gülçin gacar | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. gülçin gacar | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. gülçin gacar | KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, Turkey

Dr. Gülçin Gacar is an Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, serving at the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies within the Institute of Health Sciences. With a strong background in clinical microbiology, her research explores mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and regenerative therapies. She actively leads and contributes to national scientific projects and serves as a mentor to graduate students. Her work bridges experimental research with clinical applications, advancing the field of stem cell biology through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Academic Profile 

ORCID, Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Gülçin Gacar pursued her academic training in medical and life sciences with a strong emphasis on clinical microbiology and cellular biology. Her foundational education equipped her with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology. Building upon this, she specialized in advanced studies of stem cells and regenerative medicine, laying the groundwork for her future research in cellular therapies and translational medicine. Her education has been a critical driver in shaping her academic vision and her interdisciplinary approach to complex biomedical challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Gacar currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, where she is actively involved with the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies. Over the years, she has gained extensive academic and research experience, having taught and mentored at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She plays a vital role in supervising graduate theses and guiding students in advanced biomedical research. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she is also a principal investigator and research consultant on numerous scientific projects funded by national bodies such as TÜBİTAK. Her experience includes close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working on cellular therapies, tissue engineering, and experimental models of disease. Her leadership in research has contributed significantly to the academic output of her department and to the scientific community at large.

Research Interests

Dr. Gacar’s research focuses on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, and extracellular vesicles, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer biology, and tissue regeneration. Her work integrates cellular and molecular techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in experimental models. She has conducted studies on the effects of stem-cell-derived exosomes in Alzheimer’s disease models, explored the anti-inflammatory potential of compounds in oxidative stress conditions, and examined the use of photodynamic therapy agents in cancer treatment. Dr. Gacar is particularly interested in how cell-to-cell communication via extracellular vesicles can be harnessed to develop new treatment modalities. Her scientific output reflects a strong commitment to translational research, bridging the gap between bench-side discoveries and clinical applications.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Gacar has earned recognition for her contributions to medical research and scientific innovation. She has been involved in several prestigious research projects funded by national agencies, notably TÜBİTAK, and by higher education institutions. Her collaborative work has resulted in multiple successful research grants and numerous scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Gacar has also contributed to the advancement of academic research infrastructure by mentoring emerging scholars and participating in advisory roles on national research panels. These accomplishments underscore her standing in the scientific community and highlight the broader impact of her research in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Publications

Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from rat bone marrow: ultrastructural properties, differentiation potential and immunophenotypic markers – Histochemistry and cell biology (2009)

Isolation and in vitro characterisation of dental pulp stem cells from natal teeth – Histochemistry and cell biology (2010)

Comparative analysis of apoptotic resistance of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human bone marrow and adipose tissue – The Scientific World (2012)

The short-and long-term effects of estrogen deficiency on apoptosis in musculoskeletal tissues: an experimental animal model study – Archives of Iranian Medicine (2013)

In vitro protection of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by erythropoietin – Acta histochemica (2014)

Protective effects of resveratrol on aging-induced cognitive impairment in rats – Neurobiology of learning and memory (2016)

Restorative effect of resveratrol on expression of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cavernous tissues of chronic unpredictable mild stress-exposed rats: an – International Journal of Impotence Research (2018)

 

 

 

Azim Paksa | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Azim Paksa | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azim Paksa, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Azim Paksa holds a Ph.D. in Medical Entomology and Vector Control from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with over 15 years of academic and field experience in vector biology, insecticide resistance, and mosquito ecology. He has led numerous research projects focused on disease vectors such as Anopheles, Aedes, and Blattella germanica, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed ISI and ISC journals. His work includes gene sequencing contributions to GenBank, active participation in national congresses, and involvement in public health initiatives across Iran. Dr. Paksa is a member of the Iranian Societies of Medical Entomology and Parasitology and is skilled in molecular biology techniques, data analysis (SPSS), and scientific publishing.

