Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor | FMABC University Center and Federal University of Sao Paulo | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca is a Brazilian hematology and oncology researcher whose work centers on genomic instability, cancer molecular diagnostics, and translational biomarker development. His contributions span breast cancer genetics, circulating cell-free DNA dynamics, tumor-derived DNA detection, and metabolic and obesity-related biomarkers with clinical relevance. He has advanced research on mononuclear cell fraction biology, mismatch-repair mechanisms, and molecular signatures associated with cancer progression. His work also extends to laboratory methodology, including validation of molecular assays, integration of biomarker panels into diagnostic workflows, and evaluation of precision-medicine tools such as multigene platforms for therapeutic decision-making. His recent studies include clinical–molecular investigations in oncology and immunometabolic conditions, emphasizing biomarker interpretation, molecular repair pathways, and public-health implications of diagnostic technologies.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publication

Neto, A. S., Wroclavski, M. L., Pinto, J. L. F., Marsicano, S. R., Delgado, P. O., … Fonseca, F. L. A. (2012). Methodological standardization for the extraction of free DNA in plasma of peripheral blood.

Tsun, L. Y., Bibo, T. A., Veiga, G. L., Gaiatto, A. C., Moreira e Costa, N., Raimundo, J. R., … Fonseca, F. L. A. (2023). Quantification of vitamin D at different levels of clinical worsening of COVID-19.

Quidute, R., Quidute, P., Perez, M. M., Peiró, C. H. F., da Veiga, G. L., da Costa Aguiar Alves, B., & Fonseca, F. L. A. (2025). Mismatch repair system gene expression in FFPE samples from breast cancer patients.

Normando, S. R. C., Delgado, P. O., Rodrigues, A. K. S. B., David Filho, W. J., Fonseca, F. L. A., Cruz, F. M., & del Giglio, A. (2018). Circulating free plasma tumor DNA in patients with advanced gastric cancer receiving systemic chemotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 36(15_suppl), e24067.

Cubero, D. I. G., Fonseca, F. L. A., Alves Reis, B. C. A., Sousa, L. V. A., Maselli-Schoueri, J. H., & del Giglio, A. (2025). Cost-effectiveness analysis of the 21-gene platform for guiding treatment decisions for early hormone-positive breast cancer: The perspective of the Brazilian public health system. BMC Health Services Research.

 

PHILIPPE LEFF | Health Professions | Lifetime Achievement Award

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Dr. PHILIPPE LEFF | Health Professions | Lifetime Achievement Award

Medico | INPer | Mexico

Dr. Philippe Leff Gelman is a distinguished medical scientist and neuroscientist from Mexico City with extensive expertise in neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, and clinical neuroscience, focusing on maternal mental health, addiction neurobiology, and perinatal neuroscience. Fluent in Spanish, English, and proficient in French, he earned his Medical Degree from UNAM, Mexico City, followed by a Master’s in Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry) at UNAM and a Doctorate in Medical Research from Instituto Politécnico Nacional, where he focused on biosynthetic precursors of endomorphin-like peptides. He completed postdoctoral studies in Cell Biology & Anatomy at the University of Miami and Behavioral Neuroscience at Boston University, training in neuronal protein synthesis and animal models of drug self-administration. Dr. Leff Gelman has held senior research positions at Instituto Nacional de Perinatología and Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, contributed to vaccine development for opioid addiction, and served as a visiting professor internationally. His research integrates neuroendocrine regulation, maternal behavior, neurodevelopment, and addiction neuroscience, bridging molecular, behavioral, and clinical approaches. He has received multiple national and international awards, reflecting his global impact, mentorship, and sustained scientific leadership.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publication 

Dr. Leff Gelman has authored numerous influential publications in international peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to neuroendocrinology, perinatal mental health, and addiction neuroscience. Key works include:

Leff-Gelman, P., Pellón-Díaz, G., Camacho-Arroyo, I., Palomera-Garfias, N., & Flores-Ramos, M. Neuroendocrine regulation and neural circuitry of parenthood: Integrating neuropeptides, brain receptors, and maternal behavior. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(18), 9007.

Leff, P., Chinchilla-Ochoa, D., Olivas-Peña, E., Granados-Cepeda, M. L., Trejo-Sánchez, K. C., & Farfán-Labonne, B. E. Cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus during pregnancy. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 94(2), e70134.

Camacho-Arroyo, I., Flores-Ramos, M., Mancilla-Herrera, I., Cruz-Coronel, F. M., Farfán-Labonne, B., Jiménez-Aquino, L. E., et al. Alterations in adipokine levels are associated with human perinatal anxiety and depression. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(12), 4102.

Meza-Rodríguez, M. D. P., Leff-Gelman, P., et al. Serotonin, cortisol, and DHEA-S levels in anxious and depressive pregnant women living with HIV. BMC Psychology, 12, 563.

 

Jesus Vera | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jesus Vera | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award 

University Professor, at University of Granada, Spain.

