Philipp Kanske | Medicine | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske | Medicine | Research Excellence Award

Professor | TUD Dresden University of Technology | Germany

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske is an internationally recognized expert in cognitive and affective neuroscience whose work bridges psychology, social cognition, neuroimaging, and mental health research. His research centers on empathy, compassion, emotion regulation, personality functioning, and the neurobiological mechanisms that shape human social behavior across the lifespan. He investigates how individuals perceive and respond to others’ emotions, how empathic stress is transmitted within families, and how interventions such as meditation and compassion training can induce functional neural plasticity and improve emotional well-being, particularly in older adults. His interests extend to personality organization in both clinical and non-clinical populations, disease progression in bipolar disorder, white-matter microstructure, attachment dynamics in couples, value integration for self and others, and ritual-based methods for strengthening human–nature connectedness in the context of sustainability transformations. Prof. Kanske is skilled in a wide range of methodologies including experimental psychology, behavioral analysis, longitudinal study design, cognitive testing, psychoneuroendocrinology, structural and functional MRI, and advanced statistical modeling. His contributions to research transparency and reproducibility are reflected in his leadership in developing the PECANS methodological framework for cognitive and neuropsychological studies. Throughout his career, he has received multiple awards and honors (as listed in Scopus’s “Awarded Grants” section), recognizing his innovative contributions to social neuroscience, aging research, and clinical psychology. According to Scopus Preview, he has 7,136 citations, 163 documents, and an impressive h-index of 43, underscoring his global scientific influence and sustained scholarly productivity. Overall, Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske’s work provides significant insights into how emotional, neural, and relational processes shape human behavior, offering important implications for mental health, interpersonal functioning, and societal well-being, and solidifying his role as a leading figure in modern neuroscience and psychology.

ProfilesScopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Kanske, P., Heissler, J., Schönfelder, S., Bongers, A., & Wessa, M. (2011). How to regulate emotion? Neural networks for reappraisal and distraction. Cerebral Cortex, 21(6), 1379–138.
    Citations: 698

  2. Schurz, M., Radua, J., Tholen, M. G., Maliske, L., Margulies, D. S., Mars, R. B., … Kanske, P. (2021). Toward a hierarchical model of social cognition: A neuroimaging meta-analysis and integrative review of empathy and theory of mind. Psychological Bulletin, 147(3), 293–. Citations: 648

  3. Kanske, P., & Kotz, S. A. (2007). Concreteness in emotional words: ERP evidence from a hemifield study. Brain Research, 1148, 138–148. Citations: 630

  4. Preckel, K., Kanske, P., & Singer, T. (2018). On the interaction of social affect and cognition: Empathy, compassion and theory of mind. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 19, 1–6.
    Citations: 554

  5. Moshontz, H., Campbell, L., Ebersole, C. R., IJzerman, H., Urry, H. L., Forscher, P. S., … Kanske, P. (2018). The Psychological Science Accelerator: Advancing psychology through a distributed collaborative network. Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science, 1(4), 501–515. Citations: 499

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske’s work advances global scientific understanding of empathy, compassion, and emotion regulation by uncovering the neural and psychological mechanisms that drive healthy social functioning. His research enables evidence-based mental-health interventions, strengthens human well-being across communities, and supports interdisciplinary innovation in neuroscience, clinical psychology, aging research, and societal resilience.

 

Hengrui Liu | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hengrui Liu | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom

Dr. Hengrui Liu is a distinguished researcher at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, whose interdisciplinary work spans molecular biology, oncology, pharmacogenomics, and bioinformatics. With a remarkable Scopus h-index of 31, over 2,300 citations, and 55 publications, Dr. Liu has made substantial contributions to understanding cancer biology and translational medicine. His research integrates computational modeling, systems biology, and experimental oncology, focusing on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance, tumor progression, and therapeutic targeting.One of Dr. Liu’s notable contributions includes the use of CRISPR screening and cell line IC50 data to uncover genes responsible for trametinib resistance, highlighting potential pathways for targeted cancer therapy. He also explores the role of transcription factors in protein autoubiquitination across multiple cancer types through pan-cancer in-silico profiling, advancing precision oncology approaches. His expertise extends to traditional medicine and integrative therapies, as seen in his recent studies on the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in improving liver transplantation outcomes, bridging conventional and modern biomedical practices.Dr. Liu’s recent review on the multidimensional role of laminin γ2 (LAMC2) in cancer progression provides a comprehensive understanding of how extracellular matrix components influence tumor behavior and metastasis. His interdisciplinary research brings together molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance, and computational insight, reflecting a holistic approach to biomedical innovation. Moreover, his collaborative network of over 100 co-authors underscores his global impact and leadership in international scientific research.Through his pioneering studies, Dr. Hengrui Liu contributes to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, drug resistance biomarkers, and predictive computational frameworks that enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of complex diseases such as cancer. His work exemplifies the synergy between data-driven research and molecular experimentation, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking scientist shaping the future of personalized medicine and biomedical innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Liu, H., et al. (2025). CRISPR screening and cell line IC50 data reveal novel key genes for trametinib resistance. Open-access Letter. 26 citations.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). In vitro antibacterial activity of neochebulinic acid from aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula Retz against Helicobacter pylori. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 1 citation.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). An in-silico pan-cancer bulk and single-cell profiling of transcription factors in protein autoubiquitination. Discover Oncology. 2 citations.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). The multidimensional role of laminin γ2 (LAMC2) on cancer progression. Review Article. 0 citations.

Liu, H., et al. (2025). Role of traditional Chinese medicine in supporting liver transplantation outcomes. World Journal of Transplantation. 4 citations.

Manouchehr Ashrafpour | Medicine | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Manouchehr Ashrafpour | Medicine | Best Scholar Award

Faculty Member | Babol University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Manouchehr Ashrafpour is a prominent neuroscientist and biomedical researcher at Babol University of Medical Sciences, renowned for his extensive contributions to neuropharmacology, molecular neuroscience, and neurodegenerative disease research. He earned his advanced degrees in medical sciences and neuroscience, building a strong academic foundation that bridges cellular biology and clinical neurotherapeutics. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Ashrafpour has demonstrated exceptional expertise in experimental neurobiology, drug delivery systems, and the molecular mechanisms underlying brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. His research primarily focuses on the neuroprotective effects of natural bioactive compounds and nanotechnology-based formulations, including curcumin-, piperine-, arbutin-, and quercetin-loaded nanoparticles, which have shown promising results in reducing oxidative stress, glial activation, and neuronal degeneration. He possesses advanced research skills in animal modeling, histopathological assessment, biochemical analysis, neurobehavioral testing, and nanomedicine formulation, complemented by a strong command of cellular electrophysiology and molecular signaling studies. His professional experience encompasses collaborations with leading neuroscientists on projects exploring the role of vitamins, antioxidants, and receptor modulation (notably adenosine A2A receptor blockade) in promoting neural repair and functional recovery. Dr. Ashrafpour’s scholarly achievements are reflected in his strong Scopus record, which includes over 700 citations, numerous peer-reviewed documents, and an h-index of 17, underscoring his global academic influence. He has received recognition and academic honors for his innovative work in neurotherapeutic discovery and translational neuroscience, highlighting his commitment to improving treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, Dr. Manouchehr Ashrafpour stands as a distinguished figure in contemporary neuroscience, whose multidisciplinary approach—spanning nanotechnology, pharmacology, and neurobiology—continues to shape the future of neuroprotective medicine and inspire emerging researchers in biomedical sciences worldwide.

Profiles: ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Naeimi, R., Safarpour, F., Hashemian, M., Tashakorian, H., Ahmadian, S. R., & Ashrafpour, M. (2018). Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles ameliorate glial activation and improve myelin repair in lyolecithin-induced focal demyelination model of rat corpus callosum. Neuroscience Letters, 674, 1–10. Cited by 71.

  2. Mansoor, S. R., Hashemian, M., Khalili-Fomeshi, M., Ashrafpour, M., & Moghadamnia, A. A. (2018). Upregulation of klotho and erythropoietin contributes to the neuroprotection induced by curcumin-loaded nanoparticles in an experimental model of chronic epilepsy. Brain Research Bulletin, 142, 281–288. Cited by 52.

  3. Khalili-Fomeshi, M., Azizi, M. G., Esmaeili, M. R., Gol, M., Kazemi, S., & Ashrafpour, M. (2018). Piperine restores streptozotocin-induced cognitive impairments: Insights into oxidative balance in cerebrospinal fluid and hippocampus. Behavioural Brain Research, 337, 131–138. Cited by 49.

