Francesco Gaudio | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Francesco Gaudio | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Francesco Gaudio, LUM UNIVERSITY, Italy

Prof. Francesco Gaudio is a highly accomplished hematologist with over 20 years of clinical and academic expertise, specializing in lymphoproliferative neoplasms and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently serving as Assistant Professor in Hematology at University LUM Giuseppe Degennaro and a practicing medical doctor at “F. Miulli” Hospital, he has previously held long-term roles at renowned Italian hospitals. With a prolific research record, he has authored over 50 publications in high-impact journals and contributed more than 100 abstracts to international conferences. He has conducted research in leading global institutions, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Imperial College. Alongside clinical innovation, he is a passionate educator and experienced healthcare manager. His focus on therapeutic advances and multidisciplinary care makes him a leader in hematology research and oncology care.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Clinical and Academic Experience
    Over 20 years of dedicated work in hematology, with expertise in lymphoproliferative disorders and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

  2. Robust Research Profile

    • More than 50 peer-reviewed publications in Impact Factor journals.

    • 100+ abstracts presented internationally.

    • Principal and co-investigator in multinational clinical studies.

  3. Global Exposure & Collaborations
    Research training and collaborations at globally recognized centers:

    • Memorial Sloan-Kettering (USA)

    • Imperial College (UK)

    • Lyon Sud (France)

    • VHIO Barcelona (Spain)

  4. Commitment to Academic Growth

    • Teaches Blood Diseases, Oncology, and Pathology.

    • Holds National Scientific Qualification for Associate Professor level.

  5. Leadership & Management Training

    • Managerial courses from SDA Bocconi, ISTUD Foundation, and CURSUS.

  6. Multidisciplinary Impact
    Engages in translational research that bridges hematology, oncology, and emerging areas like cannabinoid therapies and survivorship in cancer.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Leadership in High-Impact Authorship
    While his contribution as co-author is commendable, increasing first or senior authorship in landmark studies would strengthen his research leadership visibility.

  2. Grant Leadership and Funding Acknowledgment
    No mention of competitive grant acquisition or principal leadership in major funded research networks; pursuing this could enhance academic competitiveness.

  3. Public Engagement and Open Science
    Could further boost impact by increasing participation in open-access platforms, public talks, and wider media dissemination of research findings.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Gaudio holds a Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Bari (1995–1996), where he explored clonogenic hematopoietic activity in lymphoma patients. He specialized in Hematology (2001–2002), focusing on stem cell mobilization challenges. He further expanded his scientific foundation with a Postgraduate Specialization in Chemico-Pharmaceutical Research from CARSO (1998). Recognized for academic excellence, he earned the National Scientific Qualification (ASN) for Associate Professor in Hematology, Oncology, and Rheumatology in 2020. His academic path is complemented by top-tier executive and managerial training, including healthcare leadership programs from SDA Bocconi, ISTUD Foundation, and CURSUS. Early education includes a Classical High School Diploma from Liceo Classico ‘Quinto Ennio’, Taranto. His diverse education underscores a balanced mastery of clinical medicine, research, and institutional leadership.

💼 Professional Experience:

Prof. Gaudio’s medical journey spans over two decades in hematology and oncology. Since April 2024, he serves as an Assistant Professor at University LUM Giuseppe Degennaro and practices medicine at “F. Miulli” Regional Hospital. Prior to this, he was a senior hematologist at Policlinico Consorziale, AOU Bari for nearly 19 years, providing expert care and engaging in impactful research. He also worked at Ospedali Riuniti in Foggia, honing his clinical foundations. His experience includes leadership in clinical trials, management of complex hematologic malignancies, and therapeutic protocol development. He is a sought-after speaker, educator, and research collaborator with exposure to international institutions including Sloan-Kettering (USA), Imperial College (UK), and VHIO (Spain). His long-standing service and global outreach reflect deep dedication to patient care, academic excellence, and translational medicine.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Gaudio’s research focuses on lymphomas, leukemias, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, combining clinical acumen with molecular innovation. As Principal Investigator in numerous global trials, he has helped shape advanced therapeutic strategies and enhance survival in hematological malignancies. His work delves into mobilization of CD34+ stem cells, radiotherapy-induced toxicity, and biological markers of malignancy. Recent systematic reviews explore epithelial–mesenchymal transcription factors, BPDCN, and the neurological impact of cannabidiol. His interests also span survivorship in Hodgkin lymphoma patients, with emphasis on long-term toxicity and risk evaluation. His teaching integrates updated scientific evidence into medical curricula, training the next generation of hematologists. International collaborations and cross-border research highlight his commitment to innovation and best practices in oncology. Prof. Gaudio’s work not only advances hematology but also bridges clinical gaps through interdisciplinary solutions.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

