Yong-Soo Bae | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yong-Soo Bae | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yong-Soo Bae | Sungkyunkwan University | South Korea

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae is a distinguished immunologist and professor at the Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea. He currently serves as the Director of the SRC Center for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organs (CIRNOS). With over three decades of academic, clinical, and industry experience, Dr. Bae is internationally recognized for his pioneering research in immunology, virology, and vaccine development. His multidisciplinary contributions span academia, biotech innovation (as CEO/CTO of JW Creagene Inc.), and scientific leadership, including organizing global conferences and serving as editor-in-chief and president in numerous societies. His work focuses on immune modulation, cancer immunotherapy, and mucosal vaccines, which has led to influential publications in prestigious journals like Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Advanced Materials. Dr. Bae’s career reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and education, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Pioneering Research Leadership
    Dr. Bae has led groundbreaking research in immunology, particularly in immune regulation of non-lymphoid organs, vaccine development, and cancer immunotherapy. His leadership of the Center for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organs (CIRNOS) demonstrates his national influence in immune research.

  2. Extensive Scientific Contributions
    With over 18 high-impact publications in the past 3–4 years alone, including in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Molecular Therapy, Science Advances, and Advanced Materials, Dr. Bae continues to push the boundaries of translational immunology and personalized medicine.

  3. International & Interdisciplinary Experience
    His training at Harvard Medical School, his professorships across Korean institutions, and leadership at JW Creagene Inc. showcase both academic and industrial impact.

  4. Scientific Community Engagement
    Roles such as Editor-in-Chief, society president, and organizer of global conferences (e.g., DC2012) reflect his commitment to advancing scientific dialogue and collaboration.

  5. Mentorship and Institutional Development
    Dr. Bae has contributed significantly to capacity building in Korea’s biomedical research landscape, mentoring junior scientists and shaping departmental growth.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Collaboration Visibility
    While his work is highly impactful in Korea and Asia, more joint publications with global institutions (e.g., NIH, Oxford, Karolinska) could further enhance international research influence.

  2. Patent and Commercial Output Reporting
    As former CEO/CTO of JW Creagene, elaborating on patented innovations or therapeutic products brought to market would strengthen the case for translational impact.

  3. Formal Recognition or Awards
    Inclusion of formal honors (e.g., national science medals, international society awards) would help quantify his recognition outside Korea.

  4. Consistent Author Disambiguation
    In some publications, author names appear as “Y.S. Bae” or “Yong-soo Bae.” Consistent use of a standardized author name across indexing platforms would help centralize his citation metrics and scholarly footprint.

 

🎓 Education:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Microbiology from Seoul National University in 1981 and 1983, respectively. His foundational training in microbiology laid the groundwork for his research trajectory in infectious disease and immunology. He earned his Ph.D. in 1990 from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in the Virology Division of the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine. His doctoral research was crucial in shaping his interest in host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation. Dr. Bae’s international education experience has enabled him to blend Western and Eastern biomedical research paradigms, contributing to his ability to lead collaborative global projects and initiatives in immunotherapy and vaccine innovation.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae’s professional career spans academia, research, and biotech leadership. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School (1991–1993), which enriched his expertise in cancer immunology. He held professorial roles at Hannam University (1993–2003) before joining Sungkyunkwan University in 2004, where he later became Department Chair and Distinguished Professor. Dr. Bae also served as Director of CIRNOS (2017–2024) and led JW Creagene Inc. as CEO/CTO (1998–2015), bridging science and industry. His editorial and leadership roles include Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Bacteriology and Virology, President of the Korean Society of Virology, and Vice President of the Korean Vaccine Society. His diverse roles demonstrate a unique blend of academic excellence, organizational leadership, and translational research expertise.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae’s research focuses on innate and adaptive immune regulation, tumor immunology, mucosal immunotherapy, and vaccine delivery. He investigates cellular interactions in the immune microenvironment, with particular attention to innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), neutrophils, and dendritic cells. His translational work includes novel vaccine platforms, epitranscriptomics, immune checkpoint modulation (e.g., CISH, PD-1), and cell therapy for diseases such as asthma, leukemia, and cancer. He also explores microbiome-immune crosstalk and inflammation-related organ damage (e.g., renal fibrosis, lung inflammation). His group has published extensively on m6A modifiers, microRNAs, and innovative delivery systems like gel-to-nanovaccines. His latest studies dive into immunometabolism and the interplay between immune cells and tissue repair, offering groundbreaking insights for future immunotherapies. Dr. Bae’s work is highly cited and remains at the forefront of immune system-based therapeutic innovation.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Therapeutic Potential of microRNA Against Th2-associated Immune Disorders – Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry (2021)

