Prof. Dr.  jawad oumerzouk | Computational Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr.  jawad oumerzouk | Computational Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award 

mohamed V instruction military hospital | Morocco 

Professor Jawad Oumerzouk is a neurologist and academic researcher whose work focuses on advancing clinical understanding and management of neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on multiple sclerosis and immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system. His research integrates real-world clinical data with evidence-based therapeutic evaluation to improve patient outcomes in resource-diverse healthcare settings. He has contributed to multicenter observational studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of disease-modifying therapies, notably anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab. Through his scholarly publications and collaborative research initiatives, he has strengthened regional neurological research capacity and supported the translation of clinical research findings into routine neurological practice. His work also emphasizes optimizing treatment strategies using accessible biologic therapies. He contributes to strengthening clinical research standards through data-driven neurological studies. His research supports the development of context-relevant clinical evidence. Collectively, his contributions advance modern neuroimmunology and patient-centered neurological care.

Publications

Effectiveness of rituximab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study in Morocco.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2025.

Neurological complications of giant cell arteritis: A study of 15 cases and a review of the literature.
Journal Français d’Ophtalmologie, 2023.

Prof. Jiann-Ruey Hong | translational medicine | Research Excellence Award 

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Prof. Jiann-Ruey Hong | translational medicine | Research Excellence Award 

NCKU | Taiwan 

Dr. Jiann-Ruey Hong is a molecular virologist known for foundational contributions to fish virology, host–pathogen interactions, and programmed cell death mechanisms in aquatic species. His work has significantly advanced understanding of betanodavirus biology, viral modulation of mitochondrial pathways, and apoptosis–necrosis transitions during infection. He has extensively investigated Bcl-2 family regulators, ER-stress responses, cytokine signaling, and interferon-mediated antiviral immunity using zebrafish and fish cell models. Dr. Hong’s research has revealed how viral proteins such as B1, B2, VP3, and α-protein orchestrate mitochondrial dysfunction, energy collapse, and host survival factor suppression. His publications in high-impact journals span molecular virology, immunology, developmental biology, and aquaculture biotechnology. He has served in numerous editorial roles across international journals in virology, oncology, molecular biology, and biotechnology, demonstrating sustained influence on scholarly communication. His expertise is widely recognized through invitations as a speaker at global scientific meetings and participation in scientific committees. Dr. Hong has contributed as a reviewer for a broad spectrum of journals in virology, immunology, aquaculture, molecular medicine, and cellular biology. His work has been acknowledged by multiple international biographical listings, research recognitions, and awards celebrating excellence in virology. He has supported student advancement through mentorship and participation in academic evaluation panels. His editorial leadership includes guiding special issues focused on viral infection, autophagy, and molecular symmetry in host–virus dynamics. As an active member of professional societies in virology, marine biotechnology, and cell death research, he continues to shape the field’s scientific direction. His research vision integrates molecular signaling, viral pathogenesis, and host defense to improve aquaculture health strategies. He remains a driving force in uncovering the cellular mechanisms underlying viral neuropathogenesis in marine organisms. His scholarship has also contributed to broader biomedical insights relevant to apoptosis regulation and mitochondrial biology. Through sustained scientific service, editorial contributions, and innovative research, Dr. Hong stands as a prominent figure in contemporary molecular virology.

Profile: scopus

Publications

DHA affects ISKNV-induced autophagy flux via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 and BECN1/SQSTM1 axes, limiting viral replication in fish cells. Fish and Shellfish Immunology.

Enhancement of reactive oxygen species metabolism by antioxidant enzyme Cu/Zn-SOD can block betanodavirus-induced necroptosis and suppress viral replication in fish cells. Fish and Shellfish Immunology.

ISKNV triggers AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy signaling through oxidative stress, inducing antioxidant enzyme expression and enhancing viral replication in GF-1 cells. Viruses.

A mitochondrion-targeting protein (B2) primes ROS/Nrf2-mediated stress signals, triggering apoptosis and necroptosis in lung cancer. Biomedicines.

Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus induces the reactive oxidative species/Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress response for the regulation of mitochondrion-mediated Bax/Bak cell death signals in GF-1 cells. Frontiers in Microbiology.

