Jean Bosco MBONIMPA | Malaria Disease | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Jean Bosco MBONIMPA | Malaria Disease | Best Academic Researcher Award

Mr. Jean Bosco MBONIMPA, King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa is a Rwandan biomedical laboratory scientist and emerging molecular biology researcher based in Kigali. With over a decade of experience in clinical diagnostics, molecular tools development, and infectious disease surveillance, Jean Bosco has contributed significantly to public health through his work on HIV and malaria research projects. Currently serving as the Laboratory Quality Officer at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, he is committed to maintaining high standards in laboratory quality management systems. He holds a BSc in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences and is pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Rwanda. Jean Bosco is known for his meticulous attention to GCLP and QA/QC practices, and he is a published author in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. His contributions include developing molecular tools using MSP2 polymorphism for malaria prediction and analyzing cytokine profiles to understand clinical presentations of malaria. His work embodies the fusion of laboratory excellence and impactful research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Technical Expertise:
    Jean Bosco demonstrates strong hands-on experience in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, and public health research. His skill set spans DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, serology, and QA/QC—critical for high-impact biomedical research.

  2. High-Impact Research Publications:
    His co-authorship of two peer-reviewed publications in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows meaningful contributions to cutting-edge malaria research, particularly in molecular tool development and immunological profiling.

  3. Commitment to Quality Standards:
    His current role as Laboratory Quality Officer at King Faisal Hospital, combined with his consistent application of GCLP and ISO standards, highlights his dedication to maintaining rigorous laboratory practices.

  4. Academic Progression and Initiative:
    As part of the first cohort pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology, he reflects academic ambition and a forward-looking research mindset, further strengthening his academic credibility.

  5. National Health Contribution:
    His active participation in large-scale national programs like RPHIA and malaria elimination projects underscores a direct impact on Rwanda’s public health systems.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Limited Diversity in Research Topics:
    While his malaria research is commendable, branching out into other infectious diseases, biotechnology innovations, or emerging pathogens could diversify his portfolio and enhance interdisciplinary relevance.

  2. Need for Broader Research Leadership Roles:
    Most of his published work positions him as a co-author. Leading future research projects and acting as principal investigator would solidify his academic leadership.

  3. Visibility & International Collaboration:
    Participation in international conferences, workshops, and grant-funded collaborations would increase his global academic footprint and recognition.

  4. Capacity Building & Mentorship:
    Involvement in mentoring junior researchers or students would align with the award’s broader academic mission of knowledge dissemination and leadership development.

🎓 Education:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and a progressive dive into advanced research. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Rwanda – College of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2013, a program that equipped him with essential clinical and diagnostic lab skills. Prior to that, he completed his A-Level education in Medical Laboratory Sciences at ESSA Ruhengeli, Musanze, in 2008. Currently, Jean Bosco is enrolled in the first cohort of the Master of Science in Biotechnology at the University of Rwanda – College of Science and Technology, where he is expanding his knowledge in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational research. His academic trajectory demonstrates both commitment to healthcare service delivery and a vision to innovate within biotechnology and infectious disease research. Through his studies, he has laid a strong theoretical and practical base for impactful biomedical innovations in Africa.

🧪 Experience:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa brings over 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience in both clinical and research settings. Currently, he serves as a Laboratory Quality Officer at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, where he oversees SOP development, audits, sterility testing, and QA documentation to ensure compliance with national and international standards. Previously, he contributed to various research initiatives including malaria efficacy studies and the Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA), where he conducted field-based blood sampling and diagnostic testing under strict GCLP protocols. His technical expertise covers parasitology, hematology, molecular diagnostics, and serology. His role in national and international research collaborations has made him a vital player in disease surveillance and laboratory quality assurance. Jean Bosco is not only a capable bench scientist but also an effective communicator and team collaborator, making him a valuable asset to both healthcare systems and research institutions focused on improving health outcomes.

🔬 Research Focus:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa’s research centers on infectious disease diagnostics, with a particular focus on malaria and HIV. He is especially interested in harnessing molecular biology tools to better understand pathogen behavior and host responses. His recent work has explored the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum, particularly using the polymorphism of the merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2) to develop predictive tools for malaria episodes in endemic communities. Additionally, he has examined cytokine expression profiles in malaria patients, identifying selective upregulation patterns that could aid in clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions. Through rigorous GCLP-aligned procedures, Jean Bosco contributes to translational research efforts that bridge laboratory findings with real-world public health outcomes. His work is increasingly relevant in the global effort to eliminate malaria and better manage chronic infectious diseases through early diagnosis and molecular surveillance. With ongoing graduate studies, he is positioned to lead innovative health research in sub-Saharan Africa.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Leveraging the Polymorphism of the Merozoite Surface Protein 2 (MSP2) to Engineer Molecular Tools for Predicting Malaria Episodes in a Community

  2. 🧫 Integrated Analysis of Cytokine Profiles in Malaria Patients Discloses Selective Upregulation of TGF-β1, β3, and IL-9 in Mild Clinical Presentation

🧾 Conclusion:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa is a strong candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award, especially in the domain of applied biomedical research and infectious disease diagnostics. His contributions to malaria research and laboratory quality assurance are both nationally impactful and globally relevant. While he would benefit from expanded research leadership and interdisciplinary engagement, his academic integrity, technical depth, and continuous professional development make him highly deserving of this recognition.

Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gultekin, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin is a renowned academic and clinician in Oral Pathology and Periodontology at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Türkiye. With over two decades of experience, she has significantly advanced molecular understanding of odontogenic tumors, HPV-induced oral lesions, and periodontal regeneration. Holding both DDS and Ph.D. degrees, she has led her department as Chair for 10 years and contributed globally as a visiting researcher and advisor. Her collaborations with institutions like the University of Cologne and UCSF reflect her international impact. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, authored books, and mentored numerous young researchers. Her dedication has been recognized through editorial appointments and professional society memberships. Prof. Gültekin’s translational research bridges pathology and clinical dentistry, making her a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Dual Specialization & Academic Leadership: Prof. Gültekin’s rare dual Ph.D. in Oral Pathology and Periodontology, along with her decade-long leadership as department chair, highlights deep academic and organizational expertise.

  2. High Research Output & Impact: With 96 publications, 50+ research projects, and citations exceeding 1300 (Google Scholar), her scholarly productivity and influence are clear. Her h-index across databases (14–17) confirms consistent academic contribution.

  3. Global Collaborations: Active collaborations with international centers like UCSF and University of Cologne underscore her role in global scientific advancement.

  4. Innovative Research Areas: She works at the forefront of molecular oncology, focusing on HPV-associated oral cancers, odontogenic tumors, and biomarkers like P16, VIM3, and PDCD4.

  5. Educational & Editorial Leadership: Served on scientific and editorial boards, symposiums, and advisory panels; she also authored 2 academic books and guided national congresses.

  6. Professional Societies: Active member of multiple esteemed societies (IAOP, ESP, EHNS, IADR), reflecting recognition in the international scientific community.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Clinical Translation Scaling: While her biomarker discoveries are notable, increasing efforts to lead translational clinical trials could accelerate therapeutic application.

  2. Policy Advocacy: Engaging more in international oral health policy or WHO-affiliated programs could amplify her impact beyond academia.

  3. Mentorship on Global Scale: Expanding formal international mentorship programs or fellowships could further cement her influence and legacy.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin holds both DDS and Ph.D. degrees, specializing in Oral Pathology and Periodontology. She completed her undergraduate dental studies at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, where she later pursued her doctoral studies. Her academic training extended beyond Türkiye through international fellowships and research placements, including the prestigious Department of Medicine and Stomatology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the Institute for Pathology at the University of Cologne. Her educational journey is marked by an interdisciplinary approach, blending basic sciences and clinical applications. These robust academic foundations have positioned her as a global expert in oral cancer biomarkers, regenerative periodontology, and molecular pathology, nurturing future dentists and researchers through an integrative, evidence-based curriculum and global research exposure.

💼 Experience:

Prof. Dr. Gültekin has over 25 years of experience in dentistry, oral pathology, and periodontology. She has served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Pathology at Gazi University, shaping both academic curricula and national diagnostic standards. Internationally, she collaborated with UCSF and the University of Cologne on pioneering projects in oral cancer and HPV research. Her clinical and academic background spans over 50 funded research projects, with 96 published papers in prestigious journals indexed by SCI, Scopus, and PubMed. She has contributed to oral health policy through editorial and advisory roles, including at journals like Journal of Oral Health Frontiers. Her expertise has guided scientific boards and symposia in Türkiye and beyond, particularly in head and neck pathology. She remains a sought-after consultant and reviewer, advocating for personalized medicine and molecular diagnostics in oral health.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of oral diseases, particularly odontogenic tumors, oral epithelial dysplasia, and HPV-induced carcinomas. She has made key contributions in identifying biomarkers such as P16, PDCD4, VIM3, and CD8+ T-cell infiltrates, enhancing early diagnosis and prognosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Her research also explores microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, she has contributed to periodontal tissue regeneration studies and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. With over 1,300 citations and an h-index of 17 on Google Scholar, her impactful work bridges molecular science and clinical application. Collaborating with global experts in pathology, oncology, and molecular biology, Prof. Gültekin’s research not only contributes to academic literature but also informs clinical protocols and treatment pathways in modern dentistry and oral oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧬 Microsatellite Instability and Loss of Heterozygosity as Prognostic Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, 2024)

  • 🧪 Efficiency of B-RAF-/MEK-inhibitors in B-RAF Mutated Ameloblastoma: Case Report and Review (Heliyon, 2023)

  • 🦷 Kişiselleştirilmiş Diş Hekimliği (ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi, 2023)

  • 🔍 Apoptosis Related PDCD4: Promising Novel Biomarker for Early Detection of Oral Cancer (ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi, 2022)

  • 🛡️ PD-L1 Expression and High CD8+ Lymphocyte Infiltrate Predict Outcome in Oropharyngeal SCC (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020)

🧾 Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering contributions in oral pathology, particularly in molecular diagnostics and HPV-related oral oncology, place her at the forefront of dental research. Her exceptional academic record, leadership, and dedication to collaborative and translational science make her a standout candidate who embodies the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and global impact.