Vanesa españa romero | Health Professions | Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Award

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Mrs. Vanesa españa romero | Health Professions | Cross-Disciplinary Innovation Award 

Profesora titular at Universidad de cadiz, Spain

Vanesa España Romero is a Professor at the University of Cádiz, specializing in Exercise Physiology with a strong interdisciplinary research focus that integrates sports science, health promotion, aging, and psychological well-being. She has published over 80 academic works, including 58 peer-reviewed journal articles, and holds three patents related to isometric strength assessment and climbing-specific training technologies. Her extensive involvement in 24 research and educational projects—many of which are international collaborations funded by the EU and U.S.—demonstrates her ability to work across disciplines and borders. Notably, she has played key leadership roles in the International Rock Climbing Research Association and has contributed to widely recognized projects such as HELENA, SONRÍE, and INTERMAE. Her work has practical implications in both clinical and athletic settings, particularly in areas such as physical activity interventions for depression and aging. Vanesa’s contributions reflect a deep commitment to innovation, knowledge transfer, and cross-disciplinary impact in science and society.

Professional Profile 

Education

Vanesa España Romero holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Granada, completed in 2008, with a focus on applied exercise physiology for health and performance enhancement. Her foundational academic training includes a Licenciatura in Physical Activity and Sports Science from the same university (2004), and a Diplomatura in Physical Education Teaching from the University of Huelva (2001). Her academic trajectory reflects a solid grounding in both the science of human movement and pedagogy, allowing her to bridge theoretical understanding with practical application. This multidisciplinary education has shaped her ability to conduct innovative research at the intersection of physical activity, health, and education. Her training has also provided the tools necessary to address diverse populations, including elite athletes, older adults, and individuals with mental health challenges, which she integrates in her cross-disciplinary research.

Professional Experience

Vanesa España Romero has served as a Profesora Titular de Universidad (Associate Professor) at the University of Cádiz since 2020, within the Department of Didactics of Physical Education, Plastic Arts, and Music. Her professional career includes more than a decade of involvement in high-level academic research, curriculum development, and international scientific collaboration. She has taken on leadership roles in numerous research projects, both as a principal investigator and team member, with experience managing large-scale European-funded initiatives such as HELENA, LIFEAGE, and ERASMUS+ Sport. Vanesa also boasts substantial experience in public speaking and knowledge dissemination, having served as a keynote speaker at international conferences, including those organized by the International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA). Additionally, she contributes to research governance and mentorship, including co-directing PhD dissertations. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research and education in both academic and applied settings.

Research Interest

Vanesa España Romero’s research lies at the intersection of exercise physiology, public health, aging, and sports performance, with a special focus on rock climbing and functional fitness. She is particularly interested in how physical activity can influence mental health, cognitive function, and aging, evidenced by her leadership in projects like SONRÍE (focused on depression) and INTERMAE (targeting aging and frailty). Her work frequently incorporates psychological, physiological, and biomechanical dimensions, bridging clinical and athletic domains. She has a strong focus on innovation in measurement and training tools, as reflected in her patents related to isometric strength evaluation and climbing-specific performance devices. Vanesa’s cross-disciplinary collaborations extend internationally, including partnerships with U.S. institutions and participation in large-scale EU-funded programs. Her research not only advances scientific understanding but also offers practical applications in healthcare, sports, and community health initiatives.

Award and Honor

Vanesa España Romero’s scholarly excellence and leadership have been recognized through her roles in prestigious international organizations and high-impact projects. She has served as Vice Chair (2016–2021) and Chair (from 2021) of the International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA), where she contributed to organizing major scientific congresses in Colorado, Chamonix, and Tokyo. Her research has attracted significant funding, including over €30 million through projects such as HELENA and LIFEAGE, and substantial grants from the Junta de Andalucía for health-focused studies. She has also led innovative research that resulted in three patents, showcasing her contribution to applied science and technology transfer. As an invited speaker at international conferences and a key figure in both clinical and athletic research initiatives, her work is respected globally. Her achievements highlight her influential presence in multidisciplinary fields, particularly those merging sports science, health, and technological innovation.

