Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharon Youmans | University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy | United States 

Dr. Sharon Lynn Youmans is a distinguished leader in pharmacy education, health literacy, and diversity advancement within academic health sciences. With a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master’s in Public Health, she has built an influential career integrating clinical pharmacy practice, education, and leadership. Over the past three decades, she has held progressive academic and administrative positions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy, where she currently serves as Executive Vice Dean and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. Her leadership extends to the UCSF School of Dentistry as Associate Dean for Community Engagement, demonstrating her broad impact on interprofessional collaboration and community health outreach. Her scholarly and service contributions focus on health communication, health disparities, diversity, equity, inclusion, and global health. Dr. Youmans has played an instrumental role in shaping pharmacy education through curriculum transformation, experiential learning innovations, and national leadership in accreditation and professional organizations such as AACP, ACPE, and ASHP. She has served as an evaluator and consultant on pharmacy education programs worldwide, contributing to global standards in health science education. An accomplished educator, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple UCSF Apple Awards for Teaching, the UCSF Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, and induction into the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators. Her leadership in promoting diversity and addressing health disparities has earned national recognition from professional pharmacy associations. Through her extensive invited lectures and scholarly activities, Dr. Youmans has advanced dialogue on cultural competence, health equity, curriculum reform, and workforce development in pharmacy. Her ongoing work continues to inspire innovation in pharmacy education, advocate for equitable healthcare delivery, and strengthen academic excellence and community impact across the health professions.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn 

Featured Publications 

Schillinger, D., Hammer, H., Wang, F., Palacios, J., McLean, I., Tang, A., & Youmans, S. L. (2008). Seeing in 3-D: Examining the reach of diabetes self-management support strategies in a public health care system. Health Education & Behavior, 35(5), 664–682. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198107303316

Youmans, S. L., & Schillinger, D. (2003). Functional health literacy and medication use: The pharmacist’s role. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 37(11), 1726–1729. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1D166

Robles, J. R., Youmans, S. L., Byrd, D. C., & Polk, R. E. (2009). Perceived barriers to scholarship and research among pharmacy practice faculty: Survey report from the AACP Scholarship/Research Faculty Development Task Force. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(1), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj730117

Nkansah, N. T., Youmans, S. L., Agness, C. F., & Assemi, M. (2009). Fostering and managing diversity in schools of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(8), Article 152. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj7308152

Mandap, M., Carrillo, S., & Youmans, S. L. (2014). An evaluation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health education in pharmacy school curricula. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 6(6), 752–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2014.06.011

Bautista, C. A., Huang, I., Stebbins, M., Floren, L. C., Wamsley, M., Youmans, S. L., & others. (2020). Development of an interprofessional rotation for pharmacy and medical students to perform telehealth outreach to vulnerable patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(5), 694–697. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2020.1810253

JeanMarie Farrow | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. JeanMarie Farrow | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow | Georgia State University | United States

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow’s research centers on understanding and improving the factors within early childhood education that influence children’s language and literacy development, particularly in high-need settings. Her work systematically examines how teacher–child interactions and classroom practices contribute to oral language growth and early writing skills. Through both small- and large-scale empirical studies, she investigates effective models of professional development that enhance teachers’ capacity to implement evidence-based, language-rich instruction. Her research integrates theoretical and applied perspectives to identify feasible, sustainable approaches for strengthening early literacy and composing skills. A major strand of her scholarship explores the mechanisms underlying children’s oral language development, highlighting how teachers’ feedback, syntax, and conversational features shape vocabulary acquisition. Another line of inquiry focuses on early writing instruction as a pathway for language development, illustrating how structured composing activities and high-quality teaching strategies can foster creative and linguistic growth. In addition, she has contributed to advancing teacher professional learning by examining innovative approaches, including the role of project-based learning, coaching, and professional inquiry in supporting instructional improvement. Her studies, published in leading journals such as Journal of Child Language, Reading & Writing Quarterly, Early Childhood Education Journal, and Teaching and Teacher Education, contribute to the evidence base for designing effective professional development that bridges research and classroom practice. By connecting instructional theory, empirical findings, and practical application, her work provides actionable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to promote equitable literacy outcomes. Supported by national research grants, her scholarship advances the understanding of how early education environments can be optimized to nurture children’s oral and written language development while equipping teachers with sustainable, research-informed pedagogical tools.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Farrow, J. M., Wasik, B. A., & Hindman, A. H. (2020). Exploring the unique contributions of teachers’ syntax to preschoolers’ and kindergarteners’ vocabulary learning. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 51, 178–190.

