Albina Tummolo | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Albina Tummolo | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr Albina Tummolo, Children Hospital Giovanni XXIII, Italy

Dr. Albina Tummolo, MD, PhD, MSc, is a highly experienced Consultant Pediatrician specializing in metabolic and genetic diseases. Based at the Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale Pediatrico “Giovanni XXIII” in Bari, Italy, she has been dedicated to advancing pediatric healthcare, particularly in the field of inherited metabolic disorders. With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Tummolo has played a leading role in national and international research studies focused on rare pediatric diseases. She is a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and serves as a scientific advisor for global pharmaceutical and research initiatives. Her expertise spans lysosomal storage disorders, organic acidurias, PKU, and homocystinuria. Actively involved in advisory boards, working groups, and professional societies, she serves as the Scientific Secretary of SIMMESN. Dr. Tummolo is recognized for her leadership, compassionate care, and commitment to improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in pediatric metabolic medicine.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Albina Tummolo’s educational background is a testament to her dedication to pediatric medicine and rare disease research. She earned her MD in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Foggia in 2002, followed by a specialization in General and Specialist Pediatrics at the University of Bari in 2007. Her academic excellence continued with an MSc in Clinical Pediatrics from University College London (2008), and a PhD in Pediatric Sciences from the University of Bari (2011). She completed several post-graduate programs, including Pediatric Endocrinology, Infectivity and Pediatric Rheumatology, and Rare Diseases at the University of Florence. In 2023, she attained an MSc in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Università Cattolica di Roma. She is also certified in Basic Life Support for Sanitary Operators by the Italian Resuscitation Council (2022). Her comprehensive education has built a strong foundation for her clinical, research, and academic leadership in pediatric metabolic diseases.

Experience

Dr. Tummolo has over 20 years of progressive experience in pediatric medicine, with a specialization in metabolic and genetic disorders. Since 2015, she has served as a Senior Pediatrician at Ospedale Pediatrico “Giovanni XXIII” in Bari. From 2014 to 2015, she contributed her expertise to the Unit of Inherited Metabolic Diseases at Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova. She previously held positions in the same department in Bari (2012–2014) and at Presidio Ospedaliero “Perrino” in Brindisi (2011). Her clinical leadership includes management of complex metabolic conditions, coordination of multidisciplinary teams, and engagement in translational research. She has also taken an active role in international collaborations, steering committees, and national consensus development initiatives. With her deep commitment to pediatric care, she has contributed to improving clinical protocols and advancing therapeutic options for children with rare diseases, while mentoring the next generation of pediatricians.

Awards and Honors

While specific award titles are not listed, Dr. Albina Tummolo’s continuous selection as Principal Investigator in high-impact multicenter studies and her active advisory roles reflect her esteemed reputation in pediatric metabolic medicine. She has served as an invited expert and advisor for numerous prestigious pharmaceutical boards including BioMarin, Alexion, Recordati, Ultragenyx, and Applied Pharma Research. Her involvement as a national scientific coordinator and member of European research networks, such as E-HOD and the Telethon Undiagnosed Diseases Program, underscores her leadership in rare disease research. She has also held positions of influence such as Scientific Secretary and Coordinator of International Cooperation within SIMMESN (Italian Scientific Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Neonatal Screening). Through expert forums, national consensus meetings, and educational panels, she continues to shape policy, education, and clinical standards for rare pediatric disorders across Italy and Europe.

