Shahin Zandieh | Medicine | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Shahin Zandieh | Medicine | Innovative Research Award

Professor | Hanusch-Krankenhaus | Austria

Prof. Dr. Shahin Zandieh is a medical imaging and diagnostic radiology specialist whose research spans musculoskeletal biomechanics, cardiovascular imaging, oncologic radiology, and advanced radiomics. With 49 publications, over 550 citations, and an h-index of 12, his scientific work reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach to clinical diagnosis, disease characterization, and imaging-guided evaluation of structural abnormalities. His contributions extend across orthopedic, cardiovascular, endocrine, and oncological systems through innovative use of MRI, CT, X-ray, and radiomic feature extraction.A notable component of Prof. Dr. Zandieh’s research focuses on orthopedic imaging and biomechanical assessment, including comparative studies such as the analysis of proximal chevron osteotomy versus Lapidus arthrodesis in managing hallux valgus deformities. His work provides clinically meaningful insights for surgeons, improving treatment selection, operative planning, and postoperative evaluation.In the field of cardiovascular imaging, he has explored rare cardiac pathologies such as “toothpaste tumor” manifestations of the mitral valve, enhancing the diagnostic awareness of uncommon presentations through multimodal radiologic evaluation. His studies also extend to endocrine-related morphologic changes, such as MRI-based radiomics used to detect cardiac variations influenced by autoimmune thyroid disorders—paving the way for AI-assisted diagnostic tools.Prof. Dr. Zandieh has also contributed to oncologic radiology, documenting rare metastatic patterns including giant ovarian metastasis from breast cancer. These case-based investigations broaden clinician understanding of atypical disease progression.Collectively, his research strengthens clinical imaging practice by integrating radiomics, rare-case documentation, biomechanics, and cross-system diagnostic strategies—advancing precision diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and the broader field of radiological science.

Profiles: Scopus |ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Fezoulidis, N., Slavicek, J., Nonninger, J.-N., … , & Zandieh, S. (2025). Quantitative CT perfusion and radiomics reveal complementary markers of treatment response in HCC patients undergoing TACE.

Behanova, M., Sokhan, A., Haschka, J., … , & Kocijan, R. (2025). AI-supported opportunistic detection of vertebral fractures on routine CT scans: Diagnostic performance and clinical relevance.

Al-Taiee, B., Lamiss, M., Slavicek, J., … , & Zandieh, S. (2025). Disseminated miliary tuberculosis following intravesical BCG therapy: A rare but serious complication.

Kainz, B., Hergan, K., & Zandieh, S. (2025). Große Ovarialmetastase beim Mammakarzinom: Ein seltener Fall.

Prof. Dr. Shahin Zandieh’s work advances medical imaging by integrating radiomics, AI-supported diagnostics, and multimodal radiology to improve early disease detection, treatment response evaluation, and clinical decision-making. His contributions enhance patient safety, elevate diagnostic precision across oncology, cardiology, musculoskeletal, and infectious diseases, and support global healthcare innovation by translating advanced imaging technologies into practical, life-saving clinical applications.

Dimitrios Tsiachris | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Tsiachris | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

EP and Pacing Lab Director | National and Kapodestrian University of Athens | Greece

Dr. D. L. Tsiachris is a highly accomplished cardiovascular researcher and clinician whose work has profoundly influenced the fields of cardiac electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. With an extensive research portfolio encompassing 224 scientific publications, 4,004 citations, and a Scopus h-index of 34, his contributions have advanced the understanding and management of complex cardiac rhythm disorders. His primary research interests lie in atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, catheter ablation, and cardiac resynchronization therapy, with particular emphasis on novel energy-based interventions such as pulsed field ablation, cryoballoon technology, and radiofrequency systems. Dr. Tsiachris possesses exceptional research skills in clinical trial design, data synthesis, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis, enabling him to provide robust evidence supporting safer and more effective therapeutic strategies for patients with structural and electrical heart diseases. His investigations into leadless pacing systems, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, and the optimization of device-based therapies have contributed to personalized and precision-based cardiology. In addition, his studies on patient-reported outcomes and long-term ablation success rates bridge the gap between procedural innovation and patient-centered care. Recognized for his scientific leadership and collaborative excellence, Dr. Tsiachris has co-authored with more than 700 international researchers and continues to influence clinical practice guidelines through his impactful findings. Though his work is primarily published in high-impact journals such as Heart Rhythm, Europace, and Journal of Clinical Medicine, his commitment to advancing cardiovascular science stands as his greatest distinction. Honored for his research excellence and global contributions to electrophysiology, Dr. D. L. Tsiachris remains a driving force in redefining the standards of modern cardiac care through innovation, precision, and evidence-based practice.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gatzoulis, K. A., Tsiachris, D., Arsenos, P., et al. (2019). Arrhythmic risk stratification in post-myocardial infarction patients with preserved ejection fraction: The PRESERVE EF study. European Heart Journal, 40(35), 2940–2949.