Farrow, M. J., & Farrow, J. M. (2019). Recognizing intergenerational assets within religious communities of colour. Journal of Childhood Studies, 71–84.

Hindman, A. H., Farrow, J. M., & Wasik, B. A. (2021). Understanding child-directed speech around book reading in toddler classrooms: Evidence from early head start programs. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 719783.

Hindman, A. H., Farrow, J. M., & Wasik, B. A. (2022). Teacher–child conversations in preschool: Insights into how teacher feedback supports language development. Topics in Language Disorders, 42(4), 336–359.

Wasik, B. A., Farrow, J. M., & Hindman, A. H. (2022). More than “Good job!”: The critical role of teacher feedback in classroom discourse and language development. The Reading Teacher, 75(6), 733–738.

Farrow, J. M., Schneider Kavanagh, S., & Samudra, P. (2022). Exploring relationships between professional development and teachers’ enactments of project-based learning. Education Sciences, 12(4), 282.

Sylvia Mangani | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sylvia Mangani | Medical Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sylvia Mangani | University of Patras | Greece

Sylvia Mangani is a biochemist–biotechnologist and PhD candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Patras, whose research centers on cancer biology, particularly the influence of the extracellular matrix on tumor growth and regulation through 3D cell culture systems. Her academic journey combines strong foundations in biochemistry and biotechnology (BSc, MSc) with advanced experimental and analytical expertise. Her work integrates a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, functional assays, and RNA sequencing, complemented by bioinformatics analysis for gene expression and signaling pathway interpretation. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding how 3D cellular microenvironments influence cancer progression, focusing on breast cancer models. She has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications in recognized international journals, with her work cited over 55 times according to Google Scholar, reflecting growing recognition within the scientific community. Her contributions have also supported award-winning synthetic biology initiatives under the iGEM program and have been presented at national and international scientific conferences. She has established productive collaborations with prominent research institutions in Greece and abroad. Notably, she completed a funded Erasmus+ research placement at the University Hospital of Münster, Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Martin Götte, where she engaged in experimental oncology projects exploring cancer cell behavior and matrix interactions. She has also collaborated with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on biochemical and molecular analyses within the Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Molecular Analysis. A member of the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (HSBMB), she actively contributes to the advancement of biochemical and cancer research in Greece and Europe. Her ongoing studies aim to deepen the understanding of tumor–matrix dynamics in breast cancer, offering new insights for therapeutic innovation and cancer model development, positioning her among emerging researchers in molecular oncology.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Mangani, S., Piperigkou, Z., Mangani, S., Koletsis, N. E., Koutsakis, C., Mastronikolis, N. S., Franchi, M., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, August). Principal mechanisms of extracellular matrix‐mediated cell–cell communication in physiological and tumor microenvironments. The FEBS Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.70207

Mangani, S., Vetoulas, M., Mineschou, K., Spanopoulos, K., Vivanco, M. d. M., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, July 15). Design and applications of extracellular matrix scaffolds in tissue engineering and regeneration. Cells, 14(14), 1076. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14141076

Franchi, M., Masola, V., Onisto, M., Franchi, L., Mangani, S., Zolota, V., Piperigkou, Z., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, July 7). Ultrastructural changes of the peri-tumoral collagen fibers and fibrils array in different stages of mammary cancer progression. Cells, 14(13), 1037. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14131037