  2. 💉 COVID-19 Vaccines and Oral-Mucosal Vector System as a Potential Vaccine Platform – Vaccines (2021)

  3. 🧬 Immunotherapeutic Potential of m6A-Modifiers and microRNAs in AML – Biomedicines (2021)

  4. 🎯 Epitranscriptomic Approach to Improve ICB Therapy by Targeting CISH – Cells (2021)

  5. 🧫 TFH-B-TRM Dysregulation and Anti-PD-1 Responses in EGFR-mutant Lung Cancer – Nature Communications (2021)

  6. 🧪 Adenoviral CD200R-Ig Enhances Antitumor Immunity via M2 Macrophage Inhibition – Molecular Therapy

  7. 🌫 Air Pollutant-induced Neutrophils Worsen Airway Inflammation – JACI (2021)

  8. 🦠 NCR+ILC3s and the Microbiome in Asthma Severity – Immune Network (2021)

  9. 📖 Advances in Personalized Therapy for AML by Targeting Intracellular Checkpoints – eBook Chapter (2021)

  10. 🧵 Siglec-F Neutrophils Drive Fibrosis in Renal Disease – JCI (2022)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae is an exceptional and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions over four decades span foundational research, translational innovation, academic leadership, and scientific diplomacy. The depth of his scientific output, particularly in immunology, epigenetics, and vaccine development, is matched by his long-term commitment to mentoring, editorial work, and building research institutions in Korea.While enhancing his global recognition and expanding international collaborative outputs could further elevate his status, Dr. Bae’s consistent high-impact contributions, research leadership, and policy involvement clearly position him as a top-tier researcher in the life sciences.

Dagmar Schmid | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Dagmar Schmid | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Dagmar Schmid, HOCH, Health Ostschweiz, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, Klinik für Psychosomatik und Konsiliarpsychiatrie, Switzerland

PD Dr. med. Dagmar A. Schmid is a German physician and internationally recognized expert in psychosomatic medicine, consultative psychiatry, and sleep research. Born in Neuburg/Donau in 1969, she currently serves as Chief Physician and Director at the Clinic for Psychosomatics, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Switzerland. With over two decades of experience across leading institutions in Germany and Switzerland, Dr. Schmid has made significant contributions to research on chronic pain, sleep disorders, stress, trauma, and Long COVID. Her integrative, evidence-based clinical approach bridges psychotherapy, neuroendocrinology, and psychosomatic care. She is also a passionate educator, holding lectureships at UZH, ETH, HSG, and USB, and is involved in curriculum development for medical training. A Fellow of the Max Planck Society, she holds a habilitation from the University of Zurich. Dr. Schmid combines research leadership, therapeutic innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a compelling candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths Supporting Suitability for the Award:

1. Outstanding Clinical-Scientific Integration

  • PD Dr. Schmid bridges psychiatry, psychosomatics, sleep medicine, and trauma, integrating clinical practice with impactful research.

  • Her work is deeply translational, evidenced by studies like CBT for narcolepsy, multimodal pain therapy, and psychotraumatology in somatic settings.

2. Highly Relevant and Timely Research Topics

  • Research on Long COVID, psychotraumatology, insomnia, and workplace mental health is at the forefront of global health challenges.

  • Interdisciplinary projects (e.g., with neurology, gynecology, immunology) reflect innovation and relevance to both women’s and public health.

