Tag: Dental Innovation Award

Muhammad Ali Ibrahim Kazi | Medicine and Dentistry | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Muhammad Ali Ibrahim Kazi | Medicine and Dentistry | Research Excellence Award

Anne Arundel Medical Center | United States

Dr. Muhammad Ali Ibrahim Kazi, MD, MBBS is a PGY-2 Internal Medicine resident at Anne Arundel Medical Center, Maryland, with strong academic training from Aga Khan University and international clinical experience. He has successfully completed all USMLE steps and is actively engaged in outcomes-based and real-world evidence research, particularly in gastroenterology, hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders, and GLP-1–based therapies. Dr. Kazi has multiple peer-reviewed publications, including PubMed-indexed articles and book chapters, and an extensive portfolio of ongoing multicenter cohort studies using large databases such as TriNetX. His work has been presented at major global forums including DDW, ACG, and AASLD. Beyond academia, he demonstrates strong societal impact through leadership in health education, cancer awareness, homelessness outreach, and global community service initiatives.

ORCID Profile

Featured Publications

Ahmed A Holiel | Dentistry | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmed A Holiel | Dentistry | Research Excellence Award

Alexandria University, Beirut Arab University | Egypt

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmed A. Holiel is an accomplished academic and clinician specializing in Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry, with a core research focus on biomaterials, pulp regeneration, digital dentistry, and adhesive restorative systems. He earned his Bachelor’s degree with honors from the Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Restorative & Esthetic Dentistry from the same institution. Notably, he became the first researcher at Alexandria University’s Faculty of Dentistry to be exempted from Ph.D. thesis defense after publishing two articles in top-tier ISI journals. Dr. Holiel has progressed through a solid academic career pathway, beginning as a Demonstrator and later assuming roles as Assistant Lecturer and Lecturer at Alexandria University. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Restorative & Esthetic Dentistry at Beirut Arab University, Lebanon. He has also contributed internationally as a visiting lecturer at multiple institutions, including the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport. His contributions to research are significant, with numerous peer-reviewed publications in well-recognized journals covering tissue engineering, biomimetic materials, laser dentistry, pulp regeneration, and emerging technologies in dental science. His work includes multiple clinical trials, in vitro studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and innovation-driven translational research. He also serves as a peer reviewer for leading scholarly journals and acts as Guest and Lead Editor for notable international journals, demonstrating his expertise and academic leadership. Dr. Holiel’s teaching portfolio includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and international credit-hour programs, with roles as course director and coordinator in various operative and esthetic dentistry modules. His clinical experience extends to digital workflows, CAD/CAM systems, smile design, and laser-assisted restorative procedures. A recipient of several distinctions, including the Egyptian Hatton Award and multiple institutional recognitions, Dr. Holiel is an active member of global professional bodies such as the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Grawish, M. E., Grawish, L. M., Grawish, H. M., Grawish, M. M., Holiel, A. A., Sultan, N., … (2022). Demineralized dentin matrix for dental and alveolar bone tissues regeneration: An innovative scope review. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 19(4), 687–701.

Holiel, A. A., Mahmoud, E. M., Abdel-Fattah, W. M., & Kawana, K. Y. (2021). Histological evaluation of the regenerative potential of a novel treated dentin matrix hydrogel in direct pulp capping. Clinical Oral Investigations, 25(4), 2101–2112.

Holiel, A. A., Mahmoud, E. M., & Abdel-Fattah, W. M. (2021). Tomographic evaluation of direct pulp capping using a novel injectable treated dentin matrix hydrogel: A 2-year randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical Oral Investigations, 25(7), 4621–4634.

Morsy, N., & Holiel, A. A. (2023). Color difference for shade determination with visual and instrumental methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic Reviews, 12(1), 95.

Abbassy, K. M., Elmahy, W. A., & Holiel, A. A. (2023). Evaluation of the proximal contact tightness in class II resin composite restorations using different contact forming instruments: A 1-year randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Oral Health, 23(1), 729.