📄 Exploring the Role of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transcriptional Factors Involved in Hematological Malignancy and Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review 🔬🧬

📄 Long-Term Breast Cancer Risk in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors: Evaluating Background Parenchymal Enhancement and Radiotherapy-Induced Toxicity 🎗️📊

📄 Plerixafor in association with R-DHAP and G-CSF to mobilize a large number of CD34+ cells in patients with relapsed-refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphomas 🩸💉

📄 The Evolving Role of Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review 🌿🧠

📄 Blastic Plasmocytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN): Clinical Features and Histopathology with a Therapeutic Overview 🔎🧫

📝 Conclusion:

Prof. Francesco Gaudio is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His two decades of contribution to hematology and oncology, combined with a prolific publication record, international collaboration, and dedication to clinical innovation, clearly demonstrate excellence in medical research. While opportunities exist for expanded authorship leadership and grant visibility, his current achievements are deeply impactful and relevant to modern hematologic science. His work bridges bench-to-bedside approaches and continues to benefit both the scientific community and patient outcomes.

Elham Hasanzadeh | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh , Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Iran

Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh is an Iranian Assistant Professor specializing in Tissue Engineering. She is currently serving in the Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (MAZUMS), Sari, Iran. Dr. Hasanzadeh holds a Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), where she earned the 1st rank in her class. Her research focuses on advancing tissue engineering techniques for regenerative medicine, particularly for neural, cardiac, and soft tissue regeneration. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Hasanzadeh has collaborated on numerous innovative projects and published extensively in prestigious scientific journals. Her work includes the development of scaffolds, stem cell therapies, and biomaterials for various tissue regeneration applications. As a member of international professional networks, she is committed to advancing regenerative medicine globally.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Academic Achievements:
    • Dr. Hasanzadeh has demonstrated exceptional academic performance throughout her education, with first rank in both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from prestigious Iranian institutions, showing not only academic excellence but also dedication and deep expertise in her field.
    • Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Fabrication of fibrin/polyurethane hydrogel scaffold seeded with endometrial stem cells differentiated into neural cells for spinal cord injury,” indicates significant contributions to cutting-edge research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
  2. Extensive Research Output:
    • She has published numerous high-impact research papers in reputed journals such as International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Regenerative Therapy, Life Sciences, and others, spanning multiple applications in tissue engineering (cardiac, neural, skin, spinal cord, etc.).
    • Her work addresses key challenges in regenerative medicine, such as scaffolding for cell growth, stem cell differentiation, and cell therapy for injury treatment, which is highly relevant and innovative.
  3. Recognition and Awards:
    • Talented Student recognition at the University of Tehran and Tehran University of Medical Sciences demonstrates her academic potential and research capabilities from an early stage.
    • First-place rankings in national entrance exams and the highest GPA in her Ph.D. cohort further validate her academic strength.
  4. Innovative Research Projects and Collaborations:
    • Dr. Hasanzadeh is involved in pioneering projects, such as 3D ovarian tissue engineering using 3D printing technology and the use of endometrial stem cells for sciatic nerve repair, which are highly innovative and promising in the medical field.
    • Her involvement in global collaborative projects, such as the use of MSCs in treating COVID-19 and regenerative medicine, adds to her recognition and the practical significance of her research.
  5. Professional Memberships and Certifications:
    • Being a member of renowned professional organizations such as ITERMS and USERN indicates her commitment to staying at the forefront of research and engaging in the global scientific community.
    • Her certifications in 3D cell culture, cell signaling, and scaffold fabrication further showcase her proficiency and versatility in various aspects of tissue engineering.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Scope:
    • While her focus on tissue engineering, particularly in soft tissue, neural tissue, and cardiovascular applications, is commendable, diversifying her research to cover other emerging areas in regenerative medicine could broaden her expertise and impact.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • While she has worked on some interdisciplinary projects, further collaborations with fields like biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, or material science could offer more expansive research opportunities. These fields could complement her tissue engineering expertise, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in regenerative medicine.
  3. Public Outreach and Application of Research:
    • Although Dr. Hasanzadeh’s research is highly impactful, additional efforts in promoting and applying her findings in clinical settings or through public outreach could enhance the real-world application of her work.
  4. Expanding International Visibility:
    • While Dr. Hasanzadeh has an impressive research profile, increasing her visibility in global scientific networks and publishing in even more internationally recognized journals could amplify her recognition.