Conclusion

Vanesa España Romero exemplifies the spirit of cross-disciplinary innovation through her work at the confluence of exercise science, health promotion, psychological well-being, and aging. With a robust academic foundation, a dynamic professional career, and an impressive portfolio of international research, she brings together diverse fields to address complex health and performance issues. Her ability to blend research, teaching, invention, and leadership makes her a strong candidate for recognition in disciplinary innovation. Her work has generated real-world impact—through both scientific contributions and practical applications such as patented devices and public health programs. Whether guiding global climbing research or developing interventions for vulnerable populations, Vanesa demonstrates an unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge across domains. She is a leading example of how science, when applied across disciplines, can enhance both individual well-being and societal outcomes.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Internet-Based Psycho-Physical Exercise Intervention Program in Mild-to-Moderate Depression: The Study Protocol of the SONRIE Randomized Controlled Trial
    Authors: Juan Manuel Escudier-Vázquez, Manuel Ruiz Muñoz, Inmaculada Garrido-Palomino, Sonia Ortega-Gómez, Eulalio Juan Valmisa Gómez de Lara, María del Mar Espinosa Nogales, Alicia Viglerio Montero, M.A. Rosety, David Jiménez-Pavón, Ana Carbonell-Baeza, Vanesa España-Romero, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Escudier-Vázquez JM, Ruiz Muñoz M, Garrido-Palomino I, et al. (2025). Internet-Based Psycho-Physical Exercise Intervention Program in Mild-to-Moderate Depression: The Study Protocol of the SONRIE Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040540

  • Title: Cognitive Function of Climbers: An Exploratory Study of Working Memory and Climbing Performance
    Authors: Inmaculada Garrido-Palomino, David Giles, Simon Fryer, José Luis González-Montesinos, Vanesa España-Romero
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Garrido-Palomino I, Giles D, Fryer S, González-Montesinos JL, España-Romero V. (2024). Cognitive Function of Climbers: An Exploratory Study of Working Memory and Climbing Performance. The Spanish Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1017/SJP.2024.25

  • Title: Ultraviolet Sun Exposure and Sun Protection Behaviors in Outdoor Rock Climbers
    Authors: José V. Gutiérrez-Manzanedo, José Luis González-Montesinos, José Aguilera-Arjona, Alba Rodríguez-Martínez, Carmen Vaz-Pardal, Vanesa España-Romero, Francisco Rivas-Ruiz, Nuria Blázquez-Sánchez, María Victoria De Gálvez-Aranda, Magdalena De Troya-Martín
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Gutiérrez-Manzanedo JV, González-Montesinos JL, Aguilera-Arjona J, et al. (2023). Ultraviolet Sun Exposure and Sun Protection Behaviors in Outdoor Rock Climbers. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-023-00488-0

  • Title: Role of Emotional Intelligence on Rock Climbing Performance
    Authors: Vanesa España-Romero
    Year: 2019
    Citation: España-Romero V. (2019). El rol de la inteligencia emocional en el rendimiento en escalada. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte. https://doi.org/10.5232/ricyde2019.05706

  • Title: Hemodynamic and Cardiorespiratory Predictors of Sport Rock Climbing Performance
    Authors: Fryer SM, Giles D, Palomino IG, de la O Puerta A, España-Romero V
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Fryer SM, Giles D, Palomino IG, de la O Puerta A, España-Romero V. (2018). Hemodynamic and Cardiorespiratory Predictors of Sport Rock Climbing Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(12), 3534–3541. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000001860

  • Title: Influence of a Self-Regulated Cognitive Dual Task on Time to Failure and Complexity of Submaximal Isometric Force Control
    Authors: Cruz-Montecinos C, Calatayud J, Iturriaga C, Bustos C, Mena B, España-Romero V, Carpes FP
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Cruz-Montecinos C, Calatayud J, Iturriaga C, et al. (2018). Influence of a Self-Regulated Cognitive Dual Task on Time to Failure and Complexity of Submaximal Isometric Force Control. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118, 1767–1777. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3936-6

