Kwame Kumi Asare | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Kwame Kumi Asare | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Cape Coast | Ghana

Dr. Kwame Kumi Asare is a Ghanaian biomedical scientist, with roots in Effiduase Banko in the Ashanti Region. He holds a PhD in Medical Science (Infection Research) from Nagasaki University, Japan, an MPhil in Parasitology, and a BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. His research focuses on infectious and non-communicable diseases, with expertise in parasitic infections such as malaria and leishmaniasis. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, working on Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis, and as a Hall Tutor at Valco and Alumni Halls, University of Cape Coast. He has held several academic and research positions at Nagasaki University, including Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, and continues as a Visiting Researcher. Dr. Kwame Kumi Asare teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in parasitology, molecular parasitic diseases, and research methods. He is an Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Fellow and a recipient of multiple international fellowships in global health and leadership. Professionally, he is a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). Beyond academia, he contributes to scientific leadership through curriculum development, journal editorial work, and public health initiatives, including the establishment of research and vocational facilities supporting community development in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Boampong, J. N., Ameyaw, E. O., Aboagye, B., Asare, K., Kyei, S., Donfack, J. H., … & Nwaefuna, E. K. (2013). The curative and prophylactic effects of xylopic acid on Plasmodium berghei infection in mice. Journal of Parasitology Research, 2013(1), 356107.

Acquah, F. K., Obboh, E. K., Asare, K., Boampong, J. N., Nuvor, S. V., Singh, S. K., … & Theisen, M. (2017). Antibody responses to two new Lactococcus lactis-produced recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 proteins increase with age in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana.Malaria Journal, 16(1), 306.

Amoah, L. E., Nuvor, S. V., Obboh, E. K., Acquah, F. K., Asare, K., Singh, S. K., … & Theisen, M. (2017). Natural antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum MSP3 and GLURP(R0) antigens are associated with low parasite densities in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana. Parasites & Vectors, 10(1), 395.

Afoakwah, R., Boampong, J. N., Egyir-Yawson, A., Nwaefuna, E. K., Verner, O. N., Asare, K., & Owusu, E. O. (2014). High prevalence of PfCRT K76T mutation in Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Ghana. Acta Tropica, 136, 32–36.

Anning, A. S., Dugbatey, A. A., Kwakye-Nuako, G., & Asare, K. K. (2019). Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from raw meat and Ghanaian coin currencies at Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana: The public health implication. The Open Microbiology Journal, 13(1), 138–145.

Opoku, Y. K., Asare, K. K., Ghartey-Quansah, G., Afrifa, J., Bentsi-Enchill, F., & Owusu-Dabo, E. (2022). Intestinal microbiome–rheumatoid arthritis crosstalk: The therapeutic role of probiotics. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 996031.

Asare, K. K., Boampong, J. N., Afoakwah, R., Ameyaw, E. O., Sehgal, R., & Brown, C. A. (2014). Use of proscribed chloroquine is associated with an increased risk of pfcrt T76 mutation in some parts of Ghana. Malaria Journal, 13(1), 246.

Ivana ŠKRLEC | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Ivana ŠKRLEC | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek | Croatia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivana Škrlec is an accomplished molecular biologist and academic at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health in Osijek, Croatia, where she teaches in the Department of Biophysics, Biology, and Chemistry. She earned her Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Zagreb, completed a postgraduate study in Molecular Diagnostics, and defended her PhD at the Faculty of Medicine in Osijek under the supervision of Prof. Borut Peterlin. Dedicated to higher education and research, she lectures in biology, genetics, laboratory technologies, and research methodology, and contributes to the interdisciplinary PhD program in Molecular Biosciences at J. J. Strossmayer University in Osijek, where she teaches courses on computational statistical methods and scientific writing. A strong mentor, she has supervised numerous theses and actively fosters research engagement among students. Her scholarly impact is reflected in her extensive publications, including scientific papers, technical papers, three book chapters, and conference abstracts, along with oral presentations at international conferences. She serves as a reviewer for medical journals and is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Clinical and Medical Research and Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine. Recognized internationally, she has received multiple awards, including the MDPI Award for a highly cited paper, the Distinguished Editorial Board Member Award, and the first prize for the most cited publication in the Journal of Fungi. She has also gained international experience as a visiting scientist in Serbia, Hungary, and Slovenia and has played an active role in organizing major international congresses. Her research spans mental health, cardiogenetics, population genetics, endocrine disorders, circadian rhythms, and molecular biology, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing science and education.

profile: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Milostić-Srb, A., Srb, N., Talapko, J., Meštrović, T., Žiger, T., Pačarić, S., Fureš, R., & … (2024). The effect of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on assisted human reproduction outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diseases, 12(9), 201.

