Gwendolyn Quinn | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Gwendolyn Quinn | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor| New York University| United States

Dr. Gwendolyn P. Quinn is an internationally recognized behavioral scientist and bioethicist whose research focuses on patient–provider communication, reproductive ethics, and quality of life among cancer patients, particularly adolescents, young adults, and sexual and gender minority populations. She is Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Population Health at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, where she also holds the Livia Wan Endowed Chair and is a member of the Division of Medical Ethics and the Perlmutter Cancer Center. Dr. Quinn’s work integrates behavioral science, ethics, and public health to enhance communication about reproductive health, genetics, and fertility preservation for individuals undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. She directs the NCI-funded ENRICH/ECHO training program, which improves oncology providers’ communication skills in reproductive and genetic health, and has contributed to national and international guidelines for ASCO, ASRM, and the PANCARE Life consortium. With more than 450 peer-reviewed publications—approximately 300 focused on reproductive health and bioethics—Dr. Quinn has significantly influenced research and practice in oncofertility, ethics, and cancer survivorship. She has served on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and holds fellowships in the American Association for Cancer Education and the New York Academy of Medicine. Her numerous honors, including the American Psychosocial Oncology Society’s Outstanding Education and Training Award, reflect her sustained leadership and impact on advancing equitable reproductive health care, ethical medical practice, and the education of future generations of researchers and clinicians worldwide.

Profiles: Google Scholar |Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Loren, A. W., Mangu, P. B., Beck, L. N., Brennan, L., Magdalinski, A. J., Partridge, A. H., … & Quinn, G. P. (2013). Fertility preservation for patients with cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline update. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 31(19), 2500–2510. Cited by: 1,901

Oktay, K., Harvey, B. E., Partridge, A. H., Quinn, G. P., Reinecke, J., Taylor, H. S., … & Loren, A. W. (2018). Fertility preservation in patients with cancer: ASCO clinical practice guideline update. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(19), 1994–2001. Cited by: 1,663

Quinn, G. P., Sanchez, J. A., Sutton, S. K., Vadaparampil, S. T., Nguyen, G. T., Green, B. L., … & Schabath, M. B. (2015). Cancer and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) populations. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 65(5), 384–400. Cited by: 551

Quinn, G. P., Vadaparampil, S. T., Lee, J. H., Jacobsen, P. B., Bepler, G., Lancaster, J., & Keefe, D. L. (2009). Physician referral for fertility preservation in oncology patients: A national study of practice behaviors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 27(35), 5952–5957. Cited by: 490

Nahata, L., Tishelman, A. C., Caltabellotta, N. M., & Quinn, G. P. (2017). Low fertility preservation utilization among transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 61(1), 40–44. Cited by: 345

 

Dr. Gwendolyn P. Quinn’s pioneering work in reproductive ethics, patient–provider communication, and oncofertility has transformed clinical practice and education worldwide, advancing equitable reproductive health care for cancer patients and sexual and gender minorities. Her research and training initiatives have shaped global guidelines and strengthened ethical, compassionate communication in medicine.

Nermin Mutlu Bilgic | Gastroenterology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nermin Mutlu Bilgic | Gastroenterology | Best Researcher Award

Specialist | University of health sciences | Turkey

Dr. Nermin Mutlu Bilgic is a Gastroenterology Specialist at the University of Health Sciences Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 2004, completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Maltepe University between 2007 and 2012, and obtained her subspecialty in Gastroenterology at Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital from 2015 to 2019. With over fifteen years of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Bilgiç specializes in hepatology, metabolic liver diseases, and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders. She has served as Principal Investigator for international multicenter clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of Saroglitazar Magnesium in patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, reflecting her active contribution to global research in liver diseases. She has received certified training in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) from Roche/Genentech and the Global Health Training Centre, ensuring compliance with international ethical and regulatory standards. Dr. Bilgiç has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications and presented her work at several national and international gastroenterology and internal medicine conferences. Her professional focus integrates patient-centered clinical care with translational research aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes and understanding the mechanisms of chronic liver disease. She is also actively engaged in mentoring residents and fellows, contributing to medical education and the advancement of clinical research culture within her institution. Through her leadership in clinical trials, scientific collaborations, and commitment to ethical medical practice, Dr. Nermin Mutlu Bilgiç continues to make a meaningful impact on the advancement of gastroenterology and hepatology in both national and international contexts.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Kul, S., Caliskan, Z., Guvenc, T. S., Celik, F. B., Sarmis, A., Atici, A., Konal, O., Akıl, M., & Bilgiç, N. M. (2023). Gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and biomarkers of inflammation are linked to endothelial and coronary microvascular function in patients with …. Microvascular Research, 146, 104458 Cited by 31

