MARIA KANTZANOU | Medical | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. MARIA KANTZANOU | Medical | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

Dr. Maria Kantzanou is a distinguished Medical Biopathologist and Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. With a robust background in clinical microbiology and molecular diagnostics, she has significantly contributed to infectious disease research and epidemiology. Known for her leadership roles in national reference centers and academic excellence, Dr. Kantzanou combines clinical practice, teaching, and research to advance public health. 🌟

Publication Profile

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Kantzanou holds a Medical Degree from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens and earned her PhD with excellent honors from the same institution. She specialized in Medical Biopathology (Microbiology) and Public Health-Social Medicine. Additionally, she completed a Master of Science in Health Unit Management at the Hellenic Open University. Her postgraduate experience includes clinical and research fellowship at the University of Oxford, UK. 🎓📜

💼 Professional Experience

Her extensive career spans university hospitals, national reference centers, and private diagnostic laboratories. Highlights include her tenure as Clinical Assistant at Oxford, Consultant at Larissa University Hospital, and Director of the National Retrovirus Reference Center in Athens. Since 2022, she serves as the Responsible Physician-Biopathologist at Eugenidion Hospital. Alongside academic roles, she holds key administrative positions in public health organizations and scientific societies. 🏥🔬

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Kantzanou’s work has earned her national recognition for excellence in research and leadership in infectious disease control. She has been entrusted with numerous administrative responsibilities, including board memberships of Greek health organizations and presidency of the Hellenic Association of Medical Law. Her scientific impact is reflected in a high h-index and numerous invitations as a speaker and coordinator in scientific conferences. 🏆🎖️

🔬 Research Focus

Her research centers on molecular microbiology, epidemiology, and infection prevention. Dr. Kantzanou has specialized in diagnostic molecular techniques such as PCR and RT-PCR for bacterial and viral infections. Her work at the National Retrovirus Reference Center emphasizes HIV/AIDS diagnostics and research. Recent publications cover surgical site infections, viral detection in HIV patients, and infection control in clinical settings. 🧬🦠

✍️ Conclusion

Dr. Maria Kantzanou is a leading figure in medical microbiology, whose academic, clinical, and research contributions profoundly impact infectious disease management and healthcare epidemiology in Greece. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring alongside active participation in healthcare administration showcases her multifaceted expertise and commitment to advancing medical science and public health. 🌍💡

📚 Publication Top Notes

Prevalence of Osteosynthesis Hardware Removal Due to Surgical Site Infections Following Sagittal Split Osteotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of Clinical Medicine (2025)
DOI: 10.3390/jcm14103558
Cited by multiple articles exploring surgical infection control and maxillofacial surgery outcomes.

Prevalence of HHV-6 Detection Among People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Viruses (2025)
DOI: 10.3390/v17040531
Cited extensively in virology and HIV co-infection research.

Prevalence of Surgical Site Infections Following Coronectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Dentistry Journal (2024)
DOI: 10.3390/dj12120379
Widely referenced in dental surgery and infection prevention studies.

Prevalence of Leishmaniasis among Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Diseases (2024)
DOI: 10.3390/diseases12070160
Important reference in tropical disease and transfusion medicine research.

Prevalence of surgical site infections following extraction of impacted mandibular third molars: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2024)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101995
PMID: 39084557
Cited in oral surgery and clinical epidemiology literature.

The Existence-Relatedness-Growth Theory for Job Satisfaction and Motivation of Greek National Healthcare Service Employees in the Context of Severe Financial Constraints
Cureus (2024)
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62738
PMID: 39036167
Relevant in healthcare workforce motivation and management studies.

Prevalence of free flap failure in mandibular osteoradionecrosis reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Scientific Reports (2024)
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61862-1
Highly cited in reconstructive surgery and oncology-related infection research.

 

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alexandros Brotis | Health Sciences |Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Alexandros Brotis | Health Sciences |Best Researcher Award

University of Thessaly, Greece

Dr. Alexandros G. Brotis is a distinguished Neurosurgeon based in Greece, with a profound commitment to advancing neurovascular and spine-related healthcare. Serving at the University Hospital of Larisa in Thessaly since 2015, Dr. Brotis has established himself as a leading academic and clinical figure, contributing significantly to neurosurgical literature with nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications. His multidisciplinary expertise spans spinal disorders, vascular interventions, and neurotrauma, making him a trusted authority in his field.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education Background:

Dr. Brotis pursued his medical education and specialization in neurosurgery through prestigious academic institutions in Greece, complemented by extensive clinical training. His scholarly orientation and continuous medical education are evident through his involvement in evidence-based medicine and systematic reviews, contributing greatly to global neurosurgical knowledge.

💼 Professional Experience:

Since 2015, Dr. Brotis has been serving as a Neurosurgeon at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Larisa, Greece. His work encompasses not only intricate surgical procedures but also collaborative clinical research, guideline development, and academic mentorship. As an active contributor to clinical databases like Scopus and SciProfiles, his insights continue to shape clinical practices across Europe and beyond.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

While specific awards are not listed publicly, Dr. Brotis’ recognition is reflected in his high-impact publications, international collaborations, and consistent contribution to top-tier journals. His prolific research output and participation in systematic reviews underscore his standing in the academic community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Brotis’ primary research areas include spinal cord ischemia, spinal interventions, neurovascular conditions, endoscopic vs. microscopic surgical techniques, and post-operative rehabilitation therapies. He is known for employing meta-analytical approaches and umbrella reviews to synthesize large bodies of clinical evidence, influencing neurosurgical protocols worldwide.

