Maria Kontaridis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Kontaridis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Medicine and Health Sciences | Executive Director at Masonic Medical Research Institute, United States

Dr. Maria Irene Kontaridis is a distinguished biomedical scientist and academic leader with an extensive background in cardiovascular research, molecular pharmacology, and translational medicine. She holds dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida and advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Yale University, where she also completed a Mini MBA. Her postdoctoral training at Yale and Harvard laid the foundation for a prolific career marked by influential faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Currently serving as Executive Director and Gordon K. Moe Professor at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, she oversees strategic research initiatives, institutional growth, and scientific innovation. Dr. Kontaridis has led major national and international symposia, contributed to scientific and community development efforts, and is an advocate for women in science and academic leadership. Her interdisciplinary expertise, combined with her administrative acumen and philanthropic outreach, has positioned her as a transformative figure in biomedical research and academic medicine.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis has an exceptional academic foundation marked by interdisciplinary excellence. She earned two undergraduate degrees in 1995 from the University of Florida—a B.S. in Chemistry (Cum Laude) with a Minor in Business Administration, and a B.A. in Classical Studies (Summa Cum Laude). She pursued advanced scientific training at Yale University, completing a Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine in 1998, followed by an M.Phil. in 1999, and a Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences in 2002 under the mentorship of Dr. Anton Bennett. Further enhancing her academic versatility, she obtained a Mini Master of Business Administration Certificate from Yale in 2000. In recognition of her scientific achievements and leadership, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc. h.c.) in 2025 by SUNY Polytechnic Institute, solidifying her stature as a leader in biomedical education and research.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis has built a distinguished career in biomedical research, academic leadership, and institutional development. She began her professional journey with postdoctoral fellowships at Yale University and Harvard Medical School, focusing on pharmacology and hematology/oncology under the mentorship of esteemed scientists. Her academic appointments include progressive faculty roles at Harvard Medical School, where she served as Instructor, Assistant Professor, and later Associate Professor of Medicine, contributing to research, mentorship, and program development across multiple departments. She also held leadership roles at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, including Director of Basic Cardiovascular Research and Faculty in Cardiovascular Medicine. Currently, she is the Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine and the Executive Director at the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) in Utica, New York. At MMRI, she leads a team of over 60 researchers and staff, spearheads strategic initiatives, manages multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts, and drives national and international collaborations—making her a dynamic force in advancing cardiovascular and translational medicine.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis’s research is centered on unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases, congenital heart defects, and RASopathies—a group of genetic syndromes caused by mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway. Her work explores signal transduction pathways, particularly focusing on protein phosphatases, kinases, and their role in cardiac development, function, and remodeling. She has a strong interest in translational medicine, aiming to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application by identifying novel therapeutic targets for heart failure, arrhythmias, and vascular abnormalities. Through her leadership at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, she has expanded her research scope to include regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and precision medicine approaches for complex cardiovascular disorders. Her interdisciplinary focus integrates molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology to develop innovative strategies for diagnosis and treatment, with a goal of improving patient outcomes in both pediatric and adult populations.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Maria Kontaridis

Dr. Maria Kontaridis has received numerous prestigious awards and honors that recognize her scientific excellence, leadership, and contributions to biomedical research. One of her most distinguished accolades is the Doctor of Science, honoris causa (D.Sc. h.c.), awarded by SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2025, reflecting her impact on science and public service. Throughout her career, she has been appointed to prominent academic and leadership positions, such as the Gordon K. Moe Professorship and Executive Director at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, affirming her influence in the field of cardiovascular medicine. She has also been invited to chair and organize major international symposia and scientific meetings, including the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation Annual Meeting and the International RASopathies Symposium. Additionally, her recognition extends beyond academia into civic and economic development, where she serves on advisory and leadership boards, underlining her role as a visionary leader committed to advancing both science and society.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Maria Irene Kontaridis is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her career exemplifies excellence in academic leadership, global research collaboration, translational science, and mentorship. Her deep commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine and biomedical innovation, combined with community involvement and advocacy for women in science, sets a benchmark for what this award represents.

