Dieter Melchart | Public Health | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Dieter Melchart | Public Health | Research Excellence Award

Deggendorf Institute of Technology | Germany

Prof. Dr. Dieter Melchart is a distinguished leader in naturopathy and complementary medicine, recognized for shaping clinical practice, academic development, and evidence-based research in the field. He has held pioneering academic appointments, including a landmark professorial role in naturopathy and complementary medicine at one of Germany’s leading medical universities, where he directed a major center dedicated to complementary medicine, holistic care, and health promotion. In this capacity, he also oversaw both an outpatient department and a day clinic, creating a comprehensive model that integrated clinical services, patient education, and interdisciplinary research. His academic influence extends internationally through professorial engagements at a prominent Swiss university and a leading institution for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. He currently serves as an honorary professor in complementary medicine and individual health management at an applied sciences institution in Germany, contributing to both teaching and strategic program development. For an extended period, he also guided the operations of a well-known competence center focused on integrative health approaches. Prof. Melchart has long held a key leadership role as chairman of the scientific advisory board for the first German clinic devoted to Traditional Chinese Medicine, supporting clinical innovation and advancing rigorous research standards in TCM practice. His scholarly work centers on the clinical evaluation of acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicinal products, and lifestyle-oriented therapeutic concepts, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based application within integrative health systems. As an adjunct professor, he remains actively involved in teaching naturopathy within an interdisciplinary medical curriculum at a major technical university and continues to supervise doctoral research. His contributions reflect a sustained commitment to bridging conventional and complementary medicine, fostering scientific credibility in integrative therapies, and promoting patient-centered, holistic healthcare models that unite traditional knowledge with modern clinical standards.

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Featured Publications

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

Alexis Koskan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexis Koskan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alexis Koskan | Arizona State University | United States

Dr. Alexis M. Koskan, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU), specializing in behavioral oncology, cancer prevention, and implementation science. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Behavioral Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center and earned her Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior from the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on the prevention and control of cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), increasing cancer screening uptake, and developing community-engaged interventions that promote equitable access to cancer prevention services. Dr. Koskan has led and collaborated on numerous NIH- and industry-funded projects, including initiatives addressing vaccine hesitancy, digital health interventions, and culturally tailored cancer education for underserved populations. Her scholarship has produced over 45 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Vaccine, JMIR, and Journal of Cancer Education. Through interdisciplinary and community-based approaches, Dr. Koskan’s work advances the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based strategies to reduce cancer disparities and improve public health outcomes.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azugbene, E. A., Koskan, A. M., Williams, E., Patton, T., Liu, L., Nizigiyimana, J., … (2025). Facilitators of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating refugee women: A qualitative study using a community-based approach. Patient Education and Counseling, 136, 108778.

Kim, S. W., Lozano, F., Todd, M., Larkey, L., Bahrami, R., Juwadi, K., & Koskan, A. (2025). Digital storytelling to reduce Hispanic parents’ COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Vaccines, 13(11), 1093.

Williams, E., Azugbene, E., Lozano, F., Liu, L., Patton, T., Nizigiyimana, J., … Koskan, A. M. (2025). COVID-19 vaccine barriers among pregnant and lactating refugee women: A case study. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1600107.

Koskan, A. M., Venetis, M. K., & Kim, S. W. (2025). Pilot testing digital stories to influence college men’s intentions to vaccinate against HPV. Journal of Cancer Education, 1–6.

James, D. L., Ahlich, E., Maxfield, M., Kechter, A., James, S. E., Koskan, A. M., … (2025). Perspectives of older adults with memory decline participating in a prolonged nightly fasting (PNF) pilot study: A qualitative exploration. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 9(1), e112.

Koskan, A. M., Vizcaino, M., Khatib, M., Brown, T. M., & Sears, D. D. (2025). Abstract B082: Design Studios for Health to identify distinct outreach events and interventions to reduce the burden of cancer among Hispanic/Latino and Black adults in a major southwestern city. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 33(9_Supplement), B082–B082.

 

Iffat Prianka | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Iffat Prianka | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iffat Prianka | Ibrahim Medical College | Bangladesh

Dr. Iffat Tania Prianka is an accomplished public health researcher and academic with extensive experience in community medicine, preventive and social medicine, and epidemiology. She holds an M. Phil. in Preventive and Social Medicine and an MPH in Epidemiology, and is currently pursuing a PhD. Her academic contributions include research on autism awareness among medical students, internet addiction, physical exercise practices among diabetic patients, and mental stress in infertile women. Dr. Prianka has served in diverse roles including Lecturer and Assistant Professor at Ibrahim Medical College, Senior House Physician at United Hospital Dhaka, and Lead Medical Officer and Public Health Expert at Fera Foundation, USA. She has significant experience in research methodology, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and public health program implementation. Her professional development includes international training in medical education, research methodology, data interpretation, and faculty development programs. She has presented at international conferences, received awards for academic excellence, and published multiple peer-reviewed research articles in reputable journals. Dr. Prianka is proficient in statistical software (SPSS, STATA) and skilled in scientific communication, teaching, and community health research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Prianka, I. T., Haque, W., Jahan, N., Saha, M., Prity, T. T., & Gupta, P. K. S. (2022). Knowledge and attitude on early sign of autism among 1st year to 3rd year medical students in a selected medical college in Bangladesh. International Journal of Medical Research and Pharmaceuticals, 9(9).

Jahan, N., Idris, M. R., Prianka, I. T., & Gupta, P. K. S. (2022). Internet addiction and its determinants among medical students in Dhaka City during COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Medical Research and Pharmaceuticals, 9(12).

Anne Ebri | Public Health | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anne Ebri | Public Health | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anne Ebri | Arthur Jarvis University | Nigeria

Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri is a seasoned public health optometrist, researcher, and educator with over 30 years of impactful service across Africa. She holds an OD from the University of Benin, an MSc in Public Health for Eye Care from LSHTM, and a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As CEO of Charis Vision and former West Africa Manager at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, she has led major regional projects advancing inclusive eye care, low vision services, and education. Dr. Ebri has trained hundreds of health professionals, established vision centers, and developed national strategies to combat avoidable blindness. Her research on vision impairment and rehabilitation needs of older adults has shaped policy recommendations. A Fellow of both the Nigerian College of Optometrists and the American Academy of Optometry, she is a recipient of global awards, including the IAPB Eye Health Hero. Her work bridges clinical excellence with sustainable, community-centered solutions in global eye health.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri has pursued a strong academic path in optometry and public health. She obtained her Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree from the University of Benin, where she developed a solid foundation in clinical eye care. She later advanced her training with a Master’s degree in Public Health for Eye Care from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, equipping her with the skills to design and implement public health strategies. Further deepening her research capabilities, she earned a PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on vision impairment and rehabilitation needs of older adults in Nigeria.

Experience

Dr. Ebri has more than three decades of professional experience spanning clinical practice, academic teaching, public health leadership, and international consultancy. She served as Sub-Regional Manager for West Africa at the Brien Holden Vision Institute, where she led multi-country projects on inclusive eye health. She is currently the CEO and Founder of Charis Vision and Health Mission, focusing on accessible eye care and disability-inclusive services. Her teaching roles include senior academic positions and curriculum development for several optometry schools. She has also contributed to national and regional policy development in collaboration with health ministries and global organizations.

Research Interests

Her research interests lie in public health optometry, low vision and rehabilitation, inclusive eye health, and health systems strengthening. She is particularly passionate about addressing the needs of underserved populations, including children with disabilities and older adults with vision impairment. Her academic work focuses on translating research into policies that promote equity in eye health services and rehabilitation.

Awards

Dr. Ebri has been recognized internationally for her contributions to eye health and inclusion. She received the Eye Health Hero award from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. She has also been honored with national awards for meritorious service and leadership in optometry. Her fellowships from reputable optometric bodies underscore her global professional standing.

Publications

Guardians’ decision-making for purchasing children’s spectacles

Author: VF Chan, AC Yong, C O’Neill, C Graham, N Congdon, L Lohfeld, AE Ebri, et al.

Journal: PLoS One 16(7): e0254517

Year: 2021

Caretakers’ willingness to pay and cross-subsidisation for children’s spectacles

Author: AE Ebri, C O’Neill, K Azubuike, N Congdon, C Graham, L Lohfeld, et al.

Journal: BMC Public Health 23(1): 1075

Year: 2023

Demographics and ocular needs of children attending clinics

Author: AC Yong, AE Ebri, SE O’Connor, D O’Donovan, N Congdon, C Graham, et al.

Journal: BMJ Open 12(5): e060379

Year: 2022

Reasons for nonadherence to follow-up eye care among schoolchildren

Author: L Lohfeld, C Graham, AE Ebri, N Congdon, VF Chan

Journal: medRxiv preprint

Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Anne Effiom Ebri’s exceptional contributions to public health optometry, inclusive eye care, and rehabilitation reflect a rare integration of academic rigor, leadership, and grassroots impact. Her dedication to underserved populations, combined with her ability to influence policy and train future professionals, underscores her lasting impact in the field. As a transformative force in vision and public health across Africa, Dr. Ebri stands out as a compelling and worthy recipient of the Women Researcher Award.

Jenny Gentizon | Public Health | Applied Scientist Award

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Dr. Jenny Gentizon | Public Health | Applied Scientist Award

Dr. Jenny Gentizon,  University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland

Dr. Jenny Gentizon is a senior lecturer and head of the Nurse Practitioner Master’s program at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) in Switzerland. She holds a PhD in Nursing Sciences and specializes in advanced practice nursing, gerontology, and medication literacy. Her research focuses on improving medication management in older adults and developing tools to support pharmaceutical care. She is actively involved in European nursing science networks and leads educational and clinical initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of advanced practice nurses in the healthcare system.

Author Profile

orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jenny Gentizon’s journey into nursing science began with a profound interest in patient care and the healthcare system’s evolving complexity. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Sciences (2003–2007) from the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Haute École La Source, where her outstanding academic commitment earned her a prize for best dissertation. This early recognition reflected her ability to merge critical thinking with clinical realities—a skill that would define her career. Her academic path continued with a Master of Science in Nursing Sciences (2011–2014), a joint program between UNIL and HES-SO. This phase cemented her interest in evidence-based practice, and her thesis explored the beliefs and attitudes of nurses regarding evidence-based implementation, laying the groundwork for future research. Her pursuit of advanced expertise culminated in a PhD in Nursing Sciences (2017–2022) from the Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), UNIL/CHUV, where she developed the MED-fLAG—a novel tool to assess medication literacy in older adults. This doctoral work would become a cornerstone of her academic identity.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Gentizon’s professional path has seamlessly integrated clinical expertise with educational leadership. For over a decade, she served as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in geriatric and internal medicine at CHUV, contributing to quality care, coaching, and the supervision of advanced practice nurses. Since 2022, she has held the role of Lecturer and Nurse Researcher at UNIL/CHUV, rising to the position of MER1 sup. (100%) in 2025. As Head of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Master’s Program, she leads curriculum development, course coordination, and student supervision across several advanced nursing programs. Her teaching portfolio includes subjects such as clinical reasoning, physical examination, and integration of clinical knowledge into practice, demonstrating her holistic approach to nurse education.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gentizon’s research bridges the gap between medication safety and gerontological care, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management, and pharmaceutical care. Her PhD work on MED-fLAG led to several peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, establishing her as a reference in medication literacy among older adults. She has also contributed to studies on fall-risk–increasing drugs (FRIDs), self-efficacy in medication adherence, and the implementation of standardized medication plans in hospital settings. Her projects often take a quasi-experimental or mixed-methods approach, reflecting a rigorous and innovative scientific method. Dr. Gentizon has secured multiple research grants, including funding from the Nursing Science Foundation Switzerland and Fondation CHUV, supporting her interdisciplinary projects on therapeutic education for chronic conditions like psoriasis. Her work consistently emphasizes the role of nurse-led interventions and contributes to reshaping clinical practice through research.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Gentizon has received numerous accolades for her academic excellence and research impact. Highlights include:

  • Prize for Best Bachelor Dissertation (2007)

  • PhD Research Grant from CHUV (20K CHF)

  • 51K CHF Research Grant from the Nursing Science Foundation Switzerland

  • EANS Scholarship for three summer schools (2018–2021)

She is also a respected peer reviewer for high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Nursing Studies, Journal of Advanced Nursing, BMC Geriatrics, and Palliative and Supportive Care, reflecting her standing in the scientific community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Gentizon is an active contributor to national and international nursing networks, including:

  • NuPhaC (Nurse and Pharmaceutical Care) – International board member

  • European Academy of Nursing Science (EANS) – Member

  • Swiss Association for Nursing Science (APSI) – Member

  • Association Engagés pour la Santé – Committee member

She is frequently invited to present at scientific conferences and public forums, where she translates complex research into actionable insights. Her public outreach articles in mainstream media like L’Illustré and INVivo Magazine raise awareness about overmedication, medication literacy, and elderly care, underscoring her commitment to community health education.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Gentizon’s legacy lies in her pioneering work on medication literacy and her leadership in advanced practice nursing education. She has supervised over 15 master’s theses and continues to shape future nurse leaders through mentorship and innovative pedagogy.

Her future contributions are likely to focus on:

  • Scaling the implementation of MED-fLAG across healthcare systems

  • Expanding nurse-led intervention models in chronic disease management

  • Advocating for policy changes in advanced practice nursing education

  • Contributing to international collaborative research in gerontology and health literacy

As the healthcare landscape evolves, Dr. Jenny Gentizon stands at the forefront of transforming nursing practice through education, evidence, and empathy. Her commitment to integrating patient-centered care with rigorous scientific inquiry promises a lasting impact on both academia and clinical nursing worldwide.

✍️Notable Publications

Instruments assessing medication literacy in adult recipients of care: A systematic review of measurement properties

Contributors: Jenny Gentizon; Julian Hirt; Cécile Jaques; Pierre-Olivier Lang; Cedric Mabire

Journal: International Journal of Nursing Studies

Year: 2021

Impact of an INtervention to increase MOBility in older hospitalized medical patients (INTOMOB): Study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Contributors: Blandine Mooser; Dominique Bergsma; Fabian D. Liechti; Christine Baumgartner; Jenny Gentizon; Marie Méan; Maria M. Wertli; Marco Mancinetti; Joachim Schmidt-Leuenberger; Carole Elodie Aubert

Journal: BMC Geriatrics
Year: 2023

Medication Literacy and Medication Self‐Management: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Hospitalised Patients (65+) With Polypharmacy

Contributors: Laura Mortelmans; Jenny Gentizon; Tinne Dilles; Malakeh Malak

Journal: Journal of Nursing Management
Year: 2024