Tamara Braut | Cancer Cell Biology | Innovative Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Tamara Braut | Cancer Cell Biology | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Tamara Braut | Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka/ENT Clinic, Clinical hospital centre Rijeka | Croatia

Professor Tamara Braut, MD, is a renowned Croatian otorhinolaryngologist and Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka. She serves as the Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Her clinical expertise and academic leadership have significantly contributed to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers, particularly laryngeal carcinoma. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Braut is widely recognized for her work in molecular oncology, HPV-associated head and neck tumors, and translational medicine. A frequent collaborator on interdisciplinary and international projects, she is committed to personalized medicine and innovative approaches in clinical research. Her impressive portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, including case studies, multicenter analyses, and biomarker-based diagnostics, highlights her dedication to evidence-based practice and academic excellence. Professor Braut’s academic leadership and clinical insight place her among the top contributors in her specialty within Croatia and internationally.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths For Award:

  • Pioneering work in head and neck oncology and molecular diagnostics

  • Significant publication record in high-impact journals

  • Collaborative multicenter research and precision medicine orientation

  • Demonstrated leadership in academic and clinical settings

  • Integration of clinical insights with research innovation

Areas for Improvement:

  • Broaden research beyond oncology to explore ENT-related AI/technology

  • Increase international collaborations and visibility at global conferences

  • Expand into clinical trials for therapeutics in HPV+ cancers

🎓 Education: 

Prof. Tamara Braut received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Rijeka, Croatia, where she also completed her specialization in Otorhinolaryngology. Her academic path was distinguished by an early interest in oncology, molecular pathology, and surgical innovation. She pursued postgraduate training and research with a focus on laryngeal and head and neck cancers. Throughout her education, she was actively involved in academic research, participating in numerous national and international conferences, which sharpened her analytical and investigative skills. She later obtained her PhD with a focus on molecular markers in squamous cell carcinoma. Over the years, she has pursued continuous professional development in precision medicine, oncology biomarkers, and evidence-based surgical practices. Her academic and clinical training has made her a highly competent physician-scientist, well-versed in both patient care and experimental research.

🧑‍🔬 Experience:

Prof. Tamara Braut has over two decades of experience in clinical and academic medicine. She currently serves as the Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka. Her career spans clinical work, academic leadership, surgical practice, and scientific research. She has treated complex cases involving laryngeal and head-neck cancers and has led multidisciplinary teams in oncology care. As an educator, she has supervised medical students, residents, and PhD candidates, many of whom now hold academic and clinical positions. Dr. Braut is a prolific researcher, contributing to over 40 peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and reviews. Her leadership in multicenter studies and her role as a principal investigator in several clinical research projects highlight her competence in collaborative and innovative medical research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Braut’s research focus lies at the intersection of head and neck oncology, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine. She has a keen interest in biomarker discovery, especially in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and the role of EGFR signaling pathways in cancer progression. Her work includes translational research linking clinical findings with molecular data to improve prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. She has also explored the impact of hormonal therapies, gene expression markers like Ki-67 and IMP3, and novel imaging and diagnostic tools. In recent years, she has expanded her interest to gastroesophageal reflux disease and its implications in ENT disorders. Her contributions reflect a consistent commitment to advancing precision medicine, long-term patient follow-up, and multimodal treatment outcomes. She continues to integrate research into clinical practice, thereby fostering innovation and improved patient care in the otorhinolaryngology field.

📚 Publications List Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Laryngeal SCC shows stronger Nectin-4 vs Nectin-2 expression – CIMB (2025)

  2. 🥗 GERD Management: From PPIs to Diet & Lifestyle – Gastrointest. Disord. (2025)

  3. 🔍 Advances in HPV-Positive Head & Neck Cancer Diagnostics – Biomolecules (2024)

  4. 🧪 Biomarkers in HPV+ Head and Neck SCC: Precision Medicine – Diagnostics (2024)

  5. 💉 Testosterone Therapy in Advanced Head & Neck SCC – Crit. Rev. Oncol. Hematol. (2023)