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. A. Paksa’s academic journey in the field of medical entomology began with a strong foundation at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where he pursued and successfully completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Medical Entomology and Vector Control. His early academic years were marked by a deep interest in public health and vector-borne diseases, which naturally progressed into a lifelong dedication to research and fieldwork. His Master’s thesis focused on detecting resistance mechanisms to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in Blattella germanica (German cockroach) collected from Tehran hospitals. Later, during his Ph.D., he conducted an extensive study on the genetic diversity, Wolbachia infection, and ecological features of Aedes caspius and Aedes vexans, both of which are significant vectors for arboviruses in Iran. This early research demonstrated his capability in both laboratory and field settings, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to medical entomology and public health.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Paksa has served in multiple academic, research, and public health capacities, working closely with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, and Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, among others. As an executive director and principal collaborator, he has led and completed over a dozen major research projects addressing critical issues in entomology, such as insecticide resistance, vector identification, and ecological surveys of disease-carrying arthropods. In addition to field studies, Dr. Paksa has been an active member of organizing and scientific committees in several national conferences, including the Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change Congress and the Iranian National Congress on Medical Entomology, demonstrating his leadership in scientific community engagement.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Paksa’s contributions to medical entomology are vast and multifaceted. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed ISI and ISC publications, covering topics from mosquito larvicidal properties of essential oils to biochemical resistance mechanisms in disease vectors. His research often combines molecular biology, field ecology, and applied public health, making it both academically rigorous and practically applicable.  His work has been instrumental in identifying and combating insecticide resistance in Anopheles stephensi and Blattella germanica, two vectors of significant public health concern. He has also made critical gene sequence deposits in GenBank, contributing to the global scientific repository with data from Iranian vector species. Dr. Paksa’s dedication to natural product-based insect control is notable—his investigations into the larvicidal effects of Iranian indigenous plant essential oils have opened new avenues in eco-friendly vector control strategies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Paksa has earned recognition for both the quality and breadth of his research. His presence in multiple national scientific conferences, both as a presenter and an organizing committee member, speaks to the high regard in which he is held by peers. He has served as a referee for the Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases and evaluated proposals and books for Zabol University of Medical Sciences, further reflecting his expertise and trustworthiness in scientific evaluation. Moreover, his active membership in the Iranian Society of Medical Entomology and Medical Parasitology for over a decade underscores his commitment to scientific collaboration and advancement within his specialty.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Paksa’s research has had a direct impact on vector control policies, hospital hygiene practices, and disease prevention strategies in Iran. His work on cockroach and mosquito resistance mechanisms has influenced how hospitals and municipalities approach pest control. Furthermore, his studies on head lice prevalence in schoolchildren and tick infestation in livestock have provided critical insights into zoonotic disease transmission and public health education. By combining field data with molecular insights, Dr. Paksa bridges the gap between lab-based science and real-world applications—making his work especially valuable to policy-makers, healthcare providers, and environmental health professionals.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a solid foundation built on two decades of field experience, scientific research, and public health collaboration, Dr. Paksa is well-positioned to continue making influential contributions in the years ahead. His current projects focus on the molecular mechanisms of resistance in vector populations and the development of environmentally sustainable vector control strategies. In the future, Dr. Paksa aims to deepen international collaborations, contribute to global malaria and arboviral control efforts, and mentor the next generation of entomologists in Iran and beyond. His legacy will likely be remembered not only for his extensive publication record and field innovations but also for his dedication to improving public health through evidence-based research.

✍️Notable Publications

Molecular assay on detection of crimean congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus in ixodid ticks collected from livestock in slaughterhouse from south of Iran

Contributors: Salehi-Vaziri, M.; Vatandoost, H.; Sanei-Dehkordi, A.; Fazlalipour, M.; Pouriayevali, M.H.; Jalali, T.; Mohammadi, T.; Tavakoli, M.; Paksa, A.; Abadi, Y.S.

Journal: Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Year:2020

Biodiversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) with emphasis on potential arbovirus vectors in East Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran

Contributors: Paksa, A.; Sedaghat, M.M.; Vatandoost, H.; Yaghoobi-Ershadi, M.R.; Moosa-Kazemi, S.H.; Hazratian, T.; Sanei-Dehkordi, A.; Oshaghi, M.A.

