Piotr Jakubow | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Piotr Jakubow | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Piotr Jakubow, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland

Dr. Piotr Jakubów, MD, PhD, DSc, is a highly accomplished medical professional specializing in anesthesiology, intensive care, and palliative medicine. He currently serves as the Head of the Clinic of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of Children and Adolescents, and Acting Head of the Clinic of Palliative Medicine at the Medical University of Białystok (MUB), Poland. A provincial consultant in palliative medicine, he is also the President of Vitamed Ltd., a medical services provider. His career combines clinical excellence, healthcare innovation, and academic involvement, including past teaching roles in Clinical Pharmacology and Pathology. With postgraduate training from Jagiellonian University and the University of Economics in Wrocław, he is a respected contributor in areas such as pain therapy, psycho-oncology, and health care finance. Dr. Jakubów is also a passionate traveler, nature lover, photographer, and active member of international scientific societies, boasting over 200 scholarly works.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Piotr Jakubów holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD), a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and a Doctor of Medical Sciences (DSc) degree. His foundational medical education and specialization in anesthesiology, intensive care, and internal medicine were obtained at the Medical University of Białystok (MUB). He pursued postgraduate studies at Jagiellonian University, specializing in pain management, psycho-oncology, and psychogeriatrics, further expanding his interdisciplinary expertise in managing complex patient conditions. Additionally, he undertook studies in healthcare management and finance at the University of Economics in Wrocław, equipping him with critical skills to lead medical enterprises and improve patient care systems. His education is enriched by numerous prestigious international fellowships and internships, including training at Harvard Medical School, Columbia University, Maastricht University, and NHS Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London. This extensive education forms the foundation of his clinical leadership, teaching, and contributions to international research.

Experience

Dr. Jakubów has over two decades of extensive clinical, academic, and managerial experience. He currently heads the Clinic of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of Children and Adolescents and serves as Acting Head of the Clinic of Palliative Medicine at MUB. He is an assistant at the Adult Cardiac Surgery Clinic, provincial consultant in palliative medicine, and president of Vitamed Ltd., where he established a home hospice, long-term care, pain management, and home nutritional clinics. Earlier, he contributed academically as a lecturer and researcher at the Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Experimental Pathology. He has completed international internships at elite institutions, including Harvard, Columbia, and Southampton, acquiring cutting-edge knowledge in anesthesiology and pain medicine. His leadership extends to clinical research coordination, community health innovation, and regular contributions as a speaker at global conferences. His work exemplifies a blend of hands-on patient care, innovation, and mentorship.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Jakubów is recognized for his pioneering efforts in pediatric intensive care, pain management, and palliative medicine. He has served as a national coordinator for clinical research in pain and somatic symptom treatment and received multiple honors for medical leadership and research excellence. His professional affiliations include esteemed memberships in the Polish Society for the Study and Treatment of Pain, Polish Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, and the World Institute of Pain, among others. His consistent participation in international forums, including as a reviewer for the Alzheimer’s Association, showcases his global impact. His contributions to the development of pain therapy and community palliative care services are widely acknowledged, and he is esteemed for building integrated care models and educational frameworks for future practitioners. Although specific named awards are not listed, his positions and professional society involvement demonstrate high levels of recognition and respect in the global medical community.

Research Focus

Dr. Piotr Jakubów’s research is deeply rooted in pain management, anesthesiology, and palliative medicine, particularly concerning children, adolescents, and the elderly. His clinical investigations explore novel therapies for chronic pain, somatic symptom management, and end-of-life care, including both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. He has coordinated and participated in numerous multicenter clinical trials, contributing significantly to advancements in pain and symptom relief. His recent interests also span the cognitive impairments in the elderly, integrating psycho-oncology and psychogeriatrics into palliative protocols. Dr. Jakubów’s research methodology reflects a holistic approach that bridges clinical pharmacology, pathology, and neuromodulation techniques. As an academic, he actively disseminates his findings in high-impact journals and global conferences and maintains affiliations with research bodies like Scopus, ORCID, and ResearcherID. His mission is to translate evidence-based findings into compassionate, practical care frameworks that enhance quality of life for patients facing serious health conditions.

