Albina Tummolo | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Albina Tummolo | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Albina Tummolo at Children Hospital Giovanni XXIII, Italy.

Dr. Albina Tummolo is an accomplished pediatrician specializing in metabolic and genetic disorders. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, she has built a significant profile in managing and researching rare pediatric diseases. Based at the Policlinico of Bari, she combines patient care with academic research, national coordination roles, and continuous engagement with international advisory boards. Dr. Tummolo is also an active educator, teaching at several Italian universities and training healthcare professionals in hereditary metabolic diseases. Her work has shaped protocols and policies for improved pediatric metabolic care in Italy.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Albina Tummolo earned her Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Foggia in 2002 and completed her Specialization in Pediatrics (General and Specialist) at the University of Bari in 2007. She holds multiple postgraduate certifications in specialized pediatrics, infectivity, rheumatology, and rare diseases from the University of Bari and the University of Florence. She furthered her academic credentials with an MSc in Clinical Pediatrics from University College London in 2008 and a PhD in Pediatric Sciences from the University of Bari in 2011. In 2023, she completed an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Università Cattolica di Roma.

Experience

Dr. Tummolo currently serves as a Senior Pediatrician at the Ospedale Pediatrico “Giovanni XXIII” in Bari, within the Unit of Metabolic and Genetic Diseases, a role she has held since 2015. She has also worked as a senior pediatrician at the Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova and Presidio Ospedaliero “Perrino” dell’ASL di Brindisi. She is a registered physician with the Order of Physicians and Surgeons of Bari (License No. 5742, since September 18, 2003).

Dr. Tummolo has extensive experience leading and participating in clinical trials and observational studies focused on inborn errors of metabolism, lysosomal storage disorders, and rare genetic conditions, often acting as Principal Investigator or Scientific Coordinator. She serves as a member and secretary of national expert committees and advisory boards and contributes to shaping diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders in Italy and Europe.

Research Focus

  • Inborn errors of metabolism and rare genetic diseases

  • Lysosomal storage disorders (including LAL-D, Gaucher disease, and alpha-mannosidosis)

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU) and organic acidurias

  • Neonatal screening programs

  • Epidemiology and real-world evidence in pediatric metabolic disorders

  • Nutritional and enzyme replacement therapies in pediatric populations

Author Metrics & Scientific Contributions

  • Principal Investigator in multiple national and international clinical trials

  • Scientific Member of the Telethon Undiagnosed Diseases Program (TUDP) and E-HOD

  • Coordinator/Advisor for over 30 expert boards and working groups, including SIMMESN

  • Co-author of educational and clinical monographs, including:

    • “Inherited Metabolic Disorders Neonatal Screening” (2014)

    • Educational booklets on MSUD, TYR, HCU, MMA/PA, GA, IVA, and PKU (2020–2022)

    • Springer Healthcare Monography (2025) on velmanase alfa treatment in alpha-mannosidosis

She has contributed substantially to national consensus statements, educational masterclasses, and international forums on metabolic disease management.

Publication Top Notes

1. Exploring Partners, Parenting and Pregnancy Thinking in Late Adolescents and Young Adults with Inherited Metabolic Disorders

📅 Pediatric Reports, May 2025
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric17030056
👩‍🔬 Contributors: Albina Tummolo, Giulia Paterno, Rosa Carella, Livio Melpignano, Donatella De Giovanni
Focus: Examines reproductive health perspectives in adolescents and young adults affected by inherited metabolic disorders.

2. Growth Parameters and Prevalence of Obesity in PKU Patients and Peers: Is This the Right Comparison?

📅 Pediatric Reports, October 2024
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16040076
👩‍🔬 Contributors: Giulia Paterno, Vito Di Tullio, Rosa Carella, Giada De Ruvo, Fabrizio Furioso, Aleksandra Skublewska-D’Elia, Donatella De Giovanni, Albina Tummolo
Focus: Investigates obesity prevalence among patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) versus healthy peers.

3. Intake Modalities of Amino Acid Supplements: A Real-World Data Collection from Phenylketonuria Patients

📅 Nutrients, February 2024
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050669
👩‍🔬 Contributors: Albina Tummolo, Rossella Carella, Pasquale Carone, Giulia Paterno, Donatella De Giovanni
Focus: Real-world insights into how PKU patients consume amino acid supplements.

