Muhammad Tahir Aleem | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Shantou University Medical College | China

Mr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem is an accomplished veterinary scientist and postdoctoral researcher recognized for his significant contributions to Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Parasitology, and Infectious Disease Research. He has developed a strong interdisciplinary foundation that bridges veterinary and biomedical sciences through his extensive global academic and research journey. Mr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and M.Phil. in Parasitology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, followed by a Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from Nanjing Agricultural University, China, where his research focused on molecular and immunological aspects of parasitic infections. He further enhanced his expertise through postdoctoral research in Molecular Parasitology and Chromosome Biology at Cleveland State University, USA, and Basic Medicine at Shantou University Medical College, China. His educational background reflects a continuous pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation in veterinary and biomedical disciplines. Professionally, Mr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem is affiliated with the MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, where he actively contributes to research and mentorship in the fields of parasitology, immunology, and infectious diseases. Throughout his academic journey, he has collaborated with international research teams from the United States, China, and Pakistan, focusing on drug development, molecular diagnostics, immunological responses, vaccine development, and zoonotic disease prevention. His research endeavors aim to bridge the gap between human and animal health through innovative molecular and immunological techniques. Mr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem has authored 71 documents, received 519 citations, and holds an h-index of 11, demonstrating his impactful contribution to global scientific literature. His publications in high-impact journals such as Vaccines, Frontiers in Immunology, International Immunopharmacology, and Biomedical Research International reflect his dedication to advancing molecular parasitology and preventive medicine.

Profile:  Google scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Aleem, M. T., Jiawen, S., Qing Yu, Z., Wen, Z., Yang, Z., & Yan, R. (2021). Characterization of membrane-associated progesterone receptor component-2 (MAPRC2) from Trichinella spiralis and its interaction with progesterone and mifepristone. Vaccines, 9, 934. (Citations: 42)

  2. Aleem, M. T., Khan, A., Wen, Z., Yu, Z., Kun, L., & Cheng, C. (2022). Molecular docking and in silico simulation of Ts-MAPRC2 and its interaction with human-progesterone membrane component-1 (H-PGRMC1). Biomedical Research International. (Citations: 33)

  3. Aleem, M. T., Munir, F., Shakoor, A., & Gao, F. (2024). mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases and future direction. International Immunopharmacology, 135, 112320. (Citations: 27)

  4. Aleem, M. T., Mohsin, M., Shahid, Z., & Ijaz, A. (2023). A review on recent advancement in the molecular diagnostics of Leishmania. Journal of Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, 74, 5551–5568. (Citations: 12)

  5. Shaukat, A., Aleem, M. T., Munir, F., & Gao, F. (2025). An overview of the role of steroid hormones in various parasitic infections. Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 169, 104533. (Citations: 8)

 

Ahsan Khurshid | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahsan Khurshid | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Postgraduate Resident | Quaid-e-Azam Medical College | Pakistan

Dr. Ahsan Khurshid is a committed medical doctor and resident nephrologist at Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, who has established himself as an emerging clinical researcher with a passion for improving patient outcomes and advancing the practice of medicine. His education includes an MBBS degree with a strong foundation in medical sciences, followed by specialized residency training in nephrology, equipping him with extensive knowledge of kidney disorders, internal medicine, and evidence-based treatment protocols. Professionally, Dr. Ahsan Khurshid has been deeply engaged in the diagnosis and management of critical and rare medical conditions, including postpartum acute kidney injury, Castleman disease complicating systemic lupus erythematosus, and dengue fever with atypical presentations such as unilateral massive hemothorax. His research interests lie in nephrology, public health, clinical case reporting, and quality improvement projects that enhance hospital systems and patient care. He has successfully led and contributed to multiple clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives such as safe and effective patient handover and oxygen therapy administration according to British Thoracic Society guidelines, demonstrating his ability to translate research into real-world impact. Dr. Ahsan Khurshid possesses strong research skills including literature review, clinical data analysis, manuscript preparation, and adherence to international reporting standards for case reports, which have resulted in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. His published works include case reports in the Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan Case Reports and Medical Reports, as well as conference papers presented at the 38th Annual Congress of the Malaysian Society of Nephrology, contributing to the global dissemination of knowledge on rare disease presentations and clinical management. His awards and honors include recognition as a nominee for the Best Researcher Award for his contributions to case report literature and quality improvement projects, alongside memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Nephrology and the International Society of Nephrology, which enable him to participate in global nephrology discussions and research collaborations. Dr. Ahsan Khurshid continues to advance his academic profile with multiple abstracts and manuscripts in preparation for submission to Q1 indexed journals, aiming to expand his research visibility and impact. In conclusion, Dr. Ahsan Khurshid exemplifies the qualities of a clinician-scientist dedicated to improving healthcare standards through evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international research engagement, and he is well-positioned to take on future leadership roles in nephrology research, mentorship, and global healthcare initiatives.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Khurshid, A. (2025). Atypical presentation of dengue fever with unilateral massive hemothorax: A case report. Medical Reports.