📚 Publications Top Noted

  1. Title: SHP2 happens, just sail with it: the role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases
    Type: Review (Open Access)
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: Modulating the Secretome of Fat to Treat Heart Failure
    Type: Review
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 1

  3. Title: Interorgan Crosstalk in Heart Failure and Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Compendium
    Type: Review
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 0

  4. Title: RASopathies in Cardiac Disease
    Type: Review (Open Access)
    Authors: Not listed in preview
    Year: Not specified
    Citations: 0

  5. Title: SHP2 as a primordial epigenetic enzyme expunges histone H3 pTyr-54 to amend androgen receptor homeostasis
    Type: Research Article
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Authors: Not fully listed; Dr. Maria Kontaridis is one of them
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 6

 

 

Mariarosaria Negri | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mariarosaria Negri | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

RTT BIOS-06/A at Pegaso University, Italy

Dr. Mariarosaria Negri is a tenured researcher in Physiology at Pegaso University, Italy, with a robust background in endocrinology, andrology, and metabolic research. Born in 1987, she has cultivated over a decade of experience in basic and translational science, particularly focused on the interplay between hormonal regulation, reproductive health, and metabolic function. Her academic journey includes significant contributions at the Federico II University of Naples, where she collaborated with esteemed scholars on cutting-edge projects related to pituitary tumors, circadian rhythm, vitamin D metabolism, and endocrine disruptors. Dr. Negri has also participated in European Union-funded initiatives exploring big data in sexual medicine, showcasing her ability to bridge physiology with modern digital health trends. Her scholarly work is complemented by teaching responsibilities in statistics and human physiology, underlining her commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Dr. Mariarosaria Negri

Dr. Mariarosaria Negri holds a distinguished academic background in biomedical sciences and biotechnology. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Biotechnology from the University of Naples “Federico II” in 2011, graduating cum laude, where she gained foundational knowledge in molecular biology and physiology 🧬. Driven by a passion for scientific inquiry, she pursued her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Florence, completing it in 2015. Her doctoral research focused on the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in endocrinology and metabolism, laying the groundwork for her current expertise in translational and reproductive physiology 🧠🔬. This strong academic formation has been instrumental in shaping her career as a dedicated researcher and educator in human physiology.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Mariarosaria Negri

Dr. Mariarosaria Negri has amassed over a decade of rich professional experience in the fields of physiology, endocrinology, and andrology. She currently serves as a Tenured Researcher in Physiology at Pegaso University, Italy, where she also contributes to academic teaching in motor sciences, healthcare statistics, and digital health 🧑‍🏫📊. Her career began with collaborative research and post-doctoral roles at the University of Naples “Federico II”, working under renowned endocrinologists such as Prof. Annamaria Colao and Prof. Rosario Pivonello. Her work has focused on critical topics including pituitary adenomas, GH/IGF-1 axis, sexual dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and vitamin D interactions 🧠🩺. She has also participated in EU-funded projects exploring smart data applications in reproductive medicine, demonstrating her ability to integrate classical research with modern digital tools. Her professional journey reflects a strong blend of research innovation, academic service, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a valuable contributor to biomedical science.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Mariarosaria Negri

Dr. Mariarosaria Negri’s research interests lie at the intersection of endocrinology, metabolism, reproductive physiology, and digital health. She is particularly focused on understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying hormonal imbalances, with special attention to the GH/IGF-1 axis, gonadal function, and sexual dysfunction 🧬💊. Her studies explore the pathophysiology of conditions such as acromegaly, pituitary adenomas, and metabolic syndrome, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, Dr. Negri is involved in cutting-edge research that utilizes big data and smart data technologies to analyze real-world clinical outcomes in reproductive and sexual health 🧠📈. Her commitment to both basic and translational research ensures that her work contributes meaningfully to clinical practices, particularly in the evolving fields of andrology, endocrinology, and digital transformation in medicine.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Mariarosaria Negri

Throughout her academic and research career, Dr. Mariarosaria Negri has earned recognition for her dedication to scientific excellence and innovation in physiology and endocrinology. She graduated cum laude from the University of Naples “Federico II,” reflecting her strong academic performance early in her career 🎓✨. While formal named awards are not extensively listed, her continuous selection for competitive post-doctoral research grants, including prestigious roles in EU-funded projects such as PRIN 2022 PNRR, highlights her scientific merit and trust within the research community 🌍🔬. Her appointment as a Tenured Researcher in Physiology at Pegaso University further attests to the recognition of her expertise and contributions to the biomedical field. These honors reflect both the quality and impact of her research across academic, clinical, and digital health domains.

