André de Moric | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. André de Moric | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. André de Moric | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo | Brazil

Dr. André de Moricz, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Head of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery Group at the Department of Surgery, Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil. He holds a medical degree from Fundação do ABC, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate in Surgery from the Santa Casa School of Medical Sciences. Over the course of his extensive academic and clinical career, he has become a leading authority in HPB surgery, complex biliary and pancreatic procedures, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Moricz’s research portfolio spans translational oncology, gastrointestinal diseases, surgical outcomes, immune microenvironments, and advanced operative strategies. His contributions include high-impact research on tumour-specific immune responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, global cancer mutational signatures through the Mutographs consortium, and clinically focused studies on gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy, gallstone disease predictors, surgical management in elderly patients, and technical innovations such as modified hepaticojejunostomy to facilitate endoscopic access. He is the author and co-author of several major surgical textbooks, including comprehensive works on general medicine, minimally invasive abdominal wall and digestive surgery, and cornerstone treatises in Brazilian surgical education. His publications also include numerous book chapters featured in authoritative national and regional surgical references, covering HPB surgery, digestive system diseases, and advanced operative management. His early academic contributions also include the development of an experimental pancreas transplantation training model. Beyond academia, Dr. Moricz collaborates with industry, serving as a consultant for projects related to enzyme reposition therapy in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, supporting innovation that enhances patient care. Recognized for his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to surgical excellence, Dr. André de Moricz continues to influence clinical practice, research development, and professional training in HPB surgery both in Brazil and internationally.

Profile; Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications:

Kinker, G. S., Vitiello, G. A. F., Diniz, A. B., Cabral-Piccin, M. P., Pereira, P. H. B., Carvalho, M. L. R., Ferreira, W. A. S., Chaves, A. S., Rondinelli, A., Gusmão, A. F., Defelicibus, A., Dos Santos, G. O., Nunes, W. A., Claro, L. C. L., Bernardo, T. M., Nishio, R. T., Pacheco, A. M., Laus, A. C., Arantes, L. M. R. B., & Moricz, A. de, et al. (2023). Mature tertiary lymphoid structures are key niches of tumour-specific immune responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Gut, 72(10), 1927–1941.

Rego, R. E., Campos, T. de, Moricz, A. de, Silva, R. A., & Pacheco Júnior, A. M. (2003). Cholecystectomy in the elderly: Early results of open versus laparoscopic approach. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 49(3), 293–299.

Pereira, F. L., Vasques, F. T., Moricz, A., Campos, T., Pacheco Jr., A. M., & Silva, R. A. (2012). Correlation analysis between post-pancreatoduodenectomy pancreatic fistula and pancreatic histology. Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, 39, 41–47.

Rêgo, R. E. C., Campos, T., Moricz, A. de, Silva, R. A., & Pacheco Júnior, A. M. (2003). Tratamento cirúrgico da litíase vesicular no idoso: Análise dos resultados imediatos da colecistectomia por via aberta e videolaparoscópica. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 49, 293–299.

Reverdito, R., Moricz, A., Campos, T., Pacheco, A. M., & Silva, R. A. (2016). Mirizzi syndrome grades III and IV: Surgical treatment. Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões, 43(4), 243–247.

Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos | Universidad de Cádiz | Spain

Flavia Estefanía Amar Cantos is a specialist in Physical Activity, Sport Sciences, and Educational Innovation, with comprehensive training that includes a degree in Sports Sciences, two official master’s degrees in Physical Activity and Health and Teacher Training, and advanced postgraduate studies in Sports Coaching and Injury Rehabilitation. Her academic trajectory is complemented by extensive university teaching experience at the University of Cádiz, where she has taught subjects related to biomechanics, acrobatics, motor skills, educational gymnastics, sports pedagogy, aquatic activities, recreational physical activity, and the development of motor competence across different educational stages. She has also contributed to practicum coordination in teacher-training programs and delivered specialized courses in sports training and individual sports foundations. Her research activity includes authorship of scientific articles, book chapters, and two monographs published by a recognized sports-science editorial, addressing topics such as injury prevention, water sports initiation, emotional intelligence in physical education, educational technology, and interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches. Beyond academia, she has developed significant professional experience as a coach, instructor, and technical director in gymnastics, aquatic disciplines, fitness environments, and school-based extracurricular programs. She has held roles of academic coordination, subject leadership, and instructional design in vocational and advanced sports-training programs, contributing to curriculum implementation in areas such as biomechanics, biological foundations, sports techniques, group dynamics, disability and inclusion, aquatic conditioning, and emergency intervention. Her profile reflects a solid blend of teaching excellence, applied research, professional leadership, and commitment to promoting health, inclusion, and high-quality physical education through evidence-based practice and innovation.