Education:

Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh earned her Ph.D. in Tissue Engineering (2015-2019) from the Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), with a GPA of 19.35/20, achieving 1st rank in her cohort. Her doctoral research focused on “Fabrication of fibrin/polyurethane hydrogel scaffold seeded with endometrial stem cells differentiated into neural cells for spinal cord injury,” earning a perfect score of 20/20. Prior to that, she completed her M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Tissue Engineering (2011-2014), at the University of Tehran, with a GPA of 19.02/20. Her M.Sc. thesis focused on “Evaluation of continuous differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells under chemical stimulation and flow stress in a perfusion bioreactor.” She completed her B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Tehran, where she ranked 1st with a GPA of 17.56/20.

Experience:

Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh has a wealth of experience in the field of tissue engineering, with a focus on regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and scaffold development. She is an Assistant Professor at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (MAZUMS), where she conducts pioneering research on tissue engineering applications for soft, neural, and cardiovascular tissues. She has worked on multiple research projects, such as developing 3D-printed ovarian tissue engineering and using polyurethane-CNT/poly-L-lactic acid conduits for nerve regeneration. In addition, Dr. Hasanzadeh has contributed significantly to the understanding of stem cell-derived therapies, particularly in the context of COVID-19 treatment and spinal cord injury regeneration. Her extensive academic background and research activities have made her a key figure in the Iranian regenerative medicine community. Dr. Hasanzadeh’s international collaborations further highlight her commitment to advancing tissue engineering research globally.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh has received numerous awards throughout her academic career, recognizing her excellence in research and academic achievements. She was honored as a talented student at the University of Tehran (UT) and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) between 2007 and 2019. Dr. Hasanzadeh ranked 2nd nationwide in the Tissue Engineering Ph.D. entrance exam in Iran (2014). She was awarded 1st place for the highest GPA among all tissue engineering graduate students at TUMS (2019) and the highest GPA among all graduate students at UT (2011). Her research excellence has led to several prestigious publications in high-impact journals, and she continues to contribute to the advancement of tissue engineering in various medical fields. Dr. Hasanzadeh is also actively involved in professional organizations such as the Iranian Society for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (ITERMS) and the Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN).

Research Focus:

Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh’s research focuses on cutting-edge advancements in tissue engineering, with a particular interest in soft tissue, neural, and cardiovascular tissue regeneration. She explores the use of stem cells, biomaterials, and 3D scaffolding techniques to develop effective solutions for tissue repair and regeneration. Her innovative projects include designing tissue-engineered scaffolds for spinal cord injury, cardiac regeneration, and peripheral nerve repair. Dr. Hasanzadeh is also involved in the use of advanced technologies, such as 3D printing, electrospinning, and microfluidic systems, to fabricate complex tissue structures and promote cellular differentiation. Her work on the secretome of mesenchymal stem cells for COVID-19 treatment underscores her commitment to addressing current global health challenges. Dr. Hasanzadeh’s research has wide-reaching applications in regenerative medicine, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients with severe tissue damage or degenerative conditions.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Cardiac tissue regeneration by microfluidic generated cardiac cell-laden calcium alginate microgels and mesenchymal stem cell extracted exosomes on myocardial infarction model” 🫀
  2. “Applications of blood plasma derivatives for cutaneous wound healing: A mini-review of clinical studies” 🩸
  3. “Clinical trials of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of COVID-19” 💉
  4. “Collagen short nanofiber-embedded chondroitin sulfate–hyaluronic acid nanocomposite: A cartilage-mimicking in situ-forming hydrogel with fine-tuned properties” 💪
  5. “Preparation of bilayer tissue-engineered polyurethane/poly-L-lactic acid nerve conduits and their in vitro characterization for use in peripheral nerve regeneration” 🧠
  6. “Enhanced spinal cord regeneration by gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds containing human endometrial stem cells and curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in rat” 🧑‍🔬
  7. “The role of Advanced technologies against COVID-19: Prevention, Detection, and treatments” 💻
  8. “Development of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Cancer Cell Cultures” 🧬
  9. “Injectable hydrogels in central nervous system: Unique and novel platforms for promoting extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue engineering” 💉
  10. “Enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration with fibrin scaffold containing human endometrial stem cells and insulin encapsulated chitosan particles: An in vivo study” 🦵

Conclusion:

Dr. Elham Hasanzadeh is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on her exceptional academic background, innovative research, and contributions to the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Her work on stem cells, scaffolding, and regenerative therapies for spinal cord injury, cardiac tissue, and other injuries has the potential to significantly impact medical treatment options.

Her academic excellence, extensive research output, high-impact collaborations, and leadership in cutting-edge projects make her a prime candidate for this award. With a few enhancements in interdisciplinary approaches, broader global exposure, and clinical translation of her research, she could further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her field.