Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Staff member, at National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), South Korea.

Hyo Jin Yoon is an accomplished Clinical Laboratory Scientist with over 15 years of expertise in cytogenetics and biological dosimetry. Based at the National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), she plays a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic and emergency response strategies in radiation exposure cases. Her professional journey includes significant roles at Yonsei University Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. She has been instrumental in developing DiCADE, an AI-driven software for dicentric chromosome analysis, enhancing the accuracy and speed of biodosimetric assessments. A certified ASCPi-IMLT professional, she also serves as a KOLAS Technical Expert for ISO 15189. Through her multidisciplinary approach combining clinical practice, research, and innovation, Hyo Jin continues to elevate global standards in radiation emergency medicine. 🌍🧪💡

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Hyo Jin began her academic journey in clinical pathology by earning an associate degree from Daejeon Health College, which laid a strong foundation in laboratory sciences. She furthered her education at Eulji University, completing bachelor’s-level coursework with a specialization in medical laboratory technology. Her dedication to professional growth led her to earn the prestigious ASCPi-IMLT certification in 2012, an internationally recognized credential in medical laboratory science. Her continuous pursuit of learning has enabled her to integrate traditional laboratory practices with modern innovations in AI-based diagnostics. 📚👩‍🔬🎓

💼 Experience 

With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, Hyo Jin Yoon has made significant contributions across clinical, academic, and research domains. She began her professional tenure at Yonsei University Medical Center and later at St. Mary’s Hospital, gaining frontline diagnostic experience in clinical pathology. Since 2015, she has been a core member of the Laboratory of Biodosimetry at KIRAMS-NREME, where she is actively engaged in radiation biodosimetry, diagnostics, and AI-integrated tool development. Her practical insights have been crucial in enhancing laboratory standards and emergency response protocols in radiation medicine. Additionally, as a KOLAS Technical Expert (ISO 15189), she ensures quality and compliance in laboratory operations. 🏥🧬🛡️

🔬 Research Interest

Hyo Jin’s research interests lie at the intersection of cytogenetics, radiation biodosimetry, and medical AI applications. Her core focus is on developing diagnostic tools that improve the biological dose assessment of radiation exposure, particularly during emergencies. Her innovative work on DiCADE—a semi-automated AI-powered dicentric chromosome analysis system—demonstrates her commitment to precision diagnostics. She is deeply involved in international collaboration networks such as RENEB and works with partners like Health Canada and Hirosaki University. Her current research also involves harmonizing scoring standards for cytogenetic assays across biodosimetry networks in South Korea. Her interdisciplinary interests aim to make radiation response faster, more accurate, and globally standardized. 🤖🔎📈

🏆 Awards & Recognitions 

Hyo Jin Yoon’s pioneering work in the field of radiation biodosimetry has earned her respect and recognition across scientific communities. In addition to securing a software copyright for DiCADE (Reg. No. C-2025-019817, dated May 27, 2025), she also has a pending trademark for the tool. As a certified KOLAS Technical Expert, she has contributed to national laboratory quality assurance initiatives. Her participation in international intercomparison exercises with RENEB and Health Canada further reflects her global outreach and credibility. She is a consistent contributor to academic conferences and technical exchange programs, and her work is regarded as a benchmark in South Korea’s preparedness for radiation emergencies. 🥇🔬📜

📚 Top Noted Publications

Hyo Jin Yoon has co-authored six peer-reviewed articles, significantly advancing the field of biological dosimetry:

1. Collaborative Activities in a Biological Dosimetry Network for Radiation Emergencies in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2025

  • Citations: 7

  • Summary:
    This paper presents the establishment and development of a coordinated biological dosimetry network in South Korea. It focuses on preparedness strategies for radiation emergencies, inter-laboratory collaboration, and standardization of methodologies across partner institutions. The paper emphasizes international alignment with IAEA and WHO guidelines and proposes protocols for emergency biodosimetry response.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Strengthens Korea’s radiation emergency response infrastructure.

    • Highlights the importance of capacity building and shared resources.

    • Demonstrates real-case simulations for readiness evaluation.

2. Lessons on Harmonization of Scoring Criteria for Dicentric Chromosome Assay in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2024

  • Citations: 5

  • Summary:
    This study reports on efforts to unify scoring criteria among Korean biodosimetry laboratories for the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA), a key cytogenetic tool in radiation dose assessment. It compares results across labs and discusses discrepancies and consensus-building.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Establishes baseline standards for DCA scoring nationwide.

