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.

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.

Rabea Asleh – Cardiology and cardiovascular research – Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Rabea Asleh - Cardiology and cardiovascular research - Best Researcher Award 

Hadassah University Medical Center - Israel

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Rabea Asleh's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases. Beginning with his Bachelor's degree in Medical Science from the Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel, Prof. Asleh demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, graduating summa cum laude. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, where he delved into the complexities of diabetic cardiovascular disease under the guidance of Professor Andrew P. Levy. This phase culminated in a groundbreaking thesis elucidating the mechanisms behind the interaction between the haptoglobin polymorphism and diabetic cardiovascular disease, accompanied by a prolific publication record.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Asleh's professional journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine through clinical practice, research, and education. Following his postdoctoral fellowship at the Laboratory of Vascular Medicine, Technion Faculty of Medicine, he embarked on a journey of medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, and Interventional Cardiology. Notably, he honed his expertise at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital, acquiring comprehensive skills in clinical care and research methodologies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Asleh's research interests encompass a wide array of topics crucial to understanding and managing cardiovascular diseases. His investigations range from elucidating the role of gut microbiota in heart failure pathogenesis to exploring mechanisms of myocardial inflammation and heart failure development. Noteworthy areas of focus include cardiac allograft vasculopathy, cardiovascular disease in malignancy (cardio-oncology), and the interplay between diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health. His pioneering work on haptoglobin genotype and HDL dysfunction has significantly contributed to our understanding of cardiovascular risk stratification.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Asleh's contributions to cardiovascular medicine have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Wolf Prize for Excellence in Research and the Melvin L. Marcus Young Investigator Award from the American Heart Association. His research grants from prestigious institutions such as the Israel Science Foundation and AstraZeneca underscore the significance of his work and its potential impact on patient care.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Asleh's research has left an indelible mark on the field of cardiovascular medicine, shaping clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors. His discoveries have not only advanced our understanding of disease mechanisms but also paved the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a dedicated clinician-scientist and educator, Prof. Asleh's legacy extends beyond his research accomplishments. His mentorship of medical students and involvement in academic activities exemplify his commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Moving forward, Prof. Asleh remains poised to make further breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine, leveraging his expertise and passion to address unmet clinical needs and drive innovation in the field.

Citations

  • Citations   3705
  • h-index       28
  • i10-index    58