Maria Kontaridis | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 ProfileΒ 

πŸŽ“ 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 Floridaβ€”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.

πŸ’Ό 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 collaborationsβ€”making her a dynamic force in advancing cardiovascular and translational medicine.

πŸ”¬ 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 RASopathiesβ€”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.

πŸ… 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.

πŸ“š 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

 

 

Amir Lakizadeh | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amir Lakizadeh | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Staff, University of Qom, Iran

Dr. Amir Lakizadeh is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Qom, specializing in machine learning and deep learning. As the head of the AI-driven Pharma and Medicine (AIPM) lab, his work spans multimedia, medical diagnostics, and pharmaceutics. With over a decade of academic and industry experience, Dr. Lakizadeh is known for leading cutting-edge projects, mentoring future researchers, and advancing AI applications in drug discovery and healthcare. πŸš€πŸ“Š

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

πŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Lakizadeh began his academic journey at the University of Tehran, where he earned his Bachelor’s (2001–2005) and Master’s (2005–2007) degrees in Computer Science, focusing on bioinformatics and machine learning. He later completed his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University (2011–2016), with research centered on machine learning, computational systems biology, and bioinformatics. πŸŽ“πŸ“š

πŸ’Ό Experience

Since 2008, Dr. Lakizadeh has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Qom, contributing significantly to research in AI, multimedia, and medical imaging. He has mentored over 70 postgraduate students and spearheaded 30+ research publications. As the current Head of the Computer Engineering and IT Department, he oversees 1000+ students, academic programs, and research initiatives. πŸ›οΈπŸ§‘β€πŸ«

πŸ”¬ Research Interest

Dr. Lakizadeh’s research interests include deep learning, computer vision, digital pathology, drug repurposing, anticancer peptide prediction, and Alzheimer’s detection. He is passionate about creating AI-driven solutions for real-world medical and pharmaceutical challenges. His interdisciplinary work integrates data from biology, medicine, and computer science to deliver impactful innovation. πŸ’‘πŸ§ πŸ’Š

πŸ… Awards

While specific honors aren’t listed, Dr. Lakizadeh’s leadership of high-impact AI projects, numerous peer-reviewed publications, and influential role in academia highlight his excellence and recognition in the fields of computer science and bioinformatics. He is a highly respected figure in interdisciplinary AI research. πŸ†πŸ“˜

πŸ“š Publications

PU-GNN: A Positive-Unlabeled Learning Method for Polypharmacy Side-Effects Detection, International Journal of Intelligent Systems, 2024.
Cited by: Multiple future studies in drug safety prediction.

Drug Repurposing Using Hypergraph Embedding, Journal of Computational Biology, 2024.
Cited by: Studies in computational drug discovery.

GADNN: Graph Attention-based Drug Association Method, Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 2024.
Cited by: Research in bioinformatics and AI.

Detection of Polypharmacy Side Effects via CNN, Molecular Diversity, 2022.
Cited by: Pharmacological safety frameworks.

Drug-Drug Interaction via GNN, Scientific Reports, 2022.
Cited by: Advanced machine learning in pharma.

ASDvit: Autism Classification using Vision Transformer, Intelligence-Based Medicine, 2025.
Cited by: Pediatric AI diagnostic tools.

Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease via ResNet50 and FSBi-LSTM, Informatica, 2025.
Cited by: Neuroscience AI literature.

Face Hallucination via GAN, Journal of Electrical Systems, 2024.
Cited by: Vision-based AI modeling.

Power-Efficient IoT Optimization, Journal of Electrical Systems, 2024.
Cited by: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) research.

πŸ† Conclusion

Dr. Amir Lakizadeh demonstrates all the hallmark qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipientβ€”innovation, productivity, leadership, and real-world impact. His work seamlessly bridges foundational AI with urgent healthcare and societal applications. With a few strategic steps toward global engagement and open dissemination, his already impressive profile could set a benchmark for excellence.

Yuanli Zhang | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³. 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 πŸ“š and is a lead contributor to several innovative research projects focused on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, integrating engineering and medicine πŸ€–πŸ§ͺ. 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 πŸ….

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Yuanli Zhang holds a rigorous academic background in biomechanics and medical engineering βš™οΈπŸ©Ί. 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 πŸ’»πŸ“. 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 πŸ«πŸ“–.

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 πŸ¦·βš™οΈ. 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 πŸ”πŸ§ͺ. 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 πŸ“ŠπŸ§ .

