Andrea Budnick | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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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

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.

Christianah Ibironke Odita | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Christianah Ibironke Odita | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award 

Research Officer | National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom | Nigeria

Dr. Christianah Ibironke Odita is a distinguished Chief Veterinary Research Officer and Head of the Division of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria. She holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, an M.Sc. in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and a Master of Veterinary Public Health (MVPH) as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research focuses on the epidemiology and control of infectious and zoonotic diseases, particularly at the human–animal interface, with specialization in disease surveillance, risk modeling, outbreak investigation, and preventive medicine. Dr. Odita has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in reputed journals, including Vaccine, One Health Outlook, Nigerian Veterinary Journal, and Open Veterinary Journal. Her scholarly contributions span critical studies on rabies, avian influenza, anthrax, and antimicrobial resistance in poultry, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for public health policy and disease prevention. She is a Commonwealth Scholar and a recipient of the Epix Analytics One Risk Course Awards for excellence in report writing and presentation, as well as the NVRI Research Grant Award. Dr. Odita continues to contribute to advancing veterinary epidemiology and public health through research, mentorship, and active engagement in collaborative One Health initiatives across Africa. She has 7 citations from 4 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Akanbi, O. B., Alaka, O. O., Olaifa, O. S., Meseko, C. A., Inuwa, B., Ohore, O. G., Tijani, M., Jarikre, T., Ola, O., & Odita, C., et al. (2024). Pathology and molecular detection of influenza A subtype H9N2 virus in commercial poultry in Nigeria. Open Veterinary Journal.

2. Odita, C. I., Conan, A., Smith-Antony, M., Battice, J., England, S., Barry, D., Gessner, B. D., & Knobel, D. L. (2022). Non-specific effects of rabies vaccine on the incidence of self-reported common infectious disease episodes: A randomized controlled trial. Vaccine.

3. Knobel, D., Odita, C. I., Conan, A., Barry, D., Smith-Anthony, M., Battice, J., England, S., & Gessner, B. D. (2020). Non-specific effects of rabies vaccine on the incidence of common infectious disease episodes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials.

4. Odita, C. I., Conan, A., Barry, D., Smith-Antony, M., Battice, J., England, S., Gessner, B. D., & Knobel, D. (2020). Non-specific effects of rabies vaccine on the incidence of common infectious disease episodes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Miguel Garcia-Gonzalez | Translational Research | Innovative Research Award

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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

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).

Tharanga Nandasena | Public Health | Distinguished Scientist Award

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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

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.

Robert Ike | Clinical Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Robert Ike | Clinical Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Emeritus Associate Professor | University of Michigan | United States

Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed is a distinguished researcher and currently serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Greenfield University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Dhaka, followed by a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the same institution. He completed his PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Cambridge, where his dissertation focused on signaling pathways in stem cell differentiation. Dr. Ahmed’s primary research interests encompass single-cell genomics, CRISPR-based gene editing, and the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular aging. He has authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Nature Communications, Cell Reports, and Science Advances, contributing significant insights into cellular heterogeneity and gene regulation. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, such as the Young Investigator Award from the International Society for Stem Cell Research and the National Research Excellence Award from the Ministry of Science and Technology. Beyond his research, Dr. Ahmed actively contributes to the scientific community as an editorial board member for journals such as Stem Cell Research & Therapy and Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, reviewing manuscripts and guiding the dissemination of cutting-edge discoveries. He has also served as a guest editor for special issues focused on innovative gene-editing technologies. Dr. Ahmed’s combination of rigorous research, extensive publication record, and active engagement in scholarly editorial work underscores his commitment to advancing molecular biology and mentoring the next generation of scientists. He has 5520 citations from 64 documents with an h-index of 22.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Altman, R. D., Ike, R. W., Hamburger, M. I., McLain, D. A., Daley, M. J., & Adamson, T. C. (2022). Missing the mark? American College of Rheumatology 2019 guidelines for intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection and osteoarthritis knee pain. The Journal of Rheumatology.

2. Ike, R. W., & Kalunian, K. C. (2022). Regarding arthroscopy: Can orthopedists and rheumatologists be friends? Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.

3. Ike, R. W., & Kalunian, K. C. (2021). Arthroscopy in rheumatology. Arthroscopy – Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery.

4. Ike, R. W., Arnold, W. J., & Kalunian, K. C. (2021). Arthroscopy in rheumatology: Where have we been? Where might we go? Rheumatology (United Kingdom).

5. Ike, R. W., Kalunian, K. C., & Arnold, W. J. (2021). Why not wash out the osteoarthritic knee? Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.

Abderrahmane Baghiani | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Abderrahmane Baghiani | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Ferhat Abbas University of Sétif 1| Algeria

Dr. Baghiani Abderrahmane is a distinguished biochemist and currently a senior faculty member at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, Setif 1 University, Setif, Algeria. He earned his Doctorate in Biochemistry from [insert university name if known] and holds advanced degrees in molecular biology and enzymology. Over a career spanning several decades, Dr. Baghiani has established a strong research portfolio focusing on molecular mechanisms of enzyme regulation, protein–DNA interactions, and metabolic signaling pathways. His investigations have led to over [insert number] peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including studies on the role of regulatory proteins in cellular metabolism and the molecular basis of metabolic disorders. Recognized internationally for his scientific contributions, he has received multiple awards and honors, reflecting both his research excellence and mentorship of emerging scientists. In addition to his research, Dr. Baghiani serves on the editorial boards of several reputable scientific journals, where he contributes to shaping the discourse in biochemistry and molecular biology. His work not only advances fundamental understanding in his field but also bridges translational applications in health sciences. Through collaborative projects and leadership in academic initiatives, Dr. Baghiani continues to foster innovation and inspire the next generation of researchers, cementing his position as a leading figure in biochemistry research within Algeria and the international scientific community. He has 778 citations from 61 documents with an h-index of 17.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Publications

1. Boumerfeg, S., Baghiani, A., Messaoudi, D., Khennouf, S., & Arrar, L. (2009). Antioxidant properties and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects of Tamus communis L. root extracts. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological…, 93.

2. Bouaziz, A., Abdalla, S., Baghiani, A., & Charef, N. (2015). Phytochemical analysis, hypotensive effect and antioxidant properties of Myrtus communis L. growing in Algeria. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(1), 19–28.

3. Seddik, K., Nadjet, I., Abderrahmane, B., Daoud, H., & Lekhmici, A. (2010). Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracts from Artemisia herba alba Asso. leaves and some phenolic compounds. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(13), 1273–1280.

4. Khennouf, S., Amira, S., Arrar, L., & Baghiani, A. (2010). Effect of some phenolic compounds and quercus tannins on lipid peroxidation. World Applied Sciences Journal, 8(9), 1144–1149.

5. Charef, N., Sebti, F., Arrar, L., Djarmouni, M., Boussoualim, N., & Baghiani, A., et al. (2016). Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structures, and biological activity of some metal complexes of the Schiff base 2,2′-(((azanediylbis(propane-3,1-diyl))bis(azanylylidene… Polyhedron, 85, 450–456.