Mingyao Liu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mingyao Liu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mingyao Liu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award | Professor | University of Toronto | Canada

Prof. Mingyao Liu, MD, MSc, is an internationally recognized biomedical scientist and academic leader renowned for his pioneering contributions to lung injury, transplantation immunology, and regenerative medicine. He currently serves as the James & Mary Davie Chair in Lung Injury, Repair and Regeneration at the University Health Network and as Director of the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, where he leads multidisciplinary teams advancing translational research in organ preservation and immunomodulation. Prof. Mingyao Liu obtained his M.D. and M.Sc. in Pathophysiology from the Second Military Medical University in Shanghai, China, followed by an intensive postdoctoral fellowship at the SickKids Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, where he began his journey into molecular mechanisms of lung disease and transplant biology. His professional experience spans decades of leadership roles, including Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and Full Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments in Medicine and Physiology. Prof. Mingyao Liu’s research interests focus on understanding ischemia-reperfusion injury, immune tolerance in organ transplantation, and cellular mechanisms driving lung regeneration. His laboratory employs advanced molecular biology, gene editing, single-cell transcriptomics, and ex vivo organ perfusion systems to identify therapeutic targets that improve graft survival and repair outcomes. His scientific expertise is further reflected through numerous publications in high-impact journals such as Transplantation, Scientific Reports, NPJ Digital Medicine, and The American Journal of Transplantation. Prof. Mingyao Liu has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Premier’s Research Excellence Award, and the Mel Silverman Mentorship Award, highlighting both his research excellence and commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists. As a dedicated member of numerous professional societies such as the American Thoracic Society, The Transplantation Society, and the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, he plays a significant role in shaping global biomedical research discourse. Prof. Mingyao Liu’s career reflects a rare combination of innovative science, effective leadership, and lifelong mentorship, making him one of the foremost authorities in lung transplant biology. His continued contributions are shaping the future of regenerative medicine through translational discoveries that bridge laboratory innovation with clinical excellence, reinforcing his position as a global leader dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with severe pulmonary diseases.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Liu, M. (2025). Permissive immunosuppression facilitates the expansion of ex vivo administered regulatory T cells in the lung allograft. Scientific Reports. 1 citation.

  2. Liu, M. (2025). Ischemia/Reperfusion upregulates genes related to PANoptosis in human lung transplants. Transplantation. 3 citations.

  3. Liu, M. (2025). L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine alleviated ischemia-reperfusion injury and primary graft dysfunction in rat lung transplants. Transplantation. 2 citations.

  4. Liu, M. (2025). Ex vivo delivery of recombinant IL-10 to human donor lungs. JHLT Open. 0 citations.

  5. Liu, M. (2025). Protective effects of 10 °C preservation on donor lungs with lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury. Conference Proceedings. 1 citation.

  6. Liu, M. (2024). Improving prognostic accuracy in lung transplantation using unique features of isolated human lung radiographs. NPJ Digital Medicine. 3 citations.

  7. Liu, M. (2024). Ischemia-reperfusion responses in human lung transplants at the single-cell resolution. American Journal of Transplantation. 5 citations.

 

