Amalia Papanikolopoulou | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Amalia Papanikolopoulou | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

Athens Naval Hospital | Greece

Dr. Amalia Papanikolopoulou is a distinguished Greek medical professional and researcher with a strong interdisciplinary background in medicine, pharmacy, and clinical pharmacology. She earned her PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she also obtained master’s degrees in Clinical Pharmacy and Tumors of the Chest, and holds both medical and pharmacy degrees from the same institution. Her professional career bridges pharmacy and medicine, having served as a hospital pharmacist and head of pharmacology at Athens Medical Center before specializing as a resident doctor in internal medicine and hematology at major hospitals in Athens. Dr. Papanikolopoulou’s research interests encompass infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, pharmacogenomics, hematologic malignancies, and oncologic pharmacotherapy. She has participated in multiple international and national clinical trials as a study coordinator and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications with a notable citation record and h-index, reflecting her scholarly impact. Her research skills include clinical data analysis, pharmacovigilance, infection control, and evidence-based therapeutic evaluation. Dr. Papanikolopoulou is an active member of several national and international medical and pharmacological societies and has received multiple awards for her contributions at Panhellenic conferences. Her professional journey exemplifies dedication to translational medicine, bridging clinical practice with research to advance patient care and therapeutic innovation.

Profile: ORCID

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Levent Tumkaya | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Levent Tumkaya | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Ondokuz Mayis University | Turkey

Prof. Levent Tümkaya is a distinguished academic and medical researcher whose career reflects deep expertise in the field of basic medical sciences with a strong focus on cellular biology, physiology, and pathology. He completed his doctoral studies at Ondokuz Mayis University School of Medicine after earning his postgraduate degree at Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, where he developed a solid foundation in medical and life sciences. Over the course of his career, he has advanced from research assistant to assistant professor, associate professor, and later full professor, holding academic appointments at both Recep Tayyip Erdogan University and Ondokuz Mayis University. His research interests include the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, mechanisms of cellular damage and repair, radiotherapy-induced organ injury, reproductive health, and strategies for enhancing nutrient bioavailability. He has authored several scientific articles published in high-impact journals indexed in SCI and related databases, demonstrating his strong research skills in experimental design, histopathological analysis, and biomedical investigation. Prof. Tümkaya has received recognition through his extensive scholarly contributions and his active role in advancing medical research and education. His career reflects dedication to both teaching and scientific innovation, and his continuing work positions him as a leading scholar making significant contributions to medical science and public health.

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Diwakar Singh | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Diwakar Singh | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

University clinic of Dentistry | Medical University of Vienna | Austria

Dr. Diwakar Singh is a distinguished dental professional specializing in functional orthodontics, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and craniofacial orthodontics. With a strong foundation in dental surgery from India, he advanced his academic journey in Austria, where he trained under globally renowned experts like Prof. Rudolf Slavicek and Prof. Sadao Sato. Currently a PhD candidate and clinical research assistant at the Center for Clinical Research, Medical University of Vienna, he contributes to pioneering approaches in conservative TMJ therapy and functional occlusion. He also serves as a visiting lecturer at prestigious institutions including Fujian Medical University, Ningbo Stomatology Hospital in China, and as a consultant in Cyprus. His clinical expertise encompasses periodontal rehabilitation, orthodontics, prosthodontics, implant prosthetics, and TMD management. Alongside his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Singh is deeply committed to teaching, conducting advanced hands-on courses and lectures worldwide, establishing himself as an influential figure in functional orthodontics and interdisciplinary dentistry.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Diwakar Singh’s academic path reflects his dedication to advanced dental sciences. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in Punjab, India, and soon after pursued international specialization in functional orthodontics. At Danube University Krems, Austria, he completed a postgraduate diploma on TMJ functional diagnosis with Prof. Rudolf Slavicek, followed by advanced training as an Academic Expert in Craniofacial Functional Orthodontics. Under the mentorship of Prof. Sadao Sato, he mastered the MEAW technique for treating complex temporomandibular dysfunctions. His Master of Science in Dental Science focused on craniofacial orthodontics, producing an innovative thesis on sequential guidance and periodontitis assessment using 3D scanning technologies. Further certifications include controlled mandibular repositioning under Dr. Alain Landry and prosthetic rehabilitation training through the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry (VieSID). Currently, as a PhD candidate at the Medical University of Vienna, his research explores internal derangements of the TMJ, combining clinical excellence with digital diagnostic innovations

Experience

Dr. Diwakar Singh’s professional journey spans clinical practice, research, and academic instruction across multiple countries. Since 2008, he has collaborated with Prof. Xiaohui Rausch-Fan in Vienna, treating complex periodontal, orthodontic, prosthodontic, and TMJ disorder cases, including full-mouth rehabilitation. His global expertise is reflected in his role as guest doctor at the Clinical Division of Prosthodontics, Medical University Vienna, and as senior visiting lecturer at Fujian Medical University in China. He also serves as visiting consultant for TMJ cases at Kokkinos Pediatric and Orthodontic Clinic in Cyprus and as lecturer at Ningbo Stomatology Hospital, China. At the Medical University of Vienna, he contributes as a clinical research assistant and practical instructor, guiding students in condylography, occlusion analysis, and advanced TMJ therapy. With more than a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Singh has conducted numerous international workshops and lectures, becoming a recognized authority in interdisciplinary dentistry and functional rehabilitation

Awards and Honors

Dr. Diwakar Singh has received recognition for his contributions to functional orthodontics, TMJ therapy, and interdisciplinary dental education. His international academic engagements, including roles in Austria, China, and Cyprus, highlight the esteem he commands among peers and institutions. He has been invited to present lectures, posters, and case studies at numerous international conferences, including IADR and ISDR assemblies, where his work on functional diagnosis and controlled mandibular repositioning has been widely appreciated. His collaborative research has been published in respected journals such as Bioengineering and Diagnostics, with significant impact on clinical protocols for TMD management. He is also a co-author of an authoritative textbook on temporomandibular disorders and has contributed a book chapter on craniofacial imaging and diagnosis, further establishing his academic presence. His recognition lies not only in formal awards but in his global teaching invitations, research collaborations, and pioneering role in advancing the Vienna Concept for TMDs.