Gatzoulis, K. A., Vouliotis, A. I., Tsiachris, D., et al. (2013). Primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in a nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy population: Reappraisal of the role of programmed ventricular stimulation. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 6(3), 504–512.

Gatzoulis, K. A., Tsiachris, D., et al. (2018). Programmed ventricular stimulation predicts arrhythmic events and survival in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. International Journal of Cardiology, 254, 175–181.

Silberbauer, J., Tsiachris, D., et al. (2014). Noninducibility and late potential abolition: A novel combined prognostic procedural end point for catheter ablation of postinfarction ventricular tachycardia. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 7(3), 424–435.

Della Bella, P., Tsiachris, D., et al. (2013). Management of ventricular tachycardia in the setting of a dedicated unit for the treatment of complex ventricular arrhythmias: Long-term outcome after ablation. Circulation, 127(13), 1359–1368.

Dr. Mokgata A. Matjie’s research advances human resource and organizational management by promoting fairness, emotional intelligence, and performance excellence. His work strengthens institutional effectiveness, employee well-being, and leadership accountability—driving innovation in workplace culture and public sector transformation globally.

Shinichiro Sawa | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shinichiro Sawa | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Kyushu University | Japan 

Dr. Shinichiro Sawa is a highly accomplished Japanese immunologist and medical researcher renowned for his pioneering work in immune regulation, autoimmunity, and inflammation. He currently serves as a Professor at the Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Japan, where he leads innovative studies in molecular and cellular immunology. Dr. Sawa began his academic journey at Osaka University, earning his Medical Degree (M.D.) in 2000 and subsequently his Ph.D. in Medicine in 2006 from the same institution, where he developed a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and experimental medicine. His professional trajectory includes significant academic roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo (2011–2016) and Associate Professor at Hokkaido University’s Institute for Genetic Medicine (2016–2018) before joining Kyushu University in 2019. Dr. Sawa’s research interests center on understanding how immune cells, such as γδ T cells, fibroblasts, and plasma cells, interact with tissue environments to regulate immune tolerance, autoimmunity, and inflammatory diseases. His studies, published in prestigious journals such as Nature Immunology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Journal of Investigative Dermatology, have shed light on how fibroblasts contribute to central immune tolerance and how plasma cells promote osteoclastogenesis in autoimmune arthritis. His research skills encompass cellular immunology, molecular signaling analysis, animal modeling of immune diseases, flow cytometry, and translational immunopathology, demonstrating both depth and precision in experimental design and interpretation. Recognized for his scientific contributions, Dr. Sawa has received numerous academic honors and research recognitions throughout his career, reflecting his influence in the global immunology community. In conclusion, Dr. Shinichiro Sawa stands as a leading figure in immunological research, bridging basic science and clinical application to advance our understanding of immune homeostasis and to pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies against autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Nonaka, D., Yoshida, S., Nakano, K., Li, X., Okamura, T., Umemoto, E., Yamada, T., Watanabe, M., Jinno, S., Ito, M., Tsuda, M., Noguchi, N., Jiang, X.-J., Sumiya, E., & Sawa, S. (2025). Fibroblast-derived CSF1 maintains colonization of gut mucosal macrophage to resist bacterial infection. Mucosal Immunology.

  2. Onji, M., Sigl, V., Lendl, T., Novatchkova, M., Ullate-Agote, A., Andersson-Rolf, A., Kozieradzki, I., Koglgruber, R., Pai, T.-P., Lichtscheidl, D., Nayak, K., Zilbauer, M., Carranza García, N.-A., Sievers, L., Falk-Paulsen, M., Cronin, S. J. F., Hagelkruys, A., Sawa, S., Osborne, L. C., Rosenstiel, P., Pasparakis, M., Ruland, J., Takayanagi, H., Clevers, H., Koo, B.-H., & Penninger, J. M. (2025). RANK drives structured intestinal epithelial expansion during pregnancy. Nature, 637(8044), 156–166.