Research Focus

Dr. Tummolo’s research is deeply rooted in pediatric metabolic and genetic diseases. Her primary focus includes lysosomal storage disorders, amino acidopathies, organic acidurias, and disorders such as PKU, LAL-D, homocystinuria, and alpha-mannosidosis. She is particularly interested in the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of enzyme replacement therapies and dietary management strategies. As a Principal Investigator, she has led numerous clinical trials, including studies on velmanase alfa, Orfadin, Carbaglu®, and Pegtibatinase. Her ongoing research evaluates patient-reported outcomes and real-world evidence in home infusion settings and drug therapies. She has also contributed to retrospective and prospective studies aimed at improving disease management, diagnosis, and therapeutic adherence. Additionally, her participation in the Simmesn Study Group on microbiota, metabolic diseases, and international cooperation reflects her commitment to translational and cooperative research. Dr. Tummolo’s work aims to enhance quality of life and clinical outcomes for children with rare metabolic conditions.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📘 An Observational Disease and Clinical Outcomes Registry of Patients with Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) Deficiency – ALX-LALD

  • 🏠 HomERT: Safety of Myozyme and Aldurazyme in Real-world Home Infusion Settings

  • 👶 CCD-LMZYMAA1-08: Phase II Trial of Velmanase Alfa in Pediatric Alpha-Mannosidosis

  • 🧪 OPAL: Long Term Safety Study of Orfadin in Tyrosinemia Type 1

  • 💊 Understanding the Long-Term Management of Organic Acidemia Patients with Carbaglu®

  • 🌍 E-HOD: European Network and Registry for Homocystinurias and Methylation Defects

  • 🧬 TUDP: Telethon Undiagnosed Diseases Program Participation

  • 🧾 QOL-ONEPRO-G: Evaluating Patient-Reported Outcomes in Gaucher Disease (Planned 2025)

  • 🧑‍🔬 Harmony: Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Pegtibatinase in Classical Homocystinuria (Planned 2026)

  • 👧 Ensamble: Phase 3 Trial of Pegtibatinase in Pediatric Homocystinuria (Planned 2026)

  • 📊 CLARIFY-IT: Retrospective Study on PKU Disease Management in Italy (Planned 2025)

Bawinile Hadebe | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Bawinile Hadebe | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr Bawinile Hadebe, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, South Africa

Dr. Bawinile Pearl-gene Hadebe is a leading South African Nuclear Medicine physician and academic. She currently serves as the Head Clinical Unit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and an Honorary Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. With a commitment to innovation in cancer care, she is pursuing her PhD focused on advanced imaging techniques for head and neck cancers, especially in HIV-positive populations. Dr. Hadebe is passionate about improving outcomes through molecular imaging and targeted therapies. Her clinical expertise is complemented by her prolific research contributions in nuclear oncology. She is a highly respected figure in South Africa’s medical landscape, known for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to advancing healthcare equity. Fluent in IsiZulu and English, Dr. Hadebe is also recognized for her impactful presentations at national and international scientific forums and has received major grants to support her transformative research in oncologic nuclear medicine.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Hadebe began her academic journey at St. Francis College, Mariannhill, where she completed her matric as Head Girl in 2001. She then earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Cape Town (2002–2007), where she was a recipient of the Boehringer Ingelheim Merit Scholarship. She later completed her Fellowship with the College of Nuclear Physicians of South Africa in October 2015 through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. Dr. Hadebe also earned a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree with a research thesis focused on the role of 99mTc-MIBI in diagnosing breast fibroadenomas. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, researching the use of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma among HIV-infected and non-infected patients. Her academic journey reflects her deep commitment to improving cancer diagnostics in Africa.

Experience

Dr. Hadebe’s clinical journey began as a medical intern at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (2008–2009), followed by community service and medical officer roles at Mmametlhake Community Hospital. She completed her registrar training in Nuclear Medicine at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (2011–2015). Afterward, she served as a Specialist Nuclear Physician in a registrar post and later assumed a full specialist role at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (from 2019). She was appointed Head Clinical Unit in April 2020 and simultaneously served as Acting Academic Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her experience spans both clinical leadership and academic mentorship. She continues to lead efforts in advanced nuclear imaging and personalized oncology. Her work is grounded in public service, with a strong drive to enhance healthcare delivery through precision diagnostics and sustainable, evidence-based approaches.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Hadebe has earned prestigious awards in recognition of her academic excellence and impactful research. In 2023, she was awarded the Discovery PhD Fellowship worth R800,000 to support her innovative research in nuclear oncology. Additionally, she receives annual funding of R200,000 from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Self-Initiated Research Fund, highlighting the importance and promise of her work in nuclear medicine imaging, particularly for HIV-associated cancers. Earlier in her academic career, she was honored with the Boehringer Ingelheim Merit Scholarship (2002) for outstanding performance at the University of Cape Town. She has also been recognized for her leadership and service, serving as Head Girl at St. Francis College. Her invited presentations at leading medical congresses and publications in high-impact journals reflect her influence in the field of nuclear medicine, with particular focus on PET/CT imaging, theranostics, and molecular diagnostics in oncology.

Research Focus

Dr. Hadebe’s primary research interest lies in nuclear oncology, with a special focus on cancers associated with HIV infection in the South African population. Her PhD research investigates the clinical impact of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, comparing HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. She is particularly interested in understanding the expression of CXCR4 receptors and how molecular imaging can reveal tumor behavior in immunocompromised individuals. Her broader research aims to introduce and evaluate novel radiotracers for targeted imaging and therapy, contributing to the growing field of theranostics. Through her work, Dr. Hadebe envisions improving early cancer detection, guiding individualized treatment plans, and monitoring therapy response, ultimately optimizing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs by avoiding ineffective treatments. Her studies have the potential to transform cancer management, particularly in regions with limited resources and high burdens of infectious disease.

Publication Top Notes

  • 🧪 The role of 99mTc-MIBI scintimammography in patients suspected to have fibroadenoma of the breast

  • 🫀 The clinical utility of 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-d-glucose PET in guiding myocardial revascularisation

  • 🎯 The Role of PET/CT in Breast Cancer

  • 🔬 Current Status of 68Ga-Pentixafor in Solid Tumours

  • 🧬 Molecular Imaging and Theranostics in Ovarian Cancer: The Role of Nuclear Medicine

  • 🧠 Segmented linear correlations between bone scan index and prostate cancer biomarkers

  • 💉 Theranostics in breast cancer

  • 🧭 Chemokine Receptor-4 Targeted PET/CT Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer

  • ♀️ [68Ga] Pentixafor PET/CT imaging in cervical cancer, a comparison with [18F] FDG

  • 🦴 Should 18F-FDG PET/CT Replace 99mTc-MDP Bone Scintigraphy in Breast Cancer?

  • ⚖️ Comparison of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT-based split renal function with 99mTc-MAG3 in prostate cancer

Taoli Han | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

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Taoli Han | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

Ms Taoli Han ,Beijing Chaoyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China

Taoli Han is a dedicated public health professional and technologist-in-charge at the Beijing Chaoyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With expertise in microbiological examination and infectious disease prevention, she has played a pivotal role in establishing innovative platforms such as high-throughput sequencing and multi-pathogen detection systems in wastewater. Since graduating in 2019 with a degree in Public Health from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, she has actively contributed to numerous public health initiatives and research projects. Her work spans key areas like epidemic monitoring, environmental surveillance, and microbial diagnostics. Han has published over 11 research articles in both Chinese and international journals and collaborated on impactful projects including those aligned with the “Belt and Road” initiative. In addition to her technical contributions, she actively participates in scientific associations, holding a position in the Youth Working Group for Infectious Diseases. She continues to push the boundaries of applied disease surveillance science in China.

