Mahdieh Azizian | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mahdieh Azizian | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Kerman University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Mahdieh Azizian is an accomplished scholar in Applied Mathematics with a Ph.D. in Numerical Analysis from Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, where her doctoral research focused on optimizing dynamical models of tumor control using fuzzy dynamical systems. Building on her earlier M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Applied Mathematics from the same university, she has developed a strong expertise in mathematical modeling, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and cancer research. Over the years, Dr. Azizian has actively contributed as a lecturer and workshop instructor in numerous national and international academic forums, covering topics such as cancer mathematical modeling, numerical methods, data mining, and interdisciplinary applications of mathematics in medical sciences. She has also held key academic and administrative roles, including membership in the Research Council of the School of Medicine and serving as Superintendent of the Statistics Department at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she was honored as a Superior Instructor in 2014, in addition to receiving distinctions as a top student during her academic studies. Through her extensive teaching, research, and administrative experiences, Dr. Azizian has established herself as a dedicated educator and researcher at the intersection of mathematics and medical sciences.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"An interval version of Black–Scholes European option pricing model and its numerical solution"

"Time Series Model for Forecasting the Prevalence of Some Important Parasitic Infections in Slaughtered Sheep in North-Central Iran"

"Estimating the Number of COVID-19 Cases and Impact of New COVID-19 Variants and Vaccination on the Population in Kerman, Iran: A Mathematical Modeling Study"

"A Brief History of Listening Comprehension in Second Language Teaching and Learning"

"An Empirical Study on the Effects of Using Kahoot as a Game-Based Learning Tool on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Recall and Retention"

Orhan Özturan | Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof Orhan Özturan | Research | Best Researcher Award

Bezmialem Vakif University | Turkey

Author Profiles

Scopus

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Orhan Özturan, born in Gaziantep in 1961, displayed academic excellence from an early stage. After graduating from Private Adana College in 1978, he pursued medical education at Hacettepe University, later transferring to Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, where he graduated as the second-highest-ranked student. His strong foundation in medicine set the stage for his specialization and subsequent contributions to the field of otorhinolaryngology.

Professional Endeavors

Following his compulsory service in Sivas (1984–1986), Dr. Özturan specialized in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) diseases at Istanbul University. His career trajectory advanced steadily, beginning as an ENT specialist at Adana SSK Hospital (1991–1993) and later transitioning to academia. His academic journey started at İnönü University, where he rose through the ranks from Assistant Professor (1993) to Associate Professor (1995) and Professor (2001). His leadership extended into key administrative positions, including department head roles and hospital executive responsibilities, reflecting both clinical and managerial expertise.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Özturan’s research and clinical work span a wide range of ENT subspecialties, with particular emphasis on nasal congestion, sinusitis, functional and aesthetic nose surgeries, sleep apnea management, pediatric ENT conditions, hearing loss, cochlear implantation, vertigo, and laryngeal cancer. His professional interests also encompass advanced surgical interventions, including eardrum reconstruction, facial nerve surgeries, and salivary gland treatments. His global training in Australia, the USA, and Israel enhanced his expertise and broadened his research outlook.

Impact and Influence

As an internationally recognized figure, Dr. Özturan has contributed substantially to advancing otorhinolaryngology. With 251 publications in international journals and 79 in national outlets, his work reflects both breadth and depth. His active participation in 64 international and 224 national meetings demonstrates his role as a thought leader and mentor within the medical community. His administrative service-as Vice Rector, Ethics Committee Vice Chair, and Chair of the Academic Performance Monitoring Commission-illustrates his influence beyond the clinic, shaping institutional policies and academic growth.

Academic Citations

The academic impact of Dr. Özturan’s scholarship is demonstrated by his impressive citation metrics. As of August 8, 2025, his Google Scholar citation count stands at 5,066, with an h-index of 39 and an i10-index of 126. These figures not only reflect the consistent quality of his research but also his enduring influence in shaping scientific inquiry within ENT and allied fields.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Özturan’s legacy is defined by his dual commitment to clinical excellence and academic advancement. His pioneering work in nasal surgery, cochlear implants, and sleep apnea treatment has provided new pathways for therapeutic intervention. As a mentor and leader, he has guided students, researchers, and practitioners, ensuring the continuity of high standards in medical education and practice. Looking ahead, his ongoing involvement at Bezmialem Vakif University positions him to continue shaping ENT research and medical education, inspiring future generations of otorhinolaryngologists.

Conclusion

In sum, Dr. Orhan Özturan’s career reflects a rare combination of clinical expertise, research productivity, and academic leadership. His early academic brilliance matured into a distinguished professional life marked by innovation, international collaboration, and scholarly impact. With a strong legacy already established, his future contributions are poised to further strengthen the global discourse in otorhinolaryngology, making him a worthy candidate for recognition as a leading researcher in his field.

Notable Publications

“Effect of Medical Ozone Therapy in Preventing Compromised Nasal Skin in Revision Rhinoplasty

  • Author: A Alp, E Polat, A Yenigun, O Pasin, O Ozturan
  • Journal: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • Year: 2025

“Radiologic prevalence of otic capsule dehiscence and development of the Yenigun classification for semicircular canal dehiscence

  • Author: A Yenigun, YB Polat, E Polat, S Balsak, M Basoz, SB Eren, O Ozturan
  • Journal: Auris Nasus Larynx
  • Year: 2025

“Intranasal Diclofenac Sodium, Ibuprofen and Paracetamol for Pain Relief After Pediatric Tonsillectomy

  • Author: A Yenigün, RB Küçük, MF Özgan, H Uysal, AA Sağıroğlu, VB YENİGÜN
  • Journal: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
  • Year: 2025

“Enhancing Nasal Tip Projection and Stability with a Columellar Strut Graft Placed in a Mucosal Flap Pocket

