Dagmar Schmid | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

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.

Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

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 Omicron – Accepted in Vaccines

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

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

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

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

  • 👃 Acute, chronic and conditioned effects of intranasal oxytocin in mu opioid receptor knockout mice: social context matters – Neuropsychopharmacology (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

Published on by Cell Biologist

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.