Jean-Marc LEMAITRE | Cellular Senescence Aging | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jean-Marc LEMAITRE | Cellular Senescence Aging | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jean-Marc LEMAITRE, INSERM UMR1183, France

Jean-Marc Lemaitre is a French biomedical researcher internationally renowned for his groundbreaking work on cellular reprogramming and aging reversal. Born on October 14, 1963, he is currently based at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies (IRMB) in Montpellier, where he serves as co-director. His work has transformed the understanding of how aged cells can be rejuvenated, offering new hope for regenerative therapies. With a strong academic and clinical research background, Lemaitre has authored over 100 scientific articles and books on senescence, stem cells, and epigenetics. He is a board member of several scientific societies and journals, and continues to drive research at the frontier of aging science. Lemaitre is also a public science communicator and author, helping bridge cutting-edge biology with societal challenges related to aging. His passion for improving human health through innovative science places him at the forefront of biomedical research in France and globally.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Pioneering Work in Aging Reversal
    Lemaitre was among the first scientists to show that senescent human cells can be rejuvenated, contributing significantly to cellular reprogramming and epigenetic longevity science.

  2. High-Impact Publications & Scientific Output
    Authored or co-authored over 100 scientific works, including in Nature Aging, Molecular Cell, Scientific Reports, and PNAS. His studies are cited globally in aging, regenerative medicine, and stem cell therapy.

  3. Institutional Leadership
    As Co-Director and Co-founder of IRMB, he manages a research institute with 180+ staff, positioning him as a key scientific leader in France.

  4. Scientific Recognition
    Member of scientific editorial boards and committees (e.g., Cells journal, Ligue Contre le Cancer), and board member of FSSCR, reflecting sustained leadership in the stem cell field.

  5. Translational & Interdisciplinary Impact
    His research has led to clinical insights in dermatology, osteoarthritis, and cardiology, demonstrating broad biomedical relevance beyond aging biology.

  6. Public Engagement and Science Communication
    Author of books like “Guérir la Vieillesse” and “Décider de son âge”, he bridges scientific knowledge with public interest in health and longevity.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded International Collaborations
    While Lemaitre collaborates across disciplines, further integration into global consortia or partnerships with biotech/pharma could amplify the translational value of his work.

  2. Visibility in Policy or Global Aging Initiatives
    Participation in policy advisory boards or international aging panels (e.g., WHO, UN Decade of Healthy Aging) would enhance his influence in shaping public health approaches to aging.

  3. Startups or Technology Transfer
    Commercialization of his discoveries (e.g., senescence therapies or reprogramming protocols) through startups or IP licensing would elevate his impact on innovation and real-world application.

Education:

Jean-Marc Lemaitre’s academic journey is rooted in molecular and developmental biology. He earned his DEA (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Developmental Biology from Paris 6 University in 1991. His Doctorate (PhD) followed in 1995 from Paris 7 University, with research conducted at the esteemed Institut Jacques Monod in molecular and cellular biology. His early focus on the fundamental processes of cell development laid the groundwork for his future expertise in aging and regenerative medicine. In 2005, Lemaitre earned his Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR) from Montpellier University Medical School, a prestigious credential that allowed him to lead independent research projects. His educational path reflects a consistent and deep engagement with life sciences and a strong commitment to academic excellence. These milestones set the foundation for his leading role in cellular reprogramming and senescence-related research at both national and international levels.

Experience:

Jean-Marc Lemaitre has amassed over 30 years of professional experience in biomedical research, with a major focus on aging, senescence, and regenerative medicine. Since 2015, he has served as Co-Director and Cofounder of the IRMB (Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies), which now houses over 180 researchers. His professional base is at the Saint Eloi Hospital in Montpellier, where he contributes both to translational research and clinical collaborations. Between 2014 and 2018, he held a Contrat d’Interface at CHU Montpellier, strengthening ties between research and healthcare. His pioneering work in cellular reprogramming earned international acclaim for demonstrating that senescent human cells could be rejuvenated using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Lemaitre also plays leadership roles in research consortia such as the FHU REGENHAB and is an elected member of scientific committees, including the LIGUE Contre le Cancer du Septentrion. His experience is both deep and influential in shaping modern aging research.

Awards and Honors:

Jean-Marc Lemaitre has been recognized multiple times for his leadership and innovation in biomedical science. He was elected to the Scientific Committee of the LIGUE Contre le Cancer du Septentrion in 2019, reflecting his growing influence in translational medicine. In 2015, he co-founded and became Co-Director of IRMB, an institute now pivotal in stem cell and regenerative therapies. From 2014 to 2018, he was awarded a Contrat d’Interface at CHU Montpellier, enhancing integration between research and clinical practice. His work has also earned him positions on international editorial boards, including the “Cells” journal since 2020. In 2007, he co-founded and became a board member of the French Society for Stem Cell Research (FSSCR). These honors reflect not only the quality of his scientific contributions but also his dedication to mentorship, institution-building, and public engagement in science. He remains a key figure in aging and regenerative medicine globally.

Research Focus:

Jean-Marc Lemaitre’s research centers on cellular aging, senescence, and regenerative medicine. He is internationally renowned for demonstrating that aged or senescent human cells can be reprogrammed back to a pluripotent state—effectively reversing aging markers. His team has been at the forefront of identifying epigenetic mechanisms involved in aging and developing short reprogramming protocols to extend healthspan. He works extensively on senotherapeutics—interventions targeting the senescent cells that drive aging and disease—and has published seminal studies on skin aging, musculoskeletal regeneration, and systemic rejuvenation. Lemaitre is also a thought leader in developing blood-based epigenetic clocks to monitor aging and predict mortality. His integrative approach blends molecular biology, stem cell science, and translational medicine to uncover ways to slow or reverse aging processes. His work opens promising therapeutic avenues for treating age-related diseases, improving healthspan, and potentially redefining biological age through cellular reprogramming technologies.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Disc-Derived iPSCs and Environmental Cues for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration (Tissue Eng Part A, 2025)

  2. Blood-Based Epigenetic Clock for Intrinsic Capacity and Mortality (Nat Aging, 2025)

  3. Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Aging: Clinical Correlation (Sci Rep, 2024)

  4. Décider de son âge (Book, 2024 – Allary Editions)

  5. Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Senescent Cells (Cells, 2023)

  6. Guérir la Vieillesse (Book, 2022 – Humensciences)

  7. Single Short Reprogramming Increases Healthspan (Aging, 2022)

  8. Epigenetic Mechanism Linking Early Reprogramming to Lifespan (Aging Cell, 2022)

  9. DNMT1-Driven 4D Genome Rewiring in Senescence (Molecular Cell, 2020)

  10. DNA Replication Timing as Marker in Progeroid Diseases (PNAS, 2017)

Conclusion:

Jean-Marc Lemaitre is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. He combines groundbreaking research in cellular aging and epigenetics with institutional leadership and public engagement. His work has transformed the understanding of biological aging, making him one of the most influential biomedical scientists in Europe in this domain. The award would not only recognize his scientific excellence but also highlight the increasing importance of healthy aging, regenerative medicine, and cellular rejuvenation in modern medicine.

Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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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.