Dominique BREMOND-GIGNAC | Congenital Aniridia | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Dominique BREMOND-GIGNAC | Congenital Aniridia | Best Researcher Award

University Hospital Necker Enfants malades |  France

Dominique Sandra Bremond-Gignac is a distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Head of the Ophthalmology Department at University Hospital Necker Enfants-malades, Paris, with a pediatric ophthalmology subspecialty. She leads the OPHTARA Rare Eye Diseases Center coordinating multiple French centers and serves as Head of the CLAIROP Clinical Research Center accredited by Europe EVI-CT, overseeing numerous clinical research protocols. She is affiliated with Paris Cité University and Sorbonne Paris Cité University and contributes to INSERM research in ocular physiopathology and clinical development. Prof. Bremond-Gignac has extensive experience in training medical students, residents, and orthoptists, and holds leadership positions in European and international ophthalmology societies, including WSPOS, EVER, and IMI. Her clinical expertise spans anterior segment surgery, strabismus, oculoplastics, and management of rare and congenital eye diseases. She has over two hundred PubMed-indexed publications and is recognized for her contributions to pediatric ophthalmology, clinical research, and medical education worldwide.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Prof. Bremond-Gignac received her medical training at Paris V University, completing her MD with a medal and specialization in ophthalmology. She holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and a second Master’s in Medical Imaging, complementing her clinical expertise with research proficiency. She pursued a PhD in Anatomy at Paris V University, earning distinctions from the examining jury. Her advanced training includes international research experiences, including six months at Manhattan Eye Ear and Throat Hospital in New York and a postgraduate research year at INSERM Unit 598 focused on the ocular surface. She also obtained the European Board of Ophthalmology diploma and completed hospital management training at the EMAMH School of Hospital Management, Paris. Her education combines rigorous medical, surgical, and research training, integrating clinical care with translational ophthalmology research. This foundation supports her leadership in pediatric ophthalmology, rare eye disease management, and clinical research coordination.

Experience

Prof. Bremond-Gignac began her career as a university assistant in ophthalmology and anatomy at Paris, followed by a fellowship in Paris University Hospitals’ ophthalmology departments. She progressed to associate professor at University Hospital R. Debré and later became a full professor of ophthalmology. She currently heads the Ophthalmology Department at University Hospital Necker Enfants-malades, overseeing pediatric clinical care, surgical interventions, and training programs for medical students, residents, and orthoptists. She leads the CLAIROP Clinical Research Center, coordinating phase I-III clinical trials, and directs the OPHTARA Rare Eye Diseases Center, managing national networks for rare ocular conditions. Her professional experience spans clinical practice, surgical expertise in anterior segment, strabismus, and oculoplastics, and leadership in research and hospital management. She is an expert advisor to French ministries and European agencies and holds key roles in international ophthalmology societies, combining administrative, educational, research, and clinical expertise to advance pediatric ophthalmology and ocular disease research.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Bremond-Gignac has been widely recognized for her contributions to ophthalmology and medical education. She was decorated Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the President of her university and later received the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur for her outstanding service in medicine. She earned the Al Biglan Medal from Pittsburgh University with a dedicated lecture recognizing her clinical and research achievements. She is also a distinguished award member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and received the Gold Medal Distinction from the Moroccan Society of Ophthalmology. Beyond formal awards, she is widely acknowledged for her leadership in European and international ophthalmology societies, her role in coordinating rare eye disease networks, and her contributions to clinical research and medical education. Her honors reflect her dedication to advancing pediatric ophthalmology, fostering research collaborations, and mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists and clinical scientists across Europe and internationally.

Research Focus

Prof. Bremond-Gignac’s research focuses on pediatric ophthalmology, rare eye diseases, and ocular physiopathology with translational applications. She leads clinical trials in the CLAIROP Research Center, addressing innovative therapies across phase I to III studies, and coordinates the OPHTARA Rare Eye Diseases Center to advance clinical research for conditions such as aniridia, congenital ocular anomalies, and progressive myopia. Her research integrates imaging, pharmacology, and surgical innovations to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. She collaborates nationally and internationally, contributing to European research networks and advisory boards. She also investigates ocular surface diseases and anterior segment pathologies, translating laboratory findings into clinical interventions. Prof. Bremond-Gignac mentors students and residents in clinical research methods and fosters multidisciplinary approaches linking ophthalmology, genetics, and public health. Her work bridges scientific discovery and patient care, emphasizing evidence-based interventions, early diagnosis of rare ocular conditions, and the development of novel therapies to enhance visual function and quality of life in children with complex eye diseases.

