Mujde Calikusu Incekar | Nursing and Health Professions |Best Researcher Awardbd268

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mujde Calikusu Incekar | Nursing and Health Professions |Best Researcher Award

Yüksek Ihtisas University, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar is a distinguished academic in pediatric nursing at Yuksek Ihtisas University, with a Ph.D. from Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa. Her research focuses primarily on neonatal intensive care, developmental care practices, and pediatric nursing education. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in internationally indexed journals, contributing valuable insights into infant care, noise reduction strategies, and nursing behavior. Actively engaged in both qualitative and quantitative studies, she has developed and validated clinical assessment tools and led research on current health challenges such as COVID-19 and war-affected children. Her work is marked by methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and relevance to healthcare improvement. As an invited speaker at national and international conferences, she demonstrates leadership and a commitment to advancing nursing science. With a consistent publication record and a clear societal impact, Dr. İncekar exemplifies excellence in academic research and is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar has built a solid academic foundation in nursing and health sciences. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Bülent Ecevit University in 2012, followed by a Master’s degree in Pediatric Nursing at Istanbul University in 2014. She earned her Ph.D. in Pediatric Nursing from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa in 2018, focusing her doctoral thesis on innovative interventions to improve outcomes in preterm infants. In addition to her specialization, she pursued further education in Occupational Health and Safety at both Atatürk University and Istanbul University, highlighting her interdisciplinary interests. Her academic path reflects a strong commitment to improving pediatric and neonatal care through evidence-based practice. Her continuous educational advancement, including foreign language proficiency, positions her as a well-qualified and knowledgeable scholar, capable of conducting high-impact research in pediatric and neonatal health settings.

Professional Experience

Dr. İncekar began her academic career as a Research Assistant in 2013 and has steadily progressed through the ranks of academia. She served as an Assistant Professor from March 2019 until her promotion to Associate Professor in August 2022 at Yuksek Ihtisas University. Currently, she works in the Faculty of Health Sciences, specifically in the Pediatric Nursing department, where she teaches, supervises graduate theses, and leads research initiatives. Her professional journey has been deeply rooted in both academic instruction and hands-on clinical research, particularly within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). She has also participated in curriculum development and contributes to institutional research projects. Through her leadership and dedication, she has become a key figure in training the next generation of pediatric nurses. Her experience bridges clinical care and academic research, ensuring her contributions remain both scientifically robust and practically applicable.

Research Interest

Dr. İncekar’s primary research interests lie in pediatric and neonatal nursing, with a focus on improving health outcomes for preterm and newborn infants. Her studies explore a wide range of topics including noise reduction strategies in NICUs, individualized developmental care, pain assessment, parental behavior (e.g., phubbing), and interventions during critical care. She is also involved in psychometric validation of clinical scales, examining the behavioral and psychological dimensions of pediatric nursing. More recently, her research has expanded to include the impacts of COVID-19 on neonatal care and broader public health concerns, such as sustainable practices in healthcare. Dr. İncekar is known for combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well as integrating multidisciplinary perspectives into her studies. Her interest in trauma-informed care and the sociocultural context of pediatric health highlights her holistic approach. Overall, her research contributes directly to evidence-based improvements in pediatric care practices.

Award and Honor

While specific awards are not explicitly listed in her CV, Dr. İncekar’s professional record reflects multiple forms of academic recognition. Her promotion to Associate Professor is itself a notable achievement, based on rigorous peer review and scholarly contribution. She has been invited as a guest speaker at several national and international scientific congresses, such as the 32nd National Neonatology Congress and the 47th Pediatrics Days Conference, indicating recognition by her peers in the field. Her selection to present oral and poster presentations further demonstrates her credibility and the value of her research contributions. She has also played key roles in collaborative projects and continues to publish extensively in high-quality journals, a form of professional acknowledgment within academia. Dr. İncekar’s growing influence in pediatric nursing research suggests that she is a strong candidate for future honors and formal awards, particularly those recognizing excellence in healthcare research and innovation.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar exemplifies the qualities of a leading academic and researcher in pediatric nursing. Her educational background, clinical expertise, and scholarly achievements have positioned her as a vital contributor to both national and international health science communities. She combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, producing research that addresses real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in neonatal and pediatric settings. Her methodological rigor, commitment to student mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaborations enhance the depth and relevance of her work. With consistent academic productivity, international publications, and a clear impact on clinical practice, she continues to advancebd268 science and improve patient outcomes. Her leadership in neonatal care and dedication to pediatric health make her a highly deserving nominee for prestigious research awards. Dr. İncekar’s career is marked by integrity, innovation, and a strong focus on child-centered healthcare—qualities that will undoubtedly continue to drive her future contributions.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Effects of a fixed-time feeding method on physiological parameters in preterm infants
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2022
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç. (2022). Effects of a fixed-time feeding method on physiological parameters in preterm infants. Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.4328/acam.20898

  • Title: The effect of light and noise reduction on the sleep state of preterm infants
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2022
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç. (2022). The effect of light and noise reduction on the sleep state of preterm infants. Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.4328/acam.21162

  • Title: Nursing Students’ Opinions About the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study
    Authors: Selmin Köse, Zeynep Erkut, Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Sevim Savaşer
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Köse, S., Erkut, Z., İncekar, M. Ç., & Savaşer, S. (2022). Nursing Students’ Opinions About the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study. Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.26453/otjhs.1048434

