Elaheh Keshavarz | Acquired Communication Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Elaheh Keshavarz | Acquired Communication Disorders | Best Researcher Award

University of Manitoba | Canada

Elaheh Keshavarz is a rehabilitation sciences professional whose academic and clinical work focuses on communication disabilities, financial inclusion, and accessible service delivery. She completed her M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba with a strong research profile, building on her B.Sc. training in Speech-Language Pathology. Her graduate work examined the experiences of adults with post-stroke communication disabilities in financial environments, contributing meaningful insights into inclusion and accessibility, while her earlier research explored speech rate variations across age groups. She has published in respected journals such as the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Journal of Communication Disorders. With extensive experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist across clinical, educational, and community settings in Canada and Iran, she has supported children and adults with diverse developmental and acquired communication needs. Her roles have also included research assistantships and positions in child development centres, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary care. She has earned multiple academic scholarships recognizing her excellence and research potential. Her interests span communication accessibility, brain injury, financial literacy, and evidence-based rehabilitation. She remains dedicated to advancing inclusive practices and contributing to research that improves participation and quality of life for individuals with communication challenges.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

Should You Tell Others That You Live With Brain Injury? Things to Consider About Brain Injury and Disclosure, 2025

Zitong Gao | Big data Integration | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Zitong Gao | Big data Integration | Research Excellence Award

Dalian University | China

Ms. Zitong Gao is a dedicated nursing graduate student specializing in quantitative research methodologies within the field of chronic disease management. Building on a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Dalian University, she has developed a strong academic foundation in nursing theories, advanced health assessment, geriatric nursing, and evidence-based practice. Her research experience includes participating in quantitative studies, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to the development of academic manuscripts. In addition to her research background, she completed a comprehensive clinical internship at a university-affiliated hospital, where she gained hands-on experience in internal medicine, surgery, and holistic patient care through assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation. Skilled in statistical software such as SPSS, Mplus, Excel, and Stata, she integrates data-driven approaches into her research work. Her professional interests focus on improving patient outcomes, chronic disease self-management, gerontological nursing, and advancing nursing practice through rigorous quantitative inquiry. She has earned her nurse qualification certificate, demonstrating a solid commitment to professional standards in clinical care. With a strong blend of academic training, research competence, and clinical experience, she aims to contribute meaningfully to nursing science and patient-centered healthcare advancements.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publication

Latent transition of social participation and its relationship with frailty among older adults with chronic non-communicable diseases in China: A national longitudinal study, 2025

Osama Sawalha | Healthcare Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Osama Sawalha | Healthcare Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Universidad de Granada | Spain

Dr. Osama Sawalha is a dedicated researcher and registered nurse with a PhD in Public Health and Clinical Medicine from the University of Granada, Spain. His academic background also includes a Master’s degree in Health Care for the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and End-of-Life Care Processes and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. With extensive clinical experience across Spain and Palestine, Dr. Sawalha has worked in diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, Alzheimer’s care facilities, and emergency medical services. His research focuses on psychological well-being, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and their caregivers. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, addressing mental health outcomes, cardiac recovery, and family functioning in chronic illness contexts. Dr. Sawalha has presented his work at international conferences and participated in numerous professional development programs on research methodologies, scientific writing, and biomedicine. His work aims to improve the integration of psychological care within clinical and community health systems. Through his dedication to patient-centered research and compassionate nursing practice, Dr. Sawalha continues to contribute meaningfully to advancing public health and evidence-based care.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Sawalha, O., Ariza-Vega, P., Alhalaiqa, F., Pérez-Rodríguez, S., & Romero-Ayuso, D. (2024). Psychological discomfort in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in West Bank: A cohort study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(7), 2027.

Sawalha, O., Ariza-Vega, P., Alhalaiqa, F., Dabbour, R., & Romero-Ayuso, D. (2025). Comparison of pre- and post-surgery cardiac depression and perceived stress levels in heart patients undergoing different types of surgery. Geriatric Nursing.

Pérez-Rodríguez, S., Sawalha, O., & Romero-Ayuso, D. (2025). ECogFun-Virtual Reality program for improving planning and organization skills in daily life in children and adolescents with ADHD: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Research in Developmental Disabilities.

