Hadi Maleki-Kakelar | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Hadi Maleki-Kakelar | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Solid Tumor Research Center | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hadi Maleki-Kakelar is a prominent researcher recognized for his contributions to molecular targeted therapy, cancer nanomedicine, and drug delivery systems. His interdisciplinary work bridges molecular biology, microbiology, and nanotechnology to develop innovative solutions for cancer and infectious diseases. With 335 citations, 16 publications, and an h-index of 10, Assist. Prof. Dr. Hadi Maleki-Kakelar has demonstrated exceptional research impact. His publications in leading journals such as The Lancet, Gastric Cancer, Biotechnology Advances, and Life Sciences highlight breakthroughs in Helicobacter pylori carcinogenesis, probiotic-driven cancer therapy, and bioengineered microalgae for therapeutic protein production. His recent collaborations on macrophage-based regenerative therapeutics, engineered exosomes, and extracellular vesicle applications underscore his forward-thinking approach to translational and regenerative medicine. Actively involved in workshops on PCR, CRISPR, and bioinformatics,

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Maleki-Kakelar, H., Barzegari, A., Dehghani, J., Hanifian, S., Saeedi, N., & Barar, J. (2019). Pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori in cancer development and impacts of vaccination. Gastric Cancer, 22(1), 23–36.

  • Dehghani, J., Adibkia, K., Movafeghi, A., Barzegari, A., Pourseif, M. M., & Maleki-Kakelar, H. (2018). Stable transformation of Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis: A promising microalga for production of edible vaccines. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 1–12.

  • Maleki-Kakelar, H., Dehnad, A., Hanifian, S., & Khani, S. (2013). Isolation and molecular identification of Streptomyces spp. with antibacterial activity from northwest of Iran. BioImpacts: BI, 3(3), 129.

  • Dehghani, J., Adibkia, K., Movafeghi, A., Maleki-Kakelar, H., Saeedi, N., & Barzegari, A. (2020). Towards a new avenue for producing therapeutic proteins: Microalgae as a tempting green biofactory. Biotechnology Advances, 40, 107499.

  • Maleki-Kakelar, H., Barzegari, A., Hanifian, S., Barar, J., & Omidi, Y. (2019). Isolation and molecular identification of Lactobacillus with probiotic potential from abomasums driven rennet. Food Chemistry, 272, 709–714.

Umberto Malapelle | Molecular Pathology | Excellence in Research Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle | Molecular Pathology | Excellence in Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle | University of Naples Federico II | Italy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle is an accomplished researcher and academic specializing in molecular pathology, oncology, and precision medicine. He earned his Laurea Magistrale in Medical Biotechnology summa cum laude and later a Ph.D. in Anatomical Pathology from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where he now serves as Chief Supervisor of the Predictive Molecular Pathology Laboratory. His professional journey includes international research collaborations in Spain and Germany, extensive teaching roles in pathology, and leadership positions such as Chair of Young Investigators and Secretary of the International Society of Liquid Biopsy. He has contributed to national and international research projects, authored innovative diagnostic tools like the SiRe® NGS panel, and co-founded the university spin-off Genedin. As Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Liquid Biopsy and Associate Editor for leading oncology journals, he significantly shapes scientific discourse. His research focuses on liquid biopsy, immunotherapy, and translational oncology, influencing clinical practice and guidelines worldwide.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle earned his Laurea Magistrale in Medical Biotechnology summa cum laude from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where he developed a passion for molecular oncology and precision medicine. He pursued a Ph.D. in Anatomical Pathology at the same university, focusing on predictive biomarkers for EGFR mutations and their analytical and clinical validation in cancer treatment. During his formative years, he expanded his expertise through international collaborations and training programs. He completed research training at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas in Madrid, Spain, where he worked on molecular pathology projects with renowned experts, and participated in advanced training in microdissection and sequencing technologies in Germany. These experiences shaped his skills in translational oncology, molecular diagnostics, and innovative methodologies for cancer biomarker discovery. His educational path reflects a strong balance of academic excellence, global research exposure, and commitment to advancing pathology for clinical benefit.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle professional career demonstrates a blend of academic teaching, clinical research, and international collaboration. He began as a research partner in Spain at CNIO, gaining hands-on expertise in molecular pathology, and later continued collaborations with leading institutions in Barcelona and Germany. At the University of Naples “Federico II,” he has served as lecturer in pathology across medical, technical, and specialized courses, training future doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Beyond academia, he plays key roles in research projects funded by regional and international grants, particularly focusing on liquid biopsy and predictive biomarkers in oncology. He has held leadership roles in scientific societies, including Chair of Young Investigators and Secretary of the International Society of Liquid Biopsy, and is an active member of European oncology networks. His editorial contributions and committee memberships further highlight his influence in shaping research, education, and clinical innovation in cancer diagnostics.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle’s research focus lies at the intersection of molecular oncology, liquid biopsy, and precision medicine. His work emphasizes the development and validation of advanced diagnostic platforms, including next-generation sequencing and circulating tumor DNA analysis, to detect clinically relevant mutations in solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer. He has significantly contributed to international consensus guidelines and biomarker-driven strategies, shaping the evolving landscape of personalized treatment. His studies explore resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies, tumor mutational burden, immunotherapy responses, and novel molecular pathways that impact clinical decision-making in oncology. Beyond biomarker testing, his research extends to translational medicine, integrating laboratory discoveries into real-world clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. As a global leader in liquid biopsy, he collaborates widely with international organizations and societies, advancing innovation in predictive pathology, therapeutic monitoring, and personalized cancer care.