Journal: Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Year: 2019

Wild chive oil is an extremely effective larvicide against malaria mosquito vector Anopheles stephensi

Contributors: Sanei-Dehkordi, A.; Soleimani-Ahmadi, M.; Abadi, Y.S.; Paksa, A.
Journal: Tropical Medicine
Year: 2019

Rosabel Camacho Gastélum | Scientific Breakthroughs | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Rosabel Camacho Gastélum | Scientific Breakthroughs | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Rosabel Camacho Gastélum, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Mexico

Dr. Rosabel Camacho Gastélum is a researcher at the Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas , Mexico. Her work focuses on marine sciences, with a particular interest in the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary research aimed at understanding and protecting ocean ecosystems.

Author Profile

Google Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Rosabel Camacho Gastélum’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in biology, leading to her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a specialization in Marine Biology. Her undergraduate thesis,  showcased her early interest in marine ecosystems. She furthered her education with a Master’s degree in Marine Resource Management, completing her thesis on “Identification of fish larvae from the family Sciaenidae in the Upper Gulf of California using molecular markers.” Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Marine Sciences at Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas , Mexico.

🔬Professional Endeavors

Rosabel’s professional experience includes working as a Research Assistant on a vessel . During this tenure, she contributed to the collection of biological samples and physical data from the southern part and entrance of the Gulf of California. Her expertise in marine biology and research skills have been valuable assets in her professional endeavors.

📚Contributions and Research Focus

Rosabel has made significant contributions to the field of marine biology through her research and publications. Some notable publications include:

– Molecular identification and morphological description of Micropogonias megalops, Cynoscion othonopterus, C. reticulatus, and Menticirrhus in Mitochondrial DNA Part A (2017)
– Interannual variations of environmental factors and their effects on larval fish habitats in the Upper Gulf of California during early summer in Continental Shelf Research (2020)
– Horizontal and vertical distribution of fish larvae in the main entrance of Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California (October 2022) in Continental Shelf Research (2025)

Her research focuses on marine species identification, ecology, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on the Gulf of California. Rosabel has also presented her research at conferences and science fairs, including a presentation on the genetic identification of fish larvae from the family Sciaenidae in the Upper Gulf of California.

📢Impact and Influence

Rosabel’s research has the potential to inform conservation efforts and management of marine resources in the Gulf of California. Her work on fish larvae identification and ecology can contribute to a better understanding of marine ecosystems and the impacts of environmental changes. By sharing her research with academic and general audiences, Rosabel is helping to advance the field of marine biology and promote awareness about the importance of marine conservation.

✍️Notable Publications

Horizontal and vertical distribution of fish larvae in the main entrance of Bahía de La Paz, Gulf of California (October 2022).

Author: R Camacho-Gastélum, L Sánchez-Velasco, SPA Jiménez-Rosenberg,

Journal: Continental Shelf Research, 105510

Year: 2025

Identificación de larvas de peces de la familia Sciaenidae del Alto Golfo de California, mediante marcadores moleculares.

Haishan Jiang | Medical Discoveries | Innovation in Science Award

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Dr. Haishan Jiang | Medical Discoveries | Innovation in Science Award 

Dr. Haishan Jiang, Southern Medical University, China

Dr. Haishan Jiang, Chief Physician and Associate Professor at Southern Medical University’s Nanfang Hospital, is a leading expert in neurology, specializing in myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and rare neurological diseases. As Deputy Director of the Neurology Department and head of the Myopathy and Peripheral Neuropathy subspecialty, he has pioneered gene therapies for SMA and ALS in South China. His research focuses on motor neuron and mitochondrial diseases, as well as gene therapy for rare conditions. Widely recognized, Dr. Jiang has been honored as the “Good Doctor of Guangzhou” and ranks top nationally in physician recommendations for multiple rare diseases.