Shruti Shukla | Social Impact Young Researcher Award| 

Ms. Shruti Shukla | Social Impact |  Young Researcher Award 

Technical University of Munich | Germany

Ms. Shruti Shukla is a dedicated researcher in global health with a strong focus on gender equity, adolescent maternal and child health, and the socio-economic determinants of well-being in low- and middle-income countries. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Global Health at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, where her research examines the impact of gender transformative interventions on adolescent maternal and child health outcomes. She holds an MSc in Global Health from Maastricht University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Liberal Arts from Ashoka University, and an MSc in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her extensive professional experience includes research associate roles at TUM and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, contributing to projects on economic violence, intimate partner violence, and the impact of COVID-19 on gender inequities. She has also worked as a project coordinator for community-based health programs in India focusing on pneumonia and anaemia prevention. Her research interests encompass public health policy, gender-based violence prevention, and global health systems. She has delivered lectures on global and maternal health and contributed to several international collaborations. Ms. Shukla continues to pursue evidence-based approaches that promote equity, resilience, and empowerment in global health contexts.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shukla, S., Shenderovich, Y., Jacobs, C., & Steinert, J. I. (2025). Pedalling progress? Assessing the long-term impact of a bicycle intervention on adolescent maternal and child health in Zambia. Social Science & Medicine.

Shukla, S., Kharade, A., Böhret, I., Jumaniyazova, M., Meyer, S. R., Abejirinde, I.-O. O., Shenderovich, Y., & Steinert, J. (2025). How do gender transformative interventions reduce adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: A realist synthesis. Journal of Global Health.

Shukla, S., Mosha, N. R., Meyer, S. R., Harvey, S., Lees, S., Mshana, G., & Stöckl, H. (2025). Women’s informal group participation and intimate partner violence in Mwanza, Tanzania: A longitudinal study. Social Science & Medicine.

Steinert, J. I., Shukla, S., & Satish, R. V. (2024). Navigating distress: Exploring factors affecting adolescent girls’ wellbeing during and after a violence-focused survey in Maharashtra, India. Child Abuse & Neglect.

Shukla, S., Abejirinde, I.-O. O., Meyer, S. R., Shenderovich, Y., & Steinert, J. I. (2024). Mechanisms behind gender transformative approaches targeting adolescent pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: A realist synthesis protocol. Systematic Reviews.

Shukla, S., Castro Torres, A. F., Satish, R. V., Shenderovich, Y., Abejirinde, I.-O. O., & Steinert, J. I. (2023). Factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Maharashtra, India: A mixed-methods study. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters.

Meyer, S. R., Hardt, S., Brambilla, R., Shukla, S., & Stöckl, H. (2023). Sociological theories to explain intimate partner violence: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. Advance online publication.

Amohelang Lehloa | Public Health Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Amohelang Lehloa | Public Health Analytics | Best Researcher Award

University of Cape Town | Lesotho

Ms. Amohelang Lehloa is a dedicated Registered Audiologist and Public Health professional with expertise in audiological rehabilitation, hearing technology, adult education, and evidence-based practice. She has built her career around advancing hearing healthcare, supporting community health initiatives, and contributing to impactful research in audiology and public health. Her clinical and academic journey reflects a strong commitment to patient-centered care, strategic project management, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Fluent in Sesotho and English, she integrates her skills in clinical audiology, supervision, and public health education to foster sustainable healthcare solutions and improve therapeutic outcomes for diverse populations.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Ms. Lehloa holds a Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology from the University of Cape Town, complemented by an Honours degree in Audiology from the same institution. Her educational background equips her with a robust understanding of both the clinical and epidemiological aspects of healthcare, enabling her to bridge the gap between individual patient care and population health strategies. Additionally, she has pursued international education, which has broadened her perspective on global health challenges and innovations in audiological science.

