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

Mathebula et al., 2023 – Cholera vaccine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗
Wiysonge, Ndwandwe & Mathebula, 2023 – Measles and whooping cough outbreaks: A warning sign. The Conversation. 🔗
Mathebula et al., 2022 – TB trials in BRICS countries. BMJ Open. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗
Mathebula et al., 2022 – Clinical trial registration in Africa during COVID-19. Trials. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗
Wiysonge et al., 2022 – COVID-19 vaccine trials in Africa. SAJS. 🔗
Ndwandwe et al., 2022 – Trends in Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. BMJ Open. 🔗
Hohlfeld et al., 2021 – TB intervention trials in Africa. PLoS ONE. 🔗
Ndwandwe et al., 2020 – COVID-19 diagnostics review. PAMJ. 🔗
Iwu et al., 2020 – Vaccine stock-level mobile reporting. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗
Mathebula et al., 2019 – Vaccines against Ebola: Systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. 🔗
Ndwandwe et al., 2020 – Vaccine trials in Africa: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗
Jaca et al., 2018 – Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination. Vaccine. 🔗

Yuanli Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yuanli Zhang, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuanli Zhang is a distinguished academic and the Deputy Secretary of the School of Medical Technology at Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College 🇨🇳. With over a decade of dedication to the field of oral biomechanics 🦷🧠, he has significantly advanced knowledge in orthodontics, implantation, and jaw surgery. Dr. Zhang has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers 📚 and is a lead contributor to several innovative research projects focused on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, integrating engineering and medicine 🤖🧪. He also holds multiple national patents 🧾, reflecting his innovative work in dental biomechanics and medical imaging. His scholarly books, including one published by CRC Press, are used widely in the field. Dr. Zhang’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and education marks him as a leading figure in biomedical engineering and dental science 🏅.

Education

Dr. Yuanli Zhang holds a rigorous academic background in biomechanics and medical engineering ⚙️🩺. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in biomedical-related disciplines, focusing on musculoskeletal system analysis and oral-maxillofacial biomechanics. His expertise has been deepened through advanced studies in computational modeling and finite element analysis 💻📐. Dr. Zhang’s education combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on research experience, especially in the simulation and mechanical evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). He has also received extensive training in the application of ABAQUS finite element software, which he later translated into a best-selling textbook. His academic formation laid a strong foundation for multidisciplinary collaboration across medicine, dentistry, and mechanical engineering 🤝. This comprehensive educational pathway has empowered him to design and execute complex research projects and contribute meaningfully to both clinical and academic communities 🏫📖.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yuanli Zhang currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of the School of Medical Technology at Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College 🏫. With over ten years of research and academic leadership experience, he specializes in oral biomechanics, integrating clinical insights with mechanical engineering principles 🦷⚙️. He has directed numerous research projects on TMJ dysfunction, prosthodontics, and jaw surgery, often collaborating across departments and disciplines 🌐. Dr. Zhang is also a consultant in industrial biomechanics projects involving denture material strength testing and fatigue performance evaluation 🔍🧪. In addition to his administrative duties, he regularly mentors students, coordinates research labs, and publishes in high-impact journals. His dual role in academia and applied research makes him a valuable contributor to innovations in oral healthcare, implantology, and diagnostic imaging technologies 📊🧠.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang’s trailblazing work in oral biomechanics has been recognized through numerous patents and academic accolades 🥇. His book Computational Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System is a highly cited reference in the field and showcases his authority on the subject 📘. He was awarded national patents for innovations such as MRI examination aids, implant prosthetics, and medical imaging equipment 🔬📸. These inventions reflect his problem-solving approach to real-world medical challenges. Dr. Zhang has also been honored for his role in translational research, converting complex engineering principles into practical clinical tools. While formal award citations may not be listed, his prolific publication record, interdisciplinary collaborations, and contributions to medical device development are evidence of his scholarly excellence and research leadership 💡🏅. His profile stands strong for the Best Researcher Award based on both innovation and academic impact.

Research Focus

Dr. Yuanli Zhang’s research centers on the biomechanical dynamics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the clinical implications of dental procedures such as implantation, prosthodontics, and jaw surgeries 🦷🔍. His work bridges engineering mechanics and oral medicine, offering critical insights into TMJ dysfunction caused by surgical interventions or prosthetic usage 🧠⚙️. Utilizing advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and 3D modeling software, Dr. Zhang evaluates stress distributions, joint morphology, and bite force dynamics 💻📊. His research has clinical relevance in reducing patient discomfort, improving surgical outcomes, and guiding personalized treatment planning. Ongoing projects include exploring GDF11 expression in cancer, the effect of implants on TMJ health, and the design of more adaptive oral prosthetics 🧬🧪. His interdisciplinary methodology supports innovations in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, making his research both timely and transformative for the field of biomedical engineering and dental science.

Yuanli Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award