Pietro Pasquini | Gynaecology | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Pietro Pasquini |  Gynaecology | Innovative Research Award 

Doctor | University of Bologna | Italy

Dr. Pietro Pasquini is an Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident at the University of Bologna, specializing in Gynecologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery through the ORSI Academy, Belgium, where he also serves as a Clinical Fellow and Robotic Surgery trainer at AZORG Hospital, Aalst. He was a member of the first European team to perform telesurgery, reflecting his pioneering contributions to robotic gynecologic surgery. His medical training includes a residency at IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy, clinical fellowships in Tanzania (Consolata Hospital, Ob/Gyn and General Surgery) and Belgium (UZ Brussels, Oncological, Abdominal, Thoracic, and Cardiac Surgery), a Master’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna, and an extensive role as an Anatomy Dissection Tutor at DIBINEM, Bologna. Pasquini has actively participated in professional development programs, including Erasmus+ internships, IFAB’s Young Talent program, and international anatomy conferences. He holds certifications in multiple robotic platforms (DaVinci® X, Xi, Toumai®, HugoTM RAS, Hinotori®), gynecological ultrasound (IOTA), BLSD, and ECDL. He has presented at major conferences such as the Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery and Society of Robotic Surgery. Pasquini has authored key publications on telesurgery and gynecologic oncology, including Pioneering telesurgery in gynecology: the first European case of total hysterectomy (J Robot Surg. 2025;19:460), and Effect of Diaphragmatic Resection Versus Stripping in Advanced Ovarian Cancer (Ann Surg Oncol. 2025). His h-index is 2 with 11 citations across 4 Scopus-listed documents. He actively leads ongoing research in AI-assisted surgical planning, robotic hysterectomy, peritoneal cancer index detection, and surgical simulation standardization, demonstrating expertise in robotic surgery, patient care, database management, and public speaking.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Pazzaglia, E., Pasquini, P., Jamaer, E., Traen, K., Despierre, E., & Mottrie, A. (2025). Pioneering telesurgery in gynecology: The first European case of total hysterectomy. Journal of Robotic Surgery.

2. Mezzapesa, F., Di Costanzo, S., Coadă, C. A., Bernante, P., Balsamo, F., Garelli, S., Genovesi, L., Pasquini, P., Lambertini, A., Caramelli, F., et al. (2024). Combined robotic surgery for concomitant treatment of endometrial cancer and obesity. Surgical Endoscopy.

3. Santoro, M., Zybin, V., Coada, C. A., Mantovani, G., Paolani, G., Di Stanislao, M., Modolon, C., Di Costanzo, S., Lebovici, A., Ravegnini, G., et al. (2024). Machine learning applied to pre-operative computed-tomography-based radiomic features can accurately differentiate uterine leiomyoma from leiomyosarcoma: A pilot study. Cancers.

Elisabeth Spenard | Gynecologic Oncology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Spenard | Gynecologic Oncology | Best Researcher Award 

MD | Laval University | Canada

Dr. Elisabeth Spénard, MD, MSc, FRCSC, is a highly accomplished Gynecologic Oncologist and Clinical Teaching Associate at Université Laval, where she also serves as Academic Director, Co-Research Director, and Quality Improvement Lead in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. She holds active staff appointments in Gynecologic Oncology at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and has been an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, where she supervises Master’s students in the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) program. Dr. Spénard completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Montreal, a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Toronto, and a Master of Science in QIPS, equipping her with strong expertise in patient-centered care, surgical oncology, and clinical research. Her professional journey is marked by leadership roles in national and institutional committees, including co-leading the ERAS Gynecology Oncology Committee with Quebec’s Ministry of Health and serving as a reviewer and judge for ovarian cancer research awards. She has earned multiple awards, such as the Bruce Galloway Trainee Award, and distinctions for best oral and poster presentations from leading Canadian gynecologic oncology associations. Her research is focused on hereditary cancers, surgical innovation, and quality improvement, supported by competitive grants such as the Surgical Oncology Innovations Grant and Canadian Blood Services Accelerator Grant. With an expanding academic footprint, Dr. Spénard has authored 6  publications, cited 35 times, with an h-index of 3, underscoring her growing contributions to advancing gynecologic oncology research and education