Experience

Her professional experience spans clinical practice, academic teaching, research coordination, and project management. As a Clinical Audiologist at HearSense, she performs comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, vestibular and tinnitus management, and aural rehabilitation while actively engaging in public health outreach programs. Previously, she served as Project Manager for the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA), where she managed research collaborations, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven project reporting across international institutions. She also contributed to academia as a Public Health Lecturer and Audiology Tutor at the University of Cape Town, supervising clinical students and developing curriculum content to enhance future professionals’ competencies. Furthermore, her early leadership as Head of SHAWCO Audiology in a student-led non-profit organization underscores her dedication to serving underserved communities through early hearing loss detection, intervention, and awareness campaigns.

Research Interest

Ms. Lehloa’s research interests include comorbidities affecting pregnant women living with HIV, high-frequency audiometry in children, and the integration of public health strategies into audiological care. Her work explores the intersection of communicable and non-communicable diseases in maternal health, the diagnostic value of high-frequency hearing assessments, and patient and public involvement (PPI) in research design and implementation. She has participated in international working groups such as the Forgaty-IeDEA mentorship program and has presented her findings at global platforms, including the CROI conference in Denver, Colorado, USA. Her research activities emphasize improving health outcomes through evidence-based approaches and collaborative data analysis.

Awards

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ms. Lehloa has been recognized for her excellence and leadership. She is a recipient of the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, awarded to outstanding young scholars from Sub-Saharan Africa, and has been listed on the Faculty of Health Science Dean’s Merit List at the University of Cape Town. Additionally, her membership in the Golden Key Honour Society reflects her commitment to academic achievement, professional growth, and community service. These accolades highlight her dedication to advancing both clinical practice and public health research.

Publication

Lehloa, A.J., Kalk, E., Davies, M.-A., Nyemba, D., Mehta, U., Malaba, T., Petro, G., Boulle, A., Myer, L., Madlala, H.P. (2025). “Comorbidities in Pregnant South African Women Living with HIV and Associations with Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study.” BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Conclusion

Ms. Amohelang Lehloa exemplifies the integration of clinical expertise, public health knowledge, and academic leadership to address hearing health and broader epidemiological challenges. Her career reflects a balance of hands-on patient care, educational mentorship, research innovation, and international collaboration. With strong skills in audiological assessment, rehabilitation, hearing aid technology, strategic project management, and public health advocacy, she continues to contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable health systems. Her work not only improves individual patient outcomes but also advances the field of audiology within a public health framework, creating meaningful impact across communities.

Ankita Debnath | Healthcare Data Analysis | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Ankita Debnath | Healthcare Data Analysis | Young Scientist Award

ILS Nursing Institute | India

AUTHOR  PROFILE

Scopus

CURRENT POSITION

Ms. Ankita Debnath is currently working as a Full-Time Assistant Professor at the ILS Nursing Institute, Agartala, Tripura, a position she has held since 22nd April 2019. Alongside her academic role, she is pursuing a Part-Time Ph.D. in Nursing from Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, which she commenced in 2020 and is expected to submit her thesis within the next two months.

SUMMARY

Ms. Debnath is a dedicated and ambitious nursing professional with over six years of teaching experience and a strong clinical background. She possesses excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to continuous learning and academic development. She has contributed significantly to academic research, student mentoring, and clinical training, and has been actively involved in scientific publications and national/international conferences.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Ms. Debnath holds a Master of Science in Medical-Surgical Nursing with Distinction (79.41%) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, completed in 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Gauhati University in 2014, securing 65.53%. Her earlier education includes a Higher Secondary qualification from TBSE in 2009 (66%) and Madhyamik from TBSE in 2007 (84.5%). She is currently a Ph.D. Research Scholar (Part-Time) at Desh Bhagat University, Punjab (2020 batch).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ms. Debnath began her clinical career as a Staff Nurse at Mahanam Seva Sadan Nursing Home, Tripura, in 2014, followed by a tenure at the BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata, in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) from 2015 to 2016. She transitioned to academics in 2019 at ILS Nursing Institute, where she has been serving as an Assistant Professor and SNA Unit Advisor for over six years.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Her primary research interests include postoperative care, complementary therapies, pain management, quality of life in cancer patients, and nursing education interventions. Her M.Sc. dissertation focused on the “Effectiveness of supportive educational intervention on pain and physical function among patients undergone abdominal surgery“, and her Ph.D. research aligns with similar themes in clinical nursing.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Ms. Debnath has co-authored three peer-reviewed journal articles, including a recent publication in the Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics (2025) and the Journal of Cancer Biology (2025). One of her key publications, focusing on supportive educational intervention in abdominal surgery patients, has been accepted in the International Journal of Caring Sciences. Her work reflects a strong inclination toward evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

