Bárbara Guimarães | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Bárbara Guimarães | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (FAMMUC/UFVJM), Brazil.

Bárbara Mendes Guimarães is a nurse and university professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Mucuri (FAMMUC/UFVJM), with a strong focus on public and collective health. She holds a Master’s degree in Technology, Environment, and Society and specializes in emergency care and health education. Her work integrates teaching, research, and community outreach, particularly in the areas of health equity for marginalized populations. She has published in national and international journals and is dedicated to advancing inclusive healthcare through education and grassroots engagement.

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Professional Experience 💼

Bárbara currently serves as a substitute professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Mucuri (FAMMUC/UFVJM), where she also works as a nurse assigned to the same faculty. Her work includes teaching theoretical-practical subjects in public and collective health. She is actively involved in university extension programs, engaging directly with the community through popular education and professional training initiatives in the health sector.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Her expertise includes public and collective health, health equity, popular education, and mental health. She is skilled in coordinating research and extension projects focused on underserved populations, particularly quilombolas, indigenous communities, and the black population. She is also experienced in clinical care and academic teaching, with strong competencies in mentoring undergraduate students in research initiatives.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

Bárbara Mendes Guimarães has served as a substitute professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Mucuri (FAMMUC/UFVJM), where she teaches theoretical and practical subjects in the field of public and collective health. Her academic role involves designing and delivering content in courses related to community health, health equity, and professional practice for medical and nursing students. She also mentors undergraduate research projects and actively participates in extension activities that bridge classroom learning with real-world health challenges. Her teaching emphasizes popular education methodologies and the integration of clinical knowledge with community-based healthcare approaches.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Bárbara has contributed significantly to academic literature with publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Discover Public Health and Contribuciones a las Ciencias Sociales, both in 2025. She is also a contributing author to the book Rizoma III: Saúde Coletiva & Instituições, published in 2021 by Paco Editorial. She has participated in collaborative research efforts and served with the journal Research, Society and Development during 2022–2023.

Research Interests 🔍

Bárbara’s research is centered on public health equity with a specific emphasis on marginalized groups. Her recent work includes a completed study on the mental health of the transgender population in Teófilo Otoni and ongoing research addressing type 2 diabetes in rural communities. She is committed to advancing inclusive health policies and improving care practices through academic and community-based initiatives.

Publications Top Notes: 📝

       1  Title: Self-care practices and use of medicinal plants by elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Brazilian rural                                   community
           Authors: Bárbara Mendes Guimarães; Jandesson Mendes Coqueiro; Dilceu Silveira Tolentino Júnior; Amanda Soares Gama; Beatriz Magalhães;             Lúcia Pedroso Lucas; Gracimério José Guarneire; Márcio Coutinho de Souza; Caio Cesar de Souza Alves; Alessandra de Paula Carli
           Journal: Discover Public Health

      2. Title: Factors associated with adherence and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis
          Authors: Hugo de Sousa Leal Neto; Ana Luísa Barreto Triverio; Edineide Souza Granja da Costa; Bárbara Mendes Guimarães; Carlos Roberto                  Sales; Élida Lúcia Ferreira Assunção; Adeandro-Cley Ferreira Sousa; Ana Gabriela Fontes Rodrigues; Paulo Corjesu Brito Alves
          Journal: Contribuciones a las Ciencias Sociales   

      3. Title: FAMMUCidade: comunicação em saúde por meio de um ambiente virtual
         Authors: Ana Carolina Damasceno Cavalcanti; Isabela de Melo Silva; Allana Aparecida Maciel Costa; Caroline Lopes De Amorim; Arthur Leandro             Ribeiro De Freitas; Toscanini Barcellos De Oliveira; Danilo Pereira Bispo; Tâmaro Chagas Mendes; Bárbara Mendes Guimarães; Giullio Piettro                 Gomes Da Silva et al.
         Journal: Revista Ciência em Extensão

      4. Title: Práticas terapêuticas com plantas medicinais para o tratamento do Diabetes Mellitus
          Authors: Bárbara Mendes Guimarães; Karla Antunes Ramos; Marcio Coutinho de Souza; Mauro Lúcio Franco; Caio César de Souza Alves;                        Alessandra de Paula Carli; Jandesson Mendes Coqueiro
          Journal: Research, Society and Development                    

Hong zhao | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

 Ms. Hong zhao | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, China.