Sayar, S., Aykut, H., Kaya, Ö., Kürbüz, K., Ak, Ç., Gökçen, P., Bilgiç, N. M., Adalı, G., & others. (2021). Bone mineral density screening and the frequency of osteopenia/osteoporosis in Turkish adult patients with celiac disease. The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, 32(7), 600–606 Cited by 13

Sayar, S., Kürbüz, K., Kahraman, R., Öztürk, O., Çalışkan, Z., Doğanay, H. L., Bilgiç, N. M., & others. (2020). Risk of hepatitis B reactivation during anti-TNF therapy: Evaluation of patients with past hepatitis B infection. The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, 31(7), 522–528 Cited by 13

Ozdil, K., Ozturk, O., Çalık, E. S., Akbas, E. S., Kanat, E., Caliskan, Z., Demirdag, H., Bilgiç, N. M., & others. (2016). Relationship between size of varices and platelet count/spleen size ratio in cirrhotic patients. Northern Clinics of Istanbul, 3(1), 46–50 Cited by 11

Adali, G., Bilgiç, N. M., Kalaman, A. E., Ozturk, O., & Ozdil, K. (2023). Prevalence and predictors of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in liver transplant recipients: A cross-sectional prospective study. Hepatology Forum, 4(3), 129–135 Cited by 8

 

Dr. Nermin Mutlu Bilgic work advances the understanding and management of chronic liver and metabolic diseases through evidence-based clinical research and international collaboration. Her contributions to hepatology and gastroenterology foster improved patient outcomes, support ethical research practices, and drive innovation in global liver health.

Chizaram Onyeaghala | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Chizaram Onyeaghala | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Consultant Physician | University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital | Nigeria

Dr. Chizaram A. Onyeaghala is a Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. His expertise lies in infectious diseases, HIV medicine, emerging and re-emerging infections, and global health. With a strong academic foundation, he holds qualifications from prestigious institutions, including the West African College of Physicians, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and advanced certifications in Vaccinology, Genomics, and Global Health from Stellenbosch University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Royal College of Physicians, London. Dr. Onyeaghala’s research portfolio reflects a robust engagement with global health challenges. His works, cited over 837 times with an h-index of 11 and i10-index of 12, have been published in top-tier journals such as The Lancet Infectious Diseases, European Respiratory Journal, and Clinical Infectious Diseases. His collaborations with renowned institutions, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Washington University in St. Louis, underscore his commitment to international scientific partnership and multidisciplinary inquiry. He has contributed to several landmark studies on Mpox, COVID-19, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, and Lassa fever, which have informed clinical practice and public health response strategies in Nigeria and beyond. As a lead clinician in WHO- and LSTM-funded studies, and a member of national technical working groups, his research and leadership have had tangible societal impact—enhancing epidemic preparedness, infection prevention, and community health resilience. Dr. Onyeaghala’s professional engagements extend to editorial and review roles for international journals and active membership in organizations such as IDSA, IAS, ESCMID, and NIDS. His growing scholarly influence, mentorship activities, and policy-driven research continue to strengthen global infectious disease control and scientific innovation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  1. Mitjà, O., Alemany, A., Marks, M., Mora, J. I. L., Rodríguez-Aldama, J. C., Silva, M. S. T., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2023). Mpox in people with advanced HIV infection: A global case series. The Lancet, 401(10380), 939–949. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00273-3 — Citations: 480

  2. Ogoina, D., Dalhat, M. M., Denue, B. A., Okowa, M., Chika-Igwenyi, N. M., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2023). Clinical characteristics and predictors of human mpox outcome during the 2022 outbreak in Nigeria: A cohort study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 23(12), 1418–1428. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00409-7 — Citations: 49

  3. Global Tuberculosis Network, Casco, N., Jorge, A. L., Palmero, D. J., Alffenaar, J. W., Fox, G. J., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2023). Long-term outcomes of the global tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection cohort. European Respiratory Journal, 62(5). https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00925-2023 — Citations: 45

  4. Migliori, G. B., Visca, D., van den Boom, M., Tiberi, S., Silva, D. R., Centis, R., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2021). Tuberculosis, COVID-19 and hospital admission: Consensus on pros and cons based on a review of the evidence. Pulmonology, 27(3), 248–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.12.016 — Citations: 41

  5. Haeuser, E., Byrne, S., Nguyen, J., Raggi, C., McLaughlin, S. A., Bisignano, C., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2025). Global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 with forecasts to 2030: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. The Lancet. — Citations: 26

Raj Ramesar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Raj Ramesar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Director: Research Unit at The University of Cape Town, South Africa

