Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fani Pantouli, Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, United States

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a passionate and results-driven research scientist with deep expertise in neuroscience, pharmacology, immunology, and oncology. A USA permanent resident, she currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center. Her work bridges cutting-edge vaccine development and cancer therapeutics, contributing significantly to preclinical and translational research. Dr. Pantouli’s scientific approach blends in vivo and in vitro techniques to uncover therapeutic pathways, particularly in head and neck cancer and viral immunology. Her interdisciplinary knowledge is reflected in a growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications addressing pressing biomedical challenges, from COVID-19 immunity to neuropsychiatric disorders. She is known for her innovative methodologies, collaborative mindset, and unwavering dedication to advancing human health. Dr. Pantouli’s work is making a meaningful impact on personalized medicine and translational therapeutics, positioning her as a rising leader in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Multidisciplinary Expertise
    Dr. Pantouli integrates neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and oncology into her research, making her contributions uniquely cross-disciplinary and impactful.

  2. High-Impact Research in Vaccine Development
    Her postdoctoral work on COVID-19 and respiratory viruses, particularly her development of T-cell profiling and viral neutralization assays, directly informs global efforts in personalized vaccine design.

  3. Innovative Cancer Models
    She developed a novel in vivo murine model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, advancing drug screening for p53-related targets. This is vital in understanding and treating cancers with p53 mutations.

  4. Robust Publication Record
    Dr. Pantouli has authored or co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (e.g., Vaccines, Neuropsychopharmacology), with several under review in top-tier outlets like Science and Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

  5. Focus on Health Equity
    Her research into ethnic differences in immune response underscores a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable healthcare.

  6. Experience in Preclinical & Translational Research
    Her hands-on experience building disease models and testing therapeutic strategies bridges basic science and clinical application—core to translational medicine.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent Research Leadership
    While she has made significant contributions as a postdoctoral fellow, moving toward independent investigator roles (e.g., PI on grants) would strengthen her candidacy.

  2. Visibility and Recognition
    Increased presence in international symposia, keynote talks, or award recognitions would help boost her visibility within the scientific community.

  3. Mentorship and Community Involvement
    Involvement in mentoring junior researchers or leading educational outreach initiatives could further showcase her leadership potential.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Pantouli holds a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology from the University of Surrey and St. George’s University of London, awarded between 2014 and 2017. Her doctoral studies explored neural mechanisms underpinning pharmacological and behavioral outcomes, laying a solid foundation for her current work in translational medicine. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed an MSc in Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Bristol in 2011, where she specialized in neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Bedfordshire in 2010, where she earned a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. Dr. Pantouli’s academic trajectory reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and a focus on brain and immune system interactions. Her education combines rigorous training in molecular biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, empowering her to address complex biomedical questions with a systems-level perspective.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Pantouli is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in Vaccine Development Research at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center (June 2023 – Present), where she investigates T cell immune responses and develops viral neutralization assays for respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cancer Research Lab at the same institute (January 2022 – June 2023), where she created innovative murine models of head and neck cancer to evaluate therapeutic efficacy targeting mutant p53. Her research integrates advanced in vivo systems and immune profiling to enhance drug discovery and vaccine evaluation. With a decade-long track record across academia and clinical research centers, Dr. Pantouli has developed robust platforms for translational research, immunotherapeutics, and precision medicine. Her skills span experimental design, animal modeling, immunoassays, and bioanalysis, equipping her to tackle critical gaps in infectious disease and oncology treatment strategies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Pantouli’s research is centered on translational medicine, focusing on vaccine development, immunotherapy, and molecular pharmacology. Her current projects address immune modulation in viral infections, especially COVID-19, and the development of preclinical assays for vaccine and drug evaluation. She also leads research in oncology, particularly targeting p53 mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using in vivo models. Her earlier academic work examined the neural and behavioral effects of neuropeptides and receptor modulators in models of autism and Fragile X Syndrome, showing a consistent interest in neuroimmune interactions. She employs a multidisciplinary approach—blending pharmacological, molecular, and immunological tools—to explore how targeted therapies can be optimized for diverse populations. Her work is vital for advancing personalized medicine, especially for aging populations and ethnically diverse cohorts, where vaccine efficacy and immune response can differ significantly.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧫 Ethnic differences in COVID-19 T cell immunity responses across variants from Wuhan to OmicronAccepted in Vaccines

