Konstantinos Papageorgiou | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Papageorgiou | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award 

School of Veterinary Medicine | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Dr. Konstantinos Papageorgiou is a Greek veterinarian and microbiologist with expertise in veterinary public health, infectious diseases, molecular diagnostics, food safety, and zoonoses. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and later completed a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology from the same institution. For over two decades, he served as a military veterinarian and microbiologist in the Hellenic Army, where he led hygiene inspections, managed microbiological laboratories, ensured food safety standards, and oversaw molecular diagnostic departments. His international training in molecular virology, bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing, combined with advanced certifications in biorisk and project risk management, strengthened his scientific and leadership profile. He transitioned to academia and is now Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, AUTH, where he focuses on teaching, research, and laboratory management. His research interests include zoonoses, molecular diagnostics, laboratory quality systems, and environmental surveillance, with a particular focus on integrating advanced molecular methods and sequencing technologies into pathogen detection and public health monitoring. His contributions include studies on zoonotic viruses such as Pseudorabies Virus in wildlife, while his academic output reflects 29 documents, 255 citations by 250 documents, and an h-index of 10, highlighting his impact in veterinary microbiology and public health. Through his interdisciplinary background, he bridges animal health, public health, and laboratory science to enhance infectious disease surveillance and control.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Detection of pseudorabies virus in hunting dogs in Greece: The role of wild boars in virus transmission. Pathogens. MDPI.

Pseudorabies virus prevalence in lung samples of hunted wild boars in Northwestern Greece. Pathogens. MDPI.

Phenotypic and molecular patterns of resistance among Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni isolates from pig farms. Animals. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Guoyin Liu | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guoyin Liu | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Attending physician and associate professor, at Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.

Dr. Guoyin Liu is an accomplished attending physician and associate professor at Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, renowned for his expertise in orthopedics, inflammatory signaling, and regenerative medicine. Holding a PhD from Nanjing Medical University, he specializes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperones such as GRP78/Bip and their role in critical orthopedic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic wounds, and periprosthetic osteolysis. Beyond molecular research, he pioneers innovative treatments like extracorporeal shock wave therapy, needle-knife therapy, and restorative laminoplasty techniques for spinal reconstruction. His translational research bridges basic science with clinical applications, contributing to novel interventions for musculoskeletal disorders. With an impressive portfolio of high-impact publications, key research grants, patents, and editorial board memberships, Dr. Liu exemplifies a commitment to advancing orthopedic science and patient care. His innovative contributions continue to shape the future of orthopedic diagnostics and treatments, fostering breakthroughs in bone regeneration and inflammatory disease management.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education 

Dr. Liu completed his PhD at Nanjing Medical University, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammatory bone loss and tissue degeneration. His academic foundation integrates basic medical sciences, clinical orthopedics, and bioengineering approaches, enabling him to investigate complex orthopedic diseases at the cellular and molecular levels. During his training, he mastered advanced experimental techniques, including finite element biomechanical analysis, tissue engineering methodologies, and translational clinical trials. Dr. Liu expanded his academic horizon through specialized workshops in regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and immunomodulation therapies. His education laid the groundwork for his pioneering research on GRP78/Bip signaling pathways in chronic musculoskeletal diseases. By blending clinical insights with experimental rigor, he has become a leading voice in developing innovative therapies for orthopedic patients. His educational journey reflects a seamless integration of theory and practice, empowering him to address both clinical challenges and fundamental biomedical questions with cutting-edge research approaches.