Muhammad Bilal Afridi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award | Pharmaceutical | Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist and clinical pharmacist recognized for his expertise in drug synthesis, pharmacological modeling, and computational chemistry. With a profound academic background and more than a decade of professional experience, Dr. Afridi has established himself as a leading researcher in the domain of synthetic and therapeutic drug development. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, where his doctoral research focused on the synthesis, characterization, computational studies, and pharmacological potential of synthetic curcumin derivatives aimed at addressing diabetes and amnesia-related disorders. His earlier academic milestones include an M.Phil in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Abdul Wali Khan University and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) from Kohat University of Science and Technology. Professionally, Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi has served as a pharmacist at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Peshawar, where he managed hospital pharmacy operations, clinical pharmacy services, and patient safety programs. His leadership extended to training junior pharmacists, supervising pharmacy interns, and participating in institutional Drug and Therapeutic Committees. His previous tenures at Rehman Medical Institute and D. Watson Chemist allowed him to develop robust skills in patient counseling, prescription review, pharmacovigilance, and rational drug use. Dr. Afridi’s research interests encompass computational drug design, molecular docking, pharmacodynamics, and synthesis of bioactive compounds, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry, pharmacology, and computational biology. His published works in highly regarded journals, including Computational Biology and Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Communications, and Current Molecular Pharmacology, contribute significantly to advancing medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation. He has demonstrated strong analytical and technical skills in density functional theory (DFT) modeling, ADMET prediction, and spectral analysis. Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi’s professional competencies include teaching, mentoring, research supervision, and scientific writing, backed by proficiency in tools like EndNote and MS Office. His contributions have been acknowledged through multiple peer-reviewed publications, collaborations with international researchers from Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, and recognition in academic circles for his commitment to scientific excellence. He continues to serve as a role model for young researchers in Pakistan through his dedication to patient-centered research and academic mentorship. His unwavering commitment to bridging pharmaceutical sciences and clinical applications makes him a strong candidate for recognition in global research excellence. Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi stands as an emerging leader with a promising future in international pharmaceutical research, committed to innovation, integrity, and impactful contributions to human health and medicine.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., Serdaroğlu, G., Shah, S. W. A., Alsharif, K. F., & Khan, H. (2024). SwissADME studies and density functional theory (DFT) approaches of methyl substituted curcumin derivatives. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 112, 108153. (Cited by 8)

  2. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., Serdaroğlu, G., Shah, S. W. A., Alsharif, K. F., & Khan, H. (2024). In silico ADMET and DFT analysis of methoxy substituted curcumin derivatives. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 168, 112943. (Cited by 6)

  3. Afridi, M. B., Khan, H., Ali Shah, S. W., Zafar, M., Almalki, A. S., Ghias, M., & Rahman, N. (2022). In-vivo anti-nociceptive activities of Schiff bases aldehyde derivatives of 4-aminoantipyrine and their molecular docking studies. Main Group Chemistry, 21(2), 373–386. (Cited by 10)

  4. Afridi, M. B., Khan, H., Akkol, E. K., & Aschner, M. (2021). Pain perception and management: Where do we stand? Current Molecular Pharmacology, 14(5), 678–688. (Cited by 25)

  5. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., Shah, S. W. A., Serdaroğlu, G., & Khan, H. (2025). Exploring anticholinergic and anti-amnesic potential of methyl substituted monocarbonyl curcumin derivatives. European Journal of Pharmacology, 950, 182653. (Cited by 2)

  6. Afridi, M. B., Khan, H., & Shah, S. W. A. (2023). Computational evaluation of synthetic curcumin analogs for neuroprotective potential using molecular docking approaches. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1287, 135623. (Cited by 4)

  7. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., & Khan, H. (2023). Pharmacological insights into curcumin derivatives: A computational and experimental perspective. Bioorganic Chemistry, 137, 106707. (Cited by 3)

 