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

1. Spénard, E., Lin, Y., Covens, A., Gien, L. T., Vicus, D., et al. (2025). Optimizing the screening and management of preoperative anemia prior to gynecologic oncology surgery (OPRA1): A quality improvement initiative. Gynecologic Oncology. Advance online publication.

Alaa Hamza Abbas | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Alaa Hamza Abbas | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer | Al-Mustaqbal University | Iraq

Dr. Alaa Hamza Abbas Sultan is a distinguished academic and researcher from Iraq, currently serving as Director of the Drugs and Forensic Poisons Information Center at Diwaniyah Health. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Pharmacology from Al-Nahrain University, following a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Mosul University. His professional journey includes roles as a pharmacist, lecturer, certified trainer, and health administrator, contributing significantly to clinical pharmacology, medical education, and healthcare development. Dr. Abbas has been actively involved in reviewing for reputable journals and has participated in numerous international conferences, both as a researcher and reviewer. His research focuses on pharmacological interventions for metabolic disorders, inflammation, and dermatological conditions, with several impactful studies exploring the therapeutic effects of natural products and pharmacological agents, especially in models of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and psoriasis. Notable publications include articles in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, and the Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences. Beyond research, he contributes to teaching pharmacology, histology, and medical sciences, mentoring future professionals. His scholarly presence is recognized across Google Scholar, Scopus, ORCID, and Web of Science, reflecting his integration into the global scientific community. Dr. Abbas has authored 10 publications, which collectively received 165 citations from 48 documents, showcasing the relevance of his work. His contributions have earned him an h-index of 8, reflecting both productivity and citation impact in his field

Profiles:  Scopus |  Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Salman, H. R., Alzubaidy, A. A., Abbas, A. H., & Mohammad, H. A. (2024). Attenuated effects of topical vinpocetine in an imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 19(1), 35–53. Cited by: 30

2. Hayder Ridha-Salman, D. M. H. S. A. M., Al-Zubaidy, A. A., & Abbas, A. H. (2024). The alleviative effects of canagliflozin on imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis-like inflammation. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 398, 1–21. Cited by: 29*

3. Ridha-Salman, H., Shihab, E. M., Hasan, H. K., Abbas, A. H., Khorsheed, S. M., & others. (2024). Mitigative effects of topical norfloxacin on an imiquimod-induced murine model of psoriasis. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 7(9), 2739–2754. Cited by: 29

4. Hayder Ridha-Salman, A. H. A. Q. A. Z., & Al-Zubaidy, A. A. (2023). The ameliorative effects of topical gemifloxacin alone or in combination with clobetasol propionate on imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis in mice. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology. Cited by: 28*

5. Abbas, A. H. (2023). The attenuated effects of Epagliflozin on imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis. Latin American Journal of Pharmacy, 42(Special Issue), 362–369. Cited by: 21

Handan Özcan | Gynecology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Handan Özcan | Gynecology | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor| University of Health Sciences | Turkey

