Shelley Schmollgruber l Emergency Nursing | Excellence in Research

Prof. Shelley Schmollgruber l Emergency Nursing | Excellence in Research

University of the Witwatersrand | South Africa

Shelley Schmollgruber is an Associate Professor in the School of Therapeutics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand. She is an experienced critical care nurse academic with extensive national and international leadership in intensive and critical care nursing. Her work spans clinical practice, education, research, and health policy, with a strong focus on sepsis, evidence-based practice, end-of-life care, and critical care nursing education in low- and middle-income settings. She has served on multiple global and African professional bodies and has received numerous awards for research excellence, publications, and contributions to advancing critical care nursing practice and policy.

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Featured Publications

Erman Kavlu l Preventive Health Approach | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Erman Kavlu l Preventive Health Approach | Research Excellence Award

Eskişehir Osmangazi University | Turkey

Dr. Erman Kavlu is a physician–researcher specializing in public health and epidemiology with a strong focus on preventive health, aging, and mental health. Dr. Erman Kavlu received medical training and advanced academic education in public health, currently serving as a research assistant with active involvement in national and international peer-reviewed studies. Dr. Erman Kavlu has professional experience in population-based research, data analysis, and interdisciplinary health studies. Research interests include frailty, geriatric health, health and nutrition literacy, chronobiology, and psychosocial determinants of health. Research skills encompass epidemiological methods, survey design, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Dr. Erman Kavlu has contributed to high-impact journals and scientific congresses, demonstrating academic merit and scholarly recognition. Overall, Dr. Erman Kavlu continues to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based public health research and preventive medicine.


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Featured Publications

Evaluation of the effect of resilience and general quality of life on frailty in the elderly


M Tepetaş, A Ay, E Yücel, E Kavlu, MF Önsüz, S Metintaş – European Psychiatry, 67(S1), S200 (2024)

Conhecimento e atitudes em relação a pacientes adultos com psoríase: estudo transversal da Turquia


E Kavlu, E Ağaoğlu, B Karagöz, HK Erdoğan, MF Önsüz, S Metintaş – Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 100(6) (2025)

Knowledge and attitudes towards psoriasis patients among adults: a cross-sectional study from Türkiye


E Kavlu, E Ağaoğlu, B Karagöz, HK Erdoğan, MF Önsüz, S Metintaş – Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 100(6) (2025)

Chronotype, eating disorders, and perceived stress among medical students in Eskişehir, Türkiye


E Kavlu, B Karagöz, D Arslantaş, A Ünsal, F Köşger – European Journal of Public Health, 35(Suppl. 4) (2025)

Bir Üniversite Hastanesine Başvuranlarda Sağlıklı Beslenmeye İlişkin Tutum ve Algılanan Gıda Okuryazarlığının Değerlendirilmesi (ESOGÜ SUAH Örneği)


OH Aydilek, D Arslantaş, A Ünsal, E Kavlu, E Yücel – Osmangazi Tıp Dergisi, 47(4), 582–592 (2025)

Haleh Ayatollahi | Public Health Informatics | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi | Public Health Informatics | Research Excellence Award

Iran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Haleh Ayatollahi is a Professor of Medical Informatics with extensive experience in health information management, digital health, and health technology assessment. She holds a PhD in Health Informatics from the University of Sheffield (UK), an MSc and BSc in Medical Records from Iran University of Medical Sciences, and an associate degree in the same field. She has held several senior academic and executive roles, including Director of the Deputy of Research and Technology at both the School of Health Management and Information Sciences and the Health Management and Economics Research Centre, and membership on the Medical Informatics Evaluation and Examination Board. Her academic career spans teaching, research leadership, postgraduate administration, and international collaboration. Her research focuses on telemedicine, mobile health, clinical decision support systems, artificial intelligence in healthcare, digital health evaluation, health information systems, patient safety, and technology adoption, with strong contributions to policy briefs and global health studies, including the Global Burden of Disease projects. She has authored 108 peer-reviewed documents with 6,293 citations across 5,499 citing documents and an h-index of 21, reflecting sustained scholarly impact. She has contributed to high-impact journals such as The Lancet, BMC series, Digital Health, and PLOS ONE, and has received multiple academic and research recognitions for excellence in education, research productivity, and leadership in medical informatics.