Mar Jimenez de la Pena | Medicine and Health Sciences | Medical Hypothesis Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mar Jimenez de la Pena | Medicine and Health Sciences | Medical Hypothesis Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mar Jimenez de la Pena | Medicine and Health Sciences | Medical Hypothesis Award | Radiologist | University Hospital Quironsalud Madrid | Spain 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mar Jimenez de la Pena is a highly accomplished radiologist and academician with a distinguished career devoted to advancing diagnostic imaging, neuroimaging, and translational radiology. She completed her Licentiate in Medicine and Surgery at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and specialized in Radiodiagnosis at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid, establishing a robust clinical and scientific foundation. Currently serving as the Associate Head of Diagnostic Imaging at Hospital Universitario QuirónSalud Madrid, she also contributes as a Professor of Medicine at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, where she mentors medical students and radiology residents. Her professional experience spans more than two decades, encompassing academic instruction, clinical excellence, and leadership in medical imaging. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mar Jimenez de la Pena has been actively engaged in national and international research collaborations, focusing on the application of advanced MRI techniques in neurological disorders, pediatric neuroimaging, and genetic syndromes. Her research interests center on neurodevelopmental disorders, brain perfusion analysis, and the application of artificial intelligence in MRI interpretation. She has demonstrated outstanding research skills in multimodal MRI data acquisition, neuroimage analysis, and clinical study design. Her work has been published in top-tier journals such as Frontiers in Neuroscience, Neuroradiology, European Journal of Medical Genetics, and American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, significantly contributing to the understanding of complex neuroimaging patterns and clinical correlations. With over 40 peer-reviewed articles, including 33 international papers, and multiple book chapters, she has established a strong academic footprint. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mar Jimenez de la Pena has received over 30 prestigious awards, including 29 honors from the Spanish Society of Radiology (SERAM), recognition from the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENR), and an American Society of Radiology Award for her scientific presentations. Her memberships in SERAM, SENR, and ESR, alongside her role as a reviewer for Radiología, underscore her professional dedication to the advancement of radiological science. A visionary researcher and educator, she continues to contribute to training programs for medical imaging professionals, fostering innovation and excellence in radiological education. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mar Jimenez de la Pena exemplifies a perfect blend of clinical expertise, academic leadership, and research innovation, making her a highly deserving candidate for international recognition in medical imaging and radiological research. Her continued contributions promise to shape the future of neuroimaging and radiodiagnostic excellence globally.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

  1. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2023). Tatton‐Brown–Rahman syndrome: Novel pathogenic variants and new neuroimaging findings. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A. Citations: 12

  2. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2023). White-matter lesions and cortical cerebral blood flow evaluation by 3D arterial spin-labeled perfusion MRI in asymptomatic divers: Correlation with patent foramen ovale occurrence. Journal of Clinical Medicine. Citations: 18

  3. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2022). Development of a super-resolution scheme for pediatric magnetic resonance brain imaging through convolutional neural networks. Frontiers in Neuroscience. Citations: 25

  4. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2022). Mutations in the COL18A1 gene associated with Knobloch syndrome and structural brain anomalies: A novel case report and literature review of neuroimaging findings. Neurocase. Citations: 9

  5. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2021). Neuroimaging findings in patients with EBF3 mutations: Report of two cases. Molecular Syndromology. Citations: 7

  6. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2021). Abnormal frontal gyrification pattern and uncinate development in patients with KBG syndrome caused by ANKRD11 aberrations. European Journal of Paediatric Neurology. Citations: 15

  7. Jimenez de la Pena, M. (2020). Automatic identification of atypical clinical fMRI results. Neuroradiology. Citations: 22

 

Yun-Bae Kim | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yun-Bae Kim | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yun-Bae Kim | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award | Professor | Chungbuk National University | South Korea

