Varda Shoshan-Barmatz | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Ben-Gurion University, Life Sciences, Israel

Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz is a renowned Professor of Molecular Physiology at Ben-Gurion University, Israel 🇮🇱. She completed her Ph.D. at the Weizmann Institute and pursued advanced training in the U.S. and Canada 🌎. She served as Director of the National Institute for Biotechnology in Israel (NIBN) from 2006 to 2015. With over 200 publications and 24 patents 🧬, she has been recognized by Forbes and Lady Globes among Israel’s most influential scientists. Her pioneering work focuses on novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases, influencing both academia and biotech industries 🌟.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz earned her Ph.D. at the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel 📘. Further enhancing her expertise, she completed postdoctoral research in leading labs across the United States and Canada 🌎. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her breakthroughs in mitochondrial biology and disease therapy 🧪.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz has extensive experience in academia and biotechnology 🏢. She was the founding director of the National Institute for Biotechnology in Israel and has mentored over 100 doctoral and postdoctoral fellows 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓. With involvement in five biotech companies and serving on multiple editorial boards, her leadership spans research, innovation, and entrepreneurship 🚀.

Research Interest 🔬

Her research centers on the mitochondrial protein VDAC1 and its role in diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and metabolic liver diseases 🧬. Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz has innovated several therapeutic strategies by targeting VDAC1 to regulate apoptosis, energy metabolism, and immune responses, shaping the future of personalized medicine 🧠💊.

Awards 🏆

Prof. Shoshan-Barmatz’s groundbreaking contributions have earned her the prestigious Hestrin Prize, the Teva Founders Award, and the Ben-Gurion Award 🏅. She is celebrated as one of Israel’s most influential women in science by Forbes and Lady Globes 🌟, recognizing her impact on biotechnology and molecular research.

Publications 📚

“VDAC1-based peptides: Novel pro-apoptotic agents for cancer therapy” (2020, Cancers) Link here — Cited by 110 articles.

“The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1, Ca2+ transport, apoptosis, and their regulation” (2012, Frontiers in Oncology) Link here — Cited by 420 articles.

“VDAC1, a multi-functional mitochondrial protein regulating cell life and death” (2017, Cell Stress) Link here — Cited by 310 articles.

“VDAC1 at the crossroads of cell metabolism, apoptosis and autophagy” (2015, Molecular and Cellular Oncology) Link here — Cited by 150 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her exceptional achievements in research, innovation, mentorship, translational biotechnology, and global scientific leadership make her a distinguished candidate. Her work has had a profound and lasting impact on molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical sciences, fully aligning with the spirit of the award

Chun Wai Mai | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Chun Wai Mai | Cancer | Best Researcher Award

Professor, IMU University, Malaysia 🌟

Dr. Chun-Wai Mai, a highly accomplished researcher and professor from Malaysia, is devoted to understanding the mechanisms behind tumorigenesis and metastasis. With a vision to uncover the origins of cancer, Dr. Mai aims to enhance clinical prognosis and improve patient outcomes. Over the years, he has held pivotal academic and research roles, contributing significantly to oncology, stem cell biology, genomics, and drug discovery. His work embodies a commitment to advancing medical science and tackling cancer at its roots.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Chun-Wai Mai earned his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2010–2014) and Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (2005–2009) from the International Medical University (IMU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His strong academic foundation has fueled his impactful contributions to cancer research and drug development.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Dr. Mai is currently a Professor at the Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, International Medical University. He previously served as an Associate Professor at UCSI University (2022–2025), a Postdoctoral Fellow at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (2020–2022), and as a Senior Lecturer (2018–2020) and Lecturer (2010–2018) at IMU. His extensive academic journey reflects his dedication to education and research excellence.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Mai’s research focuses on tumorigenesis, metastasis, stem cells, and drug discovery, with a keen interest in genomics and anticancer mechanisms. He is driven by the goal of developing targeted therapies to combat cancer and improve patient outcomes, particularly in addressing the challenges of drug resistance and cancer progression.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Mai is a distinguished member of esteemed organizations, including the European Association for Cancer Research and the Royal Society of Chemistry. His groundbreaking research has earned recognition in oncology and stem cell therapy, marking him as a leader in his field.

Publications 📚

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Flavonoids and Anthraquinones from Cassia alata (Linnaeus) Roxburgh (Plants, 2025): 10.3390/plants14030362

Scoping Review of Enablers and Challenges of Implementing Pharmacogenomics Testing in Primary Care Settings (BMJ Open, 2024): 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-087064

Recent Developments in Luteolin-Loaded Nanoformulations for Enhanced Anti-Carcinogenic Activities (Sci, 2024): 10.3390/sci6040068

Revolutionizing Treatment for Nasopharyngeal Cancer with Stem Cell and Genetically Engineered Therapies (Frontiers in Immunology, 2024): 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1484535

Molecular Mechanism of Tocotrienol-Mediated Anticancer Properties: Systematic Review (Nutrients, 2023): 10.3390/nu15081854

Conclusion

Dr. Chun-Wai Mai’s outstanding academic background, impactful research contributions, and leadership in oncology and drug discovery make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His focus on advancing cancer therapies aligns with the award’s vision of recognizing transformative scientific contributions. By further showcasing patents, grants, and global collaborations, Dr. Mai’s profile could achieve even greater prominence in the scientific community.

