Erna Van Niekerk | Spinal Cord Injury | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Erna Van Niekerk | Spinal Cord Injury | Best Researcher Award

University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Erna A. Van Niekerk’s research focuses on advancing central nervous system (CNS) repair through the integration of molecular neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and translational neurobiology. Her work emphasizes uncovering molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neural regeneration and developing innovative therapeutic strategies to promote recovery after CNS injury. With a strong background in physiology and neuroscience, she has contributed to understanding neuroplasticity, neural signaling pathways, and the molecular determinants of axonal growth and synaptic repair. Dr. Van Niekerk’s recent research explores computational and AI-based models to analyze large-scale neurobiological datasets, aiming to predict regenerative outcomes and optimize therapeutic targets. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications, particularly in the development of bioengineered and data-driven interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Through her academic and industry experience, she has contributed to translational research efforts aimed at improving functional outcomes following neural damage and enhancing the precision of therapeutic design in neuroregeneration.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Zahavi, E. E., Koppel, I., Kawaguchi, R., Oses-Prieto, J. A., Briner, A., Monavarfeshani, A., Dalla Costa, I., van Niekerk, E., Lee, J., Matoo, S., Hegarty, S., Donahue, R. J., Sahoo, P. K., Ben-Dor, S., Feldmesser, E., Ryvkin, J., Leshkowitz, D., Ben-Tov Perry, R., Cheng, Y., … Fainzilber, M. (2025). Repeat-element RNAs integrate a neuronal growth circuit. Cell. Advance online publication.

van Niekerk, E., Kawaguchi, R., Marques de Freria, C., Groeniger, K., Marchetto, M. C., Dupraz, S., Bradke, F., Geschwind, D. H., Gage, F. H., & Tuszynski, M. H. (2022). Methods for culturing adult CNS neurons reveal a CNS conditioning effect. Cell Reports Methods, 2, 100255. 5

de Freria, C. M., van Niekerk, E., Blesch, A., & Lu, P. (2022). Neural stem cells: Promoting axonal regeneration and spinal cord connectivity. Cells, 10(12), 3296.

Poplawski, G. H. D., Kawaguchi, R., van Niekerk, E., Lu, P., Mehta, N., Canete, P., Lie, R., Dragatsis, I., Meves, J. M., Zheng, B., Coppola, G., & Tuszynski, M. H. (2020). Injured adult neurons regress to an embryonic transcriptional growth state. Nature, 581(7806), 77–82.

Wang, W., van Niekerk, E. A., Zhang, Y., Du, L., Ji, X., Wang, S., & Baker, D. E. (2007). Extracellular stimuli specifically regulate localized levels of individual neuronal mRNAs. The Journal of Cell Biology, 178(6), 965–980.

van Niekerk, E. A., Willis, D. E., Chang, J. H., Reumann, K., Heise, T., & Twiss, J. L. (2007). Sumoylation in axons triggers retrograde transport of the RNA-binding protein La. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(31), 12913–12918. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0705488104

Wang, W., van Niekerk, E., Willis, D. E., & Twiss, J. L. (2007). RNA transport and localized protein synthesis in neurological disorders and neural repair. Developmental Neurobiology, 67(9), 1166–1182.

van Niekerk, E. A., Tuszynski, M. H., Lu, P., & Dulin, J. N. (2016). Molecular and cellular mechanisms of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 15(2), 394–408.

Quanjun Cui | Osteogenesis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Quanjun Cui | Osteogenesis | Best Researcher Award

University of Virginia | United States

Dr. Quanjun Cui is a leading researcher in orthopedic surgery with a strong focus on the pathophysiology and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). His work integrates clinical insight with advanced molecular and cellular approaches to understand joint degeneration and repair. Dr. Cui’s research has significantly contributed to elucidating the cellular mechanisms underlying cartilage and bone remodeling, macrophage polarization, and the role of extracellular vesicles in joint inflammation. His current studies investigate how M1 macrophage–derived, hyaluronan-coated extracellular vesicles influence OA progression, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets that modulate immune–cartilage interactions. He has also explored molecular pathways involved in bone regeneration, osteonecrosis, and implant integration, with numerous publications advancing translational strategies in musculoskeletal tissue repair. Through his interdisciplinary approach combining orthopaedic biology, regenerative medicine, and biomaterials science, Dr. Cui continues to advance innovative treatments that address degenerative joint diseases at both cellular and clinical levels.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Cui, Q., Mihalko, W. M., Shields, J. S., Ries, M., & Saleh, K. J. (2007). Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers for the treatment of infection associated with total hip or knee arthroplasty. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), 89(4), 871–882.

Zhao, D., Zhang, F., Wang, B., Liu, B., Li, L., Kim, S. Y., Goodman, S. B., Hernigou, P., Cui, Q., … (2020). Guidelines for clinical diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in adults (2019 version). Journal of Orthopaedic Translation, 21, 100–110.

Wu, T. T., Sikes, R. A., Cui, Q., Thalmann, G. N., Kao, C., Murphy, C. F., Yang, H., … (1998). Establishing human prostate cancer cell xenografts in bone: Induction of osteoblastic reaction by prostate-specific antigen-producing tumors in athymic and SCID/bg mice using LNCaP sublines. International Journal of Cancer, 77(6), 887–894.

Wang, G. J., Cui, Q., & Balian, G. (2000). The pathogenesis and prevention of steroid-induced osteonecrosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 370, 295–310.

Cui, Q., Wang, G. J., & Balian, G. (1997). Steroid-induced adipogenesis in a pluripotential cell line from bone marrow. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), 79(7), 1054–1063.

Wang, Y., Li, Y., Mao, K., Li, J., Cui, Q., & Wang, G. J. (2003). Alcohol-induced adipogenesis in bone and marrow: A possible mechanism for osteonecrosis.Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 410, 213–224.

Misbah Hanif | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Misbah Hanif | Human Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dow University Of Health Sciences | Pakistan

Dr. Misbah Iqbal Hanif holds a Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Karachi, with research focused on the genetic and cytogenetic causes of recurrent spontaneous miscarriages. Her doctoral work, “A comparative analysis of spontaneous miscarriage couples through QF-PCR with STR markers and conventional cytogenetic tools,” integrated molecular and cytogenetic methodologies to identify chromosomal abnormalities contributing to pregnancy loss. Her research interests encompass reproductive genetics, cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics, and the application of genetic counseling in clinical settings. Dr. Hanif has experience in genetic screening, QF-PCR assay development, and the interpretation of chromosomal aberrations associated with gynecological disorders. Her work also bridges clinical genetics and public health, emphasizing early detection and counseling for inherited and endocrine-related diseases. She has contributed to translational genetics through her involvement in clinical research projects, including those addressing pediatric endocrine disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and metabolic syndromes. With additional certification in genetic counseling, her research and clinical contributions aim to advance genetic diagnostics, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen genetic counseling services within healthcare and academic environments.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Ali, A., Ali, N., Hanif, M. I., & Ali, S. R. (2024). Discovering Down’s syndrome: An account from a low middle income country. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(9).

Khan, H., Sher, S. A., Hanif, M. I., Zemawal, N. A., Ahmad, A., Khan, F., & Daftani, M. H. (2024). Prevalence, proportions, and identities of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the oral microflora of healthy children. Cureus, 16(8), 1–9.

Hanif, M. I., Ahmed, H., Ibrahim, M. N., Raza, J., & Ahmed, S. A. (2024). A novel de novo likely pathogenic variant of WFS1 gene in a Pakistani child with non-classic WFS1 spectrum disorder. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 36(2), 433–435.

Hanif, M. I., Ahmed, F., Raza, J., & Ali, S. R. (2024). Clinical outcomes of neonatal admissions with respiratory distress at Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology: An observational study. Pakistan Pediatric Journal, 48(1).

Hanif, M. I., Khan, S. W., Ali, S. R., & Raza, S. J. (2024). Neonatal disease presentations at a newly developed center in an LMIC: Insights from the spectrum of illness at SICHN. International Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatology, 6(1), 14–17.

Hanif, M. I., Mansoor, Q., Arif, A., Shoeb, E., Ismail, M., Khan, A., & Ahmed, S. A. (2024). Genetic evaluation of spontaneous miscarriages and couples through conventional and modern diagnostic tools. Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care.

Saeed Alghamdi | Clinical Ophthalmology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Saeed Alghamdi | Clinical Ophthalmology | Best Researcher Award

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center – Jeddah | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Saeed Abdullah Alghamdi is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH-RC), Jeddah, specializing in cornea and external diseases, uveitis, and refractive surgery. A fellowship-certified specialist from the University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Canada, he has extensive clinical and surgical experience encompassing complex cataract procedures, including phacoemulsification, ECCE, and SICS with monofocal and multifocal intraocular lens implantation, as well as advanced corneal transplantation techniques such as penetrating keratoplasty. His research interests focus on improving surgical outcomes in corneal transplantation, the management of uveitic complications, and innovations in refractive surgery techniques tailored to regional needs. Dr. Alghamdi has contributed to national and international ophthalmic conferences and collaborative clinical studies aimed at enhancing eye care delivery in the Middle East. In addition to his academic and research pursuits, he actively participates in ophthalmology awareness and humanitarian medical campaigns, including projects under the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Recognized for his leadership and professional excellence, he has received honors such as the Leadership Medal from the Saudi Arabian National Guard and the Saudi Ophthalmology Society Plaque of Distinction in 2023.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Flanders, M., Hwang, S. Y., Al-Ghamdi, S., Codère, F., & Desrosiers, M. (2007). Endoscopically assisted strabismus surgery. American Journal of Rhinology, 21(3), 297–301.

Blair, J., Hodge, W., Al-Ghamdi, S., Balabanian, R., Lowcock, B., Pan, Y. I., Sherif, H., Al-Mahmoud, T., Fergusson, D., & Slomovic, A. (2011). A comparison of antibiotic-only and antibiotic-steroid combination treatment in corneal ulcer patients: Double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 46(1), 40–45.

Alzahrani, S. M., Al-Ghamdi, S. A., Abdelaal, A. M., Abbas, E. A., Khan, M. A., & Al-Amri, A. W. (2018). Bacterial spectrum of external ocular infections: Prevalence and associated in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance in a tertiary care hospital. International Journal of Advanced Research, 6(1), 6296.

Alsubaie, M. A., Alghamdi, S. A., Alghamdi, S. A., Abdelaal, A. M., & Satti, M. B. (2018). Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis causing orbital apex syndrome and blindness. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 12(4), ND01–ND03.

Alkhoutani, E., Aldoosari, A., & Alghamdi, S. (2018). Systematic review of ocular side effect of systemic medications. International Journal of Current Advanced Research, 7(5L), 12658–12662.

Almajnoni, A. O., & Al-Ghamdi, S. A. (2020). Topiramate-induced acute, bilateral myopia in a migraine patient. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7(3), 1185–1188.