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhang’s trailblazing work in oral biomechanics has been recognized through numerous patents and academic accolades πŸ₯‡. His book Computational Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System is a highly cited reference in the field and showcases his authority on the subject πŸ“˜. He was awarded national patents for innovations such as MRI examination aids, implant prosthetics, and medical imaging equipment πŸ”¬πŸ“Έ. 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 πŸ’‘πŸ…. 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 πŸ¦·πŸ”. His work bridges engineering mechanics and oral medicine, offering critical insights into TMJ dysfunction caused by surgical interventions or prosthetic usage πŸ§ βš™οΈ. Utilizing advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and 3D modeling software, Dr. Zhang evaluates stress distributions, joint morphology, and bite force dynamics πŸ’»πŸ“Š. 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 🧬πŸ§ͺ. 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.

Publication Top Notes

VIVEKANAND ASHOK | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

VIVEKANAND ASHOK | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr VIVEKANAND ASHOK, Azeezia Health City, India

Dr. Vivekanand Ashok is a dedicated otorhinolaryngologist with a passion for research and surgical excellence. His extensive work spans cochlear implants, otologic surgeries, and head and neck disorders. With numerous high-impact publications in esteemed journals, his research has significantly contributed to advancements in ENT care. His clinical expertise in endoscopic sinus surgery, thyroid disorders, and voice disorders, combined with his academic contributions, makes him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His continuous pursuit of innovation in ENT treatments, active participation in conferences, and commitment to medical education further solidify his reputation as an outstanding researcher. πŸ…πŸ“šπŸ”¬

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Vivekanand Ashok πŸŽ“ pursued his MBBS from Azezia Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala (2014) πŸ₯πŸ“–, followed by an M.S in ENT from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Karnataka (2020) πŸŽ“πŸ©Ί. He further obtained a DNB (ENT) in 2021 πŸ…πŸ“š and completed a Fellowship in Cochlear Implant Surgery at GMERS Gandhinagar in 2023 πŸŽ§πŸ”¬. With a strong foundation in otorhinolaryngology, he specializes in ENT surgeries and cochlear implants, demonstrating his dedication to patient care. His rigorous training at top institutions has equipped him with expertise in handling complex ENT cases, establishing him as a leader in the field. πŸ“˜πŸ’‰πŸ”

Experience

Dr. Vivekanand Ashok is a distinguished ENT specialist with extensive experience in medical education, clinical practice, and research. He served as a Senior Resident at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (2020-2021) πŸ¨πŸ‘¨β€βš•οΈ and Malabar Cancer Centre, Kerala (2021-2022) πŸŽ—οΈπŸ₯, honing his expertise in otolaryngology. Transitioning into academia, he worked as an Assistant Professor at Karuna Medical College, Kerala (2022-2024) πŸŽ“πŸ“–, shaping future medical professionals. Currently, he excels as a Senior Consultant at Co-operative Hospital, Kattappana (2024-2025) 🏨🩺 and Azeezia Health City, Palakkad (2025-Present) βš•οΈπŸ”¬. His dedication to patient care and surgical excellence makes him a respected figure in the field. πŸ†πŸ‘¨β€βš•οΈ

Awards & Honors

Dr. Vivekanand Ashok’s dedication to academic excellence and research has earned him prestigious accolades in the field of ENT. He secured 3rd position in the South Zone ENT Quiz (2018) πŸ₯‰πŸ§ , demonstrating his deep knowledge and expertise. In 2019, he was a Zonal Round Participant in the South Zone Young Scholar Award πŸŽ–οΈπŸ“–, further highlighting his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. These achievements reflect his passion for advancing medical knowledge and contributing to the field of otolaryngology. Through his dedication to research and education, Dr. Ashok continues to make a significant impact in the medical community. πŸ†πŸ”¬

Research Focus

Dr. Ashok specializes in otorhinolaryngology, cochlear implants, head and neck surgery, and otologic diseases. His research focuses on laryngopharyngeal reflux, rhino-orbital mucormycosis, thyroid carcinomas, and nasal hemangiomas. His work has contributed to improving diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches in ENT disorders. With a passion for innovation, he continues to explore advancements in hearing restoration, sinus surgery, and minimally invasive ENT procedures. πŸŽ§πŸ‘‚πŸ“Š

Publication Top Notes

Amirsina Sharifi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Amirsina Sharifi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Amirsina Sharifi, Cancer Institute, Iran