Zhao Hong is an Associate Professor and Head Nurse at the Department of Pediatric Stomatology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University. With over 20 years of experience in oral clinical nursing, she specializes in pediatric dental care, nursing education, and nursing management. A dedicated researcher and master’s supervisor, she has published 17 academic papers and contributed to a major nursing textbook. Her current research focuses on pediatric dental behavior, stress factors in dental nursing, and global trends in oral stem cell research. She actively serves in multiple professional nursing and stomatology associations in China

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Professional Experience 💼

With over 20 years of experience in oral clinical nursing, Zhao Hong has demonstrated a sustained commitment to advancing dental healthcare. She has worked extensively across various specialties including three years in oral emergency, eight years in pediatric dentistry, and three years in the periodontal disease department. Currently, she is the Head Nurse of the Department of Pediatric Stomatology at the School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, where she also holds the title of Associate Professor.

Technical Skills 🛠️

She possesses strong expertise in pediatric dental care, oral clinical nursing, nursing management, and education. Her leadership capabilities are reflected in her numerous roles within national and regional nursing and stomatology associations. She is adept at research design, scholarly writing, and academic mentoring.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

As a Master’s Supervisor, Zhao Hong is actively involved in graduate-level education and student mentorship at China Medical University. She provides academic guidance in nursing research, supports thesis development, and fosters evidence-based clinical thinking among postgraduate students. Her commitment to teaching reflects her broader goal of advancing nursing education and preparing future leaders in oral healthcare.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Zhao Hong has been an active contributor to academic literature with 17 papers published as the first author or corresponding author. Although not specified in the form, her academic contributions and leadership positions within multiple professional associations underscore her recognition in the field of oral nursing.

Research Interests 🔍

Zhao Hong’s research primarily focuses on oral clinical nursing, pediatric dental care, and nursing education. She has explored significant topics including the risk factors of postoperative delirium in patients with head and neck cancer and the influence of parenting styles on dental fear in children. Her work also includes investigating reasons behind delayed treatment for dental caries in preschoolers. Presently, she is developing a stressor scale for nurses in Chinese dental clinics and has conducted a bibliometric study identifying global trends in dental stem cell research.

Publications Top Notes: 📝

  • Title: Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Authors: DK Chu, EA Akl, S Duda, K Solo, S Yaacoub, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Journal: The Lancet

  • Title: In situ hydrothermal synthesis of tetrazole coordination polymers with interesting physical properties
    Authors: H Zhao, ZR Qu, HY Ye, RG Xiong
    Year: 2008
    Journal: Chemical Society Reviews

  • Title: Cobalt‐free cathode materials: families and their prospects
    Authors: H Zhao, WYA Lam, L Sheng, L Wang, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Advanced Energy Materials

  • Title: Epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of 74 cases of coronavirus-infected disease 2019 (COVID-19) with gastrointestinal symptoms
    Authors: XI Jin, JS Lian, JH Hu, J Gao, L Zheng, YM Zhang, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Journal: Gut

  • Title: The use of molecular profiling to predict survival after chemotherapy for diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma
    Authors: A Rosenwald, G Wright, WC Chan, et al.
    Year: 2002
    Journal: New England Journal of Medicine

 

Edmund Radlbauer | Automation | Best Researcher Award

 Mr. Edmund Radlbauer | Automation | Best Researcher Award

St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, Austria.

Mr. Edmund Radlbauer is an experienced electrical engineering leader from Austria with over 30 years of progressive responsibility at Constantia Teich GmbH. Currently serving as Head of Electrical Engineering, he oversees a team of 30 and specializes in automation, PLC programming, system integration, and technical training. Known for his passion for technology and innovation, Edmund combines deep technical expertise with hands-on teaching experience, fostering continuous development within his team. His work focuses on smart manufacturing, data-driven automation, and maintaining high operational and safety standards through strategic planning and ISO compliance.