Dr. Handan Özcan, Associate Professor at the University of Health Sciences, is a distinguished scholar in women’s health, midwifery, and psychosocial interventions, with research spanning perinatal mental health, reproductive and sexual health, menopause, complementary therapies, and patient-centered care. Her multidisciplinary projects integrate clinical practice, education, and evidence-based strategies to address critical challenges in maternal and reproductive health, empowering women through innovative approaches that improve quality of life and health outcomes. She has conducted influential studies on stigma in HPV-positive women, perinatal grief, postpartum mental health, endometriosis, and the use of non-pharmacological interventions such as mindfulness, music, and complementary therapies. In addition to her extensive teaching and curriculum development experience, she has edited key academic books, authored numerous book chapters, and served as reviewer and editorial board member for leading journals. Dr. Özcan is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Association, Turkish Nurses Association, and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, contributing to global collaborations in advancing women’s health. She has authored over 85 peer-reviewed journal articles, with notable publications in 2025 addressing chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, postpartum depression, sleep quality, and women’s health challenges in conflict zones. Her work has been widely recognized, accumulating 76 citations, with an h-index of 5 and i10-index of 25, reflecting both the academic impact and global relevance of her research contributions. Through innovation, mentorship, and impactful scholarship, Dr. Özcan exemplifies excellence in advancing maternal and women’s health worldwide.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Karakaş, S., Uzun, S., & Özcan, H. (2025). The effect of omega-3 fatty acid use on women’s mental health in postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 71(1), e20241389. Cited by: 1

2. Elkoca, A., Özcan, H., & Kahraman, B. Y. (2025). Complementary and alternative medicine therapies used by women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Advances in Integrative Medicine, 12(1), 75–80. Cited by: 3

3. Çuvadar, A., & Özcan, H. (2025). Effects of civil war on young women in Somalia: Exploring the relationships between death anxiety, meaning in life and self‐esteem. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 31(1), e70035. Cited by: 1

4. Özcan, H., Oral, S., Kuruay, Ş., & Yilmaz, B. M. (2025). The effect of music on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during nonstress testing. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 31(1), e14106. Cited by: 2

5. Özcan, H., & Güngör, T. (2024). Breastfeeding experience and anxiety in mothers with COVID-19 in the postnatal period: A qualitative study. Archives of Public Health, 82(1), 62. Cited by: 2

Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou | Disease Modeling | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou | Disease Modeling | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer-Researcher | University of Labé | Guinea

Dr. Castro Gbêmêmali Hounmenou is a distinguished statistician and data science expert with a Doctorate in Statistics-Probability, specializing in statistical learning and data mining, complemented by degrees in Environmental Engineering and Psychology (social and professional life). With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed extensively to public health, nutrition, climate change, education, gender, citizenship, and sustainable development. Dr. Hounmenou has designed and managed complex data collection systems, conducted large-scale field surveys, performed advanced statistical analyses using R, Python, Matlab, Stata, SAS, SPSS, and Minitab, and applied GIS mapping and database management for diverse projects. His expertise extends to project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, having served as Consultant-Expert in Data Science, Statistical Consultant, Researcher, Assistant Professor, and Project Coordinator for high-impact initiatives with organizations such as the World Bank, GIZ, PNUD, FAO, Care Afrique, PSI/USAID, Enabel, IDRC, and CDC. Recognized for his training and mentorship, he equips professionals and students with skills in statistical methods, research methodology, data analysis, and GIS applications while promoting research and publication in his field. Dr. Hounmenou has earned multiple awards, including Best Research Article in Biostatistics (World Top Scientists), Best Thesis Poster (African Centers of Excellence, World Bank), and Best Trainer (ProEduc/GOPA/GIZ-Benin). Currently, he teaches Artificial Intelligence at the University of Labé and conducts post-doctoral research in biostatistics at CERFIG, Conakry, advancing healthcare quality and national data systems. He is also an active author with 18 publications, 48 citations, and an h-index of 3, and maintains a presence on Scopus (ID: 57218616169) and ORCID (0000-0002-2306-6083), reflecting his significant contributions to the fields of statistics, data science, and public health.

