Arriel Makembi Bunkete | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Arriel Makembi Bunkete | Biological Networks | Research Excellence Award

Kinshasa University Congo | Democratic Republic of the

Dr. Arriel Makembi Bunkete is a highly qualified nephrologist specializing in internal medicine, clinical nephrology, dialysis, and renal transplantation, with extensive international experience in clinical research, teaching, and complex patient care across mainland France, French Guyana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since January 2025, he has served as a nephrologist and deputy renal transplant coordinator at the University Hospital Centre (CHU) of French Guyana, overseeing nephrology and transplantation care, dialysis programs, and medical and paramedical teams. He previously coordinated kidney transplant programs at Franck Joly Hospital and has been actively involved in research and teaching as deputy coordinator of the scientific research, teaching, and innovation pool for the nephrology sector at Guyana University Hospital. As the National Representative for the Young Nephrologist Platform of the European Renal Association, he contributes to European-level nephrology initiatives. Dr. Bunkete has also trained healthcare professionals as a lecturer at the Institut Supérieur des Sciences Infirmières PPPLUS and gained extensive clinical experience in France at Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Hôpital Foch, and the Association for the Use of Artificial Kidneys (AURA). His early career includes residency in internal medicine and nephrology at the University Clinics of Kinshasa, DRC, managing complex kidney diseases and intensive hospital care. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated expertise in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and advancing scientific research in kidney disease and integrated care approaches.

Profiles: Scopus | OrcidGoogle Scholar

"Home Hemodialysis in French Guiana: Transforming logistical challenges into healthcare opportunities", AM Bunkete Bulletin de la Dialyse à, Domicile 8 (2), 2025.

"Hydroxyurea and Regression of Sickle Cell Nephropathy: Open Clinical Trial in a Pediatric Population in DR Congo", DB Kabasele, AM Bunkete, G Mbayabo, P Lumbala, O Matondo, M Aloni, Kidney360, 2025.

"Peritoneal dialysis in an infant with severe acute renal failure: dialysis performed in flight during a medical evacuation in French Guiana – A case report", AM Bunkete, M Belgrine, M Sidibe, S Bellony, T Davodun, I Djiconkpode, Home Dialysis Bulletin 8 (3), 2025.

"Extramembranous glomerulonephritis in French Guiana: from the primitive form to autoimmune atypical presentations (a report of 5 cases)", AM Bunkete, M Belgrine, M Sidibe, MM Diallo, GN Timem, T Davodoun, PAMJ Clinical Medicine 19 (5), 2025.

"Evaluation of the Tolerability and Efficacy of the Main Hemodialysis Techniques in Intensive Care", T Mabiala, KA Muamba, VHT Ha, G Makeya, R Ngwizani, D Betukumesu, Open Journal of Nephrology 15 (1), 2025.

Dejen Getaneh Feleke | Biological Networks | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Dejen Getaneh Feleke | Biological Networks | Editorial Board Member

Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia

Dr. Dejen Getaneh Feleke is an enthusiastic Ethiopian lecturer, clinician, and researcher dedicated to optimizing child health, with a strong academic portfolio that includes 38 publications-35 primary articles and 3 systematic reviews and meta-analyses-of which six are principal-authored and 21 are published in first-quartile (Q1) journals. He serves on the Editorial Board of PLOS ONE and contributes as a reviewer for several international journals, including PLOS ONE, AIDS and Behavior, Journal of Pediatrics and Infants, Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, and Journal of Nutritional Science, having reviewed more than 18 manuscripts. Beyond academia, he has led impactful community service initiatives supporting Ethiopian child and neonatal health. Since 2016, he has provided dedicated clinical care to sick neonates and children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and pediatric wards at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, contributing significantly to improving pediatric health outcomes in Ethiopia.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

"Magnitude and predictors of mild cognitive impairment among older populations in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis", Sintayehu Asnakew; Jessica Nealon; Ayele Semachew Kasa; Gashaw Walle Ayehu; Dejen Getaneh Feleke; Tigabu Munye Aytenew; Victoria Traynor, Translational Psychiatry, 2025.

"Prevalence and determinants of mental distress among patients admitted in medical and surgical wards of public hospitals in South Gondar zone, Ethiopia", Abraham Tsedalu Amare; Tekalign Amera Birlie; Dejen Getaneh Feleke; Tigabu Munye Aytenew; Yeshiambaw Eshetie; Berihun Bantie; Molla Azmeraw; Gashaw Walle Ayehu; Tamiru Alene; Yosef Gebremikael Dubale et al., Scientific Reports, 2025.

"Knowledge levels of health professional working in Ethiopia toward disaster preparedness, systematic review and meta-analysis", Sheganew Fetene Tassew; Temesgen Ayenew; Tadila Dires Nega; Berihun Bantie; Dejen Getaneh Feleke, International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2024.

"Practice of non-pharmacological post-operative pain management and associated factors among nurses working in public referral hospitals of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2019", Dejen Getaneh Feleke; Ermias Sisay Chanie; Sheganew Fetene Tassaw; Tadila Dires, International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2024.