Ricardo Salas Flores | Medicine and Dentistry | Global Health Impact Award

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Dr. Ricardo Salas Flores | Medicine and Dentistry | Global Health Impact Award

Autonomous University of Tamaulipas | Mexico

Dr. Ricardo Salas Flores is an accomplished Pediatric Endocrinologist, clinical researcher, and academic leader with more than two decades of professional experience in pediatric endocrine disorders, diabetes, and obesity research. He currently serves as Principal Investigator at his research site, Dr. Ricardo Salas Flores Office (2011–present), and holds multiple academic roles including Full-Time Teacher and Professor of Endocrinology at the Faculty of Medicine “Dr. Alberto Romo Caballero,” Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Mexico. In addition, he serves as Clinical Health Education Coordinator and Associate Physician in Endocrinology at Hospital General No. 6 del IMSS in Ciudad Madero. Dr. Salas Flores earned a Medical Specialty in Pediatrics, followed by a Subspecialty in Pediatric Endocrinology and a Master of Medical Science from the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas. His professional qualifications are supported by national certifications, including Good Clinical Practice (CITI Program, 2020) and Digital Health Expert credentials. His clinical expertise spans metabolic disorders, pediatric diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, growth disorders, and endocrine-related chronic disease management. As a clinical researcher, Dr. Salas Flores has participated in multiple studies across Phase I to Phase IV clinical trial stages, with extensive experience in obesity-related research, including childhood obesity, fatty liver disease, and musculoskeletal health. His research scope also includes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, demonstrating a strong contribution to advancing endocrine care and supporting translational medical innovation. Dr. Salas Flores has collaborated with government programs, academic institutions, and industry partnerships to improve clinical practice and increase access to evidence-based endocrine care. His scientific work reflects a commitment to improving population health, strengthening pediatric care capacities, and advancing medical education in Mexico. Through his roles as educator, clinician, and researcher, he continues to mentor future healthcare professionals while contributing to the global medical community through research-driven medical practice.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Salas Flores, R. (2021). Alteraciones ultrasonográficas y funcionales hepáticas en niños y adolescentes con obesidad. Atención Familiar.

Salas Flores, R. (2021). Factores de riesgo asociados a retraso del crecimiento intrauterino. South Florida Journal of Development.

Salas Flores, R. (2021). Prevalencia de factores de riesgo que alteran la microbiota intestinal en niños escolares con sobrepeso y obesidad. South Florida Journal of Development.

Salas Flores, R. (2020). Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los profesionales de la salud ante el VIH/SIDA en el primer nivel de atención. South Florida Journal of Development.

Salas Flores, R. (2020). Inercia terapéutica del médico familiar en pacientes con descontrol hipertensivo. South Florida Journal of Development.

Shaobing Hua | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Shaobing Hua | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Innovation Award

Hangzhou Dalton Biosciences Ltd | China

Prof. Dr. Shaobing Hua is a distinguished biomedical scientist and innovator whose career spans more than three decades of impactful contributions to molecular biology, therapeutic antibody discovery, and advanced diagnostic technologies. Trained as a molecular biologist with postdoctoral experience at leading U.S. research institutions, he has played a pivotal role in translating fundamental discoveries into clinically deployable solutions. His early work advanced the understanding of signal transduction, proteasome regulation, and gene expression in protozoan parasites, laying the foundation for subsequent research in therapeutic antibody platforms, which led to multiple U.S. and international patents for novel humanized antibodies and high-throughput screening methods. Prof. Hua is widely recognized for developing next-generation hybrid capture technologies and innovative HPV testing platforms that have transformed cervical cancer screening, particularly in resource-limited settings. Under his scientific leadership, DALTON BioSciences has introduced a suite of diagnostic products for cervical cancer, endometrial carcinoma, pre-eclampsia, and vaginitis, contributing to the health of nearly 30 million women. His portfolio includes over 30 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Journal of Biological Chemistry, Clinical Cancer Research, Protein Science, and Oncogene, and several dozens of patents granted in the United States, China, and the PCT system. His work has been cited widely by researchers across molecular diagnostics, oncology, and immunotechnology. Throughout his career, Prof. Hua has collaborated extensively with major clinical institutions, including leading hospitals affiliated with Zhejiang University, Peking University, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and several provincial oncology centers. He has served in key roles in national research programs, including China’s 863 Program, national key research plans, and major public health initiatives focused on cervical cancer elimination. His contributions have significantly advanced women’s health diagnostics, strengthened public health infrastructures, and accelerated the global adoption of innovative molecular screening technologies. Prof. Hua’s research, leadership, and translational impact continue to shape the future of precision diagnostics and global health innovation.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Liu, S., Han, B., Jin, D. Q., Li, L. W., Ge, T. T., Shou, Y. J., Ye, J. M., Zhang, L., & Hua, S. B. (2025). Design and development of a target amplification-free microfluidic platform for multiplex nucleic acids detection: A new generation of hybrid capture immunoassay. Journal of Medical Virology.