  4. Dastan, Z., Pouramir, M., Ghasemi-Kasman, M., Ghasemzadeh, Z., Dadgar, M., & Ashrafpour, M. (2019). Arbutin reduces cognitive deficit and oxidative stress in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Neuroscience, 129(11), 1145–1153. Cited by 45.

  5. Dadgar, M., Pouramir, M., Dastan, Z., Ghasemi-Kasman, M., & Ashrafpour, M. (2018). Arbutin attenuates behavioral impairment and oxidative stress in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 8(6), 533–540. Cited by 43.

 

 

Hugh Sampson | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hugh Sampson | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Pediatrics | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | United States

Dr. Hugh A. Sampson, MD, is a distinguished physician-scientist and pediatric immunologist best known for his pioneering contributions in food allergy and immunopathogenesis, and is currently the Kurt Hirschhorn Professor of Pediatrics and Director Emeritus of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He earned a B.A. in Biology from Hamilton College in 1971, then obtained his M.D. from SUNY Buffalo in 1975, followed by a pediatric residency at Northwestern University / Children’s Memorial Hospital and an allergy/immunology fellowship at Duke University (1978–1980). Over his career, he has held leadership roles including chairing the Section on Allergy & Immunology of the American Academy of Pediatrics, serving as past President of AAAAI, holding editorial board positions in leading allergy/immunology journals, and directing national food allergy research consortia. His research interests encompass the pathogenesis of food-induced anaphylaxis, the molecular and immunologic characterization of allergenic food proteins and epitopes, genetics and immune regulation in food allergy, development of precision diagnostics (e.g. epitope-specific IgE/IgG4 profiles), and immunotherapy strategies (oral, epicutaneous, sublingual, and biologics such as anti-IgE) as well as novel therapeutic approaches. His research skills include translational and clinical trial design, immunologic assays (e.g. epitope mapping, serologic biomarkers), mechanistic in vitro and in vivo models, bioinformatics integration, large cohort epidemiologic and registry studies, and mentoring interdisciplinary teams. Among his many awards and honors are election to the National Academy of Medicine (Institute of Medicine) in 2003, the Brett Ratner Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Distinguished Scientist Award of AAAAI, memberships in honorary societies (Alpha Omega Alpha, Sigma Xi), and repeated recognitions from Research.com as a top immunology scientist. According to his institutional profile, his h-index (based on Scopus/Pure) is listed at ~85,982 (which appears anomalous and may reflect internal counting metrics), while bibliometric sources more conservatively report an h-index of ~147 with over 800+ publications; traditional citation counts exceed 100,000 across his work. In conclusion, Dr. Sampson’s career exemplifies a remarkable integration of basic immunology and clinical translation: his leadership, mentorship, and sustained high-impact scholarship have shaped the modern field of food allergy research, spawning diagnostic and therapeutic innovations and training generations of investigators in allergy and immunology.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

  1. Rose, N. R., Milisauskas, V., & Sampson, H. A. (1975). Species-specific tissue antigens. III. Immunological relationships of enzymic antigens in various species. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 20, 359–370.

  2. Sampson, H. A., & Buckley, R. H. (1981). Human IgE synthesis in vitro: A reassessment. Journal of Immunology, 127, 829–834.

  3. Rich, K. C., Sampson, H. A., Edwards, N. L., & Fox, I. H. (1981). Familial hypogammaglobulinemia with variable serum immunoglobulins: Concordance with lymphocyte ecto-5′-nucleotidase deficiency. American Journal of Diseases of Children, 135, 795–798.

  4. Sampson, H. A., Walchner, A., & Baker, P. (1981). Recurrent pyogenic infections in individuals with absence of the second component of complement. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 2, 39–45.

  5. LoGalbo, P. R., Sampson, H. A., & Buckley, R. H. (1982). Symptomatic giardiasis in three patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Journal of Pediatrics, 101, 78–80.