 

Publications

 

Title: Genotype-phenotype correlations of COL2A1 and COL11A1 patients
Year: 2025

Title: Cystadrops® Eye Drops for the Management of Ocular Cystinosis in Patients Aged 6 Months to < 2 Years
Year: 2025

Title: Fluctuations in angle lambda with the pupil diameter and correlations with biometric values in a healthy population
Year: 2025

Title: 12-month outcomes after voretigene neparvovec gene therapy in paediatric patients with RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophy
Year: 2025

Title: Glaucome de l’aniridie congénitale liée au gène PAX6 : une revue de la littérature
Year: 2025

Title: Protocole national de diagnostic et de soin pour la prise en charge de la rétinopathie du prématuré : résumé pour le médecin traitant et le généraliste
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Prof. Dominique Sandra Bremond-Gignac is a global leader in pediatric ophthalmology and rare eye disease research, seamlessly integrating clinical practice, research excellence, and academic mentorship, recognized for her innovative contributions to ocular therapeutics, training future ophthalmologists, and shaping international ophthalmology standards through leadership roles in research networks and professional societies.

Georg Hafer | Allgemeine Innere Medizin | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Georg Hafer | Allgemeine Innere Medizin | Best Researcher Award

Dr. med. Georg Hafer, born on August 22, 1976, in Paderborn, Germany, is a distinguished internal medicine specialist currently serving as the Medical Director of the Medical Ambulatory Clinic at Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland. He completed his medical degree at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen and earned his doctorate in 2008 with high honors. Dr. Hafer has held various clinical roles, progressing from Assistant Physician to Senior Consultant across multiple Swiss institutions. He holds board certification in General Internal Medicine (FMH) and has additional training in psychosomatic medicine and abdominal sonography. With a strong foundation in emergency, internal, surgical, and geriatric psychiatry care, his approach integrates both physical and psychological aspects of health. His career is marked by commitment to interdisciplinary care, patient-centered practice, and continuous professional development. Married and a father of three, he balances his professional responsibilities with a dedication to family life and ethical medical leadership.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Georg Hafer began his academic journey with the Allgemeine Hochschulreife from Neue Oberschule Braunschweig in 1996. He served as a paramedic during his national civil service before entering medical school. From 1997 to 2004, he studied human medicine at Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen, Germany, successfully completing all three stages of the state medical examination. He was licensed to practice medicine in November 2004. His doctoral thesis, completed in 2008, focused on the effects of anesthetics on leukocyte surface receptor expression, earning the distinction “sehr gut.” He further qualified as a specialist in General Internal Medicine (FMH) in 2012. Dr. Hafer expanded his expertise through certified training in psychosomatic and psychosocial medicine (SAPPM) and abdominal sonography, becoming a certified SGUM tutor. His education reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, with academic achievements that integrate foundational science, clinical training, and specialized interdisciplinary competence.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Hafer’s clinical journey spans over two decades in Switzerland, beginning in 2005 as an Assistant Physician at the Kreisspital Muri. He gained experience in internal medicine, geriatrics, surgery, and psychiatry at prestigious institutions including the University Psychiatric Hospital Zurich, Stadtspital Waid, and Kantonsspital St. Gallen. His responsibilities evolved from clinical assistant to Senior Consultant and ultimately to Medical Director. Notably, he led emergency and observation units at Spital Flawil and held key roles in the internal medicine departments at Rorschach and St. Gallen. His practice included intensive care, geriatric, neurological, and ambulatory care. Since 2021, he has served as the leading physician and medical director of the Medical Ambulatory Clinic at Kantonsspital St. Gallen. Dr. Hafer is known for his clinical leadership, team collaboration, and comprehensive patient care, integrating somatic and psychosocial dimensions into medical decision-making and administration.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While the curriculum vitae of Dr. Georg Hafer does not list formal awards or honorary recognitions, his academic and professional milestones highlight a career of merit-based progression and institutional trust. He earned his doctorate in medicine in 2008 with the distinction “sehr gut,” recognizing his scientific contribution to anesthesiology research. He was entrusted with roles of increasing responsibility, from assistant physician to leading physician, across various Swiss hospitals—an implicit acknowledgment of his competence, reliability, and leadership. His certifications, such as FMH in General Internal Medicine and recognized expertise in psychosomatic medicine and abdominal sonography, underscore professional excellence and peer acknowledgment. In clinical institutions such as Kantonsspital St. Gallen and Spital Rorschach, he has held key administrative and training roles, reflecting institutional confidence in his judgment and skills. These achievements speak to a career distinguished by respect, performance, and trust in the Swiss healthcare system.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hafer’s research, as reflected in his doctoral work, centers on the immunological effects of anesthetic agents, examining how substances like ketamine and propofol affect leukocyte surface receptor expression. This study bridges immunology, pharmacology, and critical care—an area vital to understanding inflammatory responses during anesthesia and critical illness. While his later clinical trajectory emphasizes patient care over academia, the scientific rigor of his thesis illustrates a strong foundation in evidence-based medicine. His additional certifications in psychosomatic medicine suggest ongoing interest in the intersection between mental and physical health, a topic gaining increasing relevance in modern internal medicine. Through roles in emergency and intensive medicine, Dr. Hafer has likely contributed to clinical knowledge-sharing, protocol development, and interdisciplinary practice models. Though not extensively published, his research and clinical leadership roles suggest a translational approach—applying scientific insight to optimize diagnostics, care strategies, and long-term health outcomes.