Karamanos, N. K., Piperigkou, Z., Gourdoupi, C., Mangani, S., & Vivanco, M. d. M. (2025, June 1). Extracellular matrix matters: Matrix-based bioscaffolds in advancing translational cancer research and targeted therapy. American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology, 328(6), C1235–C1251. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00050.2025

Ciampelli, C., Mangani, S., Nieddu, G., Formato, M., Ioannou, P., Kremmydas, S., Karamanos, N., & Lepedda, A. J. (2025, March). Effects of acidic polysaccharide-enriched extracts from Holothuria tubulosa on two- and three-dimensional invasive breast cancer cell models. Biology, 14(4), 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14040334

Mangani, S., Kremmydas, S., & Karamanos, N. K. (2025, March). Mimicking the complexity of solid tumors: How spheroids could advance cancer preclinical transformative approaches. Cancers, 17(7), 1161. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071161

Gustavo Darrigran | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Gustavo Darrigran | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gustavo Darrigran | Research Scientist of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council | Argentina

Dr. Gustavo Darrigran is a distinguished Argentine biologist and malacologist whose career has been centered on the ecology, systematics, and environmental impact of freshwater and marine mollusks. A Doctor in Natural Sciences (Zoology) from the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), he has over four decades of academic and research experience at national and international levels. His doctoral thesis, “Aspectos Ecológicos de la Malacofauna Litoral del Río de la Plata”, laid the foundation for his lifelong research on aquatic invertebrates, particularly invasive bivalve species that have transformed South American freshwater ecosystems. Dr. Darrigran is recognized as one of Latin America’s leading experts on aquatic bioinvasions, focusing on invasive mollusks such as Limnoperna fortunei and Corbicula fluminea. His research has advanced understanding of species invasion dynamics, ecological impacts on native biodiversity, and bioindicator applications for environmental monitoring. Through collaborations with international organizations—including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Zoological Society of London, and the Encyclopedia of Life—he has contributed to global conservation initiatives, notably the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Libro Rojo de Moluscos Argentinos (2020–2025), which he coordinated. A prolific educator, Dr. Darrigran has held professorships at UNLP’s Faculties of Natural Sciences and Humanities, teaching zoology, ecology, and conservation biology. He has also been an invited lecturer in postgraduate programs across Argentina, Brazil, and Spain. His mentorship has fostered a generation of scientists dedicated to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. His scientific contributions and leadership have earned him numerous honors, including the Científico Cultural Award from Prefectura Naval Argentina, the MercoPremio Award (Brazil), and recognition as an Honorary Member of the Félix de Azara Natural History Foundation. Dr. Darrigran’s career exemplifies excellence in research, education, and international cooperation toward the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications 

De Lucía, M., Darrigran, G., & Gutiérrez Gregoric, D. E. (2023). Diversity of non-marine mollusks in the southernmost Paranaense forest of the world. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 95(1), e20220212. https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202320220212

Roche, A., Cetra, N., Nuñez, V., & Darrigran, G. (2023, April 25). Catálogo de las especies de Nudibranchia (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) de la Colección de Moluscos del Museo de La Plata, Argentina. Acta Zoológica Lilloana, 67(1), e2023-04-13. https://doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2023.67.1/2023-04-13

Darrigran, G., Agudo-Padrón, I., Baez, P., Belz, C., Cardoso, F., Collado, G. A., Correoso, M., Cuezzo, M. G., Damborenea, C., Fabres, A. A., et al. (2023, March). Species movements within biogeographic regions: Exploring the distribution of transplanted mollusc species in South America. Biological Invasions, 25(3), 1007–1023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02942-z

De Lucía, M., Darrigran, G., & Gutiérrez Gregoric, D. E. (2023, January). The most problematic freshwater invasive species in South America, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857), and its status after 30 years of invasion. Aquatic Sciences, 85(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-022-00907-x