 

 

Yigit Akin | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yigit Akin | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Yigit Akin | Izmir Kâtip Celebi University School of Medicine | Turkey

Professor Yigit Akin is a distinguished urologist and academic leader specializing in uro-oncology, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive laparoscopy. He earned his M.D. from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 2004 and completed advanced training in robotics, laparoscopy, and uro-oncology at Klinikum Heilbronn, Germany, between 2013 and 2014. Currently, he serves as Head of Urology at Izmir Katip Celebi University, Turkey, leading one of the country’s premier uro-oncology centers. With over 210 peer-reviewed publications, 14 book chapters, and editorial board memberships in international journals, his contributions are well recognized in PubMed and IEEE-indexed forums. He has directed multiple multidisciplinary and international research projects, notably pioneering the extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using 3 trocars (#3trocarsELRP), with more than 1300 successful procedures. A global mentor in laparoscopic surgery, Prof. Akin has conducted live surgical workshops and training in over 10 countries, while also supervising international clinical fellows. His leadership extends to community-based medical training, editorial contributions, and professional memberships in leading medical and surgical associations. Prof. Akin is strongly positioned to lead next-generation cancer genetics and surgical innovation research. His expertise in developing novel laparoscopic techniques, combined with mentorship of global fellows, demonstrates the potential to advance robotic uro-oncology surgery, elevate Q1 journal contributions, and strengthen international collaborations that will shape the future of minimally invasive urology worldwide.

Profile: ORCID 

Featured Publications

orulmaz, E. M., Dönmez, K., Görgel, S. N., & Akin, Y. (2025). Penil fraktür nedeniyle opere edilen hastaların klinik sonuçları ve komplikasyonlarla ilişkili faktörler: 10 yıllık sonuçlarımız. Androloji Bülteni.

Tekinaslan, H., Görgel, S. N., & Akin, Y. (2025). Malekot kateter kırığına bağlı retroperitoneal yabancı cisim: Nadir bir olgu sunumu. Endouroloji Bülteni.

Dama, M., Yorulmaz, E. M., Özcan, S., Köse, O., Görgel, S. N., & Akin, Y. (2025). AISI, SIRI, and MLR in predicting surgical outcomes after radical cystectomy: Revisiting inflammatory risk markers. Medicina, 61(10), 1756.

Dama, M., Yorulmaz, E. M., Özcan, S., Köse, O., Görgel, S. N., & Akin, Y. (2025). Optimising imaging strategies in suspected urolithiasis: Effects on diagnostic and therapeutic timelines. Harran Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi.

Özcan, S., Dama, M., Yorulmaz, E. M., Köse, O., Görgel, S. N., & Akin, Y. (2025). Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and postoperative dysuria: A 20-year bibliometric perspective. Trends in Surgical Sciences.

 

Apostolos Papalois | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Apostolos Papalois | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Department of Surgery | University of Athens School of Medicine | Greece

Prof. Apostolos E. Papalois, Ph.D., KGSJ, AMACS, is a distinguished scientist in biology and biochemistry whose academic journey began with a Biology degree from the University of Athens in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in biology–biochemistry from the same university in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, Department of Surgery. His international training spans leading institutions such as the University of Minnesota, UCLA, Boston University, and Harvard, equipping him with multidisciplinary expertise in transplantation, laboratory animal science, medical ethics, and leadership. Since 1996, he has served as Director of the Experimental, Educational, and Research Center of ELPEN Pharmaceuticals, contributing over two decades of pioneering work in translational and experimental research. He has held visiting professorships in Greece, Romania, the United States, and Harvard Medical School, while teaching across 24 Master’s programs and mentoring more than 212 Ph.D. theses, of which 137 were completed under his supervision. His prolific scholarship includes 409 Scopus-indexed publications, 5,939 citations, and an h-index of 36, alongside 14 authored books, numerous translated textbooks, and 33 book chapters. Professionally, he has delivered over 438 invited lectures, organized 553 scientific events, and served on editorial boards and as a reviewer for 43 international journals. His research interests span biomedical sciences, translational medicine, clinical skills training, medical ethics, and healthcare education, with strong emphasis on global collaboration and innovation. He is currently General Secretary of NASCE/UEMS, representing nearly two million medical doctors in the European Union, and has held leadership positions in national and international biomedical committees. Recognized with 36 distinctions, more than 215 awards, and widespread honors, Prof. Papalois exemplifies scientific leadership and community service. In conclusion, his career reflects an extraordinary blend of research, education, and international collaboration, positioning him as a transformative leader in advancing biomedical science, ethics, and healthcare education globally.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Triantafillidis, J. K., Gikas, A., Kontrarou, G., Konstantoulakis, M., & Papalois, A. E. (2024). Use of complementary and alternative medicine by Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Nutrients, 16(21), 3679. [Cited 1]