  2. Khurshid, A. (2024, July 26–28). Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with Castleman disease: A case report [Conference presentation]. 38th Annual Congress of Malaysian Society of Nephrology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

  3. Khurshid, A. (2024). Bombay blood group in a female with postpartum acute kidney injury and sepsis: A case report. Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan Case Reports.

  4. Khurshid, A. (2024). Quality improvement project on safe and effective patient handover in the department of medicine, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur.

  5. Khurshid, A. (2024). Quality improvement project on prescription and administration of oxygen therapy according to British Thoracic Society guidelines, Department of Medicine, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur.

 

Yashwant Pathak | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yashwant Pathak | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Univ of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy, United States

Professor Yashwant V. Pathak is a globally renowned pharmaceutical scientist, educator, and research leader with a distinguished academic and international career spanning over four decades. Currently serving as Associate Dean and Full Professor at the University of South Florida’s Taneja College of Pharmacy, he has made groundbreaking contributions in nanotechnology, drug delivery systems, nutraceuticals, and healthcare education. A recipient of prestigious honors such as the Fellowship of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and multiple Fulbright Fellowships, Dr. Pathak has conducted postdoctoral research at elite institutions and lectured in over 100 universities across 80+ countries. His scholarly output exceeds 5,200 citations with an h-index of 33, and he has authored and edited numerous influential books, including the award-winning Handbook of Space Pharmaceuticals. With significant roles in research leadership, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary education, Professor Pathak exemplifies the highest standards of innovation, academic excellence, and global impact in science.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Educational Journey of Professor Yashwant V. Pathak

Professor Yashwant V. Pathak’s educational background reflects a dynamic fusion of science, management, and interdisciplinary expertise. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm, 1975) and a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm, 1977) in Pharmaceutical Technology from Nagpur University, India, laying a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. He further advanced his specialization by earning a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (1989) from the same institution. Demonstrating a commitment to leadership and holistic development, he pursued an Executive MBA in Business Management (2009) and a Master of Science in Conflict Management (MSCM, 2010) from Sullivan University, USA, graduating Summa Cum Laude in both programs. This diverse educational portfolio has empowered Dr. Pathak with a rare blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution—making him a uniquely qualified academic leader and international research collaborator.

💼 Professional Experience of Professor Yashwant V. Pathak

Professor Yashwant V. Pathak brings over four decades of rich and diverse professional experience across academia, industry, and global research institutions. Currently serving as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Full Professor at the University of South Florida (USF), he has held key leadership roles including Chair of International Working Groups and Director of Nanotechnology Centers. His previous appointments include Assistant Dean for Research and Graduate Programs at Sullivan University, USA, and Director of R&D at Neos Therapeutics, Texas, reflecting his strong industry-academia interface. He has also served as a pharmaceutical consultant for international tech transfer and worked as a postdoctoral fellow and visiting scientist at esteemed global institutions including the University of Michigan (USA), Hebrew University (Israel), and Royal Free Hospital (UK). His expertise spans pharmaceutical R&D, academic administration, and interdisciplinary collaborations, and he has made significant contributions to institutional growth, research innovation, and global education.

🔬 Research Interests of Professor Yashwant V. Pathak

Professor Yashwant V. Pathak’s research interests are at the forefront of interdisciplinary science, spanning nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical innovations, nutraceuticals, and space pharmaceuticals. His pioneering work in nanomedicine and siRNA delivery technologies has positioned him as a global authority in targeted and controlled drug delivery mechanisms. He is deeply engaged in exploring the impact of microgravity on drug formulations, contributing significantly to the emerging field of space pharmacology. Additionally, Dr. Pathak’s interest in artificial intelligence in healthcare, conflict management in scientific collaborations, and the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals demonstrates his commitment to integrating science with global health and policy challenges. His multidisciplinary approach not only advances pharmaceutical sciences but also addresses broader health and sustainability issues on an international scale.

🏆 Awards and Honors of Professor Yashwant V. Pathak

Professor Yashwant V. Pathak has been the recipient of numerous prestigious national and international awards that reflect his outstanding contributions to science, education, and global collaboration. Most notably, he is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the highest honors in the scientific community. He has received four Fulbright Fellowships across countries such as Indonesia, South Africa, Colombia, and the Czech Republic—recognizing his expertise in nanotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences. His book Handbook of Space Pharmaceuticals received the Book of the Year Award (2022) from the International Academy of Aeronautics. He has also been honored with fellowships and grants from government agencies in Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, China, Nigeria, and the USA, including the Endeavour Executive Fellowship, CNPQ Fellowship, and Mandela Washington Fellowship. At the University of South Florida, he has been repeatedly recognized with Outstanding Faculty Awards, a Global Engagement Achievement Award, and the USF Outstanding Research Faculty Award, underscoring his leadership in academia and research.

