Ylenia Della Rocca | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Ylenia Della Rocca | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research Excellence Award 

Link University | Italy

Ylenia Della Rocca is an Associate Professor of Histology and Embryology and Physiology whose research profile is internationally recognized in the fields of stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and advanced in vitro modeling for precision medicine. Her scientific activity is strongly interdisciplinary, integrating histology, embryology, molecular biology, biomaterials, and translational medicine, with a particular focus on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), extracellular vesicles, and 3D culture systems. Her core research line centers on the reprogramming of autologous human gingival mesenchymal stem cells into iPSCs and their differentiation toward functional cell types, especially cardiomyocytes and neural lineages. This work has led to innovative strategies for cardiac regeneration and personalized regenerative therapies, culminating in a patented non-integrative reprogramming and cardiomyogenic differentiation process. Through advanced molecular and morphological analyses, her studies elucidate the signaling pathways governing cell fate, inflammation, hypoxia response, and extracellular matrix remodeling. A distinctive element of her research is the development and application of organ-on-a-chip and tissue-on-a-chip platforms, including bone-on-a-chip and cardiac models, to study disease mechanisms, environmental pollutant toxicity, and therapeutic responses. Within national and international projects, she has contributed to the creation of physiologically relevant in vitro systems that reduce reliance on animal models while increasing translational relevance. Her work on environmental pollutants, such as bisphenol A and pesticides, has clarified their impact on inflammatory, apoptotic, and epigenetic pathways in stem cells and endothelial models.

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Featured Publications

Yves Julien Mbama Biloa | Medicine and Health Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Yves Julien Mbama Biloa | Medicine and Health Sciences | Young Scientist Award 

Jean Monnet University | France

Mr. Yves Julien MBAMA BILOA is a dedicated emerging public health scholar whose research, teaching, and professional work converge around preventive health, clinical innovation, and population well-being. Born on May 16, 1996, in Cameroon, he is currently completing his Ph.D. in Public Health at Jean Monnet University of Saint-Étienne, France, where he will defend his doctoral thesis on December 18, 2025. His doctoral research—focused on developing a preventive clinical practice framework during the transition to retirement using the Delphi consensus method—positions him at the forefront of preventive healthcare innovation for aging populations. With a strong academic foundation in human biology, animal physiology, and epidemiology, he holds a Master’s degree in Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms (2021) and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Biology and Health, both from the University of Douala, Cameroon. His expertise extends across qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, health promotion, and digital health applications. Yves has developed a robust professional background that includes university-level teaching, research contributions, and entrepreneurial experience. As a Public Health Teacher at Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and IRFSS-FI Rhône Alpes, he has delivered courses on social inequalities in health, nursing practices, and international mobility, shaping the perspectives of future healthcare professionals. His entrepreneurial initiative as the Founder of the Center for Statistical Processing and Analysis in Douala demonstrates his leadership in offering methodological support, statistical consulting, and academic mentorship to students and researchers. His skill set spans statistical analysis, epidemiological assessment, scientific writing, and the application of artificial intelligence in health. His publication record reflects growing expertise in preventive healthcare, retirement-transition health strategies, and emerging health challenges. He has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals such as Public Health, Journal of Public Health (Berlin), BMC Infectious Diseases, and Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. His works include a Delphi-based preventive clinical practice framework, a scoping review on periodic health examinations during retirement transition, a mixed-methods protocol for evaluating Long Covid interventions (SPACO+), and studies on cardioprotective effects of methotrexate and metabolic syndrome among students. His research aims to strengthen health systems, empower healthcare decision-making, and enhance preventive care models, especially within the contexts of aging, chronic diseases, and digital health transformation. After completing his Ph.D., he intends to advance his expertise in health prevention, mental health, digital health, and health system improvement, contributing impactful and evidence-based insights to global public health

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Development of a preventive clinical practice framework for transition to retirement

Mbama Biloa, Y. J., Rozand, V., Oriol, M., Guindo, Y., Botelho-Nevers, E., & Bongue, B. (2025). Development of a preventive clinical practice framework for transition to retirement: A Delphi consensus of French physicians. Public Health, 249, 106003.