Publication Top Notes

Liquid biopsy for advanced NSCLC: a consensus statement from the international association for the study of lung cancer
Year: 2021 | Citations: 565

The evolving landscape of biomarker testing for non-small cell lung cancer in Europe
Year: 2021 | Citations: 212

Profile of the Roche cobas® EGFR mutation test v2 for non-small cell lung cancer
Year: 2017 | Citations: 198

EGFR and HER2 exon 20 insertions in solid tumours: from biology to treatment
Year: 2022 | Citations: 181

CBX7 is a tumor suppressor in mice and humans
Year: 2012 | Citations: 172

PTEN Alterations and Their Role in Cancer Management: Are We Making Headway on Precision Medicine?
Year: 2020 | Citations: 160

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umberto Malapelle is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award. His pioneering work in liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, and translational oncology, combined with leadership in academia and international committees, showcases his alignment with the award’s criteria. With broader interdisciplinary engagement and expanded mentorship visibility, his candidacy would stand out even further.

Nora Katabi | Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nora Katabi | Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nora Katabi, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States

Dr. Nora Katabi is a distinguished Associate Member and Attending Pathologist at Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases (MSKCC), with a specialization in oncologic surgical pathology. She earned her M.D. from Damascus University in 1997 and completed her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Baylor University Medical Center, followed by a prestigious fellowship at MSKCC. Her research focuses on histopathologic and molecular characterization of salivary gland tumors and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, with multiple funded projects and IRB-approved studies. As Principal Investigator, she has led groundbreaking studies on NR4A3 abnormalities and polymorphous adenocarcinomas. A committed educator, she has served as Associate Program Director of the surgical pathology fellowship since 2017. Dr. Katabi is an editorial board member for Head and Neck Pathology and Cancers, and an active contributor to global pathology standards. Her leadership and scholarship make her a leading figure in diagnostic and translational pathology.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Educational and Postdoctoral Training Background

Dr. Nora Katabi earned her M.D. from the Damascus University School of Medicine, Syria, in 1997, laying the foundation for her distinguished career in pathology. She pursued several externships to broaden her clinical exposure and research skills, including cardiovascular training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University (1997–1998), and cancer cytogenetics at Wayne State University, Detroit (1998–1999). Further training in internal medicine and ambulatory cardiology was completed at Detroit Medical Center (1999–2000). Dr. Katabi began her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas (2000–2005), where she also served as Chief Resident during her final year. She went on to complete a highly specialized fellowship in Oncologic Surgical Pathology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York (2005–2006). This rigorous academic and clinical trajectory equipped Dr. Katabi with a robust foundation for her impactful contributions in oncologic pathology and academic medicine.

Professional Positions and Employment

Dr. Nora Katabi has held a series of progressive academic and clinical positions at the Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases. She began her tenure as Instructor and Chief Fellow from July 2006 to June 2008, followed by a continued appointment as Instructor until June 2008. Dr. Katabi was then appointed Assistant Member (Level 1) from July 2008 to October 2011, before being promoted to Assistant Member, a role she held until December 2016. Since then, she has served as an Associate Member, a position she currently maintains. In parallel with her academic appointments, Dr. Katabi has also served in critical clinical roles. She was appointed Assistant Attending Pathologist (Level 1) from July 2008 to October 2011, then Assistant Attending Pathologist until December 2016. Currently, she holds the title of Associate Attending Pathologist, a role she has served in since December 2016, reflecting her expertise and leadership in oncologic surgical pathology.

Licensure and Board Certification

Dr. Nora Katabi is a board-certified pathologist with licensure to practice medicine in multiple states. She obtained her New York medical license (License No. 236757) on June 29, 2005, which remained valid through December 29, 2022. Additionally, she secured a medical license in New Jersey (License No. 25MA11182900) issued on July 7, 2021, with an expiration date of June 30, 2023. Dr. Katabi also holds a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number 107354826. Her professional credentials are further solidified through board certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. She was officially certified on August 11, 2005, under Certificate No. 05-177. This certification reflects her comprehensive training, dedication to pathology, and adherence to the highest standards of clinical practice in diagnostic medicine. Dr. Katabi’s licensure and board status underscore her qualifications and longstanding commitment to excellence in medical pathology.

