Ilaria Cossu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Ilaria Cossu | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Research Excellence Award

University of Sassari | Italy

Ilaria Cossu is a motivated PhD candidate in Life Sciences and Biotechnologies with a specialization in Microbiology and Immunology. Their work focuses on understanding the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer, integrating molecular biology, immunology, and virology approaches to explore how retroviral elements may influence tumorigenesis. Their doctoral project involves conducting indirect ELISA assays, maintaining and analyzing cell cultures, processing blood samples, performing RNA extraction and reverse transcription, and carrying out quantitative PCR for gene expression profiling. The researcher is actively engaged in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and collaborative research activities at both national and international levels.

Prior academic training includes Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, each completed with top distinction, and research internships in microbiology, virology, and biochemistry laboratories. These experiences provided hands-on expertise in electrophoretic methods such as cellulose acetate electrophoresis, C-PAGE, fluorescent 2-aminoacridone probe (FACE) analysis, and SDS-PAGE, contributing to a solid foundation in protein and nucleic acid characterization. Their current research aims to advance understanding of retroviral contributions to cancer biology and supports the development of innovative molecular approaches for disease investigation and potential therapeutic insights.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Cossu, I., Ruberto, S., Filippi, E., Simula, E. R., Noli, M., Mottula, A., & others. (2025). HERV-K envelope induces a humoral response in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Current Microbiology, 82(12), 574.

Jasemi, S., Molicotti, P., Fais, M., Cossu, I., Simula, E. R., Sechi, L. A., & others. (2025). Biological mechanisms of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis toxin: Linking inflammation, colorectal cancer, and clinical implications. Toxins, 17(6), 305.

Simula, E. R., Jasemi, S., Cossu, D., Fais, M., Cossu, I., Chessa, V., & others. (2025). Human endogenous retroviruses as novel therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders. Vaccines, 13(4), 415. h

Ruberto, S., Santovito, A., Caviglia, G. P., Noli, M., Cossu, D., Ribaldone, D. G., & others. (2025). Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and human endogenous retrovirus in Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Immunology.

Amr Hanbali | Therapeutic use of Cellular therapy in cancer treatment | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Hanbali | Therapeutic use of Cellular therapy in cancer treatment | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Hanbali | King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Amr AlHanbali is a dual-certified Hematology and Oncology consultant with over 18 years of experience in malignant and benign hematological conditions. Based at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he specializes in hematologic malignancies and stem cell transplantation. Dr. AlHanbali previously served as a senior staff physician and Associate Fellowship Program Director at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. Recognized for his academic involvement, he holds teaching appointments at Wayne State University and Alfaisal University. Known for his dedication to clinical mentorship, he has trained numerous medical students, residents, and fellows. He is actively involved in research and is a member of several prestigious medical organizations including the American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncology. With expertise ranging from bone marrow procedures to managing complex hematologic disorders, Dr. AlHanbali is a respected leader in the field of hematology and stem cell transplantation.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Contribution

    • Over 17 peer-reviewed publications, including impactful case reports, national guidelines, and original research in hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation.

    • Active contributor to national guidelines on multiple myeloma, reflecting leadership in shaping national healthcare standards in KSA.

  2. Dual Academic and Clinical Roles

    • Combines academic excellence (as faculty at Wayne State University and Alfaisal University) with hands-on clinical expertise at a premier institution (King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center).

  3. Innovative Focus in Hematology and Transplantation

    • Research into underexplored areas such as hepatitis B reactivation post-rituximab, genetic donor match outcomes, and therapies for AL amyloidosis.

  4. International Exposure and Leadership

    • Experience across the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, influencing programs in both systems.

    • Played a key role in training and selecting future hematology-oncology fellows in the U.S.

  5. Mentorship and Capacity Building

    • Mentored numerous trainees, enhancing research culture among younger clinicians.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Higher Impact Publications Needed

    • While the volume and variety of research are commendable, more publications in top-tier journals (NEJM, Lancet, Blood, JCO) could boost citation impact and visibility.

  2. Research Grants and Collaborative Trials

    • Pursuing multicenter studies, international collaborations, or industry-sponsored clinical trials would further elevate his profile and expand research funding sources.

  3. Technological Innovation/Patents

    • Exploring biotech innovation, AI in diagnostics, or cellular therapy patents could position him among the top medical innovators.

Education:

Dr. Amr AlHanbali completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Jordan in 1999. He pursued medical training in the United States, starting with an internal medicine residency (2001–2004) at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit. He continued his specialization with a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology (2004–2007) at the same institution. During his training, he also undertook elective rotations in Pediatric Cardiology and Gastroenterology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, further enriching his academic exposure. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine (2004), Hematology (2007), and Oncology (2007). Dr. AlHanbali holds academic titles as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Wayne State University, Detroit, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Alfaisal University, Riyadh. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in internal medicine, with a deep focus on hematology and oncology, further supported by teaching and research excellence.