Profiles: Google Scholar |Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Houetohossou, S. C. A., Houndji, V. R., Hounmenou, C. G., Sikirou, R., & Kakaï, R. L. G. (2023). Deep learning methods for biotic and abiotic stresses detection and classification in fruits and vegetables: State of the art and perspectives. Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, 9, 46–60. Cited by 40

2. Savi, M. K., Mangamana, E. T., Deguenon, J. M., Hounmenou, C. G., & Kakaï, R. G. (2017). Determination of lethal concentrations using an R software function integrating the Abbott correction. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology A, 7, 25–30. Cited by 15

3. Hounmenou, C. G., Gneyou, K. E., & Kakaï, R. L. G. (2021). A formalism of the general mathematical expression of multilayer perceptron neural networks. Preprints. Cited by 11

4. Kate, S., Hounmenou, C. G., Amagnide, A., & Sinsin, B. (2015). Effets des changements climatiques sur les activités agricoles dans la commune de Banikoara (Nord Bénin). E-Journal of Science & Technology, 10(2). Cited by 9

5. Kate, S., Amagnide, A., Hounmenou, C. G., Hounkpatin, E. L. B., & Sinsin, B. (2015). Changements climatiques et gestion des ressources pastorales en zone agropastorale au Nord-Bénin: Cas de la commune de Banikoara. Afrique Science, 11(4), 201–215. Cited by 9

Toluwani Adekunle | Cervical Cancer Prevention | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Toluwani Adekunle | Cervical Cancer Prevention | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Calvin University | United States

Dr. Toluwani Elizabeth Adekunle is a dedicated public health scholar and educator whose work bridges health equity, global health, and structural determinants of health with a strong focus on trust, cancer disparities, and the lived experiences of marginalized populations. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Louisville, along with advanced degrees in public health, business administration, and international development. As an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Calvin University, Dr. Adekunle teaches courses in global health, program design, and evaluation while mentoring future leaders in health research and practice. Her ongoing research programs investigate medical mistrust in healthcare, the role of artificial intelligence in care provision, and cervical cancer screening uptake among underserved communities. She has received multiple grants, including funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and the Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship, underscoring her innovative approaches to addressing structural inequities in health. Dr. Adekunle’s scholarly contributions include national and international conference presentations and publications that illuminate critical issues in cancer prevention, HIV care, and maternal health. Her professional experience extends to humanitarian work with the United Nations, health program management with the African Resource Center, and policy analysis with RAND Corporation, reflecting her commitment to bridging research and practice. Recognized with fellowships, awards, and leadership roles, she exemplifies excellence in scholarship, teaching, and community engagement. Her publications are gaining scholarly impact, with 16 documents indexed in Scopus, 26 citations across 25 documents, and an h-index of 2 (Scopus ID: 57801018500), highlighting her growing influence in global public health research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Fwelo, P., Nwosu, K. O. S., Adekunle, T. E., Afolayan, O., Ahaiwe, O., Ojaruega, A. A., … (2023). Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in breast cancer surgery performed and delayed treatment: Mediating impact on mortality. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 199(3), 511–531.
Cited by: 18

2. Adekunle, T. E., Ahmed, M., & Afifi, R. (2021). A qualitative study to understand cervical cancer awareness and prevention among African immigrant women (AIW) in Iowa City, Iowa. International Journal of Women’s Health and Wellness, 7(1).
Cited by: 6

3. Fwelo, P., Afolayan, O., Nwosu, K. O. S., Ojaruega, A. A., Ahaiwe, O., Olateju, O. A., … (2023). Racial and ethnic differences in colon cancer surgery type performed and delayed treatment among people 45 years old and older in the USA between 2007 and 2017: Mediating effects. Surgical Oncology, 50, 101983.
Cited by: 5

4. Fwelo, P., Li, R., Heredia, N. I., Nyachoti, D., Adekunle, T. E., Adekunle, T. B., … (2025). Disparities in thyroid cancer mortality across racial and ethnic groups: Assessing the impact of socioeconomic, clinicopathologic, and treatment variations. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 32(2), 1158–1175.
Cited by: 3

5. Ewing, A. P., Alalwan, M. A., Brown, J. A., Adekunle, T. E., Korley, N. D., Nafiu, T. C., … (2022). Physically fit with a higher cancer risk? Influences of cervical cancer screening among a sample of physically active women ages 21–49 living in the United States. Preventive Medicine Reports, 30, 101978.
Cited by: 3