"Viral load undetectable state and predictors among children and adolescents living with HIV in South Gondar, Ethiopia, 2023: an 8-year retrospective cohort study, Ermias Sisay Chanie; Dejen Getaneh Feleke; Tigabu Desie Emiru; Abere Gebru Abuhay; Habtamu Shimels Hailemeskel; Astewle Andargie Baye; Berihun Bantie; Abraham Tsedalu Amare; Tadila Dires Nega; Denekew Tenaw Anley et al., BMJ Open, 2024.

Tamar Kinaciyan | Medicine | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Tamar Kinaciyan | Medicine | Best Research Article Award

Department of Dermatotolgy, Medical University of Vienna | Austria

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid ID

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Tamar Kinaciyan embarked on her medical and dermatological journey at the Medical University of Vienna, where she completed her dermatology board examination in 1996 and specialized in environmental medicine and clinical allergology. Her early academic roles included heading the Borrelia-Outpatient Clinic (1994–2000) and directing immune fluorescence microscopy and antigen-mapping laboratories for bullous and connective tissue diseases (1993–1998). She further strengthened her clinical research foundation through diplomas in dermatoscopy, clinical investigation, and lung function analysis, laying a solid groundwork for her career in pediatric dermatology and allergology.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kinaciyan’s professional trajectory spans nearly three decades, marked by leadership roles in both clinical and organizational settings. She serves as Head of the Allergy and Pediatric Dermatology Clinics at the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, and leads multiple specialized centers, including ACARE, HAE, and UCARE. Her contributions extend to international collaboration through Ga2LEN ACARE Centers and to advocacy for women in science as founder and honorary president of the Women’s Science Network Medicine. She has also held numerous key roles in Austrian and European scientific societies, reflecting her commitment to both clinical excellence and professional mentorship.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kinaciyan’s research primarily focuses on hereditary angioedema, urticaria, mastocytosis, and pediatric dermatology, alongside investigations into food allergies, latex allergy, drug hypersensitivity, and eczema. She has led and participated in multiple clinical trials, EU projects, and Austrian national studies, including the Austrian Registry of Bradykinin-mediated Angioedema and studies on sublingual immunotherapy for birch pollen-related food allergies. Her work bridges clinical and translational research, advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for rare and complex allergic and dermatologic conditions.

Impact and Influence

Her clinical and research expertise has significantly influenced European and global dermatology and allergology communities. Dr. Kinaciyan has chaired numerous congress sessions, contributed to guideline task forces, and served as an editorial board member for several high-impact journals, including the Journal of Exploration of Asthma & Allergy. Her mentorship and advocacy efforts, particularly through WNW-med, have empowered foreign-trained physicians and supported gender equity in medical sciences, establishing her as both a thought leader and a mentor.

Academic Citations

Dr. Kinaciyan has a strong publication record with 88 peer-reviewed, Medline-indexed articles, totaling an impact factor of 782.704 and an h-index of 28. Her contributions span original research, invited articles, book chapters, and case studies in prestigious journals and texts, reflecting her broad influence across allergology and dermatology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kinaciyan’s legacy lies in her dual commitment to advancing clinical dermatology and fostering the next generation of medical researchers. By integrating cutting-edge research with patient-centered care and promoting inclusive academic networks, she has set a standard for excellence in both practice and mentorship. Moving forward, her continued focus on hereditary angioedema, pediatric dermatology, and clinical allergology promises to deepen scientific understanding and improve patient outcomes globally.

Conclusion

Dr. Tamar Kinaciyan exemplifies a rare combination of clinical acumen, research innovation, and leadership. Her pioneering work in hereditary angioedema and pediatric dermatology, coupled with her dedication to professional development and mentorship, has left an indelible mark on the field. With a prolific publication record, numerous awards, and sustained international impact, she stands as a leading figure whose ongoing contributions continue to advance both science and patient care.

Notable Publications

“Diagnostic difficulties in pediatric annular dermatoses

  • Author: Doris Weiss; Philipp Weber; Amélie Hampel; Julia Tittes; Wolfgang Weninger; Tamar Kinaciyan
  • Journal: Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift
  • Year: 2024

“The Chronic Angioedema Registry (CARE): Rationale, Methods and Implementation

  • Author: Buttgereit T; Aulenbacher F; Gutsche A; Kolkhir P; Weller K; Vera Ayala C; Magerl M; Farkas H; Grumach AS; Aygören-Pürsün E et al.
  • Journal: Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
  • Year: 2024

“Docetaxel‐induced symmetrical drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) confirmed by skin testing

  • Author: Amélie Hampel; Tamar Kinaciyan
  • Journal: Contact Dermatitis
  • Year: 2024

“Definition, acronyms, nomenclature, and classification of angioedema (DANCE): AAAAI, ACAAI, ACARE, and APAAACI DANCE consensus

  • Author: Reshef A; Buttgereit T; Betschel SD; Caballero T; Farkas H; Grumach AS; Hide M; Jindal AK; Longhurst H; Peter J et al.
  • Journal: The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
  • Year: 2024

“The changing epidemiology of human leishmaniasis in the non-endemic country of Austria between 2000 to 2021, including a congenital case.