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Professional Experience 💼

With a career spanning over three decades at Constantia Teich GmbH in Austria, Edmund Radlbauer has advanced through multiple roles of increasing responsibility. He began as an Electrical Engineering Skilled Worker (1992–1994), progressed to Electrical Engineering Technician (1994–2002), and served as Supervisor and Team Leader (2002–2019). From 2019 to 2022, he held the positions of Deputy Head and then Head of Electrical Engineering. Since 2023, he has been serving as Head of Electrical Engineering, where he leads a team of 30 professionals and oversees system integration, technical training, maintenance management, and quality compliance.

Technical Skills 🛠️

He brings deep expertise in automation systems, PLC controls, PC-drive system integration, and industrial networking. His programming proficiency spans multiple languages tailored to automation. He has managed departmental budgets, overseen ISO certification audits, and implemented preventive maintenance strategies to maximize operational uptime. His technical leadership is matched by his strategic planning and resource management capabilities.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

In his current role as Head of Electrical Engineering, Edmund Radlbauer has extensive experience in technical instruction and workforce development. He is responsible for designing and delivering training programs for his 30-person team, focusing on essential skills such as PLC programming, industrial PC installation, system troubleshooting, and the integration of drive systems. He also imparts practical programming knowledge using C#, IL, FBD, LD, and SCL, enabling his team to develop innovative, automated solutions. His hands-on teaching approach emphasizes real-world application and continuous learning, ensuring his team remains technically proficient and industry-ready.

Awards & Honors 🏅

While no formal awards are listed, Edmund Radlbauer’s long-standing leadership and steady career progression within the same organization reflect consistent recognition of his competence, leadership, and value to the company.

Research Interests 🔍

Edmund Radlbauer is passionate about technological innovation, particularly in smart manufacturing and digital automation. His work focuses on optimizing automated systems, data acquisition, and control integration, aligning with modern Industry 4.0 practices. His enthusiasm for facts, efficiency, and innovation drives his commitment to advancing both technology and team capabilities.

Publications Top Notes: 📝

Paper Title: Designing a System Architecture for Dynamic Data Collection as a Foundation for Knowledge Modeling in Industry
Authors: Edmund Radlbauer, Thomas Moser, Markus Wagner
Year: 2025
Journal: Applied Sciences

 

Arunima Paliwal | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Arunima Paliwal | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, India.

Dr. Arunima Paliwal is currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Junior Agronomist at the College of Forestry, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri. She holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, where she also completed her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agriculture and Agronomy respectively. With over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and agricultural extension, Dr. Paliwal has published extensively, including 34 research papers, 3 books, and 35 book chapters. Her research focuses on crop agronomy, plant physiology, and sustainable agriculture. She has been involved in multiple funded research projects, guided postgraduate students, and contributed significantly to farmer training and technology dissemination. Dr. Paliwal has received several awards and is actively engaged with professional bodies and scientific communities

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Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Paliwal brings a rich and diverse professional experience to her current role. She is presently serving as an Assistant Professor and Junior Agronomist (Level 11) at the College of Forestry, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, since March 2022. Prior to this, she held the post of Junior Agronomist (Level 10) at the same institution from March 2018 to March 2022. She has also worked as an Assistant Agriculture Officer in Ranikhet from August 2017 to March 2018. Her earlier roles include working as a Senior Research Fellow at G.B. Pant University, a Seed Production Research Officer cum Manager at Tarai Farm Seeds & Co., and as an Assistant Professor at Mewar University, Rajasthan. Across these roles, she has been actively engaged in teaching, research, extension services, and field trials.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Dr. Arunima Paliwal possesses a wide array of skills in research, teaching, extension education, and project management. She has authored 34 research papers of international and national repute, 3 books, 35 book chapters, 35 popular articles, and 10 extension-related publications. Her active engagement in the academic community is demonstrated by her membership in 9 professional bodies and her role as an editor or reviewer with 12 national and international journals and magazines. She has also served as a rapporteur in 6 national and international conferences and as a consultant with agricultural services.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

Dr. Arunima Paliwal brings a diverse and well-rounded technical background in agronomy, crop science, field research, and sustainable agricultural development. Her career spans over a decade with expertise in research, teaching, extension, seed technology, and institutional collaborations. Her technical experience can be detailed under the following domains:

Awards & Honors 🏅

Dr. Paliwal has been honored with 13 awards and recognitions for her contributions to the field of agronomy and agricultural sciences. These accolades reflect her commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and professional service.