PUBLICATION

Effectiveness of a supportive educational intervention on pain and physical function among patients undergone abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Author(s): Venkatesan Balu, Sukanta Nath, Ankita Debnath

Journal: International Journal of Caring Sciences

Year: 2025 (Accepted)

 Effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention on alleviating postoperative fatigue and anxiety in patients with oral cancer

Author(s): Sukanta Nath, K. Falwaria, S. Debbarma, M. Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath

Journal: Journal of Cancer Biology

Year: 2025

Molecular epidemiology and genotype distribution of genital high-risk human papillomavirus among women in North–East India

Author(s): Jayanta Ray, Jaharlal Baidya, Dhruba P Paul, Gautam Majumdar, Shiromani Debbarma, Atanu Sarkar, Manidipa Chakma, Manash P Barman, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath, Sukanta Nath

Journal: Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics

Year: 2025

 A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions on Anxiety among Postoperative Oral Cancer Patients Admitted in Regional Cancer Centre, Tripura, India

Author(s): Sukanta Nath, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath

Journal: Journal of Healthcare Nursing Research

Year: 2025

Importance of Nursing Intervention in Alleviating Post-Surgical Fatigue for Patients with Oral Cancer

Author(s): Sukanta Nath, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath

Journal: Journal of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice and Research

Year: 2025

Ankita Debnath | Healthcare Data Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Ankita Debnath | Healthcare Data Analysis | Women Researcher Award

ILS Nursing Institute | India

AUTHOR  PROFILE

Scopus

CURRENT POSITION

Ms. Ankita Debnath is currently working as a Full-Time Assistant Professor at the ILS Nursing Institute, Agartala, Tripura, a position she has held since 22nd April 2019. Alongside her academic role, she is pursuing a Part-Time Ph.D. in Nursing from Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, which she commenced in 2020 and is expected to submit her thesis within the next two months.

SUMMARY

Ms. Debnath is a dedicated and ambitious nursing professional with over six years of teaching experience and a strong clinical background. She possesses excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to continuous learning and academic development. She has contributed significantly to academic research, student mentoring, and clinical training, and has been actively involved in scientific publications and national/international conferences.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Ms. Debnath holds a Master of Science in Medical-Surgical Nursing with Distinction (79.41%) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, completed in 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Gauhati University in 2014, securing 65.53%. Her earlier education includes a Higher Secondary qualification from TBSE in 2009 (66%) and Madhyamik from TBSE in 2007 (84.5%). She is currently a Ph.D. Research Scholar (Part-Time) at Desh Bhagat University, Punjab (2020 batch).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Ms. Debnath began her clinical career as a Staff Nurse at Mahanam Seva Sadan Nursing Home, Tripura, in 2014, followed by a tenure at the BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata, in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) from 2015 to 2016. She transitioned to academics in 2019 at ILS Nursing Institute, where she has been serving as an Assistant Professor and SNA Unit Advisor for over six years.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Her primary research interests include postoperative care, complementary therapies, pain management, quality of life in cancer patients, and nursing education interventions. Her M.Sc. dissertation focused on the “Effectiveness of supportive educational intervention on pain and physical function among patients undergone abdominal surgery“, and her Ph.D. research aligns with similar themes in clinical nursing.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Ms. Debnath has co-authored three peer-reviewed journal articles, including a recent publication in the Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics (2025) and the Journal of Cancer Biology (2025). One of her key publications, focusing on supportive educational intervention in abdominal surgery patients, has been accepted in the International Journal of Caring Sciences. Her work reflects a strong inclination toward evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

PUBLICATION

Effectiveness of a supportive educational intervention on pain and physical function among patients undergone abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Author(s): Venkatesan Balu, Sukanta Nath, Ankita Debnath

