Can Küçük | Hematological malignancies | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Can Küçük | Hematological malignancies | Best Researcher Award

Principle investigator, Dokuz Eylül University, Turkey🧬

Dr. Can Küçük earned his B.S. degree from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Middle East Technical University (METU). He completed his Ph.D. in oncology and cancer biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 2012. Following two years of post-doctoral research at UNMC and City of Hope Medical Center, he returned to Türkiye to join the Medical Biology branch of Dokuz Eylül University. Dr. Küçük has published in esteemed journals such as Lancet Oncology, Blood, PNAS, and Clinical Cancer Research. Notably, his first-author article in Nature Communications was cited as a foundational reference for the classification of Enteropathy-Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Can Küçük earned his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Middle East Technical University, Türkiye, between 2000 and 2005. He then pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, USA, where he obtained his Ph.D. in oncology and cancer biology in 2012.

Experience 🏫

Dr. Küçük has held various academic positions at Dokuz Eylül University. Since 2023, he has been serving as an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences. Additionally, since 2018, he has been an Associate Professor at the Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology. Previously, from 2015 to 2018, he held assistant professor positions at both the Faculty of Medicine and the Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, contributing to advancements in medical and genomic research.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Küçük’s research focuses on the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic aberrations that lead to lymphoid cancers. His goal is to identify molecular biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis, risk stratification, and disease monitoring, as well as to discover more effective therapeutic targets for these cancers. ​

Awards 🏆

Internationally, Dr. Küçük has received three awards from the American Society of Hematology (ASH): the Abstract Achievement Award, the Global Research Award, and the Supplement Award. He also received the International Young Scientist Award from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Nationally, he has been honored with the TÜBA GEBİP and Science Academy BAGEP awards. Notably, Dr. Küçük facilitated access for Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine to valuable hematology education materials through the ASH International Outreach Initiative. ​

Publications 📚

Computer-Aided Identification and Design of Ligands for Multi-Targeting Inhibition of a Molecular Acute Myeloid Leukemia Network – Cancers, 2024. DOI: 10.3390/cancers16153607.

Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers of Pediatric Burkitt Lymphoma Identified Through miRNA Expression Profiling – Pediatric Research, 2024. DOI: Advanced online.

Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals Genetic Variants in Low-Risk and High-Risk Neuroblastoma – Gene, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147233.

Genetic and Epigenetic Analyses Reveal Transcriptional Silencing of SOX7 Due to Deletion in a Multiple Myeloma Case with Double Relapse – UHOD-International Journal of Hematology and Oncology, 2023. DOI: 10.4999/uhod.234456.

Whole Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals Cancer-Related, Prognostically Significant Transcripts and Tumor-Infiltrating Immunocytes in Mantle Cell Lymphoma – Cells, 2022. DOI: 10.3390/cells11212345.

Plasma Concentrations and Cancer-Associated Mutations in Cell-Free Circulating DNA of Treatment-Naïve Follicular Lymphoma for Improved Non-Invasive Diagnosis and Prognosis – Frontiers in Oncology, 2022. DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.870487.

In Silico Methods for the Identification of Diagnostic and Favorable Prognostic Markers in Acute Myeloid Leukemia – International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179125.

PRDM1 Decreases Sensitivity of Human NK Cells to IL2-Induced Cell Expansion by Directly Repressing CD25 (IL2RA) – Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2021. DOI: 10.1002/JLB.3HI0920-003R.

A Prognostic Model for Melanoma Patients Based on Immune-Related lncRNAs – Experimental Hematology & Oncology, 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00237-7.

Conclusion

Based on his extensive research background, multiple prestigious awards, and his contributions to advancing our understanding of lymphoid cancers, Dr. Can Küçük is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His continuous dedication to research, his mentoring efforts, and his international recognition solidify his place as a leading figure in his field. However, diversifying his research scope could further enhance his influence and contributions to the broader scientific community.