  • Author: Riebenbauer K; Czerny S; Egg M; Urban N; Kinaciyan T; Hampel A; Fidelsberger L; Karlhofer F; Porkert S; Walochnik J et al.
  • Journal: PLoS neglected tropical diseases
  • Year: 2024

 

 

 

June Round | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. June Round | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award 

University of Utah | United States

Author Profiles

Scopus

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. June Round’s academic journey reflects a foundation of dedication and scholarly excellence. Beginning with a B.S. in Biology (Cum Laude) at California Lutheran University, she distinguished herself early through departmental honors and multiple scholarships. Her passion for molecular biology led to an M.S. from the University of the Pacific, followed by a D.Phil. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA, supported by highly competitive fellowships. Her formative postdoctoral training at the California Institute of Technology under Sarkis K. Mazmanian provided a strong platform to explore the intricate interplay between microbiota and host immunity, setting the stage for her pioneering career.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor at the University of Utah, Dr. Round has held numerous leadership roles including Director of the Mountain West Microbiota Alliance (MoWMA) and Co-Director of the Microbiota and GI Immunology Consortia (MAGIC). She has chaired multiple search committees, overseen postdoctoral studies, and contributed extensively to university-level, college-level, and departmental governance. Her sustained involvement in NIH study sections, national symposia, and scientific advisory boards underscores her standing as a leader in immunology and microbial pathogenesis.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Round’s research focuses on microbiota–immune system interactions, particularly their role in regulating immune tolerance and driving inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory has produced high-impact work elucidating mechanisms by which commensal microbes shape host immunity, contributing to transformative understanding in immunology, microbiology, and gastrointestinal health. Her investigations into toll-like receptors, dysbiosis, and immune regulation have provided new frameworks for therapeutic exploration in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Impact and Influence

The significance of Dr. Round’s research is reflected in her numerous prestigious awards, including the NIH Innovator Award, Packard Fellowship, Pew Scholar Award, Burroughs Wellcome Investigator in Pathogenesis, and the W.M. Keck Research Award. These honors not only recognize her innovative contributions but also demonstrate her influence in shaping the field. She has trained and mentored a generation of young scientists, many of whom now serve as professors, researchers, and clinicians in leading institutions worldwide—an enduring testament to her academic leadership.

Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Round’s scholarship has been widely published in top-tier journals including Cell, Nature Reviews Immunology, Science Immunology, and Annual Review of Microbiology. Her reviews and original research articles are highly cited, frequently shaping discourse in immunology and microbiome research. Her contributions extend beyond publications through book chapters and invited conference proceedings, amplifying her thought leadership in the global scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Round’s legacy lies in bridging microbiology and immunology, redefining the microbiota’s role in human health and disease. Through her pioneering studies, administrative leadership, and mentorship, she has cultivated a scientific ecosystem that will continue to grow. Moving forward, her leadership in major microbiome initiatives and consortia is poised to advance translational breakthroughs, from novel therapeutics for autoimmune disease to deeper insights into the human–microbe interface.

Conclusion

Dr. June Round’s career reflects the hallmarks of an exceptional researcher: rigorous scholarship, innovative vision, academic leadership, and transformative mentorship. Her pioneering contributions to microbiome and immune system research have reshaped fundamental scientific understanding while fostering future leaders in biomedical science. With her remarkable impact, both in the laboratory and across academic institutions, Dr. Round stands as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Notable Publications

"Neonatal fungi promote lifelong metabolic health through macrophage-dependent β cell development

  • Author: JH Hill, R Bell, L Barrios, H Baird, K Ost, M Greenewood, JK Monts
  • Journal: Science
  • Year: 2025

"The gut microbiome is associated with disease‐free survival in stage I–III colorectal cancer patients

  • Author: DA Byrd, V Damerell, MF Gomez Morales, SR Hogue, T Lin, J Ose
  • Journal: International Journal of Cancer
  • Year: 2025

"A microRNA-regulated transcriptional state defines intratumoral CD8+ T cells that respond to immunotherapy

  • Author: WW Tang, B Battistone, KM Bauer, AM Weis, C Barba, MZH Fadlullah
  • Journal: Cell reports
  • Year: 2025

"Primary tumor microbiomes predict distant metastasis of colorectal cancer

  • Author: B Parajuli, V Midya, R Kiddle, N De Jager, S Eggers, D Spakowicz
  • Journal: Cell reports
  • Year: 2025

"Clec12a controls colitis by tempering inflammation and restricting expansion of specific commensals

  • Author: TR Chiaro, M Greenewood, KM Bauer, KS Ost, E Stephen-Victor
  • Journal: bioRxiv
  • Year: 2025