Jesús Vera Vilchez is a renowned optometrist and academic at the University of Granada, Spain, specializing in optometry, visual ergonomics, and sports vision. Since 2022, he has served as an Associate Professor in the Optics Department, after working in various academic positions since 2017. His research primarily explores the impact of physical and cognitive efforts on ocular physiology, visual function, and fatigue. With collaborations across top institutions like Columbia University and New England College of Optometry, his interdisciplinary work extends into clinical trials and glaucoma management. Jesús is a key investigator in national and international projects, contributing significantly to optometry and visual health. 🌍

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Jesús’s academic journey began at the University of Granada, where he obtained a three-year degree in Optics and Optometry (2010). He then pursued a Master’s in Clinical Optometry and Research at Camilo José Cela University (2011) and a Bachelor’s in Optics and Optometry (2013) from the same institution. His academic excellence continued with a Ph.D. in Physics and Space Sciences (2017) at the University of Granada, where his research was grounded in ocular physiology. Further diversifying his expertise, he earned a four-year degree in Psychology from the National Distance Education University in 2021, demonstrating his multidisciplinary approach. 🎓📚

Experience 💼

Jesús Vera Vilchez has had a progressive career at the University of Granada, Spain, initially joining as a Research Assistant in 2017. He then became an Assistant Professor in Optics and Optometry (2018) and later advanced to Associate Professor in 2022. Jesús has collaborated with global institutions, conducting international research stays at Western University of Health Sciences, University of California at Berkeley, and New England College of Optometry. His academic contributions include supervising Master’s theses and PhD students, while also acting as a scientific reviewer and associate editor for leading journals. 💡

Research Interest 🔬

Jesús’s research interests focus on ocular physiology, the effects of cognitive and physical efforts on visual function, and sports vision. His work explores how mental and physical fatigue influences visual health and performance. In particular, he investigates the impact of physical activity as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment for glaucoma management. By collaborating with institutions such as Columbia University and SUNY College of Optometry, Jesús aims to bridge gaps between academia and industry, fostering innovative approaches to visual health. 🏃‍♂️👁️

Award 🏅

Jesús Vera Vilchez has received numerous awards for his contributions to optometry and ocular research. Notably, he was honored with the Extraordinary Doctoral Award in Science by the University of Granada. He has also won two prizes for the best communications at international conferences, showcasing his excellence in research dissemination. Additionally, Jesús was recognized for his interdisciplinary approach, serving as the Principal Investigator for high-impact projects, including the “EYE-FIT” trial funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. 🏆

Top Noted Publication 📑

  • Enhancing reactive agility in soccer: The impact of stroboscopic eyewear during warm-up across fatigued and non-fatigued conditions
    Authors: Teresa T. Zwierko, Vicente V. Tapia, Jesús J. Vera, María Dolores M.D. Morenas-Aguilar, Amador A. García-Ramos
    Published in European Journal of Sport Science, 2024
    Open Access
  • Acute Effects of Oral Caffeine Intake on Human Global-Flash mfERG Responses: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Masked, Balanced Crossover Study
    Authors: Jesús J. Vera, Beatriz B. Redondo, Fuensanta A. Vera-Díaz, Athanasios A. Panorgias
    Published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 2024
    Open Access
  • Effects of Phenylcapsaicin on Intraocular and Ocular Perfusion Pressure During a 30-Min Cycling Task: A Placebo-Controlled, Triple-Blind, Balanced Crossover Study
    Authors: Paula M.L. Vázquez, María Dolores M.D. Morenas-Aguilar, Sara Chacón S.C. Ventura, Beatriz B. Redondo, Jesús J. Vera
    Published in International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2024
  • Light-based manipulation of visual processing speed during soccer-specific training has a positive impact on visual and visuomotor abilities in professional soccer players
    Authors: Patricia P. Rodrigues, Jack J. Woodburn, Alexander John A.J. Bond, Andrew A. Stockman, Jesús J. Vera
    Published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 2024
    Open Access
  • Orbicularis oculi muscle activity during computer reading under different degrees of artificially-induced aniseikonia
    Authors: Beatriz B. Redondo, Jesús J. Vera, Rubén R. Molina, Alejandro A. Molina-Molina, Raimundo R. Jiménez
    Published in PeerJ, 2024
  • Gaze behaviour during multiple object tracking is sensitive to postural stability
    Authors: Teresa T. Zwierko, Wojciech W. Jedziniak, Beatriz B. Redondo, Jesús J. Vera
    Published in Visual Cognition, 2024
  • Higher order aberrations according to spherical, and astigmatic refractive errors in children
    Authors: Rubén R. Molina, Beatriz B. Redondo, Carolina C. Ortiz, José Antonio J.A. Díaz, Raimundo R. Jiménez
    Published in Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2024
  • Gaze behaviour during multiple object tracking is dependent on binocular vision integrity
    Authors: Teresa T. Zwierko, Beatriz B. Redondo, Wojciech W. Jedziniak, Raimundo R. Jiménez, Jesús J. Vera
    Published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 2024
    Open Access

Conclusion

Jesús Vera Vilchez is undoubtedly a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive publication record, international research collaborations, leadership in funded projects, and mentorship roles position him as a leader in the fields of optometry and visual ergonomics. With his strong academic achievements and active contributions to advancing the understanding of ocular physiology, fatigue, and visual function, Jesús is making substantial contributions to his field. However, a broader integration of industry and clinical research, as well as expanding his influence beyond the academic world, could further solidify his position as a prominent researcher and advocate for visual health.