Arzu Yay | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Arzu Yay | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Erciyes University | Turkey

Prof. Arzu Yay is a distinguished researcher in the Department of Histology and Embryology at Erciyes University, Turkey. Her work focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tissue development, injury, and repair, with emphasis on immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Her M.Sc. research examined E-cadherin expression during renal development in the prenatal period, contributing to the understanding of epithelial differentiation in organogenesis. Her Ph.D. focused on nestin expression across different grades of meningiomas and glioblastomas, highlighting neural stem cell marker dynamics in tumor progression. She has conducted significant studies on oxidative stress, neurobiology, and tissue damage, including investigations into the effects of melatonin and vitamin C on alcohol-induced lung injury and nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity. Her research has also explored tissue-level alterations in diabetes and the histological impacts of hormonal and anesthetic agents. Prof. Yay’s postdoctoral work at the University of Lübeck, Germany, further advanced her expertise in dermatological histopathology. Her contributions have been recognized through multiple national and international awards for excellence in experimental and translational research, particularly in antioxidant mechanisms and radioprotection. Her body of work reflects a strong integration of histological, molecular, and ultrastructural approaches in biomedical sciences.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Yıldız, K., Efesoy, S. N., Ozdamar, S., Yay, A., Bicer, C., Aksu, R., & Kılıc, E. (2011). Myotoxic effects of levobupivacaine, bupivacaine and ropivacaine in a rat model. Clinical Investigation in Medicine, 34(5), 273–280.

Sarıozkan, S., Bucak, M. N., Canturk, F., Ozdamar, S., Yay, A., Tuncer, P. B., Ozcan, S., Sorgucu, N., & Caner, Y. (2012). The effects of different sugars on motility, morphology and DNA damage during the liquid storage of rat epididymal sperm at 4°C. Cryobiology, 65(2), 93–97.

Sarıozkan, S., Canturk, F., Yay, A., & Akçay, A. (2012). The effect of different storage temperature on sperm parameters and DNA damage in liquid stored New Zealand rabbit spermatozoa. Kafkas Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(3), 475–480.*

Yay, A., Ozdamar, S., Canoz, O., Tucer, B., & Baran, M. (2013). Nestin expression in meningiomas of different grades. Journal of Neurological Sciences (Turkish), 30, 532–540.

Sarıozkan, S., Türk, G., Canturk, F., Yay, A., Eken, A., & Akçay, A. (2013). The effect of bovine serum albumin and fetal calf serum on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation of liquid stored rabbit semen. Cryobiology, 67(1), 1–6.*

Ernst, N., Yay, A., Bíró, T., Tiede, S., Humphries, M., Paus, R., & Kloepper, J. E. (2013). β1 integrin signaling maintains human epithelial progenitor cell survival in situ and controls proliferation, apoptosis and migration of their progeny. PLoS ONE, 8(12), e84356.*

Yay, A., Ozdamar, S., Canoz, O., Baran, M., Tucer, B., & Sonmez, M. F. (2014). Intermediate filament protein nestin is expressed in developing meninges. Bratislava Medical Journal, 115(11), 718–722.*

Mozafar Khazaei | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Mozafar Khazaei | Tissue Engineering Regeneration | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mozafar Khazaei | Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Research Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah | Iran

Prof. Mozafar Khazaei is a distinguished Professor of Histology and Embryology at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Iran. With over 30 years of academic experience, he has been a pivotal figure in developing the fields of anatomical sciences and reproductive medicine in Iran. As the Head of the Fertility & Infertility Research Center (FIRC) and Tissue Engineering Department, Prof. Khazaei has led major educational and research advancements, including establishing M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs and state-of-the-art laboratories. He completed a fellowship in Cell & Tissue Culture at the University of Toronto, Canada, and has published extensively in leading journals. With an h-index of 31 and over 3700 citations (Scopus), he is globally recognized for his contributions to oxidative stress, fertility, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering. His interdisciplinary expertise, leadership, and dedication make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profiles: 

Google Scholar
Scopus
Orcid

Education:

Prof. Khazaei holds a Ph.D. in Anatomical Sciences (Histology & Embryology) from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, where he was a distinguished graduate. He also completed his M.Sc. in Medical Histology from the same university, securing the 1st rank in his cohort. He earned his B.Sc. in Biology from Razi University, Iran. Demonstrating a commitment to advanced biomedical sciences, he completed a prestigious fellowship in Cell & Tissue Culture at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada. His continuous education in ART techniques, histological methodologies, and tissue engineering has laid the foundation for his extensive academic and research success. His academic path reflects a consistent record of excellence, innovation, and dedication to medical science education and development.

