Michal Vaľko | Global Health | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Michal Vaľko | Global Health | Research Excellence Award

Researcher | Katolícka univerzita v Ružomberku | Slovakia

Michal Vaľko is a multidisciplinary researcher whose work bridges public health, digital society, and behavioral sciences, with a growing focus on how lifestyle, technology, and social environments shape human wellbeing. His academic training at the Catholic University in Ružomberok established a strong foundation in social sciences and analytical research, which he has expanded through studies examining cardiovascular risk patterns across European populations, workplace wellbeing among young employees, and the psychological effects of social media on adolescents. His contributions include publications in global health, environmental sustainability, educational psychology, and social responsibility, demonstrating an ability to work across domains where health, behavior, and digital ecosystems intersect. He has collaborated with international scholars in public health, artificial intelligence, and behavioral science, contributing to research on carbon-labeling policies, explainable AI for lifestyle medicine, and personality-based educational analytics. His work is frequently grounded in both qualitative and quantitative methods, supported by proficiency in statistical tools and a sustained engagement with digital-behavior research. Beyond academic publishing, he has actively participated in conferences addressing digital safety, youth wellbeing, and interdisciplinary social challenges, earning recognition for excellence in scholarly work, including awards for research on adolescent cognitive functioning in the digital age and academic achievement within his faculty. His ongoing community-oriented engagements, including volunteer roles in digital communication and participation in participatory research initiatives with older adults, highlight a commitment to public-facing scholarship and societal impact. With a research profile that integrates health sciences, social informatics, and ethical considerations around technology, he contributes to emerging discussions on how digital transformations influence health outcomes, behavioral patterns, and institutional responsibility. This combination of interdisciplinary scholarship, international collaboration, and applied societal engagement positions him as an emerging voice in contemporary health-behavior research and digital-societal studies. He has 3 citations from 4 documents with an h-index of 1.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Valko, M., Walker, M. D., Htoon, A., Dumlao, J., Lane, H., Lee, I. G., Amer, H., & Bursova, J. (2025). If Europe lived the same lifestyle: Insights into cardiovascular risk from the European Social Survey. Global Health Journal.

2. Lane, H., Pokutnia, O., Walker, M. D., Killingsworth, J., Valko, M., & Farias, A. R. (2025). What is carbon labeling of food and does it work? A preliminary review of the potential impact of carbon labeling on consumer choice. Green and Low-Carbon Economy.

3. Valko, M., Walker, M. D., & Lane, H. (2025). The impact of working hours and tenure on the wellbeing of young employees in Slovakia. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health.

4. Gioia, F., Vaľko, M., & Lane, H. (2025). Exploration of the Big Five: Educational correlations, dimensionality reduction and clustering techniques (Preprint).

5. Vaľko, M. (2023). Vplyv sociálnych sietí na fungovanie mysle adolescentov. ŠVOČ in Social Work – Bachelor Section.

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).