Prof. Raj Ramesar is a distinguished geneticist and researcher specializing in human genetics, genomics, and precision medicine. As Head of the Division of Human Genetics and Director of the MRC Genomics and Precision Medicine Research Unit at the University of Cape Town (UCT), he has made pioneering contributions to understanding the genetic basis of hereditary cancers, particularly familial colorectal cancer. His work has led to advancements in genetic testing, risk assessment, and clinical management, earning international recognition, including the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) Africa Award and the UCT Vice-Chancellor’s Alan Pifer Award for Research Excellence. Prof. Ramesar has played a key role in developing genomic research infrastructure in Africa, collaborating on global initiatives, supervising numerous PhD theses, and advancing precision medicine applications. His research extends to inherited retinal disorders, contributing to clinical trials for genetic blindness treatments. His leadership continues to shape genomic medicine for public health benefits in Africa and beyond.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Raj Ramesar obtained his academic and professional training in human genetics, laying a strong foundation for his contributions to medical genomics. He earned his Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he later became a leading academic and researcher. His postgraduate studies focused on the genetic basis of hereditary cancers and inherited disorders, which positioned him at the forefront of genomic medicine in Africa. Over the years, he has engaged in numerous advanced training programs and international collaborations, enhancing his expertise in precision medicine, genomic research, and bioinformatics. As an educator, he has mentored numerous postgraduate students and played a pivotal role in developing genetic research infrastructure in South Africa. His commitment to education extends beyond the university, as he actively participates in initiatives that promote genetic literacy and capacity-building in Africa. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing genetic research and education globally.

Professional Experience

Prof. Raj Ramesar is a distinguished geneticist with a career spanning several decades, primarily at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He serves as the Head of the Division of Human Genetics and the Department of Pathology at UCT and its affiliated hospitals.

SAMRC

Prof. Ramesar is also the Director of the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Genomic and Precision Medicine Research Unit, where he leads research on the genetic underpinnings of inherited cancers and retinal degenerative disorders.

Institute of Development Management

His work has been instrumental in identifying novel genes and mutations within South African populations, with a recent focus on genetic studies in indigenous African communities. Beyond his research, he contributes to the scientific community by serving on editorial boards of international journals and holding leadership roles, including chairing the board of the Africa Genome Education Institute.

African Scientists

Prof. Ramesar’s professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing human genetics and improving health outcomes through precision medicine.

Research Interest

Prof. Raj Ramesar’s research interests primarily focus on human genetics, with a strong emphasis on hereditary cancers, inherited disorders, and genomic medicine. His work explores the genetic basis of diseases such as colorectal cancer and retinal dystrophies, aiming to develop early detection strategies and targeted therapies. He is deeply involved in precision medicine, leveraging genomic data to tailor healthcare solutions for diverse populations, particularly in Africa. His research also extends to bioinformatics, gene-environment interactions, and ethical considerations in genetic research. As a leader in African genomics, he is dedicated to addressing health disparities through genetic studies, fostering translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. Additionally, he actively contributes to capacity-building initiatives, training researchers and clinicians in genomic methodologies. His work has significant implications for personalized medicine, public health policy, and the integration of genetic research into mainstream healthcare systems.

Award and Honor

Prof. Raj Ramesar, Head of the Division of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has been honored with several prestigious awards recognizing his significant contributions to human genetics. In 2009, he received the UCT Vice-Chancellor’s Alan Pifer Award for his impactful research.

h3africa.org

In 2015, he was elected to the UCT College of Fellows, acknowledging his exceptional academic achievements.

ResearchGate

The following year, Prof. Ramesar was awarded the inaugural Africa Award by the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to human genetics on the continent.

Health Sciences UCT

More recently, he was nominated for the NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award, further highlighting his enduring impact in the field.

Research Skill

Prof. Raj Ramesar possesses extensive research skills in human genetics, genomic medicine, and molecular biology. His expertise lies in identifying genetic markers associated with inherited diseases, particularly in the African population. He has mastered advanced genomic sequencing techniques, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular diagnostics to uncover genetic predispositions to conditions such as inherited cancers and retinal degenerative disorders. His research involves interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating clinical data with genetic insights to develop precision medicine approaches. Prof. Ramesar is highly skilled in genetic epidemiology, population genetics, and translational research, ensuring that scientific discoveries have practical healthcare applications. His ability to lead large-scale genomic studies, mentor young researchers, and contribute to global genetic research initiatives underscores his scientific acumen. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing genetic research frameworks in South Africa, promoting ethical research practices, and advancing the field of genomic medicine in Africa and beyond.

Conclusion

Dr. Rajkumar Ramesar is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His outstanding contributions to human genetics, leadership in genomic research, and commitment to capacity-building in Africa make him a strong candidate. With his international recognition, innovative research, and dedication to precision medicine, he exemplifies the qualities of an award-winning researcher.