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Featured Publications


Clinicians’ Knowledge and Perception of Telemedicine Technology

Perspectives in Health Information Management, 2015

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

Federica Ciminelli | Healthcare Data Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Federica Ciminelli | Healthcare Data Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Ospedale sacro cuore don Calabria | Italy

Dr. Federica Ciminelli is an Italian physician specialized in Infectious and Tropical Diseases, holding a postgraduate degree from the Second University of Naples after completing her medical training with distinction at the University of Bologna. She has worked extensively in primary care, infectious diseases, global health, and migrant health, serving in roles such as USCA physician, medical coordinator for migrant reception programs, and clinician in continuity-of-care services across Tuscany and Veneto. Her international experience includes Erasmus-based clinical rotations in Lisbon and a clinical research internship at St. Kizito Hospital in Uganda, where she contributed to data collection for her thesis on community-acquired pneumonia in low-resource settings. Her academic output includes 18 citations, 18 documents, 4 indexed documents, and an h-index of 2. She has collaborated with global health institutions, participated in congress organization on conflicts of interest in medicine, and engaged in long-term volunteer work with homeless communities and survivors of trafficking. Her research interests span infectious diseases, global health, health inequities, migrant access to care, and community medicine. She has received top-level academic evaluations in both her medical degree and specialization. Dr. Ciminelli remains committed to evidence-based medicine, equitable healthcare, and international collaboration.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Effectiveness of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for treating Plasmodium falciparum malaria from sub-Saharan Africa: a retrospective study, 2025

Prognostic Value of Creatinine Levels at Admission on Disease Progression and Mortality in Patients with COVID-19—An Observational Retrospective Study, 2023

Wenhu Xu | Quantitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wenhu Xu | Quantitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Peking University | China

Wenhu Xu is a doctoral candidate in Demography at Peking University, with a master’s degree in Social Work from the same institution and a bachelor’s degree from Jimei University. His research focuses on population aging, elderly health, social policy, and the silver economy. Xu has actively contributed to national research projects, including the National Key Research and Development Plan and the National Social Science Foundation major project on elderly care systems with Chinese characteristics. His work has been published in both international and Chinese core journals, addressing topics such as chronic diseases, medical burden, and the impact of AI and accessibility technologies on vulnerable groups. He has presented at multiple international conferences, including IJCAI and AIDBEI, and received distinctions such as the Peking University May Fourth Scholarship and recognition as a merit student. Xu’s academic endeavors integrate demographic analysis with social innovation, emphasizing data-driven insights for improving health equity and active aging. His goal is to contribute to policy optimization and the sustainable development of China’s aging society through interdisciplinary research and evidence-based strategies.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

A Cohort of Sociodemographic and Health-Related Risk Factors for All-Cause Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China, 2025

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.

Amon Exavery | Statistical Analysis | Transcontinental Excellence in Research Data Analysis Award

Dr. Amon Exavery | Statistical Analysis | Transcontinental Excellence in Research Data Analysis Award

University of Dodoma | Tanzania

Dr. Amon Exavery is a distinguished statistician and public health researcher with over 15 years of experience in research, evaluation, and learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Dodoma, a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the University of Dar es Salaam. Dr. Exavery has led numerous large-scale health and social service research projects, including impactful programs on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), HIV/AIDS, malaria, WASH, nutrition, reproductive, maternal, and child health, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and sustainable livelihoods. As a Senior Research and Learning Advisor at Pact Tanzania, he has spearheaded multiple secondary data analyses, impact evaluations, and evidence-based program improvements. Previously, he served as a Statistician and Research Scientist at Ifakara Health Institute and Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at Jhpiego, where he applied advanced statistical modeling, multilevel analysis, and predictive analytics to inform policy and practice. A prolific author, Dr. Exavery has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles, presented at international conferences, and contributed to global public health knowledge. Recognized for his strategic leadership, mentorship, and innovative research approaches, he continues to drive evidence-based interventions and strengthen research capacity across Tanzania and the wider region.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Exavery, A., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2026). “Enhancing Longitudinal Impact Evaluation of Non-Experimental Interventions: A Comparative Analysis of Generalized Estimating Equations and Multilevel Models Based on Empirical Evaluation of Temporal Change in Food Security Following an Economic Empowerment Intervention.” Evaluation and Program Planning.

Exavery, A., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2025). “Determinants of Participation in WORTH Yetu Economic Empowerment Intervention among Caregivers of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Tanzania: A Longitudinal Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis.” Social Sciences & Humanities Open.

Exavery, A., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2024). “Longitudinal Evaluation of the Influence of WORTH Yetu on Household Economic Status Based on the Count of Non-Asset Resources for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children’s Well-Being in Tanzania.” Child Indicators Research.