Research Interests 🔍

Her research primarily focuses on agronomic practices, crop physiology, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Paliwal has developed 6 agricultural technologies and led or contributed to multiple research projects, including 2 ICAR-funded and 3 externally funded projects (1 completed and 2 ongoing). She has guided 6 M.Sc. students as a major advisor and has delivered 12 lectures in various training programs. Furthermore, she has organized 8 farmers’ extension training sessions and participated in 60 academic events, including conferences, seminars, and workshops. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident from her participation in 8 faculty development programs and advanced trainings.

Publications Top Notes: 📝


1.Title: Genetic variability and correlation analysis in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) genotypes
Authors: H. Guleria, P. Kumar, B. Jyoti, A. Kumar, A. Paliwal, A. Paliwal
Journal: International Journal of Chemical Studies, 7(1), 1928–1932

2. Title: Response of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czernj. & Cosson) to potassium with other nutrients on yield and quality
Authors: P. Arunima, J.P. Singh
Journal: The Bioscan, 9(2), 649–652


3.Title: Use of microbial biostimulants in organic farming
Authors: N. Joshi, H.P. Parewa, S. Joshi, J.K. Sharma, U.N. Shukla, A. Paliwal, V. Gupta
Journal: Advances in Organic Farming, pp. 59–73


4.Title: Biotechnological and microbial standpoint cahoot in bioremediation
Authors: P. Kumar, B. Jyoti, A. Kumar, A. Paliwal
Journal: Smart Bioremediation Technologies, pp. 137–158


5. Title: Toxicity of heavy metals and its management through phytoremediation
Authors: A.P.V.P. Neeshu Joshi
Journal: Octa Journal of Environmental Research, 4(2), 168–180

Ainhoa Mielgo | Cancer-immune cell interactions | Women Researcher Award

 Prof. Ainhoa Mielgo | Cancer-immune cell interactions | Best Researcher Award

University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Professor Ainhoa Mielgo is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Research Team Leader at the University of Liverpool. She earned her PhD in Cancer Biology and Immunology from the University of Basel and has held academic positions in both Europe and the United States, including at the Moores Cancer Center, UCSD. Her research focuses on the tumor microenvironment, particularly the roles of macrophages and fibroblasts in cancer progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and leads several funded research projects aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes.

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Professional Experience 💼

Currently, Professor Mielgo is a Professor in Cancer Biology and a Research Team Leader at the University of Liverpool, a position she has held since 2023. Her academic trajectory at Liverpool includes roles as Reader (2021–2023), Senior Lecturer (2016–2021), and Research Team Leader and Wellcome Trust Fellow (2013–2020). Prior to her work in the UK, she served as Junior Faculty at the Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (2010–2012), and as a post-doctoral research fellow there from 2006 to 2010. Her post-doctoral career began at the University of Basel in 2005.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Professor Mielgo possesses deep expertise in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and the tumor microenvironment. She has a proven track record in leading interdisciplinary research teams, securing high-level funding, and publishing impactful studies. Her skills include advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, in vivo cancer models, and translational cancer research.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

Currently, Professor Mielgo is a Professor in Cancer Biology and a Research Team Leader at the University of Liverpool, a position she has held since 2023. Her academic trajectory at Liverpool includes roles as Reader (2021–2023), Senior Lecturer (2016–2021), and Research Team Leader and Wellcome Trust Fellow (2013–2020). Prior to her work in the UK, she served as Junior Faculty at the Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego (2010–2012), and as a post-doctoral research fellow there from 2006 to 2010. Her post-doctoral career began at the University of Basel in 2005.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Professor Mielgo has secured significant competitive research funding. As lead principal investigator, her current support includes a CRUK Clinical Trial Award, Clatterbridge Research Funds, and multiple grants and studentships from North West Cancer Research totaling over £570,000 since 2022. Her prior awards include a prestigious Wellcome Trust Research Fellowship worth £1.05 million and additional PhD studentships and grants from North West Cancer Research.

