Karen Kengne Kamga | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Karen Kengne Kamga | Genetics and Genomics | Best Researcher Award

Dr Karen Kengne Kamga, Limbe Regional Hospital, south west, Cameroon, Cameroon

Dr. Karen Kengne Kamga is a dynamic physician-scientist from Cameroon, blending clinical expertise with advanced research in human and medical genetics. With an M.D. from the University of Yaoundé I and a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling from the University of Cape Town, she has become a leading figure in genomic medicine across Africa. She currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher in Human Genetics, Head of Medical Genetics at Limbe Regional Hospital, and Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Passionate about bridging clinical gaps in genetic services in Africa, she’s contributed significantly to fragile X syndrome understanding and healthcare system integration of genetic counselling. Dr. Kamga is a strong advocate for capacity building, precision public health, and equitable genomic research.

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Education

Dr. Kamga began her academic journey at GBHS Bafoussam, completing her GCE Ordinary and Advanced Levels. She earned her MD in General Medicine from the University of Yaoundé I in 2013. Driven by a passion for genetics, she pursued a Ph.D. in Genetic Counselling at the University of Cape Town, which she completed in December 2021. To expand her administrative and clinical leadership, she enrolled in an MBA in Health Management at UNICAF University, completed in 2023. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Genetics at Tech Global University, Andorra (2023–2024). In parallel, she is a postdoctoral fellow in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town since 2021. Her multi-disciplinary training spans medicine, genetics, health management, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, equipping her to lead innovation in genomic healthcare delivery in low-resource settings.

Experience

Dr. Kamga’s career began as a physician at “Cabinet de soin St Dominique” (2013–2014), followed by multiple leadership roles at District Hospital Limbe from 2014 to 2023, including Head of Pediatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Surgical Unit, ANC & EPI, and Laboratory Coordinator. In 2023, she became Head of Medical Genetics at the Limbe Regional Hospital. Simultaneously, since 2024, she is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I. Her experience reflects a strong commitment to integrating genetic services within mainstream healthcare and public health teaching. Her roles have combined clinical excellence, mentorship, and system-level leadership, all contributing to a national vision for personalized medicine and public health genetics.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kamga’s research excellence has been widely recognized through prestigious international honors. She received the 2024 Resource-Limited Country Travel Award and the 2021 & 2020 Developing Country Virtual Meeting Awards from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). In 2019, she earned the ASHG Developing Country Travel Award. These honors reflect her impactful presence in the global genetics research community. She is also a respected member of several professional societies: ASHG (since 2020), African Society of Human Genetics (since 2017), and the Cameroon Society of Human Genetics (since 2015). Her accolades underscore a consistent dedication to research, equity, and capacity building in genetic medicine in Africa.

Research Focus

Dr. Kamga’s research focuses on bridging the gap between advanced genetic knowledge and its clinical implementation in Africa. Her Ph.D. investigated cultural perceptions and explanatory models of Fragile X Syndrome in rural Cameroon, highlighting the need for community-sensitive genetic counselling. As a postdoctoral fellow, she explores the integration of human genetics into public health, emphasizing equitable access to genomic services. She led a scoping review identifying strategic pathways to strengthen genetic healthcare in Africa. Her work spans genomic ethics, bioinformatics, genetic education, and precision public health, consistently aiming to enhance genetic literacy and healthcare systems in resource-limited settings. She is deeply involved in collaborative African genomics initiatives like H3Africa, and committed to mentoring emerging scientists.

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Binhui Zhou | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Binhui Zhou | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Binhui Zhou, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binhui Zhou is a leading researcher in molecular biology and neuroscience, renowned for his work in protein palmitoylation and its implications in cancer and immune disorders 🔬🧠. He earned his Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding from Hainan University and currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University 🎓🏥. With over a decade of research, Dr. Zhou has pioneered studies funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Henan Provincial Foreign Expert Project 🇨🇳🌟. His groundbreaking publications in top-tier journals have significantly advanced our understanding of cellular signaling in diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma and atherosclerosis 🧬🩸. A highly respected peer reviewer for prestigious journals, he continues to shape the scientific community through innovation and collaboration 🤝📚. Dr. Zhou exemplifies excellence in research and stands as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆✨.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Binhui Zhou’s educational journey reflects his strong commitment to bioscience and innovation 📘🧪. He began his academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University (2005–2009) 🎓🔍. His passion for molecular and developmental biology led him to complete a Master’s degree in Developmental Biology at Hainan University (2010–2013), where he gained key insights into cell and tissue growth processes 🌱🧫. He pursued his Ph.D. at the same university in Crop Genetics and Breeding (2013–2017), where his research laid the foundation for his later studies on genetic regulation and disease pathways 🌾🧬. Throughout his education, Dr. Zhou displayed academic excellence, research depth, and a clear focus on translating fundamental biology into clinical relevance. His multidisciplinary academic background supports his current role as a prominent scientist exploring intersections of genetics, immunology, and neuroscience 🔍📖🧠.

Experience

Dr. Zhou began his academic career in 2017 as a Lecturer at the Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University 🏫🧠. Over seven years, he demonstrated outstanding research and teaching capabilities, contributing significantly to the fields of molecular biology and neuroimmunology 📚🔬. In 2024, he was promoted to Associate Professor in recognition of his impactful work on palmitoylation mechanisms and their clinical relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma and immune regulation 🧬🩺. His leadership in major research projects, such as NSFC Youth Program and Henan Foreign Expert Project, highlights his ability to lead innovative studies with real-world implications 🌍📊. In parallel, Dr. Zhou has served as a mentor to young scientists, shaping the next generation of researchers 👨‍🏫🌱. His dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration and translational science continues to position him at the forefront of biomedical research.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binhui Zhou has received national recognition for his exceptional contributions to biomedical science 🧬🌟. As a Principal Investigator, he secured prestigious research grants, including the NSFC Youth Program and the Henan Provincial Foreign Expert Project, reflecting his leadership and innovation in high-impact studies 💡🧠. His work has been published in top-tier journals such as Cell Molecular Immunology, Theranostics, and Journal of Advanced Research, each with high impact factors and broad influence in global science communities 📈🌐. As an expert reviewer for journals like Communications Biology and Cell Communication and Signaling, he has helped uphold the integrity and quality of scientific publishing 📘🧪. Moreover, Dr. Zhou was appointed as a reviewer for the NSFC Youth Program, a mark of his standing in China’s scientific elite 🇨🇳📜. These accolades affirm his merit for the Best Researcher Award 🏅👏.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhou’s research primarily explores protein palmitoylation, a lipid modification process critical in regulating cellular signaling pathways in diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and immune dysfunctions 🧪🧠. He focuses on zDHHC family palmitoyltransferases, particularly zDHHC1, zDHHC2, and zDHHC6, and their roles in modulating protein function in hepatocellular carcinoma and inflammatory responses 🔬🧬. His investigations have revealed mechanisms by which these enzymes control immune cell behavior and cancer cell proliferation, contributing to therapeutic target discovery 💊🔍. Notably, his studies on Foxp3 palmitoylation have uncovered novel immune regulatory pathways. Dr. Zhou also examines the PI3K-Akt-mTOR axis in relation to atherosclerosis, offering insights into cardiovascular disease treatment 🫀📊. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology, immunology, and neuroscience, pushing the boundaries of biomedical knowledge and guiding new treatment strategies across multiple health conditions 🤝🌍. His research stands at the forefront of cellular signaling and translational medicine 🚀🧫.

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