Conclusion

Dr. Georg Hafer exemplifies the integration of clinical excellence, scientific inquiry, and holistic care in internal medicine, progressing through Switzerland’s top hospitals to become a respected leader known for compassionate patient care, interdisciplinary competence, and ethical practice.

 

Publications

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

Albatool Alnojeidi | Rehabilitation Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi | Rehabilitation Science | Best Researcher Award

📌 Albatool Humod Alnojeidi is a board-licensed physical therapist and an Assistant Professor at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She holds an M.S. in Health (MSH) with a concentration in Chronic Disease and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science. Her research focuses on chronic low back pain (CLBP), exploring sociocultural and psychological factors affecting pain perception and treatment outcomes. Dr. Alnojeidi has contributed significantly to the field through research, teaching, and mentoring future healthcare professionals. Her work highlights the unique challenges of Arab-Americans with CLBP, addressing gaps in clinical practice and healthcare interventions. She has published multiple research papers in indexed journals and actively participates in professional organizations such as the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. Her dedication to advancing rehabilitation science has earned her recognition in the academic and research community.

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science, where her research focused on chronic low back pain and its sociocultural determinants. She earned a Master of Science in Health (MSH) with a concentration in Chronic Disease, equipping her with expertise in pain management, rehabilitation strategies, and public health. Her academic journey provided a strong foundation in clinical research, biomechanics, and patient-centered care approaches. Dr. Alnojeidi’s education blends clinical expertise with advanced research methodologies, allowing her to contribute effectively to the field of rehabilitation science. Through her studies, she developed a keen interest in understanding the interplay between physical activity, chronic pain, and sociocultural factors, shaping her research and academic career. She continues to leverage her education to improve healthcare practices and influence policy changes related to chronic pain management.

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi is currently an Assistant Professor at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, where she integrates clinical expertise and research to educate future healthcare professionals. She has extensive experience in rehabilitation science, chronic pain research, and patient care. Her work focuses on chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Arab and Arab-American populations, addressing the impact of sociocultural, psychological, and healthcare disparities. She has led multiple research projects exploring pain-related injustice appraisal, physical activity, and chronic pain experiences. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Alnojeidi actively participates in academic collaborations, professional organizations, and mentoring students. She has presented her findings at international conferences and published her research in indexed journals. Her experience extends to working on policy recommendations for pain management and advancing rehabilitation interventions, making a significant impact in her field.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi specializes in chronic low back pain (CLBP) research, with a particular emphasis on sociocultural, psychological, and physical activity-related factors. Her work investigates the experiences of Arab-Americans with CLBP, addressing healthcare disparities, pain-related injustice, and cultural influences on pain perception. She has published studies on the effects of discrimination, ethnic identity, and pain-related injustice on chronic pain outcomes. Her ongoing projects aim to characterize CLBP in Arab-American and Saudi populations, identifying key demographic, psychological, and healthcare determinants. Dr. Alnojeidi’s research is transforming clinical pain management, offering insights into tailored interventions for underrepresented groups. She has contributed to indexed journals, participated in global research collaborations, and received recognition for her innovative approaches. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, improving pain management strategies for diverse patient populations through evidence-based rehabilitation.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to rehabilitation science and chronic pain research. She has received multiple nominations and awards, including the Best Researcher Award and Young Scientist Award, acknowledging her groundbreaking studies on chronic low back pain (CLBP) among Arab-American populations. Her research on pain-related injustice appraisal and sociocultural determinants of CLBP has been widely cited and has influenced clinical practices. Dr. Alnojeidi’s contributions to evidence-based rehabilitation and patient-centered care have earned her recognition from professional organizations, including the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. Her scientific publications, mentorship, and advocacy for culturally informed pain management have positioned her as a leader in the field. Through her dedication to research, education, and clinical practice, she continues to receive accolades for her impact on healthcare and rehabilitation sciences.

Publications 📚