Ana Figueiras | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Figueiras | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Figueiras , Faculty of Pharmacy/University of Coimbra , Portugal

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, and a researcher at REQUIMTE/LAQV, focusing on Pharmaceutical Technology. She earned her PhD in Pharmaceutics from the University of Coimbra in 2009, specializing in drug delivery systems, particularly for cancer treatments. Throughout her career, Ana has worked on advancing the development of block copolymers and micellar systems for targeted drug delivery. With a strong academic background and international exposure, she has contributed significantly to the fields of pharmaceutics, drug formulation, and pharmaceutical sciences. Ana’s work has been recognized through various publications in top journals, and she is deeply involved in mentoring post-doctoral researchers. Her expertise and leadership in pharmaceutical research continue to influence the development of innovative therapies in the pharmaceutical field.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras is a highly accomplished researcher in pharmaceutical sciences, with extensive contributions to drug delivery systems, particularly focusing on micellar systems and polymeric micelles for cancer therapy. Her interdisciplinary work bridges pharmaceutics, chemistry, and biomedicine, showcasing her ability to innovate within drug delivery mechanisms for complex diseases. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Coimbra and an integrated member of the REQUIMTE/LAQV research group, she brings a wealth of academic and research leadership to her field.

Her innovative contributions have been recognized with various academic awards, including distinctions for oral communications and publications. Additionally, she has made substantial contributions to numerous collaborative research projects, focusing on the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drug delivery systems that target poorly soluble drugs, cancer therapies, and chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Areas for Improvement:

While Figueiras is a leading figure in the scientific community, expanding her outreach to a broader range of international research collaborations could further amplify her impact. Although her work on drug delivery systems has significant potential for clinical applications, there could be further focus on translating her findings from bench to bedside by collaborating with clinical researchers for clinical trials and regulatory studies. A stronger emphasis on commercialization of her research could also be beneficial for broader societal impact.

Education:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras pursued her academic journey in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences, beginning at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She graduated with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2002, followed by a PhD in Pharmaceutics at the same university in 2009. Her doctoral research was focused on enhancing drug solubility and permeability, with a specific focus on cyclodextrins and mucoadhesive polymers for buccal drug delivery. During her PhD, she gained international exposure by collaborating with the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and the University of Innsbruck, Austria. She is also registered as a member of the Ordem dos Farmacêuticos in Portugal since 2003. Ana’s educational foundation, combined with her interdisciplinary collaborations, has provided her with a robust understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and technologies, forming the cornerstone of her impactful career in academia and research.

Experience:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras has been an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, since September 2014, where she is an integrated Ph.D. member in the Pharmaceutical Technology group of REQUIMTE/LAQV. Prior to this, she was an Invited Assistant Professor from 2013 to 2014, working closely with the Center of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC/UC) and contributing as a collaborator in the Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS/UBI). Her academic roles involve teaching, mentoring students and postdoctoral fellows, and leading research projects on advanced drug delivery systems. She has also been involved in supervising several postdoctoral researchers, focusing on developing and characterizing polymeric micellar systems and controlled delivery systems for drugs like pilocarpine. Throughout her career, Ana has participated in various scientific projects, bringing valuable insights into the design of innovative drug delivery platforms with applications in cancer therapy and other medical conditions.

Awards and Honors:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras has received several accolades for her research excellence and contributions to the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences. In 2004, she was awarded a prestigious PhD fellowship by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), which enabled her to pursue her doctoral studies. In 2011, she received the Best Short Communication Award at the VI Annual CICS Symposium for her work on new therapeutic strategies for siRNA delivery. In 2012, she was honored with the Best Oral Communication Award for her research on Poloxamine-α-cyclodextrin supramolecular gels promoting osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. These awards underscore her commitment to scientific advancement, as she continues to lead innovative research in drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, and cancer therapy. Ana’s dedication to advancing pharmaceutics has also led her to mentor future generations of researchers, further solidifying her reputation as a leading academic in her field.

