Iniobong Ekong | Vaccine | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Iniobong Ekong | Vaccine | Research Excellence Award

Ministry of Health | Sierra Leone

Dr. Iniobong Ekong is a public health researcher affiliated with the Federal Capital Territory Health & Human Services Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria, with expertise in women’s health, non-communicable diseases, and health systems research in low- and middle-income settings. He has authored 6 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, attracting 190 citations and achieving an h-index of 3, reflecting the growing influence of his work. His research emphasizes participatory and community-based approaches, notably employing Photovoice methodology to amplify the lived experiences of women of reproductive age facing health inequities. Dr. Ekong has collaborated extensively, working with over 170 co-authors across multidisciplinary and international teams, strengthening evidence generation and policy relevance. His scholarship contributes to improved understanding of structural and social barriers to healthcare access, supporting more inclusive public health interventions and informing decision-making to advance equitable health outcomes in Nigeria and comparable global contexts.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)
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Top 5 Featured Publications

Qingju Zhang | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qingju Zhang | Vaccines | Best Researcher Award 

Researcher | Jiangxi Normal University | China

Prof. Qingju Zhang is a distinguished researcher at Jiangxi Normal University, China, recognized for her significant contributions to synthetic carbohydrate chemistry, glycoscience, and vaccine-related glycoconjugate development. With a portfolio of 44 peer-reviewed publications and over 870 citations across 632 citing documents, she has established a strong scholarly footprint marked by methodological innovation, collaborative strength, and impactful research outputs. Her work focuses on the chemical synthesis, structural modification, and functional exploration of complex oligosaccharides, especially those relevant to pathogenic bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Bordetella hinzii. Recent publications highlight her leadership in advancing direct glycosylation methods, visible-light-mediated stereoselective transformations, and halogen/hydrogen-bond-assisted activation strategies, reflecting her expertise in contemporary reaction design and mechanistic insight. Her research on carbohydrate-based vaccines exemplifies a translational vision aimed at developing effective immunogens targeting antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. With an h-index of 16 and a network of over 110 international and interdisciplinary co-authors, she collaborates widely across chemistry, microbiology, and biomedical science communities, underscoring her role as a key contributor to global glycoscience research. In addition to pioneering synthetic methodologies, her work advances fundamental understanding of bacterial O-antigen structures and supports the design of next-generation vaccine candidates with potential societal benefits in infectious disease control. Through consistent scholarly productivity, rigorous experimental approaches, and high-impact publications in leading journals such as ACS Catalysis, Organic Letters, and JACS Au, Prof. Zhang continues to enrich the field of carbohydrate chemistry while fostering scientific collaborations that bridge basic research and biomedical application.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Wang, L., Chen, M., Zou, J., Wu, S., Guo, K., Liu, D., Liu, C., Wang, Z., Hansen, T., & Zhang, Q. (2025, August 15). Direct glycosylation of N,N-dimethyl amino sugars via halogen/hydrogen-bonding interactions. ACS Catalysis, 15, 14115–14126. 
Cited by: 1

2. Wang, L., Li, X., Duan, L., Liu, D., Qi, J., & Zhang, Q. (2025, June). Fragments synthesis of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17961 O-Antigen. Synlett.

3. Zhang, Y., Liu, C., & Zhang, Q. (2025, May 23). Recent advances of carbohydrate-based vaccines against Acinetobacter baumannii. European Journal of Organic Chemistry.