💼 Experience 

With over 15 years of combined clinical and research experience, Dr. Guoyin Liu has established himself as a leading expert in orthopedic surgery, translational research, and regenerative medicine. As an Attending Physician and Associate Professor at Jinling Hospital, he manages complex cases such as spinal deformities, chronic joint diseases, and osteolytic conditions. His academic tenure includes supervising multidisciplinary research projects funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China and provincial grants focusing on inflammatory pathways and bone regeneration. He has innovated surgical techniques like restorative laminoplasty with miniplate fixation, which has improved postoperative spinal stability and patient recovery outcomes. His extensive clinical experience is complemented by editorial board appointments in reputed international journals, reflecting his scientific leadership. Dr. Liu’s dual role as a clinician and researcher enables him to directly translate benchside discoveries into bedside applications, ensuring tangible benefits for patients suffering from chronic orthopedic disorders.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Liu’s research is centered on cellular stress responses and inflammatory pathways in orthopedic diseases, with a special focus on endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones (GRP78/Bip) and their dual intracellular and extracellular roles. He investigates how particle-induced osteolysis, rheumatoid arthritis, and intervertebral disc degeneration are driven by inflammatory cascades, aiming to develop targeted molecular therapies. Another significant area of his research explores chemical chaperones like 4-Phenylbutyrate, which mitigate ER stress and improve bone regeneration. Dr. Liu also advances biomechanical engineering solutions, analyzing finite element models to improve spinal fixation techniques. Additionally, he integrates shockwave therapy, corticosteroid injections, and minimally invasive interventions for managing chronic orthopedic pain. His translational approach bridges basic science, bioengineering, and clinical orthopedics, leading to innovative strategies that reduce surgical complications and improve musculoskeletal repair. Through his research, Dr. Liu aims to redefine the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bone and joint diseases in aging populations.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Liu has received numerous academic and clinical recognitions for his groundbreaking work in orthopedics. He was honored with the Third Prize for Military Science & Technology Progress for elucidating the TIM3 signaling pathway in osteoarthritis during military training-related injuries. Additionally, he received the Third Award for Nanjing Science & Technology Progress for identifying the role of recombinant BMP-1 in periprosthetic osteolysis. His work has been consistently supported by prestigious national grants, including multiple NSFC-funded projects totaling over ¥2 million, demonstrating the significance and impact of his research. Beyond awards, his appointment to editorial boards of leading orthopedic and bioengineering journals highlights his global recognition in the field. Dr. Liu’s innovative surgical methods, such as restorative laminoplasty with H-shaped miniplates, have been acknowledged as transformative in spinal reconstruction. These accolades collectively recognize his outstanding contribution to orthopedic research, surgical innovation, and patient care.

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Liu’s publications span orthopedic biomechanics, inflammatory pathways, and regenerative medicine, widely cited in the global research community. Key works include:

🛠️ Biomechanical Stability of Miniplates in Restorative Laminoplasty

Title: Comparative Biomechanical Stability of the Fixation of Different Miniplates in Restorative Laminoplasty after Laminectomy: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Guoyin Liu, Weiqian Huang, Nannan Leng, Peng He, Xin Li, Muliang Lin, Zhonghua Lian, Yong Wang, Jianmin Chen, Weihua Cai
Journal: Bioengineering (Basel)
Year / Volume / Issue: 2024; 11(5):519
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050519 PubMed+15MDPI+15ResearchGate+15
Highlights: Used a finite element model (L2–L4) to compare H‑shaped, L‑shaped, and two‑hole miniplates. The H‑shaped design showed superior stability, especially in axial rotation and flexion/extension PubMedMDPI.

Biomechanical Reconstruction of the Posterior Complex in Laminoplasty

Title: Biomechanical evaluation of reconstruction of the posterior complex in restorative laminoplasty with miniplates
Authors: Jianmin Chen, Guoyin Liu, Tianyi Bao, Yuansheng Xu, Hu Luo, Yu Wu, Dawei Cai, Feng Qin, Jianning Zhao
Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Year / Volume / Article: 2023; 24(1):298
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06380-3 PubMedOUCI
Highlights: Cadaveric 3D-printed L4 models under static/dynamic loading. H‑shaped miniplates outperformed L‑shaped and two-hole systems, preventing lamina collapse or plate breakage PubMedResearchGate.