    • Recommends training protocols and QA practices.

    • Encourages future harmonization with global networks.

3. Application of a Semi-Automated Dicentric Scoring System in Triage and Monitoring Occupational Radiation Exposure

  • Journal: Frontiers in Public Health, 2024

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary:
    This paper evaluates a semi-automated image analysis platform for scoring dicentric chromosomes in metaphase cells. Its application for radiation triage and occupational health surveillance is assessed, showing increased speed and reproducibility.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reduces manual workload and inter-scorer variability.

    • Supports large-scale triage in radiation emergencies.

    • Offers a model for integrating AI-assisted analysis in routine monitoring.

4. Chromosome Aberration Dynamics in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy

  • Journal: Mutation Research, 2023

  • Citations: 10

  • Summary:
    This study tracks the temporal profile of chromosome aberrations, including dicentrics and translocations, in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. It assesses the persistence of aberrations post-treatment as a biomarker of cumulative exposure.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reveals individual variation in chromosomal response to radiotherapy.

    • Proposes implications for patient-specific radiation sensitivity.

    • Highlights the utility of cytogenetics in post-therapy surveillance.

5. An Intercomparison Exercise to Compare Scoring Criteria and Develop Image Databank for Biodosimetry in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2023

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    This paper documents an inter-laboratory comparison in which multiple Korean institutions scored the same set of metaphase images to assess consistency. It led to the creation of a national image databank to support training and harmonization.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Identifies scoring variability and proposes mitigation strategies.

    • Establishes a digital resource for future reference and QA.

    • Supports IAEA-compliant training infrastructure.

6. Effective Centrifugation Techniques for Improving Metaphase Spreads in Lymphocytopenic Patients

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2022

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary:
    This methodological paper explores optimized centrifugation protocols to enhance metaphase yield in samples with low lymphocyte counts, such as from immunocompromised or radiotherapy-treated individuals.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Offers practical improvements to sample preparation protocols.

    • Increases metaphase cell quality and scoring accuracy.

    • Beneficial for labs working with difficult patient samples.

Conclusion

Hyo Jin, Yoon demonstrates exceptional dedication to scientific advancement in the field of biological dosimetry, combining clinical excellence with innovative research. Her work in developing AI-driven diagnostic tools and her collaborative efforts in national and international radiation emergency networks make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a few strategic steps to broaden her academic leadership, her impact can be even more significant.

Matija Rijavec | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr . Matija Rijavec | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Development and Research Associate , University Clinic Golnik , Slovenia.

Matija Rijavec is a Development and Research Associate, serving as an Assistant Professor at the University Clinic for Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik and the Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. His expertise lies in the fields of immunology and genetics, particularly related to complex diseases such as hereditary angioedema, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Throughout his career, Matija has led several research projects, contributed to clinical guidelines, and authored numerous scientific publications.

Profile

ORCiD

Education

🎓 Matija completed his B.Sc. in Microbiology in 2004 and Ph.D. in Biomedicine in 2010 at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana. His academic achievements were recognized with the Krka prize for his Ph.D. In 2015, Matija was promoted to Assistant Professor of Immunology at the Biotechnical Faculty, reflecting his commitment to academia and research.

Professional Experience

🧪 Over his career, Matija has been involved in five completed research projects (leading one) and four ongoing projects (also leading one). His collaborative work includes contributions to the Hereditary Angioedema Variant Curation Expert Panel (HAE VCEP), part of the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen). In addition to research, he holds editorial roles in various esteemed journals, including Frontiers in Immunology and Human Gene.

Research Interests

🔍 Matija’s research focuses on the genetics and immunology of complex diseases such as allergy, hereditary angioedema, asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. His work employs cutting-edge molecular biology techniques like DNA sequencing, PCR, and NGS, aiming to discover novel biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prediction.

Awards and Recognitions

🏅 Matija has earned several prestigious awards, including the Krka Prize for his Ph.D., three International Medis awards, and the ARIS award for Outstanding Scientific Achievements. He has also been recognized for his work at international conferences, receiving Best Poster awards at prominent events like the EAACI Workshop.

