Sajida Batool | Public Health | Excellence in Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sajida Batool | Public Health | Excellence in Research Award

Associate Professor | University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Dr. Sajida Batool is a distinguished scholar in zoology and reproductive physiology whose work spans molecular toxicology, environmental health, and endocrine disruption, with a strong focus on understanding how chemical exposures influence reproductive and systemic physiology in both animal models and human health–relevant contexts. Her academic training, international research exposure, and extensive laboratory expertise in advanced techniques such as immunohistochemistry, histology, genotoxicity assays, and molecular diagnostics have enabled her to contribute impactful evidence within the fields of toxicological pathology, reproductive biology, and environmental risk assessment. She has authored a substantial portfolio of peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, reflecting a sustained record of scientific productivity, interdisciplinary collaborations, and contributions to global knowledge on chemical toxicants including heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, industrial pollutants, and plant-based therapeutic agents. Her research collaborations extend across multidisciplinary teams working in molecular biology, environmental sciences, pharmacology, and wildlife genetics, underscoring her role in bridging classical zoology with emerging biomedical and ecological sciences. Through her work on oxidative stress, DNA integrity, immunomodulation, reproductive toxicology, and phytochemical interventions, she has advanced insights with direct implications for public health, environmental safety, and evidence-based therapeutic development. She has also played a meaningful role in academic capacity building by organizing specialized workshops on reference management, research ethics, and statistical computing, fostering professional development within the scientific community. Her contributions have shaped scientific understanding, supported translational research, and provided foundational evidence guiding safer environmental practices and potential biological remedies for toxin-induced damage, establishing her as a dedicated health-science–aligned researcher with significant societal and academic impact. She has 201 citations from 29 documents with an h-index of 8.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Akram, Z., Jalali, S., Shami, S. A., Ahmad, L., Batool, S., & Kalsoom, O. (2010). Adverse effects of arsenic exposure on uterine function and structure in female rat. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology.

2. Ahmad, L., Jalali, S., Shami, S. A., Akram, Z., Batool, S., & Kalsoom, O. (2010). Effects of cryopreservation on sperm DNA integrity in normospermic and four categories of infertile males. Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine.

3. Akram, Z., Jalali, S., Shami, S. A., Ahmad, L., Batool, S., & Kalsoom, O. (2009). Genotoxicity of sodium arsenite and DNA fragmentation in ovarian cells of rat. Toxicology Letters.

4. Batool, S., Batool, S., Shameem, S., Batool, T., & Batool, S. (2022). Effects of dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on hepatic structure and function of adult male mice. Toxicology and Industrial Health.

5. Akhtar, M. T., Almas, T., Safdar, S., Saadia, M., Qadir, R., Batool, S., Mustaqeem, M., … (2023). Antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antilipidemic, and protective effect of polyherbal emulsion (F6-Smonsecce) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. ACS Omega.

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.

Rastegar Hoseini | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rastegar Hoseini | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

 Physiology | Razi University | Iran

Dr. Rastegar Hosseini is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Sport Physiology, with a specialized focus on Sports Nutrition. Serving as a faculty member at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, he has established a strong reputation for his work at the intersection of nutrition, exercise physiology, and athletic performance. His scholarly contributions reflect a commitment to advancing knowledge in exercise metabolism, dietary strategies, and physiological adaptations to training. Through extensive peer-reviewed publications in internationally indexed journals, Dr. Hosseini has contributed significantly to understanding the complex biochemical and nutritional determinants of performance and recovery in athletes. His research emphasizes the translation of laboratory findings into evidence-based nutritional protocols that enhance performance outcomes, promote metabolic health, and support sustainable athletic development. In addition to his academic output, he has been actively involved in national collaborations with sports federations, wellness centers, and interdisciplinary health networks, where his expertise has informed training methodologies and dietary planning. As a mentor and educator, Dr. Hosseini continues to guide postgraduate research projects that explore innovative nutritional interventions and metabolic adaptations in sport and exercise science. His work embodies a balanced integration of scientific rigor, practical application, and educational leadership, contributing meaningfully to both the academic community and the broader field of applied sports science. Through his collaborations with research groups across Iranian universities and active participation in national health and performance initiatives, he has reinforced the importance of science-driven approaches in optimizing human performance and well-being. Dr. Hosseini’s professional affiliations with leading sport physiology and nutrition societies further underscore his dedication to research excellence, academic integrity, and the advancement of knowledge that benefits both elite athletes and the general population through improved understanding of nutrition and exercise physiology. He has 417 citations from 52 documents with an h-index of 12.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Vitamin D and exercise improve VEGF-B production and IGF-1 levels in diabetic rats: Insights into the role of miR-1 suppression. (2025).