  • Author: M Ceran, A Yenigun, E Polat, O Ozturan
  • Journal: JPRAS Open
  • Year: 2025

“Spectral resolution and speech comprehension performance in noise in individuals with multiple sclerosis

  • Author: ÖG Toker, E Kuru, N Tas Elibol, V Güzel, R Doğan, O Özturan
  • Journal: BMC neurology
  • Year: 2025

 

 

Eddie Wampande | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eddie M. Wampande | Biological Networks | Best Researcher Award

Makerere University | Uganda

Author Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

DR. EDDIE M. WAMPANDE: A VISIONARY IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND VETERINARY SCIENCE

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Eddie M. Wampande began his academic journey with a scholarship awarded by the Government of Uganda to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine (BVM) at Makerere University from 1993 to 1998. Driven by a strong passion for infectious diseases and parasitology, he advanced to complete a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology (Parasitology) at the same university with a WHO/TDR scholarship. His academic accomplishments culminated in a Ph.D. in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, with a focus on the phenotypes and microevolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, supported by the Tuberculosis Research Unit (TBRU), Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Wampande’s professional journey has been deeply intertwined with Makerere University. He began as a Research Assistant (2000–2002) in the Molecular Biology Laboratory and gradually progressed to Research Associate (2002–2005) and later Senior Lecturer (2005 to date). In 2012, he joined the University of Basel’s Swiss Tropical Institute and Public Health as a Research Fellow, and since 2014, he has been serving as the Director of the Central Diagnostic Laboratory. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his leadership of diagnostic and research programs, reflecting strong administrative and technical expertise.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON BIOLOGICAL NETWORKS

Dr. Wampande's primary research focus is on the molecular epidemiology of infectious pathogens of both economic and public health significance, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, African Swine Fever Virus, Trypanosoma brucei, and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. He has supervised 15 MSc students to completion, covering diverse research areas including tuberculosis genotyping, HIV diagnosis, zoonotic transmission, and antibiotic resistance. His Ph.D. mentorship includes completed theses and ongoing research projects related to TB-HIV co-infections and antimicrobial resistance dynamics in poultry farms. He has also served as external examiner for Ph.D. theses from other countries, evidencing his continental influence.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Wampande has been instrumental in multiple resource mobilization efforts, securing national and international grants totaling over USD 1.3 million, supporting projects ranging from vector-borne diseases to molecular diagnostics and zoonotic infections. He led the “Stamp Out Sleeping Sickness” initiative in Eastern Uganda (2010–2015) and coordinated large-scale field surveys such as the serological bovine tuberculosis survey in Karamoja (2022) and control programs targeting tick and bacterial resistance (2015–2019). His work has directly impacted national policy on disease surveillance, diagnostics, and animal-human health interface management.

ACADEMIC CITES

His scholarly work and technical reviews have earned him appointments such as Reviewer for the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (2015–2017) and BMC Infectious Diseases (2017–2020). He is a member of several key scientific bodies, including the Genome Analysis Working Group and Microbiome Working Group under H3Africa, a continent-wide initiative promoting genomic research. His contributions to genome bioinformatics were further recognized by a three-month fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, USA, funded by the MRC/UVRI Infection and Immunity Program.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Wampande’s legacy lies in his consistent dedication to training the next generation of African scientists, advancing research infrastructure, and deepening our understanding of infectious disease epidemiology. His participation in global initiatives like the THRiVE Program (Welcome Trust, UK) and Cambridge Africa’s Alborado Research Scheme underlines his commitment to collaborative science. Looking ahead, his ongoing Ph.D. supervision, continuous research in African Swine Fever epidemiology, and further exploration of zoonotic diseases place him in a pivotal role in shaping Africa's public health research landscape.

OTHER NOTABLE TOPICS

HONORS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Dr. Wampande has received numerous accolades, including the Makerere University Research Award for Excellence, Welcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Gates Foundation Travel Grant.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
He remains an advocate for community-inclusive scientific approaches, using participatory methods to combat diseases and ensure sustainable practices in animal husbandry, agriculture, and diagnostics across Uganda.

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION EXPERTISE
He has led and co-led research projects funded by major organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Defence Threat Reduction Agency, and the WHO/TDR, contributing to cross-sectoral innovation and knowledge application in both academic and governmental contexts.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

"A description of the clinical signs and lesions of African swine fever, and its differential diagnoses in pigs slaughtered at selected abattoirs in central Uganda

  • Author: JE Ekakoro, A Nassali, C Hauser, K Ochoa, D Ndoboli, R Okwasiimire
  • Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
  • Year: 2025

"Detection and molecular characterisation of fowl adenovirus associated with inclusion body hepatitis and hydropericardium syndrome in Uganda

  • Author: W Eneku, R Okwasiimire, F Mutebi, M Kisekka, S Kakooza, M Afayoa
  • Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production
  • Year: 2025

"Patterns of compensatory mutations in rpoA/B/C genes of multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis in Uganda

  • Author: DP Kateete, S Namakula, E Kigozi, FA Katabazi, GW Kasule, K Musisi
  • Journal: bioRxiv
  • Year: 2025

"Hepatoprotective effect of methanol fruit extract of Punica granatum L in highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced toxicity in Wistar rats

  • Author: E Kwizera, EM Wampande, CD Kato, P Mujinya, A Wandera, F Bwambale
  • Journal: Drug and Chemical Toxicology
  • Year: 2024

"Polymorphisms in immune genes and their association with tuberculosis susceptibility: An analysis of the African population

  • Author: W Wodelo, EM Wampande, A Andama, DP Kateete, K Ssekatawa
  • Journal: The Application of Clinical Genetics
  • Year: 2024