Research Interests 🔍

Her research centers on understanding the complex interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, with a particular focus on pancreatic and breast cancers. She investigates mechanisms of chemoresistance, immune evasion, and metastasis, especially the role of macrophages, fibroblasts, and stromal factors in tumor progression. Her recent studies explore how targeting the immune-stromal crosstalk can improve responses to cancer therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy.

Publications Top Notes: 📝


Title: Neoadjuvant treatment versus upfront surgery in borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Meta-Analysis
Authors: L.D. Dickerson, J.A. Gittens, C. Brunning, C.M. Halloran, P. Ghaneh
Year: Not specified
Journal: Not specified


Title: Macrophages suppress CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in triple negative breast cancer via VISTA
Authors: M. Abudula, Y. Astuti, M.L. Raymant, M.C. Schmid, A. Mielgo
Year: 2025
Journal: British Journal of Cancer


Title: Macrophage-fibroblast JAK/STAT dependent crosstalk promotes liver metastatic outgrowth in pancreatic cancer
Authors: M.L. Raymant, Y. Astuti, L. Álvaro-Espinosa, A. Mielgo, M.C. Schmid
Year: 2024
Journal: Nature Communications


Title: Expression of versican isoforms V0/V1 by pancreatic cancer associated fibroblasts increases fibroblast proliferation
Authors: S. Elhashani, M.A. Glenn, M.L. Raymant, M.C. Schmid, A. Mielgo
Year: 2024
Journal: Pancreatology

Ning Zhang | Digital Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ning Zhang | Digital Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, China.

Dr. Ning Zhang is a Lecturer and Director at the Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Beijing Normal University. She holds a Ph.D. in Library Science from Sun Yat-sen University and specializes in digital humanities and VR applications. With over eight years of experience, her research focuses on digital storytelling in virtual reality for Chinese cultural heritage. She has led several national and provincial research projects, published over 30 academic papers, and developed award-winning VR systems for ancient literature

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Education 🎓

Ning Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Library Science from the School of Information Management at Sun Yat-sen University, earned between 2017 and 2021. She completed her M.Sc. in Information Management at the Information School of The University of Sheffield in the UK from 2013 to 2015. Her academic journey began with a B.A. in Library Science from the School of Public Administration at Northwest University, where she studied from 2009 to 2013.

Professional Experience 💼

Ning Zhang is currently serving as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Beijing Normal University since May 2023. Prior to this, she held a lecturer position at the Research Center for Digital Publishing and Digital Humanities at the same university from September 2021 to April 2023. From May 2016 to September 2017, she worked as a Research Assistant to the Dean at the School of Information Management, Sun Yat-sen University. Earlier, she served as an Intelligence Engineer at the Electronic Science and Technology Information Research Institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology from March 2015 to April 2016.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Ning Zhang has extensive expertise in requirement analysis, visual communication, data organization, system design, prototyping, and usability testing. Her technical skills are complemented by strong capabilities in interdisciplinary research, project management, and innovation in digital storytelling technologies.

Teaching Experience👨‍🏫

Ning Zhang is currently serving as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Beijing Normal University since May 2023. Prior to this, she held a lecturer position at the Research Center for Digital Publishing and Digital Humanities at the same university from September 2021 to April 2023. From May 2016 to September 2017, she worked as a Research Assistant to the Dean at the School of Information Management, Sun Yat-sen University. Earlier, she served as an Intelligence Engineer at the Electronic Science and Technology Information Research Institute under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology from March 2015 to April 2016.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Ning Zhang has been the Principal Investigator for several significant projects, including a National Social Science Foundation Youth Project, two provincial and ministerial-level research grants, and an Outstanding Young Scholar Project funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities. She has published more than 30 papers in prestigious journals and conferences both in China and internationally, such as Library and Information Service, Library Development, Publishing Science, Science and Technology Publishing, iConference, PACIS, IADIS, and HCI. Among her innovative contributions is the development of a VR Ancient Books Indexing System and a VR Ancient Books Game Experience Application, which earned China’s first design patent for VR-based ancient literature systems.