  • 🧠 Evaluation of SR-17018 and oxycodone in the conditioned place preference paradigm using peanut butter chip vehicleIn preparation, Neuropharmacology

  • 🧬 Generation of antigen-specific paired heavy-light chain antibody sequences using large language modelsSubmitted to Science

  • 💉 COVID-19 Vaccination Enhances the Immunogenicity of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in the ElderlyVaccines (2025)

  • 🧩 Tilted striatofugal balance and mGluR4 modulation in the Fmr1 mouse model of Fragile X SyndromeUnder review, Journal of Biological Psychiatry

  • 👃 Acute, chronic and conditioned effects of intranasal oxytocin in mu opioid receptor knockout mice: social context mattersNeuropsychopharmacology (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a highly promising and impactful scientist whose research spans some of the most critical health challenges of our time—infectious diseases, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her technical expertise, innovative model development, and deep understanding of immune and neural systems make her an excellent nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

An Dai Tran | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. An Dai Tran | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. An Dai Tran, Walailak University, Vietnam

Dr. An Dai Tran is a dedicated medical doctor and emerging public health researcher from Vietnam, currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Walailak University, Thailand. He works at the CDC Dong Thap, focusing on vaccination programs and infectious disease control, including dengue fever, COVID-19, and measles. With several years of hands-on experience in clinical trials and epidemiological research, Dr. Tran has made significant contributions to community health. His published work on vaccination adherence among minority groups in Vietnam has had real-world impact on public health campaigns. Additionally, he has co-developed innovative tools for behavioral science and contributed to machine learning applications in mental health. Collaborating with global institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Pasteur Institute, Dr. Tran’s work reflects a commitment to translational research, public health equity, and data-driven health interventions. His profile is marked by scientific rigor, international collaboration, and service to underserved populations.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Interdisciplinary Research Excellence
    Dr. Tran’s research spans infectious diseases, vaccination behavior, and digital mental health—demonstrating versatility and innovation in addressing modern public health challenges.

  2. Practical and Policy-Relevant Impact
    His work on vaccination adherence in minority communities has real-world implications for national health policy and outreach programs, especially in underserved populations.

  3. Strong Clinical Trial Experience
    He has held critical roles in major vaccine trials (COVID-19 and hand-foot-mouth disease), showing competence in trial design, blinding, and coordination—essential for translational health research.

  4. Collaborative Global Network
    Dr. Tran has established collaborations with renowned institutions such as the University of Queensland and the Pasteur Institute, boosting the credibility and scalability of his research.

  5. Innovation in Mental Health Analytics
    His application of AI and machine learning to post-COVID mental health challenges shows forward-thinking research methodology with future potential.

  6. Published and Cited
    With publications in peer-reviewed journals like Jornal de Pediatria and Journal of Human, Earth, and Future, and a growing citation index, he is building a solid academic foundation.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Indexing and Citations
    While promising, most of his current publications are in emerging or interdisciplinary journals. Publishing in higher-impact, SCI-indexed journals could enhance academic visibility.

  2. Editorial and Peer Review Roles
    Taking on editorial appointments or peer-review duties would strengthen his professional profile and leadership in research.

  3. Mentorship and Teaching Contribution
    Engaging in formal mentorship or academic teaching roles would reflect his potential as a knowledge disseminator and academic influencer.

  4. Expanded Public Health Policy Impact
    Future work that integrates direct contributions to policy development or national programs would further validate his applied research strengths.

🎓 Education:

Dr. An Dai Tran holds a medical degree and is currently completing a Master’s in Public Health at the School of Public Health, Walailak University, Thailand. He was awarded a full scholarship for his postgraduate studies in recognition of his academic excellence and commitment to public health. His education bridges clinical medicine with population-level health sciences, equipping him with multidisciplinary expertise to tackle emerging global health challenges. At Walailak University, Dr. Tran has deepened his knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, global health policy, and digital health technologies. His academic training is complemented by a strong foundation in research methodology and ethics, allowing him to conduct high-impact studies and clinical trials. His exposure to both theoretical and practical facets of public health, along with mentorship from international experts, positions him as a future leader in healthcare innovation, with special focus on vaccine-preventable diseases and mental health research in Southeast Asia.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Tran brings valuable on-ground experience through his work at the CDC Dong Thap in Vietnam, where he has led and supported various national vaccination campaigns and infectious disease monitoring systems. He has been actively involved in both the operational and research aspects of public health interventions. His clinical trial roles include coordinating blinded and double-blinded studies on COVID-19 and hand-foot-mouth vaccines. Notably, he served as a research coordinator in large-scale, placebo-controlled trials with rigorous ethical and methodological frameworks. His consultancy record includes four projects in collaboration with governmental and academic institutions, such as the University of Queensland (E-Dengue Project) and the Pasteur Institute (Vietnam-based vaccine research). Dr. Tran’s experience spans public health research, disease surveillance, behavioral analysis, and machine learning for mental health prediction. His combined roles as physician, coordinator, and academic researcher highlight his versatility, responsibility, and drive for impactful health innovations that reach marginalized communities.

🧠 Research Focus:

Dr. Tran’s research lies at the intersection of infectious diseases, vaccination behavior, and digital mental health. His primary interest is understanding the behavioral and sociocultural factors affecting vaccine uptake, particularly among ethnic minority populations. His first-author publication on this topic has already contributed to improved regional strategies for vaccine delivery. Expanding into digital health, Dr. Tran has co-developed psychological assessment tools and applied machine learning to detect mental health issues in post-COVID patients. His work in computational psychiatry includes Reddit-based community sentiment analysis and comparative modeling for long COVID mental health prediction. By merging AI with public health, he aims to enhance early detection and intervention systems. His approach reflects a holistic vision—bridging clinical practice, community outreach, and technology—with a commitment to healthcare equity. Dr. Tran’s research is not only academically sound but also practically applicable, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for health and well-being.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Parental predictors of childhood vaccination adherence in border areas of Southern Vietnam – Jornal de Pediatria.

  2. 🏃‍♂️ Initial Construction of the Exercise Maintenance Motivation Scale: A Mixed Method Study – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  3. 🤖 An Analysis of Machine Learning for Detecting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress of Recovered COVID-19 Patients – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  4. 🧠 Exploring Mental Stress Expressions in Online Communities: A Subreddit Analysis – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

  5. 🧪 Mental health and long COVID status prediction among recovered COVID-19 patients: A comparison of machine learning methods – Journal of Human, Earth, and Future.

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. An Dai Tran is a highly promising early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary work in public health is both scientifically rigorous and socially impactful. His blend of clinical trial expertise, digital health innovation, and public health behavior research makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there is room to grow in areas like journal prestige and academic leadership, his current trajectory, achievements, and commitment to health equity clearly demonstrate award-worthy excellence.

Yidong Wei | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yidong Wei | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yidong Wei , Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University , China

Dr. Yidong Wei, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, is a distinguished professor and the Chief of Cardiology at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University. He also holds a clinician management role at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford. With a strong foundation in both clinical and translational research, Dr. Wei has built an internationally recognized career focused on interventional cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, and cardiovascular epidemiology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, reflecting his global academic influence. Known for bridging clinical care with bench-side discovery, his work has advanced understanding in myocardial infarction, heart failure, and calcium signaling in cardiomyocytes. With numerous high-impact publications and leadership in multicenter registries like NOAFCAMI-SH, Dr. Wei’s contributions are widely cited and clinically relevant. His dual academic and clinical roles across China and the UK highlight his dedication to innovation, international collaboration, and excellence in cardiovascular medicine.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. High-Impact Research Output:
    Dr. Wei has authored or co-authored more than 18 recent peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals such as Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews, Redox Biology, Cardiovascular Diabetology, and ESC Heart Failure. Many of these works are already cited, indicating early academic impact and relevance.

  2. Dual Focus – Basic and Clinical Science:
    His research bridges the gap between molecular mechanisms (e.g., calcium signaling, TRIM21, PTEN) and clinical cardiology (e.g., atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, cardiac remodeling), highlighting a robust translational focus.

  3. Leadership and Collaboration:
    He serves as Chief of Cardiology at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital and a Clinician Manager at the University of Oxford, demonstrating international leadership and cross-border collaboration.

  4. Registry Leadership (NOAFCAMI-SH):
    His work through the NOAFCAMI-SH registry provides real-world evidence on cardiovascular disease progression, risk prediction, and treatment response—critical for patient-centered care.

  5. Prestigious Recognition:
    Dr. Wei is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), a title reserved for top-tier cardiovascular professionals with sustained excellence.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Research Leadership:
    While Dr. Wei has strong China–UK collaborations, leading global multicenter clinical trials or international consortia would further solidify his standing.

  2. Public Engagement and Knowledge Translation:
    Though academically prolific, increased involvement in public health education or policy advocacy could amplify the real-world impact of his research.

  3. Mentorship Track Record Visibility:
    Highlighting mentorship of junior researchers and postdocs more explicitly in profiles and bios would enhance his case for a holistic academic leadership award.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Wei began his medical education at Henan Medical University, where he completed clinical training with a focus on cardiovascular medicine. Driven by a passion for research, he pursued and completed his Ph.D. in 2004, with a specialization in cardiac electrophysiology and calcium signaling pathways. His graduate studies were complemented by advanced basic science training at the University of Kentucky, USA, a leading institution in biomedical research. Between 2004 and 2006, Dr. Wei completed postdoctoral research, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction and electrophysiology. His educational background reflects a balanced integration of rigorous clinical education and innovative research development, equipping him with the tools necessary to bridge bedside care with laboratory insights. This foundation has allowed Dr. Wei to contribute to both academic medicine and cutting-edge cardiovascular research, distinguishing him as a leader with comprehensive and global training in the field.

🏥 Experience:

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Yidong Wei serves as Professor and Chief of the Department of Cardiology at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University. His role extends internationally, acting as Clinician Manager at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism. His clinical expertise spans interventional cardiology, acute coronary syndromes, and electrophysiological interventions, while his research roles emphasize trial design, biomarker discovery, and cellular cardiology. He has led and contributed to large-scale registries like NOAFCAMI-SH, generating evidence that informs guidelines for myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation. His professional experience combines healthcare leadership, cross-border academic collaboration, and impactful research. As a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, he is actively engaged in academic societies and peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Wei’s experience reflects an enduring commitment to patient care, innovation in research, and mentorship of future cardiology leaders, marking him as a high-impact contributor in his field.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Yidong Wei’s research lies at the intersection of clinical cardiology and molecular medicine. He focuses on interventional cardiology, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and calcium signaling pathways in cardiac myocytes. A major theme in his work is the electrophysiological basis of heart failure and age-related changes in ventricular function. Using techniques like patch clamping, calcium imaging, laser confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, he investigates calcium channel regulation and excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac cells. Clinically, he leads research through the NOAFCAMI-SH registry, analyzing systemic inflammation, hyperglycemia, atrial fibrillation, and long-term cardiac outcomes. His work advances the understanding of post-infarction remodeling and atrial pathology. Combining basic science with real-world data, Dr. Wei’s research bridges gaps in translational cardiology and offers therapeutic targets for chronic cardiac conditions. His integrative approach makes him a pioneer in translating bench findings into bedside impact, with potential to redefine cardiac care strategies globally.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📈 Association of stress hyperglycemia ratio with atrial fibrillation and outcomes in myocardial infarction

  2. 🧪 Prognostic implications of systemic immune-inflammation index in MI patients with and without diabetes

  3. 🧬 TRIM21 deficiency protects heart post-MI by reducing oxidative stress

  4. 🫀 4S-AF scheme for characterizing atrial fibrillation after myocardial infarction

  5. 🔬 TRIM21 worsens cardiac injury via M1 macrophage polarization post-MI

  6. 🧮 Stress hyperglycemia and outcomes in MI with and without diabetes mellitus

  7. 💉 ZPI protects endothelium via PI3K/Akt pathway activation against ox-LDL

  8. 📊 Atrial fibrillation’s prognosis across heart failure subtypes post-MI

  9. 🕒 Five-year outcomes post left atrial appendage occlusion

  10. 🧫 PTEN and serum deprivation-induced cytotoxicity via PI3K/AKT pathway

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yidong Wei stands out as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to cardiovascular research—spanning cutting-edge basic science to influential clinical trials—are both innovative and impactful. His leadership roles, international presence, and translational focus align perfectly with the goals of this prestigious recognition. Given his trajectory, Dr. Wei is not only a leader in current cardiovascular research but also a driver of future scientific breakthroughs.