Baloji Biaya Désiré | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Baloji Biaya Désiré | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

PhD student | Official University of Mbujimayi | Democratic Republic of the Congo

BALOJI BIAYA Désiré is a distinguished doctoral researcher in public health at the Official University of Mbujimayi, recognized for his strong commitment to advancing healthcare systems and addressing the multifaceted challenges of public health in resource-limited settings. His academic and professional pursuits integrate rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to explore critical areas such as HIV management, acute malnutrition, epidemic disease control, and malaria prevention. As principal investigator of an influential study on HIV care perceptions in Mbujimayi, he led the conception, design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, culminating in a publication that has contributed significantly to understanding patient experiences and healthcare barriers within the Democratic Republic of Congo. His collaborative engagements with national and international NGOs reflect a deep commitment to humanitarian service and evidence-based health policy development. Through these partnerships, he has played a pivotal role in translating field research into actionable strategies for improving access, retention, and quality of care in underserved populations. His scholarly work, disseminated through reputable international journals, underscores his dedication to community-centered research and global health equity. Beyond academic contributions, he is actively involved in professional networks such as the National Council of the Order of Physicians, the Union of Physicians of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Competence Intelligence Development Expertise Solidarity Group, where he advocates for ethical standards and capacity building among healthcare professionals. With a growing portfolio of research, consultancy projects, and ongoing innovation, BALOJI BIAYA Désiré continues to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and real-world health solutions, making a measurable impact on public health policy, disease prevention, and community empowerment across Africa and beyond.

Profile: ORCID 

Publications

1. Baloji, D., Ntambwe, G., Ntambua, A., Kidinda, W., Kazadi, M. B., Mpanya, A., Mukuna, B., Ngongo, L., Mjumbe, C., & Mutombo, A. K. (2025). Perceptions, challenges and barriers to HIV care in Mbujimayi in the East Kasai Province, DR Congo: A qualitative study. HIV/AIDS – Research and Palliative Care.

2. Baloji, D., Ntambwe, G., Mpanya, A., Mukuna, B. N., Tague, C., Mjumbe, C. K., Mutombo, A. K., & Lutumba, P. (2025). Correlates of viral load suppression among people living with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Preprint.

3. Baloji Biaya, D., Freddy, K., Jean, L., & Lutumba, P. (2025). Diagnostic versus la prescription médicale des antipaludiques et antibiotiques: Attitude et pratiques des cliniciens à Kinshasa en République Démocratique du Congo. Revue Congolaise des Sciences & Technologies.

4. Baloji Biaya, D. (2021). Urgence sanitaire Covid-19: Perception du confinement en milieu urbain africain. International Journal of Educational Research (IJO).

5. Baloji Biaya, D., & Kouakou, E. (2020). Diseases associated to the treatment of malnutrition in children in developing countries: Case of the Wikong Therapeutic and Nutritional Intensive Care Unit in Democratic Republic of Congo. Acta Scientific Paediatrics,

Andrea Budnick | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Health Scientists

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.