4. CHAMP1-related Disorders: Pathomechanisms Triggered by Different Genomic Alterations Define Distinct Nosological Categories

📅 European Journal of Human Genetics, 2023
🔗 DOI: 10.1038/S41431-023-01305-Z
🔍 WOSUID: WOS:000939855800002
👩‍🔬 Contributors: Amenta S., Marangi G., Orteschi D., Frangella S., Gurrieri F., Paccagnella E., Scala M., Romano F., Capra V., Nigro V., et al.
Focus: Differentiates clinical categories of CHAMP1-related disorders based on genomic mechanisms.

5. Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Velmanase Alfa Treatment in Children Under 6 Years of Age with Alpha-Mannosidosis: A Phase 2, Open Label, Multicenter Study

📅 Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease, 2023
🔗 DOI: 10.1002/JIMD.12602
🔍 WOSUID: WOS:000948401000001
👩‍🔬 Contributors: Guffon N., Konstantopoulou V., Hennermann J.B., Muschol N., Bruno I., Tummolo A., Ceravolo F., Zardi G., Ballabeni A., Lund A.
Focus: Evaluates velmanase alfa’s therapeutic profile in pediatric alpha-mannosidosis patients.

Conclusion

Dr. Albina Tummolo exemplifies the core values of the Best Researcher Award in Medicine and Health Sciences through her compassion-driven pediatric care, trailblazing research, and influence on national health systems. Her unique blend of clinical depth, academic rigor, and policy impact makes her an ideal candidate for this recognition.

She not only advances medical science but also improves the lives of children with rare diseases—one diagnosis, one protocol, and one family at a time.

Aditi Bhargava | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Aditi Bhargava | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Aditi Bhargava, University of California San Francisco, United States

Prof. Aditi Bhargava is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in molecular biology, physiology, and endocrinology. She has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of stress responses, aging, and cardiovascular disease. Throughout her career, she has held prestigious positions, including Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Prof. Bhargava’s research integrates hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors to uncover their roles in disease progression. With an extensive publication record and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, she has played a crucial role in advancing biomedical research. Her expertise extends to hormonal signaling pathways, genomics, and translational medicine. Recognized globally for her contributions, Prof. Bhargava has received numerous awards for her pioneering research. She continues to lead significant projects in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics, shaping the future of medical science. 🏆📚

Publication Profile

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Education

🎓 Prof. Aditi Bhargava has an outstanding academic background in molecular biology and physiology. She earned her PhD in Zoology (Molecular Biology) from the University of Pune, India (1995), where she focused on genetic and molecular mechanisms of disease progression. Prior to that, she completed her MSc in Zoology (Specialization: Molecular Biology) from the University of Pune (1988), laying a strong foundation in biotechnology and genomic studies. Her undergraduate journey began at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (1986), where she earned a BSc in Zoology (Honors), excelling in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biochemistry. Throughout her academic career, Prof. Bhargava has demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and research expertise, contributing to numerous scientific discoveries. She has also attended specialized training programs and workshops worldwide, enhancing her knowledge in gene regulation, bioinformatics, and cellular signaling. Her educational background has been instrumental in shaping her impactful research career. 🧬📖

Experience

👩‍🏫 Prof. Aditi Bhargava has held prestigious academic and research positions at world-renowned institutions. She served as a Professor Emeritus at UCSF, where she mentored numerous PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers. Prior to that, she was a Professor and Associate Professor at UCSF, contributing significantly to research in molecular endocrinology and stress physiology. She also worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at UCSF and New York Medical College, where she gained extensive experience in molecular signaling pathways and translational medicine. Throughout her career, she has led multiple NIH-funded projects, supervised clinical trials, and collaborated with leading scientists to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Her expertise spans gene expression analysis, pharmacogenomics, and precision medicine. As a distinguished educator, Prof. Bhargava has designed and taught advanced molecular biology courses, influencing the next generation of biomedical scientists. Her global research collaborations continue to make significant scientific advancements. 🌍🔍