Cristina Fernandez-Conde De Paz | Gynecology and Obstetrics | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Cristina Fernandez-Conde De Paz | Gynecology and Obstetrics | Best Researcher Award

Consultant, Andalusian Health Service, Spain

Dr. Cristina Fernández-Conde de Paz is a distinguished gynecologist and researcher specializing in minimally invasive surgery and reproductive health. She currently serves as a Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Hospital Virgen de Valme, Spain. Her research focuses on Sonoelastocolposcopy for cervical dysplasia assessment, and she has made significant contributions to the field of pelvic floor imaging and ultrasound. With multiple high-impact publications and awards, she continues to shape advancements in gynecology through research, teaching, and clinical practice.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Fernández-Conde obtained her Medical Degree (2013-2019) from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), Madrid, Spain. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in Sonoelastocolposcopy for Cervical Dysplasia Assessment, with defense scheduled for 2025. She also holds a Master’s in Minimally Invasive Surgery (2023-2024) from TECH Universidad Tecnológica and a Postgraduate Certificate in Ultrasound in Reproduction, Endometriosis, Pelvic Pain, and Pelvic Floor from Universidad Panamericana (2023).

🏥 Professional Experience

Dr. Fernández-Conde is a Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Hospital Virgen de Valme, Spain, since November 2024. She previously completed her Residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics (2020-2024) at the same institution. She has undertaken specialized training in Human Reproduction (2023) at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre and Fetal Medicine (2024) at Hospital Universitario La Paz. Her teaching experience includes mentoring medical students at the University of Seville (2021-2023) and delivering lectures at national gynecology courses.

🔍 Research Interests

Dr. Fernández-Conde’s research primarily focuses on sonoelastography and ultrasound imaging in gynecology, with special attention to cervical dysplasia, pelvic organ prolapse, and fetal medicine. She also explores the applications of artificial intelligence in pelvic floor assessment and the clinical implications of small-vessel vasculitis in gynecological procedures.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Fernández-Conde has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Fernando Caba Barrientos Residency Award (2024). She has also won research grants and prizes for her outstanding conference presentations, such as the SEGO National Training Award (2023) for her work on sonoelastography in pelvic organ prolapse and the SAGO Research Award (2022) for cost-effectiveness studies in tubal evaluation.

📚 Publications

SonoElastoColposcopy: A New Tool for Cervical Dysplasia Assessment – Diagnostics, 2025. 🔗Link (Q1)

Small-vessel vasculitis: a potential rare adverse event following hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) – Quant Imaging Med Surg, 2024. (Q1)

Methodology and utility of intrapartum ultrasound – Clínica e Investigación en Ginecología y Obstetricia, 2024. (Q4)

Applicability of Deep Learning to Dynamically Identify the Different Organs of the Pelvic Floor – Int Urogynecol J, 2024. (Q1)

Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges – Diagnostics, 2024. (Q2)

The Application of Shear Wave Elastography to Determine the Elasticity of the Levator Ani Muscle and Vaginal Tissue – J Ultrasound Med, 2024. (Q2)

Reproducibility of the anorectal angle with transperineal ultrasound – Quant Imaging Med Surg, 2023. (Q2)

Are Transperineal Ultrasound Parameters Useful to Predict Incontinence in Patients with Single-Incision Mini-Slings? – Tomography, 2022. (Q2)

The role of transperineal ultrasound for the assessment of the anorectal angle – Tomography, 2022. (Q2)

Uterine arteriovenous malformation as a cause of late puerperal hemorrhage – Ginecol Obstet Mex, 2023. (Q4)

Conclusion

Dr. Cristina Fernández-Conde de Paz is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in sonoelastography, extensive clinical and research experience, and recognition through awards and high-impact publications make her a strong contender. With further expansion into international research collaborations and larger-scale projects, her contributions to gynecology and obstetrics could become even more impactful.