Journal: International Journal of Caring Sciences

Year: 2025 (Accepted)

 Effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention on alleviating postoperative fatigue and anxiety in patients with oral cancer

Author(s): Sukanta Nath, K. Falwaria, S. Debbarma, M. Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath

Journal: Journal of Cancer Biology

Year: 2025

Molecular epidemiology and genotype distribution of genital high-risk human papillomavirus among women in North–East India

Author(s): Jayanta Ray, Jaharlal Baidya, Dhruba P Paul, Gautam Majumdar, Shiromani Debbarma, Atanu Sarkar, Manidipa Chakma, Manash P Barman, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath, Sukanta Nath

Journal: Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics

Year: 2025

 A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions on Anxiety among Postoperative Oral Cancer Patients Admitted in Regional Cancer Centre, Tripura, India

Author(s): Sukanta Nath, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath

Journal: Journal of Healthcare Nursing Research

Year: 2025

Importance of Nursing Intervention in Alleviating Post-Surgical Fatigue for Patients with Oral Cancer

Author(s): Sukanta Nath, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ankita Debnath

Journal: Journal of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice and Research

Year: 2025

Beata Pastwa Wojciechowska – Clinical psychology Award – Excellence in Research 

Prof Dr. Beata Pastwa Wojciechowska - Clinical psychology Award  - Excellence in Research 

University of Gdańsk - Poland

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr. Beata Pastwa-Wojciechowska embarked on her academic journey with a fervent passion for unraveling the complexities of human behavior. From her formative years, she exhibited a keen interest in psychology, which led her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology, a foundational step in her illustrious career. Her academic pursuits were characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, coupled with a thirst for understanding the intricacies of the human mind.

Professional Endeavors

Prof Dr. Upon completing her Bachelor's degree, Beata delved deeper into her chosen field, undertaking postgraduate studies in Psychological Assistance in Sexology. This additional qualification broadened her expertise and equipped her with specialized skills essential for addressing multifaceted issues within the realm of psychology. Subsequently, she continued to enhance her professional repertoire by obtaining a specialization in Sexology, further solidifying her standing as a distinguished expert in the field.

Throughout her career, Beata's professional endeavors have been marked by unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. Her tenure at the University of Gdańsk, where she serves as a Full Professor and heads the Personality Psychology and Forensic Psychology Department, underscores her leadership and academic prowess. As an academician, she has not only imparted knowledge to countless students but has also spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives that have significantly contributed to the advancement of psychological science.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof Dr. Beata's contributions to the field of psychology are multifaceted and profound. Her research interests span a wide array of topics, with a primary focus on forensic psychology, clinical psychology, and sexology. Within these domains, she has delved into the methodological, ethical, and clinical dimensions, shedding light on intricate issues such as forensic-penitentiary psychological opinions in criminal cases and personality disorders, particularly psychopathic personality disorders.

Moreover, Beata's scholarly endeavors extend beyond conventional research paradigms. As the creator and editor-in-chief of the esteemed journal Current Issues in Personality Psychology, she has provided a platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research and facilitated intellectual discourse within the academic community. Additionally, her role as a member of the UG Research Ethics Committee underscores her commitment to upholding ethical standards in research practices.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof Dr. Beata's exemplary contributions to the field of psychology have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. In 2012, she was honored with the title of ambassador of Polish congresses in acknowledgment of her prolific contributions to scientific discourse, both nationally and internationally. Her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and her significant impact on the field have earned her numerous accolades and accolades, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in psychology.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr. Beata's influence transcends the confines of academia, resonating profoundly within the global scientific community. Her seminal research findings have not only expanded the frontiers of knowledge but have also had tangible implications for real-world applications, particularly within the realms of clinical practice and forensic psychology. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, she has empowered practitioners to make informed decisions and has catalyzed positive change within the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Beata reflects on her remarkable journey, she remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing the frontiers of psychological science. Her legacy is defined not only by her groundbreaking research but also by her unwavering dedication to mentorship and knowledge dissemination. As she looks towards the future, Beata is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field, leveraging her expertise to address pressing societal issues and shape the trajectory of psychological research for generations to come.

Notable Publication