  3. Nitta, T., Tsutsumi, M., Nitta, S., Muro, R., Suzuki, E. C., Nakano, K., Tomofuji, Y., Sawa, S., Okamura, T., Penninger, J. M., & Takayanagi, H. (2020). Fibroblasts as a source of self-antigens for central immune tolerance. Nature Immunology, 21(10), 1172–1180.

  4. Nagashima, K., Sawa, S., Nitta, T., Tsutsumi, M., Okamura, T., Penninger, J. M., Nakashima, T., & Takayanagi, H. (2017). Identification of subepithelial mesenchymal cells that induce IgA and diversify gut microbiota. Nature Immunology, 18(6), 675–682.

  5. Onder, L., Mörbe, U., Pikor, N., Novkovic, M., Cheng, H.-W., Hehlgans, T., Pfeffer, K., Becher, B., Waisman, A., Rülicke, T., Gommerman, J., Müller, C., Sawa, S., Scandella, E., & Ludewig, B. (2017). Lymphatic endothelial cells control initiation of lymph node organogenesis. Immunity, 47(1), 80–92.

 

Pavel Vodicka | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodicka | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Senior researcher at Charles University in Prague Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Czech Republic

Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodička is a distinguished Czech scientist whose career has been devoted to unraveling the genetic, molecular, and environmental mechanisms underlying cancer, particularly colorectal and gastrointestinal malignancies. With a Ph.D. in toxicology from Charles University and a D.Sc. in molecular oncology, he has led pioneering research on DNA repair, genomic instability, cancer predisposition, and therapy response. Over four decades, he has held prominent academic and research leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer at the Institute of Experimental Medicine. Internationally respected, he has contributed to EU Framework Programs, bilateral collaborations, and global cancer genetics consortia. His prolific record includes more than 320 publications, 12,000+ citations, and service on editorial boards and evaluation panels. Beyond research, he is a dedicated mentor of doctoral students and an invited lecturer worldwide. Prof. Vodička’s lifelong contributions have significantly advanced cancer biology, prevention, and therapeutic strategies.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile  

Education

Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodička’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing biomedical science. He completed his medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, followed by doctoral research at the National Institute of Public Health, where he earned his Ph.D  with a thesis on the metabolism and toxicity of acrylic acid derivatives. Guided by the esteemed scientist Ivan Gut, M.D., D.Sc., this early training provided him with a strong foundation in molecular toxicology. Over the years, he enriched his expertise through international fellowships and visiting scientist roles at renowned institutions such as the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in Helsinki and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. His academic pursuits culminated in the prestigious Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree, awarded for his extensive research on genetic, molecular, and environmental risk factors in colorectal cancer. This educational background positioned him as a global leader in cancer biology.

Experience

Prof. Vodička’s professional career spans more than four decades, marked by leadership, innovation, and global collaboration. Beginning as a postdoctoral fellow in Finland and later as a visiting scientist at Karolinska Institute, he gained valuable exposure to international research environments. He returned to Prague to contribute significantly at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, where he advanced from senior scientist to Head of the Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, a position . His leadership was instrumental in shaping cutting-edge programs in genetic and molecular toxicology. Alongside, he has been deeply engaged in teaching and supervising doctoral students at Charles University, serving on multiple academic boards and examination committees. He also participated in evaluating research projects for prestigious bodies such as the EU Commission, WHO-IARC, and Czech Science Foundation. His career demonstrates a rare combination of scientific productivity, institutional leadership, and mentorship excellence.

Research Interest

Prof. Vodička’s research interests center on understanding how genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contribute to cancer initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes. He has dedicated much of his recent work to colorectal and pancreatic cancers, focusing on predisposition, DNA repair mechanisms, and chemotherapy effectiveness. His studies explore chromosomal instability, telomere dynamics, and functional assays of DNA repair capacity in both healthy individuals and cancer patients. He has also investigated how lifestyle, occupational exposures, and oxidative damage influence disease onset and prognosis, bridging molecular research with public health relevance. His multidisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, toxicology, epidemiology, and clinical oncology, enabling a holistic view of carcinogenesis. By collaborating with international consortia such as GECCO and PANDoRA, he contributes to global efforts to identify biomarkers for cancer susceptibility and treatment response. Prof. Vodička’s innovative research continues to shape strategies for early detection, prevention, and improved therapeutic interventions in oncology.