Profile; Orcid 

Featured Publications:

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). El juego como medio de enseñanza de los deportes paralímpicos. En Cartografía lúdica: Enseñar, aprender, cuidar y transformar la cultura y la sociedad jugando (ISBN 979-13-7006-273-6).

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). El maestro que actúa. Una narrativa a propósito de su homosexualidad. En Caminando hacia la inclusión de las personas LGBTIQA+: Resistencias y alternativas contrahegemónicas (ISBN 979-13-7006-510-2).

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). Mi infancia son recuerdos de un patio (de colegio) en Cádiz. Gaditana-Logía.

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). Mi infancia son recuerdos de un patio (de colegio) en Cádiz. Gaditana-Logía Comunicación.

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2025). Tecnología, inclusión y educación social: Una narrativa. RiiTE: Revista Interuniversitaria de Investigación en Tecnología Educativa. https://doi.org/10.6018/riite.685041

Amar Cantos, F. E. (2024). An oncology patient’s reading. In F. Amar & V. Amar (Eds.), Advances in Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioral Studies (pp. xx–xx). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4244-2.ch013

Amar, F., Sánchez, B., & Amar, V. (2025). La inteligencia artificial a través de la narrativa: ¿Cuánto hay de inteligencia y cuánto de artificial? Educação e Pesquisa. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-4634202551291963es

Antonella Frassanito | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Antonella Frassanito | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Antonella Frassanito | Sapienza University of Rome | Italy 

Dr. Antonella Frassanito is an accomplished Italian pediatrician and pediatric pulmonologist with extensive clinical, academic, and research experience spanning nearly two decades. Born in Cosenza, she earned her Medical Degree with honors from Sapienza University of Rome, followed by specialization in Pediatrics, summa cum laude) and advanced master’s degrees in Pediatric Pneumology and Healthcare Management. She also holds certifications in pediatric emergency, life support, pediatric ultrasound, and European pediatric life support. Dr. Frassanito has built a robust clinical career across major Italian healthcare institutions, including Umberto I General Hospital, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, and San Camillo de Lellis Hospital. she has served as a Medical Manager at the Pediatric Emergency and Short Observation Unit of the Maternal-Infant and Urologic Sciences Department in Rome. She has been a practicing pediatrician in nursery settings and actively substitutes for pediatricians. In academia, she has taught in the Pediatric Emergency Master’s Program and the Nursing Science Course at Sapienza University. Her research focuses on bronchiolitis, respiratory infections, bronchoscopy, pertussis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and pediatric respiratory function. She has contributed to numerous national and international studies, including multicenter projects funded by SIMRI and Sapienza University. Dr. Frassanito is a member of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, SIMRI, and the European Respiratory Society. She serves on editorial boards and is a peer reviewer for international journals. She has presented extensively at major conferences, chaired sessions at ERS congresses, and delivered invited lectures on bronchiolitis, pneumonia, respiratory microbiota, and pediatric emergency topics. Her work has earned multiple SIMRI awards and scholarships recognizing excellence in pediatric respiratory research. Through her clinical leadership, scientific contributions, and educational roles, Dr. Frassanito continues to play a significant role in advancing pediatric respiratory medicine in Italy and beyond.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Congenital Tracheal Stenosis: Two Case Reports and Literature Review Matera, L., Nenna, R., Frassanito, A., Conti, M. G., Petrarca, L., Mancino, E., Di Mattia, G., La Regina, D. P., Iovine, E., Virgili, F., Spatuzzo, M., & Midulla, F. (2024). Congenital tracheal stenosis: Two case reports and literature review. Current RespiratoryMedicineReviews,20(4),351354.
https://doi.org/10.2174/011573398X282374240227040922

