAD): Home care in the future—flexible and nearby – multimethod qualitative study protocol. BMJ Open.

5. Janson, P., Willeke, K., Zaibert, L., Budnick, A., Berghöfer, A., Kittel-Schneider, S., Heuschmann, P. U., Zapf, A., Wildner, M., Stupp, C., et al. (2022, May 11). Mortality, morbidity and health-related outcomes in informal caregivers compared to non-caregivers: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Rodrigo De Freitas Bueno | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Rodrigo De Freitas Bueno | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Federal University of ABC, Brazil

Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno is a highly accomplished researcher with a PhD in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering from the University of São Paulo, complemented by a Master’s in Public and Environmental Health and multiple specializations in environmental pollution control, sanitary biology, and microbiology. As an Associate Professor at the Federal University of ABC and a collaborating researcher at USP, he has made significant contributions to wastewater treatment, industrial effluent management, water reuse, nutrient removal, and wastewater-based epidemiology—areas with direct impact on environmental sustainability and public health. His work demonstrates a strong integration of engineering innovation with health protection, supported by years of academic and applied research experience. While his achievements are greater international publication visibility, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary innovations could further amplify his influence. Overall, his expertise, societal contributions, and dedication position him as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with strong potential for continued impact.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno possesses an extensive and multidisciplinary educational background that bridges engineering, public health, and biological sciences. He earned his PhD in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering from the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, focusing on wastewater treatment optimization and nutrient removal. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Public and Environmental Health  at the Faculty of Public Health of USP, with research on sanitary sewage treatment and process control. He also holds a specialization in Environmental Pollution Control Engineering  from USP and professional recognitions in Sanitary Biology and Environmental Microbiology  from the Regional Council of Biology of São Paulo. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, specializing in Biotechnology and the Environment, from the University of Mogi das Cruzes. Additionally, he has undertaken numerous complementary courses in molecular biology, respirometry, quality management, and laboratory safety, enhancing his technical expertise.

Experience

Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno has built a distinguished professional career in the fields of sanitary and environmental engineering, combining academic leadership, applied research, and technical expertise. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Environmental and Urban Engineering programs at the Federal University of ABC (UFABC), where he contributes to teaching, research, and project supervision. In parallel, he is a collaborating researcher at the Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering of the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo (PHA-EPUSP), engaging in advanced studies on wastewater treatment, nutrient removal, and water reuse. His professional activities span designing and optimizing treatment plants with a focus on energy efficiency, applying molecular biology techniques in environmental monitoring, and advancing wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for public health surveillance. Over the years, he has integrated engineering solutions with environmental health protection, contributing significantly to sustainable water management practices and the development of innovative treatment technologies.

Research Interest

Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental engineering, public health, and sustainable resource management, with a strong focus on water and wastewater systems. His work primarily explores the treatment of sanitary sewage and industrial effluents, emphasizing advanced processes for nutrient removal, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and the optimization of activated sludge systems. He is particularly interested in energy-efficient treatment plant operations, integrating kinetic modeling, process control, and respirometry to enhance performance. Another key area of his research is wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), using molecular biology tools to detect and monitor public health indicators through sewage analysis—a rapidly emerging field with high societal relevance. He also investigates water reuse strategies and pollution control technologies aimed at environmental protection and resource conservation. By bridging engineering innovation with environmental microbiology, his research seeks to deliver solutions that are both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible.

Award and Honor

Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno has earned recognition for his academic excellence and research contributions through various awards, honors, and competitive research grants. Notably, he was a scholarship recipient of the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) during his PhD at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, supporting his advanced studies in wastewater treatment optimization and nutrient removal. During his Master’s program at the Faculty of Public Health of USP, he was awarded a scholarship from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), reflecting his strong academic performance and research potential. His professional recognitions include specialist certifications in Sanitary Biology and Environmental Microbiology granted by the Regional Council of Biology of São Paulo. These distinctions highlight his dedication to scientific advancement, technical expertise, and societal impact, underscoring his position as a respected figure in sanitary and environmental engineering research.

Research Skill

Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that integrate engineering, microbiology, and environmental health sciences. He is proficient in the design, operation, and optimization of wastewater and industrial effluent treatment systems, with specialized expertise in nutrient removal processes, activated sludge modeling, and energy-efficient plant management. His skills extend to kinetic modeling, process control, and respirometry, enabling precise performance evaluation of treatment operations. In the field of environmental microbiology, he is adept in molecular biology techniques, including DNA-based pathogen detection, which he applies in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for public health surveillance. He is also experienced in laboratory instrumentation, such as spectrometry and advanced microscopy, and in implementing quality management systems for environmental monitoring. His multidisciplinary technical abilities allow him to bridge theory and practice, creating innovative solutions that enhance water reuse, pollution control, and environmental sustainability while addressing pressing public health and ecological challenges.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Sampling strategies for wastewater surveillance: evaluating the variability of SARS-COV-2 RNA concentration in composite and grab samples
Authors: MR Augusto, ICM Claro, AK Siqueira, GS Sousa, CR Caldereiro, R de Freitas Bueno, et al.
Year: 2022

Title: Long-term monitoring of SARS-COV-2 RNA in wastewater in Brazil: a more responsive and economical approach
Authors: ICM Claro, AD Cabral, MR Augusto, AFA Duran, MCP Graciosa, R de Freitas Bueno, et al.
Year: 2021

Title: Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in the activated sludge systems of continuous flow
Authors: RF Bueno, RP Piveli, F Campos, PA Sobrinho
Year: 2018

Title: Wastewater-based epidemiology: A Brazilian SARS-COV-2 surveillance experience
Authors: R de Freitas Bueno, ICM Claro, MR Augusto, AFA Duran, LMB Camillo, et al.
Year: 2022

Title: Simultaneous removal of organic matter and nitrogen compounds from landfill leachate by aerobic granular sludge
Authors: RF Bueno, JK Faria, DP Uliana, VS Liduino
Year: 2021

Title: Nitrificação e desnitrificação simultânea em reator com biomassa em suspensão e fluxo contínuo de esgoto
Authors: RF Bueno
Year: 2011

Conclusion

Given his extensive academic credentials, impactful research in environmental and public health engineering, and clear dedication to sustainable water management, Rodrigo de Freitas Bueno is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work addresses both scientific advancement and pressing societal needs, with potential for even greater impact through expanded international collaboration and broader dissemination of his research outcomes.