Ding, L., Lin, Y. H., Azam, M., Sheridan, J., Wei, S., Gupta, G., Singh, R. K., Pauling, M. H., Chu, A., Tran, A., Yu, N., Hu, J., Wang, W., Long, H., Xiang, D., Zhu, L., & Hua, S. B. (2010). Generation of high-affinity fully human anti-human interleukin-8 antibodies from its cDNA by two-hybrid screening and affinity maturation in yeast. Protein Science, 19, 1957–1966.

Vaday, G. G., Hua, S. B., Peehl, D. M., Pauling, M. H., Lin, Y. H., Zhu, L., Lawrence, D. M., Foda, H. D., & Zucker, S. (2004). CXCR4 and CXCL12 (SDF-1) in prostate cancer: Inhibitory effects of human single-chain Fv antibodies. Clinical Cancer Research, 10, 5630–5639.

Xia, C., Ma, W., Wang, F., Hua, S. B., & Liu, M. (2001). Identification of a prostate-specific G-protein coupled receptor in prostate cancer. Oncogene, 20, 5903–5907.

Xia, C., Bao, Z., Tabassam, F., Ma, W., Qiu, M., Hua, S. B., & Liu, M. (2000). GCIP, a novel human Grap2 and Cyclin D interacting protein, regulates E2F-mediated transcriptional activity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 275, 20942–20948.

Divya Raja | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Divya Raja | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Saveetha dental college and hospital | India

Dr. Divya Raja is an accomplished General Dentist whose career reflects a harmonious blend of clinical expertise, academic engagement, and public health contribution. With over six years of professional experience, she has established herself as a skilled practitioner in restorative, conservative, and surgical dentistry. Having completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at Sri Venkateshwara Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, she further honed her skills through advanced training at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore—earning both a Certificate and a Fellowship in Advanced General Dentistry. Her tenure at CMC, a globally recognized healthcare institution, enabled her to gain extensive experience in managing a wide range of dental and oral health conditions, including root canal therapy, impactions, apicoectomies, cyst enucleations, and maxillofacial emergencies. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Raja has actively contributed to research and academic discourse. She served as a Clinical Research Officer in the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-funded project “Genomic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in India (INSACOG)” at CMC Vellore, bridging dentistry with biomedical research and public health genomics. Her publication, “Atypical Presentation of Lobular Capillary Hemangioma of the Maxillary Alveolus: A Case Report” in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, showcases her analytical and documentation skills in clinical case reporting. In addition, she has participated in major academic platforms, including the World Dental Congress and the World Head and Neck Cancer Program, demonstrating her commitment to continuing professional development and global knowledge exchange. Dr. Raja’s professional impact extends beyond hospitals and laboratories—she has conducted numerous dental awareness and screening camps in rural communities, promoting preventive oral health care among underserved populations. Her interdisciplinary approach, patient-centered philosophy, and dedication to healthcare advancement underline her role as a promising contributor to the global dental community. With a growing record of research, academic collaboration, and clinical excellence, Dr. Divya Raja continues to embody the ideals of ethical, innovative, and socially responsive dentistry.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Dr. Divya Raja, Ramasamy, N., Ashok, Y., & Rani, N. (2025). Stability outcomes of internal and external distractors in maxillary distraction osteogenesis for cleft lip and palate: A systematic review. Dentistry Review, 100161.

