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.

 

Jack Ng Kok Wah | Public Health | Best Health Science Research Award

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah | Public Health | Best Health Science Research Award

Senior Lecturer | Multimedia University | Malaysia

 

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah’s research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), surgical innovation, and biomedical engineering, with a strong emphasis on developing AI-driven robotic systems that enhance precision, reduce surgical risks, and revolutionize patient outcomes. His body of work demonstrates a deep commitment to integrating machine learning algorithms and intelligent automation into modern surgical practices, thereby addressing one of the most critical needs in healthcare—precision and safety in complex procedures.A significant aspect of his research explores how robotic technologies and AI-assisted decision systems can transform traditional surgical approaches. By leveraging real-time data analytics, sensor fusion, and computer vision, Dr. Wah contributes to the design of systems that support surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures with unprecedented accuracy. His work not only advances the technical frontiers of robotic surgery but also examines the broader ethical, clinical, and operational implications of implementing such technologies in real-world healthcare environments.Beyond surgical robotics, Dr. Wah’s research interests extend to digital health innovation, medical imaging, and intelligent clinical systems. He investigates how data-driven approaches can improve diagnostic accuracy, predict patient outcomes, and personalize treatment protocols. Through his publications, he emphasizes the transformative potential of AI to bridge gaps between human expertise and machine efficiency, promoting a synergistic model of healthcare delivery that enhances both safety and accessibility.With a growing citation record and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Wah continues to contribute to the advancement of next-generation medical technologies that merge computing power with human insight. His vision encapsulates a future where AI and robotics are not merely tools but trusted partners in surgical and clinical decision-making, ultimately redefining standards of care in the medical field. His scholarly contributions reinforce his standing as a forward-thinking researcher committed to shaping the future of intelligent healthcare systems and precision surgery.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate 

Featured Publications

  1. Wah, J. N. K. (2025). Revolutionizing surgery: AI and robotics for precision, risk reduction, and innovation. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(Article No. 47).
    Citations: 39

  2. Wah, J. N. K. (2025). Revolutionizing e-Health: The transformative role of AI-powered hybrid chatbots in healthcare solutions. Frontiers in Public Health, 13.
    Citations: 29

  3. Wah, J. N. K. (2025). The rise of robotics and AI-assisted surgery in modern healthcare. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 311.
    Citations: 13

  4. Ng, J., Wah, K., Fitriana, M., & Arumugam, T. (2023). Assumptions for structural equation modeling (SEM), normality of data distribution analysis & model fit measures. In Normality of Data Distribution Analysis & Model Fit Measures.
    Citations: 12

  5. Wah, K., & Ng, J. (2025). AI-driven robotic surgery in oncology: Advancing precision, personalization, and patient outcomes. Journal of Robotic Surgery, 19(1), 1–11.
    Citations: 7

Dr. Jack Ng Kok Wah envisions a future where artificial intelligence and robotic systems seamlessly integrate into healthcare, enabling safer, smarter, and more precise surgical interventions. His pioneering research drives innovations that enhance patient outcomes, optimize clinical workflows, and redefine the frontiers of intelligent medicine.

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.

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.