Wafa Tombari | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Wafa Tombari | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | University Hospital of Sahloul | Tunisia

Dr. Wafa Tombari, Ph.D., is an accomplished Assistant Professor and Research Scientist at the University Hospital of Sahloul, Sousse, specializing in infectious diseases with a focus on virology, vaccine development, and antimicrobial resistance. She holds a Doctoral Diploma in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences in Tunisia, a Master of Science in Microbiology, and a Certificate of Complementary Studies in Statistics and Epidemiological Methods from the Faculty of Medicine in Tunisia. With a distinguished academic and research career, Dr. Tombari has served as an Assistant Professor at both the High Institute of Medical Technologies and the University Hospital of Sahloul, where she has successfully led and collaborated on numerous national and international research projects. Her research integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and immunoinformatics to develop computational approaches for vaccine design, antiviral therapeutics, and the study of bacterial resistance mechanisms. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, including studies on mRNA-based vaccines for rabies virus and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus species, highlighting her contributions to advancing biomedical innovation. Beyond her research, Dr. Tombari plays an active role in student mentorship, curriculum development, and scientific outreach, fostering collaboration and innovation within the academic community. Her expertise extends to reverse vaccinology, molecular cloning, and phylogenetic analysis, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach to infectious disease research. Dr. Tombari’s scholarly achievements and professional dedication exemplify her commitment to advancing global health through science and education. She has achieved 119 citations, published 10 scientific documents, and holds an h-index of 5, reflecting her academic influence and research excellence.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Tombari, W., Nsiri, J., Larbi, I., Guerin, J. L., & Ghram, A. (2011). Genetic evolution of low pathogenicity H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Tunisia: . Acquisition of new mutations. Virology Journal, 8(1), 467.

2. Tombari, W., Paul, M., Bettaieb, J., Larbi, I., Nsiri, J., Elbehi, I., Gribaa, L., & Ghram, A. (2013). Risk factors and characteristics of low pathogenic avian influenza virus isolated from commercial poultry in Tunisia. PLoS ONE, 8(1), e53524.

3. Boudaoud, A., Mamache, B., Tombari, W., & Ghram, A. (2016). Virus mutations and their impact on vaccination against infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease). Revue Scientifique et Technique, 35(3), 875–897.

4. Kallel Sellami, M., Zitouni, M., Tombari, W., Ben Ayed, M., Abida, O., Laadhar, L., et al. (2007). Anti-desmoglein-1 antibodies are prevalent in Tunisian patients with hydatidosis and leishmaniasis. British Journal of Dermatology, 156(3), 591–593.

Peijun Zuo | Super Antigen | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Peijun Zuo | Super Antigen | Best Researcher Award

Lecture | Shantou University | China

Dr. Peijun Zuo, BMSc, MMSc, PhD, is a distinguished researcher and lecturer in public health at Shantou University, with extensive expertise in preventive medicine, molecular biology, and biomedical engineering. He obtained his PhD in Biochemistry from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a Master of Medical Science in Microbiology from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and a Bachelor of Medical Science in Preventive Medicine from Shanxi Medical University. Dr. Zuo’s professional trajectory spans roles as Research Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong, Research Associate at Duke University, and Visiting Fellow at the National Institutes of Health, with leadership positions in public health organizations and laboratory management. His research focuses on PCR micro/nanofluidic chip design, nanoparticle-based drug delivery, stem cell differentiation, vaccine development, pathogen detection, and antigen evolution, with numerous high-impact publications in translational medicine, immunology, and infectious diseases. Dr. Zuo has successfully secured competitive research grants, supervised graduate students, and contributed to advancing knowledge in SARS-CoV-2 antigen evolution, cancer molecular biology, and biomedical materials. He has been recognized with multiple scholarships and awards, including honors from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, German Cancer Research Foundation, Italian Ministry of University, and Hebei Provincial Health Bureau. He is an active member of the Chinese Association of Preventive Medicine and has made significant contributions to both scientific research and public health education, reflecting his commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the translation of biomedical discoveries into practical applications.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Zuo, P., Zuo, L., Li, Z., Zhou, X., Yu, Y., Wu, Q., Niu, Y., Chang, Q., Rabie, A. B. M., Lam, P., & Li, L. (2025). Outbreak dates of virus could be predicted by their protein sequence. Journal of Translational Medicine, 23(1), 980.

Wu, Q., Ye, L., Wu, Y., Zhao, M., Lu, J., Yu, Y., Niu, Y., Zhang, L., & Zuo, P. (2025). Combining single-cell analysis and molecular docking techniques to construct a prognostic model for colon adenocarcinoma and uncovering inhibin subunit BB as a novel therapeutic target. Frontiers in Immunology, 15, 1524560.