Exavery, A., Katbi, M., Kirigiti, P. J., Balan, R. T., & Charles, J. (2024). “Multivariate Mixed-Effects Ordinal Logistic Regression Models with Difference-in-Differences Estimator of the Impact of WORTH Yetu on Household Hunger and Socioeconomic Status among OVC Caregivers in Tanzania.” PLOS ONE.

Exavery, A., Alam, K., Charles, J., Barankena, A., Bajaria, S., Minja, E., Mulikuza, J., Mbwambo, T., Ally, A., Mseya, R., et al. (2022). “Impact of Household Economic Strengthening Intervention on Food Security among Caregivers of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Tanzania.” PLOS ONE.

Javier Aquiles Hidalgo Acosta | Data Processing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Javier Aquiles Hidalgo Acosta | Data Processing | Best Researcher Award

Hyc Doctors | Ecuador

Dr. Javier Aquiles Hidalgo Acosta is a distinguished physician and medical specialist in Critical Care Medicine, with a career marked by dedication to patient well-being, clinical excellence, and academic contribution. His professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing intensive care practices, enhancing medical education, and contributing to scientific knowledge through research and publications. He is recognized as both a clinician and researcher, combining medical expertise with a humanistic approach to patient care.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Hidalgo Acosta began his medical training at the University of Guayaquil, where he completed his degree in Medicine. With a strong foundation in medical sciences, he continued his academic path by specializing in Critical Care Medicine at the Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo. His postgraduate education equipped him with advanced skills to handle complex medical conditions and life-threatening emergencies, making him a highly capable and sought-after critical care specialist. Through continuous professional development, congress participation, and training programs, he has maintained a cutting-edge knowledge of medical advancements and treatment protocols in critical care and anesthesiology.

Experience

Dr. Hidalgo Acosta has accumulated extensive experience working in various prestigious hospitals and healthcare institutions. His early clinical training included internships and residencies across pediatric, gyneco-obstetric, emergency, and intensive care units, giving him broad exposure to diverse medical disciplines. He has served as a rural physician, intensive care resident, and later as a specialist in intensive care units, where he has provided life-saving care to critically ill patients. His tenure in major hospitals such as Hospital General del Norte de Guayaquil Los Ceibos, Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Teodoro Maldonado Carbo, and other medical centers reflects his versatility and clinical leadership. In addition, he has contributed to emergency medicine and anesthesiology, reinforcing his expertise across high-demand and high-risk medical fields.

Research Interest

A passionate researcher, Dr. Hidalgo Acosta has published numerous scientific papers addressing a wide range of medical topics. His research spans critical care interventions, obstetric infections, neurological syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, congenital malformations, and complex clinical case reports. Notably, his studies on sepsis, respiratory complications, obstetric outcomes, and neurological disorders contribute to the growing body of medical literature in Latin America. He has also investigated innovative approaches to mechanical ventilation, thrombolysis, cerebrovascular accident management, and rare congenital syndromes. His contributions demonstrate a profound interest in bridging clinical practice with academic knowledge, helping improve diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies in medicine.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, Dr. Hidalgo Acosta has been honored for his scientific and academic contributions. He received recognition from the University of Guayaquil for his merits in scientific research and has participated in national and international medical congresses. His involvement in specialized training such as the Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) program, international cardiology updates, and sepsis congresses has earned him recognition as a physician dedicated to continuous growth and knowledge dissemination. His accolades reflect both his professional excellence and his role as a contributor to the advancement of medical science.

Publications

Cárdenas Matute, R.T., Chalco Román, G.J., Canales Vélez, S.M., Toala Zambrano, G.R., & Hidalgo Acosta, J.A. (2025). Neumonía asociada a la ventilación mecánica. Mediciencias UTA.

Díaz Meneses, N.G., Pazmiño Iñiga, M.E., Segarra Zambrano, V.L., Díaz Cepeda, S.P., & Hidalgo Acosta, J.A. (2025). Obesidad y eventos cardiovasculares adversos mayores. Mediciencias UTA.

Hidalgo Acosta, J.A., Cueva Pantoja, M.B., Gavilanes Navarrete, K.F., & Chong Viteri, A.G. (2025). Tipos de shock: enfoque práctico en unidad de cuidados intensivos. Mediciencias UTA.

