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

Mathebula et al., 2023 – Cholera vaccine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗
Wiysonge, Ndwandwe & Mathebula, 2023 – Measles and whooping cough outbreaks: A warning sign. The Conversation. 🔗
Mathebula et al., 2022 – TB trials in BRICS countries. BMJ Open. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗
Mathebula et al., 2022 – Clinical trial registration in Africa during COVID-19. Trials. [Cited by: TBD] 🔗
Wiysonge et al., 2022 – COVID-19 vaccine trials in Africa. SAJS. 🔗
Ndwandwe et al., 2022 – Trends in Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. BMJ Open. 🔗
Hohlfeld et al., 2021 – TB intervention trials in Africa. PLoS ONE. 🔗
Ndwandwe et al., 2020 – COVID-19 diagnostics review. PAMJ. 🔗
Iwu et al., 2020 – Vaccine stock-level mobile reporting. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗
Mathebula et al., 2019 – Vaccines against Ebola: Systematic review protocol. BMJ Open. 🔗
Ndwandwe et al., 2020 – Vaccine trials in Africa: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 🔗
Jaca et al., 2018 – Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination. Vaccine. 🔗

Yonghong Li | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof Yonghong Li, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China

Prof. Yonghong Li is an internationally recognized expert in minimally invasive spinal surgery, with a distinguished career in clinical practice, academic leadership, and medical research. He holds MD and PhD degrees from Seoul National University School of Medicine and is a fellow of both the American Board of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. As President of Wooridul Spine Hospital and Head of Neurosurgery at Armed Forces Chungpyung Hospital, Prof. Li has been instrumental in advancing endoscopic spine techniques. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of JMISST-Video and holds editorial positions in journals like European Spine Journal and PLOS One. His pioneering research and educational contributions have shaped the global discourse on spine care. Recognized by Marquis Who’s Who with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Prof. Li exemplifies clinical excellence, research innovation, and leadership in the global medical community.

Education

Prof. Yonghong Li earned both his MD and PhD from the prestigious Seoul National University School of Medicine, South Korea, laying a solid foundation in neurosurgical and spinal sciences. His academic journey has been marked by consistent pursuit of excellence in spinal health, endoscopic surgical techniques, and clinical innovation. He further distinguished himself by earning fellowships from the American Board of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, reflecting his commitment to international best practices and high-level clinical expertise. This educational background has enabled him to contribute significantly to medical literature and innovation in spinal surgery. His scholarly training, coupled with cross-border accreditations, positions him as a leading authority in spine surgery and a mentor for aspiring neurosurgeons and clinical researchers worldwide.

Experience

Prof. Li’s expansive professional experience spans clinical, academic, and research leadership roles. He is currently the Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Armed Forces Chungpyung Hospital and serves as President of Wooridul Spine Hospital. He plays key roles in national and international medical societies, including Chairperson of the Korean Endoscopic Spine Surgery Society and Scientific Manager for the Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Society. He also sits on the Inter-Ministerial Evaluation Committee for National R&D Projects (IRIS). As Editor-in-Chief of JMISST-Video and editorial board member for European Spine Journal, PLOS One, and Biomed Research International, he actively shapes scientific discourse. With numerous textbook editorships and scholarly contributions, Prof. Li has trained generations of spine surgeons and remains a guiding force in the field of minimally invasive spinal surgery.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Yonghong Li has received numerous accolades in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to neurosurgery and spinal health. Notably, he was honored with the 2020 Gachon University President’s Special Award for Research Excellence, celebrating his innovations in minimally invasive techniques. In 2018, he received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded by MARQUIS Who’s Who, which also listed him in their global registry of top professionals. His remarkable service as a clinical leader and researcher continues to earn global recognition. These awards reflect not only his academic and clinical excellence but also his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of spinal surgery. Prof. Li’s honors affirm his role as a pioneer in the integration of technological innovation with surgical precision, establishing new standards for excellence in the global medical community.

Research Focus

Prof. Li’s research primarily focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly endoscopic approaches to lumbar and cervical spine conditions. His studies delve into the development of advanced surgical techniques, the learning curves involved, and postoperative outcomes such as pain management and complication rates. He also explores applications of endoscopic surgery in cases of intradural tumors and vertebroplasty-induced stenosis. Beyond surgery, Prof. Li contributes to public health and epidemiology, addressing climate change adaptation behaviors among schoolchildren and evaluating health interventions during heatwaves in China. This multidisciplinary approach bridges clinical innovation and population health, reflecting his dedication to holistic and scalable healthcare improvements. Through textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, and editorial work, Prof. Li has fostered international collaboration and knowledge dissemination, ensuring continuous evolution in spine care. His research continues to impact not only surgical outcomes but also broader medical and environmental health strategies.

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