Nina Haffer | Medical Informatics | Women Researcher Award

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Mrs. Nina Haffer | Medical Informatics | Women Researcher Award

Nina Haffer | Berlin Institute of Health at Charité | Germany

Mrs. Nina Haffer is a highly accomplished strategy consultant, researcher, and thought leader at the intersection of medical informatics, interoperability, and business ecosystems in healthcare. Currently serving as a Strategy Consultant at Dierks+Company GmbH, she specializes in scaling pharma companies through innovative IT and communication strategies, with a strong focus on building sustainable business ecosystems. She also contributes significantly to feminist discourse as the host of Weiberbildung, a science podcast amplifying women’s voices in academia and research. At the national level, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Germany’s digital health infrastructure as the Information Modelling Lead for the Medical Informatics Initiative, where she develops the Core Data Set for Research Data, and as an expert advisor to INTEROP Germany’s Circle of Experts, counseling on the country’s interoperability strategy. Her international contributions include collaborating with Stanford Biodesign as a researcher and lecturer, advancing global perspectives on healthcare innovation, and teaching policy and communication structures at SRH Berlin. During her tenure at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, she conducted pioneering research on interoperable IT and communication solutions for healthcare systems. Academically, she is pursuing a PhD in Medical Informatics with a groundbreaking focus on building Germany’s first interoperable psychiatric data set, following her MSc and BSc in Life Science Engineering. Recognized as a Key Opinion Leader in MedTech in Germany, Haffer has also contributed to the scientific community with publications such as Genomics on FHIR – A Feasibility Study to Support a National Strategy for Genomic Medicine.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

  1. Haffer, N., et al. (2025). Genomics on FHIR – A feasibility study to support a national strategy for genomic medicine. NPJ Genomic Medicine. Advance online publication. Cited by 2

 

Sharmin Musa | Foodborne Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Sharmin Musa | Foodborne Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Professor | University of Dhaka | Bangladesh

Dr. Sharmin Musa, Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Dhaka, is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in parasitology, zoonotic diseases, and vector-borne infections. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Biology from the University of Manchester, UK, where her doctoral work focused on parental care in burying beetles, complementing earlier research on post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) during her MSc at the University of Dhaka. Over the course of her career, she has led and collaborated on numerous research projects addressing pressing public health concerns in Bangladesh, including malaria among Rohingya refugees, intestinal parasitic infections in slum populations, soil-transmitted helminths, and foodborne parasitic risks linked to street vendors and vegetables. Her prolific publication record spans more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, covering both human and animal parasites. She has supervised multiple Ph.D. and MSc theses, contributing significantly to the development of young scientists in Bangladesh. In addition to research, Dr. Musa has delivered invited talks at international conferences, reflecting her recognition as an authority in parasitology and epidemiology. She is an active member of professional bodies such as the Zoological Society of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Society for Parasitologists, where she has held executive roles. Her academic excellence has been acknowledged with awards, including the Dean’s Award and prestigious fellowships for higher study abroad. Alongside her teaching and research, she has also served in administrative roles, including warden and senate member, demonstrating her leadership within the university community and her enduring commitment to advancing science and public health

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Barua, P., Banik, K.S., Saha, S., & Musa, S. (2024). Risk factors associated with street food consumption in Dhaka city due to faeco-oral parasitic infection in food vendors. Food and Humanity

Lijian Han | Global Health Informatics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Lijian Han | Global Health Informatics | Best Researcher Award