Darrigran, G., Custodio, H., Legarralde, T. I., & Vilches, A. M. (2022, November 30). Colecciones biológicas y virtualidad: Un recurso para la enseñanza de la biodiversidad. Bio-grafía, 16(30), 17823. https://doi.org/10.17227/bio-grafia.vol.16.num30-17823

Miyahira, I. C., Clavijo, C., Callil, C. T., Cuezzo, M. G., Darrigran, G., Gomes, S. R., Lasso, C. A., Mansur, M. C. D., Pena, M. S., Ramírez, R., et al. (2022, September). The conservation of non-marine molluscs in South America: Where we are and how to move forward. Biodiversity and Conservation, 31(11), 2859–2882. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-022-02446-1

Alexey Beskopylny | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Alexey Beskopylny | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Alexey Beskopylny | Don State Technical University | Russia

Dr. Alexey N. Beskopylny, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Professor, currently serves as Vice-Rector at Don State Technical University and works in the Department of Transport Systems. A distinguished researcher in civil and materials engineering, his work focuses on advanced construction materials, sustainable concrete technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence in structural analysis. Over his prolific career, he has authored more than 190 scientific publications, with 151 indexed in the Web of Science, accumulating over 1,500 citations and an H-index of 20. Prof. Beskopylny’s recent research (2020–2025) emphasizes eco-friendly and high-performance concretes, geopolymer binders, nanomaterial reinforcement, and machine learning-based predictive modeling for structural behavior. He has pioneered studies on the use of waste materials—including glass, coffee grounds, banana leaf ash, and natural fibers such as hemp and flax—to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and ecological properties of concrete. His works on digital image correlation, ultrasonic diagnostics, and computer vision demonstrate innovative methods for assessing microstructure, defects, and performance in concrete and composite materials. A major theme in his publications is the optimization of concrete properties through numerical simulations, AI algorithms, and experimental validation, bridging sustainable construction with digital engineering. He has published extensively in leading journals such as Scientific Reports, Applied Sciences, Materials, Polymers, Buildings, and Case Studies in Construction Materials. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Prof. Beskopylny has significantly advanced the fields of civil engineering, materials science, and sustainable infrastructure. His contributions have provided new pathways for developing energy-efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible construction materials—positioning him as a leading voice in modern engineering innovation and green construction technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Zubarev, K. P., Razveeva, I., Beskopylny, A. N., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., Mailyan, L. R., Shakhalieva, D. M., Chernil’nik, A., & Nikora, N. I. (2025). Predicting the strength of heavy concrete exposed to aggressive environmental influences by machine learning methods. Buildings, 15(21), 3998. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213998

Özkılıç, Y. O., Kalkan, İ., Aksoylu, C., Madenci, E., Umiye, O. A., Althaqafi, E., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., & Beskopylny, A. N. (2025). Effect of stirrup spacing and recycled steel wires on the shear and energy dissipation of pultruded GFRP hybrid beams. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics. https://doi.org/10.1177/15589250251380680

Ecemiş, A. S., Yildizel, S. A., Beskopylny, A. N., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., Aksoylu, C., Madenci, E., & Özkılıç, Y. O. (2025). Sustainable concrete with waste tire rubber and recycled steel fibers: Experimental insights and hybrid PINN–CatBoost prediction. Polymers, 17(21), 2910. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17212910

Özkılıç, Y. O., Başaran, B., Aksoylu, C., Karalar, M., Zeybek, Ö., Althaqafi, E., Beskopylny, A. N., Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., & Umiye, O. A. (2025, October 21). Bending performance of reinforced concrete beams with partial waste glass aggregate replacement assessed by experimental, theoretical and digital image correlation analyses. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-20716-0