Research Focus

Dr. Nora Katabi’s research is primarily focused on head and neck pathology, with a particular emphasis on salivary gland tumors. Her work spans a comprehensive spectrum of low- to high-grade neoplasms, exploring their histologic, molecular, and clinicopathologic features. She has investigated the incidence and outcomes of nodal metastasis in low-grade salivary gland carcinomas, the diagnostic implications of molecular profiling in polymorphous adenocarcinomas, and the aggressive behavior of adenoid cystic carcinomas. Dr. Katabi’s contributions include evaluating tumor grading systems, identifying novel gene fusions in challenging carcinomas, and applying immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of oncocytic and Warthin-like tumors. Her research integrates translational approaches, including RNA sequencing and morphologic analyses, to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, she has explored the prognostic factors in epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma and examined active surveillance in pleomorphic adenomas. Collectively, her work advances understanding of rare head and neck malignancies, emphasizing precision diagnostics and improved patient management.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Nodal Metastasis in Low Grade Salivary Gland Carcinoma” – Head and Neck Pathology, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Comprehensive Evaluation of Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma with 2-Tiered Grading” – Modern Pathology, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Sympathetic Axonogenesis Promotes Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Progression” – Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Long-Term Results of EBRT ± Chemotherapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer” – Thyroid, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Targeted RNA Sequencing in Head and Neck Carcinomas” – Histopathology, 2025 | 📅 2025 | 📑 1 citation | 🧬📊

  • “Active Surveillance for Pleomorphic Adenomas of the Parotid” – Journal of Surgical Oncology, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Histologic Predictors in Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma (EMC)” – Virchows Archiv, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Oral Cavity SCC” – JAMA Otolaryngology, 2025 | 📅 2025

  • “Phase 2 Trial of Regorafenib in Recurrent Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma” – Clinical Cancer Research, 2024 | 📅 2024

  • “BSND Immunohistochemistry in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Diagnosis” – Head and Neck Pathology, 2024 | 📅 2024 | 📑 1 citation | 🧫🔬

 

Federica Russo | Molecular genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Federica Russo | Molecular genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Federica Russo, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Italy

Dr. Federica Russo is an Italian biomedical researcher specializing in medical genetics and rare Mendelian disorders. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Biosciences and Biotechnology at Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro,” in collaboration with IRCCS Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza. With a strong academic foundation in biology and biomedical lab techniques, Dr. Russo has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in the field of genomics. Her work integrates advanced molecular methods and bioinformatics, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy in genetic diseases. Passionate and detail-oriented, she combines clinical laboratory skills with innovative research approaches. 🧬🇮🇹📚

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Russo earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Techniques from Università degli Studi di Foggia with highest honors (110/110 Lode). She then completed a Master of Science in Biology from Università degli Studi Milano-Bicocca, where she investigated TAB2 gene variants causing multisystem disorders. Currently, she is enrolled in a PhD program in Biosciences and Biotechnology at Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro,” focusing on multi-OMICs strategies for diagnosing rare Mendelian disorders. Her academic path reflects a consistent focus on molecular biology, medical genetics, and translational research methodologies. 🧫📖🧪

🧪 Experience

Dr. Russo has accumulated valuable experience at the IRCCS Fondazione “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza,” where she currently works as a Biomedical Laboratory Technician. She began with a curricular internship in 2021, followed by a term contract and later a full-time role. Alongside her job, she undertakes her PhD project involving multi-OMICs data integration for rare genetic disorder diagnosis. Her roles encompass molecular diagnostics, NGS, PCR, and bioinformatics analysis. This combination of clinical practice and research allows her to contribute effectively to the advancement of precision medicine in the genetic field. 🧬🔬🧑‍🔬

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Federica Russo graduated with highest academic distinction (110/110 Lode) from Università degli Studi di Foggia. While formal award records are not listed, her publications in high-impact genetic research and her selection for a prestigious PhD project at Università degli Studi di Bari reflect her academic excellence and research potential. Her involvement in clinically significant studies, including those on Ehlers-Danlos and Opitz syndromes, highlights her growing recognition in the field of human genetics and bioinformatics. She is considered a promising young scientist within the Italian biomedical research community. 🏆🎖️📘

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Russo’s research is centered on developing cost-effective diagnostic strategies for rare Mendelian disorders using a multi-OMICs approach. Her work integrates exome, transcriptome, and low-pass genome sequencing data to improve clinical outcomes in medical genetics. She focuses on splicing abnormalities, structural variant detection, and functional genomics. Her notable contributions include studies on TAB2, COL5A1, MID1, and PLOD1 genes, enhancing the clinical interpretation of rare genetic variants. Her aim is to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and patient care through precision diagnostics and translational research. 🧬💡🧫

Publication Top Notes

Whole Blood Multi-OMIC Analysis Is Effective in Clinical Interpretation of Splicing Aberrations in PLOD1-Related Kyphoscoliotic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
📅 Published: April 10, 2025
📘 Journal: American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A
🔗 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.64085

Opitz syndrome: Improving Clinical Interpretation of Intronic Variants in MID1 Gene
📅 Published: April 2023
📘 Journal: Pediatric Research
🔗 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02237-y

Loss-of-Function Variants in Exon 4 of TAB2 Cause a Recognizable Multisystem Disorder with Cardiovascular, Facial, Cutaneous, and Musculoskeletal Involvement
📅 Published: November 2021
📘 Journal: Genetics in Medicine
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2021.10.009

Gonosomal Mosaicism for a Novel COL5A1 Pathogenic Variant in Classic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
📅 Published: November 29, 2021
📘 Journal: Genes
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121928