Tag: Young Researcher in Medicine Award

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.

Sotiri Stathakis | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sotiri Stathakis | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis is an accomplished medical physicist with extensive experience in radiation oncology, advanced treatment planning, and patient safety in cancer care. Currently serving as the Chief of Physics at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University, he has established himself as a leader in both clinical and academic domains. His work bridges fundamental research and real-world clinical application, focusing on improving the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of radiotherapy treatments. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Stathakis has played a pivotal role in advancing technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), Monte Carlo simulations, and adaptive radiotherapy. He has supervised graduate students, medical residents, and postdoctoral fellows, contributing to the development of the next generation of medical physicists. Dr. Stathakis is internationally recognized for his innovative contributions to medical physics, publishing widely in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at global conferences. His leadership in quality assurance (QA) protocols, radiotherapy safety standards, and patient-centered innovations has earned him professional recognition as a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). He continues to expand his research by integrating artificial intelligence, patient education, and wearable technology into cancer care.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis has a strong academic background rooted in physics and medical physics, which forms the foundation of his distinguished career in cancer treatment and research. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he developed a strong foundation in core physical sciences and problem-solving skills. Driven by an interest in applying physics to medicine, he pursued a Master of Science in Medical Physics at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Here, he received specialized training in radiological sciences, medical imaging, and radiotherapy applications, which fueled his passion for research in patient care. His academic progression culminated in a Ph.D. in Medical Physics from the University of Patras, Greece, where his doctoral work focused on advanced radiation dosimetry and optimization of treatment planning systems. His doctoral training allowed him to explore Monte Carlo simulations and radiation safety protocols, which later became key aspects of his professional contributions. This comprehensive education, spanning North America and Europe, equipped him with a unique global perspective and multidisciplinary expertise. It also prepared him to integrate clinical practice with research, ultimately shaping his career as a recognized leader in medical physics and radiation oncology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis has accumulated diverse professional experience that reflects his dual commitment to academic research and clinical application. He began his career in Europe, contributing to medical physics research before moving to the United States, where he established himself in leading academic and clinical institutions. At the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSA), he served as a Professor and Medical Physicist, taking on responsibilities that included treatment planning, clinical implementation of new radiotherapy techniques, and the supervision of graduate students and medical residents. His academic contributions included teaching advanced courses in radiation oncology physics and mentoring Ph.D. dissertations. He later transitioned to his current role as Chief of Physics at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, where he oversees medical physics operations across multiple oncology centers. In this role, he leads a team of physicists and ensures the safe and effective delivery of radiation treatments to cancer patients. His position as Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University complements his clinical work, as he continues to teach and mentor the next generation of medical physicists. Throughout his career, Dr. Stathakis has balanced leadership, clinical service, and research, contributing to advancements in both patient care and academic knowledge.

Research Interests

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical innovation, radiation therapy optimization, and patient-centered approaches. A central focus of his research is the improvement of treatment planning systems, particularly through advanced modeling such as Monte Carlo simulations, which enhance accuracy in dose calculations. He has contributed to the development and refinement of quality assurance (QA) protocols, ensuring precision in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Another important area of his research includes studying the secondary cancer risks associated with radiotherapy, providing valuable insights into long-term patient safety. Dr. Stathakis is also exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiotherapy, particularly for dose prediction and workflow optimization, which has the potential to revolutionize clinical practices. In recent years, he has expanded his focus to include patient-centered technologies, such as wearable monitoring devices and virtual reality tools that improve patient education, engagement, and treatment compliance. His interdisciplinary approach combines physics, engineering, computer science, and clinical oncology, creating innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges. By bridging these fields, Dr. Stathakis continues to advance the standards of radiotherapy, contributing to safer, more effective, and personalized cancer treatments.

Research Skills

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis possesses a broad range of research skills that span computational modeling, experimental validation, clinical trial design, and academic mentoring. His expertise in Monte Carlo simulations allows him to perform highly accurate radiation dose calculations, a critical aspect of treatment planning and safety assessment in radiation oncology. He is also highly skilled in advanced quality assurance techniques, particularly for IMRT and VMAT, ensuring reliable and precise delivery of radiation therapy. Dr. Stathakis is proficient in using and commissioning treatment planning systems and linear accelerators, applying both theoretical and practical approaches to improve clinical workflows. His research methodology incorporates statistical analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, enabling him to address complex problems in treatment optimization and patient safety. Beyond technical skills, he excels in collaborative project management, coordinating interdisciplinary teams across physics, medicine, and engineering. His experience extends to academic publishing, peer review, and conference presentations, reflecting his ability to effectively disseminate scientific findings. As a mentor and educator, he has guided Ph.D. students and medical residents in developing independent research projects, further demonstrating his leadership in research environments. Collectively, these skills highlight his ability to translate advanced scientific concepts into practical innovations that benefit cancer patients worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Sotirios Stathakis has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence, clinical leadership, and professional service. One of the most prestigious distinctions in his career is being named a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), a recognition reserved for members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of medical physics. He is also board-certified in Therapeutic Radiologic Physics by the American Board of Radiology (ABR), underscoring his professional expertise and credibility in clinical practice. His academic work has been acknowledged through invitations to present at leading international conferences, including those organized by IEEE, AAPM, and ESTRO, where he has shared groundbreaking findings on radiotherapy optimization and quality assurance. In addition, Dr. Stathakis has served as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals such as the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics (JACMP), further highlighting his standing in the scientific community. He has also been recognized by institutions where he has taught and worked, receiving commendations for excellence in mentorship and clinical service. These honors reflect his consistent commitment to innovation, patient safety, and education, solidifying his reputation as a respected leader in medical physics and radiation oncology.