 

Joseph Stancanello | Medical | Excellence in Innovation

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Dr. Joseph Stancanello | Medical | Excellence in Innovation

Vicepresident, Elekta, France

Joseph Stancanello (b. 09/03/1976) is a global healthcare technology leader with a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Politecnico di Milano. 🌍 With executive roles across top medical companies like Elekta, Guerbet, and Siemens Healthcare, he has driven innovation in radiotherapy and imaging systems. ✨ An expert in P&L management, business development, and R&D, Joseph bridges clinical, regulatory, and business needs. He excels in defining value propositions and fostering innovation through strategic partnerships and mergers. 💡 Beyond his corporate impact, he reviews cancer research proposals for European TRANSCAN calls and AI funding for the Italian Ministry of Research. 🧠 His expertise spans AI, radiotherapy, and advanced imaging technologies, addressing both patient care and market growth.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education🎓

Joseph Stancanello has a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and an MSc in Biomedical Engineering, both magna cum laude from Politecnico di Milano. 🌟 He also earned an Executive MBA from MIP Politecnico di Milano, securing the 2010 Best Dissertation Prize. 🎖️ His educational foundation includes:  Executive education at INSEAD, SDA Bocconi, and MIT-Sloan School of Management.  Specialized programs like “Finance for Executives” and “Driving Strategic Innovation. nA classical education background from “Secusio” Liceo in Italy (60/60). Joseph combines technical expertise with business acumen, driving healthcare innovation globally.

Experience 🌍

Joseph Stancanello has over two decades of global healthcare experience: VP Clinical Applications, Elekta (2021–Present): Leads global teams in advancing radiotherapy imaging and therapy solutions. Director of Marketing AI, Guerbet (2019–2021): Launched AI-based cancer diagnostics solutions. CEO, Oncoradiomics (2017–2019): Managed VC fundraising and global business strategies. Leadership roles at GE and Siemens (2007–2015): Spearheaded MRI research, workflows, and innovative imaging techniques.

Awards & Honors🏆 

Joseph Stancanello has received multiple accolades for his contributions to healthcare: Best Dissertation Prize, Politecnico di Milano Executive MBA, 2010. Invited reviewer for European TRANSCAN cancer calls and AI projects (2022–2024). Recognized for advancing imaging systems and radiotherapy applications globally.
These achievements underscore his leadership in healthcare technology and research.

Research Focus 🌟

Advanced radiotherapy techniques and imaging for cancer care. 📊 AI in healthcare, focusing on diagnostic and predictive tools  Morphological and functional imaging in radiosurgery. Bridging clinical needs with technology innovations to improve patient outcomes His research drives precision medicine and healthcare transformation globally.

Publications

  • Evolution of AI in Medical Imaging: The review by Avanzo et al. (2024) emphasizes the integration of computer science principles with machine and deep learning techniques to enhance medical imaging applications.
  • Head and Neck Cancer Prognosis: Studies by Wang et al. (2022) and Lombardo et al. (2021) develop convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models for predicting cancer prognosis and metastasis, demonstrating the potential of AI in clinical oncology.
  • Radiomics and Deep Learning: The series of works, including a review in Strahlentherapie und Onkologie (2020), explore how combining radiomics and deep learning improves tumor response prediction and radiotherapy outcomes.
  • Lung Cancer and Radiomics: Multiple studies, including Avanzo et al. (2021), utilize CT imaging and biologically effective dose data in radiomics to enhance predictive models for robotic lung stereotactic radiation therapy.
  • Fibrosis and Dosimetry: Avanzo and colleagues (2020) focus on using machine learning to predict radiation-induced fibrosis, advancing personalized medicine approaches in radiotherapy.
  • AI in Hybrid Imaging: Castiglioni et al. (2019) detail how AI-based tools in hybrid imaging facilitate multi-parametric decision-making, underscoring the versatility of AI in various imaging modalities.
  • Practical Applications in IOERT: Research on intraoperative electron radiotherapy (Avanzo et al., 2020) addresses dosimetry challenges and tissue inhomogeneities, bridging AI with practical clinical applications.
  • Clinical Trials in Breast Cancer: Long-term outcomes of partial breast irradiation trials (Vinante et al., 2019) highlight advancements in treatment protocols facilitated by AI-enhanced imaging analysis.

Conclusion

Dr. Joseph Stancanello’s exemplary leadership in medical imaging, AI-driven solutions, and radiotherapy innovation makes him an ideal candidate for the Research for Excellence in Innovation Award. His ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic foresight has significantly influenced global healthcare innovation. Continued efforts to expand his publication record and integrate broader societal benefits into his projects would further enhance his profile. This evaluation underscores his readiness to receive this recognition as a pioneer in healthcare innovation.