4. Zhang, L., Zheng, Z., Zhang, Y., Wu, X., Tu, Y., Liu, C., Wang, Z., Wang, L., Yang, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2025, April 28). Chemical synthesis and antigenic evaluation of oligosaccharides of Bordetella hinzii O-Antigen containing unique amidated 2,3-diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy-alduronic acids. JACS Au, 5, 1903–1913. 
Cited by: 4

5. Wang, Z., Poveda, A., Zhang, Q., Unione, L., Overkleeft, H. S., van der Marel, G. A., & Codée, J. D. C. (2023, June 28). Total synthesis and structural studies of zwitterionic Bacteroides fragilis polysaccharide A1 fragments. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 
Cited by: 15

Noemí Sevilla | Vaccine Research | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr. Noemí Sevilla | Vaccine Research | Excellence in Research Award 

Professor | Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA)-CSIC | Spain

Prof. Dr. Noemí Sevilla Hidalgo is a distinguished Full Professor and Director at the Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA, CSIC, Spain), with a prolific career spanning over three decades in virology, immunology, and animal health, focusing on zoonotic and veterinary pathogens. Her research has elucidated viral immune evasion strategies, host-pathogen interactions, and immune responses in both small and large animal models, directly informing vaccine design. After completing her PhD in Molecular Biology at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where she received the Doctorate Extraordinary Award, she pursued postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI, USA) under a Human Frontiers Fellowship, studying dendritic cell roles in viral immunity and demonstrating dual viral evasion mechanisms. These results were published in high-impact journals and have received over 3,115 citations. Returning to Spain via the Ramon y Cajal program, she established her research group at CISA, focusing on Bluetongue virus (BTV), Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV), and more recently, SARS-CoV-2 and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Her contributions span viral immune evasion, characterization of host immune responses to BTV and PPRV, and the development of recombinant adenoviral vaccine platforms. Sevilla has actively contributed to scientific leadership through conference organization, editorial service, and grant review panels. She has received eight competitive fellowships and authored 70 publications, maintaining an h-index of 30 with 3,115 citations, reflecting her global impact and sustained contributions to virology, immunology, and vaccine research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Louloudes-Lázaro, A., Nogales-Altozano, P., Rojas, J. M., Veloz, J., Carlón, A. B., Van Rijn, P. A., Martín, V., Fernández-Sesma, A., & Sevilla, N. (2025). Double-stranded RNA orbivirus disrupts the DNA-sensing cGAS-sting axis to prevent type I IFN induction. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.

2. Herder, V., Caporale, M., MacLean, O. A., Pintus, D., Huang, X., Nomikou, K., Palmalux, N., Nichols, J., Scivoli, R., Boutell, C., … (2024). Correlates of disease severity in bluetongue as a model of acute arbovirus infection. PLoS Pathogens.

3. Ciudad, C. J., Valiuska, S., Rojas, J. M., Nogales-Altozano, P., Aviñó, A., Eritja, R., Chillón, M., Sevilla, N., & Noé, V. (2024). Polypurine reverse hoogsteen hairpins as a therapeutic tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Journal of Biological Chemistry. Cited by: 4

4. Herder, V., Caporale, M., MacLean, O. A., Pintus, D., Huang, X., Nomikou, K., Palmalux, N., Nichols, J., Scivoli, R., Boutell, C., … (2024). A machine learning framework to identify the correlates of disease severity in acute arbovirus infection [Preprint]. bioRxiv.Cited by: 4

5. Pinsino, A., & Sevilla, N. (2024). Editorial: Women in comparative immunology. Frontiers in Immunology.Cited by: 5

Timothy Waje | Epidemiology of viral diseases | Best Academic Researcher Award

Mr. Timothy Waje | Epidemiology of viral diseases | Best Academic Researcher Award 

Ph.D.Researcher at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi ,Nigeria