Awards and Honors

Prof. Aditi Bhargava has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her groundbreaking research contributions. She was honored with the UNESCO/TWAS Human Genome Fellowship, acknowledging her significant work in genomics and molecular biology. She also received the Senior Research Fellowship from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), highlighting her excellence in biomedical sciences. Additionally, she was awarded the Quest Diagnostic Young Investigator Award, recognizing her innovative approach to molecular diagnostics and disease modeling. Prof. Bhargava is a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF), a testament to her pioneering work in endocrinology and gastrointestinal research. Her numerous NIH research grants and global collaborations underscore her leadership in precision medicine and therapeutic research. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences, sharing her expertise in molecular signaling and translational medicine. Her dedication to scientific excellence continues to inspire future generations. 🏆📜

Research Focus

Prof. Aditi Bhargava specializes in molecular endocrinology, stress physiology, and precision medicine. Her research explores the intricate interactions between hormones, genes, and environmental factors to understand their impact on aging, cardiovascular diseases, and stress responses. A major focus of her work is the regulation of gene expression in response to stress and hormonal fluctuations, which has implications for mental health, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. She has extensively studied serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinases (SGK1), revealing their role in sodium transport and cellular homeostasis. Her work has also contributed to developing novel biomarkers for early disease detection. Prof. Bhargava integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular diagnostics to advance therapeutic strategies for complex diseases. Her research has broad clinical applications, contributing to the development of targeted therapies for endocrine disorders, hypertension, and neurodegeneration. She remains at the forefront of biomedical innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Epithelial sodium channel regulated by aldosterone-induced protein sgk

Chronic stress promotes palatable feeding, which reduces signs of stress: feedforward and feedback effects of chronic stress

SGK integrates insulin and mineralocorticoid regulation of epithelial sodium transport

Gliopathic pain: when satellite glial cells go bad

The serum-and glucocorticoid-induced kinase is a physiological mediator of aldosterone action

Silencing the Kir4. 1 potassium channel subunit in satellite glial cells of the rat trigeminal ganglion results in pain-like behavior in the absence of nerve injury

Evidence for a role of connexin 43 in trigeminal pain using RNA interference in vivo

Kyeong-Man Kim | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Kyeong-Man Kim | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Kyeong-Man Kim, Chonnam National University, South Korea

Evaluation of Dr. Kyeong-Man Kim for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication profile

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Dr. Kyeong-Man Kim’s long and distinguished career in pharmacology makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With over three decades of experience as a Professor at the College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Dr. Kim has made significant contributions to the field of pharmacology, particularly in the study of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

Academic and Research Background

Dr. Kim holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. His extensive education and training in pharmacology have laid the foundation for his impactful research in GPCR signaling and regulation, transactivation between membrane receptors, and the development of selective ligands and inhibitors for GPCRs and transporters.

Significant Research Contributions

Dr. Kim has made notable contributions to the understanding of GPCR mechanisms. His research has explored novel mechanisms such as the sequestration of Gβγ by deubiquitinated arrestins into the nucleus as a desensitization mechanism of GPCRs and the role of GRK2-mediated receptor phosphorylation in GPCR endocytosis. His work on the interaction between the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel and the dopamine transporter in modulating methamphetamine abuse-related mechanisms has been published in prestigious journals like the British Journal of Pharmacology and Life Science Alliance.

Conclusion

Given Dr. Kyeong-Man Kim’s significant and ongoing contributions to pharmacology, particularly his groundbreaking research on GPCRs and their signaling pathways, he is highly deserving of consideration for the Best Researcher Award. His work has advanced our understanding of cellular signaling mechanisms and has the potential to lead to new therapeutic approaches for various conditions.

publication top notes

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel modulates the abuse‐related mechanisms of methamphetamine through interaction with dopamine transporter

PKCβII activation requires nuclear trafficking for phosphorylation and Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination

Sequestration of Gβγ by deubiquitinated arrestins into the nucleus as a novel desensitization mechanism of G protein–coupled receptors

β‐Arrestin1 and GPCR kinase2 play permissive roles in Src‐mediated endocytosis of α4β2 nicotinic ACh receptors

GRK2-mediated receptor phosphorylation and Mdm2-mediated β-arrestin2 ubiquitination drive clathrin-mediated endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors

Cytoplasmic recruitment of Mdm2 as a common characteristic of G protein-coupled receptors that undergo desensitization

A novel molecular mechanism involved in the crosstalks between homologous and PKC-mediated heterologous regulatory pathway of dopamine D2 receptor