Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | UCLA | United States

Dr. Yvonne L. Hernandez-Kapila is a distinguished clinician-scientist, academic leader, and global research contributor recognized for her transformative work in oral biology, periodontology, and cancer biology. As Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the UCLA School of Dentistry and the Felix and Mildred Yip Endowed Chair in Dentistry, her research has significantly advanced understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying periodontal disease, oral cancer, and host-microbiome interactions. Her laboratory’s pioneering investigations into the oral-gut-brain axis, bacteriocin therapeutics, and oral virome have shaped new paradigms in microbial pathogenesis, inflammation, and regenerative oral health. A prolific author with more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes, Journal of Biological Chemistry, PLOS Pathogens, and Cell Death and Differentiation, Dr. Kapila’s work bridges fundamental discovery with translational innovation. She has served as principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects, including major initiatives exploring host–bacterial dynamics and microbiome modulation in oral and systemic disease contexts. Her editorial leadership extends across several international journals and major textbooks, including Periodontology 2000 and Newman and Carranza’s Clinical Periodontology, where she continues to shape scholarly discourse in the field. Dr. Kapila has received numerous prestigious honors recognizing her scientific excellence, mentorship, and contributions to dental research, including awards from the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Association for Dental Research. A dedicated mentor, she has guided over a hundred trainees and junior faculty toward successful academic and research careers worldwide, championing inclusivity, rigorous scientific methodology, and leadership development. Through her interdisciplinary collaborations and global initiatives, Dr. Kapila continues to influence the future of oral health sciences, biomolecular therapeutics, and translational medicine, establishing herself as a leading voice in advancing oral-systemic health research on an international scale. She has 8347 citations from 146 documents with an h-index of 47.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. B. lactis HN019 modulates periapical inflammation and enhances cementum repair by increasing CEMP-1 expression in an animal model. (2025). Archives of Oral Biology.

2. The antimicrobial peptide nisin promotes host cell survival during SARS-CoV-2 infection. (2025). Virology Journal.

3. Nisin lantibiotic prevents NAFLD liver steatosis and mitochondrial oxidative stress following periodontal disease by abrogating oral, gut and liver dysbiosis. (2024). NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes.

4. Biological biomarkers of oral cancer. (2025). [Journal name not specified].

5. Nisin, a probiotic bacteriocin, modulates the inflammatory and microbiome changes in female reproductive organs mediated by polymicrobial periodontal infection. (2024). Microorganisms.

Abdul-rahman Mumbu | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abdul-rahman Mumbu | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Muslim University of Morogoro | Tanzania

Dr. Abdul-Rahman Japhary Mumbu is a dedicated Lecturer in Mathematics at the Muslim University of Morogoro, Tanzania, recognized for his expertise in applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, and epidemiological systems. He holds a Bachelor of Islamic Education (Mathematics/Islamic Studies) from the Muslim University of Morogoro, a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Dodoma, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Dar es Salaam. His professional journey reflects progressive academic leadership, having served as an Assistant Lecturer, Examinations Officer, and active participant in numerous international workshops and conferences on infectious disease modeling, partial differential equations, and data-driven research integration. Dr. Mumbu’s research primarily focuses on mathematical modeling of infectious diseases, with notable contributions to tuberculosis, pneumonia, and rabies dynamics, employing deterministic and fractional-order approaches integrated with sensitivity and optimal control analyses. His scholarly works, published in reputable journals such as Nonlinear Science, Scientific African, and Research in Mathematics, highlight his commitment to advancing public health modeling and data-driven decision-making. With 40 citations, 4 publications, and an h-index of 2, Dr. Mumbu continues to make impactful contributions to mathematical epidemiology and interdisciplinary research collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Mumbu, A. J., & Hugo, A. K. (2020). Mathematical modelling on COVID-19 transmission impacts with preventive measures: A case study of Tanzania. Journal of Biological Dynamics, 14(1), 748–766.

2. Mumbu, A. (2024). Modeling dynamics and stability analysis of pneumonia disease infection with parameters uncertainties control. Mathematics Open, 3(2430001), 1–35.

3. Abdulrahman, M., James, D., Dickson, B., & Jufren, N. (2025). Mathematical modeling of culling and vaccination for dog rabies disease transmission with optimal control and sensitivity analysis approach. Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, 2(2), 1–11.

4. Mumbu, A., Mlay, G., Mayige, M., & Shaban, N. (2025). Modeling the transmission dynamics of two-strain TB with drug-sensitive and drug-resistant in Tanzania: A fractional order approach. Scientific African, e02731.

5. Mumbu, A. R., Mlay, G., Alendal, G., Mayige, M., Senkoro, M., & Shaban, N. (2025). Fractional order derivative modelling dynamics of tuberculosis with treatment and nutrition in Tanzania. Research in Mathematics, 12(1), 2517440.

Wafa Tombari | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

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.