Publication Profile

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Education

Taoli Han earned her academic foundation in Public Health from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), completing her degree in 2019. Her academic journey included a specialized focus on microbiology, epidemiology, and disease surveillance—fields that are critical to national and international public health. Her education not only equipped her with technical laboratory skills but also emphasized a strong understanding of emerging infectious diseases, high-throughput technologies, and public health strategy. During her studies, Han was involved in hands-on research and fieldwork, which strengthened her expertise in microbiological examination and pathogen tracking. The China CDC’s rigorous training program prepared her to take on high-responsibility roles in disease prevention and control efforts. Her academic background forms the cornerstone of her contributions to the development of pathogen detection platforms and innovative diagnostics currently in use at the Beijing Chaoyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Experience

Following her graduation in 2019, Taoli Han joined the Beijing Chaoyang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a professional and technical personnel specializing in microbiological examination. Over the years, she has advanced to the role of Technologist-in-Charge, where she leads initiatives in environmental and pathogen surveillance. Han has successfully contributed to five major research and consultancy projects, and her experience includes spearheading the development of high-throughput sequencing and multi-pathogen detection platforms in wastewater. Her role is integral in monitoring infectious disease trends and responding to public health emergencies. She also actively collaborates with national and international partners, including strategic involvement in “Belt and Road” projects. Han’s experience spans laboratory diagnostics, data interpretation, and the application of modern sequencing technologies to track disease transmission pathways. Her leadership and technical capabilities have significantly enhanced the operational strength of her organization’s public health initiatives.

Awards & Honors

Taoli Han has garnered recognition for her contributions to public health research and microbiological diagnostics. While specific award titles are not detailed, her selection for significant national-level projects such as the “Belt and Road” health initiatives and her appointment as a member of the 1st Committee of Youth Working Group of the Infectious Diseases Professional Committee reflect her standing in the scientific community. Her scientific publication indexed by DOI: 10.3390/v17040473 highlights the importance of her contributions to the understanding of virus behavior and public health surveillance. Han is also a valued collaborator in multi-disciplinary and international health research projects. Her active membership in professional societies and her growing citation impact are further evidence of her leadership in the research ecosystem. Her innovative contributions to multi-pathogen detection and advanced diagnostics platforms make her a prominent figure among early-career scientists in the field of epidemiology and disease control in China.

Research Focus

Taoli Han’s research focuses on infectious disease surveillance, particularly in environmental microbiology, wastewater-based epidemiology, and pathogen detection. Her core contributions include the development of high-throughput sequencing platforms and multi-pathogen detection systems, aimed at early identification and monitoring of infectious agents. These technologies enable real-time, scalable insights into community-level infections, particularly during outbreaks. Han’s work bridges lab-based diagnostics with public health applications, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into effective disease prevention strategies. She is deeply involved in the integration of genomic tools and microbial diagnostics to improve public health responses and has collaborated on five major research and consultancy projects. Her research interests extend to the epidemiology of emerging diseases, microbial genomics, and public health informatics, with applications to both national programs and international collaborations. Through her research, Han continues to enhance the precision and responsiveness of public health interventions in rapidly changing environments.

Publication Top Notes

  • Study on the genetic characteristics of enteric viral pathogens of sporadic adult diarrhea in Chaoyang district, Beijing in 2019
  • Influence of heating inactivation on the nucleic acid testing results of SARS-CoV-2 throat swab samples
  • Genetic Characteristics of Coxsackievirus A6 Circulating in Xinjiang, China, from 2012 to 2016
  • Evaluation of the Risk Level of Two Tick-borne Infectious Viral Diseases Imported to China from Russia and Kazakhstan
    Establishment of Warning Model for Epidemic Intensity of Norovirus Associated with Acute Gastroenteritis in Beijing Based on Synthetic Index Method
  • Epidemiologic characteristics and pathogen surveillance of hand, foot and mouth disease in Zhejiang province, 2009–2017
  • Analysis of the gene characteristics of 16 mumps virus strains in Chaoyang district, Beijing from 2018 to 2019
  • Analysis of Epidemiological Situation of Viral Infectious Diseases in Five Countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt Advocated by China
    Analyses of Reported Public-health Emergency Events of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in China, 2008–2016
  • Spatial clustering analysis of hand, foot and mouth disease in Chinese mainland in 2008–2017
  • Surveillance, epidemiology, and pathogen spectrum of hand, foot, and mouth disease in mainland of China from 2008 to 2017
  • Pathogenic Spectrum of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Hainan Province from 2014 to 2017 and Genetic Characterization of Coxsackievirus A6 in 2017 in Hainan province
  • Analysis of Complete Genome Sequence of an Imported Case of SARS-CoV-2 in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