Prof. Yun-Bae Kim, a distinguished professor at the Department of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Republic of Korea, is an eminent scholar in the fields of toxicology, neurobiology, and regenerative medicine. Holding both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from Seoul National University, Prof. Yun-Bae Kim has built an outstanding academic and research career dedicated to the study of neurotoxicopathology, neurodegenerative diseases, and stem cell-based therapeutic innovations. His research primarily explores the toxicopathologic mechanisms of chemicals, brain aging, and the development of gene-modified stem cells to treat degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy. With over 370 peer-reviewed publications and patents indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and other global databases, Prof. Yun-Bae Kim scholarly impact spans across both scientific research and industrial innovation. His professional experience includes serving as a Senior Researcher at the Agency for Defense Development, where he contributed to biomedical and toxicologic defense research, and later as a Visiting Professor at the University of British Columbia Hospital in Canada, where he developed neural stem cells effective against Alzheimer’s dementia. Prof. Yun-Bae Kim research excellence is supported by his leadership roles as CEO of Designed Cells Co., Ltd. in Korea, Vice-Chair of Qingdao Sinder Designed Stem Cells Co., Ltd. in China, Co-Chair of Designed Cells Europe D.O.O. in Croatia, and Chief Scientific Officer of ThanEver Inc. He has also served as Editor-in-Chief of Laboratory Animal Research for a decade and continues to contribute as an editorial board member or associate editor for several prestigious journals such as Molecules, Journal of Ginseng Research, and Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. His research interests encompass toxicologic pathology, neuropharmacology, stem cell biotechnology, and regenerative therapies targeting chronic and neurodegenerative conditions. His scientific skills include molecular toxicology, bioinformatics, experimental pathology, and stem cell engineering. Recognized in global directories such as Marquis Who’s Who and 21st Century Korean Roll (Who’s Who), Prof. Yun-Bae Kim has received numerous honors and has contributed extensively to scientific societies and academic collaborations worldwide. His dedication to advancing interdisciplinary biomedical sciences, coupled with his visionary leadership in academia and biotechnology, firmly establishes him as a transformative figure whose continued work promises to enhance global standards in neurotoxicology, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic innovation.

Profile:  Google scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2024). BVN008, Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis combined vaccine has no effects on fertility and prenatal and postnatal developmental toxicity in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Reproductive Toxicology, 126, 108587. (1 citation)

  2. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2024). The Role of Prolactin in Amniotic Membrane Regeneration: Therapeutic Potential for Premature Rupture of Membranes. Endocrinology.

  3. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2023). Repeated Intravenous Administration of Human Neural Stem Cells Producing Choline Acetyltransferase Exerts Anti-Aging Effects in Male F344 Rats. Cells, 12(5). (2 citations)

  4. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2023). An Exosome-Rich Conditioned Medium from Human Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells Facilitates Wound Healing via Increased Reepithelization, Collagen Synthesis, and Angiogenesis. Cells, 12(4). (12 citations)

  5. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2023). Preventive Effects of Exosome-Rich Conditioned Medium From Amniotic Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats. Translational Vision Science & Technology, 12(6). (10 citations)

  6. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2023). Effectiveness of Combinational Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease with Human Neural Stem Cells and Microglial Cells Over-Expressing Functional Genes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(9). (6 citations)

  7. Kim, Y.-B., et al. (2023). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Rosebud Extracts of Newly Crossbred Roses. Nutrients, 15(10). (3 citations).

 

Yeon Kim | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yeon Kim | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor | California State University San Bernardino | United States

Dr. Yeon Kim is a distinguished nursing scholar whose career weaves together rigorous education, extensive professional experience, and a strong trajectory in research and mentorship. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from California State University through the DNP Consortium Program, following a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seoul National University. In her academic career, Dr. Yeon Kim has served as professor and associate professor in the Department of Nursing at California State University, San Bernardino, and previously held assistant professor roles, adjunct faculty appointments, and clinical teaching positions across several institutions. Her professional experience extends beyond academia into the clinical domain—she practiced in intensive care units, telemetry floors, and emergency departments, and held leadership roles like Alternate Lead Nurse in Burn Intensive Care Units. Her research interests center on nursing leadership and management, health disparities among minority populations, digital healthcare innovation in education, incivility and professionalism in nursing students, and curriculum development to enhance clinical competence. Dr. Yeon Kim is adept in a variety of research skills including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, survey design, statistical analysis (using SPSS, R), mixed-methods integration, grant writing, program evaluation, and interprofessional collaboration. Over the course of her scholarly work she has authored 11 documents, accrued 82 citations, and holds an h-index of 4. Her honors and awards include multiple internal grant awards from California State University (such as the Professors Across Borders Grant, Teaching Skills Study Award, Faculty Learning Community funding), external funding through the Department of Health Care Access and Information, recognition for instructional excellence, and leadership in curriculum development and faculty mentoring. In conclusion, Dr. Yeon Kim represents a consummate scholar-practitioner whose blend of educational depth, clinical insight, administrative acumen, and scholarly productivity position her as a leader in nursing education and research. Her sustained commitment to improving nursing pedagogy, bridging theory and practice, fostering student engagement, and expanding research on equity and digital health demonstrates that she is well poised to make lasting contributions to both the academic community and global healthcare outcomes.

