Vandi Dlama Kamaunji | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vandi Dlama Kamaunji | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vandi Dlama Kamaunji | Tyeeli New Energy Company Limited | Nigeria

Dr. Vandi Dlama Kamaunji is a geologist and geochemist with a strong background in mineral exploration, petrology, geochemistry, and geological mapping. His professional experience spans academic, industrial, and research roles, focusing on the geological evolution, petrogenesis, and mineralization of alkaline and peralkaline complexes in Nigeria and China. He has served as an Exploration/Resource Geologist at Wanrun Mining Company Limited, where he led geological field surveys, core logging, mineral resource estimations, and geophysical data interpretation to support mineral exploration and development projects. His work also included environmental impact assessments, data management, and regulatory compliance. Previously, as a Part-Time Lecturer at Adamawa State University, he delivered courses in ore deposits and geochemistry, supervised research projects, and contributed to curriculum development and academic mentorship. Earlier in his career, he held a leadership role as Head of Geology at L&T Hydrogeo-Engineering Company, where he conducted geophysical surveys, oversaw mineral exploration operations, and managed multidisciplinary geological teams. Dr. Kamaunji’s research contributions include multiple publications in high-impact international journals such as Lithos, International Geology Review, Geological Journal, and Journal of African Earth Sciences. His studies cover diverse topics such as tectonomagmatic processes, isotopic geochemistry, remote sensing applications, and mineral resource potential in Nigeria’s basement complexes and ring structures. His scientific expertise encompasses mineralogy, isotope and trace-element geochemistry, ore deposit modeling, and analytical techniques such as EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, ICP-MS, XRF, and SEM. He is actively engaged in international collaborations and professional organizations, including the International Association of Geochemistry, European Association of Geochemistry, Society of Economic Geologists, and the Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society. Dr. Kamaunji has received several academic and merit awards, including the Excellent Graduate Award (Ph.D.) and the Excellent Master’s Dissertation Award from the China University of Geosciences, as well as the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarships for both his Master’s and Doctoral studies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kamaunji, V. D., Wang, L. X., Ahmed, H. A., Zhu, Y. X., Vincent, V. I., & Girei, M. B. (2020). Coexisting A1 and A2 granites of Kudaru Complex: Implications for genetic and tectonic diversity of A-type granite in the Younger Granite Province, north-central Nigeria. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 109(2), 511–535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-020-01818-8

Kamaunji, V. D., Wang, L. X., Ma, C. Q., Liu, J., & Zhu, Y. X. (2021). Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the Permian–Triassic syenogranites from the eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogen, China. Lithos, 402, 105932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105932

Vincent, V. I., Wang, L. X., Zhu, Y. X., Kamaunji, V. D., Ahmed, H. A., Ntekim, E. E., & Cao, L. (2022). Onset of the anorogenic alkaline magmatism in the Nigerian Younger Granite Province: Constraints from the Daura and Dutse complexes. Lithos, 410, 106561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2021.106561

Vincent, V. I., Li, H., Girei, M. B., Förster, M. W., & Kamaunji, V. D. (2023). Tourmaline and zircon trace the nature and timing of magmatic-hydrothermal episodes in granite-related Sn mineralization: Insights from the Libata Sn ore field. American Mineralogist, 108(3), 552–571. https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2023-8334

Ahmed, H. A., Wang, L. X., Ma, C. Q., Abdallsamed, M. I. M., Girei, M. B., Zhu, Y. X., Vincent, V. I., & Kamaunji, V. D. (2021). Contrasting Neoproterozoic and Mesozoic granitoids in Zaranda Complex (Nigeria): Insights into the distinct origins, tectonic settings, and mineralization potential. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 110(4), 1389–1413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-021-02021-z

 

Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Istittuto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale G.Caporale | Italy

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo is an accomplished veterinary researcher specializing in marine animal health, wildlife pathology, and aquaculture sustainability. With a career devoted to understanding the effects of emerging diseases, pollutants, and environmental stressors on aquatic species, she has made significant contributions to marine ecosystem monitoring and animal welfare. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, she brings extensive experience in diagnostics of wild and stranded marine animals, including necropsy, histology, parasitology, cytology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research also extends to microplastics detection and the assessment of their biological impacts on marine organisms. Dr. Di Renzo holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences, Public Health, and Animal Welfare, along with postgraduate specializations in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine and dual second-level master’s degrees in Aquaculture of the Future and Healthcare Management and Administration. Her interdisciplinary background bridges veterinary pathology, marine ecology, and environmental biotechnology, positioning her at the forefront of integrated marine health research. She is the author and co-author of over 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications featured in leading journals such as Pathogens, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Pollution, Animals, PLoS One, and Scientific Reports. Her impactful work on cetacean diseases, sea turtle health, microplastics contamination, and zoonotic pathogens has earned her international recognition, contributing to global marine conservation efforts. Beyond her research, Dr. Di Renzo actively participates in national scientific boards and committees on aquaculture and wildlife health, providing expert advisory input for policy and conservation strategies. She has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences including the European Cetacean Society, World Marine Mammal Conference, and International Sea Turtle Symposium, sharing insights into the health challenges facing marine wildlife. Fluent in Italian and English, with intermediate Portuguese proficiency gained through Erasmus experience at the University of Lisbon, she also dedicates her time to volunteer work with Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus and Sub Loto, supporting marine rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo’s scholarly impact is reflected in 36 documents, 318 citations, and an h-index of 11, underscoring her sustained contributions to advancing veterinary and marine science globally.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Di Renzo, L., Mariani, G., Matiddi, M., Silvestri, C., Chiesa, S., Petochi, T., Marino, G., Pizzurro, F., Fazio, S., Rossi, E., et al. (2025, October 6). First survey on sea turtles’ interactions in mussel farms in Italy. Animals, 15(19), 2909. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192909

Pizzurro, F., Nerone, E., Di Domenico, M., Ancora, M., Mincarelli, L. F., Salini, R., Di Renzo, L., Fazio, S., & Recchi, S. (2025, April 3). Realistic environmental exposure of microplastics in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes. Water, 17(7), 1063. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071063

Di Febo, T., Di Francesco, G., Grattarola, C., Sonsini, L., Di Renzo, L., Lucifora, G., Puleio, R., Di Francesco, C. E., Smoglica, C., Di Guardo, G., et al. (2025, January 2). Serological diagnosis of Brucella infection in cetaceans by rapid serum agglutination test and competitive ELISA with Brucella abortus and Brucella ceti as antigens. Pathogens, 14(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010026

Grattarola, C., Pietroluongo, G., Belluscio, D., Berio, E., Canonico, C., Centelleghe, C., Cocumelli, C., Crotti, S., Denurra, D., Di Donato, A., et al. (2024, September). Pathogen prevalence in cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 2015 and 2020. Pathogens, 13(9), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090762

Di Renzo, L., De Angelis, M. E., Torresi, M., Mariani, G., Pizzurro, F., Mincarelli, L. F., Esposito, E., Oliviero, M., Iaccarino, D., & Di Nocera, F., et al. (2024, April 18). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species isolated from sea turtles. Microorganisms, 12(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040817

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)