Research Focus:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras focuses her research on developing advanced drug delivery systems, specifically in the context of cancer therapies. Her primary research interest lies in utilizing block copolymers and micellar systems for targeted and controlled drug release. This includes the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs, improving their bioavailability, and creating novel pharmaceutical formulations for effective treatment. Ana is particularly interested in the development of polymeric micelles for the delivery of therapeutic agents, including drugs and genes, to treat various diseases, with a strong emphasis on oncology. Additionally, her research investigates the use of mucoadhesive polymers for drug delivery to mucosal surfaces. With a commitment to improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects, her work aims to enhance patient outcomes through innovative drug formulations. Ana is also involved in several projects that explore natural compounds and their potential for pharmaceutical applications, further contributing to advancements in the drug delivery and pharmaceutical fields.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Unraveling Rosmarinic Acid Anticancer Mechanisms in Oral Cancer Malignant Transformation” 🎗️🦷
  2. “Regulation and Safety of Cosmetics: Pre- and Post-Market Considerations for Adverse Events and Environmental Impacts” 💄⚖️
  3. “The Many Faces of Cyclodextrins within Self-Assembling Polymer Nanovehicles: From Inclusion Complexes to Valuable Structural and Functional Elements” 🔬🧪
  4. “Development and Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded TPGS/F127/P123 Polymeric Micelles as a Potential Therapy for Colorectal Cancer” 🍂⚕️
  5. “Pulmonary Delivery of Bacterial Lysates Mediated by Locust Bean Gum Microparticles” 🌬️🦠
  6. “Non-Toxic Mucoadhesive Locust Bean Gum Microparticles for Delivery of Bacterial Lysates to Prevent Respiratory Diseases” 🌱🫁
  7. “Polymersomes as the Next Attractive Generation of Drug Delivery Systems: Definition, Synthesis and Applications” 🧫💊
  8. “Nanotheranostics: The Afterglow for Cancer Immunotherapy” 💡💉
  9. “Acanthus Mollis Formulations for Transdermal Delivery: From Hydrogels to Emulsions” 🌿💧
  10. “A Review of the Application of Ganoderma Lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. in Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Cancer” 🍄💻

Conclusion:

Ana Figueiras’ expertise in pharmaceutical technology, particularly in the development of polymeric micelles for drug delivery, marks her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She is an exemplary figure in the realm of pharmaceutics with a strong research focus on improving drug therapies for cancer and other severe diseases. Her work continues to advance drug delivery systems, paving the way for future medical breakthroughs. Figueiras demonstrates a strong foundation in academic excellence, research innovation, and collaboration, positioning her as a leader in her field.

Iwona Kwiecień | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Iwona Kwiecień | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Iwona Kwiecień , Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute , Poland

Iwona Kwiecień, PhD, is an expert in clinical immunology and laboratory medicine. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in medical research, she has dedicated her career to exploring immunological mechanisms in various diseases. She is currently working at the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, where she serves as a lab specialist and lecturer. Dr. Kwiecień holds a PhD in Medical Science with a specialization in immunology from the Medical University of Warsaw. Her research focuses on the immune response in lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and other inflammatory diseases, employing advanced techniques such as multicolor flow cytometry. Her scientific contributions have been recognized globally, and she continues to shape the field of immunology through her research and teaching.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień possesses an impressive academic background and a consistent record of significant contributions to the field of immunology and medical research. With a Ph.D. in Medical Science and immunology, along with expertise in laboratory medicine, hematology, and flow cytometry, Dr. Kwiecień has shown remarkable skill in investigating the immune system’s role in lung cancer and other diseases. Her work on antigenic profiles in the lung cancer microenvironment, macrophage subpopulations in lung cancer, and immune responses in systemic inflammation highlights her strong research abilities. The 2024 habilitation diploma is a testament to her research excellence. Furthermore, Dr. Kwiecień has contributed to the publication of numerous peer-reviewed articles with significant citations and impact, indicating her strong presence in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Kwiecień has demonstrated significant strength in immunological research, expanding her focus to include other cancer types or diseases beyond lung cancer may broaden the scope of her impact. Additionally, fostering greater international collaboration could further enhance the dissemination of her research globally.