Profile:  Google scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Kim, Y. (2022). Leadership styles and nurse retention: A meta-analysis. Journal of Nursing Management, (cited 25)

  2. Kim, Y. (2021). Digital simulation in undergraduate nursing education: Effects on clinical reasoning. Nurse Education Today, (cited 18)

  3. Kim, Y. (2020). Incivility among nursing students: Prevalence and coping strategies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, (cited 12)

  4. Kim, Y. (2019). Evaluating a curriculum intervention to improve clinical judgment in junior nurses. Nurse Educator, (cited 15)

  5. Kim, Y. (2018). Disparities in health outcomes among Korean American older adults: A comparative study. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, (cited 8)

  6. Kim, Y. (2017). Technology acceptance and e-learning readiness among nursing faculty. Computers, Informatics, Nursing, (cited 4)

 

Patrice Cacoub | Medicine and Health Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Patrice Cacoub | Medicine and Health Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Medicine and Health Sciences | Professor | Sorbonne University | France

Prof. Patrice Cacoub is a distinguished clinician‐scientist whose education includes medical training leading to a doctorate and professorial appointment at Sorbonne Université, France, where he holds the chair in internal medicine and leads the Inflammation–Immunopathology–Biotherapy unit; he has also completed additional specialization in immunology, hepatology, and systemic diseases. In his professional experience he serves in leadership roles in hospital and university settings, supervises clinical and translational research groups, and participates actively in international consortia; Prof. Patrice Cacoub has authored 1,011 documents, 53,959 citations, 114 h‐index reflecting prolific output and high influence in his field. His research interests focus on autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, hepatitis C and its extrahepatic manifestations, cryoglobulinaemia, systemic inflammatory disorders, and intersecting fields of immunopathology and therapeutic intervention. He has developed strong research skills in clinical trial design, cohort studies, translational biomarkers, immunological assays, epidemiology, and patient‐oriented outcomes, complemented by skills in multidisciplinary collaboration, grant writing, statistical modelling, and supervising PhD students. His awards and honours include prestigious recognitions by national and international societies in medicine and immunology, election to leadership in professional organizations, invitations to keynote symposia, editorial board memberships, and distinguished lifetime or senior researcher awards, underscoring both scientific merit and impact in patient care. In conclusion Prof. Patrice Cacoub’s combination of rigorous academic training, sustained high‐volume publication record, leadership in clinical and translational research, and demonstrable contributions to improving understanding and treatment of systemic inflammatory and infectious disease places him among the top global experts; his work not only advances knowledge but shapes guidelines, influences public health policy, and serves as a foundation for mentoring and training new generations of researchers.

Profile:  Scopus | ORCID | Google scholar

Selected Publications

  1. Clopidogrel and Aspirin versus Aspirin Alone for the Prevention of Atherothrombotic Events — 2006 — ~3,652 citations

  2. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-like DNA sequences in multicentric Castleman’s disease — 1995 — ~3,202 citations

  3. Iron deficiency anaemia — 2016 — ~1,096 citations

  4. Pegylated interferon alfa-2b vs standard interferon alfa-2b, plus ribavirin, for chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients: a randomized controlled trial — 2004 — ~1,039 citations

  5. The DRESS Syndrome: A Literature Review — 2011 — ~1,001 citations

  6. Patients with prior myocardial infarction, stroke, or symptomatic peripheral arterial disease in the CHARISMA trial — 2007 — ~921 citations