Research Interests 🔍

Her research focuses on digital humanities, specifically the integration of virtual reality technologies into storytelling for the preservation and promotion of Chinese cultural heritage. She specializes in digital storytelling in VR environments, with an emphasis on classical texts and ancient literature.

Publications Top Notes: 📝

  • Title: The Current Advances in the Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Book Publishing
    Authors: Ning Zhang, Anlun Wan, Jingwen Huang, Peipei Cao, Xiaofan Zhang
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Publishing Research

  • Title: AI-Guided Computing Insights into a Thermostat Monitoring Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
    Authors: Ning Zhang, Olivia Wood, Zhiyin Yang, Jianfei Xie
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Sensors

Erika Riedl | Criminology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Erika Riedl | Criminology | Best Researcher Award

Erika Riedl is a Swiss-Italian Sports Lawyer, Arbitrator, and Mediator with over 15 years of international experience in governance, regulatory affairs, and integrity within sport. She has served as General Counsel and legal advisor to multiple international federations and is currently Counsel at epartners law firm. A PhD candidate in esports integrity at the University of Lausanne, Erika also sits on various disciplinary and integrity panels, including for World Athletics, ITTF, and Riot Games. A former elite skeleton athlete and multilingual legal expert, she combines academic insight with hands-on legal and investigative experience across the global sports industry.

University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

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Education 🎓

Erika Riedl holds a Master of Law from the Universities of Innsbruck and Padua, completed between 1999 and 2003. She later earned an International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport (CIES/FIFA) from the Universities of Leicester, SDA Bocconi, and Neuchâtel in 2005–2006. She is currently pursuing a PhD in criminology at the University of Lausanne, with a research focus on esports integrity, which she began in February 2024. Erika has also undertaken a range of continuing education programs, including Sports Law at the University of Neuchâtel, Institutional Integrity Management at Hong Kong University SPACE, Investigations Management at Charles Sturt University, Mediator Training through CEDR, and recent courses in human rights abuse in sport, esports law, and sport sustainability.

Professional Experience 💼

With over 15 years of experience, Erika Riedl is a seasoned Sports Lawyer who has served in diverse roles across numerous international sports organizations. Currently, she is a Counsel at epartners law firm in Zurich since September 2024, and previously acted as an independent advisor in Sports Law, Integrity and Governance from 2022 to 2024. She served as Legal Counsel at the Swiss Arbitration Centre in Geneva between 2021 and 2022, where she led mediation initiatives and optimized procedural workflows. From 2016 to 2021, she was a part-time Senior Legal Counsel at the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in Neuchâtel, contributing to governance research and academic publications. Her legal advisory roles extended to the International Weightlifting Federation in 2021, and she worked extensively with the International Equestrian Federation from 2012 to 2020 as a Tribunal Clerk and earlier as Junior Legal Counsel. Erika held further positions at the Cycling Independent Reform Commission, the International Olympic Committee during the Sochi 2014 Games, the International Volleyball Federation, and the International Canoe Federation. She began her professional journey as a Legal Counsel at CIES and interned at the Swiss Federal Office for Sport and the High Court in Graz.

Technical Skills 🛠️

Erika is multilingual, fluent in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish. She has excellent drafting skills and is both detail-oriented and capable of strategic oversight. Her expertise spans governance, investigations, regulatory compliance, education, contract management, and project leadership. She has trained as a mediator and serves as an arbitrator, combining technical legal knowledge with dispute resolution capabilities.

Awards & Honors 🏅

While no formal awards are listed, Erika’s achievements include key contributions to reforms in international federations, improving arbitration processes, and handling over 250 tribunal decision drafts. Her work with the Cycling Independent Reform Commission and the IOC during the Sochi Olympics underlines her recognition and trust in high-stakes governance and anti-doping work.

Research Interests 🔍

Her current research is centered on esports integrity, approached through a criminological lens as part of her doctoral studies at the University of Lausanne. She has also published on governance and regulatory restoration in sports, with notable work on the International Biathlon Union scandal. Erika’s academic interests align with practical legal reforms and integrity mechanisms in both traditional and emerging sports landscapes.