  • Title: Çocuk Hastalara Uygulanan Fekal Mikrobiyota Transplantasyonuna Yönelik Hemşirelik Yaklaşımı
    Authors: Tuğba Dede, Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Dede, T., & İncekar, M. Ç. (2021). Çocuk Hastalara Uygulanan Fekal Mikrobiyota Transplantasyonuna Yönelik Hemşirelik Yaklaşımı. Yüksek İhtisas Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.51261/yiu.2021.00039

  • Title: The Effect of Noise Meters Giving Visual and Auditory Alarms Used on Reducing Noise in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
    Authors: Serap Balcı, Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Ayhan Taştekin
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Balcı, S., İncekar, M. Ç., & Taştekin, A. (2021). The Effect of Noise Meters Giving Visual and Auditory Alarms Used on Reducing Noise in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Journal of Pediatric Research. https://doi.org/10.4274/jpr.galenos.2021.97720

  • Title: The Relationship between Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors and Sleep Quality of Nurses Working in the Pediatrics Clinics
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Serap Balcı, Esra Vurankaya, Beyza Tunçel, Ebru Zor
    Year: 2021
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Balcı, S., Vurankaya, E., Tunçel, B., & Zor, E. (2021). The Relationship between Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors and Sleep Quality of Nurses Working in the Pediatrics Clinics. Clinical and Experimental Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.727275

  • Title: Turkish validity and reliability of the COVERS pain scale
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Nehir Ulu Öğüt, Birsen Mutlu, Eda Çeçen, Emrah Can
    Year: 2021
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Öğüt, N. U., Mutlu, B., Çeçen, E., & Can, E. (2021). Turkish validity and reliability of the COVERS pain scale. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20200863

  • Title: An Alternative Supplemental Feeding Method for Preterm Infants: The Supplemental Feeding Tube Device
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Sümeyye Çağlar, Fatma Kaya Narter, Emel Tercan Tarakcı, Ece Özpınar, Emine Demirci Ecevit
    Year: 2021
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Çağlar, S., Kaya Narter, F., Tercan Tarakcı, E., Özpınar, E., & Demirci Ecevit, E. (2021). An Alternative Supplemental Feeding Method for Preterm Infants: The Supplemental Feeding Tube Device. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-2009-323

  • Title: Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence with Humor Styles of Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Banu Yurddaş, Elif Gökkaya, Sümeyye İbrahimoğlu, Suzan Yıldız
    Year: 2020
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Yurddaş, B., Gökkaya, E., İbrahimoğlu, S., & Yıldız, S. (2020). Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence with Humor Styles of Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics. Journal of Academic Research in Nursing. https://doi.org/10.5222/jaren.2020.85856

  • Title: Bakımda Yeni Bir Yaklaşım: Travma Bilgisi İçeren Bakım
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2020
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç. (2020). Bakımda Yeni Bir Yaklaşım: Travma Bilgisi İçeren Bakım. Ordu Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Çalışmaları Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.38108/ouhcd.746215

  • Title: Turkish validation of the MISSCARE survey – Pediatric version
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Öznur İspir, Betül Sönmez, Melek Selalmaz, Şerife Kartal Erdost
    Year: 2020
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., İspir, Ö., Sönmez, B., Selalmaz, M., & Kartal Erdost, Ş. (2020). Turkish validation of the MISSCARE survey – Pediatric version. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.03.012

  • Title: The Relationship between Psychosocial Development and Liking of Children in Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Ayşe İpek Yangil, Gizem Kaya, Gamze Genç, Zehra Doğan, Suzan Yıldız
    Year: 2019
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Yangil, A. İ., Kaya, G., Genç, G., Doğan, Z., & Yıldız, S. (2019). The Relationship between Psychosocial Development and Liking of Children in Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics. The Journal of Pediatric Research. https://doi.org/10.4274/jpr.galenos.2019.23540

  • Title: The Effect of Education in Reducing Noise on Health Personnels’ Knowledge Level and Behavioral Change
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Eda Çeçen, Serap Balcı, Birsen Mutlu, Nehir Ulu Öğüt, Şahin Hamilçıkan
    Year: 2019
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Çeçen, E., Balcı, S., Mutlu, B., Öğüt, N. U., & Hamilçıkan, Ş. (2019). The Effect of Education in Reducing Noise on Health Personnels’ Knowledge Level and Behavioral Change. Turkish Journal of Intensive Care. https://doi.org/10.4274/tybd.galenos.2018.84856

  • Title: Turkish Validation of the Infiltration Scale in Infants
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Suzan Yıldız, Melek Selalmaz, Veysel Kantaş, Serap Balcı, Figen Güneş Tamer, Abdullah Bülbül
    Year: 2018
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Yıldız, S., Selalmaz, M., Kantaş, V., Balcı, S., Tamer, F. G., & Bülbül, A. (2018). Turkish Validation of the Infiltration Scale in Infants. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2018.10.011

  • Title: Noise In The Neonatal Intensive Care Units
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Serap Balcı
    Year: 2017
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., & Balcı, S. (2017). Noise In The Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Hemşirelikte Eğitim ve Araştırma Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.5222/head.2017.150bd268bd28

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

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