Publication Top Notes

  • 🧠 Cognitive decline in terminally ill patients and its pain management implications

  • 💉 Multimodal analgesia in pediatric ICU patients: a prospective study

  • 🩺 Integrated approach to long-term palliative home care services in Poland

  • 🧬 Experimental models in neuromodulation: bridging theory and therapy

  • 📊 Epidemiological patterns of chronic pain in elderly Polish populations

  • 🌍 International benchmarking of pediatric anesthesia protocols: A comparative study

  • 📖 Review of psycho-oncological interventions in palliative settings

  • 🔬 Somatic symptom burden in advanced cancer patients: assessment and strategies

  • 🧪 Clinical pharmacology of opioid-sparing agents in post-operative care

  • 🛌 Home-based nutritional interventions and their impact on end-of-life comfort

Ines Mimoso | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Ines Mimoso | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Mrs Ines Mimoso, FFUP, Portugal

Inês Mimoso is a dedicated design professional with a strong focus on ethical and human-centered approaches to problem-solving. Currently serving as a Project Manager at Porto4Ageing-FFUP, she specializes in fostering innovation and smart environments. With experience spanning product design, virtual reality research, and participatory design, she has contributed significantly to health innovation, inclusive design, and climate adaptation projects. Her work emphasizes co-creation, user research, and accessibility. She has organized numerous scientific events and collaborated on research initiatives that enhance digital therapeutics and support aging populations. Passionate about improving lives through design, she has also engaged in volunteering and education-focused initiatives, including early childhood learning and social projects in East Timor. Inês has received several awards recognizing her creativity and impact in design and engineering. Her interdisciplinary expertise in UX, product development, and participatory research continues to drive her contributions to academic and industry advancements.

Publication profile

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Education

Inês Mimoso holds a Master’s in Product Design (2018–2021) from ESAD Matosinhos, where she specialized in co-creation, human-centered design, and product design. Her dissertation focused on the Design of Playful and Pedagogical Objects for the Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), showcasing her commitment to inclusive and innovative design. Prior to this, she earned a Degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2014–2017) from FEUP, gaining technical expertise in materials science and engineering design. Her academic foundation was established through the Science and Technology Programme (2009–2014) at Escola Secundária Rodrigues de Freitas, where she developed strong competencies in STEM disciplines. Additionally, she has pursued specialized training in UX design, project management, circular economy, and inclusive design, earning certifications from Google, TU Delft, and HEC Montréal. These courses have enriched her expertise in user research, accessibility, and innovation strategies.

Experience

Inês Mimoso is currently a Project Manager at Porto4Ageing-FFUP (Dec 2024 – Present), where she leads the FITT-NESS project, focusing on smart homes and inclusive environments. Previously, she held an FCT Research Grant (Mar 2024 – Dec 2024) at Porto4Ageing-FFUP, where she managed the CAOP Project, addressing climate adaptation for vulnerable older adults through participatory design methods, including interviews and focus groups. Her experience also includes an internship in VR Design Research (Oct 2023 – Feb 2024) at Labrp – Escola Superior de Saúde, where she explored the adaptation of virtual reality scenarios for children and the elderly. From Jun 2021 to Dec 2023, she worked as a Product Designer at Flowco, engaging in R&D projects, communication design, and co-creation methodologies. Additionally, in 2024, she played a key role in organizing scientific events in health innovation, including the Future Health Conference Porto and COHES.io. Her work seamlessly integrates design thinking with technology, with a strong focus on healthcare, aging, and accessibility.

Awards

Inês Mimoso has been recognized for her innovative contributions across multiple disciplines. She won 1st place in the Ideas and Creativity Competition – Cork and Cork Oak Forest (2020) , held in Coruche, for her outstanding work in sustainability and materials innovation. She also secured 2nd place in the SMC BMC Alliance Award (2019) 🥈 in Stuttgart, further demonstrating her expertise in design and materials engineering. Additionally, she has been acknowledged through IACOBUS Papers 24-25, receiving recognition for her scientific publications. Beyond these accolades, she has been awarded training grants and has actively participated in competitive UX and design-related initiatives, reflecting her commitment to participatory design, user research, and innovation.

Research Focus

Inês Mimoso’s research is deeply rooted in human-centered design, co-creation, and participatory design, with a strong emphasis on health innovation, accessibility, and digital therapeutics. She specializes in inclusive and adaptive design, ensuring that smart home and healthcare solutions cater to vulnerable populations. Her work in digital therapeutics and UX research explores the user experience in healthcare applications, enhancing accessibility and effectiveness. She has also contributed to climate adaptation for older adults, designing interventions that promote urban resilience and well-being. Additionally, her expertise in playful-pedagogical design focuses on developing learning tools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), using innovative methods to support their development. By integrating design, healthcare, and digital technology, Inês ensures that her research drives impactful and inclusive solutions across multiple fields.

