Jana Behunova | Medical | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jana Behunova | Medical | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jana Behunova-Specialist in Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna/Institute of Medical Genetics, Austria.

Dr. Jana Behunova, M.D., Ph.D., is a distinguished Slovak medical geneticist and pediatrician currently based in Vienna, Austria. Born in Košice, Slovakia, she has dedicated over two decades to the academic, clinical, and research dimensions of medical genetics and pediatrics. She earned both her medical and doctoral degrees in Slovakia and has gained global insights through international fellowships in Sweden, the USA, Israel, and the Czech Republic. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Dr. Behunova combines teaching, patient care, and genetic counseling with a passion for rare disorders and congenital malformations.

Publication Profile

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Jana Behunova’s academic journey began at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Faculty of Medicine, Košice, where she earned her M.D. between 1990 and 1996. She continued her advanced studies in medical genetics and pediatrics through doctoral programs at the same institution and later at Comenius University in Bratislava, completing her Ph.D. between 2002 and 2008. Her academic excellence is further complemented by certifications in Pediatrics (I and II) and Medical Genetics, recognized across the European Union. This robust educational foundation paved the way for her specialization in genetic disorders, clinical pediatrics, and rare disease research across Europe and beyond.

🏥 Professional Experience

Dr. Behunova’s professional career commenced with residency roles in Prešov and Košice, Slovakia, where she trained in pediatrics. From 1999 to 2012, she served as Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University. Her academic pursuits then led her to the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, where she has held a long-standing role as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Medical Genetics since 2012. Her diverse experience spans clinical diagnostics, academic instruction, genetic counseling, and research leadership. Dr. Behunova’s multidisciplinary experience reflects her dedication to pediatric and genetic healthcare, both in her native Slovakia and internationally.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Jana Behunova has been honored for her contribution to European research networks and rare disease policies. She played a pivotal role in the Europlan project, contributing to the development of national guidelines for rare diseases in Slovakia. She also authored contributions to the 2011 Report on Rare Disease Activities in Europe by the EU Committee of Experts. Her international collaborations with renowned experts in Israel, Sweden, the USA, and Austria, alongside participation in elite training seminars such as the Salzburg Open Medical Institute and the ESHG’s genetic counseling programs, further underline her recognition as a leader in her field.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Behunova’s research lies at the intersection of medical genetics, pediatric anomalies, and congenital malformation syndromes. She has contributed to significant projects such as the analysis of facial cleft-related syndromes using micro-CT on historical specimens and studies on gene polymorphisms in orofacial clefts. Her work also delves into neural tube defects, jaundice syndromes in Roma populations, and birth defects in fetal archives. Through collaborations with eminent institutions across Europe and the USA, Dr. Behunova investigates how genetic variations influence developmental disorders, positioning her at the forefront of translational genetics and syndromic research within pediatric medicine.

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Jana Behunova exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence in medical genetics and pediatrics. Her international training, bilingual fluency, and extensive contributions to research and education place her among Europe’s respected clinician-scientists. From Slovakia to Austria, and across borders, she continues to advance the understanding of rare diseases, congenital syndromes, and genetic counseling. With a passion for both clinical practice and academic mentoring, Dr. Behunova’s lifelong commitment impacts patients, students, and the broader scientific community alike. Her work not only advances healthcare standards but also enriches the global conversation on genetics and pediatric disorders.

📚 Top Publications Notes

Jayalakshmi Mariakuttikan | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jayalakshmi Mariakuttikan | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jayalakshmi Mariakuttikan , Associate Professor , Madurai Kamaraj University , India.