Johanna Gaß | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Johanna Gaß | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Private Practice, Germany

Dr. Johanna Alexandra Gaß, M.Sc., is an emerging expert in periodontology, implant therapy, and aesthetic restorative dentistry, recognized for her evidence-based approach and scientific precision. She completed her Doctorate in Medicine (magna cum laude) at the University Hospital Heidelberg, where her research focused on the prognostic relevance of genetic signatures in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma—an interdisciplinary study bridging molecular oncology and clinical outcomes. Her academic foundation is strengthened by a Master of Science in “Parodontologie und Implantattherapie” from the Dresden International University (DIU), awarded with highest distinction. Professionally, Dr. Gaß has gained extensive clinical and research experience through her work in leading dental and periodontal practices in Frankfurt and Berlin, combining clinical excellence with innovative methodologies in advanced implantology and minimally invasive periodontal therapy. Dr. Gaß has contributed several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as International Journal of Cancer and Clinical Advances in Periodontics, alongside conference presentations at prestigious national meetings including the DGParo Annual Congress. Her research on ceramic veneer restorations in periodontally compromised patients and cathepsin-related mechanisms in periodontal disease demonstrates her ability to integrate translational research with clinical applicability. With growing scholarly recognition, her academic output includes multiple collaborative works with leading clinicians and researchers across Germany, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary integration between basic science and clinical dentistry. Her research and clinical practice focus on digitalization in dental workflows, regenerative periodontal therapy, and personalized treatment planning—fields central to the modernization of oral healthcare. As a B. Braun Foundation Scholar and Young Speaker for the ARPA Foundation, she has demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing professional education. Dr. Gaß’s contributions extend beyond the clinic, influencing dental science through research, teaching, and innovation, aimed at improving global oral health outcomes and promoting sustainable, patient-centered dentistry.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Bäumer, A. M., Riemer, C. T., Büsch, C., Körner, G. A., & Gaß, J. A. (2025). Patient satisfaction among periodontally stable patients with veneer restorations—A retrospective study. Clinical Advances in Periodontics.

  2. Gaß, J. A., Büsch, C., Körner, G. A., & Bäumer, A. M. (2023). Ceramic anterior veneer restorations in periodontally compromised patients: A retrospective study. Clinical Advances in Periodontics.

  3. Plath, M., Gaß, J., Hlevnjak, M., Li, Q., Feng, B., Pastor Hostench, X., Bieg, M., Schroeder, L., Holzinger, D., Zapatka, M., et al. (2021). Unraveling most abundant mutational signatures in head and neck cancer. International Journal of Cancer, 148(1).

Dr. Johanna Gaß’s work bridges scientific research and clinical innovation in periodontology and implant therapy, advancing evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments that enhance long-term oral health outcomes. Her integration of digital dentistry, regenerative approaches, and translational research fosters global progress toward personalized, sustainable, and patient-centered dental care.

Travis Nelson | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Travis Nelson | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Washington, United States