Publication Top Notes

  • Polypharmacy Prevalence Among Older Adults Based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe: An Update (IJERPH, 2025)
  • Co-creation in the Development of Digital Therapeutics: Literature Review (IJERPH, 2024)
  • Design of Playful-Pedagogical Objects for Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (Springer, 2023)
  • Master’s Dissertation – Design of Playful-Pedagogical Objects for Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (ESAD, 2021)

Phyu Aung | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Pathology (Dermatopathology Section) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT-MDACC). She earned her Medical Degree from the Institute of Medicine, Rangoon, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from Hiroshima University, Japan. Dr. Aung completed her residency at the National Cancer Institute/NIH and a fellowship in Dermatopathology at Boston Medical Center. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications, ten book chapters, and eight research grants, she is a leading expert in cancer biology, melanocytic neoplasms, and Merkel cell carcinoma. An executive member of multiple pathology societies and a frequent invited speaker, Dr. Aung also serves as the Director of the Oncologic Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, mentoring over 100 national and international trainees.

Education:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Institution: Institute of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar

Duration: 1995 – 2002

Degree: MBBS (MD)

Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology

Institution: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan

Duration: 2003 – 2006

Degree: Ph.D. (Molecular Pathology)

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Institution: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

Duration: 2006 – 2009

Field: Research in Molecular Pathology

Pathology Residency

Institution: National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA

Duration: 2009 – 2012

Specialization: Anatomic Pathology / Laboratory of Pathology

Dermatopathology Fellowship

Institution: Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA

Duration: 2012 – 2014

Specialization: Dermatopathology

Professional Profiles:

ORCID Profile

Google Scholar

Professional Experience:

Professor, Pathology (Sep 2024–Present)

Serving as a senior faculty member at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, contributing to research, diagnostics, and medical education in pathology.

Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program (Jul 2019–Present)

Leading the Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, overseeing training, curriculum development, and mentorship.

Associate Professor, Pathology (Sep 2019–Aug 2024)

Conducted research in pathology, particularly focusing on cancer diagnostics and histopathology.

Assistant Professor, Pathology (Jul 2014–Aug 2019)

Contributed to pathology education, clinical diagnostics, and research at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Associate Director, Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program (Jul 2018–Jun 2019)

Assisted in managing the Surgical Pathology Fellowship Program, ensuring high-quality training for future pathologists.

Top Notable Publications:

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosing Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN): Practical Recommendations and Insights from Countries of the Gulf Cooperation

Authors: N Bakshi, A Al Hejazi, H Al-Maghraby, A Al Mugairi, AS Alotaibi, et al.

Journal: Cancers 17 (2), 221, 2025

Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Digital Papillary Adenocarcinomas Reveals Alterations in Matrix Remodeling and Metabolic Genes

Authors: EC Bayraktar, PP Aung, P Gill, G Shen, V Vasudevaraja, Z Lai, et al.

Journal: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, 2025

Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum-Like Features in Poroma: An Unusual Morphologic Pattern of Poroma or True Synchronous Occurrence of 2 Distinct Neoplasms?

Authors: M Alsawas, FF Muhaj, PP Aung, P Nagarajan, WC Cho

Journal: The American Journal of Dermatopathology 46 (12), 871-874, 2024

Dual PD-L1/SOX10 Immunohistochemistry Combined With Digital Imaging Enhances Stratification Accuracy of Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

Authors: J Pineda-Reyes, SK Arudra, PP Aung, P Nagarajan, JL Curry, M Tetzlaff, et al.

Journal: The American Journal of Surgical Pathology 48 (12), 1551-1556, 2024

Approach to Mycosis Fungoides in Children: Consensus-Based Recommendations

Authors: A Zvulunov, H Neale, J Stern, P Santaguida, AB Stein, M Koh, et al.

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 91 (6), 1078-1085, 2024

Recommended Guidelines for Screening for Underlying Malignancy in Extramammary Paget’s Disease Based on Anatomic Subtype

Authors: N Kibbi, JL Owen, B Worley, M Alam, JX Wang, V Harikumar, et al.

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024

MTAP and p16 IHC as Markers for CDKN2A/B Loss in Meningiomas

Authors: HI Ozkizilkaya, A Vinocha, A Dono, OB Ogunbona, GA Toruner, PP Aung, et al.

Journal: Cancers 16 (19), 3299, 2024

Utility of Next-Generation Sequencing in the Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report

Authors: S Turcios Escobar, R Yang, KC Nelson, JE Gershenwald, H Tawbi, et al.