🏁 Conclusion

His global impact, interdisciplinary leadership, prolific scholarly output, and academic excellence firmly position him as a trailblazer in pharmaceutical sciences and allied fields. His contributions reflect not only intellectual brilliance but also a deep commitment to global scientific collaboration and education.

📚 Publications of Jibamitra Ganguly

          1. Title: CAR T cells in solid tumors: challenges and opportunities
              Authors: F. Marofi, R. Motavalli, V.A. Safonov, L. Thangavelu, A.V. Yumashev, …
              Year: 2021
              Citations: 611

          2. Title: Nanoparticulate drug-delivery systems: an overview
              Authors: D. Thassu, Y. Pathak, M. Deleers
              Year: 2007
              Citations: 349

          3. Title: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a valuable source for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders
              Authors: A. Markov, L. Thangavelu, S. Aravindhan, A.O. Zekiy, M. Jarahian, …
              Year: 2021
              Citations: 310

         4. Title: A paradigm shift in cell-free approach: the emerging role of MSCs-derived exosomes in regenerative medicine
             Authors: S. Moghadasi, M. Elveny, H.S. Rahman, W. Suksatan, A.T. Jalil, …
             Year: 2021
             Citations: 279

         5. Title: Drug delivery nanoparticles formulation and characterization
             Authors: Y. Pathak, D. Thassu
             Year: 2009
             Citations: 224

          6. Title: Novel CAR T therapy is a ray of hope in the treatment of seriously ill AML patients
              Authors: F. Marofi, H.S. Rahman, Z.M.J. Al-Obaidi, A.T. Jalil, W.K. Abdelbasset, …
             Year: 2021
             Citations: 195

         7. Title: Polyacrylate (Eudragit retard) microspheres for oral controlled release of nifedipine. I. Formulation design and process optimization
             Authors: A. Barkai, Y.V. Pathak, S. Benita
             Year: 1990
             Citations: 169

         8. Title: Ocular drug delivery: impact of in vitro cell culture models
             Authors: A. Solanki, S. Desai, A. Grover, A. Hirani, Y. Pathak, V. Sutariya
             Year: 2016
             Citations: 165

         9. Title: Surface modification of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery
             Authors: P. Patel, A. Hanini, A. Shah, D. Patel, S. Patel, P. Bhatt, Y.V. Pathak
             Year: 2019
             Citations: 139

       10. Title: Targeting nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment
             Authors: K. Subramani, H. Hosseinkhani, A. Khraisat, M. Hosseinkhani, Y. Pathak
             Year: 2009
             Citations: 112

 

 

Lindi Mathebula | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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

  1. Mathebula et al., 2023Cholera vaccine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  2. Wiysonge, Ndwandwe & Mathebula, 2023Measles and whooping cough outbreaks: A warning sign. The Conversation. 🔗

  3. Mathebula et al., 2022TB trials in BRICS countries. BMJ Open. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  4. Mathebula et al., 2022Clinical trial registration in Africa during COVID-19. Trials. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗

  5. Wiysonge et al., 2022COVID-19 vaccine trials in Africa. SAJS. 🔗

  6. Ndwandwe et al., 2022Trends in Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. BMJ Open. 🔗

  7. Hohlfeld et al., 2021TB intervention trials in Africa. PLoS ONE. 🔗

  8. Ndwandwe et al., 2020COVID-19 diagnostics review. PAMJ. 🔗

  9. Iwu et al., 2020Vaccine stock-level mobile reporting. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗

  10. Mathebula et al., 2019Vaccines against Ebola: Systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. 🔗

  11. Ndwandwe et al., 2020Vaccine trials in Africa: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗

  12. Jaca et al., 2018Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination. Vaccine. 🔗

 

Lei Tong | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

 

 

Yasser Khazaal | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Yasser Khazaal | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Yasser Khazaal, Lausanne university, Switzerland

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal is a distinguished psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in addiction psychiatry. He earned his MD from René Descartes, Paris V, and Swiss Board Certification in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. Currently, he is a Full Professor at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and holds multiple roles including Associate Researcher at Montreal University. Prof. Khazaal’s research focuses on cognitive behavioral therapies, game-based interventions, and the development of smartphone apps for addiction treatment. He has published extensively on addictive disorders and is a key figure in international psychiatric societies. 🏥📚🔬

