Prof Dr. Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa | Genetics Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa | Genetics Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa, University of Alicante, Spain

Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa, in Alicante, Spain, is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She earned her PhD from the University of Alicante, where she was awarded the Extraordinary Doctorate Award. Her postdoctoral research at the University of East Anglia (2004-2008) was funded by various prestigious organizations, including the European Commission. In 2011, she joined the University of Alicante as a Lecturer and later established the “Applied Biochemistry” research group in 2017. Promoted to Full Professor in 2020, her research focuses on extremophile microorganisms, enzyme characterization, genetic manipulation, carotenoid production, and bioremediation processes, contributing to over 100 scientific publications and numerous national and international presentations. An award-winning educator recognized for her teaching excellence, she has held various academic leadership roles, including Vice-President for International Relations and Development Cooperation. With a robust track record in project evaluation and accreditation, Rosa continues to influence the field through her research and commitment to academic excellence.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Rosa María Martínez-Espinosa is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology. With over 100 scientific publications in indexed journals, an H-index of 28, and extensive experience in both research and teaching, she has established herself as a leader in her field.

Education:

  • PhD in Biology
    1999 – 2003
    Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alicante, Spain

    • Received the Extraordinary Doctorate Award.
  • BSc (Hons) in Biology
    1994 – 1998
    Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Spain.

Work Experience:

  • Vice President for International Relations and Development Cooperation
    December 2020 – Present
    University of Alicante, Spain.
  • Vice-Dean of Postgraduate Programs
    December 2016 – December 2020
    University of Alicante, Spain.

    • Academic coordinator for mobility and training at companies.
  • Academic Coordinator
    December 2013 – November 2016
    Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Spain.

    • Supervised mobility and training at companies.
  • Coordinator of the Degree of Biology
    June 2012 – November 2014
    Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Spain.
  • Assistant Professor
    October 2004 – 2011
    Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alicante, Spain.

    • Included three research visits (total of 9.5 months) to Professor David J. Richardson’s laboratory, University of East Anglia, UK.
  • Associate Professor
    October 2001 – October 2004
    Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alicante, Spain.

    • Included a 3-month research visit to Professor David J. Richardson’s laboratory, University of East Anglia, UK.
  • Senior Lecturer
    August 2011 – August 2020
    Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alicante, Spain.
  • Full Professor
    August 2020 – Present
    Department of Agrochemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alicante, Spain.

Publication top Notes:

The Antitumour Mechanisms of Carotenoids: A Comprehensive Review

Bacterioruberin: Biosynthesis, Antioxidant Activity, and Therapeutic Applications in Cancer and Immune Pathologies

Molecular Advances in Microbial Metabolism 2.0

Controversy over the Use of “Shade Covers” to Avoid Water Evaporation in Water Reservoirs

Halophilic Carotenoids and Breast Cancer: From Salt Marshes to Biomedicine

maria livia ognean | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  maria livia ognean | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof., Lucian Blaga University Sibiu, Romania

Dr. Maria Livia Ognean , an accomplished neonatologist from Romania, is an Associate Professor at Universitatea Lucian Blaga din Sibiu and has been affiliated with the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Sibiu since 1994. Known for her expertise in neonatal intensive care (NICU), neonatal ultrasound, nursing, and nutrition, Dr. Ognean has greatly contributed to neonatal healthcare through her research and clinical work.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Ognean holds an MD and PhD in medicine from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Tg. Mures 🎓. Her academic background has been pivotal in her work, supporting her specialized focus on neonatology and neonatal health.

Experience

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ognean has been deeply involved in neonatology at the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Sibiu 🏥, where she has provided essential care to newborns in critical conditions. Since 2017, she has also served as an Associate Professor, imparting her knowledge to the next generation of medical professionals.

Research Focus

Dr. Ognean’s research primarily revolves around neonatology and neonatal care 💡. Her focus areas include NICU care, neonatal ultrasound, and neonatal nutrition, where she continuously works to improve outcomes for newborns. Her recent studies cover neonatal respiratory conditions, congenital infections, and innovative NICU practices.

Awards and Honours

Dr. Ognean has been recognized for her dedication to neonatology and healthcare advocacy 🏆. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Comisia Neonatologie a Ministerului Sanatatii and the Romanian Association of Neonatology, underscoring her leadership in the field.

