Andrea Smidler | Gene Editing | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Andrea Smidler | Gene Editing | Best Researcher Award

University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Andrea L. Smidler is an accomplished molecular entomologist and genetic engineer whose research focuses on innovative CRISPR-based tools for vector control, particularly in Anopheles gambiae, the primary malaria vector. According to her Scopus profile (Author ID: 36626227000), she has published 18 scientific documents, achieving an impressive h-index of 14 and accumulating over 2008 citations, reflecting her growing influence in genetic biocontrol research. Her recent high-impact works include “Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae” (Scientific Reports, 2025), “CRISPR technologies for the control and study of malaria-transmitting Anopheline mosquitoes” (Parasites and Vectors, 2025), and “Eliminating malaria vectors with precision guided sterile males” (PNAS, 2024). Through collaborations with leading scientists such as Omar Akbari, George Church, and Flaminia Catteruccia, Dr. Smidler has advanced CRISPR-mediated gene drive and sterilization systems that aim to eradicate malaria at its source. Her consistent publication record across top-tier journals—including Science, PNAS, and Cell—and her citation metrics underscore her pioneering contributions to synthetic biology, public health genetics, and entomological engineering. Dr. Smidler continues to be a key innovator in developing genetic solutions for vector-borne disease elimination.

Featured Publications

Smidler, A., Abernathy, D., Marrogi, E., Mameli, E., Akbari, O., Church, G., Esvelt, K., & Catteruccia, F. (2025, October 8). Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae. Scientific Reports.

Smidler, A., & Akbari, O. (2025, July 3). CRISPR technologies for the control and study of malaria-transmitting Anopheline mosquitoes. Parasites and Vectors.

Gendron, W. A. C., Raban, R., Mondal, A., Sánchez, C. H. M., Smidler, A., Zilberman, D., Ilboudo, P. G., D’Alessandro, U., Marshall, J. M., & Akbari, O. S. (2025, July 18). Evaluating the cost of malaria elimination by Anopheles gambiae precision guided SIT in the Upper River region, The Gambia. PLOS Global Public Health.

Smidler, A., Apte, R., Pai, J., Chow, M., Chen, S., Antoshechkin, I., & Akbari, O. (2024, June 25). Eliminating malaria vectors with precision guided sterile males. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Smidler, A., Marrogi, E., Kauffman, J., Paton, D., Westervelt, K., Church, G., Esvelt, K., Shaw, W., & Catteruccia, F. (2024, February 19). CRISPR-mediated germline knockouts for genetic sterilization of male Anopheles gambiae. Scientific Reports.

Abate Yesigat Taye | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abate Yesigat Taye | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Dr. Abate Yesigat Taye, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Hawassa University, has demonstrated remarkable scholarly productivity and impact through his extensive research contributions. With an h-index of 1, 15 peer-reviewed publications, and over 220 citations, Dr. Abate’s work reflects consistent academic engagement in the fields of financial inclusion, gender and development, digital finance, and macroeconomic policy. His publications in reputed journals such as Diaspora Studies, African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, and Advances in Agriculture highlight his expertise in econometric modeling, policy evaluation, and inclusive development strategies. Beyond publication output, Dr. Abate has served as principal investigator and consultant on numerous national and international projects, collaborating with government institutions, donor organizations, and academic partners to translate research into actionable policy. His leadership roles in academic coordination, curriculum development, and training programs further amplify his contribution to capacity building and socioeconomic advancement in Ethiopia. With strong quantitative research skills and an expanding citation footprint, Dr. Abate’s academic influence continues to grow, positioning him as a promising researcher whose future work is poised to contribute significantly to sustainable economic development and evidence-based policy innovation across Africa.

Featured Publications

Abebe, R., Yesigat, A., Afesha, N., Fedilu, A., Girma, M., Abayneh, Y., Welearegay, H., Mulatu, M., & Xiao, X. (2025). A cross‐sectional descriptive study on the challenges and prospects in livestock production and marketing in the pastoral areas: The case of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia. Advances in Agriculture, 2025(1), Article 5454471. https://doi.org/10.1155/aia/5454471

Bogale, M., Yesigat, A., Jibat, N., Hadis, S., & Tafese, T. (2024, December 18). How do governance conditions influence knowledge diaspora engagement in the development agenda of Ethiopia? Diaspora Studies. https://doi.org/10.1163/09763457-bja10131

Yesigat, A., & Awoke, W. (2024, November 9). Determinants of rural women economic empowerment: The case of Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 16(7), 929–939. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2024.2398295

Yesigat, A., Bogale, M., Jibat, N., Hadis, S., & Tafese, T. (2024, July 11). Needs and potentials of professional diaspora engagement in knowledge, skills and technology transfer in Ethiopia. Diaspora Studies, 17(1), 1–23.