Experience:

Dr. AlHanbali’s clinical career spans over 18 years, currently serving as Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh since 2013. Prior to this, he held multiple leadership roles at Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, including Senior Staff Physician and Associate Fellowship Program Director (2007–2013). His medical expertise covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myeloproliferative disorders. Dr. AlHanbali also has extensive experience in stem cell transplantation, intrathecal chemotherapy, and bone marrow biopsy. He has been instrumental in resident selection and curriculum development for fellowship programs in hematology and oncology. His work bridges clinical excellence with academic mentorship, guiding numerous trainees and junior physicians. In addition to patient care, he is involved in clinical guideline development and research, particularly in the field of multiple myeloma and transplant outcomes.

Research Focus:

Dr. Amr AlHanbali’s research is centered on hematologic malignancies, particularly multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, and stem cell transplantation. His work explores novel therapeutic approaches, transplant outcomes, disease progression, and treatment-related complications. He has contributed significantly to research on hepatitis B reactivation, chemotherapy-induced toxicities, and the protective role of comorbidities like diabetes in cancer metastasis. As an active member of the Saudi Myeloma Working Group, he has co-authored national guidelines for both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. His studies also examine health disparities in cancer care, including outcomes among African American populations and the impact of familial genetics in donor matches. With over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and case reports in high-impact journals, Dr. AlHanbali continues to push forward understanding in clinical hematology and oncology. He combines bedside insights with academic rigor to shape evidence-based practice and improve treatment outcomes in cancer and transplant medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1.  Mediastinal Hematoma With SVC Syndrome From A Central Venous Catheter Insertion – CHEST, 2003

  2.  Diabetes Has Protective Effect Against Metastasis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – Arch Intern Med, 2007

  3.  Delayed Hepatitis B Viral Replication Post-Rituximab & Fludarabine in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia – Am J Hematol, 2007

  4.  Acute Pancreatitis Induced by Adult Precursor B-cell ALL – South Med J, 2007

  5.  Hypersensitivity Reaction of Mylotarg with Platelet Transfusion – Am J Health Syst Pharm, 2007

  6.  Incidence of Hepatitis B Reactivation after Rituximab Therapy – Am J Hematol, 2009

  7. Outcomes After Auto-SCT in African Americans with Multiple Myeloma – Bone Marrow Transplant, 2009

  8.  HER-2 Status May Change in Recurrent Breast Cancer – Cancer Research, 2009

  9.  Compartment Syndrome as Presentation of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia – J Gen Intern Med, 2010

  10.  Use of Insulin and its Effect on Survival in NSCLC – J Clin Oncol, 2009

Conclusion:

Dr. Amr AlHanbali demonstrates a stellar blend of clinical expertise, research productivity, academic mentorship, and leadership in hematology and oncology. His research contributions have practical implications in areas such as multiple myeloma, leukemia, transplant immunology, and chemotherapy safety.

He is highly deserving of recognition and stands out as a top contender for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in the categories of clinical research excellence, translational hematology, and medical education integration with research.

Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award.

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Ms. Xiaoyan Wang | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xiaoyan Wang, Fudan University, China

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is a postdoctoral fellow at Fudan University with a strong foundation in both clinical and basic cardiovascular research. She holds a PhD in Cardiology from Fudan University and is currently advancing her expertise through the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at Harvard Medical School. Her academic journey spans over a decade of progressive education and clinical experience, complemented by multiple high-impact publications. She actively contributes to scholarly communities as an editor for AME Clinical Trials Review and the organizer of an academic communication club. Dr. Wang’s work bridges immunology and cardiology, particularly in understanding immune mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases. She has received several prestigious fellowships and awards, reflecting her strong scientific rigor and leadership. With her multidisciplinary research background and international exposure, Dr. Wang is an emerging leader in cardiovascular translational research and a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Academic Foundation

    • Trained at top-tier institutions including Fudan University and currently enrolled at Harvard Medical School for global clinical research training.

    • Holds a PhD in Cardiology with a solid foundation in both clinical and basic research.

  2. Extensive Research Experience

    • Over a decade of research with a focus on ventricular remodeling, immune mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases, and non-coding RNAs.

    • Published in high-impact journals such as Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, Annals of Translational Medicine, and Heliyon.

  3. Recognized Expertise and Leadership

    • Awarded Postdoctoral Fellowship by CPSF and Super Postdoctoral Fellowship by Fudan University in 2023.

    • Section Editor at AME Clinical Trials Review and organizer of the “Excellent Academic Research Communication Club”.

  4. Interdisciplinary and Translational Focus

    • Combines clinical cardiology with molecular immunology, enhancing the translational potential of her research.

