María Victoria Zelaya Huerta | Molecular Pathology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Victoria Zelaya Huerta | Molecular Pathology | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. María Victoria Zelaya Huerta | University Hospital of Navarra | Spain

Dr. María Victoria Zelaya Huerta has established herself as a highly respected figure in pathology and neuropathology, with her work widely cited and recognized internationally. These metrics demonstrate the significance and influence of her contributions, underscoring how her studies have informed subsequent investigations and advanced medical knowledge. Beyond bibliometric achievements, she has been consistently acknowledged for her academic excellence and dedication to both clinical and translational research. Her recognition includes institutional distinctions for her pioneering work in breast cancer sentinel lymph node studies and molecular insights into Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Zelaya has also been invited to present at numerous national and international pathology congresses, further highlighting the value of her research within the scientific community. Her international training and collaborations in Argentina, Spain, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the United States have earned her fellowships and professional commendations, strengthening her global profile. With 47 scientific documents, over 992 total citations from 816 articles, and an h-index of 19, her research has had a strong impact across the fields of neuropathology, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer pathology. As a tutor of residents, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of pathologists, solidifying her legacy as both a researcher and educator.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Gelpi, E., Höftberger, R., Graus, F., & Duyckaerts, C. Neuropathological spectrum of anti-IgLON5 disease and stages of brainstem tau pathology: Updated neuropathological research criteria of the disease-related tauopathy. Acta Neuropathologica.

Profiling TREM2 expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathologica.

Clinical, histopathologic and genetic features of rhabdoid meningiomas. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Pathological features in paediatric patients with TK2 deficiency. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Gul Cirkin | Molecular Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gul Cirkin | Molecular Medicine | Best Researcher Award 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist | Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir | Turkey 

Dr. Gül Çirkin is a highly accomplished Pediatric Gastroenterologist currently serving at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital in İzmir, Turkey. Over the course of her career, she has built a strong foundation in pediatrics and subspecialized in pediatric gastroenterology, with a focus on improving child health through clinical excellence, research, and academic contributions. Her educational path began with a Doctor of Medicine degree from Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, followed by a Pediatrics Residency at Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine. She later pursued a Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, where she deepened her expertise in pediatric hepatology, endoscopy, and nutritional disorders. Professionally, she has served as a research assistant, pediatrician, and pediatric gastroenterologist in leading hospitals across Turkey, gaining extensive clinical and academic experience. Her research interests include celiac disease, pediatric liver diseases, childhood obesity, nutritional disorders, and pediatric endoscopy. She has published in respected journals and actively presented her work at international conferences, including the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Her contributions to research and clinical care have earned her recognition as a promising leader in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Trends in Pediatrics. (2021). Evaluation of success rate of exogenous obesity management. Trends in Pediatrics.

Trends in Pediatrics. (2022). Study of liver effect in children with celiac disease. Trends in Pediatrics.

Endoscopy. (2023). Botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma or parasites: Transnasal choledoscopy as a diagnostic tool. Endoscopy.

Medicine (Baltimore). (2024). Evaluation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Turkish children. Medicine (Baltimore).

Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology. (2024). Clinical and molecular analysis in patients with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology.

Turkish Journal of Pediatrics. (2024). Evaluation of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder. Turkish Journal of Pediatrics.

Adalberto Santos | Genetic Humana | Best Researcher Award

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 TherapyInTech, 2021, ISBN: 9781837685271
    2. Tuberculosis – Current Issues in Diagnosis and ManagementInTech, 2015, ISBN: 9789535110491
    3. International Textbook of LeprosyAmerican 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.