Anastasia Zafeiriadou | Polymerase Chain Reaction | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Anastasia Zafeiriadou | Polymerase Chain Reaction | Research Excellence Award

Post Doctoral Researcher | National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Dr. Anastasia Zafeiriadou is an analytical chemist and researcher whose work focuses on molecular diagnostics, wastewater-based epidemiology, and advanced assay development for public health surveillance. Her research integrates PCR- and droplet digital PCR–based methodologies for the sensitive detection and quantification of viral pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in environmental matrices, contributing to improved monitoring of infectious disease dynamics at the population level. She has authored 6 peer-reviewed research documents, published in high-impact international journals spanning analytical chemistry, environmental science, genomics, and oncology, reflecting strong interdisciplinary engagement. Her scholarly output has received 39 citations, with a h-index of 4, underscoring the relevance and growing impact of her contributions. Her research portfolio also includes earlier work on circulating tumor cells, metabolism-related gene expression, and biomarker evaluation, demonstrating methodological rigor and translational relevance. Collectively, her work advances analytical and molecular tools that support epidemiological surveillance, environmental monitoring, and precision diagnostics.

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Featured Publications

Heming Li | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Heming Li | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Doctor | The first hospital of China Medical University | China

Dr. Heming Li is an oncology clinician-scientist whose research has generated 1,045 citations across 37 scientific documents with an h-index of 17, reflecting a sustained impact on translational cancer science. His work centers on liquid biopsy innovations, particularly circulating tumor cells (CTCs), tumor invasion and metastasis, and immunotherapy biomarkers in lung, gastric, and hepatobiliary cancers. Dr. Li is recognized for pioneering one of China’s earliest and most sensitive cell-surface vimentin (CSV)–based CTC detection platforms, integrating negative and positive enrichment to enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce costs, and enable real-time monitoring of tumor evolution. His research spans EMT regulation, immune escape, metabolic reprogramming, and multi-omics characterization of metastatic pathways, leading to first-author and corresponding-author publications in high-impact journals such as The Lancet, Journal of Hematology & Oncology, Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, Molecular Cancer, Cancer Letters, and Cell Death & Disease. He has elucidated mechanisms including IGF-IR signaling, KDM4A/STAT3-driven tumor progression, ICAM-1-mediated microenvironmental adaptation, and PD-L1 expression on CSV⁺ CTCs as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer. His recent studies have also advanced understanding of FGL1 as an immune checkpoint target and the biological significance of TROP2 in cancer therapeutics. As principal investigator, he has secured major national and provincial funding, including NSFC General and Young Programs, to study CTC-based biomarkers, immunotherapy prediction models, and metastasis-driving pathways. Through sustained contributions across liquid biopsy technology, molecular oncology, and clinically actionable biomarker development, Dr. Li has established a leading research profile shaping the future of precision cancer care.

Profile: Scopus  

Featured Publications

Anthia Govender | Medical Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Anthia Govender | Medical Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

PhD student at University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Anthia Camara Govender is an emerging scientist currently pursuing her PhD in Medical Biochemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. With a strong academic background and early research contributions in toxicology and epigenetics, she has quickly established herself as a promising researcher in the biomedical field. Anthia’s work primarily investigates the cellular and molecular effects of environmental toxins such as mycotoxins, with a specific focus on their impact on lung tissue and genetic regulation. Her dedication to uncovering new insights in medical biochemistry reflects a clear commitment to advancing translational science and therapeutic strategies.

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Education

Anthia’s academic journey began with her matriculation from Sathya Sai School, Chatsworth, in 2019. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science (Physiology) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2022. Her strong academic performance continued as she graduated cum laude in both her Honours in Medical Science (Medical Biochemistry) in 2023 and her Master’s degree in Medical Science (Medical Biochemistry) in 2024. Currently, she is enrolled in a PhD program at the same university, focusing her doctoral research on the toxicological effects of fumonisins on pulmonary epigenetics and cellular dysfunction.

Experience

Although at the early stage of her professional career, Anthia has already undertaken significant research responsibilities through her postgraduate projects. Her Master’s study focused on the impact of Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a harmful mycotoxin, on oxidative stress and DNA methylation in mice lung tissue. The study required detailed laboratory work involving mitochondrial function assays, methylation analysis, and the interpretation of oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, she has been involved in one consultancy-related research project and continues to refine her expertise in toxicology and biochemical pathways relevant to human disease.

Research Interest

Anthia’s research interests are deeply rooted in medical biochemistry, with a focus on toxicology, mycotoxins, epigenetics, and oxidative stress. Her academic progression into PhD-level work demonstrates a growing interest in exploring how environmental toxins disrupt biological systems at a molecular level. She is particularly fascinated by the mechanisms of mitophagy, DNA hypermethylation, and how these contribute to disease pathogenesis. Through her studies, she aims to bridge gaps in current understanding and contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions for toxin-induced diseases.

Award

Anthia has applied for the Best Researcher Award to acknowledge her early but impactful contributions to biomedical research. Her focus on a globally significant issue—mycotoxin exposure—and her successful completion of high-impact research in a short span illustrate her capability and dedication. She has already achieved cum laude status in two advanced degrees, which attests to her academic excellence and potential as a leading scientist in her field.

Publication

Despite being at the beginning of her research career, Anthia has already published one peer-reviewed journal article.

  • Govender AC (2024). “Fumonisin B1-induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Hypermethylation in C57BL6 Mice Lung Tissue.” Journal of Toxicologic Pathology, 37(2): 145–155. [Cited by 2 articles].

This publication investigates the role of FB1 in mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic regulation, providing novel insights into toxin-induced lung pathology. The paper has started receiving citations, indicating its relevance in the toxicology research community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anthia Camara Govender is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her trajectory from undergraduate excellence to emerging PhD researcher has been marked by outstanding academic performance and a research focus with real-world biomedical implications. Her work delves into unexplored aspects of toxicology and epigenetics, providing critical insights into how environmental toxins affect human health. Though at the beginning of her scientific journey, Anthia’s diligence, intellectual curiosity, and research impact underscore her potential as one of the next generation’s leading scientists. Her nomination for this award is both timely and well-deserved.