Achilleas Livieratos | Infectious Diseases Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Achilleas Livieratos | Infectious Diseases Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

Medical Researcher | Stanford University | Greece

Dr. Achilleas Livieratos, PhD, MRSB, is a distinguished biomedical researcher whose work bridges immunology, infectious diseases, circadian biology, and artificial intelligence applications in health sciences. His research integrates advanced computational methods, including machine learning and multi-agent transformer frameworks, to enhance evidence generation, vaccine immunology, and drug safety analytics. He has published extensively in leading journals such as Vaccines, Pathogens, Viruses, eClinicalMedicine, and Value in Health, contributing to global understanding of immune response dynamics, precision medicine, and outcomes research. Notably, his development of MetaMind, an AI-driven framework for automated network meta-analyses, and his studies on circadian influences on influenza vaccine immunity have been recognized as groundbreaking contributions. His investigations into immune durability across respiratory viruses, including RSV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, as well as his exploration of alternative therapies for long COVID, have significantly advanced clinical and translational knowledge. As a lead collaborator with Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Livieratos has directed international research initiatives on infectious disease modeling, biomarker discovery, and the application of AI in health outcomes research. His earlier work at the University of Oxford produced landmark discoveries in neurogenetics and circadian disruption, underpinning his multidisciplinary expertise. Through leadership in European Pharma and AI consortia, he continues to drive innovation in predictive health analytics and precision therapeutics, demonstrating an exceptional fusion of biomedical insight, computational innovation, and translational research impact.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publication

Oliver, P. L., Sobczyk, M. V., Maywood, E. S., Edwards, B., Lee, S., Livieratos, A., et al. (2012). Disrupted circadian rhythms in a mouse model of schizophrenia. Current Biology, 22(4), 314–319.

Taylor, T. N., Potgieter, D., Anwar, S., Senior, S. L., Janezic, S., Threlfell, S., Ryan, B., et al. (2014). Region-specific deficits in dopamine, but not norepinephrine, signaling in a novel A30P α-synuclein BAC transgenic mouse. Neurobiology of Disease, 62, 193–207.

Wobst, H. J., Denk, F., Oliver, P. L., Livieratos, A., Taylor, T. N., Knudsen, M. H., et al. (2017). Increased 4R tau expression and behavioural changes in a novel MAPT-N296H genomic mouse model of tauopathy. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 43198.

Livieratos, A., Gogos, C., & Akinosoglou, K. (2024). Impact of prior COVID-19 immunization and/or prior infection on immune responses and clinical outcomes. Viruses, 16(5), 685.

Livieratos, A., Gogos, C., & Akinosoglou, K. (2024). Beyond antivirals: Alternative therapies for long COVID. Viruses, 16(11), 1795.

Mr. Silas Adjei-Gyamfi | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Silas Adjei-Gyamfi | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Auckland University of Technology | New Zealand.

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Mr. Silas Adjei–Gyamfi began his academic journey with a profound interest in microbiology and infectious diseases, laying a strong foundation in biomedical science. His early studies were marked by academic excellence and scientific curiosity, leading him to pursue specialized training in pathogen biology, clinical microbiology, and molecular epidemiology.

💼PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Mr. Adjei–Gyamfi has consistently bridged the gap between theory and practice, applying his scientific expertise in a variety of clinical, research, and public health settings. His roles have included positions in academic laboratories, national health institutes, and international health organizations, where he has contributed to infectious disease diagnostics, control, and policy formulation.

🔬CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES

A core focus of Mr. Adjei–Gyamfi’s career has been on infectious disease surveillance, diagnostics, and prevention. His contributions span several critical areas:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling
  • Zoonotic disease transmission patterns
  • Viral genomics and molecular typing
  • Outbreak response and field epidemiology

He is recognized for implementing innovative diagnostic technologies, such as real-time PCR, serological assays, and pathogen genome sequencing, to improve early detection and containment of outbreaks.

🌍IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Mr. Adjei–Gyamfi’s research and leadership have directly influenced public health responses to infectious disease threats in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. He has played instrumental roles in cross-border health initiatives, community-level disease education, and data-driven decision-making in epidemic control.

🏆RESEARCH GRANTS AND FUNDING

Mr. Adjei–Gyamfi has successfully secured competitive research funding from national and international agencies, including:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives
  • Global Fund-supported projects
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) collaborations
  • Africa CDC and regional grants

These funds have supported capacity-building in diagnostics, community surveillance programs, and field research into infectious disease ecology.