Experience:

Prof. Khazaei has served as a faculty member at KUMS, contributing extensively to education, research, and academic leadership. He has held key roles including Associate Dean for Basic Sciences, Head of FIRC, and Head of Tissue Engineering Department. His leadership led to the establishment of advanced M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, labs, and research infrastructures. He played a pivotal role in national educational policy as a board member for the Ministry of Health’s Evaluation Committees. He has also been actively involved in journal editorial boards and was Editor-in-Chief of the Educational Research in Medical Sciences journal. His broad teaching portfolio spans undergraduate to doctoral levels, covering histology, embryology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and more. His cross-disciplinary experience, national policy contributions, and lab development initiatives reflect his comprehensive impact on Iran’s medical academic ecosystem.

Awards & Honors:

Prof. Khazaei has received several prestigious recognitions throughout his career. He ranked 1st in his M.Sc. program and was honored as a Distinguished Graduate in his Ph.D. program. His work was awarded Best Clinical Research Paper by the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society, showcasing international acknowledgment of his research impact. His academic excellence also earned him editorial roles in renowned journals, including Section Editor and Board Member for the International Journal of Fertility & Sterility and Dental Hypotheses Journal. Under his leadership, multiple research and academic programs were established, reflecting his role as a trailblazer in Iranian medical science. These accolades underscore his scientific leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing education and research on both national and international levels.

Research Focus:

Prof. Khazaei’s research is centered around oxidative stress, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, fertility, and histopathology. He has significantly contributed to understanding the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in reproductive and cancer biology, including the Nrf2 pathway. His work explores the use of antioxidants, natural compounds, and nanotechnology in improving tissue health, fertility outcomes, and regenerative medicine applications. Notably, he has investigated the protective roles of Royal Jelly, Falcaria vulgaris, and other herbal extracts in diabetic and oxidative stress-related conditions. His interdisciplinary studies have bridged cellular biology with clinical implications, contributing to both basic science and applied medicine. With over 3700 citations, Prof. Khazaei’s research has influenced fertility science, stem cell therapy, and cancer pharmacology, making him a respected voice in biomedical research globally.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Oxidative stress and cancer: the role of Nrf2

  2. Reactive oxygen species generation and use of antioxidants during in vitro maturation of oocytes

  3. Protective effect of Falcaria vulgaris extract on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rat

  4. New findings on breast cancer stem cells: a review

  5. Antioxidant and protective effects of Royal jelly on histopathological changes in testis of diabetic rats

  6. New findings on biological actions and clinical applications of royal jelly: a review

  7. Improvement in serum biochemical alterations and oxidative stress of liver and pancreas following use of royal jelly in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

  8. Intrinsic parameters for the synthesis and tuned properties of amphiphilic chitosan drug delivery nanocarriers

  9. Review on metal-based nanoparticles: role of reactive oxygen species in renal toxicity

  10.  Study of Foeniculum vulgare effect on folliculogenesis in female mice

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Professor Mozafar Khazaei is a distinguished academic and prolific researcher whose contributions have profoundly shaped the fields of histology, embryology, fertility sciences, and tissue engineering in Iran and beyond. His scholarly depth, mentorship of graduate and doctoral students, and institutional leadership make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His lifelong commitment to advancing biomedical sciences, combined with his outstanding research output and capacity-building initiatives, firmly align with the core criteria of this prestigious recognition. With continued strategic outreach and cross-disciplinary collaboration, his future impact promises to be even more transformative.