Author Profile

ORCID

🧑‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Haishan Jiang embarked on his medical journey with a deep-rooted commitment to understanding the complexities of the human nervous system. With a Doctor of Medicine degree and solid academic grounding, he demonstrated early on a keen interest in neurology, particularly in the areas of myopathy and peripheral neuropathy. His academic path was marked by diligence, a sharp scientific mind, and a profound dedication to uncovering the underlying mechanisms of rare neurological diseases. As a postgraduate supervisor, Dr. Jiang has also shown a strong passion for nurturing the next generation of medical professionals, sharing his knowledge and guiding their research pursuits with patience and precision.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Dr. Jiang holds several key positions: Chief Physician, Associate Professor, Deputy Director of the Neurology Department, Director of Teaching, and Head of the Myopathy and Peripheral Neuropathy subspecialty. His clinical expertise spans a wide spectrum of neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on difficult and rare conditions such as motor neuron disease (ALS), mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, and adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Dr. Jiang’s commitment to clinical excellence has led him to establish and lead the Guangdong Province Myopathy and Peripheral Nerve Specialized Alliance, a network aimed at advancing diagnosis, treatment, and research collaboration. Under his leadership, the department ranks among the top two nationally in terms of annual muscle and nerve biopsy volume, solidifying its reputation as a hub for neuromuscular disease care.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jiang’s research interests are firmly rooted in neurogenetic disorders, particularly motor neuron diseases (ALS) and mitochondrial disorders. His work seamlessly blends basic science with clinical application, focusing on understanding disease mechanisms and exploring cutting-edge gene therapy approaches. He has spearheaded some of South China’s most advanced gene therapy trials, including the region’s first gene therapy for adult SMA—the fourth such case in the country—and the first ALS gene therapy clinical trial in South China, also the second nationwide. His pioneering research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also offers hope to patients battling previously untreatable conditions. Through his clinical studies, Dr. Jiang is pushing the frontiers of personalized medicine, bringing precision diagnostics and therapy into the mainstream for rare and complex neurological diseases.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Haishan Jiang’s unwavering dedication to medical science and patient care has earned him widespread acclaim. Notably, he was honored as the sixth “Good Doctor of Guangzhou” and selected as part of the ninth batch of “Outstanding Provincial and Municipal Talents Supporting Xinjiang”, a testament to both his clinical excellence and humanitarian spirit. Furthermore, he was recognized by the Good Doctor Network as an “Annual Good Doctor” for his exceptional service in rare disease diagnosis and treatment. His reputation as a leading clinician is reflected in his top rankings in national physician recommendation lists—first place for 13 diseases, including ALS and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, and second place for 15 others. These accolades not only highlight his expertise but also the trust he has earned from patients and peers alike.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Jiang’s work has had a transformative impact on neurology in China, particularly in the realm of rare diseases. By advancing the use of gene therapy and establishing regional alliances, he has created a robust infrastructure for collaboration, research, and clinical care. His contributions have significantly improved diagnostic timelines and therapeutic options for patients who previously faced long diagnostic odysseys and limited treatment possibilities. As a teacher and mentor, Dr. Jiang has shaped the careers of countless postgraduate students and young doctors, many of whom now contribute to clinical neurology and research across the country. His influence extends beyond the clinic to policy and advocacy, where he is a strong voice for the rare disease community.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Haishan Jiang stands at the forefront of a new era in neurology, where genomics and personalized medicine are reshaping how we understand and treat complex diseases. His legacy is already evident in the systems he has built, the patients he has helped, and the students he has inspired. Looking ahead, Dr. Jiang aims to further expand gene therapy applications, develop innovative treatment protocols, and foster international collaboration in rare disease research. With his continued focus on combining scientific rigor with compassionate care, Dr. Jiang is set to leave a lasting legacy in Chinese and global neurology. His work is not only rewriting the medical narrative for patients with rare conditions but also paving the way for future breakthroughs in neuroscience.

✍️ Publication Top Notes

📘A Multicenter Study of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis in China

Author: Xujun Chu; Juan Kang; Jingwen Xu; Haishan Jiang; Zhi‐Ying Wu; Qingping Wang; Wei Li; Jia Li;
Journal: Annals of Neurology
Year:2025

📘Knockdown of OPTN modulates miRNA-125b-5p expression via NF-κB pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Author: Jian Qin; Ye He; Weiyi Yu; Zhaoyong Zhang; Xiaodan Chen; Yafang Hu; Haishan Jiang
Journal: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Year: 2025

📘Clinical features of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis-polyneuropathy with transthyretin Ala97Ser(p.Ala117Ser) mutation in South Mainland China

Author: Yeli Zhu; Jingxian Fan; Xiying Zhu; Wei Li; Zhaoyong Zhang; Hui Zheng; Zhihua Zhou; Lingchao Meng; Ruxu Zhang; Haishan Jiang
Journal: Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases
Year: 2025