Alexandre Marcolino | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Alexandre Marcolino | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

The Patient Specific Functional Scale at Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Dr. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino is a distinguished Brazilian physiotherapist and researcher, currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). With a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Functional Performance and a Master’s in Health Sciences applied to the Locomotor System from the prestigious Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – USP, Dr. Marcolino has built a career centered on advanced musculoskeletal rehabilitation, low-intensity laser therapy, and electromyography. His academic journey includes specializations in hand therapy and orthopedic physiotherapy, complemented by a postdoctoral fellowship at UFSCAR. Actively involved in teaching, research, academic advisory, and program coordination, he also demonstrates a strong commitment to continuing education through numerous certifications and professional courses. His research, technical production, and contributions to clinical physiotherapy and academic leadership make him a notable figure in rehabilitation sciences in Brazil.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Alexandre Marcio Marcolino 

Dr. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino holds a robust academic background in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy from Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Catanduva in 2004, where he conducted early research on laser therapy in ischemic skin flaps. He went on to complete a Master’s degree in Health Sciences Applied to the Locomotor System (2009) and a Doctorate in Physiotherapy and Functional Performance (2013) at the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – USP, focusing on laser therapy in nerve regeneration and electromyographic analysis in wrist orthoses, respectively. Additionally, he has completed two specializations—one in Hand Therapy at the Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia (USP), and another in Orthopedic Physiotherapy at the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto. Further advancing his academic career, Dr. Marcolino completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Universidade Federal de São Carlos (2020–2021). His commitment to lifelong learning is further demonstrated by over 30 professional development courses in areas such as electromyography, manual therapy, pedagogy, systematic reviews, and digital tools for education.

💼 Professional Experience of Alexandre Marcio Marcolino 

Dr. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino has amassed extensive professional experience in academia, clinical practice, and research within the field of physiotherapy. Since 2015, he has served as an Adjunct Professor at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), where he is actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising research in the Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, and contributing to academic administration, including roles such as program coordinator and departmental delegate. His clinical and academic expertise spans orthopedics and traumatology, with a focus on electromyography, rehabilitation techniques, and musculoskeletal disorders. Prior to his tenure at UFSC, he worked as a professor at the Universidade Estadual de Goiás (UEG) and gained hands-on clinical experience as a physiotherapist at the Casa de Repouso Brandão and through his residency at the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – USP. Dr. Marcolino’s diverse professional background integrates clinical proficiency, academic leadership, and a strong research orientation, making him a key contributor to the advancement of physiotherapy in Brazil.

🔬 Research Interests of Alexandre Marcio Marcolino 

Dr. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino’s research interests are centered on advancing clinical practices in physiotherapy through evidence-based approaches in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and neurofunctional recovery. He has a strong focus on electromyography, biomechanical analysis, and the application of low-intensity laser therapy for tissue repair and nerve regeneration—particularly in experimental models of peripheral nerve injury. His academic investigations also explore the therapeutic effects of orthotic devices, muscle activation patterns, and functional performance, especially in conditions like lateral epicondylitis. Additionally, Dr. Marcolino is deeply engaged in interdisciplinary studies that intersect biomechanics, manual therapy, and innovative physiotherapeutic techniques aimed at improving clinical outcomes. His commitment to scientific rigor and translational research reflects a broader vision to enhance rehabilitation protocols and contribute to the development of high-impact, patient-centered care models.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Alexandre Marcio Marcolino 

Dr. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino has been recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions through prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. Notably, he received a postdoctoral research fellowship from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)—a significant acknowledgment of his scholarly merit and potential for advancing rehabilitation sciences in Brazil. Earlier in his career, he was also granted a scholarship from FUNDAP (Fundação do Desenvolvimento Administrativo) during his specialization in orthopedic physiotherapy at the renowned Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto – USP. These honors reflect his dedication to scientific advancement, clinical excellence, and ongoing contributions to the field of physiotherapy.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Alexandre Marcio Marcolino is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the health and rehabilitation sciences. His profound academic qualifications, consistent research contributions, and dedication to education, combined with a diversified skill set in therapy techniques and bioinstrumentation, place him among top-tier professionals in Brazilian physiotherapy research.

📝 Selected Publications by Dr. Shahrokh Javaheri

  1. Title: Photobiomodulation (100 mW) caution applied to tattooed skin: a cross-sectional study
    Authors: [Author names not fully visible]
    Journal: Archives of Dermatological Research
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) During Functional Activities or Exercise: A Systematic Review
    Authors: [Author names not fully visible]
    Year: [Not explicitly mentioned; assumed recent]
    Citations: 0

  3. Title: Influence of photobiomodulation and radiofrequency on the healing of pressure lesions in mice
    Authors: [Author names not fully visible]
    Journal: Lasers in Medical Science
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

  4. Title: The Patient Specific Functional Scale – Brazil as an instrument for the functional assessment of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: Construct validity (hypothesis testing and structural validity) and test-retest reliability
    Authors: [Author names not fully visible]
    Journal: Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