  • Title: Correlates of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in European Adolescents: The HELENA Study
    Authors: Henriksson P, Henriksson H, Labayen I, Huybrechts I, Gracia-Marco L, Ortega FB, España-Romero V, Manios Y, González-Gross M, Marcos A, et al.
    Year: 2017
    Citation: Henriksson P, Henriksson H, Labayen I, et al. (2017). Correlates of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in European Adolescents: The HELENA Study. Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, 28(5), 453–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.numecd.2017.10.018

  • Title: Prevalence of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in European Adolescents: The HELENA Study
    Authors: Henriksson P, Henriksson H, Gracia-Marco L, Labayen I, Ortega FB, Huybrechts I, España-Romero V, Manios Y, Widhalm K, Dallongeville J, et al.
    Year: 2017
    Citation: Henriksson P, Henriksson H, Gracia-Marco L, et al. (2017). Prevalence of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in European Adolescents: The HELENA Study. International Journal of Cardiology, 248, 211–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.03.022

  • Title: Differences in Forearm Strength, Endurance, and Hemodynamic Kinetics Between Male Boulderers and Lead Rock Climbers
    Authors: Fryer S, Stone KJ, Sveen J, Dickson T, España-Romero V, Giles D, Baláš J, Stoner L, Draper N
    Year: 2017
    Citation: Fryer S, Stone KJ, Sveen J, et al. (2017). Differences in Forearm Strength, Endurance, and Hemodynamic Kinetics Between Male Boulderers and Lead Rock Climbers. European Journal of Sport Science, 17(10), 1231–1240. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2017.1353135

Stephen Higgins | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stephen Higgins | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Surgical Resident at Nebraska Medicine, United States

Dr. Stephen E. Higgins Jr., DMD, MPH, is an accomplished clinician and academician currently pursuing his M.D. at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. He is a resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Higgins combines extensive training in dentistry, medicine, and public health to provide interdisciplinary insights into surgical and public health challenges. Known for his academic rigor and leadership, he serves as a Clinical Instructor at Creighton University and actively contributes to academic and clinical teaching. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous presentations, scholarly publications, and leadership roles within national medical and dental organizations. Dr. Higgins is especially noted for his dynamic involvement in both clinical care and scientific research, aiming to integrate cutting-edge research with clinical practice. With more than a decade of progressive academic and research experience, Dr. Higgins stands out as a dedicated scholar, committed to improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge. His work reflects a balance of clinical expertise, teaching, and research that positions him as a future leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Higgins has pursued a diverse and intensive academic path, integrating dentistry, medicine, and public health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine in 2022, where he also received multiple commendations for academic excellence and leadership. He holds a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, completed in 2018, where he developed a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health systems research. He is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, scheduled to graduate in 2025. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College in 2012, complemented by a minor in Business Studies. Dr. Higgins also completed a post-baccalaureate program at Worcester State University, graduating in 2016. His academic foundation has been enhanced by strong performance and honors, such as his induction into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. This comprehensive educational background uniquely equips Dr. Higgins with an integrated approach to healthcare, enabling him to navigate clinical practice, academic research, and health policy with precision and insight.

Professional Experience

Dr. Higgins’s professional trajectory reflects a blend of clinical practice, academic instruction, and research leadership. Since 2022, he has been training as a resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Dentistry. His dual-role residency under esteemed mentors Dr. Valmont Desa and Dr. Terry Lanphier emphasizes complex surgical procedures and interdisciplinary collaboration. Concurrently, he has served as a Clinical Instructor at Creighton University, where he mentors dental students in clinical procedures, case management, and academic development. Prior to his residency, he held leadership positions as President of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club and Student Representative to the Research Committee at the University of New England. His clinical experience is further strengthened by licensure to practice dentistry in Nebraska, and affiliations with major national bodies including the ADA, AMA, and AAOMS. Throughout his training, Dr. Higgins has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating patient care with academic inquiry, often taking lead roles in research projects and quality improvement initiatives. His professional experience demonstrates a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and continuous learning in both surgical and academic contexts.

