Farhad Vahid | Public Health & Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Farhad Vahid | Public Health & Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

Scientist | Luxembourg Institute of Health | Luxembourg

Dr. Farhad Vahid is a researcher in nutrition sciences with a strong focus on nutritional epidemiology, inflammation, oxidative stress, and diet-related cardiometabolic and cancer outcomes. His work integrates population-based cohort studies, case–control designs, and advanced statistical modeling to investigate dietary patterns, nutrient quality indices, and their mechanistic links to metabolic health, aging, and chronic disease risk. He has contributed extensively to international, multidisciplinary research collaborations and has played an active role in grant-funded projects addressing personalized nutrition, healthy aging, and sustainable dietary behaviors. With a scholarly output of 100 peer-reviewed documents, his research has accumulated 1,564 citations and achieved an h-index of 22, reflecting consistent impact in the fields of nutrition and public health. His publications span high-quality journals and include contributions to reviews, original research, and translational nutrition science, advancing evidence-based strategies for disease prevention and health promotion through diet.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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1,564
Citations

100
Documents

22
h-index

Citations

Documents

h-index

Featured Publications

Liying Yao | Public Health & Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liying Yao | Public Health & Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

Post Doctoral | Guangzhou university | China

Dr. Liying Yao is an active researcher in sports and exercise psychology, with a strong scholarly focus on exercise and mental health, sport performance psychology, physical activity participation, and physical fitness assessment. Her research integrates behavioral science with applied sport and exercise contexts, addressing both individual and community-level determinants of physical activity and psychological well-being. She has contributed to peer-reviewed national and international journals, including SCI, SSCI, and Scopus-indexed publications, with research spanning obesity prevention, adolescent physical health behaviors, social support for exercise, and community-built environments influencing activity participation. Dr. Yao’s work demonstrates methodological rigor and interdisciplinary relevance, particularly in translating psychological theory into practical interventions for health promotion. To date, her scholarly output comprises 9 research documents, accumulating 40 citations with an h-index of 3, reflecting growing academic impact and visibility. Her research contributions continue to advance evidence-based understanding in sports and exercise psychology, supporting healthier and more active populations through scientifically grounded insights.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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20

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40
Citations

9
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3
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Gokhan Yilmaz | Public Health & Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gokhan Yilmaz | Public Health & Epidemiology | Research Excellence Award

Emergency Medicine Specialist | Konya Meram Public Hospital | Turkey

Dr. Gokhan Yilmaz is an emergency medicine researcher with a strong focus on resuscitation science, point-of-care ultrasonography, acute cardiovascular and neurological emergencies, toxicology, and evidence-based emergency diagnostics. His scholarly work emphasizes translational and clinical research aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, and emergency department efficiency. He has authored 13 peer-reviewed research documents, including original articles, bibliometric analyses, and clinical investigations published in international journals, with his work receiving 60 citations and achieving an h-index of 6. His research portfolio includes comparative studies on cardiopulmonary resuscitation monitoring, ultrasound-guided emergency assessments, hematological and biochemical biomarkers in acute conditions, and outcomes research in emergency care systems. Through consistent contributions to high-impact emergency medicine literature, his research demonstrates methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained academic productivity, reflecting a focused commitment to advancing clinical knowledge and practice in acute and critical care medicine.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

60

45

30

15

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60
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13
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6
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Featured Publications

Gaofetoge Lenetha | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Gaofetoge Lenetha | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Scholar Award

Senior Lecturer | University of the Free State | South Africa

Dr. Gaofetoge Lenetha, is an emerging researcher whose scholarly work reflects a focused and steadily expanding contribution to her field. With a total 6 Scopus-indexed documents, she has established a solid foundation of research that demonstrates both scientific rigor and interdisciplinary engagement. Her publications, which have collectively received 40 citations, explore key scientific and applied themes, contributing to the advancement of knowledge through evidence-based inquiry and innovative methodologies. The h-index of 4 highlights the growing influence of her work, with several papers continuing to be cited internationally and serving as reference points for ongoing studies. Lenetha’s research portfolio showcases her ability to integrate analytical depth with practical relevance, addressing critical issues that connect fundamental science to real-world applications. Through sustained scholarly activity, collaboration with peers, and contributions to academic discussions, she has positioned herself as a promising and active researcher in her discipline. Her consistent publication record and commitment to quality research output demonstrate both productivity and impact within the scientific community. Overall, Lenetha, Gaofetoge G. exemplifies the qualities of an early-career researcher dedicated to advancing her field through rigorous investigation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the pursuit of innovation, marking her as a respected and evolving voice in contemporary scientific research.

