Samuel Zünd | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Paramedic at Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland

Mr. Samuel Zünd is a senior paramedic and operational manager with a dynamic career dedicated to emergency medical services and prehospital care. Based in Orbe, Switzerland, Mr. Zünd is known for his organizational excellence, cross-functional leadership, and a deeply rooted passion for collaborative and inclusive healthcare development. With more than two decades of experience in paramedicine, he has contributed to advanced systems of care, multidisciplinary coordination, and the strengthening of educational and research frameworks in Switzerland. Samuel excels in project and case management, particularly in stroke unit coordination and emergency care innovations. Through his leadership roles in prestigious Swiss paramedic institutions and his active involvement in research networks, Mr. Zünd continues to inspire excellence and innovation in the field of prehospital emergency medicine.

Education

While the exact formal education timeline is not listed, Mr. Samuel Zünd has undergone comprehensive paramedic training and educational leadership development, beginning with basic paramedic training (2004–2007). He has since progressed through multiple academic and professional teaching roles, including on-field instruction in paramedic degree programs. His affiliation with renowned institutions such as MEDI – École Supérieure d’Ambulancier et Soins d’Urgence Romande and ESAMB highlights a sustained engagement in advanced education for emergency care professionals. Furthermore, his involvement in research coordination and academic training management reflects not only formal knowledge but also his ability to bridge education with practice and innovation. His multilingual fluency in French, English, and German also underlines a strong academic adaptability in diverse research and professional environments.

Experience

Mr. Zünd’s career trajectory reflects progressive responsibilities in paramedicine and healthcare system leadership. Starting as a basic paramedic (2004–2007), he transitioned into a full paramedic role (2007–2018), where he gained hands-on experience in high-pressure emergency situations. Since 2018, he has served as a senior paramedic and operational manager, leading initiatives that ensure streamlined emergency responses and improved patient outcomes. He holds current roles at SPS Neuchâtel as a training and project management leader, and at the Association Sécurité Riviera coordinating stroke units. His interdisciplinary work with CSU Trois Vallons and leadership in research with the Association for Prehospital Research Promotion (APRP) further demonstrate his commitment to bridging clinical excellence with research innovation. His teaching, project leadership, and coordination of prehospital networks embody a career built on responsibility, innovation, and impact.

Awards and Honors

While specific individual awards are not listed in the provided details, Mr. Samuel Zünd’s leadership roles and project responsibilities speak volumes of the trust and recognition he holds in the Swiss emergency medical field. His appointment as project and training manager in SPS Neuchâtel, and his coordination responsibilities for stroke care systems, highlight his recognized expertise in clinical improvement and system design. Moreover, his presidency role since 2007 and coordination of a national prehospital research network underscore his reputation as a thought leader in the domain. His publication in a peer-reviewed journal, focused on Swiss paramedics’ intention to engage in research (SPECTRe), further substantiates his impact on shaping research culture in emergency care. These roles and accomplishments collectively reflect high professional recognition, research respectability, and a meaningful contribution to Swiss and global healthcare development.

Research Focus

Mr. Samuel Zünd’s research focus lies in advancing prehospital emergency care through evidence-based systems design, knowledge dissemination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is particularly interested in enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of emergency medical systems, with a core emphasis on stroke unit coordination and trauma response frameworks. His research work supports the implementation of innovative training models and encourages paramedics to actively participate in scholarly initiatives. Through the Association for Prehospital Research Promotion (APRP), Mr. Zünd has led initiatives to develop networks connecting healthcare professionals with research opportunities, thereby promoting data-driven improvements in field operations. His forward-looking perspective on system-level integration of research into practice reflects a strategic vision to uplift paramedicine standards globally. He aims to inspire and empower frontline responders to embrace research as a means of continual professional development and improved patient outcomes.