3. International Recognition & Academic Output

  • Over 40 peer-reviewed publications, including in high-impact journals.

  • Multiple first-author papers, invited talks, and poster awards reflect peer validation.

  • Recipient of prestigious awards and fellowships (e.g., Max Planck Society, Heraeus Foundation).

4. Leadership and Mentorship

  • Clinic Director and Chief Physician since 2017.

  • Responsible for establishing therapy units and sleep diagnostics services.

  • Supervises dissertations, reflecting her mentorship commitment, especially valuable for empowering future women researchers.

5. Teaching & Outreach

  • Teaching roles at major Swiss institutions (ETH, UZH, HSG, USB).

  • Leadership in educational modules on psychosomatics, communication, and sleep disorders.

  • Speaker in national specialist curricula, enhancing knowledge dissemination.

6. Focus on Women’s Health

  • Specific projects on gynecological trauma, psychosomatics in oncology, and stress-related conditions affecting women’s mental and physical health.

⚠️ Areas for Potential Improvement or Future Growth:

1. International Visibility in Gender-Specific Medicine

  • While her research is highly relevant to women’s mental health, more direct engagement in gender-specific medical research networks or global women’s health collaborations would further strengthen her candidacy.

2. Research Leadership in Consortia

  • Leading international multicenter studies or EU-funded programs would enhance her influence on policy-level decisions in women’s mental health.

3. Visibility in Advocacy and Policy

  • Greater participation in public policy or healthcare advisory roles (e.g., for WHO or national bodies) on topics like Long COVID in women or trauma-informed care would expand her societal impact.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Schmid earned her medical doctorate at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, with a dissertation on hormone secretion and sleep EEG in depression. From 1998 to 2002, she held a prestigious scholarship from the Max Planck Society, further advancing her research in psychoneuroendocrinology. Her habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) was completed at the University of Zurich in 2023, titled “Psychophysiology in Psychosomatics Using Sleep as an Example”. She is a certified specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy in both Germany and Switzerland. Her therapeutic training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), EMDR trauma therapy, hypnotherapy, and CBASP for chronic depression. Dr. Schmid has also completed the GCP clinical research certification, the SIM expert certificate, and advanced training in psycho-oncology. Her interdisciplinary education forms the foundation of her clinical innovation and scientific impact.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Schmid has held senior positions in top psychiatric and psychosomatic institutions. From 1998–2002, she worked at the Max Planck Institute, followed by clinical roles in Zurich and Basel. At Clienia Schlössli AG, she led psychotherapy and DBT programs, later joining the University Hospital Zurich, working in sleep medicine, liaison psychiatry, and emergency psychiatry. Since 2017, she is Chief Physician and Clinic Director for Psychosomatics and Consultant Psychiatry at the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, where she also established a sleep diagnostics department. She’s active in training and supervising medical staff, conducting expert evaluations, and coordinating interdisciplinary care for Long COVID, trauma, and chronic pain. Since 2025, she has also been affiliated with the University Hospital Basel. Her professional journey reflects leadership in clinical development, patient-centered innovations, and academic collaboration.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Schmid’s excellence in research and clinical work has been recognized with multiple awards. She received the prestigious Max Planck Society Fellowship (1998–2001) and the Heraeus Foundation Award in 2000. She has won poster prizes at national congresses for work in psychotraumatology (SAPPM/SPS 2022) and sleep-pain therapy (SGPP 2022). She holds the Certificate of Competence in Sleep Medicine, Psycho-Oncology, and is a certified CBT/DBT/IPT/EMDR therapist. She’s a frequent speaker in consultant psychiatry and psychosomatics curricula across Switzerland and Germany, and has led training programs for medical communication, CBT-insomnia, and trauma therapy. Her habilitation (2023) and over 40 peer-reviewed publications reflect sustained academic achievement. Additionally, she has supervised doctoral and master’s theses and collaborated in major clinical research projects, including Long COVID, narcolepsy, and psychosomatic gynecology. These honors and contributions underscore her qualification for the Research for Women Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Schmid’s research bridges psychosomatic medicine, neuroendocrinology, and sleep science, with emphasis on chronic pain, trauma, stress disorders, and Long COVID. Her work explores how hormonal rhythms, sleep patterns, and mental health interact—using sleep EEG, endocrine markers, and clinical interventions. She developed novel group therapies for narcolepsy, dizziness, and insomnia and led outcome evaluations for interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMPT). Her recent focus includes psychosocial recovery in healthcare workers post-COVID, and pilot studies on plasmapheresis in chronic fatigue syndrome. She also investigates cognitive outcomes, emotion regulation, and therapeutic online models, especially for vulnerable populations. Her research integrates clinical trials, neurobiology, and psychotherapy, contributing to evidence-based advancements in psychosomatic practice. She leads projects at the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen and collaborates with researchers across neurology, gynecology, and internal medicine, making her research highly interdisciplinary and translational in nature.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧠 Increased GH Response to Apomorphine in Parkinson vs MSA (Arch Neurol, 2001)