Research Interests

Dr. Higgins has cultivated a broad and evolving portfolio of research interests that span clinical oral surgery, public health, and medical education. His primary research focus includes the evaluation of surgical techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in stability and outcomes following procedures like sagittal split osteotomies. He has explored topics ranging from dentist comfort in diagnosing oral pathology to the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Higgins has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented extensively at national conferences, including the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology. His early work in emergency medicine explored benchmarking scholarly productivity, while subsequent research examined substance abuse interventions via telemedicine and health referral systems. These interests underscore his commitment to bridging gaps between research, policy, and patient care. By integrating clinical practice with inquiry-driven research, Dr. Higgins aims to advance evidence-based approaches in surgery and healthcare delivery. He continues to develop research that is translational in nature, driven by real-world clinical challenges and guided by rigorous academic methodologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Higgins has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his academic and professional career, underscoring his excellence in leadership, research, and academic performance. While pursuing his D.M.D. at the University of New England, he was awarded the prestigious AAOMS Dental Student Award, recognizing exceptional promise in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He consistently earned Letters of Commendation for four consecutive years, reflecting his high academic performance and dedication. He graduated with Honors Research Distinction, highlighting his scholarly contributions to oral health research. He also received a Student Leadership Certificate for his active engagement in student organizations and advocacy. During his earlier academic career, Dr. Higgins was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Worcester State University, a distinction reserved for students of the highest academic caliber. These accolades reflect not only Dr. Higgins’s intellectual aptitude but also his capacity for leadership, initiative, and service. His ongoing involvement with national professional organizations such as the ADA, AMA, and AAOMS further reflects his commitment to the highest standards of clinical practice and professional development. These honors validate Dr. Higgins’s standing as a promising figure in academic medicine and surgery.

Conclusion

Dr. Stephen E. Higgins Jr. is a highly promising and accomplished early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary background and active research involvement make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His combination of clinical training, research leadership, and publication record reflects a deep commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in oral and maxillofacial surgery and public health.

While he is still building his publication portfolio and academic footprint, the trajectory and potential for impact are clearly evident. If the award committee values early-career excellence, breadth of contribution, and leadership, Dr. Higgins would be a very deserving recipient.

Publications Top Notes

  • Authors: Stephen E. Higgins Jr., Valmont Desa

  • Year: 2025

  • Title: Comparing the Infection Rates of Strut Versus Straight Plates in Sagittal Split Osteotomies

  • Journal: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2025.03.001

  • Citation: Higgins, S.E. Jr., & Desa, V. (2025). Comparing the infection rates of strut versus straight plates in sagittal split osteotomies. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2025.03.001

 

  • Authors: Edwin D. Boudreaux, Stephen E. Higgins Jr., Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, Bo Wang, Gregory Volturo

  • Year: 2019

  • Title: Scholarly Productivity and Impact: Developing a Quantifiable, Norm-Based Benchmarking Methodology for Academic Emergency Medicine

  • Journal: Academic Emergency Medicine, Volume 26, Issue 6, Pages 594–604

  • DOI: 10.1111/acem.13704

  • Citation: Boudreaux, E.D., Higgins, S.E., Reznik-Zellen, R., Wang, B., & Volturo, G. (2019). Scholarly productivity and impact: Developing a quantifiable, norm-based benchmarking methodology for academic emergency medicine. Academic Emergency Medicine, 26(6), 594–604. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.13704

 

Carolin C. Hack | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Carolin C. Hack | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Scholar Award

Deputy clinical director at Erlangen University Hospital Women’s Clinic, Germany

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Carolin Christine Hack is an accomplished medical professional and the Deputy Director of the Women’s Clinic at the University Hospital Erlangen. With a specialization in gynecological oncology and integrative medicine, Dr. Hack combines her clinical expertise with a passion for patient-centered care. Her innovative approach to medicine, along with her extensive training and research, positions her as a leading figure in her field.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Hack completed her medical degree at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, where she also pursued her habilitation in “Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of Gynecological Oncology Patients.” Her academic journey included a comprehensive curriculum that laid the groundwork for her clinical and research interests, ultimately leading to a robust foundation in both conventional and integrative medicine.