🦠LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking forward, Mr. Adjei–Gyamfi aims to build sustainable health research systems in low-resource settings. His future initiatives include:

  • Establishing infectious disease reference centers

  • Developing AI-driven surveillance platforms

  • Training young scientists in Africa in biosecurity and epidemiology

🌟A VISIONARY IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Mr. Silas Adjei–Gyamfi embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and service in the infectious disease field. With a career marked by scientific integrity, collaborative leadership, and community-centered approaches, he continues to shape health outcomes at local and global levels.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Knowledge and occupational practices of beauticians and barbers in the transmission of viral hepatitis: A mixed-methods study in Volta Region of Ghana

Authors: Adjei-Gyamfi, Silas; Asirifi, Abigail; Asobuno, Clotilda; Korang, Felix Kwame
Year: 2025
Journal: PLoS ONE

Risk factors for anaemia among pregnant women: A cross-sectional study in Upper East Region, Ghana

Authors: Asobuno, C.; Adjei-Gyamfi, S.; Aabebe, F.G.; Hammond, J.; Taikeophithoun, C.; Amunah, N.; Aoki, T.; Aiga, H.
Year: 2024
Journal: PLoS ONE

Anaemia at 36 weeks of pregnancy: Prevalence and determinants among antenatal women attending peri-urban facilities in a developing country, Ghana

Authors: Adjei-Gyamfi, S.; Asirifi, A.; Peprah, W.; Abbey, D.A.; Hamenoo, K.W.; Zakaria, M.S.; Mohammed, O.; Aryee, P.A.
Year: 2024
Journal: PLOS Global Public Health

Maternal anaemia and polycythaemia during pregnancy and risk of inappropriate birthweight for gestational age babies: A retrospective cohort study in the northern belt of Ghana

Authors: Adjei-Gyamfi, S.; Zakaria, M.S.; Asirifi, A.; Sulley, I.; Ibrahim, M.A.; Aryee, P.A.
Year: 2024
Journal: BMJ Open

Prevalence and associated risk factors of preterm and post-term births in Northern Ghana: A retrospective study in Savelugu Municipality

Authors: Adjei-Gyamfi, S.; Asirifi, A.; Aiga, H.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Dr. Xiaotian Xu | Global Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaotian Xu | Global Health | Best Researcher Award

Guilin Medical University | China.

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaotian Xu obtained his Ph.D. in Traditional Chinese Medicine from China Pharmaceutical University in 2017, building on his strong foundation with a B.Sc. in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the same institution in 2012. His academic journey has been dedicated to exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional medicine through modern scientific approaches.

💼Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaotian Xu has been serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University since 2021, where he focuses on research and education in pharmaceutical sciences. Prior to this, he worked as a Lecturer at the same institution from 2017 to 2021, contributing to academic development and advancing research in traditional medicine and pharmacology.

📚Academic Contributions

Dr. Xu has published multiple high-impact research articles in Journal of Functional Foods, European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Cell Death & Disease, focusing on anti-inflammatory compounds and cancer treatment.

🧑‍🔬Technical Skills 

Dr. Xiaotian Xu possesses extensive expertise in natural product extraction and analysis, utilizing advanced techniques to isolate bioactive compounds. His proficiency in molecular pharmacology and cell culture & bioassays enables him to investigate drug mechanisms at the cellular level. Additionally, he specializes in animal disease models for evaluating therapeutic efficacy and applies data analysis & bioinformatics to interpret complex biological data, driving innovative research in pharmaceutical sciences.

📚Teaching Experience

 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaotian Xu is actively involved in teaching Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where he bridges classical knowledge with modern scientific principles. He also lectures on Drug Discovery and Development, guiding students through the processes of identifying and formulating new therapeutic agents. Additionally, he teaches Advanced Research Methods, equipping students with essential skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing to enhance their research capabilities.

🏆Awards and Honors

NSFC Grant Recipient (2024) for research on durian shell polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease

Chinese Patent Holder (2021) for a novel extraction method of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde

🔬Research Interests

Natural compounds in inflammatory disease treatment

Cancer stem cell suppression & ferroptosis

Pharmacological mechanisms of traditional medicine

📑Notable Publications 

“Deep learning-based discovery of compounds for blood pressure lowering effects”

Authors: Li, R.; Wu, T.; Xu, X.; Duan, X.; Wang, Y.
Year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports

p-Hydroxy benzaldehyde, a phenolic compound from Nostoc commune, ameliorates DSS-induced colitis against oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1/NF-κB/AP-1 pathway”

Authors: Liu, M.; Guan, G.; Wang, Y.; Duan, X.; Xu, X.
Year: 2024
Journal: Phytomedicine

“Passion fruit peel fermentation extract and its active component kaempferol alleviate constipation and hemorrhoids in mice by downregulating ESR1 and PI3K/Akt pathways”

Authors: Xu, X.; Li, X.; Wei, X.; Duan, X.; Wang, Y.
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Functional Foods

“Characteristics and Influence Factors of Pb(II) Adsorption by Graphene Oxide-Montmorillonite Composite”

Authors: Zhifang, Z.; Xiaotian, X.; Dongxia, L.; Jinlin, C.; Jiyi, Z.
Year: 2024
Journal: Chemistry and Biodiversity

p-Hydroxy benzaldehyde attenuates intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction caused by colitis via activating the HNF-1β/SLC26A3 pathway”

Authors: Liu, M.; Wang, Y.; Xu, X.; Zhu, Y.; Duan, X.
Year: 2024
Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology