Dr. Anna Iwan | Medicine | Research Excellence Award
Featured Publications
BKPyV—Co-Architect of the Fate of a Renal Transplant During a One-Year Observation Period
– International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
Prof. Wei Wu | Director | Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention | China
Dr. Wei Wu is a distinguished public health scientist specializing in labor and environmental hygiene, microbial epidemiology, and health data analytics. His research primarily explores the intersection of gut microbiota, metabolic diseases, and public health, employing advanced population cohort and multi-omics data analysis to uncover novel biomarkers and disease risk genes. Dr. Wu’s studies contribute significantly to understanding nutrient–gut flora–host interactions, guiding innovative therapeutic targets for metabolic and infectious diseases. He has also made substantial contributions to vaccine health economics and hygiene assessment in rail transit systems. As a postgraduate supervisor and active member of multiple national scientific committees, Dr. Wu plays a vital role in shaping public health policy and research in China. His impactful scientific output has earned recognition in leading journals, including Nature Medicine and Microbiome. According to Scopus, he has published 35 documents with over 1,577 citations, an h-index of 13, and his work is widely cited across 1,498 documents. On Google Scholar, his publications have similarly received extensive academic engagement, underscoring his global research influence in environmental and preventive health sciences.
He, Y., Wu, W., Zheng, H. M., Li, P., McDonald, D., Sheng, H. F., et al. (2018). Regional variation limits applications of healthy gut microbiome reference ranges and disease models. Nature Medicine, 24(10), 1532–1535.
He, Y., Wu, W., Wu, S., Zheng, H. M., Li, P., Sheng, H. F., et al. (2018). Linking gut microbiota, metabolic syndrome and economic status based on a population-level analysis. Microbiome, 6(1), 172.
Guo, X., Yan, M., Huang, D., Chen, S., Zhang, D., Li, Z., Yang, X., & Wu, W. (2023). A large scale 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon dataset of hand, foot and mouth patients and healthy individuals. Scientific Data, 10(48), 1–6.
Yan, M., Guo, X., Ji, G., Huang, R., Huang, D., Li, Z., Zhang, D., Chen, S., Cao, R., Yang, X., & Wu, W. (2023). Mechanism-based role of the intestinal microbiota in gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Immunology, 13(3), 1–13.
Wang, H., Luo, L., & Wu, W. (2023). SAS statistical analysis and applications from introduction to mastery (2nd ed.). Posts & Telecom Press.
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. 🌟
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. 🎓📜
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. 🏥🔬
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. 🏆🎖️
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. 🧬🦠
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. 🌍💡
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.
Assoc.prof.Dr., biruni universty, Turkey
Dr. Rafat Sasany is an accomplished Associate Professor in the field of Prosthodontics, with a rich background in clinical practice, academic instruction, and cutting-edge research. With a professional journey spanning across Turkey and Iran, she has made significant contributions to prosthetic and aesthetic dental care, while also engaging in interdisciplinary studies such as psychology. Her dedication to innovation in dental sciences is reflected through her robust involvement in research on biomimetic materials, CAD/CAM technologies, and stem cell therapies. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and is recognized for her clinical finesse and academic excellence. 🦷🌍
Dr. Sasany began her academic career in dentistry at Yeditepe University, graduating from the Faculty of Dentistry in 2005. She later pursued a Master’s in Psychology at Tehran Azad University (2010–2012), showcasing her interest in holistic patient care. She completed her specialized training in Prosthodontics at Ondokuz Mayıs University between 2014 and 2018, further sharpening her skills in aesthetic and restorative dental treatments. 🎓📘
Her clinical journey commenced at Kozyatagi Private Practice (2005–2010), followed by service at Private Saadat Abad Dental Clinic in Iran from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2020 to 2022. She also contributed to patient care and education at Miradent-Samsun Clinic (2019–2020) and later offered prosthodontic education in a private institution in Iran (2020–2021). Her experience bridges both practical and academic dentistry, enriching her students and patients alike. 🏥🛠️
While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Dr. Sasany’s invited talks at national and international dental symposiums and consistent publications in high-impact journals reflect her recognition and esteem in the academic community. Her research contributions and interdisciplinary expertise underscore her honored position in the global dental research community. 🏅📚
Dr. Sasany’s research interests include prosthetic and aesthetic dental treatments, implant prostheses, biomimetic treatments, and stem cell therapy. She actively explores CAD-CAM applications, optical and mechanical properties of dental materials, and the impact of various treatments on prosthetic performance and longevity. Her studies often address the effects of polishing systems, bonding methods, and surface treatments, indicating a deep commitment to advancing dental material science. 🧪🦷
Dr. Rafat Sasany stands as a dedicated prosthodontist and academic, seamlessly integrating clinical expertise with innovative research. Her international background, scientific rigor, and patient-centered philosophy continue to inspire both peers and students in the dental profession. Her future in prosthodontics looks as promising as her impactful past. 🌟📖
Marginal discrepancy and fracture load of thermomechanically fatigued crowns fabricated with different CAD-CAM techniques – 2022, Journal of Prosthodontics – Cited by: 7
Effect of Potassium Aluminum Sulfate Application on the Viability of Fibroblasts – 2022, Materials (Basel) – Cited by: 9
Polishing systems on roughness and colour stability of CAD/CAM blocks – 2022, J Appl Biomater Funct Mater – Cited by: 4
Effect of stain brand and shade on color stability of feldspathic ceramics – 2022, Odontology – Cited by: 6
Silane Heat Treatment and Microtensile Bond Strength on Lithium Disilicate – 2021, Materials (Basel) – Cited by: 10
Effect of mouth rinses on CAD-CAM materials for veneers and crowns – 2021, J Esthet Restor Dent – Cited by: 11
Plasma treatment of zirconia base on adhesion and color change – 2021, Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology – Cited by: 3
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Mass General Brigham, United States
Lova Prasadareddy Kajuluri is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Charlestown, USA. He is recognized for his significant contributions to cardiovascular research, particularly in understanding vascular calcification and its potential treatments. With a strong background in biotechnology, Kajuluri has advanced in his research career through various prestigious roles in both India and the United States. He holds a Doctorate in Science from the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India, and has received multiple research grants to further his studies in cardiovascular diseases. 🚀
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.
🎓 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.
💼 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.
🔬 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.
🏅 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.
📝 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.
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.