Macrophage Apoptosis Pathways in Periprosthetic Osteolysis

Title: Apoptotic pathways of macrophages within osteolytic interface membrane in periprosthetic osteolysis
Journal: APMIS
Year: 2017
Details: Demonstrates that wear particles at implant interfaces accelerate macrophage apoptosis via ER-stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which exacerbates osteolysis PubMedPhysiology Journals.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Osteolysis

Title: Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways within the osteolytic periosteum and interface membrane in particle-induced osteolysis
Authors: Guoyin Liu, Naicheng Liu, Yuansheng Xu, Yunfan Ti, Jiangning Chen, Jianmin Chen, Junfeng Zhang, Jianning Zhao
Journal: Cell and Tissue Research
Year / Issue / Pages: 2016 Feb; 363(2):427–447
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2205-9 PubMedSpringerLink
Highlights: Particle debris induces ER stress in macrophages, triggering IRE1α, GRP78/BiP, NF‑κB pathways, elevating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, IL‑1β, IL‑6). 4‑PBA effectively reduced ER-stress and osteolysis in murine models .

Conclusion

Dr. Guoyin Liu’s outstanding contributions to orthopedic research, innovative therapies, and patented medical devices make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work bridges basic molecular research with clinical applications, significantly improving diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of complex musculoskeletal disorders.

İLKAY ER | Hematological Biomarkers | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. İLKAY ER | Hematological Biomarkers | Women Researcher Award 

Associate Professor of Neonatology, MD, at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Turkey.

Dr. İlkay Er, MD, is an accomplished Associate Professor of Neonatology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, in Rize, Türkiye. With a strong commitment to improving neonatal care, she has focused on research involving prematurity and its complications, neonatal lung function, congenital disorders, neonatal sepsis, and early biomarkers for critical conditions.  She has actively contributed to numerous national and international research projects, authored high-impact scientific papers, and published book chapters in the field of neonatology.  As a mentor and educator, Dr. Er has guided pediatric residents and medical students in advancing their clinical and research skills. Her research has helped shape better approaches for premature care and rare neonatal syndromes, contributing significantly to pediatric medicine. Through her collaborations with national and international neonatology networks, she strives to bridge clinical research with practical healthcare outcomes.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. İlkay Er earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in Türkiye, specializing in Pediatrics with an advanced focus on Neonatology. Throughout her medical training, she developed a keen interest in neonatal intensive care, particularly in prematurity-related complications, neonatal lung development, and metabolic bone disorders of prematurity.  To strengthen her research expertise, she undertook specialized training in neonatal lung function testing, infection biomarkers, and congenital disorders. She has participated in numerous continuous medical education programs and international workshops on neonatal research and advanced diagnostic techniques.  Dr. Er also contributed to academic materials, including a chapter on “Whooping Cough” in the book Infectious Diseases of the Newborn (ISBN: 978-605-69477-6-6). Her solid educational foundation and commitment to lifelong learning have allowed her to merge evidence-based medicine with innovative neonatal research, enhancing her expertise as a neonatologist and academic leader.

Experience 💼

Dr. İlkay Er currently serves as an Associate Professor of Neonatology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine.  She has accumulated extensive experience in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), working on clinical management and improving neonatal outcomes. Her expertise spans diagnostic biomarkers, neonatal sepsis, premature care, lung function in neonates, and congenital syndromes. She has directed multiple institutional and national-level research projects, including those supported by the Scientific Research Projects Unit (BAP). In addition to her clinical work, she is actively involved in academic teaching, mentoring pediatric residents, and conducting workshops on neonatal care innovations.  She has also collaborated with international research networks, contributing to multicenter studies on neonatal COVID-19 outcomes. As a reviewer for prestigious journals, she plays a critical role in ensuring high research standards in neonatology. Her holistic approach combines research, clinical care, education, and mentorship, making her a highly respected figure in neonatal medicine.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. İlkay Er’s research is deeply rooted in neonatal care and innovation, focusing on both clinical and translational medicine. Her primary areas include prematurity care and nutrition, neonatal sepsis and its early biomarkers, congenital lung and genetic disorders, pain management in preterm infants, and neonatal infections with antimicrobial resistance.  She has contributed significantly to understanding lung function in preterm infants using impulse oscillometry and evaluating biomarkers like Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) in neonatal sepsis and congenital pneumonia.  Her current research projects explore preeclampsia, ductus arteriosus-related inflammatory markers, and non-invasive neonatal pain assessment tools. Additionally, she is interested in neonatal outcomes in COVID-19-exposed infants and vitamin D-related hypocalcemia in newborns. Her multidisciplinary research integrates clinical neonatology, pediatric genetics, and public health, aiming to improve neonatal survival and long-term health outcomes.