Publications Top Notes: 📝

  • Title: A systematic literature review of esports integrity
    Author(s): Erika Riedl, Pim Verschuuren
    Journal: The International Sports Law Journal

  • Title: A comparison of esports integrity policies and programs to those of traditional sports
    Author: Erika Riedl
    Journal: Sports Law, Policy & Diplomacy Journal

  • Title: Restoring trust in sport
    Author: Catherine Ordway (with contribution by Erika Riedl)
    Journal: Restoring Trust in Sport (Book chapter published by Routledge)

Hernando Vargas- Uricoechea | Endocrinology | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Hernando Vargas- Uricoechea | Endocrinology | Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Hernando Vargas-Uricoechea is a Colombian physician, internist, and endocrinologist with over two decades of experience in clinical practice and medical education. He serves as an Associate Professor at Universidad del Cauca and practices at leading health institutions in Popayán. Dr. Vargas-Uricoechea holds advanced degrees in epidemiology and endocrinology, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in cognitive neuroscience and biomedical sciences. His research interests span internal medicine, metabolism, clinical epidemiology, and neuroendocrinology. Recognized by Colciencias as a national peer evaluator, he is a dedicated contributor to both clinical innovation and academic excellence in health sciences.

Universidad del Cauca, Colombia.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Hernando Vargas-Uricoechea holds an extensive academic background in medicine and research. He is currently a PhD student in Cognitive Neuroscience Applied at Universidad de la Costa (2023) and has previously pursued doctoral studies in Biomedical Sciences at Universidad del Valle (2018). He earned his MSc in Epidemiology from Universidad del Valle in 2014. His medical specialization includes Endocrinology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá (2013) and Internal Medicine from Universidad del Cauca (2001). He began his medical journey with an undergraduate degree in Medicine and Surgery from Universidad Libre de Colombia in 1996.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Vargas-Uricoechea brings over two decades of clinical and academic experience. He has served as an Associate Professor at Universidad del Cauca since 2003, where he contributes to the training of future medical professionals and leads research efforts in internal medicine and endocrinology. Clinically, he has worked at Hospital Universitario San José from 2004 to 2012 in internal medicine and endocrinology. His ongoing medical practice includes positions at Clínica Palmares since 2008 and OSTEOSALUD IPS since 2018. He also held past roles at REHABILITAR LTDA and other health institutions, combining hands-on clinical expertise with academic instruction.

Technical Skills 🛠️

He possesses a strong foundation in both basic and clinical medical research, with core expertise in internal medicine, endocrinology, epidemiology, and applied neuroscience. He is known for his teaching, clinical diagnostics, patient care, and academic mentoring. His ability to integrate complex scientific data with practical healthcare delivery makes him a valuable contributor to both education and medical practice.

Awards & Honors 🏅

Dr. Vargas-Uricoechea is recognized as a peer evaluator by Colciencias, Colombia’s national science and technology agency, reflecting his standing as a respected figure in the national research community. His involvement in academic and research assessment underscores his contributions to scientific development in Colombia.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Vargas-Uricoechea’s research is centered on medical and health sciences, particularly in clinical medicine, endocrinology, metabolism, and epidemiology. His current studies in cognitive neuroscience reflect a multidisciplinary approach, linking brain science with metabolic and systemic health. He is committed to advancing knowledge in areas that intersect clinical practice, biomedical research, and public health.

Publications Top Notes: 📝

  1. Title: Mindfulness-Based Interventions and the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis: A Systematic Review
    Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea, H.; Castellanos-Pinedo, A.A.; Urrego-Noguera, K.; Barceló-Martínez, E.A.; Ramírez-Giraldo, A.F.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: [Journal name not explicitly provided in the source]

  2. Title: Zinc and Ferritin Levels and Their Associations with Functional Disorders and/or Thyroid Autoimmunity: A Population-Based Case–Control Study
    Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea, H.; Urrego-Noguera, K.; Vargas-Sierra, H.D.; Pinzón-Fernández, M.V.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

  3. Title: LT4/LT3 Combination Therapy vs. Monotherapy with LT4 for Persistent Symptoms of Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review
    Authors: Vargas-Uricoechea, H.; Wartofsky, L.
    Year: [Assumed 2024 based on context]
    Journal: [Journal name not explicitly provided in the source]