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.

Jack Ogony | Infectious Diseases | Outstanding Scientist Award

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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.