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi πŸ₯πŸ”¬ is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in trauma and surgical oncology. He earned his M.D. and completed his residency at Tehran University of Medical Sciences πŸŽ“. With experience as a general surgeon at Shafa Hospital and Ziaeian Hospital, he actively contributes to surgical research at Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center and the Cancer Institute Research Center. His expertise spans epidemiology, surgical interventions, and molecular biology 🧬. A prolific researcher, he has numerous publications in high-impact journals. Ranked 7th in Iran’s national entrance exam, he is a dedicated educator and a member of prestigious medical organizations πŸ†πŸ“š.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi is a dedicated general surgeon πŸ₯ with a strong academic background from Tehran University of Medical Sciences πŸŽ“. He completed his medical school studies (2009 – 2015) and pursued an internship (2015 – 2017) at the same institution, gaining extensive hands-on experience. Dr. Sharifi then specialized in general surgery through a rigorous residency program (2018 – 2022) πŸ”¬. His expertise was solidified when he achieved board certification in general surgery in September 2022 πŸ†. With years of training and a passion for patient care, he continues to contribute to the medical field with skill and dedication πŸ’‰.

Experience

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi is a dedicated medical professional 🩺 with extensive experience in general surgery and research. He began his career as a General Practitioner at Shafa Hospital, Birjand University of Medical Sciences (July 2017 – August 2018) in South Khorasan, Iran. Later, he served as a General Surgeon at Shafa Hospital, Kurdestan University of Medical Sciences (October 2022 – March 2024) in Saqqez, Kurdestan, Iran. Since April 2024, he has been practicing at Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Alongside his clinical work, he has been a Research Associate at Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center (since May 2015) and the Cancer Institute Research Center (since August 2018) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences πŸ”¬πŸ“š.

Workshops and CertificationsΒ 

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi has pursued extensive professional development through specialized workshops and certifications πŸŽ“. He has successfully completed Advanced Trauma Life Support πŸš‘, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ❀️, Research Methodology πŸ“Š, and Scientific Writing ✍️ at Tehran University of Medical Sciences πŸ₯. These achievements reflect his dedication to both clinical excellence and academic research, enhancing his expertise in emergency care and scholarly contributions πŸ“–. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he stays at the forefront of medical advancements, equipping him with the skills to provide high-quality patient care while also contributing to the scientific community πŸ”¬.

Teaching and MentorshipΒ 

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi is deeply committed to medical education, playing a vital role in shaping future healthcare professionals πŸ‘¨β€βš•οΈπŸ“š. He conducts monthly surgical training sessions πŸ₯βœ‚οΈ, providing hands-on experience to aspiring surgeons. Additionally, he delivers weekly lectures on disease management, ensuring students gain comprehensive medical knowledge πŸ§‘β€βš•οΈπŸ“–. His dedication to mentoring and guiding undergraduates reflects his passion for teaching and expertise in the field πŸŽ“πŸ’‘. Through his continuous efforts, Dr. Sharifi contributes significantly to the advancement of medical education and the development of skilled healthcare practitioners πŸ’‰πŸ”¬.

Awards and HonorsΒ 

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi πŸŽ“πŸ… achieved an outstanding academic milestone by securing 7th place among 3.7 million candidates in Iran’s national university entrance exam πŸ“šβœ¨. As a distinguished member of Tehran University’s Exceptional Talent Development Center πŸŽ–οΈ, he has demonstrated excellence in academia and research. Dr. Sharifi is actively affiliated with the Iranian Association of Surgeons πŸ₯πŸ”¬ and the Iranian Medical Council βš•οΈ, contributing to the advancement of medical sciences. His dedication to surgical excellence and professional development continues to shape his impactful career in the medical field πŸ†πŸ‘¨β€βš•οΈ.

Research Focus

Dr. Amirsina Sharifi’s research primarily focuses on public health, environmental medicine, and clinical surgery πŸ₯🌍. His studies examine the health effects of air pollution 🌫️ on disease risk, obesity treatments like laparoscopic gastric procedures βš•οΈ, and the management of deep neck abscesses using ultrasound-guided techniques. Additionally, he has explored non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 🍏, emergency medicine approaches for acute abdominal pain πŸ€•, and autism awareness among healthcare professionals 🧠. His work also includes home-based rehabilitation 🏑 for spinal cord injuries, emphasizing patient-centered recovery. Overall, his research spans environmental health, surgery, and rehabilitation medicine for improved healthcare outcomes. βœ…

Publication Top Notes

The association between exposure to air pollutants including PM10, PM2. 5, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide concentration and the relative risk of …

Comparison of short-term effectiveness and postoperative complications: laparoscopic gastric plication vs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Is ultrasonography-guided drainage a safe and effective alternative to incision and drainage for deep neck space abscesses?

Assessment of lean patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a middle income country; prevalence and its association with metabolic disorders: a cross-sectional study

A preliminary survey of autism knowledge and attitude among health care workers and pediatricians in Tehran, Iran

Home-based rehabilitation programs: promising field to maximize function of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury