Christoph Stephan | Infektiologie | Best Research Article Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Christoph Stephan | Infektiologie | Best Research Article Award

Universitätsklinik Frankfurt | Germany

Professor Christoph Stephan is a distinguished physician and academic leader in internal medicine and infectious diseases at University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University. He serves as the lead physician of the HIVCENTER, the largest university-based outpatient clinic for individuals living with HIV, and has coordinated numerous clinical trials as principal investigator. Renowned for his expertise in HIV pharmacotherapy, management of opportunistic infections, and antimicrobial stewardship, he combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research. Stephan is an active member of national and international infectious disease societies and has contributed significantly to guideline development programs and educational initiatives. With extensive teaching, mentoring, and publication experience, he has shaped the careers of numerous healthcare professionals. His scholarly work demonstrates a commitment to advancing understanding of HIV and infectious diseases, optimizing patient care, and fostering collaboration between clinical practice and scientific research, establishing him as a global authority in his field.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Professor Stephan completed rigorous medical training and specialized education in internal medicine and infectious diseases, acquiring extensive knowledge of clinical care, pharmacotherapy, and diagnostic methods. His advanced studies included intensive coursework and practical rotations in infectious disease management, HIV care, and treatment of opportunistic infections. Through formal medical education, professional certification, and continuous clinical training, he developed expertise in patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and research methodology. Stephan’s education also encompassed advanced learning in antimicrobial stewardship, clinical trials management, and guideline development. Complementing his medical degree, he participated in workshops, seminars, and professional development programs focused on HIV medicine, virology, immunology, and healthcare innovation. His education laid the foundation for academic and clinical excellence, enabling him to contribute to national and international scientific communities, mentor emerging professionals, and develop comprehensive care strategies for complex infectious diseases. His dedication to lifelong learning has strengthened his role as both a clinician and a researcher of global standing.

Experience

Professor Stephan has extensive experience as a senior physician and infectious disease specialist at University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University. He leads the HIVCENTER, providing comprehensive care to people living with HIV, and oversees numerous outpatient programs and clinical services. As a principal investigator in multiple clinical trials, he has coordinated interdisciplinary teams, managed research protocols, and contributed to scientific advancements in HIV pharmacotherapy and infectious disease treatment. Stephan has significant teaching and mentoring experience, guiding medical students, residents, and early-career researchers in clinical practice, research methodology, and patient care. He actively participates in the development of national and international guidelines, committees, and educational initiatives for infectious diseases. His experience spans clinical practice, research, publication, and policy development, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and commitment to healthcare excellence. Through his work, he has enhanced patient outcomes, advanced scientific knowledge, and strengthened the integration of research and practice in infectious disease management.

Awards and Honors

Professor Christoph Stephan has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to infectious disease research, HIV care, and medical education. He is widely respected for his leadership in clinical trials, scientific publications, and guideline development programs, earning acclaim from national and international professional societies. Stephan’s expertise in HIV medicine, antimicrobial stewardship, and treatment of opportunistic infections has been acknowledged through appointments to advisory boards, leadership roles in professional organizations, and invitations to speak at prestigious conferences. His scholarly achievements, including authorship of numerous textbook chapters and peer-reviewed publications, have further established him as a thought leader in the field. Awards and honors reflect his dedication to improving patient care, advancing medical science, and mentoring future generations of clinicians and researchers. Through recognition from professional associations, academic institutions, and research communities, Stephan’s contributions continue to inspire excellence in the practice and study of infectious diseases and HIV medicine worldwide.

Research Focus

Professor Stephan’s research centers on HIV pharmacotherapy, treatment of opportunistic infections, and antimicrobial stewardship. His work investigates the optimization of antiretroviral therapy, mechanisms of HIV resistance, and strategies to prevent and manage secondary infections in immunocompromised patients. Stephan also explores the clinical and virological outcomes of novel treatment regimens, contributing to evidence-based approaches that improve patient health and quality of life. He is deeply involved in clinical trials, evaluating the safety, efficacy, and long-term impacts of antiviral therapies. His research encompasses guideline development, translational studies, and the integration of clinical findings into routine patient care. By combining rigorous scientific inquiry with practical healthcare applications, Stephan advances understanding of HIV pathophysiology, treatment challenges, and therapeutic innovations. He collaborates with national and international research networks, contributing to multicenter studies, publications, and knowledge dissemination. His work aims to enhance treatment strategies, support personalized medicine, and improve global standards of care for people living with HIV.

 

Publications

 

Title: Clinical Epidemiology of Cancer in People Living with HIV in Germany: A Retrospective, Observational, Multicenter, Federated Claims Data Analysis
Year: 2025

Title: Effectiveness, safety, and patient‐reported outcomes of emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide‐based regimens for the treatment of HIV‐1 infection: Final 24‐month results from the prospective German TAFNES cohort study
Year: 2025

Title: Antiretroviral treatment in PLWH with late diagnosis initiating ART with DTG/3TC or BIC/TAF/FTC: a real-world cohort analysis
Year: 2024

Title: Care interruptions and mortality among adults in Europe and North America
Year: 2024

Title: Coinfections and antimicrobial treatment in a cohort of falciparum malaria in a non-endemic country: a 10-year experience
Year: 2024

Title: Differences in the Course of CD4 and CD8 Cells After Chemoradiotherapy in People Living with HIV with Anal Cancer
Year: 2024

Title: HIV treatment with maraviroc: forgotten, not needed or still useful? Results from the MIRROR study
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Professor Christoph Stephan exemplifies excellence in clinical practice, research, and education in infectious diseases and HIV medicine, combining innovative research with compassionate patient care, impactful teaching, and leadership in guideline development, advancing global healthcare standards, improving patient outcomes, and inspiring the next generation of clinicians and researchers.

İlkay ER | Hematological Biomarkers in Neonates | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. İlkay ER | Hematological Biomarkers in Neonates | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ilkay Er, MD, is an Associate Professor of Neonatology at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. With a dedicated focus on neonatal care, her clinical and academic pursuits center around prematurity, neonatal sepsis, congenital disorders, and early diagnostic biomarkers. She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, contributing significantly to advancements in neonatal lung function, infection control, and infant nutrition. Dr. Er has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications, many in high-impact journals, and is actively involved in medical education, mentoring pediatric residents and students. Her research extends to rare congenital syndromes and pediatric clinical genetics. She is an editorial reviewer for several neonatology journals and holds memberships in key medical societies, including the Turkish Neonatology Association. Dr. Er’s commitment to innovation is reflected in her patent for a catheter stopper design and her recognized excellence in clinical neonatology and pediatric research.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Ilkay Er completed her medical degree (MD) followed by specialization in pediatrics and a subspecialty in neonatology, equipping her with comprehensive knowledge and skills in neonatal care and perinatal medicine. Her academic foundation is rooted in both clinical training and scientific inquiry, which facilitated her appointment as an Associate Professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Faculty of Medicine. Through continual academic development and participation in structured medical education programs, she has cultivated a robust understanding of neonatal pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic interventions. In addition to her formal medical education, Dr. Er has contributed to academic instruction, serving as a mentor and educator for medical students and pediatric residents. Her multidisciplinary expertise enables her to bridge clinical practice with translational research, particularly in early diagnostic biomarkers, pulmonary function in neonates, and congenital anomalies. Her academic trajectory exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning, discovery, and teaching in neonatology.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Ilkay Er has amassed substantial clinical, research, and academic experience in neonatology over the past decade. As an Associate Professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, she provides advanced clinical care in neonatal intensive care units and leads both bedside management and multidisciplinary research initiatives. She has directed institutional and national projects on neonatal sepsis, COVID-19 in neonates, congenital pneumonia, and premature nutrition, demonstrating her leadership in translational and applied neonatal research. Dr. Er has authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered 29 conference presentations (national and international), and contributed book chapters to medical literature. In addition to her clinical and research responsibilities, she has served as a mentor and educator, training the next generation of pediatricians. Her innovative approach is also evident through her patent in medical device design. She collaborates extensively with national medical networks, such as the Turkish Neonatology Association and POCUSNEO-Hemodynamics Group.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ilkay Er has been recognized for her scientific contributions and excellence in neonatal research and education. She was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 3rd National Pediatric Pulmonology Congress for her pioneering work on impulse oscillometry reference values in Turkish preschool children. Her innovative projects have received institutional support, including grants from the Scientific Research Projects Unit (BAP). She is also acknowledged for her leadership in major national and international studies, including those on neonatal COVID-19 and premature infant outcomes. Dr. Er’s publication in Children (2025) on immature platelet fraction in neonatal sepsis is among her many works that reflect her impactful research. She has served as a reviewer for several high-impact pediatric and neonatology journals, and her utility model patent passed preliminary review, demonstrating innovation in infection control. Her memberships in professional societies further reflect her respected standing in the pediatric research community.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ilkay Er’s research is centered on improving diagnostic precision and clinical outcomes in neonatology. She explores novel biomarkers, particularly the immature platelet fraction (IPF), to enhance early detection of neonatal sepsis, congenital pneumonia, and preeclampsia-related complications. Her work on lung function analysis using impulse oscillometry in preterm infants adds valuable insight into respiratory management strategies. She also investigates pain scales in preterm care, nutrition outcomes in very low birth weight infants, and the impact of perinatal vitamin D deficiency. Notably, her research extends to genetic disorders such as harlequin ichthyosis and congenital nephrotic syndrome. Dr. Er leads and collaborates on national and international studies regarding COVID-19’s impact on neonates, neonatal intensive care practices, and inflammatory marker assessment in ductus arteriosus. Her research is both clinically transformative and grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging clinical neonatology with molecular biology, genetics, and health policy innovation.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ilkay Er’s dedication to neonatology is exemplified by her clinical leadership, innovative research on neonatal diagnostics and outcomes, and ongoing contributions to academic medicine and pediatric education, positioning her as a distinguished expert committed to advancing neonatal care globally.

 

Publications

  • Factors Affecting Lung Function in Preschool Children with a History of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

    Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
    2024-09-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.5812/ijp-138368
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ismail Cevik; Ilkay Er; Ayla Gunlemez

  • Evaluation of Lung Functions in Preschool-Children Diagnosed with Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn by Impulse Oscillometry System

    2024-01-30 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.22541/au.170665878.89002912/v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ismail Çevik; İlkay ER; Ayla Günleme

  • The Role of Biofeedback Treatment in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

    Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease
    2022-03-16 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.12956/tchd.858689
    CONTRIBUTORS: Emel Isıyel; Elif Çomak; İlkay Er