A Single Center Observational Study on Clinical Manifestations and Associated Factors of Pediatric Long COVID Mancino, E., Nenna, R., Matera, L., La Regina, D. P., Petrarca, L., Iovine, E., Di Mattia, G., Frassanito, A., Conti, M. G., Bonci, E., Spatuzzo, M., Ialongo, S., Zicari, A. M., Spalice, A., & Midulla, F., on behalf of the Long Covid Research Group. (2023). A single center observational study on clinical manifestations and associated factors of pediatric Long COVID. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(18), 6799. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186799

An Italian Multicenter Study on the Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Hospitalized Children Nenna, R., Matera, L., Licari, A., Manti, S., Di Bella, G., Pierangeli, A., Palamara, A. T., Nosetti, L., Leonardi, S., Marseglia, G. L., & Midulla, F., for the ICHRIS Group. (2022). An Italian multicenter study on the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in hospitalized children. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10, 930281. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.930281

Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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

Walter Schumm | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Walter Schumm | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Walter Schumm | Kansas State University | United States

Dr. Walter R. Schumm, Emeritus Professor of Applied Family Science at Kansas State University, is a distinguished scholar whose academic and professional journey spans over four decades of teaching, research, and service. With a Ph.D. in Family Studies from Purdue University and a strong foundation in research methods and statistics, Dr. Schumm has made significant contributions to the fields of family science, human sexuality, social research integrity, and military leadership studies. Throughout his tenure at Kansas State University, he taught a wide range of courses in family theory, research methodology, and marriage education, while mentoring numerous master’s and doctoral students. Beyond academia, Dr. Schumm’s career reflects a remarkable blend of scholarship and service, having held multiple leadership positions in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, where he earned commendations for excellence in logistics, mobilization planning, and unit command. His research portfolio includes influential works on same-sex parenting, research ethics, and statistical integrity in social science, with publications in journals such as Accountability in Research, The Linacre Quarterly, and The Journal of Human Sexuality. A Fellow of the National Council on Family Relations and recipient of multiple awards—including the President’s Award from the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity—Dr. Schumm continues to be recognized for his analytical rigor, ethical insight, and contributions to both social science and public service.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Schumm, W. R., Bloomstrom, G., Theodore, V. P., & Roy, R. N. (2025). Reliability and validation of US Army-oriented brief work-to-family and family-to-work conflict scales: An email sample of 262 Army career officers. Social Sciences.

Schumm, W. R., Brady, A. C., Solis, D., Cerny, J., Mann, M., & Francis, M., et al. (2023). Daily response of vital signs to COVID-19 infection: A case study of an unvaccinated 70-year-old male with type II diabetes treated with monoclonal antibodies and selected supplements. American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research, 19(4), 428.

Schumm, W. R. (2023). A further examination of excesses or deficits of terminal zeroes in scientific research: Using binomial testing to assess probabilities for different anomaly classifications as evidence of data fabrication or falsification. Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 52(4), 43992–43995.

Schumm, W. R. (2022). A re-analysis of data from Sullins, Rosik, and Santero (2021): Are sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) helpful for those who don’t change? F1000Research, 11, [version 1; peer review: awaiting publication].

Schumm, W. R., & Rosik, C. H. (2022). A critical review of the 2021 APA [American Psychological Association] resolution on sexual orientation change efforts. Noble International Journal of Social Sciences Research, 7(2), 40–51.