2. The role of the SIRT1 and mTOR pathways in exercise-induced β-cell senescence reduction in type 2 diabetes mellitus. (2025).

3. Kynurenine pathway modulation by exercise in multiple sclerosis: Implications for neuroprotection and inflammation. (2025).

4. Combined effects of sodium alginate supplementation with HIIT and MICT on CCK and PYY levels in men with metabolic syndrome. (2025). 

5. Demographic, cultural, and health correlates of physical activity and sports participation among adults in Kermanshah province, Iran. (2025).

Tharanga Nandasena | Public Health | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Tharanga Nandasena | Public Health | Distinguished Scientist Award

Professor | University of Peradeniya | Sri Lanka

Professor B.G.T.L. Nandasena is a distinguished researcher and academic, currently serving as a Professor in Dental Anatomy at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, as well as the SWAC Chairperson and Senior Student Counselor. He obtained his BDS (Honors) from the University of Peradeniya in 2000, followed by an MPhil in Developmental Biology (Odontogenesis) in 2007 from the same institution, and a PhD in Oral Life Sciences from Niigata University, Japan, in 2009. With over 20 years of teaching and research experience, Professor Nandasena’s work focuses on oral histology, craniofacial morphometry, developmental biology, preventive oral health, bioactive natural products, and oral diseases such as dental caries and maxillofacial injuries. He has made significant contributions to the field through numerous high-impact publications, including studies on the distribution of cholinesterase enzymes in human tooth germs, regional distribution of interglobular dentine, and the bioactivity of traditional Sri Lankan herbal formulas for oral health. His research excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Presidential Award (2009) for research on interglobular dentine and the NRC Merit Award (2010) for studies on cholinesterase enzymes, as well as the Lucy de Abrew Medal for outstanding academic performance. Beyond research, Professor Nandasena plays an active role in the scientific community as an editorial and scientific committee member at national and international journals, contributing to the advancement of dental science and education. His career exemplifies a commitment to bridging fundamental research with clinical and preventive oral health applications, mentoring future dental professionals, and fostering global collaboration in dental and biomedical sciences. She has 30 citations from 7 documents with an h-index of 3.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Nandasena, T. (2022). Functional oral anatomy. In The Science of Sea Salt.

2. Nandasena, T. (2021). Gender and ethnic group differences in dental caries in a Sri Lankan population. Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry.

3. Arambawatta, K., Abeysundara, A., Ihalagedera, D., Nawarathna, G., Nandasena, T., Peiris, R., Banneheka, S., & Nanayakkara, D. (2021). Morphological analysis of cementoenamel junction in premolars of Sri Lankans. Anatomical Science International.

4. Nanayakkara, D., Nawarathna, L. S., Nandasena, T., Alahakoon, S., Ariyasinghe, S., & Arambawatta, K. (2021). Hand and handprint measurements in the estimation of stature in a Sri Lankan population. International Journal of Morphology.

5. Nandasena, T. (2020). Dental arch morphology in normal occlusion of the Sri Lankan population. Sri Lanka Dental Journal.