Triantafillidis, J. K., Papakontantinou, J., Antonakis, P., Konstadoulakis, M. M., & Papalois, A. E. (2024). Enteral nutrition in operated-on gastric cancer patients: An update. Nutrients, 16(11), 1639. [Cited 12]

Papalois, A. E., Roy, D. W., Caiazza, J. E., & Gikas, A. (2024). Fibrin glue and coats compromise the integrity of colonic anastomosis: An experimental trial on rats. Annals of Gastroenterology, 37(2), 123–130. [Cited 3]

Triantafillidis, J. K., Tzivras, D., & Papalois, A. E. (2024). Immunotherapy of gastric cancer: Present status and future perspectives. Annals of Gastroenterology, 37(4), 456–465. [Cited 13]

Papalois, A. E., Gikas, A., Konstantoulakis, M., & Triantafillidis, J. K. (2024). Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation has a regenerative effect in ischemic myocardium: An experimental rat model evaluated by SPECT-CT assessment. Diagnostics, 14(7), 654. [Cited 2]

Jack Ng Kok Wah | Public Health | Best Researcher Award | 1653

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Multimedia University Cyberjaya | Malaysia

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah is an accomplished academic and industry professional with more than three decades of experience across healthcare, banking, education, and marketing, establishing himself as a well-rounded leader in both practice and scholarship. He earned his Ph.D. in Business in 2023 from Universiti Malaya-Wales, where his research explored psychological factors influencing health protective behavior among private healthcare consumers and the mediating role of consumer innovativeness, integrating behavioral science with health and marketing. His academic foundation also includes an MBA in Marketing from Olympia College Kuala Lumpur (2004) and a BA (Hons) in Marketing Management from Stamford College, Petaling Jaya (2001). Professionally, Dr. Jack has served as Marketing Manager in leading organizations such as Sentosa Specialist Hospital Klang, Tung Shin Hospital, Columbia Leisure Group, AmBank, and CIMB Bank, where he specialized in marketing management, digital innovation, and strategic leadership. Transitioning into academia, he is now a Senior Lecturer at Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia, where he combines industry expertise with academic rigor to guide future professionals. His research interests encompass digital marketing, consumer behavior, artificial intelligence in healthcare, marketing psychology, and the emerging role of robotics in surgery and e-health solutions. He has published in reputed Scopus- and IEEE-indexed journals, including Frontiers in Public Health, Journal of Robotic Surgery, Food Reviews International, and Journal of Cases on Information Technology, contributing to multidisciplinary areas such as AI-driven healthcare, robotic surgery, fintech, digital learning, and workplace mental health. His research skills include advanced methodologies such as structural equation modeling, digital behavioral analytics, and systematic literature reviews, paired with the ability to link theory to applied practice. He also serves as a peer reviewer for international journals, reflecting his scholarly engagement. Dr. Jack holds the PIKOM Project Leadership Certification (PLC) Associate from the National ICT Association of Malaysia and is active on platforms like Scopus, ResearcherID, and ResearchGate, which strengthen his global visibility. With 25 citations across 10 indexed documents and an h-index of 3, he demonstrates promising research impact for a scholar who entered academia after a successful professional career. In conclusion, Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah represents a unique blend of industry excellence, academic achievement, and research innovation, making him a strong candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award, as his work continues to advance knowledge while delivering meaningful societal impact.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). Revolutionizing surgery: AI and robotics for precision, risk reduction, and innovation. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), Article 47.

  2. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). The rise of robotics and AI-assisted surgery in modern healthcare. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 311.

  3. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). AI-driven robotic surgery in oncology: Advancing precision, personalization, and patient outcomes. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 1–11.

  4. Wah, J.N.K. (2025). Revolutionizing e-Health: The transformative role of AI-powered hybrid chatbots in healthcare solutions. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, Article 1530799.

  5. Ng, J., Wah, K., Fitriana, M., & Arumugam, T. (2023). Assumptions for structure equation modeling (SEM), normality of data distribution analysis & model fit measures. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology & Toxicology, 4(2), 1–5.