 

Firas Abdollah | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Firas Abdollah | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr Firas Abdollah,Henry Ford Health,United States

Dr. Firas Abdollah is a Clinical Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of Academic and Research at the Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital. With dual citizenship in the USA and Italy, he has a distinguished career in urologic oncology and robotic surgery. He specializes in the epidemiology of urologic cancers and the development of predictive tools for cancer outcomes. He has held research and faculty positions at leading institutions, including Wayne State University and Michigan State University. His extensive contributions to urology have earned him numerous awards, and his research has been published in top-tier journals. Dr. Abdollah is also a medical consultant for Intuitive Surgical Inc.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr Firas Abdollah began his academic journey at Al Mutamayizeen Secondary School in Baghdad, Iraq, where he completed his Bachelor of Science between 1995 and 1997. He then pursued a Doctor of Medicine degree at the College of Medicine, Baghdad University, graduating in 2003. Following his medical education, he underwent extensive training through internships and residency at San-Raffaele Hospital, University Vita-Salute, in Milan, Italy, from 2004 to 2012. Further advancing his expertise, he completed a prestigious Fellowship in Robotic Urologic Oncology at the Henry Ford Hospital, Vattikuti Urology Institute, in Detroit, Michigan, USA, from 2015 to 2018.

Experience

Associate Professor at Wayne State University, a position he has held since 2020, and also serves as Vice-Chair of Academic and Research at the Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital. In addition, he has been a Clinical Associate Professor at Michigan State University since 2022. His extensive experience in medical consulting includes his current role at Intuitive Surgical Inc., California, starting in 2024. Previously, he was a Medical Consultant for the Department of Urology at the Academic Hospital San Raffaele in Milan, Italy, from 2011 to 2013, and served as a Medical Consultant and Advisor for GenomeDx Biosciences in Vancouver, Canada, from 2014 to 2020. His collaboration with KOELIS Inc. in Delaware lasted from 2022 to 2024 through a consulting and research agreement. Dr. [Name] has also been actively involved in research, having worked as a Research Investigator at Henry Ford Hospital, focusing on prognostic models for prostate and bladder cancers from 2014 to 2015. Earlier in his career, he contributed to cancer prognostics and health outcomes research at the University of Montreal in 2010.

Awards & Honors

  • Best Poster Award – Società Italiana di Urologia Annual Congress (2007)
  • Best of AUA/JUA Meeting Award – AUA Annual Meeting, Washington DC (2011)
  • Best Paper – European Urology Resident Corner (2012)
  • Best Poster Award – European Association of Urology Congress (2012, 2013, 2014, 2018)
  • Excellence in Research Award – Southeast Michigan Center for Medical Education (2017)
  • Top 1% in Field for Peer Reviews – Publons (2017)
  • First Place, Fellow Clinical Research – European Association of Urology Congress (2018)

 

Research Focus

  • Epidemiology of Urologic-Oncology Diseases
  • Prostate, Kidney, Bladder, Testicular, and Penile Cancers
  • Development of Prediction Tools for Disease-Specific Mortality and Recurrence
  • Robotic Urologic Oncology and Outcomes Resear

 

Publication
  • 📖 The importance of pelvic lymph node dissection in the elderly: Implications for interpretation of NCCN guidelines
  • 📖 A novel tool for predicting urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy
  • 📖 Competing risks analysis of long-term survival in node-positive prostate cancer
  • 📖 Predicting pathological outcomes in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
  • 📖 Testing the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on overall mortality in prostate cancer patients
  • 📖 External validity of EORTC 30904 in North American patients with renal cell carcinoma