  5. Title: Does the skin phototype influence the sensory perception of individuals during photobiomodulation irradiation?
    Authors: [Author names not fully visible]
    Journal: Archives of Dermatological Research
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

 

 

 

 

Lindi Mathebula | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Lindi Mathebula | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Ms Lindi Mathebula, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), South Africa

Ms. Lindi Mathebula is a committed public health scientist and epidemiologist with a strong academic and professional record in vaccine research and disease surveillance in Africa. Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Stellenbosch University, her doctoral research explores vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and refusal in South Africa. With extensive experience at institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council (Cochrane SA) and the Western Cape Department of Health, Ms. Mathebula has led and contributed to impactful research on tuberculosis, COVID-19, cholera, and clinical trial transparency. Her work is widely published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at global conferences. Known for her leadership in project management and systematic reviews, she also provides expert training and policy guidance to healthcare professionals. Ms. Mathebula’s scholarly commitment, practical contributions, and policy-relevant insights make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Ms. Lindi Mathebula’s academic journey reflects her deep commitment to health research and epidemiology. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health at Stellenbosch University, with her research focused on childhood vaccination acceptance in Cape Town. She previously completed a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology at Stellenbosch University in 2019, where she conducted a cross-national analysis of tuberculosis treatment trials in BRICS countries. Her foundational academic qualifications include a BTech in Pharmaceutical Science from Tshwane University of Technology (2014), an Honours degree in Physiology (2012), and a BSc in Molecular and Life Sciences (2011), both from the University of Limpopo. Her multidisciplinary education has uniquely positioned her to bridge pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, and public health. Ms. Mathebula’s academic background supports her diverse contributions to evidence-based healthcare, vaccine policy research, and health system strengthening across the African continent.

Experience

Ms. Mathebula brings over a decade of impactful experience in public health research, surveillance, and clinical trials. Since 2021, she has served as Project Manager at the South African Medical Research Council’s Cochrane SA, leading clinical trial evaluations and knowledge dissemination initiatives. Prior to this, she worked as Assistant Director of the Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for the Western Cape Department of Health, focusing on disease surveillance and vaccine policy implementation. From 2016 to 2019, she served as a Scientist at Cochrane SA, contributing to systematic reviews and research capacity-building. Across these roles, she has played a pivotal role in improving data transparency, training health professionals, and managing collaborative projects in vaccine development and public health emergencies. Her ability to integrate research with policy and practice makes her an influential figure in advancing Africa’s clinical research and vaccination programs.

Awards and Honors

While Ms. Lindi Mathebula’s profile does not list specific awards, her selection as a speaker and contributor to high-level policy discussions and international vaccine congresses reflects her standing in the public health research community. She has been invited to present her research at the 16th and 17th Vaccine Congress, the AVAEREF Advisory Committee, and SAHPRA stakeholder engagements, which underscores the impact and relevance of her work. She is also a recognized trainer in evidence-based healthcare, routinely leading workshops for healthcare professionals and students. Her research has appeared in top-tier journals such as BMJ Open, Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, and Trials, and her work has contributed to improving vaccine uptake and clinical trial transparency across Africa. Ms. Mathebula’s academic and practical contributions position her as a rising leader in global public health and a worthy candidate for future awards and recognition.

Research Focus

Ms. Lindi Mathebula’s research is centered on vaccine policy, public health surveillance, and clinical trial transparency—critical areas in global health. Her PhD research delves into the social dynamics of childhood vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Cape Town, while her prior work has examined tuberculosis and COVID-19 trials across Africa and BRICS nations. She also studies the effectiveness of clinical trial registration in promoting ethical, transparent, and efficient research, particularly in underrepresented African settings. Her interest extends to health system strengthening, evidence synthesis, and capacity-building in public health. By investigating systemic barriers to vaccine uptake and improving trial registry practices, she contributes to enhancing both access to and trust in vaccines. Her work informs national and regional health strategies, and her leadership in workshops and stakeholder engagement further amplifies her research’s impact on policy and practice.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Mathebula et al., 2023Cholera vaccine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  2. Wiysonge, Ndwandwe & Mathebula, 2023Measles and whooping cough outbreaks: A warning sign. The Conversation. 🔗

  3. Mathebula et al., 2022TB trials in BRICS countries. BMJ Open. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  4. Mathebula et al., 2022Clinical trial registration in Africa during COVID-19. Trials. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  5. Wiysonge et al., 2022COVID-19 vaccine trials in Africa. SAJS. 🔗

  6. Ndwandwe et al., 2022Trends in Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. BMJ Open. 🔗

  7. Hohlfeld et al., 2021TB intervention trials in Africa. PLoS ONE. 🔗

  8. Ndwandwe et al., 2020COVID-19 diagnostics review. PAMJ. 🔗

  9. Iwu et al., 2020Vaccine stock-level mobile reporting. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗

  10. Mathebula et al., 2019Vaccines against Ebola: Systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. 🔗

  11. Ndwandwe et al., 2020Vaccine trials in Africa: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗

  12. Jaca et al., 2018Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination. Vaccine. 🔗