Margherita Barbuti | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Margherita Barbuti | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Medical doctor in private practice | University of Pisa | Italy

Dr. Margherita Barbuti is a highly regarded psychiatrist and clinical researcher recognized for her work in translational psychiatry, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychopharmacology. Trained at the University of Pisa, she integrates clinical expertise with innovative research, focusing on mood disorders, addiction, and obesity-related psychiatric conditions. Her work bridges neuroscience and behavioral medicine, contributing to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in mental health care. She has authored 55 scientific documents, which have collectively received 820 citations from 689 sources, reflecting her strong impact in the field. Additionally, she has served as an editor and reviewer for leading international journals and has participated in major clinical trials addressing complex psychiatric disorders. Through her research, teaching, and clinical leadership, Dr. Barbuti continues to advance evidence-based psychiatry and promote interdisciplinary collaboration, shaping the future of mental health research and practice.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications 

Barbuti, M., et al. (2019). Personalized and precision medicine as informants for treatment management of bipolar disorder. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 34(5), 237–245. — Cited by 138 articles.

Barbuti, M., et al. (2022). Treatment adherence and tolerability of immediate- and prolonged-release lithium formulations in bipolar patients. Journal of Affective Disorders, 297, 312–320. — Cited by 84 articles.

Barbuti, M., et al. (2021). Psychiatric comorbidities and emotional dysregulation in bariatric patients: Implications for surgical outcomes. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 645872. — Cited by 67 articles.

Shebli Atrash | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shebli Atrash | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Shebli Atrash | Levine Cancer Institute | United States

Dr. Shebli Atrash, MD, MS, FACP, is a distinguished physician-scientist specializing in hematological malignancies and blood disorders. Currently serving as Associate Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, he is deeply committed to advancing cancer research, patient care, and medical education. With an MD from the University of Damascus and advanced training in cancer biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Atrash has built a career centered on innovation in oncology. His expertise spans clinical practice, academic teaching, translational research, and leadership in clinical trials. Over the years, he has earned multiple recognitions for excellence, including Resident of the Year and awards for top accrual in clinical trials. As a reviewer and editor for leading journals and an active member of numerous professional societies, he continues to shape the global conversation in oncology. His dedication bridges scientific innovation with compassionate patient care.

Professional Profile: 

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Atrash began his medical journey at the University of Damascus, where he earned his MD. His pursuit of deeper scientific knowledge led him to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he completed a Clinical Translational Science Certificate and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences with a cancer biology track. To complement his clinical and academic expertise, he also completed advanced leadership training through the Physician/APP Leadership Institute program at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. His educational path reflects a balance of rigorous medical training, translational research expertise, and leadership development. Each step has prepared him to excel in bridging bedside care with cutting-edge oncology research. His lifelong learning commitment underscores his passion for improving outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies.

Experience

Dr. Atrash’s professional journey demonstrates a remarkable blend of clinical excellence, academic leadership, and scientific research. He began his training as an Internal Medicine Intern and Resident at St. Barnabas Hospital/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, followed by a Hematology & Oncology Fellowship at UAMS. His faculty appointments span prestigious institutions, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Atrium Health, and now Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where he serves as an Associate Professor in Hematology and Oncology. Beyond academia, Dr. Atrash has contributed to clinical trial development, serving on multiple advisory boards for leading pharmaceutical companies and acting as a reviewer and editor for top oncology journals. His wide-reaching experience also includes roles on independent review committees for pivotal Phase  clinical trials. With a career marked by leadership, innovation, and collaboration, Dr. Atrash is recognized as both a skilled clinician and a visionary researcher.

Research Interest

Dr. Atrash’s research interests center on hematological malignancies, with a special focus on multiple myeloma. He is deeply engaged in exploring novel therapies and clinical trials that advance patient care, including CAR-T cell therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and combination regimens for relapsed/refractory myeloma. His translational work integrates cancer cell biology with therapeutic innovation, seeking to develop strategies that improve survival and quality of life for patients. He is currently the Principal Investigator of a multimillion-dollar investigator-initiated trial exploring Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, Dexamethasone, and Belantamab Mafodotin for multiple myeloma. Additionally, his roles on the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), and CIBMTR reflect his influence on the global hematology research agenda. His interests also extend to improving clinical trial design, translational oncology, and immune-based therapies, positioning him as a leader in shaping the next generation of cancer therapeutics.

Awards

Dr. Atrash has consistently been recognized for his excellence in medicine, research, and clinical trials. Early in his career, he was honored as Resident of the Year at St. Barnabas Hospital. During his time at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, he received the Dean’s Circle of Excellence Awards, highlighting his academic and clinical contributions. More recently, at Atrium Health, he was recognized as the Top Accruer for interventional and non-interventional clinical trials, showcasing his leadership in clinical research and dedication to advancing therapies for patients. These honors reflect his consistent ability to combine academic rigor, research innovation, and patient-centered care. Collectively, they illustrate a career built on excellence, impact, and recognition from both peers and leading institutions in oncology and internal medicine.

Publications

Dr. Atrash has authored and co-authored numerous impactful publications in top-tier oncology and hematology journals. His research spans multiple myeloma, novel therapeutics, and immune-based strategies, with publications widely cited by peers. He also serves as a reviewer, guest editor, and editorial board member for high-impact journals such as Cancers, British Journal of Haematology, and Annals of Blood. Selected publications include:

Title: Dexamethasone for the management of CRS Related to teclistamab in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Citations: 2

Title: Outcomes of teclistamab in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with prior exposure to BCMA-directed therapy: a multicenter study from the U.S. Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy Consortium
Journal: Blood Cancer Journal, 2025

Title: A phase 2 randomized study of modakafusp alfa as a single agent for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Journal: Blood, 2025

Title: Stem Cell Mobilization Yields with Daratumumab (Dara) and Lenalidomide (Len)-Containing Quadruplet Induction Therapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM): A Real-World Experience at 2 Institutes
Journal: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia, 2025

Title: Teclistamab for patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and renal impairment
Journal: Blood Advances, 2025

Title: Global Access to Multiple Myeloma Therapies
Journal: JCO Global Oncology, 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Shebli Atrash is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, bringing together academic excellence, clinical innovation, and impactful service to the hematology and oncology community. His strong record in clinical trial leadership, journal editorships, and advisory roles establishes him as a distinguished researcher in multiple myeloma. With continued growth in authorship leadership, international visibility, and mentorship, Dr. Atrash’s career trajectory promises sustained contributions to cancer research and patient outcomes. Based on his strengths, he is highly suitable for this award.

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.