Zuo, P., Zuo, L., Li, Z., & Li, L. (2024). Superantigens, antigen precision and their application in coronavirus. Diagnos Pathol Open, 9, 236.

Zuo, P., Zuo, L., Li, Z., & Li, L. (2024). Antigen evolution from D614, to D614G, to Delta, and to Omicron subtype of SARS-CoV-2. Human Biology, 94(2), 599–607.

Zuo, P., Zuo, L., Li, Z., & Li, L. (2024). Mutation and prediction of COVID-19. In Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies (Vol. 207, pp. 422–433). Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Prof Dr. Damalie Nakanjako | Immunology of Infections | Women Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Damalie Nakanjako | Immunology of Infections | Women Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Damalie Nakanjako, Makerere University, Uganda.

Prof. Dr. Damalie Nakanjako is a distinguished researcher in Immunology of Infections and a dedicated advocate for advancing women’s contributions to science. As a Professor of Medicine and a renowned immunologist, her research focuses on understanding immune responses to infectious diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings. She has made significant strides in studying HIV, tuberculosis, and other infections, contributing to innovative treatments and influencing global health policies. With numerous publications in high-impact journals, Prof. Nakanjako is internationally recognized for her leadership in research, clinical practice, and mentoring young scientists. Her groundbreaking contributions have positioned her as a leading voice in combating infections and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, while championing gender equity in research and academia.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile

Orcid  Profile

📚Education

Dr. Damalie Nakanjako’s education is marked by advanced training in medicine, biomedical sciences, and leadership. She earned her MBChB in Medicine and Surgery from Makerere University, Uganda in 1999, followed by a Master of Medicine (MMED) in Internal Medicine in 2005. She completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Antwerp, Belgium in 2010. In addition to her degrees, she has specialized in leadership and governance, earning a Certificate in Corporate Governance and a Certificate in Audit and Risk Management from the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda in 2022 and 2023. Dr. Nakanjako also holds a Certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington, USA (2015). She has participated in key workshops, such as the Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Workshop at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (2014), and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship there from 2012 to 2013. Her commitment to professional development includes clinical research training through the Infectious Diseases Institute and GloCal Health Institute.

💼Experience

Dr. Nakanjako has over 10 years of leadership experience in academia, serving as the Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Former Dean of the School of Medicine. She has also led collaborative research and training programs aimed at building Africa’s scientific capacity in Infection and Immunity.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Nakanjako is a renowned researcher in Infection and Immunity, with extensive expertise in HIV care, treatment, and prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Her research focuses on chronic HIV-associated inflammation, immune aging, and non-AIDS illnesses, as well as the use of mobile health (m-health) platforms for patient follow-up. She has published over 107 scientific papers and authored books such as Efficient HIV/AIDS Care in Resource-Limited Settings.

 

👩‍🏫Mentorship and Networking

A mentor to over 58 graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, Dr. Nakanjako is actively involved in programs like the Makerere University-Uganda Virus Research Institute Infection and Immunity (MUII) and the Afya Bora Consortium. She is also the director of the ADAPT One Health network, working on antimicrobial stewardship in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

🏆Awards

Dr. Nakanjako has received several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences (2022), which recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of biological sciences. In 2013, she was honored with the Fourth Annual Merle A. Sande Health Leadership Award for her leadership in health sciences. Additionally, she earned the Young Investigator Award at the 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) (2011), highlighting her early and impactful contributions to medical research.

📑Top Note Publications

Title: Incidence and predictors of virological failure among HIV infected children and adolescents receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy in Uganda, a retrospective study

Authors: Musiime-Mwase F, Nakanjako D, Kanywa JB, Sewankambo N, Elyanu P.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening literacy among rural women with HIV attending rural public health facilities in East Central Uganda: a qualitative study using the integrated model of health literacy

Authors: Namutundu J, Kiguli J, Nakku-Joloba E, Nakanjako D, Nakalembe M.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: The clinical utility of cystatin C based eGFR in assessing renal function among HIV/AIDS patients on ART at Mildmay Uganda

Authors: Wekiya E, Mujuzi GP, Nakiyingi J, Mutebi EI, Nakanjako D.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Chronic immune activation and accelerated immune aging among HIV-infected adults receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 years in an African cohort

Authors: Nakanjako D, Nabatanzi R, Ssinabulya I, Banturaki G, Castelnuovo B.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 0

Title: Effectiveness of intensive adherence counselling in achieving an undetectable viral load among people on antiretroviral therapy with low-level viraemia in Uganda

Authors: Nanyeenya N, Nakanjako D, Makumbi F, Huzaifah M, Kiwanuka N.
Publication Year: 2024
Citations: 2