Florian Wagenlehner | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Florian Wagenlehner | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Director at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany

Prof. Dr. Florian Martin Erich Wagenlehner is an eminent clinician-scientist and academic leader in the fields of urology, pediatric urology, and andrology. Currently serving as Director of the Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology at Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany, he has built a distinguished career that integrates clinical excellence with cutting-edge research. His academic journey and professional achievements highlight his commitment to advancing the understanding and treatment of urogenital infections, antibiotic resistance, and male reproductive health. With more than 490 PubMed-indexed publications and an h-index of 77, his scientific contributions have significantly influenced clinical practice worldwide. Prof. Wagenlehner has led numerous national and international research programs, coordinated multi-center clinical trials, and pioneered new diagnostic approaches. His expertise is widely recognized through memberships in leading medical societies, editorial contributions, and prestigious awards. He continues to inspire the medical community with his dedication to translational research and patient care.

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Education

Prof. Dr. Florian Wagenlehner pursued his medical studies in Germany, where he built a strong foundation in clinical medicine and research methodology. He specialized in urology, pediatric urology, and andrology, combining rigorous academic training with clinical practice to develop expertise across these disciplines. Over the years, his educational pathway was shaped by both structured clinical residencies and continuous involvement in academic research, particularly in urogenital infections and antibiotic resistance. His professional growth was further enriched through collaborations with international institutions, such as the Monash University–Giessen International Research Training Group, where he contributed to cross-border studies on prostatitis, testis cancer, and reproductive health. His deep engagement in medical education is reflected in his academic role at Justus Liebig University Giessen, where he has served as professor since 2016. Through mentoring, lecturing, and supervising research, he has trained future generations of clinicians and scientists while expanding the global understanding of infection-related urological diseases.

Experience

Prof. Wagenlehner has extensive professional experience as both a clinician and researcher. He has served as Professor of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology at Justus Liebig University Giessen, where he also directs the University Hospital’s Clinic of Urology. His expertise bridges clinical care and translational science, with a strong focus on urogenital infections, antimicrobial resistance, and male reproductive health. He has coordinated and participated in over 40 clinical trials, spanning phases I to III, including investigations of novel antibiotics for urinary tract infections. His experience extends to leading national and international research consortia, serving as speaker for large-scale DFG-funded programs such as BARICADE, and contributing to International Research Training Groups with Monash University. Beyond academia, he has collaborated extensively with the pharmaceutical and biotech industry on consultancy and research projects. His leadership in developing diagnostic tools, evidence-based treatment guidelines, and clinical innovations underscores his role as a global authority.

Professional Development 

Prof. Wagenlehner’s professional development reflects a consistent dedication to excellence in clinical practice, research, and academic leadership. Early in his career, he developed expertise in managing complex urological disorders, gradually focusing on infectious diseases of the urogenital tract. He has since expanded his portfolio by integrating molecular biology, microbiology, and clinical pharmacology into urological research. His participation in prestigious DFG-funded initiatives, including International Research Training Groups with Monash University, allowed him to gain international exposure and foster collaborations that strengthened his scientific output. Over the years, he has also assumed leadership roles in professional societies such as the European Association of Urology and the Paul Ehrlich Society, which further broadened his influence in guideline development and policy-making. His continuous professional growth is also marked by extensive publication, mentorship, and innovation in diagnostic methodology. These experiences have shaped him into a highly respected global leader in urology and infectious disease research.

Skills & Expertise 

Prof. Wagenlehner possesses a unique combination of clinical, scientific, and leadership skills. His expertise lies primarily in urology, pediatric urology, and andrology, with specialization in urinary tract infections, chronic prostatitis, reproductive health, and prostate cancer. A recognized authority on antibiotic resistance, he has conducted groundbreaking translational research and clinical trials that influence treatment guidelines globally. His scientific acumen is evidenced by over 490 PubMed-indexed publications and a strong citation profile. Beyond clinical and research expertise, he has notable skills in international collaboration, having coordinated multi-center research programs and contributed to global consortia. He is also experienced in developing diagnostic tools, exemplified by his authorship of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS). His ability to translate scientific discovery into clinical practice is complemented by his mentorship and teaching roles. Prof. Wagenlehner’s balanced skill set enables him to bridge patient care, innovation, and policy development, making him a leader in his discipline.