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal is a distinguished psychiatrist with an impressive academic background. He earned his MD from René Descartes, Paris V, France, in 1998. In 2005, he achieved Swiss Board Certification in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. His expertise and contributions were further recognized with his appointment as a Privat Docent (senior lecturer) at Geneva University in 2009. Dr. Khazaal is known for his work in psychiatry and psychotherapy, holding a prominent position in the academic and clinical communities in Switzerland. 🌐🩺📚

Employment History

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal has an extensive background in addiction psychiatry. From 2003 to 2005, he served as a senior psychiatrist and head of the mood and anxiety disorders outpatient unit at Lausanne University Hospital. From 2007 to 2018, he was the deputy head of the Addiction clinic at Geneva University Hospitals. Over the years, he held successive academic appointments at Geneva University, Switzerland, eventually becoming a full professor of addiction psychiatry at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne since 2019. He is also a member of the board of Addiction medicine at Lausanne University Hospital. Prof. Khazaal is an associate researcher at the Montreal University Institute of Mental Health, Canada, and an associate professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Montreal University, Canada. Additionally, he served as a visiting professor at Kazimierz Wielki University, Poland, in 2022, as part of a project co-financed by the European Union. 📘🔍🌍

Teaching

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal has extensive experience in teaching medical students at both the University of Lausanne (2003-2007, 2019-2023) and the University of Geneva (2007-2018). His teaching portfolio includes courses on mood and anxiety disorders (2003-2007), psychopharmacology (2006-2007), addiction (2019-2023), and community research in practice (2021-2023). He has also taught and supervised clinical cognitive and behavior therapy (CBT) skills (2018-2023), CBT for bipolar disorder (2007), CBT for mood disorders (2005-2006), and CBT of impulsive behaviors (2020). Prof. Dr. Khazaal is committed to integrating clinical teaching and practice in his courses. 📚💬🧠

Grants 

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal is a leading researcher in addiction and mental health, with extensive funding from various Swiss and international sources. His projects include studies on cognitive behavioral interventions for psychosis, mood and anxiety disorders, smoking cessation, and smartphone applications for addiction treatment. Key grants include the Swiss National Science Foundation (268,426 CHF) and Astra-Zeneca (140,000 CHF) for LACOSMA, as well as research on “Impact of Pick Klop game on smoking cessation” (172,500 CHF) and smartphone applications (194,942 CHF). He collaborates internationally on projects such as managing trauma exposure in Congo (12,125 Euros) and the “Sesame” serious game for mental health (20,000 CHF). His work continues to advance the field with a focus on innovative and practical solutions to addiction and mental health challenges. 🧠💊🚬

Conferences and Awards

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal is a distinguished academic and leader in the field of social psychiatry. He served as the Chair for the European Congress of Social Psychiatry in 2012, 2015, and 2018. He was also the Co-chair for the International Conference of Behavioral Addictions in 2016, held in Geneva, Switzerland. More recently, he co-chaired the Challenges of Ecology Related to Mental Health conference in Athens in 2022. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected an Honorary Fellow of the World Association of Social Psychiatry in 2013. 🌍🔍💬

Scientific Achievements

Prof. Dr. Yasser Khazaal is a renowned expert in addiction studies, focusing on game-based interventions, including delusions and smoking cessation. He has contributed significantly to the development of smartphone app interventions for addictive disorders and mood regulation. Prof. Khazaal has published extensively on the assessment and psychopathology of addictive disorders. He also leads research on Recovery Oriented Services, exploring community interventions and peer support initiatives. 🌱📱🚭📚

Research Focus

Yasser Khazaal is a researcher primarily focused on behavioral addictions, particularly in the context of online gaming and internet use. His work explores how common behaviors can become problematic without necessarily being pathologized as addiction. He investigates self-reported motivations behind playing online games, such as World of Warcraft, and examines problematic involvement in these games using various psychological and survey methods. Khazaal’s research aims to refine the understanding of behavioral addiction and its implications for mental health, with a particular interest in the validation and adaptation of assessment tools for addictive behaviors in digital environments. 💻🕹️📊

Publication Top notes

Are we overpathologizing everyday life? A tenable blueprint for behavioral addiction research

How can we conceptualize behavioural addiction without pathologizing common behaviours?

Why do you play World of Warcraft? An in-depth exploration of self-reported motivations to play online and in-game behaviours in the virtual world of Azeroth

French validation of the internet addiction test

Validation of a short French version of the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale

Problematic involvement in online games: A cluster analytic approach

Does self-selection affect samples’ representativeness in online surveys? An investigation in online video game research

Motivations to play specifically predict excessive involvement in massively multiplayer online role-playing games: evidence from an online survey