Education:

Iwona Kwiecień earned her Master of Science in Laboratory Medicine from the Medical University of Warsaw in 2012. Later, she completed her PhD at the same university’s First Faculty of Medicine, specializing in immunology, with a thesis on regulatory mechanisms of the immune response, which she defended in 2017. She further pursued a specialization in Laboratory Medical Hematology at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, completing it in 2021. Dr. Kwiecień is also set to receive her habilitation diploma from the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in 2024, based on her scientific achievements in lung cancer immunology. Throughout her academic journey, she has developed expertise in clinical cytology, flow cytometry, and immunological assays, contributing significantly to the scientific community.

Experience:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień has accumulated substantial experience in the field of laboratory medicine and immunology, working at several prestigious institutions. Since 2017, she has been a laboratory specialist and lecturer at the Military Institute of Medicine-National Research Institute in Warsaw, focusing on flow cytometry and hematology. Her role involves designing, performing, and analyzing complex experiments, as well as providing education and training to students. Prior to her current position, Dr. Kwiecień worked as a research coordinator assistant at BioVirtus Research Site and Clinical Research Group in Warsaw. Her academic career also includes time spent at the University Clinical Center of the Medical University of Warsaw, where she collaborated on various pathology and immunology projects. Dr. Kwiecień’s professional experience extends to overseeing numerous grants and research projects, including her work on macrophage subpopulations and lung cancer.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień has received several accolades in recognition of her outstanding contributions to science and research. Among her awards is the prestigious “Gold Laurel Graduate” medal for being the best graduate of Laboratory Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2013. She also received the 2nd award from the Polish Archives of Internal Medicine for her student research on macrophage subpopulations in sarcoidosis in 2014. Additionally, Dr. Kwiecień has been the recipient of numerous research grants, including the 2014-2015 Grant for Young Scientific Researcher from the Medical University of Warsaw. Her work on macrophage subpopulations in lung cancer earned her a statutory grant at the Military Institute of Medicine in 2018-2019. These awards reflect her exceptional research contributions and commitment to advancing the field of clinical immunology and laboratory medicine.

Research Focus:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień’s research focus lies primarily in the immunology of lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and inflammatory diseases. Her studies have explored immune responses, particularly the role of macrophages, regulatory T cells, and other immune cell populations in disease progression. A key area of her research involves the use of multicolor flow cytometry to assess antigenic profiles of cells in cancer microenvironments. She has contributed to the understanding of how immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, interact with tumor cells in the context of lung cancer and other inflammatory conditions. Dr. Kwiecień has also researched the impact of systemic inflammation on diseases like obstructive sleep apnea. Her work aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets and provide insights into the immune mechanisms driving various pathologies. Through her research, Dr. Kwiecień continues to contribute valuable knowledge to the fields of clinical immunology and hematology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Frequency and spontaneous cytotoxicity of natural killer cells in healthy children: preliminary results 🧬🧒
  2. Association between M1 and M2 macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and tobacco smoking in patients with sarcoidosis 💨🫁
  3. Cytometric analysis of perforin expression in NK cells, CD8+, and CD4+ lymphocytes in children with autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis 👶🦠
  4. T, B, and NKT Cells in Systemic Inflammation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea 😴🩺
  5. Macrophage polarization in interstitial lung diseases 💔🫁
  6. D4+/CD25high/FoxP3+/CD127- regulatory T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of lung cancer patients 🫀💉
  7. Elevated regulatory T cells, surface and intracellular CTLA‐4 expression and interleukin‐17 in the lung cancer microenvironment in humans 🫀🧪
  8. Elevated Foxp3/CD8 ratio in lung adenocarcinoma metastatic lymph nodes resected by transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy 🔬💊
  9. Immunophenotype of t cells expressing programmed death-1 and cytotoxic T cell antigen-4 in early lung cancer: local vs. systemic immune response 🎗️🫁
  10. Fas-positive lymphocytes are associated with systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep Apnea syndrome 🛏️🔬

Conclusion:

Dr. Iwona Kwiecień is a highly capable researcher whose work has made substantial contributions to clinical immunology. Her ongoing focus on the immune responses in cancer offers significant potential for advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. With a strong academic and research background, she is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.