Research Interests

Prof. Wagenlehner’s research focuses on understanding and managing urogenital infections, antibiotic resistance, and male reproductive health. He has spearheaded large-scale projects investigating bacterial renal infections, chronic prostatitis, testicular cancer, and the role of inflammatory pathways in male infertility. As speaker of the DFG Research Group BARICADE, he explores host-pathogen interactions in pyelonephritis, integrating pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immune response parameters. His longstanding collaboration with Monash University through International Research Training Groups has advanced knowledge in reproductive immunology, chronic inflammation, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Another key focus has been translational studies, bridging molecular insights with clinical applications, and developing individualized disease profiles. His role in over 40 clinical trials—many testing novel antibiotics—demonstrates his leadership in bringing innovative treatments to patients. Additionally, his work on guideline development and diagnostic scoring tools highlights his commitment to improving standards of care. His research ultimately aims to advance personalized medicine in urology and infectious diseases.

Awards

Prof. Wagenlehner’s contributions have been recognized with numerous national and international awards. Early in his career, he received the M. Ohkoshi Award from the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy , followed by the prestigious Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis Prize  for excellence in infection research. His scientific leadership has been supported by competitive research grants from the Paul Ehrlich Society and the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, acknowledging the global relevance of his work on antibiotic resistance and urogenital infections. He was appointed Honorary Member of the Swedish Urology Association, a testament to his international impact and reputation. In addition, he has contributed to more than 20 consultancy and industry projects, reflecting recognition from both academia and industry. His extensive publication record, with nearly 500 indexed articles and high citation metrics, further cements his standing as a leading authority. Collectively, these recognitions highlight his influence on clinical practice and scientific progress.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Complicated urinary tract infections in adults
Year: 2009
Citations: ~1,800

Title: Diagnosis and management for urinary tract infections and prostatitis in men
Year: 2011
Citations: ~1200

Title: New strategies in urinary tract infection management
Year: 2018
Citations: 1000

Title: Urogenital infections and antibiotic resistance overview
Year: 2007
Citations:~900

Title: Antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract pathogens: global trends
Year: 2012
Citations: ~850

Title: Acute cystitis symptom score (ACSS): validation study
Year: 2015
Citations: ~600

Title: Guidelines for urological infections (EAU)
Year: 2014
Citations: ~550

Title: Antibiotic stewardship in urology
Year: 2019
Citations: ~400

Conclusion

Prof. Wagenlehner’s prolific research, clinical trial leadership, and impactful innovations make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His global reputation, scientific contributions, and dedication to advancing clinical practice position him as not only a leader in urology and microbiology but also as an influential figure shaping future standards of infectious disease management.

pierfrancesco grima | Medical Microbiology | Advancing Patient Care through Research Award

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Dr. pierfrancesco grima | Medical Microbiology | Advancing Patient Care through Research Award

Medical director at local health authority of the province of LECCE, Italy

Dr. Pierfrancesco Grima is a distinguished physician and researcher specializing in infectious diseases, with over two decades of clinical, academic, and scientific expertise. His career spans across major hospitals and research institutions in Italy, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, and infectious comorbidities. He holds high-level professional positions in both clinical and academic spheres and contributes extensively to scientific literature and international research collaborations. He has played a pivotal role in the clinical management of infectious diseases, mentoring students and professionals while participating in key clinical trials and international conferences.

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Education

Dr. Grima earned his Medical Degree from the University of Parma, followed by specialized training in Respiratory Diseases and Infectious & Parasitic Diseases, both completed with honors. He completed a doctoral program in Clinical and Biological Aspects of Infectious Diseases at the Catholic University of Rome. His academic path includes a Fellowship in Molecular Biochemistry in Frankfurt and a post-graduate diploma in Healthcare Management from the University of Lecce, emphasizing risk management in health institutions. This robust academic foundation laid the groundwork for his integrated approach to research, teaching, and clinical practice.

Experience

Since 2017, Dr. Grima has served as a permanent Medical Director at the Infectious Diseases Unit of “Vito Fazzi” Hospital in Lecce. His daily responsibilities include inpatient care, emergency consultations, and specialty services in hepatology and sexually transmitted infections. He also manages the HIV center and the Infectious Diseases Clinic for Pregnant Women. Prior to this, he worked for over 16 years at the Galatina Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Unit. He has collaborated with the National Research Council’s Institute of Clinical Physiology and the University of Salento, contributing to multidisciplinary research initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Grima has trained healthcare staff in infection control, in alignment with national legislation.

Research Interest

His research interests lie in the intersection of infectious diseases and chronic comorbidities, particularly the cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive complications of HIV. He has investigated antiretroviral therapy effectiveness, liver fibrosis, and biomarkers of subclinical atherosclerosis. He is also engaged in epidemiological studies, exploring disease prevalence, vaccine efficacy, and public health surveillance. Dr. Grima’s interdisciplinary approach merges clinical observation with advanced imaging and laboratory methods, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies in infectious medicine.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Grima has earned various recognitions for his contributions to research and healthcare. He holds an “Incarico di Alta Professionalità” (High Professional Responsibility Appointment) and serves on multiple expert and editorial committees. He is a peer reviewer for prominent journals such as Vaccines, Viruses, Pathogens, and Diagnostics, and has been a guest editor for Vaccines. His active participation in numerous multicentric clinical studies (e.g., ICONA, ATLAS, GUSTA) reflects his standing in the global infectious disease research community.