📄 Publication Top Noted

  1. Title: Cabergoline counteracts adipose and skeletal muscle lipid accumulation: A novel therapeutic approach to obesity?
    Authors: Mariarosaria Negri, [co-authors not listed], …
    Journal: Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

       2. Title: 1,25‑Dihydroxyvitamin D3 mitigates the adipogenesis induced by bisphenol A in 3T3-L1 and hAMSC through miR-27-3p regulation
           Authors: Mariarosaria Negri, [co-authors not listed], …
           Journal: International Journal of Obesity
          Year: 2024
          Citations: 2

 

 

 

Lei Tong | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Lei Tong | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Lei Tong, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China

Dr. Aayushi 🧪🎓 is a highly accomplished researcher in Chemical Sciences, securing an All India Rank of 02 in CSIR NET (Dec 2023) 🏆. She qualified IIT JAM (2017) and received prestigious scholarships, including the CBSE CSSS (2014-2019) and Thapar Institute Merit Scholarship (2018) 🎖️. Honored with the Young Achiever Award (2021) 🌟, she excelled in research, winning Best Oral Presentation at EMSD-2022 🗣️ and Best Poster Award at CEEMS Doctorate Scholar’s Day-2024 🖼️. Her work on carbon quantum dots for metal ion detection highlights her expertise in materials science and sensors 🔬⚛️.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Lei Tong 🏮🔬 is a dedicated research assistant at the Institute of Basic Theories of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (since August 2023). With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Tong earned a Ph.D. (2018-2023) and a Bachelor’s degree (2014-2018) from the University of Science and Technology Beijing 🎓. His research integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific methodologies, contributing to innovative medical advancements. Passionate about bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary research, Dr. Tong continues to explore fundamental theories in Chinese medicine to enhance healthcare solutions. 🌿📚🔎

Research

Dr. Lei Tong focuses on integrating stem cells, organoids, microfluidic chips, and single-cell omics 🧬🔬 to develop a multi-organoid chip model for understanding disease and syndrome interactions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 🌿. This innovative approach deciphers the spatio-temporal evolution of TCM syndromes and their biological basis. Additionally, Dr. Tong utilizes chromatogram-mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, and metabolomics 🧪📊 to identify active components in classic prescriptions, tracing their path to the brain 🧠. His research unveils the multi-component, multi-cell, multi-target neuroprotective mechanisms of TCM, offering new insights into holistic healing and modern medical applications. 🌍💊

Project

Dr. Lei Tong is actively engaged in pioneering research in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 🌿🔬. He leads multiple prestigious projects, including the Youth Project of Beijing Natural Science Foundation (2024-2026) 🏅, and the Science and Technology Innovation Project of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (2023-2025) 💡. Additionally, he is part of the Special Project for Training Outstanding Young Scientific and Technological Talents (2023-2026) 🎓 and a key researcher at the Research Institute of Basic Theories of TCM (2024-2027) 📚. His work contributes to advancing innovative technologies and methodologies in TCM for future medical breakthroughs 🌏✨.

Research Focus

Dr. Lei Tong’s research primarily focuses on neurodegenerative diseases 🧠🦠, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD) 🏥🧬. His work explores novel therapeutic strategies, including herbal medicine 🌿, stem cell therapy 🧑‍🔬🧫, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery 💊🔬. He investigates neuronal synaptic plasticity 🔗, oligodendrocyte apoptosis ⚡, and inflammation control 🔥 to mitigate PD progression. Additionally, his studies extend to brain organoids 🏗️🧠 for drug discovery and protein aggregation targeting 🏹 in neurodegeneration. His interdisciplinary approach also includes fluorescent sensing 🟣🔍 for cellular applications. Dr. Tong’s research bridges neuroscience, regenerative medicine, and nanotechnology for innovative neuroprotection strategies. 🚀

Publication Top Notes

Advances in human cellular mechanistic understanding and drug discovery of brain organoids for neurodegenerative diseases.

Microfluidics-enabled mesenchymal stem cell derived Neuron like cell membrane coated nanoparticles inhibit inflammation and apoptosis for Parkinson’s Disease.

Targeting small heat shock proteins to degrade aggregates as a potential strategy in neurodegenerative diseases.

Human gingival mesenchymal stem cells improve movement disorders and tyrosine hydroxylase neuronal damage in Parkinson disease rats.

A porphyrin-triazatruxene dyad for ratiometric two-photon fluorescent sensing of intracellular viscosity.

Hydrogel supplemented with human platelet lysate enhances multi-lineage differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Chitosan Hydrogel Supplemented with Metformin Promotes Neuron-like Cell Differentiation of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Comparative proteomics analysis of human stem cells from dental gingival and periodontal ligament.