Awards 🏅

Dr. İlkay Er has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to neonatal research and clinical care. She received the Best Oral Presentation Award for her study on Impulse Oscillometry Reference Values in Turkish Preschool Children at the 3rd National Pediatric Pulmonology Congress (2018).  Her publications have received notable citations (Web of Science: 108, Scopus: 256, Scholar H-index: 8), reflecting her research impact in neonatology. She has actively participated in 19 international and 10 national scientific congresses, presenting research findings that address critical neonatal issues such as prematurity, congenital disorders, and neonatal sepsis diagnostics. Furthermore, her innovative work on a Silver-Ion Infused, Hygienic Catheter Stopper Design is undergoing patent evaluation, highlighting her commitment to neonatal infection control. She is also a valued member of several professional associations, including the Turkish Neonatology Association and POCUSNEO-Hemodynamics Group, showcasing her active engagement in professional development and knowledge sharing.

Top Noted Publications 📖

Dr. İlkay Er has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, advancing neonatal research globally. Some selected SCI/Scopus-indexed papers include:

1️⃣ Immature Platelet Fraction as a Sensitive Biomarker in Neonatal Sepsis

  • Journal: Children

  • Year: 2025

  • Focus: This study highlights the Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) as a novel, sensitive biomarker for early detection of neonatal sepsis, potentially outperforming traditional markers like CRP and procalcitonin.

  • Key Findings:

    • Elevated IPF correlates strongly with sepsis severity.

    • Provides a rapid and non-invasive diagnostic option.

    • Could guide early intervention and improve neonatal outcomes.

  • Impact: Already cited by multiple neonatal sepsis studies, showing its clinical relevance for early diagnosis.

2️⃣ Factors Affecting Lung Function in Preschool Children with a History of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)

  • Journal: International Journal of Pediatrics (Int J Pediatr)

  • Year: 2024

  • Focus: Investigates long-term lung function in children who had TTN, a common neonatal respiratory condition.

  • Key Findings:

    • Children with a history of TTN may have subclinical lung function changes in early childhood.

    • Environmental and genetic factors influence lung recovery post-TTN.

    • Emphasizes early pulmonary monitoring for high-risk groups.

3️⃣ Evaluation of Lung Function on Impulse Oscillometry in Preschool Children Born Late Preterm

  • Journal: Pediatrics International (Pediatr Int)

  • Year: 2016

  • Focus: Uses impulse oscillometry, a child-friendly technique, to assess lung function in late preterm-born preschoolers.

  • Key Findings:

    • Late preterm birth is linked with mild airway resistance abnormalities.

    • Provides evidence for ongoing respiratory follow-up beyond infancy.

    • Highlights the value of non-invasive lung function testing in young children.

4️⃣ Vitamin D Deficiency in Late Neonatal Hypocalcemia: A Multicenter Study

  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology (J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol)

  • Year: 2021

  • Focus: Explores the role of vitamin D deficiency in late neonatal hypocalcemia, a common metabolic issue in newborns.

  • Key Findings:

    • Significant proportion of hypocalcemic neonates had maternal vitamin D deficiency.

    • Recommends maternal screening and supplementation during pregnancy.

    • Suggests early detection and preventive strategies for at-risk infants.

5️⃣ Neonatal Outcomes of 125 Newborns Born to COVID-19 Positive Mothers: A Multicenter Study

  • Journal: European Journal of Pediatrics (Eur J Pediatr)

  • Year: 2021

  • Focus: Evaluates clinical outcomes of neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers.

  • Key Findings:

    • No significant increase in neonatal mortality or severe complications.

    • Vertical transmission was rare, but transient respiratory issues were observed.

    • Supports safe breastfeeding and rooming-in practices with precautions.

Conclusion

Dr. Ilkay Er is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award, given her strong research track record, impactful clinical studies, mentorship, and innovative contributions in neonatology. Her work significantly advances the understanding and management of neonatal conditions, directly improving healthcare outcomes for preterm and critically ill infants.