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.

Chiaman Chou | Surgery | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Chiaman Chou | Surgery | Women Researcher Award

Taichung Veterans General Hospital | Taiwan

Professor Chia-Man Chou is a distinguished pediatric surgeon and Chief of the Department of Surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, where she has established herself as a leader in pediatric surgical innovation and clinical excellence. She also serves as Professor at National Chung Hsing University, contributing extensively to academic teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research. Her expertise encompasses pediatric minimally invasive surgery, pediatric urology, and correction of congenital anomalies, integrating advanced laparoscopic and thoracoscopic methods into clinical practice. In addition to her clinical achievements, she has spearheaded pioneering research in biomaterials surface modification, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and genetic analysis of congenital and oncologic diseases. Her scholarly contributions include more than one hundred publications in internationally indexed journals, significantly influencing pediatric surgery and translational medicine. Dedicated to patient-centered care and innovation, Professor Chou exemplifies the integration of medical practice, scientific research, and leadership, making her a prominent figure in pediatric surgical advancement

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Chia-Man Chou pursued her medical training with a strong commitment to pediatric care and surgical excellence, laying the foundation for her career as a pioneering surgeon and academic leader. She completed her medical degree followed by specialization in pediatric surgery, equipping her with comprehensive clinical knowledge and practical skills to address complex congenital and acquired conditions in children. To enhance her expertise and pursue academic growth, she obtained a doctoral degree, integrating advanced research methodologies with clinical applications. Her education bridged the medical sciences and biomedical engineering domains, enabling her to explore innovations in biomaterials, nanotechnology, and minimally invasive surgical approaches. This unique combination of clinical training and scientific research prepared her to address pressing challenges in pediatric healthcare with a translational perspective. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to lifelong learning, professional development, and the pursuit of excellence in both clinical practice and multidisciplinary research

Experience

Professor Chia-Man Chou has extensive clinical, academic, and research experience as a pediatric surgeon and surgical leader. As Chief of the Department of Surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, she oversees clinical services, surgical training, and quality improvement initiatives, ensuring patient-centered care and advancing surgical standards. Her professional journey includes more than two decades of hands-on expertise in pediatric minimally invasive surgery, pediatric urology, and thoracoscopic techniques, earning her recognition as an authority in her field. She has directed and participated in over eighty multidisciplinary research projects, ranging from clinical trials to translational studies in biomaterials and AI-driven diagnostics. In her academic role as Professor at National Chung Hsing University, she mentors medical students and junior researchers, fostering the next generation of surgical innovators. Her leadership extends to national and international collaborations, where she actively contributes to advancing pediatric healthcare, surgical innovation, and evidence-based clinical practice.

Awards and Honors

Professor Chia-Man Chou has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors that celebrate her contributions to pediatric surgery, medical innovation, and academic excellence. She has received national awards for surgical innovation, quality improvement, and outstanding medical service, underscoring her dedication to advancing pediatric care. Her achievements in pioneering minimally invasive pediatric procedures and integrating translational research into clinical practice have been acknowledged by professional associations and healthcare institutions. She has also been honored for her excellence in teaching and mentoring, reflecting her role in shaping future generations of surgeons and researchers. Her active participation in academic societies and leadership in multidisciplinary collaborations have further earned her recognition as a distinguished contributor to surgical science. These honors highlight her impact as both a clinician and researcher, reinforcing her position as a leader in pediatric surgery and a role model for innovation, compassion, and professional excellence.

Research Focus

Professor Chia-Man Chou’s research focus integrates pediatric surgery, translational medicine, and biomedical engineering to improve clinical outcomes for children with complex medical conditions. Her work emphasizes the advancement of pediatric minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches, to enhance safety, precision, and recovery. She is actively engaged in pediatric urology and gastrointestinal surgery, addressing rare and congenital disorders through innovative treatment strategies. At the translational level, she applies molecular biology, polygenic risk assessment, and artificial intelligence to disease prediction and personalized care models, exemplified by projects on early biliary atresia detection and spina bifida management. She also explores surface engineering, nanotechnology, and biomaterials for medical devices and diagnostic tools, bridging clinical medicine with biomedical science. Through nationwide cohort studies, multicenter trials, and interdisciplinary collaborations, her research continues to set benchmarks in personalized pediatric healthcare, surgical innovation, and integration of novel technologies into routine practice.

 

Publications

Title:Fabrication of ZnCo2O4-Zn(OH)2 Microspheres on Carbon Cloth for Photocatalytic Decomposition of Tetracycline
Year:2024
Citation:4

Title: Investigating the Association of Polygenic Risk Scores With Thyroid Cancer Susceptibility in a Han Chinese Population
Year:2024
Citation:1

Conclusion

Professor Chia-Man Chou is a pioneering pediatric surgeon, academic leader, and innovative researcher whose dedication to minimally invasive surgery, translational medicine, and biomedical engineering has transformed pediatric healthcare, advanced medical technology, and inspired future generations of surgeons through her exemplary blend of clinical excellence, scientific innovation, and compassionate patient care.