Research Professor | Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Lijian Han is an internationally recognized research professor whose pioneering work has significantly advanced the understanding of urbanization and its environmental health consequences, particularly in the domain of air pollution as a global disease risk. With a Ph.D. from Tottori University and over a decade of professional experience at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has developed innovative approaches to quantify, model, and interpret the trade-offs between rapid urban development and environmental quality. His research integrates satellite and ground-based data, near-surface dynamics, and long-term national datasets to construct accurate, multi-scale PM2.5 exposure assessments, leading to novel composite air pollution indices that reveal the dominance of compound pollution risks, particularly from PM2.5 and O₃. Academically, he has published 85 journal papers, including more than 30 as first author, with multiple ESI top 1% highly cited articles in leading outlets such as Bulletin of the World Health Organization, IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine, and Earth’s Future. His scientific contributions include developing global-to-local PM2.5 assessment frameworks, quantifying anthropogenic versus meteorological drivers of pollution, identifying the mismatch between urban vegetation purification capacity and peak pollution periods, and establishing policy-relevant PM2.5 thresholds that have been directly adopted by Shenzhen’s Environmental Protection Bureau in its Sustainable Development Blueprint (2020–2035). His work is highly cited, with over 5,000 citations and an H-index of 33, reflecting both academic excellence and global relevance. Beyond academia, Dr. Han’s research has shaped national and international discourse, being highlighted in Science and Technology Daily, Xinhua Digest, and Yale Environment 360, and earning recognition from the U.S. Department of State through diplomatic exchange invitations. By bridging cutting-edge scientific discovery with actionable policy and global health frameworks, his research exemplifies the interdisciplinary, high-impact scholarship celebrated by the Global Diseases Research Awards, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Han, L., Zhou, W., Li, W., & Li, L. (2014). Impact of urbanization level on urban air quality: A case of fine particles (PM₂.₅) in Chinese cities. Environmental Pollution, 194, 163–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.07.022

2. Qian, Y., Zhou, W., Yan, J., Li, W., & Han, L. (2014). Comparing machine learning classifiers for object-based land cover classification using very high resolution imagery. Remote Sensing, 7(1), 153–168. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs70100153

3. Zhou, W., Qian, Y., Li, X., Li, W., & Han, L. (2014). Relationships between land cover and the surface urban heat island: Seasonal variability and effects of spatial and thematic resolution of land cover data on predicting land surface temperature. Landscape Ecology, 29(1), 153–167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-013-9950-5

4. Zhang, X., Han, L., Wei, H., Tan, X., Zhou, W., Li, W., & Qian, Y. (2022). Linking urbanization and air quality together: A review and a perspective on the future sustainable urban development. Journal of Cleaner Production, 346, 130988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130988

5. Han, L., Zhou, W., & Li, W. (2015). City as a major source area of fine particulate (PM₂.₅) in China. Environmental Pollution, 206, 183–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.06.002

Livia Spadetto | Climate-Linked Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Livia Spadetto | Climate-Linked Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

PhD in Toxicology at Universidad de Murcia | Spain

Livia Spadetto is a veterinarian and ecotoxicologist dedicated to wildlife research and conservation. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding environmental challenges, particularly the effects of contaminants on birds of prey. She combines a solid veterinary foundation with expertise in biodiversity, environmental management, and ecotoxicological analysis, allowing her to bridge the gap between animal health and ecosystem protection. Her work extends beyond laboratories into the field, where she has conducted surveys, monitored colonies, and participated in conservation projects across Europe and Latin America. With strong skills in technical and scientific writing, spatial analysis, and field monitoring, she contributes to advancing wildlife research and environmental awareness. Her publications highlight her ability to collaborate internationally and address pressing issues related to rodenticide exposure and avian health. Passionate about conservation, she seeks opportunities in environmental consulting, research, and applied projects focused on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.

Professional Profiles

Scopus | Orcid

Education

Livia Spadetto pursued her academic path with determination, building a strong foundation in veterinary medicine before specializing in wildlife and environmental sciences. She first trained as a veterinarian, acquiring clinical and surgical experience while developing a passion for animal health and welfare. Her further studies focused on biodiversity and environmental management, where she explored the intersection between veterinary medicine and ecological conservation. She specialized in wildlife management and ecotoxicology, deepening her expertise in contaminant exposure in raptors and their role as bioindicators of environmental health. Through advanced academic training, she combined field monitoring, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, refining her ability to address ecological threats with scientific rigor. Her education also included international experiences, which broadened her cultural perspective and enhanced her language skills. This academic background equips her with multidisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to environmental research, wildlife conservation, and applied ecological projects.