  • 🍔 Ghrelin Stimulates Appetite, GH, ACTH, Cortisol in Normals (Sleep Res, 2005)

  • 🛌 Nocturnal Ghrelin Levels & Sleep EEG Correlation (Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2006)

  • 🌙 CRH1-Antagonist Improves Sleep EEG in Depression (J Psychiatr Res, 2004)

  • 🌀 Dizziness and Anxiety – A Psychosomatic Link (Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2020)

  • 😴 Ghrelin Promotes Deep Sleep in Humans (AJPEM, 2003)

  • 🧬 CRH Test, Sleep, and Depression Vulnerability (J Psychiatr Res, 2008)

  • 🧪 Cortisol and Sleep Depth in Depression (J Psychiatr Res, 2008)

  • 🦠 HPA Axis & Cytokines in Depression (J Psychiatr Res, 2003)

  • 🧬 Factors Affecting HPA Reactivity in Depression (Neuropsychopharmacology, 2003)

  • 🧘‍♀️ Long COVID & Mental Health in Healthcare Workers (In Prep, 2025)

  • 🛏 IMPT Effectiveness in Chronic Pain-Related Insomnia (In Progress)

  • 🎯 Group Therapy in Narcolepsy: Emotion Regulation & Acceptance (2021-2022)

  • 🎓 CBT-Insomnia Education for Non-Psychiatrists (Ongoing Teaching)

✅ Conclusion:

PD Dr. med. Dagmar A. Schmid is an exceptionally qualified and impactful candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her integrative, patient-centered research, particularly in sleep medicine, psychotraumatology, and Long COVID, directly contributes to improving women’s health. Combined with her extensive clinical leadership, educational outreach, and publication record, she exemplifies the spirit of this award.

Dia Aldeen Alfaki | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Dia Aldeen Alfaki | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dia Aldeen Alfaki , Alzaiem Alazhari University , Sudan

Dia Alfaki is a Sudanese biomedical scientist with a Master of Biomedical Sciences and extensive experience in haematology, molecular biology, and immunology. His research focuses on the complexities of disease mechanisms and therapeutic solutions, particularly within immunology. As a junior researcher and PG Member of the British Society of Immunology, Dia has contributed significantly to studies on malaria and immune responses. His academic background includes a Master’s degree from Alzaiem Alazhari University and a Bachelor’s degree from Omdurman Islamic University. Dia’s dedication to understanding disease complexities through research is reflected in his growing academic presence and expertise in clinical laboratory techniques. He is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare solutions through his research endeavors.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dia Alfaki has a remarkable blend of educational qualifications, practical experience, and academic research, making him highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work spans critical areas in biomedical sciences, with a special focus on immunology, haematology, and molecular biology, especially in relation to infectious diseases like malaria. His Master’s research on immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum infection stands out, demonstrating his ability to identify novel immunological markers. His published work in well-regarded journals like Microbiologia Medica and Immunology & Cell Biology further showcases his expertise. He has actively contributed to the scientific community through various international conferences, highlighting his commitment to advancing research. His work at G42 Healthcare underscores his technical skills in molecular diagnostics and cutting-edge biomedical research. His collaborative nature, critical thinking, and proven leadership in research make him a strong contender for this award.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dia Alfaki has a solid foundation in immunology and biomedical research, further expansion of his research portfolio into diverse therapeutic fields could enhance his profile. Gaining more experience in clinical settings beyond molecular labs could provide him with a broader perspective in healthcare applications. Additionally, his involvement in multi-disciplinary research collaborations across diverse disease areas such as oncology and genomics would elevate his impact on global biomedical challenges. Developing greater expertise in bioinformatics tools and integrating them into his molecular research would further refine his analytical skills and position him as an even more influential scientist in his field.