Miguel Garcia-Gonzalez | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Innovation Award

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Dr. Miguel Garcia-Gonzalez | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Innovation Award

Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Santiago | Spain

Dr. Miguel Garcia Gonzalez is a distinguished biomedical researcher whose contributions to molecular and cellular genetics have had a profound impact on the field of nephrology. With 43 scientific publications in leading international journals—including Nature Medicine, PNAS, Kidney International, and Human Molecular Genetics—his work demonstrates consistent innovation and excellence. He has achieved an impressive h-index of 20 and 1909 citations, averaging 196.6 citations per year over the past five years, reflecting his growing influence in biomedical research. As Group Leader at the Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS/CHUS), Dr. Garcia Gonzalez has directed 18 research projects as Principal Investigator and developed four patents, three of which have been licensed to major biotechnology firms such as Athena Diagnostics and Nasas Biotech. His research on the genetics of kidney diseases, particularly polycystic kidney disease, has not only advanced clinical understanding but also led to diagnostic innovations and therapeutic strategies. In addition, his dedication to mentoring young scientists through doctoral and postgraduate programs underscores his commitment to academic excellence and research leadership, positioning him as an outstanding candidate for recognition as a leading researcher in life and health sciences.

Featured Publications

Sanchez-Cazorla, E., Temes-Alvarez, B., Oliveros-Martínez, P., Fortes-Gonzalez, P., Garcia-Murias, M., Barcia de la Iglesia, A., Carrera, N., & Garcia-Gonzalez, M. A. (2025). Caracterización de variantes recurrentes de UMOD (p.C255Y y p.Q316P) en una cohorte gallega: correlación genotipo-fenotipo e implicaciones clínicas. Nefrología.

Picans-Leis, R., Vazquez-Mosquera, M. E., Pereira-Hernandez, M., & Couce, M. L. (2025). Characterization of the functional component in human milk and identification of the molecular mechanisms undergoing prematurity. Clinical Nutrition, 44, 178–192

Cordido, A., Nunez-Gonzalez, L., Lamas-Gonzalez, O., Vizoso-Gonzalez, M., Bravo, S., Diaz, C., Banales, J. M., & Garcia-Gonzalez, M. A. (2025). Therapeutic opportunities in polycystic kidney and liver disease through extracellular matrix dynamics. Biochemical Pharmacology.

Gomez-Garcia, F., & Garcia-Gonzalez, M. A. (2024). Gene editing: A near future for the treatment of genetic kidney diseases. Kidney International.

Stavroula Rakitzi | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stavroula Rakitzi | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stavroula Rakitzi | Georg-August-University of Gottingen | Greece

Dr. Stavroula Rakitzi, Dr. phil., Dipl.-Psych., is a distinguished clinical psychologist and certified cognitive behavioral psychotherapist with extensive academic, clinical, and training expertise in Greece and Germany. She holds a Diploma in Psychology from Georg-August-University of Göttingen, advanced specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on adult psychotherapy and rehabilitation from the University of Koblenz-Landau. Her professional journey includes work at the Hellenic CDC with HIV patients, long-standing private practice in Athens, CBT training roles, and current lecturing positions in European universities, including the Deutsche Hochschule für Gesundheit und Sport. She has been recognized with the Young Scientist Award (2005) and contributed significantly to the promotion and implementation of Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT) for schizophrenia patients in Greece. Her active participation in European Commission expert projects underlines her international recognition. According to her research profiles (ResearchGate, ORCID, and Web of Science), she has authored 12 scientific documents, which have received 165 citations, reflecting an h-index of 7, indicating both productivity and scholarly impact in the field of clinical psychology and psychotherapy. Dr. Rakitzi remains deeply engaged in advancing evidence-based interventions, training, and research dissemination across Europe.

Profiles: Orcid | Researcher ID

Featured Publications

Rakitzi, S., & Georgila, P. (2024). Treatment resistant bipolar disorder: Evidence-based pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and rehabilitation. Springer.

Rakitzi, S., & Georgila, P. (2024). Treatment resistant schizophrenia: Evidence-based pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and rehabilitation. Springer.

Rakitzi, S. (2023). Clinical psychology and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy: Recovery in mental health. Springer.

Rakitzi, S., & Georgila, P. (2018). The recovery process in the context of pharmacotherapy and CBT in patients with schizophrenia. In Avid Science (Ed.), Schizophrenia. Avid Science.

Rakitzi, S., Georgila, P., & Efthimiou, K. (2017). Pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with schizophrenia. In Avid Science (Ed.), Behavioral therapy. Avid Science.

Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust | Bonner Institut fur Organismische Biologie (BIOB) | Germany

Prof. Dr. Jes Rust is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an impressive scholarly record: he has published  41 documents, garnered 1,800 citations, and holds an h-index of about 46, evidence of both consistent productivity and strong impact in invertebrate palaeontology and evolutionary biology. His work, covering the evolution, phylogeny and paleobiology of insects, the early evolution of arthropods, molluscs, and theoretical aspects of phylogeny and systematics, has not only enriched fundamental scientific understanding but also shaped disciplinary debates. Since his habilitation, and especially in his long tenure as Professor at the University of Bonn, Jes Rust has combined rigorous field and laboratory research with high-quality publications and editorial leadership (e.g. editorship of Palaeontographica A), further amplifying his influence in the scientific community. His citation count and h-index reflect that many of his papers are regularly referenced, confirming their lasting relevance. In addition, his leadership roles in scientific societies and committees demonstrate recognition by peers. Taken together, his documents, citations, and metric indicators make Prof. Dr. Jes Rust an eminently suitable laureate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Jiang, H., Moulds, M. S., Blank, S. M., Rust, J., Wedmann,  Wang, B. (2025). Sounds from the Eocene: The first singing cicada from the Messel Pit, Germany. Scientific Reports, 15, Article 12826.

Rust, J., & McCoy, V. E. (2025). Fossilisation ecology – A more complete concept of taphonomy. Trends in Ecology & Evolution. Advance online publication.

Jiang, H., Szwedo, J., Labandeira, C. C., Chen, J., Moulds, M. S., Mähler, B., Muscente, A. D., Zhuo, D., Nyunt, T. T., Zhang, H., Wei, C., Rust, J., & Wang, B. (2024). Mesozoic evolution of cicadas and their origins of vocalization and root feeding. Nature Communications, 15(1), Article 376.

Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mesay Wolle | Life Sciences Innovation | Best Researcher Award 

Mesay M. Wolle is a Chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis and isotope dilution mass spectrometry. With a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University and postdoctoral training at Duquesne University, he has advanced food, environmental, and clinical safety through the development of innovative and validated analytical methods. He has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, reviewed extensively for international journals, and collaborated with leading organizations such as NIST, NRC Canada, and the U.S. EPA.

Dr. Mesay Wolle | U.S. Food and Drug Administration | United States

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mesay M. Wolle holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Oslo University in Norway. His academic journey laid a strong foundation in advanced chemistry and analytical sciences. He pursued postdoctoral research at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania, where he enhanced his expertise in elemental and molecular speciation analysis as well as isotope dilution mass spectrometry. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to precision-driven chemical research and a passion for developing innovative analytical methodologies.

Experience

After completing his academic training, Mesay joined the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, initially as a Research Fellow and later as a full-time Chemist. In this capacity, he has made substantial contributions to food and drug safety by developing and validating advanced analytical methods for nutritional, biological, and environmental samples. His work includes conducting technical reviews of analytical packages, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing expert guidance on complex analytical issues. Additionally, he has supervised postdoctoral researchers and interns, mentoring the next generation of analytical scientists while advancing critical public health research.

Awards and Recognition

Mesay has earned recognition in the scientific community through his extensive publication record, with twenty-eight peer-reviewed papers to his credit. His citation index highlights the impact of his contributions to analytical chemistry and life sciences research. Beyond publications, he has been entrusted with editorial and reviewer roles for numerous high-impact scientific journals, including Analytical Bioanalytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, and Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. He has also served as a scientific session organizer at prominent international conferences, further demonstrating his leadership in the field.

Skills and Expertise

Mesay’s core expertise lies in elemental and biomolecular speciation analysis across nutritional, dietary, environmental, and clinical matrices. He has developed and validated methods integrating mass spectrometry, isotope dilution techniques, liquid and ion chromatography, and gas chromatography. His skills include enhancing analytical sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and throughput. He is also experienced in applying solid phase extraction, micro-extraction, and sample preparation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in testing. His consultancy and collaboration projects with organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Research Council of Canada, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlight his technical authority in analytical sciences.

Research Focus 

Mesay’s research focuses on advancing the frontiers of elemental and molecular speciation analysis using state-of-the-art spectrometric and chromatographic methods. His projects span the measurement of arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury species in nutritional products, dietary supplements, food, beverages, and biological samples. He has also pioneered methods for biomolecule analysis, such as the quantification of glutathione in clinical samples. His collaborative work has contributed to the certification of reference materials for toxins, nutrients, and trace elements, ensuring scientific precision and safety in food and environmental testing worldwide.

Research Projects

Mesay has led and contributed to research focused on the development and validation of advanced analytical methods. His projects include arsenic, chromium, iron, and mercury speciation analysis in nutritional products, dietary supplements, seafood, beverages, and biological samples. He has developed isotope dilution high-performance chromatography–mass spectrometry methods for accurate quantification of biomolecules, such as glutathione in clinical samples. Additionally, his research has extended to the certification of reference materials in collaboration with global institutions, ensuring analytical accuracy in food, drug, and environmental testing.

Publication

Exploring food and nutrition security perspectives among high school adolescents in Machakel District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Journal: BMC Research Notes

Conclusion

Mesay M. Wolle’s research excellence and commitment to public health demonstrate his impact on analytical chemistry and regulatory science. His contributions not only enhance the precision of chemical analysis but also strengthen global food and drug safety. With proven expertise, collaborations, and mentorship, he represents a leader whose innovative approaches continue to shape the future of analytical research and life sciences.