Dr. Travis M. Nelson, DDS, MSD, MPH, is a distinguished pediatric dentist and academic leader with extensive expertise in clinical practice, research, and education. He earned his BA from Walla Walla College in 2003, DDS from Loma Linda University in 2007, and MSD/MPH from the University of Washington in 2010. Currently a tenured Associate Professor at the University of Washington, he has held multiple academic appointments, including Clinical and Tenure-Track Associate Professor, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Interim Predoctoral Director, Graduate Program Director, and Acting Chair, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to advancing pediatric oral health education. Dr. Nelson’s professional experience is complemented by his service on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s Hospital and active involvement in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Dental Education Association. His research interests focus on pediatric oral health, early childhood caries prevention, dental sedation and anesthesia, and improving access to dental care for children with special needs. He has authored 37 publications with 521 citations and an h-index of 12, reflecting significant contributions to the scientific literature. Dr. Nelson is highly skilled in clinical pediatric dentistry, procedural sedation, dental public health research, and interdisciplinary program development. His numerous awards and honors include the Law Lewis Endowed Chair, multiple UW Pediatric Dentistry Resident Teaching Awards, Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award, recognition as a Top Dentist by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, and multiple national and international research fellowships and scholarships. He has also mentored numerous graduate students and residents, guiding impactful research projects on pediatric sedation, dental behavior, and preventive care. Overall, Dr. Nelson’s career exemplifies a seamless integration of clinical excellence, innovative research, and educational leadership, positioning him as a leading figure in pediatric dentistry whose work continues to advance knowledge, improve clinical outcomes, and foster the development of future dental professionals.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Nelson, T. M., Berg, J. H., Bell, J. F., Leggott, P. J., & Seminario, A. L. (2011). Assessing the effectiveness of text messages as appointment reminders in a pediatric dental setting. Journal of the American Dental Association, 142(4), 397–405.

  2. Nelson, T. M. (2011). The key to caries prevention. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 9(7), 48–50, 52–53.

  3. Nelson, T. M. (2012). The consequences of convenience. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 10(2), 30–32, 34.

  4. Nelson, T. M. (2013). An improved interim therapeutic restoration (ITR) technique for management of anterior early childhood caries. Pediatric Dentistry, 35(4), 124–128.

  5. Nelson, T., & Nelson, G. (2013). The role of sedation in contemporary pediatric dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America, 57(1), 145–161.

Dr. Travis M. Nelson’s work advances pediatric oral health by improving early childhood caries prevention, optimizing sedation and anesthesia protocols, and expanding access to dental care for children with special needs. His research and educational initiatives bridge clinical practice and public health, fostering healthier communities and shaping the next generation of dental professionals globally.

Ricardo Osorio | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ricardo Osorio | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

NYU Grossman School of Medicine, United States

Dr. Ricardo Osorio is a distinguished neuropsychiatrist and researcher specializing in the intersection of sleep, aging, and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. He earned his M.D. from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain) in 2001, followed by multiple master’s degrees in Psychotherapy, Neuroscience, and Neuropsychology from Universidad Comillas and Universidad Complutense, Madrid, with a focus on executive function and cognitive aging. His clinical training includes residencies in psychiatry at 12 de Octubre Hospital, Madrid, internships in neurology at McGill University, Montreal, and neuropsychiatry at the Institute of Neurology, London, as well as postdoctoral neuroscience training at NYU Langone Health. Dr. Osorio’s professional career encompasses roles as attending psychiatrist in several Spanish hospitals, research scientist at Alzheimer’s Project Research Unit (CIEN Foundation) in Madrid, and progressive academic appointments at NYU School of Medicine and the Healthy Brain Aging and Sleep Center, where he is now a tenured associate professor. His research interests focus on sleep disorders as risk factors for neurodegeneration, slow-wave sleep and sleep spindle physiology, memory consolidation, and advanced neuroimaging techniques including PET imaging of glucose metabolism, amyloid, and tau in normal aging, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease. He possesses expertise in clinical psychiatry, cognitive assessment, neuroimaging analysis, sleep research methodologies, and interdisciplinary translational research. Dr. Osorio has received numerous awards and honors, including international fellowships, the Spanish National Psychiatry Residents Research Award, the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Young Investigator Award, and departmental mentorship recognitions. He has authored 130 publications, accumulated 9,893 citations, and holds an h-index of 44, reflecting his impactful contributions to science and clinical practice. Dr. Osorio’s work bridges neuroscience and clinical application, advancing understanding of cognitive aging, informing early detection strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, and contributing to the development of interventions that benefit patients and society at large, marking him as a leading figure in neuropsychiatric research and aging studies.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Bernard, M. A., Boutajangout, A., Debure, L., Ahmed, W., Briggs, A. Q., Boza-Calvo, C., Vedvyas, A., Marsh, K., Bubu, O. M., Osorio, R. S., et al. (2024, July 10). The relationship between anxiety and levels of Alzheimer’s disease plasma biomarkers. Preprint.