Mawyin-Muñoz, C.E., Salmerón-Escobar, F.J., Hidalgo-Acosta, J.A., & Calderon-León, M.F. (2025). Medical simulation: an essential tool for training, diagnosis, and treatment in the 21st century. BMC Medical Education.

Conclusion

Dr. Javier Aquiles Hidalgo Acosta represents the integration of clinical skill, academic research, and humanistic values in medicine. With a foundation rooted in rigorous education, decades of experience in intensive care and anesthesiology, and a strong portfolio of scientific publications, he has established himself as a leader in his field. His ongoing engagement in global medical forums and contributions to research demonstrate his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and inspiring future medical professionals. Through his multifaceted career, he continues to embody the essence of a physician who not only heals but also educates, investigates, and innovates for the benefit of the medical community and society at large.

Najim Alshahrani – Public health – Best Researcher Award 

Assist Prof Dr. Najim Alshahrani - Public health - Best Researcher Award 

University of Jeddah - Saudi Arabia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assist Prof Dr. Najim Zafer Alshahrani embarked on his academic journey with a solid foundation in medicine and public health. Born on September 21, 1989, he completed his high school education at First Alabna'a Secondary School in Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. His pursuit of higher education began at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). This foundational medical education set the stage for his future contributions to the field of preventive medicine and public health.

Driven by a desire to further his expertise, Alshahrani pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the prestigious University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School in Australia. This international experience broadened his perspective and equipped him with advanced knowledge and skills in public health. Additionally, he achieved a Certificate in Travel Health (CTH) from the International Society of Travel Medicine in Dunwoody, United States, showcasing his commitment to specialized areas of public health.

Professional Endeavors

Assist Prof Dr. Najim Zafer Alshahrani's professional career is marked by a series of significant roles that highlight his dedication to preventive medicine and public health. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah. His academic role involves mentoring and supervising undergraduate medical students, particularly in their field health promotion projects.

Alshahrani has held several key positions, including Chairman of the Research Ethical Local Committee at Alborg Diagnostics and Founder & CEO of the Arab Clinical Research Institute (ACRI). His leadership extends to founding and directing the SBPM Platform for Educational and Research Developmental Services in Public Health and Preventive Medicine. These roles underscore his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to advancing research and education in his field.

Contributions and Research Focus

A notable aspect of Alshahrani's career is his significant contributions to research. He has been the lead researcher on projects aimed at promoting physical activity through evidence-based policies in Saudi Arabia. His work on the use of mobile technologies to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors in the MENA region culminated in a systematic review and meta-analysis manuscript, showcasing his research prowess and focus on contemporary public health challenges.

Alshahrani's research endeavors are not limited to physical activity promotion. He has also been involved in various health needs assessments, such as the Community Quantitative and Qualitative Health Need Assessment Survey in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. His role in the CDC Investigation of the MERS outbreak and participation in the national awareness campaign for swine flu further illustrate his commitment to addressing pressing public health issues.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Najim Zafer Alshahrani has received numerous awards and honors that reflect his excellence in research, teaching, and professional practice. He was awarded the Dean of the College of Medicine Excellency Award for the best-distinguished Faculty Member in Research Field (2023) and the Excellence in Research Award during his residency years at the Saudi Board of Preventive Medicine in Abha center (2022).

His international recognition includes the Certificate of Excellence in Scientific Poster Presentation at the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) conference and the International Student Award for Volunteer Excellence from the University of Sydney. These accolades underscore his global impact and dedication to advancing public health knowledge and practice.

Impact and Influence

Assist Prof Dr. Najim Zafer Alshahrani's impact extends beyond his immediate academic and professional circles. As a mentor and supervisor, he has guided numerous medical students and residents in their research projects, fostering the next generation of public health professionals. His role in various national and international organizations, including the International Society of Travel Medicine and the Public Health Association of Australia, positions him as a key influencer in the field of preventive medicine.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Najim Zafer Alshahrani's legacy is poised to be one of significant contributions to public health and preventive medicine, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. His ongoing involvement in research, education, and professional practice ensures that he will continue to influence and shape the field. As the Founder & CEO of the Arab Clinical Research Institute, Alshahrani is well-positioned to drive innovation and foster collaborative research initiatives across the region.

In summary, Najim Zafer Alshahrani's career is characterized by a blend of academic excellence, professional leadership, and impactful research. His contributions to public health and preventive medicine are substantial, and his dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in these fields is evident in his numerous roles and accolades. As he continues to mentor future health professionals and lead key research initiatives, his influence and legacy in the field will undoubtedly grow.

Citations

A total of 718 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.