  5. Global Perspective

    • Active participation in international research forums like the Japanese Circulation Society, which reflects global relevance.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  • Broader Collaboration: While her core work is well-recognized, expanding interdisciplinary and international collaborations could amplify her visibility.

  • Clinical Trial Leadership: Leading a multi-center clinical trial would significantly strengthen her clinical research credentials.

  • Grant Acquisition: More information on independently secured competitive research grants could further demonstrate leadership.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is currently enrolled in the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program (2024–2025) at Harvard Medical School, combining online and on-site learning. She earned her PhD in Cardiology at Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital (2016–2019), where she conducted basic research on ventricular remodeling under Prof. Yunzeng Zou, supported by national-level research funds. Earlier, she obtained her Master’s degree in clinical cardiology from Dalian Medical University (2013–2016), supervised by the esteemed Prof. Yaling Han. Her undergraduate training was completed at Fujian Medical University (2007–2012), where she laid the foundation for her clinical and academic career. Her education reflects a steady progression toward excellence in cardiovascular research, integrating both laboratory and patient-based studies. Dr. Wang’s cross-disciplinary and global educational background equips her with a unique perspective in translational medicine and scientific innovation.

🩺 Experience:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is a postdoctoral fellow at Fudan University (2023–present), where she continues her cardiovascular research under Prof. Yunzeng Zou and fosters academic exchange as the organizer of the “Excellent Academic Research Communication Club.” She also serves as a section editor for AME Clinical Trials Review (2024–present). Previously, she worked as a cardiologist at Shanghai Jiaotong University’s Ruijin Hospital (2022–2023) and as a cardiovascular specialist at Fudan University’s Zhongshan Hospital (2019–2022). Her clinical practice is complemented by a strong research portfolio and academic leadership. Dr. Wang’s diverse roles reflect her commitment to integrating clinical insight with research innovation. Her responsibilities span research coordination, patient care, publishing, and mentoring, positioning her as a clinician-scientist deeply embedded in academic medicine.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang has been recognized with several competitive awards that underscore her research excellence. In 2023, she received the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF and was named a Super Postdoctoral Fellow at Fudan University—both high honors recognizing scientific innovation and impact. Her clinical insights and writing skills earned her third prize in the 8th “Buchang Cup” Young Physician Essay Contest (2019). She was also selected to present at the Late-Breaking Cohort Studies session at the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS) Annual Meeting in 2019, an indication of her work’s international relevance. These awards demonstrate her ability to balance rigorous clinical practice with pioneering research, making her a standout candidate for accolades like the Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang’s research centers on the intersection of cardiology and immunology, with a special focus on ventricular remodeling, cGAS-STING signaling pathways, immune responses in myocardial infarction, and non-coding RNAs. Her work spans both basic and translational research, investigating the molecular mechanisms behind cardiovascular disease progression while aiming to identify therapeutic targets. She has explored the roles of Akt, β-arrestin-2, CaMKII, and immune gene signatures in heart failure and myocardial infarction. Dr. Wang’s research has practical clinical implications, informing diagnosis and prognosis in cardiovascular medicine. Through international collaborations and cutting-edge methodologies, she contributes to a deeper understanding of immune-cardiovascular crosstalk. Her publication track record and editorial roles affirm her impact in shaping current and future directions in cardiovascular research.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

1️⃣ 🧬 The immune system in cardiovascular diseases: from basic mechanisms to therapeutic implications – Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025)
2️⃣ 🧠 The connection of immune response and cGAS-STING pathway in cardiovascular disease – International Journal of Biological Sciences (Revised)
3️⃣ 🧪 Left ventricular response in the transition from hypertrophy to failure… in mice with aortic regurgitation – Annals of Translational Medicine (2020)
4️⃣ 🩸 The diagnostic values of circulating miRNAs for hypertension and bioinformatics analysis – Bioscience Reports (2018)
5️⃣ 🚬 Galectin-3 inhibition alleviates cigarette smoke extract-induced EPC dysfunction by downregulating autophagy – Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2019)
6️⃣ 🔁 Circular RNA in cardiovascular disease – Non-coding RNA Investigation (2017)
7️⃣ ❤️‍🔥 An Integrated Signature of Clinical Metrics and Immune-Related Genes as a Prognostic Indicator for STEMI Patient Survival – Heliyon (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Xiaoyan Wang is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her research blends clinical relevance with molecular depth, showing a clear trajectory toward academic leadership in cardiovascular immunology. With a combination of high-impact publications, clinical acumen, and global training, she exemplifies the qualities this award seeks to honor. Minor expansions in clinical trial leadership and collaborative reach could further elevate her profile. Nevertheless, her current accomplishments already distinguish her as a top-tier emerging researcher.