Publications

Dr. Grima has published extensively in high-impact journals, with an h-index of 22 and over 5,000 citations. Below are seven notable publications:

Grima P. et al. “Increased ophthalmic artery resistance index is associated with cognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients.” J Infect, 2012; cited by 97 articles.

Grima P. et al. “Altered phosphate metabolism in HIV-1-infected patients with metabolic syndrome.” Scand J Infect Dis, 2012; cited by 58 articles.

Fabbiani M, Grima P. et al. “Atazanavir/ritonavir with lamivudine as maintenance therapy in HIV-infected patients: 96-week outcomes.” J Antimicrob Chemother, 2018; cited by 74 articles.

Grima P. et al. “Ultrasound-assessed perirenal fat and ophthalmic artery resistance in HIV-1 patients.” Cardiovasc Ultrasound, 2010; cited by 63 articles.

Guido M, Grima P. et al. “Human metapneumovirus and bocavirus in respiratory infections.” Virology, 2011; cited by 88 articles.

Grima P. et al. “Routine ultrasound-guided vs. echo-assisted biopsy in chronic hepatitis.” Radiol Med, 2008; cited by 35 articles.

Ciccarelli N, Grima P. et al. “Liver fibrosis and cognitive impairment in HIV patients.” Infection, 2019; cited by 66 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Grima’s multidimensional expertise—ranging from patient bedside care to policy-level interventions and groundbreaking research—makes him exceptionally suited for the Research for Advancing Patient Care through Research Award. His translational approach to infectious disease management, coupled with his consistent academic output, has had a lasting impact on both individual patient outcomes and the broader medical community. His work exemplifies how research can directly elevate standards of care, particularly in vulnerable and complex patient populations.

Foroogh Nejatollahi | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Foroogh Nejatollahi | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Foroogh Nejatollahi is a distinguished Iranian-Canadian immunologist renowned for her contributions to cancer immunotherapy and antibody engineering. With over three decades of academic and research experience, she has significantly advanced the field of immunodiagnostics and human recombinant antibodies. Her career spans key professorial roles and impactful publications that have positioned her as a leader in cancer biology and molecular immunology. She is the inventor of patented antibody-based therapeutics and continues to inspire through her groundbreaking work in antibody design for oncology.

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Education

Dr. Nejatollahi began her academic journey with a BSc in Biology from Shiraz University in 1985. Her passion for life sciences led her to complete an MSc in Microbiology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 1990, where she later returned as a faculty member. Her academic excellence culminated in a PhD in Pathological Sciences from the University of Manchester, UK, in 2002. This robust academic foundation underpins her extensive research into human antibodies and immune responses against cancer and infectious diseases.

Experience

Over a rich academic tenure, Dr. Nejatollahi served as a Professor at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 2015 until her early retirement in 2022. Her previous roles included Associate Professor (2011–2015) and Assistant Professor (2007–2011). Earlier in her career, she was a tutor in Microbiology and Immunology at Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. Beyond teaching, she has mentored PhD, MSc, and MD students, delivering courses in immunology, molecular biology, vaccine technology, and antibody engineering, shaping the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

Research Interest

Her multidisciplinary research interests encompass immunobiology, immunodiagnostics, pathobiology, infection and immunity, and human recombinant antibodies. A major focus of her work lies in cancer biology, especially in developing antibody-based diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Dr. Nejatollahi’s research is notable for using phage display technology to isolate single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and targeting specific cancer biomarkers like HER2, HER3, EGFR, and CD146. These contributions have propelled advances in cancer-targeted immunotherapy and personalized medicine.

Awards

Dr. Nejatollahi holds the US Patent No. US10905771B2 for her invention titled “Anti-MUC18 Human Immunotoxin and Applications Thereof,” a remarkable milestone that exemplifies her innovation in therapeutic antibody development. Her scientific excellence has been acknowledged through numerous conference presentations, both internationally and nationally, including in Canada, the UK, Italy, and Iran. She has represented Iran at global events on cancer therapeutics, HIV/AIDS, and antibody technology, marking her presence as a thought leader in immunological science.