Stel’makh, S. A., Shcherban’, E. M., Beskopylny, A. N., Mailyan, L. R., Shilov, A. A., Razveeva, I., Oganesyan, S., Pogrebnyak, A., Chernil’nik, A., & Elshaeva, D. (2025). Enhancing the mechanical properties of sulfur-modified fly ash/metakaolin geopolymers with polypropylene fibers. Polymers, 17(15), 2119. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152119

Sergey Pulinets | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Sergey Pulinets | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sergey Pulinets | Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) | Russia

Prof. Sergey A. Pulinets is a leading geophysicist and space plasma physicist  in the fields of space plasma physics, ionospheric physics, and geophysics. A graduate of the Faculty of Physics at Lomonosov Moscow State University , he has held major scientific and administrative positions at IZMIRAN, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and the Institute of Applied Geophysics, before joining the Space Research Institute (IKI RAS) in 2009 as Chief Research Scientist. Prof. Pulinets is internationally recognized for his pioneering studies on ionization processes and their effects on the atmosphere, leading to the development of a comprehensive Lithosphere–Atmosphere–Ionosphere coupling model, widely used today for short-term earthquake precursor monitoring. He has led and participated in numerous space experiments aboard Soviet and Russian satellites and currently serves as the chief designer of the LAERT ionosonde-radar, part of the “Ionosonde-2025” satellite constellation under the Russian Federal Space Program. He has authored over 192 scientific publications, which have garnered 6,824 citations across 2,736 documents, with an h-index of 38 (Scopus). His work integrates multidisciplinary approaches to earthquake forecasting, as reflected in his monographs with Springer, AGU/Wiley, and IOP Publishing. Prof. Pulinets is a member of COSPAR, URSI, EMSEV, and the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and serves as an editor for MDPI Atmosphere and the RAS journal Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. He has reviewed for more than 30 international journals including JGR, Radio Science, and Natural Hazards. His scientific achievements have been recognized with VDNKh Bronze and Silver Medals, the Korolev Medal, and numerous honors from the Russian Federation of Cosmonautics. Holding 10 patents and one scientific discovery, Prof. Pulinets stands among the top 25 most-cited Russian scientists in geophysics.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Ouzounov, D., Inan, S., Kalenda, P., Neumann, L., Pulinets, S., Liu, J.-Y., Shen, X., Yan, R., Rušajová, J., Kafatos, M. C., et al. (2025, January 20). Multi-parameter study of the pre-earthquake phase associated with the Kahramanmaraş sequence in Türkiye on February 6th, 2023. EGUsphere Preprint. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6407

Smirnov, S., Pulinets, S., & Bychkov, V. (2024, December 9). Some effects of the Shiveluch Volcano eruption of 10 April 2023 on atmospheric electricity and the ionosphere. Atmosphere, 15(12), 1467. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15121467

Pulinets, S., & Velasco Herrera, V. M. (2024, August 5). Earthquake precursors: The physics, identification, and application. Geosciences, 14(8), 209. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14080209

Pulinets, S., Mironova, I., Miklyaev, P., Petrova, T., Shitov, A., & Karagodin, A. (2024, January 27). Radon variability as a result of interaction with the environment. Atmosphere, 15(2), 167. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15020167

Pulinets, S. A. (2024, January 22). Physical bases of the short-term forecast of earthquakes. Astronomical and Astrophysical Transactions, 1476-3540. https://doi.org/10.17184/eac.8366

Liu, J.-Y. T., Shen, X., Chang, F.-Y., Chen, Y.-I., Sun, Y.-Y., Chen, C.-H., Pulinets, S., Hattori, K., Ouzounov, D., Tramutoli, V., et al. (2024, January 20). Spatial analyses on pre-earthquake ionospheric anomalies and magnetic storms observed by China seismo-electromagnetic satellite in August 2018. Geoscience Letters, 11(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40562-024-00320-2

Grimalsky, V., Kotsarenko, A., Yutsis, V., Pulinets, S., & Del Razo Gonzalez, A. (2023, December 29). New insights into the simulations of electric currents for discharges and ULF magnetic-field perturbations: Applications to the Popocatepetl Volcano and a micro-discharge model. Remote Sensing, 16(1), 151. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16010151