Publication Top Notes

  • AAPM TG report 312: Acceptance testing, commissioning, and periodic quality assurance of ion chamber and diode detector arrays — 2025

  • Dosimetric characterization of a new surface-conforming electron MLC prototype — 2024 — 1 citation

  • Monte Carlo modeling of the Elekta Versa HD and patient dose calculation with EGSnrc/BEAMnrc — 2022 — 5 citations

  • Erratum to: Report of AAPM Task Group 219 on independent calculation-based dose/MU verification for IMRT — 2021

  • Artificial intelligence based deconvolving on megavoltage photon beam profiles for radiotherapy applications — 2022

  • A customizable aluminum compensator system for total body irradiation — 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis’s career represents a remarkable combination of academic excellence, clinical innovation, and professional leadership. His work has transformed multiple aspects of radiation oncology, from enhancing treatment planning accuracy to implementing robust quality assurance protocols that safeguard patient outcomes. With a strong foundation in education from top institutions across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Greece, coupled with his leadership roles in the United States, he exemplifies the global nature of medical physics. His research interests and skills reflect both scientific rigor and compassion, as he continually integrates patient-centered approaches into his innovations. Recognized internationally through awards, honors, and professional certifications, Dr. Stathakis has established himself as a trusted authority in his field. His mentorship of students and collaboration with clinicians ensure that his influence extends beyond his individual achievements, shaping the future of cancer care. Looking ahead, his engagement with artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and advanced radiotherapy models positions him to make further groundbreaking contributions. In sum, Dr. Stathakis embodies the qualities of a dedicated researcher, educator, and clinician, making him not only a leader in medical physics but also a driving force in advancing the fight against cancer globally.

Hau Xuan Nguyen | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Hanoi Medical University | Vietnam

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen is a renowned oncologist and surgical innovator from Vietnam, currently serving as Vice Director of the Oncology Center at Hanoi Medical University Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Hanoi Medical University. With over a decade of experience in oncology and surgical oncology, he has made pioneering contributions to cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly in head, neck, thyroid, and breast cancers. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen has significantly advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques, notably the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), which has improved patient outcomes and reduced post-surgical complications. His expertise spans clinical oncology, surgical oncology, and palliative care, making him a multifaceted leader in both academic and clinical domains. In addition to his clinical roles, he is an accomplished researcher and educator, having published extensively in national and international journals indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen has co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles and several influential medical textbooks, contributing to the academic growth of oncology in Vietnam. His research has gained international recognition through collaborations with leading institutions in Ireland, South Korea, and Japan. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen dedication to patient care, medical research, and surgical innovation underscores his role as a driving force in global oncology.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen academic journey reflects a steady progression of excellence and commitment to oncology and surgical innovation. He began his medical career at Hanoi Medical University, where he earned his degree as a General Practitioner. His keen interest in oncology led him to pursue residency training in Oncology at the same institution, equipping him with strong foundations in cancer management. He later advanced his training internationally, undertaking a surgical oncology fellowship at Beaumont Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, where he gained exposure to global practices in cancer surgery. Further strengthening his expertise, he completed another fellowship at the Thyroid Cancer Center, Yonsei University Hospital, South Korea, specializing in innovative thyroid cancer treatments. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen pursued his Ph.D. in Oncology at Hanoi Medical University, during which he developed expertise in cancer biology, surgical techniques, and clinical research. He achieved the distinguished title of Associate Professor of Medicine in Oncology, affirming his academic leadership. His comprehensive education, both domestic and international, has provided him with a unique blend of clinical excellence, research capability, and surgical innovation, preparing him to serve as a leader in oncology in Vietnam and globally.

Professional Experience

Over the course of his career, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen has held multiple academic and clinical positions that highlight his leadership and expertise in oncology. he has served as a Lecturer at the Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, where he has trained and mentored the next generation of oncologists. His dedication to clinical practice is evident in his role as a Surgeon at the Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, where he provides direct care to cancer patients with complex conditions. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen was appointed Vice Director of the Oncology Center at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, a prestigious leadership role where he oversees cancer treatment strategies, clinical innovations, and patient care management. Alongside his teaching and clinical responsibilities, he has played a key role in developing advanced surgical practices in Vietnam, particularly in minimally invasive cancer surgery. His leadership extends beyond clinical practice, as he has contributed significantly to academic publishing, national cancer treatment guidelines, and research collaborations. Through his multifaceted professional career, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen has established himself as a leading figure in oncology, balancing patient care, surgical innovation, teaching, and global research collaborations.