  2. Iosifescu, D. V., Song, X., Gersten, M. B., Adib, A., Cho, Y., Collins, K. M., Yates, K. F., Hurtado-Puerto, A. M., McEachern, K. M., Osorio, R. S., et al. (2023, July 13). Protocol report on the transcranial photobiomodulation for Alzheimer’s disease (TRAP-AD) study. Healthcare, 11(14), 2017.

  3. Parasoglou, P., Osorio, R. S., Khegai, O., Kovbasyuk, Z., Miller, M., Ho, A., Dehkharghani, S., Wisniewski, T., Convit, A., Mosconi, L., et al. (2022, December). Phosphorus metabolism in the brain of cognitively normal midlife individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroimage: Reports, 2, 100121.

  4. Lal, C., Ayappa, I., Ayas, N., Beaudin, A. E., Hoyos, C., Kushida, C. A., Kaminska, M., Mullins, A., Naismith, S. L., Osorio, R. S., et al. (2022, August). The link between obstructive sleep apnea and neurocognitive impairment: An official American Thoracic Society workshop report. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 19(8), 1250–1267.

  5. Teipel, S., Bruno, D., Plaska, C. R., Heslegrave, A., Ramos-Cejudo, J., Osorio, R. S., Zetterberg, H., Blennow, K., & Pomara, N. (2021, October). Association of CSF sTREM2, a marker of microglia activation, with cholinergic basal forebrain volume in major depressive disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 295, 1017–1025.

Dr. Ricardo Osorio’s work advances the understanding of sleep and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, by identifying early risk factors and therapeutic targets. His research bridges neuroscience and clinical practice, improving strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and intervention, thereby benefiting patients, healthcare systems, and society globally.

Maria Sundvall | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Sundvall | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Turku, Finland

Dr. Maria Sundvall is a distinguished physician-scientist and academic leader in Clinical Oncology and Molecular Cancer Biology, renowned for her translational research bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications. She earned her Medical Doctor degree in 2003, followed by a Ph.D. in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Turku, Finland, in 2007, where her thesis focused on “Signaling of ErbB4 Isoforms in Cancer.” She was later awarded the Title of Docent in 2015 and became a Specialist Physician in Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapy in 2018. Professionally, Dr. Sundvall serves as a Consultant in Clinical Oncology at Turku University Hospital and a Clinical Lecturer at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, where she also directs the Cancer Research Unit. Her earlier career includes postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School under Professor P.P. Pandolfi, where she advanced her expertise in oncogenic signaling and targeted cancer therapies. Her research interests focus on receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer, resistance mechanisms to EGFR-targeting therapies, and precision oncology for breast and prostate cancers. Dr. Sundvall possesses advanced research skills in molecular biology, cell signaling, cancer genomics, and translational medicine, with proficiency in various laboratory and clinical trial methodologies. She has authored over 34 publications in prestigious journals such as PNAS, Cancer Research, Clinical Cancer Research, and Oncogene, contributing key insights into cancer mechanisms and therapeutic resistance. Her numerous honors include the Turku University Foundation Ph.D. Thesis Award and research grants exceeding €1 million from the Research Council of Finland, the Finnish Medical Foundation, and the Sigrid Juselius Foundation. In conclusion, Dr. Sundvall exemplifies excellence in research, teaching, and clinical innovation, with her work significantly advancing the understanding of cancer biology and influencing future directions in precision oncology and patient-centered cancer care worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Sriraman, S., Virtanen, V., Kukkula, A., Toriseva, M., Lumiainen, A., West, G., Poutanen, M., Taimen, P., & Sundvall, M. (2025). Androgen receptor‐mediated regulation of BRCA1 modulates the antioxidant defense in prostate cancer. The Journal of Pathology. Advance online publication.