Profile: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

Gulnaz Ilgekbayeva | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Gulnaz Ilgekbayeva | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Kazakh National Agrarian Research University | Kazakhstan

Dr. Gulnaz D. Ilgekbayeva is a distinguished researcher affiliated with the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Her academic profile, highlights her valuable contribution to the field of agricultural and environmental sciences. Over her research career, she has authored a total of seven scholarly documents, she has authored 7 documents that collectively reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing key issues in her discipline, which collectively represent her commitment to addressing key scientific and applied issues within her domain. These publications have received a total of 85 citations , illustrating the recognition and influence her work has achieved among her peers and within the broader academic community. Her current h-index stands at 3, signifying that at least three of her publications have been cited three or more times, reflecting consistent academic impact and research engagement. Ilgekbayeva’s collaborative approach is also evident in her association with a wide network of 44 co-authors, underscoring her active involvement in interdisciplinary research and international cooperation. While the Scopus preview provides a limited glimpse of her overall achievements, it reveals a researcher dedicated to scientific advancement and knowledge dissemination. Through her studies and partnerships, Gulnaz D. Ilgekbayeva continues to contribute meaningfully to Kazakhstan’s academic and scientific landscape, particularly in areas connected to sustainable agricultural development, environmental stewardship, and the practical application of agrarian research. Her growing citation record and collaborative footprint position her as an emerging academic voice committed to fostering innovation and excellence in her chosen field.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Cristina Juan Jimenez | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Cristina Juan Jimenez | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Operational Research Technician | Anesvad Foundation | Spain

Dr. Cristina Juan Jimenez is a researcher affiliated with the Anesvad Foundation, Bilbao, Spain, contributing to public health and social equity research with a focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and intersectional health determinants. Her scholarly activity includes 2 research documents indexed in Scopus, reflecting her growing engagement in advancing gender and disability equity in global health. Her academic pursuits represent an emerging trajectory centered on the complex interplay between health inequities, gender, and social inclusion in endemic regions. Among her published works, one notable article titled “Inequities and factors associated with gender and disability in NTD-endemic communities in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire: an intersectional approach to interventions” (Frontiers in Global Women’s Health) explores systemic challenges in implementing equitable health interventions. Her collaborations with over 25 co-authors indicate active participation in interdisciplinary and multicultural research networks. Through her work, Cristina Jimenez aligns with the global mission of the Anesvad Foundation to eradicate diseases of poverty and to promote human rights-centered health systems. Her emerging scholarly portfolio underscores a commitment to addressing public health disparities through evidence-based and participatory approaches that empower marginalized populations. While her publication metrics are still developing, her contribution to gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive health frameworks positions her as a promising researcher dedicated to transforming the landscape of community health interventions in Africa and beyond.

Profiles: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

Isaac Darko Otchere | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Public Health Scientist Award

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Dr. Isaac Darko Otchere | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Public Health Scientist Award

Senior Research Fellow | Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research | Ghana

Dr. Isaac Darko Otchere is a Senior Research Fellow at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, with expertise in biochemistry, pathogen genomics, bioinformatics, drug discovery, and pathogen biology. His scholarly contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis and related mycobacterial infections in Africa. Dr. Otchere’s research has revealed critical insights into the phylogenomics and molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium africanum, contributing to global tuberculosis control efforts. His notable publications include “Phylogenomics of Mycobacterium africanum reveals a new lineage and a complex evolutionary history” and “Comparative genomics of Mycobacterium africanum Lineage 5 and Lineage 6 from Ghana suggests distinct ecological niches.” His work also extends to public health studies on drug-resistant tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer, cholera, and SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Ghana. According to Google Scholar, Dr. Otchere has accrued 1,344 citations in total, reflecting his continued relevance in current scientific discourse. He maintains an h-index of 20 and an i10-index of 32 underscoring the influence and sustained citation of his research in peer-reviewed literature. His studies, often collaborative and interdisciplinary, demonstrate a commitment to using genomics and molecular biology to address infectious disease challenges in Africa and beyond, cementing his standing as a key figure in pathogen research and global health science.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Coscolla, M., Gagneux, S., Menardo, F., Loiseau, C., Ruiz-Rodriguez, P., & Otchere, I. D., et al. (2021). Phylogenomics of Mycobacterium africanum reveals a new lineage and a complex evolutionary history. Microbial Genomics, 7(2), 000477.

2. Nguta, J. M., Appiah-Opong, R., Nyarko, A. K., Yeboah-Manu, D., Addo, P. G. A., & Otchere, I. D., et al. (2016). Antimycobacterial and cytotoxic activity of selected medicinal plant extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 182, 10–15.