Evangelos Kourdis | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Evangelos Kourdis | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Evangelos Kourdis | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Professor Evangelos Kourdis has established a distinguished academic presence in the interdisciplinary fields of translation semiotics, sociolinguistics, and cultural communication. He has authored 23 research documents, each contributing to the advancement of semiotic and translation theory. His works have been cited by 70 international publications, underscoring their scholarly reach and recognition. According to Scopus, his current h-index is 4, reflecting consistent and high-quality research output. His studies integrate semiotic methodologies with translation theory, bridging conceptual gaps between linguistic and cultural analysis. These contributions have positioned him as a key figure in modern semiotic scholarship. His publications in reputed journals such as Semiotica, Social Semiotics, and Signs and Society highlight his academic excellence. By fostering collaboration among European semiotic schools, he enriches global dialogue in meaning-making and communication. His research output reflects both depth in theoretical innovation and breadth in application. The increasing citations across major indexing platforms indicate international trust in his frameworks. Professor Kourdis’s scholarship demonstrates an enduring commitment to advancing semiotic research in translation and intercultural studies. These metrics collectively affirm his role as a globally recognized and influential scholar in his field.

Profile: Scopus | OrcidGoogle Scholar

Featured Publications

Kourdis, E. (2025). Multimodal, polysemiotic, multisemiotic: A necessary demarcation for semiotics and translation studies. Social Semiotics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2025.2562390

Kourdis, E. (2024). Les orientations disciplinaires de la sémiotique: L’état de la question. Degres, 53(197–198), c1–c21.

Kourdis, E. (2024, December 30). Kristeva’s impact on translation and the interplay of intertextuality, transposition and intersemiosis. Acta Nova Humanistica: A Journal of Humanities Published by New Bulgarian University, 24(1), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.33919/anhnbu.24.1.9

Kourdis, E. (2024, December 2). Intersemiotic translations of Greek popular films in the film industry and media. Signs and Media, 2590(0323), Article 12340032. https://doi.org/10.1163/25900323-12340032

Yoka, L., & Kourdis, E. (2023). Introduction: Signs of Europe: Discourses, mythologies, politics of representation. In L. Yoka & E. Kourdis (Eds.), Signs of Europe: Discourses, mythologies, politics of representation (pp. 9–19). Thessaloniki: Hellenic Semiotic Society. https://doi.org/10.26262/FTMV-XR69

Yan Tong Koh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Tong Koh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Tong Koh | Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group | Singapore

Dr. Koh Yan Tong is an accomplished clinician-scientist whose research contributions have significantly advanced understanding in paediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus, and ocular inflammation. Her published works span reputable international journals, addressing diverse topics such as retinal diseases, orbital trauma, and uveitis, with clinical implications for both adult and paediatric eye care. Her research has been cited in 11 scientific documents, reflecting her growing influence in ophthalmic literature, and she maintains an h-index of 1, demonstrating the emerging recognition of her early scholarly impact. In addition to her active research pursuits, Dr. Koh plays a pivotal role in clinical leadership, medical education, and translational ophthalmic studies, bridging clinical excellence with academic innovation across the National Healthcare Group and affiliated medical schools.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Koh, Y. T., Chee, S. P., Fong, K. C., Tan, C. S., & Lim, W. K. (2013). Characteristics and ophthalmic manifestations of the classic dengue fever epidemic in Singapore (2005–2006). Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 2(3), 175–179.

Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Urmila Shirke | Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved & Research Centre | India

Dr. Urmila Jijaba Shirke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. She holds degrees in BAMS, MD in Swasthavritta and Yoga, and an MA in Sanskrit, and is currently pursuing her PhD from Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. With over sixteen years of academic experience, she has served as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor and Head of Department at leading Ayurvedic institutions. Her research interests span preventive and promotive health, yoga therapy, diet and lifestyle management, and Ayurvedic public health applications. Dr. Shirke has authored numerous research papers in national and international journals and has contributed to a book on Kayachikitsa and Mano Vigyan. She has participated in and organized many seminars, CME programs, and workshops on Ayurveda and Yoga across India and abroad. Her projects include both self-funded and externally funded research supported by MUHS and Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. Actively involved in administrative and academic activities, she serves as IQAC Coordinator and NAAC Committee in-charge and has played a key role in developing curricula and health education initiatives. She is also a recognized PG guide and examiner for MUHS, mentoring students in research and clinical training. Dedicated to public health and community welfare, Dr. Shirke regularly conducts health camps, obesity awareness programs, and yoga training courses, promoting holistic living through Ayurveda and Yoga.