🔚 Conclusion:

A committed clinician-scientist, Dr. Alexandros G. Brotis continues to impact the field of neurosurgery through his academic rigor, clinical excellence, and pursuit of innovation. With numerous publications in prestigious journals and ongoing research activities, he stands as a beacon of excellence in European neurosurgery. 🇬🇷🧠📚

📘 Top Publications Notes:

Prevention and Management of Spinal Cord Ischemia After Aortic Surgery: An Umbrella Review (2025) – Brain Sciences
Cited by: 3 articles (as of April 2025)

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and End-Stage Renal Failure: A Case Report and a Literature Review (2025) – Brain Sciences
Cited by: 2 articles

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes of the Advanta V12 or iCAST Bridging Stent Graft Used for Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair (2025) – European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Cited by: 4 articles

Epidural steroid injections in lumbar disc herniation – Evidence synthesis from 72 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and a total of 7701 patients (2025) – Brain and Spine
Cited by: 5 articles

Physical therapies after surgery for lumbar disc herniation – Evidence synthesis from 55 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a total of 4,311 patients (2025) – Brain and Spine
Cited by: 3 articles

Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Tympanoplasty: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis (2024) – The Laryngoscope
Cited by: 7 articles

Maria Asunción Aguilar | Health Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Maria Asunción Aguilar | Health Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Catedrática de Universidad, Universitat de Valencia, Spain

👩‍🔬 Maria A. Aguilar (also known as Maria Asunción Aguilar) is a Full Professor at the University of Valencia in the Department of Psychobiology. With a research focus on psychopharmacology and physiological psychology, she has made significant contributions to understanding the brain mechanisms underlying addiction and stress resilience. Since November 2017, she has held the prestigious position of Catedrático at the University of Valencia.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research in Psychobiology: María A. Aguilar is a full professor of Psychobiology at the University of Valencia, focusing on neuropsychopharmacology and physiological psychology. Her work on the interaction between social stress, drug addiction, and brain function, particularly in the context of cocaine and MDMA, contributes valuable insights to women’s health and psychology, making her a strong contender.
  2. Prolific Publication Record: With 122 published works, Aguilar’s research covers cutting-edge topics such as the role of social stress in drug addiction and the therapeutic effects of substances like cannabidiol. These areas have significant implications for mental health treatments, relevant to women’s health challenges.
  3. Leadership and Experience: She has held prominent academic roles, including being a full professor since 2017 and previously a tenured professor since 2002. Her leadership in academic settings and sustained research output strengthens her profile for the award.
  4. Innovative Contributions to Neuroscience: Aguilar’s studies on glutamatergic receptors and their role in the brain’s response to social defeat and drug addiction present novel approaches to understanding mental health disorders, making her a thought leader in neuroscience.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Specific Focus on Women’s Health: Although her research addresses critical aspects of mental health, especially addiction and stress, a more direct focus on gender-specific issues in psychopharmacology, such as how these conditions uniquely impact women, could make her case stronger for an award dedicated to women’s research.
  2. Outreach and Public Engagement: While her academic contributions are significant, further involvement in public health initiatives or policy impact related to women’s mental health might enhance her candidacy. Increasing visibility in terms of applying her research to real-world settings could further strengthen her application.

Education

🎓 Maria A. Aguilar completed her specialization in Psychopharmacology and Physiological Psychology, with a focus on understanding the neural circuits involved in addiction and behavior. Her doctoral thesis was supervised by renowned experts Jose Miñarro and Vicente Simón.

Experience

💼 Maria A. Aguilar has had a distinguished academic career, starting as a Professor Titular at the University of Valencia in 2002 and later being promoted to Full Professor in 2017. Her teaching and research primarily focus on psychobiology, particularly studying addiction, drug abuse, and neuroplasticity.

Research Focus

🔬 Her research explores the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and stress, especially focusing on drug-seeking behavior, neuroplasticity, and the role of glutamatergic receptors. She has conducted extensive studies on the effects of cocaine, MDMA, and cannabidiol on the brain’s reward systems.

Awards and Honors

🏅 Professor Aguilar has received various accolades throughout her career, including recognition for her groundbreaking research in psychopharmacology and neurobiology. She is a member of several professional organizations and continues to contribute to advancing the understanding of brain mechanisms in behavior.

Publication Top Notes

📝 Top Publications:

Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthesis Prevents the Effects of Intermittent Social Defeat on Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Male Mice (2024). Published in Pharmaceuticals DOI: 10.3390/ph17091203. Cited by: 6 articles.

Intermittent voluntary wheel running promotes resilience to the negative consequences of repeated social defeat in mice (2022). Published in Physiology & Behavior DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113916. Cited by: 12 articles.

Cannabidiol prevents priming- and stress-induced reinstatement of the conditioned place preference induced by cocaine in mice (2021). Published in Journal of Psychopharmacology DOI: 10.1177/0269881120965952. Cited by: 20 articles.

Role of NMDA and AMPA glutamatergic receptors in the effects of social defeat on the rewarding properties of MDMA in mice (2019). Published in European Journal of Neuroscience DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14190. Cited by: 15 articles.

Conclusion:

María A. Aguilar is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Award due to her extensive contributions to psychobiology, particularly in the study of drug addiction and stress-related behaviors. Her long academic career, leadership roles, and prolific publication record highlight her dedication to advancing research in neuroscience. To increase her chances of winning, focusing more on the gender-specific implications of her work and enhancing public outreach could further align her profile with the award’s goals.