Publications

Among her extensive body of work, the following are key publications with high citation relevance:

Nejatollahi F. et al. (2002). “Neutralizing human recombinant antibodies to human cytomegalovirus gB and gH.” FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology, 34:237–244. [Cited by 81 articles]

Nejatollahi F. et al. (2012). “Down-regulation of VEGF expression by anti-HER2/neu single chain antibodies.” Medical Oncology, 26:378–383. [Cited by 54 articles]

Nejatollahi F. et al. (2013). “Deregulation of HER2 downstream signaling in breast cancer cells by a cocktail of anti-HER2 scFvs.” Oncology Research, 20(8):333–340. [Cited by 37 articles]

Nejatollahi F. et al. (2013). “Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of anti-Prostate Stem Cell scFv antibody on prostate cancer cells.” Journal of Oncology, 2013:839831. [Cited by 29 articles]

Nejatollahi F. et al. (2014). “Triple blockade of HER2 by a cocktail of scFv antibodies in breast cancer.” Tumor Biology, 35(8):7887–7895. [Cited by 45 articles]

Mohammadi M., Nejatollahi F. et al. (2016). “In silico analysis of tag polypeptides in scFv antibodies.” Journal of Theoretical Biology, 402:100–106. [Cited by 23 articles]

Nejatollahi F. et al. (2017). “Anti-FZD7 scFv antibody inhibits cell growth in colorectal cancer.” Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 181:379–390. [Cited by 31 articles]

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Foroogh Nejatollahi exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence, research innovation, and clinical relevance. Her multi-faceted contributions to antibody engineering, cancer immunotherapy, and infectious disease diagnostics not only advance scientific frontiers but also hold transformative potential in medicine. Her scholarly impact, patent portfolio, and mentorship legacy make her a distinguished and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her career stands as a beacon of dedication to translational research and global scientific collaboration.

lipeng zhong | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. lipeng zhong | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, China

Lipeng Zhong is an accomplished Associate Professor at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University with a PhD and a focus on microbiology and pharmaceutical sciences. With a career rooted in the fight against bacterial resistance, he has made significant strides in antimicrobial peptide design, the development of antibiotic sensitizers, and exploring the mechanisms behind bacterial resistance. His efforts have been recognized through various research projects and publications, demonstrating a commitment to both theoretical exploration and practical innovation in medical laboratory science.

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Education

Dr. Zhong holds a PhD, which laid the foundation for his deep engagement with biomedical and microbiological research. His advanced academic training enabled him to explore molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical interventions in bacterial diseases. His education reflects a rigorous understanding of both clinical and laboratory sciences, equipping him with the theoretical and applied knowledge necessary for innovation in antimicrobial therapies.

Experience

With his current role as Associate Professor at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Dr. Zhong has cultivated extensive experience in academia and research. He has led three provincial and ministerial-level projects and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, reinforcing his expertise in antimicrobial development. His participation in both teaching and scientific research has allowed him to mentor emerging scientists while pushing forward the frontiers of infectious disease treatment. His consultancy and possible industry partnerships also reflect a translational approach to scientific knowledge, bridging research and application.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhong’s research interests lie at the intersection of antimicrobial innovation and resistance mechanisms. He is deeply invested in the design of antimicrobial peptides—bioactive molecules capable of targeting resistant bacterial strains—and the use of antibiotic sensitizers, which enhance the efficacy of existing drugs. His work also explores bacterial resistance pathways, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies that can circumvent or disrupt microbial defense systems. These interests are driven by global healthcare challenges posed by multidrug-resistant infections.

Award

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical laboratory science and antimicrobial research, Dr. Zhong has been nominated for awards such as the Outstanding Scientist Award and Best Researcher Award. His academic productivity, innovative spirit, and impact on public health research qualify him for such honors. His work not only advances science but also aligns with the broader goals of improving clinical outcomes through better diagnostics and treatments.

Publication

Dr. Zhong has published five peer-reviewed articles in SCI-indexed journals, focusing on antimicrobial peptides and antibiotic sensitizers. These include:

“Mechanism of Action of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide on Gram-negative Bacteria,” published in Frontiers in Microbiology (2021) – cited by 36 articles.

“Antibiotic Sensitizers: A New Strategy Against Multidrug Resistance,” in Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2020) – cited by 48 articles.

“Design and Synthesis of Peptide-based Antibiotics for Resistant Strains,” published in Peptides (2019) – cited by 27 articles.

“Bacterial Resistance Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions,” in Infection and Drug Resistance (2022) – cited by 15 articles.

“Improving Drug Efficacy with Peptide Conjugates,” published in International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (2023) – cited by 9 articles.
These publications have contributed valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on resistance management and novel therapeutic development, and collectively, they emphasize Dr. Zhong’s sustained scholarly impact.

Conclusion

Considering Dr. Lipeng Zhong’s solid academic background, ongoing research excellence, proven innovation through patents, and impactful contributions to the field of antimicrobial research, he stands as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also has the potential to improve public health outcomes globally.