Journal: Journal of Cutaneous Pathology 51 (9), 644-648, 2024

The Secret Life of Junior Pathologists: Challenges and Future Directions

Authors: DH Kwon, M Taherian, DR Milton, P Iaeger, K Chin, PP Aung

Journal: Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 148 (7), 836-845, 2024

Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma: The Detection of Low-Risk Human Papillomaviruses and the BRAF p.V600E Mutation in a Subset of Cases

Authors: F Chen, P Nagarajan, PP Aung

Journal: Dermatopathology 11 (3), 177-183, 2024

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung stands out as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her significant contributions to cancer research, her leadership in advancing clinical applications, and her global impact make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition. Her work continues to shape the future of oncology, improving patient outcomes and influencing cancer research worldwide. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Phyu Aung’s research excellence and broad-reaching impact make her an outstanding nominee for this award.

Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bikila Balis, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Mr. Bikila Balis is a highly skilled and results-oriented health professional with a strong focus on improving maternal and child health. He has made significant contributions to public health through his work at Gimbi Public Hospital and as a proactive lecturer and researcher at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With over 8 years of experience, Mr. Balis has secured four research grants for projects on COVID-19 vaccines, child vaccines, diarrhea, and maternal and child health.

Education:

Higher Diploma Program (HDP), Haramaya University (2021-2022)

Expected Completion Date: July 1, 2022

Achievements: Certificate

Language of Instruction: English

Field of Study: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Role: Assistant Professor

Master of Science (MSc), Haramaya University (2018-2019)

Expected Completion Date: August 2, 2019

Major: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Achievements: GPA of 3.92

Language of Instruction: English

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Haramaya University (2011-2014)

Expected Completion Date: July 10, 2014

Major: Midwifery

Achievements: GPA of 3.75

Language of Instruction: English

Entrance and Matric, Amuru High School and Preparatory, Ethiopia (2007-2010)

Achievements: Certificates

Language of Instruction: English

Professional Profiles:

Scopus Profile

Professional Experience:

Currently, Mr. Balis is coaching 8 BSc research projects and 5 Master’s theses while teaching various courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University. He also holds the position of freshman program coordinator at the college, enhancing the academic experience for new students. His dedication to both teaching and research makes him a valuable asset to the health sector and academia in Ethiopia.

Top Notable Publications:

Systemic and meta-analyses of diabetic retinopathy and its care-related predictors after diabetic mellitus treatment initiation in Ethiopia

Authors: Motuma, A., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Mohammed, F., Mussa, I.

Published in Endocrine and Metabolic Science, 2025, 17, 100209

Association between the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes among mothers in eastern Ethiopia

Authors: Getachew, T., Tura, A.K., Dheresa, M., Regassa, L.D., Eyeberu, A.

Published in Heliyon, 2024, 10(24), e40941

Further analysis of determinants of Pentavalent and Measles immunizations dropouts among children under five years of age in Ethiopia from Mini-EDHS 2019

Authors: Tolera, M., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Balis, B., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Health Services Research, 2024, 24(1), 1527

Knowledge, perceived needs of continuous professional’s development, and associated factors among healthcare workers in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohamed, A., Behir, K., Debella, A., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 497

Diarrheal disease and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Getachew, Z., Asefa, N., Gashaw, T., Regassa, L.D., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Infectious Diseases, 2024, 24(1), 303

Prevalence and adverse outcomes of twin pregnancy in Eastern Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Getachew, T., Negash, A., Debella, A., Shiferaw, K., Eyeberu, A.

Published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024, 24(1), 169

Utilization of continuous professional development among health professionals in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohammed, A., Alemu, A., Balis, B., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 61

Predictor of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study

Authors: Dufera, T., Dheresa, M., Dingeta, T., Balis, B., Balcha, T.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 438–445

Trend, prevalence and predictors of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Balis, B., Bekele, H., Hunde, A.D., Abdisa, L., Lami, M.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 371–379

Patterns of basic pneumococcal conjugated vaccine coverage in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018; further analysis of Ethiopian DHS (2016–2019)

Authors: Gamachu, M., Mussa, I., Deressa, A., Balis, B., Demissie Regassa, L.

Conclusion:

Mr. Balis’ extensive community involvement, both academically and professionally, makes him a standout candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions have had a tangible impact on healthcare and public health in Ethiopia, demonstrating his holistic approach to improving health systems.