3. Asante-Poku, A., Yeboah-Manu, D., Otchere, I. D., Aboagye, S. Y., Stucki, D., & Gagneux, S., et al. (2015). Mycobacterium africanum is associated with patient ethnicity in Ghana. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 9(1), e3370.

4. Yeboah-Manu, D., Asare, P., Asante-Poku, A., Otchere, I. D., Osei-Wusu, S., & Gagneux, S., et al. (2016). Spatio-temporal distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains in Ghana. PLOS ONE, 11(8), e0161892.

5. Otchere, I. D., Coscollá, M., Sánchez-Busó, L., Asante-Poku, A., Brites, D., & Yeboah-Manu, D., et al. (2018). Comparative genomics of Mycobacterium africanum Lineage 5 and Lineage 6 from Ghana suggests distinct ecological niches. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 11269.

Maria Gheorghe | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Maria Gheorghe | Public Health & Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Director at Pfizer Inc, Romania

Maria Gheorghe is an accomplished expert in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) with over 14 years of impactful contributions spanning academia, research institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Currently serving as Director of Global HTA, Value and Evidence at Pfizer Inc., she has led high-stakes initiatives in antimicrobial resistance, oncology, and vaccine access. Her career reflects a commitment to evidence-based healthcare, strategic market access, and policy transformation at both national and international levels.

profile

orcid

Education

Maria Gheorghe holds a PhD in Health Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam, where her doctoral work focused on quantitative approaches to monitoring population quality of life, particularly modeling and evaluating health utility data. She also earned an MSc in Applied Mathematics from Delft University of Technology, where she explored advanced Bayesian methods in reservoir simulation. Her academic foundation began with a BSc in Economics, majoring in Cybernetics, Statistics, and Economics, from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. This combination of mathematical rigor and economic insight has uniquely positioned her to address complex health policy challenges.

Professional Experience

Maria’s career is marked by a progressive trajectory through key roles in industry and academia. Since June 2022, she has led global value and evidence generation strategies at Pfizer for the launch of EMBLAVEO, a next-generation anti-infective. She has been instrumental in coordinating cross-functional global teams and external stakeholders to secure optimal pricing and reimbursement frameworks across various healthcare systems. Prior to this, she contributed to oncology strategy, particularly supporting the global launch of Talzenna + Xtandi for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). From 2019 to 2022, she held national responsibilities as Health & Value Manager for Pfizer Romania, where she led the market access strategies for Eliquis, Paxlovid, and hospital brands. Earlier roles at Sanofi in market access and public affairs allowed her to shape reimbursement policies and build influential partnerships. Her formative experience as a researcher at Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management laid the groundwork for her methodical and evidence-driven approach to health economics.

Research Interests

Maria’s research interests span real-world evidence, cost-effectiveness modeling, and antimicrobial resistance policy. She is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between epidemiological modeling and reimbursement systems, advancing HTA frameworks that integrate the societal value of novel therapeutics. Her recent work leverages machine learning and big data to inform pricing models for anti-infectives and supports innovative reimbursement agreements based on value-based healthcare principles.

Awards and Recognition

Maria has earned significant recognition for her strategic leadership and research excellence. She played a pivotal role in the UK’s innovative reimbursement scheme for anti-infectives—a global case study in AMR policy reform. She has also been commended internally at Pfizer for her contributions to cross-functional evidence planning and real-world data integration. Her academic achievements include graduating top of her MSc cohort at Delft and securing competitive research roles across Europe.

Selected Publications

Gheorghe M. et al. (2020). Economic evaluation of novel antibiotics: challenges and recommendations. Value in Health. Cited by 34 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2019). Modeling transmission in cost-effectiveness studies: the case of antimicrobial resistance. Pharmacoeconomics. Cited by 21 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2018). Quality of life trajectories in chronic disease populations: a longitudinal analysis. Health Economics. Cited by 16 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2017). Bayesian approaches in population health modeling. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy. Cited by 12 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2016). Comparative methods for population-level health utility estimation. European Journal of Health Economics. Cited by 10 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2015). A meta-analysis of EQ-5D values across disease groups. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care. Cited by 9 articles.

Gheorghe M. et al. (2014). Cost-effectiveness of vaccines in emerging markets. Vaccine. Cited by 17 articles.

Conclusion

Maria Gheorghe embodies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—intellectual excellence, strategic impact, innovation in health policy, and a commitment to public health advancement. Her accomplishments in research, leadership in evidence-based strategies, and contributions to global health challenges make her a highly deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.