Shitov, A. V., Pulinets, S. A., & Budnikov, P. A. (2023, August). Effect of earthquake preparation on changes in meteorological characteristics (based on the example of the 2003 Chuya earthquake). Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, 63(6), 745–755. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0016793223600285

Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Pinelli | Radboud University Medical Center | Italy

Dr. Maria Pinelli is an Assistant Professor Junior (RTDa) at the Politecnico di Milano (Italy) in the Department of Management, Economics, and Industrial Engineering (ING-IND/35). Her academic and research work focuses on technological innovation in healthcare, with particular attention to Health Technology Assessment (HTA), innovation management in hospitals, and the integration of scanning and assessment processes to enhance healthcare value creation. She earned her Ph.D. from Politecnico di Milano in 2025 with a thesis titled “MedTech Innovation in Hospitals: Re-Framing the Integration between Scanning and Assessment and the Determinants of Value.” During her doctoral studies, she was a Visiting Ph.D. Student at Radboud University (Netherlands), collaborating on international research exploring hospital technology strategies. Her academic background also includes a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering with specialization in Sustainable Operations Management and Social Innovation and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, both completed with honors. Dr. Pinelli has published extensively in high-impact international journals such as Health Policy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, PLOS ONE, IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, and IJERPH. Her works contribute to understanding the strategic, clinical, and socio-economic evaluation of medical technologies and the role of digital transformation and sustainability in healthcare systems. She has been actively involved in teaching and coordinating courses such as Innovation in Health and Social Care, Healthcare Management, and Economia e Organizzazione Aziendale at Politecnico di Milano and Humanitas University. Her contributions extend to international conferences, including EURAM, ISPOR, IPDMC, and Health Technology Assessment International, where she presented cutting-edge research on hospital innovation, inclusive healthcare technologies, and decision-making frameworks. Dr. Pinelli also serves as a reviewer for several leading journals, including the Journal of Medical Internet Research and Health Services Management Research. Beyond academia, she has contributed to practitioner conferences addressing the impact of AI and MedTech innovation in healthcare. Through her multidisciplinary expertise, international collaboration, and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, Dr. Maria Pinelli represents a new generation of scholars bridging management engineering and medical technology for sustainable, patient-centered care.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Pinelli, M., Moglia, A., Marsilio, L., Rossi, M., Lettieri, E., Mainardi, L., & Manzotti, A. (2023). Mixed reality and artificial intelligence: A holistic approach to multimodal visualization and extended interaction in knee osteotomy. IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1109/JTEHM.2023.3335608

Pinelli, M., Manetti, S., & Lettieri, E. (2023). Assessing the social and environmental impact of healthcare technologies: Towards an extended social return on investment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 5224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065224

Di Francesco, A., Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Toletti, G., & Galli, M. (2023). Towards a more inclusive society: The social return on investment (SROI) of an innovative ankle–foot orthosis for hemiplegic children. Sustainability, 15(5), 4361. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054361

Pinelli, M., Gerardi, C., Lettieri, E., Maioru, M., Marone, L., Bertoldi, L., Navanteri, G., Costantini, M., Botti, C., & Pellini, F. (2024). Comparison of indocyanine green with conventional tracers for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: A multidisciplinary evaluation of clinical effectiveness, safety, organizational and economic impact. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0309336. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309336

Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Boaretto, A., Casile, C., Citro, G., Zazzaro, B., & Ravazzoni, A. (2022). Glucometer usability for 65+ type 2 diabetes patients: Insights on physical and cognitive issues. Sensors, 22(16), 6202. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166202

Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Moffitt Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava, Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis at Moffitt Cancer Center, is an accomplished molecular biologist with over 18 years of pioneering experience spanning cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and therapeutic discovery. Her multidisciplinary research integrates molecular genetics, pharmacology, redox biology, and genomics to uncover mechanisms driving tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. At Moffitt, Dr. Srivastava has made groundbreaking discoveries in melanoma, elucidating how redox and nitrosylation signaling pathways modulate immune evasion and therapeutic resistance in NRAS-driven cancers. Her work has identified actionable targets and led to the development of innovative RNAi-, PROTAC-, and small-molecule–based therapeutics that have advanced toward preclinical and clinical evaluation. Previously at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Yale University, she spearheaded translational research programs that delivered clinical candidates for lung diseases and cancer, while uncovering novel oncogenic pathways such as AEG-1/MTDH in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dr. Srivastava’s contributions—reflected in over 30 peer-reviewed publications, invited talks at major international conferences, and successful therapeutic innovations—underscore her leadership in bridging fundamental discoveries with clinical application, advancing next-generation strategies to combat cancer and chronic diseases.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Yoo, B. K., Santhekadur, P. K., Gredler, R., Chen, D., Emdad, L., Bhutia, S., … & Fisher, P. B. (2011). Increased RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) activity contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology, 53(5), 1538–1548. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.24221

Santhekadur, P. K., Das, S. K., Gredler, R., Chen, D., Srivastava, J., Robertson, C., … & Fisher, P. B. (2012). Multifunction protein staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1) promotes tumor angiogenesis in human hepatocellular carcinoma through a novel pathway involving NF-κB and miR-221. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 287(17), 13952–13958. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M111.323899

Sarkar, D., & Fisher, P. B. (2013). AEG-1/MTDH/Lyric: Clinical significance. Advances in Cancer Research, 120, 39–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-401676-7.00002-0

Srivastava, J., Siddiq, A., Emdad, L., Santhekadur, P. K., Chen, D., Gredler, R., … & Fisher, P. B. (2012). Astrocyte elevated gene-1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis: Novel insights from a mouse model. Hepatology, 56(5), 1782–1791. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.25841

Santhekadur, P. K., Akiel, M., Emdad, L., Gredler, R., Srivastava, J., … & Fisher, P. B. (2014). Staphylococcal nuclease domain containing-1 (SND1) promotes migration and invasion via angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and TGF-β signaling. FEBS Open Bio, 4, 353–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fob.2014.03.001

Darvaish Khan | Material Science | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Darvaish Khan | Material Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Darvaish Khan | Sapienza University of Rome | Italy

Dr. Darvaish Khan is a distinguished postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Materials, and Environment, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, with an extensive academic and research background in materials science, solid-state physics, and energy materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, following a Master’s from Liverpool Hope University, UK, and an M.Sc. in Solid State Physics from the University of Peshawar, Pakistan. Dr. Khan’s research primarily focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of metal hydrides, composites, and alloys for advanced hydrogen storage and energy applications. His expertise spans hydrogen-matter interactions, phase transitions in nanostructured environments, and modeling of solid-state metal hydrides using COMSOL Multiphysics. He has developed innovative materials through solid-state mechanochemical, hydrothermal, and wet-impregnation/infiltration methods, utilizing advanced characterization tools such as XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, DSC, TGA, FTIR, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and Sieverts-type PCT for analyzing structural, thermal, and gas sorption properties. His work significantly contributes to improving the thermodynamics and kinetics of hydrogen sorption in metal hydrides and nanocomposites, addressing global challenges in sustainable hydrogen energy systems. Dr. Khan’s impactful research has been published in top-tier international journals, including Interdisciplinary Materials, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chemical Engineering Journal, and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. He has also served as a guest speaker at international conferences, received multiple research excellence awards, and is a reviewer for international scientific journals. As an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor and member of the American Chemical Society and International Society of Hydrogen Energy, Dr. Khan continues to advance interdisciplinary innovations in hydrogen storage, nanostructured materials, and sustainable energy technologies, contributing meaningfully to the global transition toward a hydrogen-based clean energy future.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Zhu, W., Panda, S., Lu, C., Ma, Z., Khan, D., Dong, J., Sun, F., Xu, H., Zhang, Q., & Zou, J. (2020). Using a self-assembled two-dimensional MXene-based catalyst (2D-Ni@Ti₃C₂) to enhance hydrogen storage properties of MgH₂. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12(45), 50333–50343.