Education:

Dia Alfaki holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Alzaiem Alazhari University (2014-2016), where he specialized in Medical Laboratory Sciences with a focus on Haematology and Blood Transfusion, achieving a CGPA of 3.19/4.0. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Omdurman Islamic University (2007-2011), where he excelled in Hematology and Immunohematology. Additionally, Dia is pursuing certification as an International Medical Lab Technologist in Hematology (ASCPi) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (2022-2025). His academic and professional development demonstrates a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, preparing him to make significant contributions to immunology research and clinical diagnostics.

Experience:

Dia Alfaki has worked as a Molecular Lab Technologist at G42 Healthcare (Biogenix Molecular Labs) from 2020-2023, contributing to advanced molecular research and diagnostics. His expertise spans a wide range of laboratory techniques, particularly in immunology, molecular biology, and hematology. Throughout his career, Dia has been involved in various research projects, including his Master’s thesis focused on the immune response to Plasmodium falciparum infection. He has also contributed to several high-impact publications, collaborating with experts in the field of malaria, immune phagocytosis, and cancer immunology. His role in molecular diagnostics has allowed him to apply his research findings to real-world clinical settings, furthering the understanding of disease pathology and therapeutic interventions.

Awards and Honors:

Dia Alfaki has been recognized for his significant contributions to biomedical science, particularly in immunology research. He participated in prominent international conferences, including the 6th European Congress of Immunology (2022) and the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting (2021). His ongoing work in malaria immunology and cancer immunology is highly regarded in scientific communities. As a PG Member of the British Society of Immunology since 2021, Dia continues to gain recognition for his research on immune responses and inflammation. His work has also been highlighted in various prestigious journals, where his research on malaria and immune responses has earned accolades. These honors reflect his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare through rigorous research.

Research Focus:

Dia Alfaki’s research is primarily focused on immunity, inflammation, cancer immunology, and molecular oncology. His work emphasizes understanding disease mechanisms, particularly the immune responses involved in infections like malaria and the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer. Dia is particularly interested in the role of immune mediators, phagocytosis, and molecular interactions in disease progression and therapy. His research aims to explore therapeutic perspectives in immunology, using molecular and cellular approaches to better understand disease complexities and improve treatment options. His publications highlight these areas, especially in the context of malaria and inflammatory immune responses. Dia is also committed to utilizing molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools to contribute to new therapeutic strategies for immunological diseases.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Patterns of Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) responses to Plasmodium falciparum infections in hyperendemic settings 📚🔬
  2. Inflammatory immune mediators and Plasmodium falciparum infection: a cross-sectional study among Sudanese patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria 🌍🦠
  3. Monocytes to lymphocytes ratio in peripheral blood and immunoglobulin IgE levels as indicators to Plasmodium falciparum infection in Sudan 📖🔬
  4. The colorectal cancer microenvironment: Preclinical progress in identifying targets for cancer therapy 🦠🔬
  5. Plasmodium falciparum and immune phagocytosis: characterization of the process 🦠💉

Conclusion:

Dia Alfaki is an outstanding researcher with a well-rounded background in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, and immunology. His research accomplishments, publications, and contributions to international conferences highlight his drive for advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the area of disease mechanisms and immune responses. His strong academic foundation, coupled with his practical lab experience and active engagement with the scientific community, positions him as an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With a few areas of growth in clinical practice and cross-disciplinary collaborations, he has the potential to become a leader in global biomedical research.