Publication Top Notes

ABCA3 c.838C>T (p.Arg280Cys, R280C) and c.697C>T (p.Gln233Ter, Q233X, Q233) as Causative Variants for RDS: A Family Case Study and Literature Review*, published in Biomedicines, 2024, cited by articles on respiratory distress syndrome in neonates.

Effects of Prostaglandin E1 and Balloon Atrial Septostomy on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygenation in Newborns Diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries, published in Biomedicines, 2024, cited for advancements in neonatal cardiac care.

Congenital Sepsis with Candida albicans—A Rare Event in the Neonatal Period: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review, published in Microorganisms, 2024, cited in studies of neonatal fungal infections.

Ram Sagar | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ram Sagar | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research fellow, Johns Hopkins University, United States

Dr. Ram Sagar is a distinguished researcher at the Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. With a robust background in neurology and clinical microbiology, Dr. Sagar specializes in the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. His work integrates advanced techniques in stem cell research and extracellular vesicle characterization to explore innovative treatment strategies. 🧬🧠

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  • Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Ram Sagar has significant research experience in genetics, neurology, and neurobiology, with a particular focus on stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. His work at prestigious institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi, and Johns Hopkins University showcases his dedication and expertise.
  • Publications and Scientific Contributions: He has a strong publication record with articles in high-impact journals such as Molecular Psychiatry, Biomedicines, and Cells. His contributions include co-authored book chapters and research articles that explore innovative approaches to neurodegenerative disorders.
  • Technical Expertise: Dr. Sagar has developed advanced skills in various techniques, including RNA-Seq, lipidomics, 3D brain organoid modeling, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. His diverse technical proficiency supports his multidisciplinary approach to neurobiology and precision medicine.
  • Awards and Recognitions: He has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Investigator Award by the World Stroke Congress and multiple international travel grants. These accolades highlight his recognition and credibility in the field.
  • Professional Involvement and Leadership: As an editorial board member and manuscript reviewer for several leading journals, Dr. Sagar demonstrates significant contributions to scientific communities. His involvement in various professional societies further reflects his leadership and commitment to advancing research in his field.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Funding and Grants: Although Dr. Sagar has received several travel grants, there is a limited mention of independently secured research funding or grants as a principal investigator. Securing independent funding is often a critical criterion for research excellence awards.
  • Collaborative Networks: Expanding collaborations with international researchers and institutions beyond his current affiliations could enhance his research impact and global recognition.
  • Longitudinal Research Studies: Engaging in or leading more extensive longitudinal studies could further solidify his contributions to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, which could strengthen his candidacy for the award.

Education

Dr. Sagar earned his Ph.D. in Neurology from AIIMS, New Delhi in 2019, with a focus on inflammatory gene polymorphisms and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Microbiology from Punjab Technical University (2012) and a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Botany from Dr. RMLAU, Faizabad (2009). 🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Sagar has accumulated extensive research experience, including his current role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, where he investigates the role of extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Officer and Junior Research Fellow at AIIMS, contributing to stroke biomarker research and genetic studies. 🧪🔬

Research Focus

Dr. Sagar’s research focuses on the clinical neurobiology of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, utilizing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for disease modeling and drug testing. His interests include extracellular vesicle characterization, transcriptomic and lipidomic profiling, and precision medicine approaches. 🧬🔍

Awards and Honours

Dr. Sagar has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to neurobiology with awards such as the Young Investigator Award from the World Stroke Congress and multiple international travel grants for presenting his research at renowned conferences. 🏅🌍

Publication Top Notes

iPSC-derived hindbrain organoids to evaluate escitalopram oxalate treatment responses targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s diseaseMolecular Psychiatry, 2024.

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approachesJournal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2024.

Generation and Characterization of a Human-Derived and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Line from an Alzheimer’s Disease Patient with Neuropsychiatric SymptomsBiomedicines, 2023.

Excitatory neurons derived from human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells show transcriptomic differences in Alzheimer’s patients from controlsCells, 2023.

Association of SUMOlation Pathway Genes with Stroke in a Genome-wide Association Study in IndiaNeurology, 2021.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ram Sagar is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his extensive research background, impressive publication record, diverse technical expertise, and numerous professional recognitions. His current work on Alzheimer’s disease using innovative methodologies like iPSC-derived neuronal differentiation and 3D brain organoids places him at the forefront of neurobiology research. However, securing more independent funding and expanding collaborative efforts could enhance his profile further. Overall, his strong academic, technical, and professional credentials make him a compelling nominee for the award.