Publications

📚 Matija has published 78 scientific papers in high-impact journals, reflecting his significant contributions to immunology and genetics. Some of his notable publications include:

  • Rijavec, M., et al. (2023) – “Genetic Markers in Hereditary Angioedema” Journal of Clinical Immunology – Cited by 58 articles.
  • Rijavec, M., et al. (2022) – “Novel Biomarkers in Pulmonary Fibrosis” Respiratory Research – Cited by 45 articles.
  • Rijavec, M., et al. (2021) – “Role of mRNA Profiles in Asthma” Frontiers in Immunology – Cited by 34 articles.

Conclusion

Matija Rijavec is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his outstanding contributions to immunology, genetics, and molecular biology. His robust publication record, editorial appointments, leadership in research projects, and international recognition make him a strong contender. However, increasing his engagement in industry projects, patent filings, and book authorship could further solidify his candidacy.

Adalberto Santos | Genetic Humana | Best Researcher Award

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Dr . Adalberto Santos | Genetic Humana | Best Researcher Award 

Doctor , Fiocruz , Brazil

Dr. Adalberto Rezende Santos is a leading researcher in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a distinguished career at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). Since earning his Ph.D. in 1999, he has made significant contributions to public health, focusing on tuberculosis and immunology. Dr. Santos’s expertise in pharmacogenetics, molecular diagnostics, and the genetics of infectious diseases has established him as a prominent figure in the scientific community, with a recent emphasis on entrepreneurship.

Profile

ORCiD

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Adalberto Rezende Santos has a distinguished career in Cellular and Molecular Biology with over two decades of research experience, primarily focusing on infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy. His work on the genetics of these diseases and the pharmacogenetics of drug response is highly relevant to global health.
  2. Significant Research Contributions: Dr. Santos has made substantial contributions to understanding the genetic factors influencing drug response and disease susceptibility. His work on the NAT2 gene’s genetic variability and its implications for various diseases stands out. The publication of high-impact research in reputed journals and authoring key textbooks further underscores his impact.
  3. Innovative Approach: His patent on NAT2-based polymorphisms reflects his innovative approach to personalized medicine, bridging the gap between genomic research and practical healthcare solutions.
  4. Leadership and Collaboration: Dr. Santos has held prominent positions, such as the Head of the Tuberculosis Research Laboratory at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. His collaborative projects with international institutions, like Cornell University and Laval University, show his ability to lead and work in multidisciplinary teams.
  5. Academic Mentorship: His role in academic mentoring and scientific coordination has been instrumental in fostering new talents in Brazil, furthering the field of immunogenetics and pharmacogenetics.

Areas for Improvement 

  1. Citation Impact: While individual publications have citations, a more substantial cumulative citation index or h-index might strengthen his nomination. Highlighting these metrics would emphasize the broader influence of his research.
  2. Broader Dissemination of Research: Expanding the reach of his research through more international conferences or symposiums could enhance visibility and impact.
  3. Public Engagement: Increasing engagement with the public and policymakers could amplify the practical applications of his research in public health.

    Education

    Dr. Santos earned his Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in 1999. His academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding the genetic factors influencing infectious diseases, shaping his innovative approaches to public health.

     Experience

    Dr. Santos has over two decades of experience as a Senior Researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. He has led several research units dedicated to tuberculosis and immunology, and served as a scientific coordinator and external advisor, contributing to numerous scientific networks and collaborations globally.

    Research Interests

    Dr. Santos’s research interests encompass pharmacogenetics, molecular diagnostics, and the genetics of infectious diseases, with a particular focus on tuberculosis and leprosy. His work in these areas has paved the way for advancements in personalized medicine and public health strategies.

     Awards

    Dr. Santos has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in pharmacogenetics and molecular diagnostics. His contributions have earned him various awards and nominations, reflecting his impact on global health and science.

    Publications

    Dr. Santos has published extensively in high-impact journals such as PLoS ONE, BMC Genetics, and The Journal of Infectious Diseases. His notable publications include:

    1. Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacogenetics in Drug Therapy – InTech, 2021, ISBN: 9781837685271
    2. Tuberculosis – Current Issues in Diagnosis and Management – InTech, 2015, ISBN: 9789535110491
    3. International Textbook of Leprosy – American Leprosy Missions, 2020

      Conclusion

      Dr. Adalberto Rezende Santos is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his extensive contributions to infectious disease research, particularly in the genetics of tuberculosis and leprosy. His innovative work in pharmacogenetics and leadership in the scientific community underscore his qualifications. Addressing the areas of improvement could further strengthen his application, but his current achievements already make him a compelling candidate for the award.