Alejandro Rojas | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alejandro Rojas | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Alejandro Rojas | Austral University of Chile | Germany

Dr. Alejandro Alfredo Rojas Fernández is a distinguished Chilean molecular biotechnologist and neuroscientist, currently serving as CEO of Berking Theranostics UG in Hamburg, Germany, and Assistant Professor at the Universidad Austral de Chile. With over two decades of research spanning neurodegeneration, immunology, and viral pathogenesis, Dr. Rojas-Fernández has emerged as a leading expert in molecular diagnostics and theranostics. His innovative work has significantly impacted global health, notably through his contributions to SARS-CoV-2 research and senolytic therapies. A dual academic and entrepreneur, he bridges fundamental science and clinical application, actively publishing in top-tier journals such as Nature Aging, Molecular Psychiatry, and Journal of Cell Biology. Fluent in interdisciplinary collaboration, his efforts have been internationally recognized with multiple honors. With a passion for translational science, Dr. Rojas-Fernández continues to inspire the next generation of biomedical innovators through mentorship and leadership in biotechnology and neuroscience.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Alejandro Rojas-Fernández earned his PhD in Biology from the University of Konstanz, Germany (2006–2010), where his research focused on the regulation of Hdm2/HdmX-mediated ubiquitination and neddylation—mechanisms central to protein stability and cancer biology. Prior to his doctorate, he completed his engineering degree in Molecular Biotechnology (2004–2005) and his B.Sc. in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering (2000–2004) at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile—one of Latin America’s leading research institutions. His multidisciplinary education integrates molecular biology, neurobiology, immunology, and translational medicine, equipping him with the foundational and advanced tools to tackle complex biomedical challenges. Dr. Rojas-Fernández’s academic training has been marked by academic excellence and international mobility, enabling him to collaborate and lead research projects across Europe and Latin America.

Experience:

Dr. Rojas-Fernández brings over 20 years of experience in translational biomedical research, academia, and biotech innovation. As CEO of Berking Theranostics UG, he spearheads the development of personalized diagnostic platforms and therapeutics, with a focus on neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. In his role as Assistant Professor at Universidad Austral de Chile (20% appointment), he leads the Medical Biotechnology Laboratory within the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), contributing to scientific training and cutting-edge research. He previously trained and collaborated at institutions such as the University of Dundee, University of Queensland, and University of Constance, advancing molecular mechanisms of SUMOylation, proteostasis, inflammasome biology, and viral-host interactions. His interdisciplinary expertise allows him to translate complex cellular insights into tangible clinical applications, and his leadership has resulted in high-impact publications, product pipelines, and strategic biotech partnerships in Europe and Latin America.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Rojas-Fernández has received multiple prestigious honors recognizing his innovative biomedical research. In February 2025, he was named “Innovator of the Month” by Hamburg Invest for groundbreaking biotech contributions in Germany. He was awarded the Medal of the City of Valdivia for his vital role in controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, one of the highest local honors in Chile. Additionally, he received the 2nd of October Medal for Science and Innovation, recognizing his scientific leadership in Chile’s Los Ríos region. These accolades underscore his impact on global public health, neurodegenerative research, and biotechnology entrepreneurship. His consistent recognition reflects a career dedicated to translational excellence, fostering international collaboration, and advancing science for the benefit of society. His scientific achievements continue to inspire innovation and interdisciplinary approaches within the global scientific community.

Research Focus:

Dr. Alejandro Rojas-Fernández’s research centers on cellular stress responses, ubiquitin/SUMO signaling, neurodegeneration, and host-pathogen interactions. A core focus is the molecular crosstalk between autophagy, protein quality control, and inflammasome activation in brain and immune cells. He has made significant advances in understanding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on microglia, mechanisms of senescence in aging brains, and nanobody-based viral neutralization. His studies also explore the intersection of endoplasmic reticulum stress and neurodegenerative pathways, using high-content screening and proteomics to uncover therapeutic targets. He actively translates molecular insights into diagnostics and theranostic tools, positioning him at the forefront of personalized medicine. As CEO of a biotech startup, he is developing platforms that integrate biomarker discovery with AI for neuroinflammation profiling. His research bridges fundamental biology and clinical applications, promoting innovative therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and viral infections.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Negative Modulation of Macroautophagy by Stabilized HERPUD1… – Front Cell Dev Biol, 2022

  2. SARS-CoV-2 drives NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human microglia… – Mol Psychiatry, 2022

  3. The p97/VCP segregase is essential for arsenic-induced degradation of PML… – J Cell Biol, 2023

  4. Lack of Parkinsonian Pathology after Proteasome Inhibitor Injection… – Front Aging Neurosci, 2021

  5. NSPA modulates postsynaptic NMDAR stability… – BMC Biol, 2020

  6. Role of PSMD14 in Golgi-to-ER transport and APP processing – Cells, 2020

  7. WDR90 in NLRC4 inflammasome and Salmonella resistance – Dev Comp Immunol, 2019

  8. Proteomic identification of APC interaction partners – Mol Cancer Res, 2019

  9. DHX15 regulates CMTR1-dependent gene expression – Life Sci Alliance, 2018

  10.  Membrane ruffling by polarized stim1 and orai1 – Sci Reports, 2017

Conclusion:

Dr. Alejandro Alfredo Rojas Fernández stands out as a pioneering researcher who consistently delivers scientifically rigorous, socially impactful, and clinically relevant work. His career spans critical sectors—basic research, applied biotechnology, and public health—making him a model example of the translational scientist. With accolades from both European and Latin American institutions and a track record of high-impact publications, Dr. Rojas exemplifies what it means to be a globally relevant and community-driven scientist. His work during the COVID-19 pandemic, innovations in molecular neuroscience, and leadership in therapeutic biotechnology underscore his immense value to the global research community. In conclusion, he is not only a suitable but a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Salam Bani Hani | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Salam Bani Hani | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Salam Bani Hani , Irbid National University , Jordan

Dr. Salam Bani Hani is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Nursing Department at Irbid National University, Jordan. She holds a PhD in Nursing Philosophy from the University of Jordan, where she earned a perfect GPA of 4/4. She also holds an MSc in Nursing Service Administration from Jordan University of Science and Technology and a BSN from Al-Al Bayt University. Dr. Bani Hani has a strong academic background, and her research primarily focuses on nursing documentation, healthcare data, and predictive models in healthcare. In addition to her academic role, she has extensive clinical experience, having worked as a patient and family educator in Qatar and a clinical instructor at Al-Al Bayt University. She has made significant contributions to nursing education and research, publishing numerous studies in international journals and presenting at conferences globally. Her expertise bridges clinical practice and academic advancement.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Salam Bani Hani demonstrates remarkable expertise in nursing research, with a clear focus on the integration of technology and data analytics in healthcare. Her work on using large-scale data to predict ischemic heart disease and her contributions to nursing documentation through comparative studies of paper-based and electronic health records reflect her ability to tackle relevant, contemporary issues in healthcare. Her research has been widely published in respected journals, with numerous articles on topics such as digital health literacy, the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and predicting mortality in heart disease patients. Her academic excellence, reflected in her perfect PhD GPA, coupled with her extensive teaching experience, makes her an exemplary candidate for this award.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Bani Hani’s academic and clinical achievements are impressive, further engagement in collaborative, interdisciplinary research could enhance the impact of her work. Additionally, expanding her outreach through international conferences and workshops could elevate her profile even further.

Education:

Dr. Salam Bani Hani holds a PhD in Nursing Philosophy from the University of Jordan (2019–2022), graduating with an exceptional GPA of 4/4. Her dissertation focused on predicting ischemic heart disease in the Jordanian population using large-scale data. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSc) in Nursing Service Administration from Jordan University of Science and Technology, where she received a GPA of 94.1. Her thesis explored the quality of nursing documentation, comparing paper-based and electronic health records. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Al-Al Bayt University in 2011 with an excellent GPA of 88.7. Dr. Bani Hani’s academic achievements are complemented by various specialized training courses, including life support, pain management, and simulation education, all of which contribute to her comprehensive expertise in nursing and healthcare.

Experience:

Dr. Salam Bani Hani currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Nursing Department at Irbid National University, Jordan. She has been in this role since November 2023. Previously, she was a Clinical Instructor at Al-Al Bayt University, teaching across various nursing fields such as medical-surgical, emergency, and critical care. She has also served as a Patient and Family Educator at Hamad Medical City, Qatar, from 2018 to 2019. Dr. Bani Hani started her clinical career as a Staff Nurse in the emergency ward at Jordan University Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in the Middle East. She has extensive experience in both clinical practice and teaching, specializing in nursing education, patient care, and healthcare management. Additionally, she actively participates in various professional development programs and workshops, contributing significantly to both academia and practice in the nursing field.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Salam Bani Hani has received numerous accolades in recognition of her academic and professional achievements. She earned the highest honors in her PhD studies, graduating with a perfect GPA of 4/4 from the University of Jordan. Throughout her career, she has contributed to advancing nursing education and practice, and her work has been published in several prestigious journals. Additionally, she has been involved in organizing and attending key nursing conferences, including the 2nd International Nursing Conference in 2023. Dr. Bani Hani’s work in the realm of healthcare data analysis, digital health, and nursing documentation has earned her recognition in both academic and clinical settings. Her dedication to improving healthcare delivery through research and education has been recognized by peers and institutions, positioning her as a leader in the nursing profession. She has also contributed significantly to nursing education through various workshops and specialized training programs.

Research Focus:

Dr. Salam Bani Hani’s research focuses on the intersection of nursing education, digital health, and predictive healthcare models. Her PhD dissertation explored the use of large-scale data to predict ischemic heart disease among the Jordanian population, which aligns with her research interest in healthcare data analytics. She has extensively researched nursing documentation, comparing paper-based versus electronic health records, and has contributed to advancing the field of digital health literacy. Dr. Bani Hani is particularly interested in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare, with research that investigates how AI can be used to improve patient care and support healthcare decision-making. Her work also delves into the competencies required for oncology nurses and the role of technology in improving clinical practices. Additionally, she has explored the impact of COVID-19 on nursing practices and is actively involved in enhancing nursing education through blended learning and interactive training.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Quality of nursing documentation: Paper‐based health records versus electronic‐based health records 📚
  • Machine-learning algorithms for ischemic heart disease prediction: a systematic review 💻
  • Attitudes of Jordanian Oncology Nurses Toward Computerization 📊
  • Electronic health literacy and its association with lifestyle behavior among undergraduate students 💡
  • Assessment of genetic variation among Jordanian barley landraces (Hordeum vulgare L.) 🌾
  • Large-scale data in health care: a concept analysis 🏥
  • Transforming cancer clinical trials: The integral role of artificial intelligence in electronic health records 🤖
  • Effective prediction of mortality by heart disease among women in Jordan using the chi-squared automatic interaction detection model 🩺
  • Effectiveness of blended learning basic life support module on knowledge and skills: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials 💡
  • Assessing digital health literacy level among nurses in Jordanian hospitals 🏥

Conclusion:

Dr. Salam Bani Hani is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her consistent contributions to advancing nursing practice, her innovative use of technology in healthcare, and her rigorous academic achievements reflect her commitment to improving patient care and nursing education. With her comprehensive skill set and dedication, she continues to make significant strides in both clinical and academic research, positioning her as a leader in her field.