Tawanda Chivese | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Tawanda Chivese, University of Washington Tacoma, United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tawanda Chivese is an accomplished epidemiologist specializing in clinical epidemiology. With a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Cape Town, and an MSc (cum laude) in Clinical Epidemiology from Stellenbosch University, Dr. Chivese has a strong foundation in advanced epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and global health. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington Tacoma, and an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Over his career, Dr. Chivese has led impactful international research on diabetes, gestational diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases, and mental health outcomes. His work has been published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and he actively contributes as a journal reviewer and editorial board member. Dr. Chivese’s commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and research collaboration marks him as a distinguished researcher with significant contributions to global public health.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Tawanda Chivese holds a Ph.D. in Medicine (2021) from the University of Cape Town, where he investigated the long-term effects of hyperglycemia in pregnancy on offspring obesity and cardiovascular risk. He earned his MSc Clinical Epidemiology (cum laude, 2014) from Stellenbosch University, completing advanced coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and systematic reviews. His Master’s research focused on cigarette smoking and Crohn’s Disease phenotypes. Earlier, he completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science (2006) from the University of Zimbabwe, developing a strong clinical foundation. He has supplemented his formal education with specialized training in systematic reviews, digital skills, blended learning, biomedical ethics, and diagnostic test accuracy through global institutions like the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford. Dr. Chivese’s comprehensive education underpins his expertise in clinical epidemiology and global health research.

Experience

Dr. Chivese is currently an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) at the University of Washington Tacoma (2024-present), leading epidemiology and public health teaching, collaborative research on gestational diabetes, and supervising student research. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor at Qatar University (2019-2024), where he coordinated key courses, redesigned epidemiology curricula, and mentored over 100 student researchers, many winning top awards. He fostered collaborations with the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and Qatar Biobank. Concurrently, Dr. Chivese has held honorary positions at Stellenbosch University and the South African Medical Research Council since 2016. His experience combines academic leadership, innovative teaching, curriculum development, large-scale collaborative research, and scholarly publication. His global impact is evidenced by partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S., positioning him as a leading figure in global clinical epidemiology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tawanda Chivese’s dedication to excellence has earned him multiple accolades. He received consistent teaching excellence awards during his tenure at Qatar University and awards for supervising the best undergraduate research projects. His leadership contributions to the Public Health Association of South Africa, serving on the executive board and as Vice Chairperson for a special interest group, underline his influence in public health leadership. His scholarly work has been recognized with prestigious grants, including funding from Qatar Foundation, Welcome Trust, and SAMRC/Newton Fund. In addition, he has been selected as an editorial board member for BMC Public Health and frequently reviews for top-tier journals like The Lancet and PLOS Medicine. These honors reflect his outstanding achievements in research, teaching, mentorship, and service to the academic and public health communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Chivese’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of metabolic and mental health diseases, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular risks, and cognitive outcomes post-gestational diabetes. He specializes in clinical epidemiology, meta-analysis, and diagnostic accuracy studies. His recent projects include investigating the developmental origins of autism spectrum disorders, the role of poor glycemic control in cognitive dysfunction, and refining meta-analysis methods for improved evidence synthesis. He also leads collaborative studies on lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiometabolic diseases in high-risk populations. His work aims to uncover critical determinants of chronic disease progression and provide actionable public health interventions. Dr. Chivese’s research approach is interdisciplinary, combining clinical insight, advanced statistical methods, and global collaboration to address complex health challenges in both low- and high-income settings.

Publication Top Notes

Prevalence of unintended pregnancy in the MENA region: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Infoveillance of COVID-19 Infections in Dentistry Using Platform X: Descriptive Study

Comparative Efficacy of Subcutaneous Versus Intravenous Interleukin 12/23 Inhibitors for the Remission of Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cross-cultural adaptation: South African Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Questionnaire

Prevalence and factors associated with falls in older adults in a Middle Eastern population: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Estimates of the prevalence of male circumcision in sub-Saharan Africa from 2010–2023—A systematic review and meta-analysis

Integrated health system intervention aimed at reducing type 2 diabetes risk in women after gestational diabetes in South Africa (IINDIAGO): a randomised controlled trial protocol