Vasilj-Mihaljevic, M., Mihaljevic, I., Bekic, S., Zubcic, Z., Vasilj, A., & … (2024). Correlation of TPO antibody concentration with thyroid hormones as a predictor of clinical hypothyroidism/Korelacija koncentracije anti-TPO sa tireoidnim hormonima kao prediktor kliničkog hipotireoidizma. Acta Clinica Croatica, 63(3–4), 542–552.

Gorski, D. B., Vlainić, J., Škrlec, I., Novak, S., Novosel, Ž., Biloglav, Z., Plečko, V., & … (2024). Virulence factors and susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, triclosan, and chlorhexidine among Enterococci from clinical specimens, food, and wastewater. Microorganisms, 12(9), 1808.

Talapko, J., Erić, S., Meštrović, T., Stipetić, M. M., Juzbašić, M., Katalinić, D., & … (2024). The impact of oral microbiome dysbiosis on the aetiology, pathogenesis, and development of oral cancer. Cancers, 16(17), 2997.

Talapko, J., Juzbašić, M., Meštrović, T., Matijević, T., Mesarić, D., Katalinić, D., & … (2024). Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: From the oral cavity to the heart valves. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1451.

Emmanuel Armah| Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award – 8617

Mr. Emmanuel Armah| Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Emmanuel Armah  Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit

Professional Profiles:

Strengths for the Award

  • Relevant Expertise: The candidate has a strong background in medical microbiology and infectious diseases, with extensive research experience that directly impacts community health. Their work on antimicrobial resistance and pathogen detection in various species is vital for controlling infectious diseases in both human and animal populations.
  • Diverse Research Portfolio: The candidate’s involvement in multiple research projects, ranging from molecular epidemiology to genetic diversity in fish and parasites, showcases their ability to address a wide array of health-related challenges. This diversity enhances their potential to make significant contributions to community health through research.
  • Managerial Experience: As a laboratory manager, the candidate has demonstrated leadership and organizational skills, ensuring the smooth operation of a research unit. This experience is critical for managing complex research projects that have a direct impact on community health.
  • Active Engagement in Conferences: The candidate has actively participated in numerous conferences and workshops, presenting their research and contributing to the scientific community. This engagement demonstrates their commitment to disseminating research findings and collaborating with other experts in the field.

Areas for Improvement

  • Broader Impact on Policy: While the candidate’s research has significant implications for public health, more emphasis on how their findings have influenced or could influence public health policies or interventions would strengthen their application for an award focused on community impact.
  • Community Outreach and Education: In addition to their research, the candidate could expand their involvement in community outreach or education programs to directly engage with the public on issues related to their research. This would further demonstrate the practical application of their work in improving community health.

Education:

Emmanuel Armah has pursued an in-depth academic journey in [specific field, e.g., engineering, economics, etc.], earning his [specific degree, e.g., PhD, MSc, BSc] from [University/Institution Name]. His education laid a strong foundation in [specific area of study], equipping him with the knowledge and skills that have been crucial to his professional success.

Pofessional Experience:

Emmanuel Armah has built a robust career, marked by significant roles in [specific industry or field]. He has held positions at [Organization/Institution Name], where he has contributed to [mention specific roles, e.g., research, management, teaching]. His experience includes [briefly describe key responsibilities and projects], demonstrating his ability to drive progress and innovation in [specific area or industry].

Skills:

Emmanuel Armah brings a diverse skill set to his work, including [mention relevant skills such as data analysis, strategic planning, technical expertise, etc.]. His proficiency in [specific tools, techniques, or methodologies] has enabled him to excel in [mention specific projects or roles], making him a valuable asset in his field.

Publications :

Conclusion:

The candidate is highly suitable for the Research for Community Impact Award. Their extensive research in medical microbiology, coupled with their managerial experience and active participation in the scientific community, positions them as a strong contender for this award. To further enhance their candidacy, they could focus on demonstrating the broader impact of their research on public health policies and increasing their involvement in community outreach initiatives