  6. 🏥 Long-Term Care in Laryngeal Cancer: Multicenter Analysis – J Pers. Med (2023)

  7. 📊 5-Year Clinical Course in Laryngeal Tumors – Acta Clin. Croatica (2022)

  8. 🧫 Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis to Larynx: Rare Case – Medicina Flum (2021)

  9. 🧠 Posttraumatic Vernet Syndrome without Fracture: Case Study – Medicine (2021)

  10. ⚛️ Nuclear EGFR Expression = Poor Survival in Laryngeal Ca – AIMM (2021)

Conclusion:

Prof. Tamara Braut is highly deserving of the Innovative Research Award. Her work showcases originality, clinical relevance, and scientific depth. With a robust academic and clinical foundation, she continues to push the boundaries in ENT oncology and diagnostics.

 

Marija Gjorgoska | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Marija Gjorgoska | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Marija Gjorgoska | Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana | Slovenia

Marija Gjorgoska is a dedicated biomedical researcher and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. With a strong background in biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, she has contributed significantly to cancer research, focusing on steroid hormone signaling in gynecological cancers. Her scientific work combines analytical expertise in LC-MS/MS with a solid foundation in molecular biology and statistical analysis using R programming. Marija is passionate about advancing clinical diagnostics and cancer treatment through high-precision biomolecular profiling. Her academic journey reflects international exposure through internships in the UK and Macedonia. She is known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to scientific rigor, which has led to multiple high-impact publications. Marija continues to mentor students and contribute to the academic community through her teaching role, making her a rising figure in molecular oncology research.

publication profile:

scopus

Strengths:

  1. High Research Productivity 📈
    Marija Gjorgoska has authored or co-authored 10 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Progress in Lipid Research (IF 14.0), Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism (IF 11.4), and Cancers. Her work shows consistent scientific output, often with first or shared first authorship.

  2. Cutting-Edge Technical Expertise 🔬
    She demonstrates advanced proficiency in LC-MS/MS method development, multi-steroid profiling, and bioinformatics (R programming). This makes her an expert in translational hormone research and biomarker discovery.

  3. Clinical Relevance and Innovation ⚕️
    Her research addresses urgent clinical challenges like endometrial cancer diagnosis and ovarian cancer drug resistance, applying modern analytical techniques combined with machine learning, which positions her at the forefront of personalized medicine.

  4. Recognition and Collaboration 🤝
    She has been awarded prestigious grants (e.g., Society of Endocrinology, UK), collaborated internationally (UK, Macedonia), and contributes to academia as a teaching assistant—all signs of an emerging research leader.

  5. Interdisciplinary Impact 🌐
    Marija effectively integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and computational biology—indicative of her versatility and broad scientific impact.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent Research Leadership
    While she has made substantial contributions as a junior and co-investigator, future work could benefit from establishing herself as a principal investigator or project leader, including securing her own research funding.

  2. Diversification of Research Themes
    Her focus has been predominantly on hormone-related cancers. Expanding into other disease models or mechanisms could broaden her impact and create new collaborative opportunities.

  3. Public Engagement and Outreach
    Enhancing her visibility through conference presentations, science communication, or community health initiatives would further solidify her standing as a leader and advocate for biomedical research.

Education :

Marija Gjorgoska is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Biomedicine, specializing in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Ljubljana. Her academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology (2018–2021) from the same university, completed with an outstanding GPA of 9.52/10. She also gained international experience through a short-term internship at the University of Birmingham, UK, in 2023, focusing on advanced LC-MS/MS techniques for clinical sample analysis. Earlier in her academic career, she completed a long-term internship at the Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Skopje, Macedonia (2017), where she worked on genetic diagnostics involving haemoglobinopathies, HPV, HBV, and HCV detection. Her education has consistently emphasized both theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory skills, particularly in analytical chemistry, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, all of which shape her current research endeavors in cancer diagnostics and hormonal regulation.