Research Interests

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen research interests lie at the intersection of surgical oncology, cancer diagnosis, and innovative treatment approaches. His primary focus is on thyroid cancer, head and neck cancers, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal malignancies, where he explores advanced surgical interventions and minimally invasive procedures to improve treatment outcomes. One of his notable areas of expertise is the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), a pioneering surgical technique that offers a scar-free solution and reduces post-operative morbidity. He has also conducted extensive research on sentinel lymph node biopsy in thyroid carcinoma, contributing valuable findings to the improvement of surgical staging and treatment planning in oncology. Beyond surgery, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen is interested in multidisciplinary cancer care, integrating surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and palliative care to achieve holistic patient management. His publications also reflect a strong commitment to clinical trials, case reports, and molecular studies that provide insights into genetic mutations and their role in cancer progression. Additionally, he has collaborated internationally on studies involving endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. Through these research interests, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen is shaping both clinical practice and academic discourse in oncology, with a vision of advancing precision medicine and minimally invasive cancer treatment worldwide.

Research Skills

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that combine clinical expertise with rigorous scientific methodology. He is highly skilled in designing and conducting clinical trials, particularly those assessing surgical techniques and oncological outcomes. His expertise in endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery has allowed him to contribute to international literature on advanced surgical oncology, with publications in high-impact journals such as Surgical Endoscopy, Oral Oncology, and Journal of Thyroid Research. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen has strong proficiency in oncological pathology analysis, molecular diagnostics, and cancer genetics, demonstrated by his work on identifying genetic mutations related to breast, thyroid, and colorectal cancers. His ability to use advanced surgical techniques, including robotic and transoral procedures, underscores his practical research contributions. In addition, he has authored six textbooks on oncology and cancer surgery, reflecting his ability to translate research into academic resources for students and practitioners. He also has extensive experience in academic publishing, peer review, and mentoring early-career researchers in oncology. His research skills are further strengthened by collaborations with international partners, where he has applied evidence-based approaches and contributed to comparative surgical studies. Overall, his diverse research competencies make him a global contributor to oncology innovation and academic development.

Awards and Honors

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen academic and clinical excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Notably, he received the Best Certificate at the Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery in Japan for his outstanding research on the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in thyroid carcinoma. His contributions to cancer surgery and research have also been acknowledged nationally through multiple awards for excellence in surgical oncology and publications in Vietnamese medical journals. He has co-authored influential oncology textbooks such as Oncology, Head and Neck Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, and Atlas of Thyroid Surgery, which are widely used by medical professionals and students in Vietnam. His international research collaborations have led to recognition in prestigious journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, affirming the global impact of his work. Additionally, his promotion to Associate Professor of Medicine represents a major academic honor, acknowledging his leadership in teaching, research, and clinical practice. Through these accolades, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen has built a strong academic reputation, establishing himself as a leader in surgical oncology in Vietnam and contributing meaningfully to global cancer care.

Publication Top Notes

  • Evaluate treatment results of stage II bladder cancer treatment with partial bladder surgery in National Cancer Hospital — 2014

  • Clinical features of stage III-IV tongue cancers treated by chemotherapy pre-surgery and/or radiotherapy — 2014

  • Evaluating the results of surgery for thyroid cancer at Hanoi Medical University Hospital — 2015

  • Evaluate the role of needle biopsy in the diagnosis of lung cancer before treatment — 2014

  • Evaluating the results of endoscopic surgery for benign thyroid at Hanoi Medical University Hospital — 2015

  • Evaluation of the results of the combination regimen of Gemcitabine with Cisplatin for the treatment of stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer — 2015

  • The results of the sentinel lymph node biopsy by methylene blue in thyroid cancer — 2017

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen exemplifies excellence in oncology, combining clinical innovation, research leadership, and academic mentorship. His pioneering work in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy has transformed surgical oncology practices in Vietnam and gained international recognition. With over 80 national and international publications, several oncology textbooks, and leadership roles in both academia and clinical care, he has significantly advanced the standards of cancer treatment and education. His strong research background, global collaborations, and focus on minimally invasive cancer therapies position him as a leader in the future of oncology. Beyond his academic achievements, his dedication to patient care and commitment to training the next generation of oncologists demonstrate his holistic approach to advancing medical science and society. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hau Xuan Nguyen achievements reflect a rare combination of innovation, leadership, and compassion, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His future research will likely continue to push the boundaries of surgical oncology, enhancing cancer treatment outcomes not only in Vietnam but across the global medical community.