Publications Top Noted

  • Distinct Dysregulated Pathways in Sporadic and Lynch Syndrome‐Associated Colorectal Cancer Offer Insights for Targeted Treatment

    • Authors: May J. Krause, Musalula Sinkala, Raj Ramesar
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Krause MJ, Sinkala M, Ramesar R. Distinct Dysregulated Pathways in Sporadic and Lynch Syndrome‐Associated Colorectal Cancer Offer Insights for Targeted Treatment. FEBS Lett. 2025; DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.70010.

  • Screening of Inherited Retinal Disease Patients in a Low‐Resource Setting Using an Augmented Next‐Generation Sequencing Panel

    • Authors: Nicole Midgley, George Rebello, Lara K. Holtes, Raj Ramesar, Lisa Roberts
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Midgley N, Rebello G, Holtes LK, Ramesar R, Roberts L. Screening of Inherited Retinal Disease Patients in a Low‐Resource Setting Using an Augmented Next‐Generation Sequencing Panel. Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2024; DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.70046.

  • Genomic Medicine in the Developing World: Cancer Spectrum, Cumulative Risk and Survival Outcomes for Lynch Syndrome Variant Heterozygotes with Germline Pathogenic Variants in the MLH1 and MSH2 Genes

    • Authors: Lutricia Ndou, Ramadhani Chambuso, Ursula Algar, Adam Boutall, Paul Goldberg, Raj Ramesar
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Ndou L, Chambuso R, Algar U, Boutall A, Goldberg P, Ramesar R. Genomic Medicine in the Developing World: Cancer Spectrum, Cumulative Risk and Survival Outcomes for Lynch Syndrome Variant Heterozygotes with Germline Pathogenic Variants in the MLH1 and MSH2 Genes. Biomedicines. 2024;12(12):2906. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12122906.

  • Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Age at Cancer Diagnosis in a Homogenous Lynch Syndrome Cohort of Individuals Carrying the MLH1:c.1528C>T South African Founder Variant

    • Authors: Lutricia Ndou, Ramadhani Chambuso, Ursula Algar, Paul Goldberg, Adam Boutall, Raj Ramesar
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Ndou L, Chambuso R, Algar U, Goldberg P, Boutall A, Ramesar R. Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Age at Cancer Diagnosis in a Homogenous Lynch Syndrome Cohort of Individuals Carrying the MLH1:c.1528C>T South African Founder Variant. Biomedicines. 2024;12(10):2201. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12102201.

  • Human Leukocyte Antigen-Allelic Variations May Influence the Age at Cancer Diagnosis in Lynch Syndrome

    • Authors: Lutricia Ndou, Ramadhani Chambuso, Ziyaad Valley-Omar, George Rebello, Ursula Algar, Paul Goldberg, Adam Boutall, Raj Ramesar
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Ndou L, Chambuso R, Valley-Omar Z, Rebello G, Algar U, Goldberg P, Boutall A, Ramesar R. Human Leukocyte Antigen-Allelic Variations May Influence the Age at Cancer Diagnosis in Lynch Syndrome. J Pers Med. 2024;14(6):575. DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060575.

  • Investigating Somatic Variants and Pathways in Mismatch Repair-Deficient (dMMR) Colorectal Carcinoma in South Africa

    • Authors: Aldera AP, van der Westhuizen J, Tsai W, Krause MJ, Yildiz S, Pillay K, Boutall A, Ramesar R
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Aldera AP, van der Westhuizen J, Tsai W, Krause MJ, Yildiz S, Pillay K, Boutall A, Ramesar R. Investigating Somatic Variants and Pathways in Mismatch Repair-Deficient (dMMR) Colorectal Carcinoma in South Africa. J Clin Pathol. 2024; DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2024-209526.

  • Towards Uncovering the Role of Incomplete Penetrance in Maculopathies through Sequencing of 105 Disease-Associated Genes

    • Authors: Hitti-Malin RJ, Panneman DM, Corradi Z, Boonen EGM, Astuti G, Dhaenens CM, Stöhr H, Weber BHF, Sharon D, Banin E, Raj Ramesar, et al.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Hitti-Malin RJ, Panneman DM, Corradi Z, Boonen EGM, Astuti G, Dhaenens CM, Stöhr H, Weber BHF, Sharon D, Banin E, Ramesar R, et al. Towards Uncovering the Role of Incomplete Penetrance in Maculopathies through Sequencing of 105 Disease-Associated Genes. Biomolecules. 2024;14(3):367. DOI: 10.3390/biom14030367.

  • Human Leukocyte Antigen-Allelic Variations May Influence the Age at Cancer Diagnosis in Lynch Syndrome

    • Authors: Lutricia Ndou, Ramadhani Chambuso, Ziyaad Valley-Omar, George Rebello, Ursula Algar, Paul Goldberg, Adam Boutall, Raj Ramesar
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Ndou L, Chambuso R, Valley-O