Research Focus

Dr. Diwakar Singh’s research focuses on the biomechanics, diagnosis, and conservative management of temporomandibular joint disorders. He emphasizes functional occlusion rehabilitation, integrating digital scanning, condylography, and 3D imaging to enhance diagnostic precision and treatment planning. His expertise in controlled mandibular repositioning has led to innovative, non-invasive therapeutic strategies for neuro-muscular dysfunctions and internal TMJ derangements. He actively explores applications of splint therapy, MEAW orthodontics, and full-mouth rehabilitations, bridging clinical practice with research. His published works include clinical and MRI-based assessments of TMD patients, evaluation of articular eminence morphology, and studies on craniofacial imaging in orthodontic malocclusions. Through collaborations with leading experts worldwide, he advances the Vienna Concept, a holistic interdisciplinary approach to occlusion and TMD management. His contributions to books and international journals underscore his commitment to translational research that benefits both clinicians and patients, promoting functional stability, oral health, and quality of life in complex dental conditions.

 

Publications

 

Controlled Mandibular Repositioning: A Novel Approach for Treatment of TMDs
Year: 2025

Clinical and MRI-Based Assessment of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders Treated by Controlled Mandibular Repositioning
Year: 2024

Temporomandibular joint osseous morphology of class I and class II malocclusions in the normal skeletal pattern: a cone-beam computed tomography study
Year: 2021

Is there an association between temporomandibular disorders and articular eminence inclination? A systematic review
Year: 2020

 

Conclusion

Dr. Diwakar Singh stands as a globally recognized dental professional whose career unites clinical expertise, academic teaching, and pioneering research in TMJ disorders, functional orthodontics, and craniofacial rehabilitation, making him an influential figure in advancing interdisciplinary dentistry worldwide.

Karin N Westlund | Chronic Pain Relief | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karin N Westlund | Chronic Pain Relief | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karin N. Westlund High is a distinguished neuroscientist and physiologist, currently a Distinguished Professor at UNM School of Medicine and a Research Physiologist at NM VA Health Care. 🇺🇸 She is recognized for her groundbreaking work in pain mechanisms and translational neurobiology. 📚 Her leadership as Vice Chair for Research and longstanding academic contributions span over four decades, advancing the fields of anesthesiology, neuroscience, and chronic pain treatment. 🧠💉

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Westlund High earned a B.A. (Zoology) 🎓 from the University of Texas at Austin (1975), followed by an M.A. in Zoology (1976). She received her Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics from UTMB Galveston in 1981. 🧪 During her graduate and postdoctoral years, she developed strong expertise in pain pathways and biophysics. 🧬 Her education laid a solid foundation for her influential career in academic medicine and neuroscience research. 📖🧠

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 1982 to the present, Dr. Westlund High has held key roles: tenured professor at UTMB Galveston, University of Kentucky, and UNM. 🏫 She was also Vice Chair for Research at UNM Anesthesiology (2017–2024) and served in VA medical systems in KY & NM. 🏥🧪 She led cell biology graduate programs, taught extensively in medicine and dentistry, and contributed to national research ethics. 🧑‍🏫🧠

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Westlund High is the recipient of over 20 prestigious honors, including the Frederick W.L. Kerr Award (2008) 🏆, Innovator of the Year (2023), and multiple NIH awards. 💡 She’s been honored for teaching, research excellence, and innovation, including winning EQUALIZE Pitch Competition and a U.S. patent award (2025). 🇺🇸 She has served on editorial boards and grant panels globally, shaping pain research. 🌍🔬

Research Interests 🔬

Her research centers on pain neurobiology 🔍—investigating trigeminal nerve injury, chronic pain, neuroinflammation, and targeted therapeutic antibodies. 🧠💊 With deep NIH and VA support, she has led studies using translational animal models to discover novel pain relief methods. 🐭⚗️ Her work impacts both clinical and preclinical pain management, with over 40 years of translational insights and innovation. 💥📈

Publications 
  • Role of HDAC5 Epigenetics in Chronic Craniofacial Neuropathic Pain

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2024-06 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sifong Elise Hui; Karin N Westlund
  • Pluripotential GluN1 (NMDA NR1): Functional Significance in Cellular Nuclei in Pain/Nociception

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2023-08 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Terry A. McNearney; Karin N Westlund
  • Rapid Generation and Molecular Docking Analysis of Single-Chain Fragment Variable (scFv) Antibody Selected by Ribosome Display Targeting Cholecystokinin B Receptor (CCK-BR) for Reduction of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2023-07 | Journal article | Author
    CONTRIBUTORS: Adinarayana Kunamneni; Marena A. Montera; Ravi Durvasula; Dr Sascha Alles; Sachin Goyal; Karin N Westlund