Award and Honor

Prof. Vodička’s scientific achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and honors, reflecting his international reputation and lifelong contributions. He received the Award from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic for his groundbreaking work on DNA adducts in occupational exposures. More recently, he was honored with the prestigious Silver Medal of Charles University for his exceptional service in advancing medical science. His global standing is reinforced by being ranked among the top molecular biology scientists in the Czech Republic by Research.com, including the first position in his discipline. Additionally, he has been frequently invited as a reviewer of professorial appointments at leading institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial University. His editorial leadership in journals like Mutagenesis and Frontiers in Oncology further underlines his impact. Collectively, these honors showcase his role as a thought leader in cancer research.

Publication Top Notes

Title: The exposome and pancreatic cancer, lifestyle and environmental risk factors for PDACPavel Vodicka
Authors: Giulia Peduzzi, Livia Archibugi, Riccardo Farinella, Ruggero Ponz de Leon Pisani, Ludmila Vodickova, Pavel Vodicka, Bledar Kraja, Juan Sainz, David Bars-Cortina, Neil Daniel et al.
Journal/Conference: Seminars in Cancer Biology
Year: 2025
Citation: 2

Title: Genomic instability, DNA damage response and telomere homeostasis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Saba Selvi, Carmen Macías Real, Manuel Gentiluomo, Katerina Balounova, Klara Vokacova, Andrea Cumova, Beatrice Mohlenikova-Duchonova, Cosmeri Rizzato, Erika Halasova, Ludmila Vodickova, Pavel Vodicka et al.
Journal/Conference: Seminars in Cancer Biology
Year: 2025
Citation: 1

Title: Pooled analysis of 3,741 stool metagenomes from 18 cohorts for cross-stage and strain-level reproducible microbial biomarkers of colorectal cancer
Authors: Multiple contributors (Nature Medicine consortium, includes Pavel Vodicka)
Journal/Conference: Nature Medicine
Year: 2025
Citation: 4

Title: A pooled analysis of host factors that affect nucleotide excision repair in humans
Authors: Congying Zheng, Sergey Shaposhnikov, Andrew Collins, Gunnar Brunborg, Amaya Azqueta, Sabine A S Langie, Maria Dusinska, Jana Slyskova, Pavel Vodicka, Frederik-Jan van Schooten et al.
Journal/Conference: Mutagenesis
Year: 2025

Title: A pleiotropy scan to discover new susceptibility loci for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matteo Giaccherini, Mariaconcetta Rende, Manuel Gentiluomo, Chiara Corradi, Livia Archibugi, Stefano Ermini, Evaristo Maiello, Luca Morelli, Casper H J van Eijck, Giulia Martina Cavestro, Pavel Vodicka et al.
Journal/Conference: Mutagenesis
Year: 2025

Title: Defective DNA repair: a putative nexus linking immunological diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer
Authors: Safaa Andarawi, Ludmila Vodickova, Anusha Uttarilli, Petr Hanak, Pavel Vodicka
Journal/Conference: Mutagenesis
Year: 2025
Citation: 1

Title: Genetic, epigenetic and functional aspects of DNA repair in colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Pavel Vodicka, Ludmila Vodickova et al.
Journal/Conference:Carcinogenesis
Year: 2022
Citation: 45

Title: Telomere homeostasis and genomic instability in gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Pavel Vodicka, Ludmila Vodickova et al.
Journal/Conference: International Journal of Cancer
Year: 2021
Citation: 38

Title: Genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer in Central Europe: a large-scale collaborative study
Authors: Pavel Vodicka, Hermann Brenner, Andrea Gsur et al.
Journal/Conference: Gut
Year: 2020
Citation: 120

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Pavel Vodička exemplifies the qualities of a globally influential scientist, mentor, and leader in the field of cancer research. His academic foundation, extensive research experience, and sustained contributions to molecular oncology have significantly advanced the understanding of cancer susceptibility, genomic instability, and therapy response. With over 320 publications, thousands of citations, and participation in numerous international consortia, he has left a lasting mark on global cancer research and prevention strategies. His commitment to teaching, mentoring, and guiding young scientists reflects his vision for nurturing the next generation of researchers. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the Silver Medal of Charles University, his career is a testament to excellence, integrity, and innovation. Moving forward, his research and leadership promise to further influence cancer biology, shaping future diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic pathways. Prof. Vodička’s legacy firmly establishes him as an outstanding figure deserving the highest honors in science.