Timothy Waje is a dedicated Nigerian professional with a strong commitment to health education, disease control, and research. He blends leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills in both academic and field environments. Known for his work in neglected tropical diseases, his career spans public health, microbiology, and institutional leadership. Timothy has excelled in managing complex projects under pressure, fostering collaborations, and achieving measurable results in challenging environments across northern Nigeria. His multidisciplinary approach combines scientific research, policy engagement, and grassroots mobilization. With a natural ability to train and lead, he continuously drives health improvements through capacity-building initiatives and innovative solutions. His familiarity with Nigeria’s diverse regional contexts enhances his effectiveness in community engagement and program implementation. In every role, Timothy demonstrates integrity, dedication, and a passion for public service, making him an influential figure in the health and research sectors.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Timothy Waje has pursued a progressive academic path rooted in microbiology and public health. His foundational studies equipped him with deep knowledge in applied microbiology, research methodology, and epidemiology. Through advanced degrees, he developed expertise in medical microbiology and expanded his understanding of infectious disease control, biostatistics, and public health systems. His academic journey is marked by continuous learning and critical thinking, supported by hands-on training in laboratory sciences and data analysis. Waje’s education reflects a clear alignment with his professional focus, as he explored both theoretical and practical aspects of disease transmission, diagnostics, and community-based health strategies. He has also acquired strong competencies in research design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. These qualifications have not only enhanced his academic credentials but also strengthened his leadership in public health interventions, particularly in northern Nigeria. His commitment to education continues to shape his impact as a trainer, researcher, and mentor in the field.

Experience

Timothy Waje brings a wealth of experience across the fields of public health, microbiology, education, and banking. As a provost, he has overseen administrative and academic functions, trained staff, led institutional governance, and taught core subjects in microbiology and disease control. In public health, he has served as a consultant and field expert on multiple neglected tropical diseases programs, successfully conducting surveys, monitoring treatments, and leading community mobilization. His roles have involved supervising data collection, analyzing survey outcomes, and managing implementation logistics. He has also played critical roles in organizing training sessions, facilitating capacity development, and interacting with government and health agencies. Before transitioning into health leadership, Timothy worked in the banking sector, where he excelled in customer service, compliance, operations, and financial management. Across sectors, his ability to lead, organize, and meet deliverables under pressure has distinguished his career. He adapts easily, solves problems strategically, and mentors others effectively in various roles..

Research Focus

Timothy Waje’s research is grounded in medical microbiology, infectious diseases, and epidemiology, with a special focus on public health concerns in northern Nigeria. His work addresses key health challenges such as cytomegalovirus, lymphatic filariasis, hepatitis viruses, malaria, and Campylobacter infections. Through reviews, clinical studies, and laboratory-based investigations, he examines pathogen prevalence, molecular patterns, genetic diversity, and drug resistance. His research combines both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, often informed by real-world public health interventions. Waje contributes to understanding the spread, diagnosis, and control of diseases that affect vulnerable populations. His investigations aim to inform evidence-based decision-making, improve diagnostics, and support targeted interventions in community settings. He is especially interested in diseases with socioeconomic impacts, focusing on prevention, early detection, and sustainable health education. Waje collaborates with academic, governmental, and international organizations, and is committed to sharing knowledge that advances both science and the practical management of infectious diseases.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Occurrence of Cytomegalovirus among Pregnant Antenatal Women within Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Journal: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

Summary:
This study investigates the presence and prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Bauchi, Nigeria. The research focuses on understanding the epidemiological patterns and potential health implications of CMV infections during pregnancy. Utilizing serological testing methods, the study evaluates CMV exposure levels in a representative sample of pregnant women. The findings contribute to public health awareness regarding maternal CMV infection and stress the need for routine screening in antenatal care settings to reduce potential risks to maternal and fetal health.

Conclusion

Timothy Waje stands out as a versatile professional with a rare combination of academic rigor, field experience, and organizational leadership. His journey reflects a commitment to service, whether through education, scientific research, or health program implementation. In every role, he promotes teamwork, quality delivery, and continuous learning. Waje’s work contributes meaningfully to disease control, institutional development, and capacity building in underserved areas. His interdisciplinary expertise and regional familiarity position him to address complex health challenges with culturally sensitive and evidence-based strategies. Beyond technical skills, his strong ethical foundation, communication abilities, and leadership qualities inspire those he works with. As he continues to advance in research and academic pursuits, his impact is felt across public health, education, and community engagement landscapes. Timothy Waje exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated scholar, capable administrator, and transformative health advocate who consistently strives for excellence, collaboration, and the betterment of society through knowledge and service.