Koskela, S., Pulkkinen, O., Mehmood, A., Kallionpää, R., Birkman, E.-M., Huuhtanen, J., Mustjoki, S., Coupland, S., Aittokallio, T., & Sundvall, M. (2025, July 8). Novel anti-PD1 predictive signature and functional dendritic-cell biomarkers in melanoma identified with systems immunology [Preprint]. Research Square.

Gnjatovic, J., Garces Ibanez, J., Rantala, J., Sundvall, M., Alanne, E., Vaittinen, S., Mattila, P., Jäättelä, M., & Hämälistö, S. (2025, April 29). Patient-derived lymphoma organoids and repurposed drugs: Novel solutions for improved B cell lymphoma treatment [Conference paper].

Hollmén, M., Löyttyniemi, E., Juhanoja, E., Vihinen, P., & Sundvall, M. (2025, February). High comorbidity and tumor proliferation predict survival of localized breast cancer patients after curative surgery: A retrospective analysis of real-world data in Finland. Surgical Oncology, 102(188).

Nissi, L., Tuominen, S., Routila, J., Huusko, T., Ketonen, P., Sundvall, M., Leivo, I., Irjala, H., Minn, H., & Grönroos, T. J. (2024, November). xCT as a predictor for survival in a population‐based cohort of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Medicine.

Seo-Eun Choi | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Seo-Eun Choi | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Washington, United States

Dr. Seo-Eun Choi is a distinguished Senior Research Scientist at the University of Washington, specializing in statistical applications in biomedical research, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from Florida State University, an M.S. in Statistics from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and a B.S. in Statistics with a minor in Computer Science from Ewha Womans University, South Korea. Over her career, Dr. Choi has developed deep expertise in Bayesian modeling, model selection, categorical and multivariate data analysis, spatio-temporal modeling, psychometrics, and neuroimaging data analysis. She has led and contributed to numerous international and interdisciplinary research projects, producing a strong publication record of 96 documents with 728 citations and an h-index of 12, highlighting her influence in both statistical methodology and clinical applications. Her research skills include advanced statistical computing, data visualization, and application of complex statistical models to large-scale neuroimaging and clinical datasets. Dr. Choi is an active member of the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART) and the American Statistical Association (ASA), reflecting her engagement with the broader scientific community and commitment to advancing collaborative research initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized through multiple awards and honors for excellence in statistical research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship, demonstrating her leadership and impact on the field. Looking forward, Dr. Choi’s work has significant potential to advance high-impact publications in Q1 journals, expand global collaborations, and provide mentorship to emerging researchers, thereby influencing both methodological innovation and practical applications in neurodegenerative disease research. Her combination of expertise, experience, and dedication makes her an exemplary candidate for recognition, reflecting outstanding contributions to science, research leadership, and societal impact in the field of biostatistics and neuroscience.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Jutten, R. J., Grandoit, E., Foldi, N. S., Sikkes, S. A. M., Jones, R. N., Choi, S. E., … et al. (2020). Lower practice effects as a marker of cognitive performance and dementia risk: A literature review. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, 12(1), 1–12.

  2. Mukherjee, S., Mez, J., Trittschuh, E. H., Saykin, A. J., Gibbons, L. E., Fardo, D. W., … et al. (2020). Genetic data and cognitively defined late-onset Alzheimer’s disease subgroups. Molecular Psychiatry, 25(11), 2942–2951.

  3. Choi, S. E., Mukherjee, S., Gibbons, L. E., Sanders, R. E., Jones, R. N., Tommet, D., … et al. (2020). Development and validation of language and visuospatial composite scores in ADNI. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 6(1), e12024.

  4. Eissman, J. M., Dumitrescu, L., Mahoney, E. R., Smith, A. N., Mukherjee, S., Lee, M. L., … et al. (2022). Sex differences in the genetic architecture of cognitive resilience to Alzheimer’s disease. Brain, 145(7), 2541–2554.

  5. Mukherjee, S., Choi, S. E., Lee, M. L., Scollard, P., Trittschuh, E. H., Mez, J., … et al. (2020). Cognitive domain harmonization and co-calibration in studies of older adults. Neuropsychology, 37(4), 409–423.