Experience:

Marija Gjorgoska has been actively engaged in research since 2020 as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana. Her core responsibilities include developing and validating LC-MS/MS analytical methods, conducting proteomic and genetic analyses of cancer tissues, and performing bioinformatic evaluations using R programming. In October 2024, she also began serving as a Teaching Assistant for the course “Principles of Biochemistry,” demonstrating her commitment to education and mentorship. Marija’s prior internships have equipped her with valuable skills in prenatal and infectious disease diagnostics. Her research contributions span experimental planning, scientific writing, and instrument maintenance, establishing her as a versatile scientist. Her collaborative projects with international researchers and clinicians further underline her strength in translational biomedical research. This combination of teaching, laboratory, and analytical expertise supports her growing influence in molecular oncology.

Awards and Honors:

Marija Gjorgoska has been recognized for both academic and research excellence. In 2023, she was awarded the Practical Skills Grant by the Society of Endocrinology, UK, enabling her to undergo advanced training in LC-MS/MS at the University of Birmingham. Earlier, in 2021, she received the Krka Recognition with Special Praise for her Master’s thesis, highlighting her early promise as a researcher in molecular biology. Her scientific publications have appeared in top-tier journals such as Progress in Lipid Research and Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, some with impact factors exceeding 14.0. Notably, she earned shared first co-authorship in Methods in Enzymology for her work on enzymatic assay development. These accolades reflect her technical excellence, originality, and scientific contributions in the field of steroid metabolism and gynecological cancers. Marija’s achievements distinguish her as a young researcher with significant impact and high potential for further contributions to science and medicine.

Research Focus :

Marija Gjorgoska’s research focuses on the role of steroid hormones in the development and progression of gynecological cancers, particularly endometrial and ovarian cancers. Her work integrates analytical chemistry (LC-MS/MS), bioinformatics, and molecular biology to uncover diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. She has developed multi-steroid profiling techniques to differentiate between normal and cancerous tissues, aiding early diagnosis. Marija’s studies also address the pre-receptor regulation of androgenic and estrogenic hormones, exploring their signaling dynamics at the tissue level. Using tools such as Mendelian randomization, she investigates genetic influences on hormone-related disease risk. Her interdisciplinary approach combines advanced mass spectrometry, statistical modeling, and clinical collaboration to translate bench science into meaningful medical applications. Through high-impact publications, she contributes to understanding hormone metabolism in cancer microenvironments, with the goal of informing targeted therapies and overcoming drug resistance. Her work is critical for advancing personalized medicine in hormone-driven malignancies.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 From fallopian tube epithelium to high-grade serous ovarian cancer: A single-cell resolution review of sex steroid hormone signaling – Progress in Lipid Research, 2024

  2. 📘 Integration of androgen hormones in endometrial cancer biology – Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2022

  3. 📘 Steroid sulfatase and sulfotransferases in gynecological cancers: current status and perspectives – Essays in Biochemistry, 2024

  4. 📘 Estrogens and the Schrödinger’s cat in the ovarian tumor microenvironment – Cancers, 2021

  5. 📘 Multi-Steroid Profiling and Machine Learning Reveal Androgens as Biomarkers for Endometrial Cancer – Cancers, 2025

  6. 📘 Simultaneous measurement of 17 endogenous steroid hormones by LC-MS/MS – J. of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2024

  7. 📘 11-oxyandrogens in normal vs. cancerous endometrium – Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2024

  8. 📘 Targeting estrogen metabolism to overcome platinum resistance in ovarian cancer – Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2024

  9. 📘 Effect of androgens on risk of endometriosis sub-phenotypes and ovarian neoplasms – J. of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2024

  10. 📘 Enzymatic assays for 17β-HSD types 1 and 2 using mass spectrometry – Methods in Enzymology, 2023

Conclusion:

Marija Gjorgoska is a highly promising early-career researcher with a strong and growing international publication record, deep technical expertise in analytical biochemistry, and a clear focus on clinically relevant research. Her integration of hormonal pathway analysis with state-of-the-art analytical methods has already contributed valuable insights to the field of gynecological oncology. She has the academic rigor, curiosity, and collaborative drive essential for impactful science.

In my opinion, she is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Continued mentorship and support toward independent research leadership will elevate her even further in the years to come.