 

 

 

Prof. Yueping Ma | Plant Biology | Women Researcher Award 

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Prof. Yueping Ma | Plant Biology | Women Researcher Award

 Northeastern University | China

Dr. Yueping Ma is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Institute of Biotechnology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, specializing in plant molecular systematics and evolutionary biology. Her research centers on the Asteraceae family, particularly Chrysanthemum, focusing on its systematics, genetic diversity, and evolutionary development. Integrating morphology, molecular biology, transcriptomics, genomics, and metabolomics, she explores the molecular mechanisms of inflorescence evolution and stress adaptation. Her studies have advanced understanding of floral architecture, pigment diversification, and environmental resilience in ornamental plants. As the lead investigator on multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, Dr. Ma has contributed to Chrysanthemum domestication, genetic mapping, and molecular evolution. Her work has been published in respected journals, including Journal of Systematics and Evolution, Plants, and Scientia Horticulturae, influencing both theoretical and applied plant sciences. Recognized as a Distinguished Talent of Shenyang City, she has earned honors such as the “Three Educations” Advanced Individual Award and the “March 8th Red Banner Pacemaker” Award. Dr. Ma actively serves on the Council of the National Chrysanthemum Industry Innovation Alliance and is a member of key professional societies. In teaching, she leads courses like Genetic Engineering, Experimental Genetics, and Ecology, emphasizing research-driven learning. Deeply committed to mentorship, she cultivates innovation and academic growth among young scientists. Her interdisciplinary work bridges classical botany with modern genomics, promoting sustainable horticultural advancement. By combining molecular tools and evolutionary analysis, she drives global collaboration in biodiversity research. Through her leadership, creativity, and scientific excellence, Dr. Ma continues to shape the field of plant biotechnology and evolutionary genomics.

Profile: Orcid 

Publications

Zhang, K., Gu, R., Yang, Y., Yan, J., Ma, Y., & Shen, Y. (2025). Recent distribution changes of invasive Asteraceae species in China: A five-year analysis (2016–2020). Journal of Environmental Management, 376, 124445.

Wang, X., Meng, Y., Zhang, S., Wang, Z., Zhang, K., Gao, T., & Ma, Y. (2024). Characterization of bZIP transcription factors in transcriptome of Chrysanthemum mongolicum and roles of CmbZIP9 in drought stress resistance. Plants, 13(15), 2064.

Ma, Y., Meng, Y., & Lin, J. (2023). Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal different regulatory mechanisms in ecological adaptation between Chrysanthemum vestitum and Chrysanthemum mongolicum. Horticulturae, 9(8), 868.

Zhao, Y., Qu, D., & Ma, Y. (2022). Characterization of the chloroplast genome of Argyranthemum frutescens and a comparison with other species in Anthemideae. Genes, 13(10), 1720.

 

Dr. Karolina Stępień | Extracellular Matrix | Best Researcher Award 

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Dr. Karolina Stępień | Extracellular Matrix | Best Researcher Award 

Medical University of Silesia | Poland

Dr. Karolina Stępień is a molecular biologist and medical scientist specializing in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its role in connective tissue and vascular diseases, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Her research explores the molecular architecture and remodeling of the ECM, focusing on collagens, elastin, metalloproteinases, and thrombospondins to understand vascular wall degeneration and identify biomarkers for prognosis and therapy. Beyond vascular pathology, she has contributed to studies on osteogenesis imperfecta and the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in gene therapy and regeneration, as well as on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pediatric craniopharyngioma as a predictor of tumor recurrence. Her work, published in leading journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Biomolecules, and Journal of Applied Genetics, advances knowledge of ECM-driven disease mechanisms and molecular medicine. As an educator at the Medical University of Silesia, she teaches molecular biology and genetics, integrating research and clinical application. Leading the “BIOMOLEK” Scientific Club, she mentors young researchers in ECM biology and molecular diagnostics. She actively participates in international scientific collaborations and conferences, strengthening the global exchange of knowledge in vascular and molecular pathology. Through her interdisciplinary research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Stępień continues to bridge fundamental molecular science with translational therapeutic innovation, shaping the future of biomedical research and education.