Dr. M. Jayalakshmi, Ph.D., is a distinguished Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Immunology at the School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu. Since 2005, she has dedicated her research to immunogenetics, focusing on disease susceptibility in South Indian populations. With postdoctoral training from UCSF, USA, and a prolific academic journey, she has mentored numerous scholars and spearheaded advanced research projects. She has delivered over 110 invited talks, published 40+ international papers, and contributed to impactful policy research. Her commitment to immunology and education underscores her stature as a respected academician and researcher in biomedical science.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Education Background

Dr. Jayalakshmi earned her Ph.D. in Immunogenetics from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, conducting her doctoral research at Holy Cross College, Nagercoil. She ranked first in her B.Sc. and M.Sc. (Zoology) programs from the same university, showcasing academic excellence early on. Her M.Phil. at St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, also saw her secure the top rank. She further enhanced her expertise through a prestigious Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), focusing on transplantation immunogenetics. Her strong academic foundation and exposure to global research platforms empower her ongoing scientific contributions in immunogenetics and molecular diagnostics.

🧪 Professional Experience

Dr. M. Jayalakshmi began her career as an Assistant Professor in 2005 at Madurai Kamaraj University and has served as Associate Professor and Head since 2017. Her academic leadership includes coordinating molecular diagnostic training, spearheading RUSA-funded research facilities, and serving as a syndicate member at MKU. She has also mentored numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. With experience spanning teaching, research, and administration, she has organized skill development programs benefiting over 1,100 students. Additionally, she plays key roles in academic boards, ethics committees, and national curriculum development, consistently contributing to life science education and translational biomedical research.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Jayalakshmi’s academic brilliance has earned her multiple prestigious awards. She was a gold medalist and university topper in both B.Sc. and M.Sc. Zoology programs. She received the National Merit Scholarship and CSIR Fellowships during her Ph.D. journey. Her innovative teaching earned her the Gold Medal from Madurai Kamaraj University. She was awarded the UGC-Raman Postdoctoral Fellowship for her research at UCSF, USA, and has served as a DST-INSPIRE Mentor since 2008. Her scholarly contributions include 16 best paper awards at international conferences, reflecting her impactful presence in global immunogenetics research and scientific communication.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Jayalakshmi’s research centers on the immunogenetics of breast cancer, autoimmune disorders (Type 1 Diabetes, RHD), infectious diseases (HIV, HBV), and chronic kidney disease. Since 2005, she has analyzed the South Indian population’s genetic profiles using advanced tools like PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing. Her studies aim to identify genetic susceptibility markers and early diagnostic tools, contributing significantly to personalized medicine. Her lab has also explored microbiomes and HLA allele associations through funded research projects. With over 120 gene sequences and 14 whole-genome submissions to NCBI, her team’s research outcomes have international implications in immunogenomics and translational diagnostics.

🧭 Conclusion

Dr. M. Jayalakshmi exemplifies excellence in education, research, and scientific leadership in immunogenetics. Her pioneering work across cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders in South India has advanced diagnostic research and molecular epidemiology. With a global research footprint, numerous scholarly contributions, and unwavering dedication to mentorship and innovation, she continues to inspire students and scientists alike. Through her active role in academic councils and ethical boards, she advocates for responsible science and societal health impact. Her career is a testament to the transformative power of science driven by curiosity, precision, and community engagement.

📚 Top Publication Notes

  1. Impact of unique host genetic variants in the HIV life cycle
    Human Gene (2025) — Differentiates HIV progression among South Indian females.
    Cited by: 5 articles

  2. Genomic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Acinetobacter sp.
    Indian Journal of Microbiology (2024) — Explores pan-genome and resistance markers.
    Cited by: 2 articles

  3. Association of Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with Type 1 diabetes
    Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology (2024) — Highlights VDR polymorphism link to T1D.
    Cited by: 3 articles

  4. The microbiome and rheumatic heart disease
    Acta Cardiologica (2023) — Discusses microbial links to RHD pathogenesis.
    Cited by: 1 article

  5. KIR-HLA ligand association with Type 1 Diabetes
    Immunological Investigations (2023) — Investigates KIR gene role in autoimmune risk.
    Cited by: 4 articles

  6. HLA-DRB1 Alleles with Rheumatic Heart Disease
    Immunological Investigations (2022) — Meta-analysis connecting HLA variants and RHD.
    Cited by: 6 articles

  7. HLA-G 3’UTR polymorphism and breast cancer
    Journal of Clinical Pathology (2020) — Links HLA-G variant with breast cancer susceptibility.
    Cited by: 12 articles