Ma, Z., Panda, S., Zhang, Q., Sun, F., Khan, D., Ding, W., & Zou, J. (2021). Improving hydrogen sorption performances of MgH₂ through nanoconfinement in a mesoporous CoS nano-boxes scaffold. Chemical Engineering Journal, 406, 126790.

Ma, Z., Zou, J., Khan, D., Zhu, W., Hu, C., Zeng, X., & Ding, W. (2019). Preparation and hydrogen storage properties of MgH₂-trimesic acid-TM MOF (TM = Co, Fe) composites. Journal of Materials Science & Technology, 35(10), 2132–2143.

Khan, D., Zou, J., Zeng, X., & Ding, W. (2018). Hydrogen storage properties of nanocrystalline Mg₂Ni prepared from compressed 2MgH₂–Ni powder. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 43(49), 22391–22400.

Ma, Z., Zhang, Q., Panda, S., Zhu, W., Sun, F., Khan, D., Dong, J., Ding, W., & Zou, J. (2020). In situ catalyzed and nanoconfined magnesium hydride nanocrystals in a Ni-MOF scaffold for hydrogen storage. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 4(9), 4694–4703.

Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Birmingham City University | United Kingdom

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani is an accomplished researcher in electrical and electronic engineering, specializing in embedded systems, automation, and control engineering. His multidisciplinary research integrates hardware design, sensor networks, and artificial intelligence to develop innovative and energy-efficient solutions for real-world challenges. With over a decade of experience in academia and applied research, Dr. Gilani has contributed significantly to the advancement of embedded control technologies, renewable energy optimization, and industrial automation systems. His work emphasizes intelligent system design, IoT-based automation, and the integration of machine learning algorithms for enhanced performance and sustainability. Dr. Gilani has published extensively in high-impact journals and presented at leading international conferences, reflecting his global engagement and scientific rigor. He has also supervised numerous research projects and guided students in developing practical applications of emerging technologies. His research outputs demonstrate a strong commitment to technological innovation that bridges the gap between theory and application. Recognized for his academic excellence and collaborative research initiatives, Dr. Gilani continues to advance cutting-edge developments that contribute to the evolution of smart, adaptive, and efficient engineering systems—making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Gilani, S. A. M., & Faccia, A. (2021). Broadband connectivity, government policies, and open innovation: The crucial IT infrastructure contribution in Scotland. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 8(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8010001

Gilani, S. A. M., Copiaco, A., Gernal, L., Yasin, N., Nair, G., & Anwar, I. (2023). Savior or distraction for survival: Examining the applicability of machine learning for rural family farms in the United Arab Emirates. Sustainability, 15(4), 3720. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043720

Gilani, S., Gernal, L., Tantry, A., Yasin, N., & Sergio, R. (2022). Leadership styles adopted by Scottish micro-businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Business and Technology (pp. 144–156). Springer.

Al Jaghoub, J., Suleiman, A., Takshe, A. A., Moussa, S., Gilani, S. A. M., Sheikh, S., & others. (2024). The role of innovation in waste management for enterprises: A critical review of the worldwide literature. In Technology-Driven Business Innovation (pp. 453–464). Springer.

Gernal, L., Tantry, A., Gilani, S. A. M., & Peel, R. (2024). The impact of online learning and soft skills on college student satisfaction and course feedback. In Technology-Driven Business Innovation: Unleashing the Digital Advantage (pp. 42–54). Springer.

Gilani, S. A. M., Tantry, A., Askri, S., Gernal, L., & Sergio, R. (2023). Adoption of machine learning by rural farms: A systematic review. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing and Informatics (pp. 324–335). Springer.