Experience 💼

With over a decade of experience at the University Hospital Erlangen, Dr. Hack has advanced through various roles, from assistant physician to Deputy Director of the Women’s Clinic. She has managed quality assurance initiatives and specialized in integrative medicine, focusing on the intersection of traditional and complementary therapies in patient care. Her leadership in the clinic has fostered a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovative treatment methodologies.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Hack’s research primarily focuses on integrative medicine and complementary therapy methods, with a specific emphasis on mammographic density as a risk factor for breast cancer. Her work seeks to enhance patient outcomes through evidence-based practices that incorporate holistic approaches to treatment.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Hack’s contributions to gynecological oncology have been recognized with multiple awards, including:

  • 2015: Klaus-Dieter-Schulz-Versorgungsforschungspreis
  • 2016: First Science Award from the German Society for Senology
  • 2018: Award from the Foundation for Women and Child Health
  • 2022: Research Award for Complementary Medicine from NATUM e.V.

Publications 📚

Dr. Hack has an extensive publication record, including:

  • The impact of physical activity on progression-free and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer based on molecular subtype
    • Authors: Ziegler, P., Hartkopf, A.D., Wallwiener, M., Schneeweiss, A., Goossens, C.
    • Journal: BMC Cancer
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 24(1), Article 1284
  • Tumor-Associated Neutrophils Are a Negative Prognostic Factor in Early Luminal Breast Cancers Lacking Immunosuppressive Macrophage Recruitment
    • Authors: Schmidt, E., Distel, L., Erber, R., Fietkau, R., Schnellhardt, S.
    • Journal: Cancers
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 16(18), Article 3160
  • Prognostic impact of selection criteria of current adjuvant endocrine therapy trials NATALEE and monarchE in postmenopausal HRpos/HER2neg breast cancer patients treated with upfront letrozole
    • Authors: Fasching, P.A., Hack, C.C., Nabieva, N., Fehm, T.N., Häberle, L.
    • Journal: European Journal of Cancer
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 209, Article 114239
  • Correlation of RANK and RANKL with mammographic density in primary breast cancer patients
    • Authors: Wunderle, M., Heindl, F., Behrens, A.S., Fasching, P.A., Emons, J.
    • Journal: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 310(2), pp. 1223–1233
  • CDK4/6 Inhibition – Therapy Sequences and the Quest to Find the Best Biomarkers – An Overview of Current Programs
    • Authors: Schneeweiss, A., Brucker, S.Y., Huebner, H., Fehm, T.N., Fasching, P.A.
    • Journal: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 84(5), pp. 443–458
  • Initial experience with a next-generation low-field MRI scanner: Potential for breast imaging?
    • Authors: Dietzel, M., Laun, F.B., Heiß, R., Uder, M., Ohlmeyer, S.
    • Journal: European Journal of Radiology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 173, Article 111352
  • Unbiased high-dimensional flow cytometry identified NK and DC immune cell signature in Luminal A-type and triple negative breast cancer
    • Authors: Heger, L., Heidkamp, G.F., Amon, L., Beckmann, M.W., Dudziak, D.
    • Journal: OncoImmunology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 13(1), Article 2296713
  • Predicting mammographic density with linear ultrasound transducers
    • Authors: Behrens, A., Fasching, P.A., Schwenke, E., Beckmann, M.W., Emons, J.
    • Journal: European Journal of Medical Research
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 28(1), Article 384
  • Evaluation of automated techniques for extraction of circulating cell-free DNA for implementation in standardized high-throughput workflows
    • Authors: Lehle, S., Emons, J., Hack, C.C., Ruebner, M., Huebner, H.
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 13(1), Article 373
  • Long-term Follow-up and Safety of Patients after an Upfront Therapy with Letrozole for Early Breast Cancer in Routine Clinical Care – The PreFace Study
    • Authors: Hack, C.C., Maass, N., Aktas, B., Hein, A., Fasching, P.A.
    • Journal: Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 84(2), pp. 185–195

Conclusion ✨

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Carolin Christine Hack is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative contributions to integrative medicine and gynecological oncology, coupled with her extensive publication record and commitment to patient care, position her as a leader in her field. By addressing areas for improvement, such as interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, Dr. Hack can further enhance her impact in research and continue to advance the frontiers of medical knowledge.