Dr. Muhammad Kibriya | Cancer molecular genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Kibriya | Cancer molecular genomics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Kibriya, University of Chicago, United States

Dr. Muhammad G. Kibriya is a Research Associate Professor at the Institute for Population and Precision Health, University of Chicago. He holds an MBBS from Dhaka University (1987) and a PhD in Medicine from the Medical Academy Sofia, Bulgaria (1994). With expertise in nephrology, diabetology, epidemiology, and cancer genomics, his research focuses on molecular genomics, gene-environment interactions, and oncogenesis. Dr. Kibriya has co-led large-scale studies like HEALS, BEST, and COMPASS. He pioneered a novel Luminex-based assay for telomere length measurement and has extensive experience in cutting-edge genomic technologies. 📊🧬

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Dr. Muhammad G. Kibriya earned his MBBS from the Institute for Postgraduate Medicine & Research, Dhaka University in 1987, followed by a PhD in Medicine from the Medical Academy Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1994. His multidisciplinary training spans medicine, nephrology, diabetology, epidemiology, environmental health, and cancer genomics, showcasing his comprehensive academic foundation for impactful research.

Research Interests

Dr. Kibriya’s research focuses on integrative molecular genomics and gene-environment interactions in cancer epidemiology. His work addresses critical areas such as oncogenesis and its applications in disease classification, therapeutic response, and prognosis across various cancers, including colorectal, breast, thyroid, and non-melanoma skin cancers. These interests align with global priorities in precision health and public health sciences.

Technical Expertise

Dr. Kibriya has extensive experience in advanced molecular genomics assays. These include genome-wide methylation, metagenomics, microbiome assays, high-throughput genome-wide genotyping, gene expression, and next-generation sequencing. His novel development of a non-PCR-based high-throughput assay for measuring relative telomere length demonstrates innovative thinking and technological advancement.

Research Focus

Dr. Muhammad G. Kibriya focuses on gene-environment interactions, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer and chronic diseases. His research spans non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), colorectal carcinoma, thyroid cancer, and the impacts of environmental exposures like arsenic and metal mixtures on epigenetics and transcriptomic profiles. He explores genetic mutations, DNA methylation, telomere dynamics, and inflammation-related pathways in cancer development and progression. Dr. Kibriya’s work integrates high-throughput sequencing, molecular profiling, and innovative assay development to address critical gaps in cancer therapy and environmental health. 🧬🌱🩺💡

Publication Top Notes

  • Gene–Environment Interaction: Small Deletions (DELs) and Transcriptomic Profiles in NMSC
    Cells, 2025 | DOI: 10.3390/cells14020095 
  • Exposure to Metal Mixtures and Telomere Length in Bangladeshi Children
    American Journal of Epidemiology, 2025 | DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae181 
  • Assessment of Multipollutant Exposures Using Silicone Wristbands Among Bangladeshi Youth
    IJERPH, 2024 | DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21121691 
  • Association of KRAS Mutation and Gene Pathways in Colorectal Carcinoma
    IJMS, 2024 | DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158094 
  • Molecular Profiling in NMSC in a Population Exposed to Arsenic
    Cells, 2024 | DOI: 10.3390/cells13121056 
  • Association of Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Carcinoma
    Medicina, 2024 | DOI: 10.3390/medicina60030348 
  • Air Pollution Exposure and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers
    Environmental Research, 2024 | DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117496 
  • Pathways Related to Colon Inflammation and Colorectal Carcinoma
    Cancers, 2023 | DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112921 
  • DNA Promoter Methylation and BRAF Mutation in Thyroid Cancer
    Current Oncology, 2023 | DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30030227 
  • DNA Methylation QTL Mapping Across Human Tissues
    Nature Genetics, 2023 | DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01248-z 
  • Fine-Mapping the 10q24.32 Arsenic Metabolism Efficiency Locus
    PLOS Genetics, 2023 | DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010588 
  • Comparing Tissues of Early and Late Onset Colorectal Carcinoma
    IJMS, 2022 | DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214261 
  • Arsenic Exposure and Transcriptomic Profile in Basal Cell Carcinoma
    Cancers, 2022 | DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225598 
  • Spatial Accessibility of Primary Care and Hypertension Control
    Circulation, 2022 | DOI: 10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.121.008845 
  • Relative Telomere Length in Colorectal Carcinoma
    Cancers, 2022 | DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092250