Experience

Livia Spadetto has gained extensive experience across veterinary practice, wildlife research, and ecological fieldwork. She began her career in clinical settings, where she worked in veterinary hospitals and clinics, managing patient care, performing diagnostics, and assisting in surgeries. Expanding her scope, she engaged in numerous wildlife-related projects, including bird ringing, colony monitoring, and ecological surveys across Europe and South America. Her work has involved hands-on participation in the conservation of raptors, seabirds, and other species, contributing to data collection, biomonitoring, and habitat assessments. As an assistant ecologist, she carried out wildlife surveys on birds, bats, reptiles, and habitats, preparing technical reports for environmental projects. She also interned with research centers, participating in field campaigns and laboratory studies related to avian conservation. Combining veterinary expertise with ecological practice, she has developed strong competencies in both animal care and environmental science, enabling her to contribute to multidisciplinary conservation efforts globally.

Research Focus

Livia Spadetto’s research centers on ecotoxicology, with a primary focus on the effects of anticoagulant rodenticides on birds of prey. Her studies investigate how contaminants accumulate in avian species, how they affect survival and reproduction, and how these species can serve as bioindicators of environmental health. By combining field monitoring of raptors with laboratory analysis, she provides a holistic understanding of toxicological risks in different ecosystems. Her work extends to studying the distribution of pollutants across agricultural landscapes and their consequences on predator populations, highlighting the link between human practices and wildlife health. She also explores conservation strategies to mitigate these risks, promoting sustainable management of ecosystems. Through her research, she contributes to the development of improved assessment methods and risk evaluation tools. Her scientific approach bridges veterinary medicine, ecology, and toxicology, ensuring that her findings support both environmental policy and wildlife conservation initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Simultaneous determination of multiple antibiotics alerts on the occurrence of pharmaceutical cocktails in three vulture species from central Spain

Authors: Livia Spadetto; Pilar Gómez-Ramírez; Antonio Juan García-Fernández; José Manuel Zamora-Marín; Mario León-Ortega; Sarah Díaz-García; Fernando Tecles-Vicente; José Fenoll; Juana Cava-Artero; José Francisco Calvo et al.

Journal: Science of The Total Environment

Summary:
This study investigated the presence of multiple antibiotics in three vulture species from central Spain, providing evidence of pharmaceutical contamination in scavenger bird populations. Using advanced analytical methods, researchers simultaneously detected several antibiotics in tissue samples, highlighting the existence of “pharmaceutical cocktails” within these raptors. The findings raise concerns about the ecological and health risks of veterinary drug residues entering food webs through livestock carcasses, which are a major food source for vultures. This research underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of pharmaceutical pollutants, improved management of livestock waste, and conservation strategies to mitigate potential impacts on threatened vulture populations and broader ecosystems.

Conclusion

Livia Spadetto represents a professional who unites veterinary1 expertise with ecological research, offering a rare and valuable profile for conservation and environmental science. Her career reflects a continuous pursuit of knowledge, from veterinary medicine to advanced ecotoxicological studies, always driven by a passion for wildlife. She has balanced clinical practice with field and laboratory research, gaining a versatile set of skills applicable in diverse contexts. Her publications and collaborations show her ability to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement while engaging with conservation practitioners. Multilingual and internationally experienced, she brings cultural adaptability and strong communication abilities to her professional roles. Looking ahead, she seeks opportunities to apply her expertise in consulting, conservation projects, or research initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges. Committed to protecting biodiversity, she aims to contribute to sustainable solutions that safeguard ecosystems and wildlife populations for future generations while advancing scientific and practical outcomes.