SPACO+: A mixed methods protocol for assessing the effectiveness of an educative intervention in patients with Long Covid

Kamdem, O. L., Dupre, C., Heugno, V., Baudot, A., Essangui, E., Blanquet, M., Guercon, N., Fanget, M., Bayet, S., Vericel, M. P., et al., & Mbama Biloa, Y. J. (2025). SPACO+: A mixed methods protocol to assessing the effectiveness of an educative intervention in patients with Long Covid. BMC Infectious Diseases, 25, 623.

Periodic health examination during transition to retirement: A scoping review

Mbama Biloa, Y. J., Rozand, V., Kamdem, L., Regnier-Denois, V., Botelho-Nevers, E., & Bongue, B. (2025). Periodic health examination during transition to retirement: A scoping review. Journal of Public Health (Berlin).

Unveiling the hidden shield: Methotrexate as a cardio-protector in psoriasis

Mai, S., Mbama, Y., Gouttefarde, P., Franck, T., Cizeron, G., Oriol, M., Maccari, F., Trombert, B., Bongué, B., & Perrot, J.-L. (2024). Unveiling the hidden shield: Methotrexate emerges as a cardio-protector in psoriasis—Insights from a scoping review [Preprint]. HAL Archive.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas in Cameroon

Bilog, N. C., Mekoulou Ndongo, J., Bika Lele, E. C., Guessogo, W. R., Assomo-Ndemba, P. B., Ahmadou, … Mbama Biloa, Y. J., … Temfemo, A. (2023). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in the littoral region in Cameroon: Impact of physical activity. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 42, 95.

Thierry Ngouana Kammalac | Medical Mycology | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Thierry Ngouana Kammalac | Medical Mycology | Best Research Article Award

Laboratoire Sion| Cameroon

Dr. Ngouana Kammalac Thierry is an accomplished Cameroonian biochemist and medical mycologist with extensive experience in microbial diagnostics, infectious disease research, and biotechnology innovation. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Health Sciences (2014), jointly awarded by the University of Montpellier in France and the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon, where his doctoral work focused on the genetic diversity of Cryptococcus and Candida isolates in HIV-positive patients and their susceptibility to antifungal therapies and medicinal plant extracts. He also holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry (2009) from the University of Yaoundé I. Dr. Ngouana has built an exceptional career at the intersection of laboratory science, diagnostic technology, and academic instruction. As Director of Zion Biomedical Corporation since 2023, he leads the development and large-scale production of innovative biomedical products, including lateral flow immunochromatographic diagnostic tests, microbial culture media, and specialized staining dyes, contributing to improved diagnostic capacities in the region. Since 2016, he has also served as Director of Zion Medical Laboratory, where he oversees scientific development, clinical diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. His laboratory plays a crucial role in cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis among HIV-infected patients, the establishment of microbial standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the strengthening of Cameroon’s diagnostic infrastructure. Alongside his laboratory leadership, Dr. Ngouana has been an associate lecturer at the Catholic University and the Protestant University of Central Africa since 2015, teaching courses in medical mycology, biochemistry, and bacteriology. He has a strong publication record, contributing to high-impact research on Candida genetic diversity, antifungal resistance, pathogenic yeast epidemiology, and bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. His work has appeared in reputable journals such as Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, American Journal of Microbiological Research, Mycoses, Journal de Mycologie Médicale, Medical Mycology, and Journal of Medical Microbiology. Notable contributions include studies revealing novel genotypes of Candida species, antifungal susceptibility patterns in Africa and Europe, and plant-derived compounds with potent antifungal activity. Dr. Ngouana’s expertise spans molecular diagnostics, PCR, microscopy, microbial culture, infection control, and data analysis, supported by strong research methodology and teamwork competencies. He is an active member of the FAILSAFE Medical Mycology Network, the Cameroonian Society of Microbiology, and the French Society of Medical Mycology, reflecting his engagement in global scientific collaboration and capacity building in medical mycology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ngouana, T. K., Dougue, A. N., Ngouana, V., Tsayem, R. F., Mahamat, Y. H., Boyom, F. F., & Ranque, S. (2025). Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis at the Zion Clinical Laboratory (Yaounde-Cameroon): Risk factors, species distribution and antifungal susceptibility testing. Journal of Medical Mycology,

Kountchou, C. L., Kabtani, J., Dougue, A. N., Nangwat, C., Ekpo, A. I., Ngonde, M. C., Mogo, C. B., Dzoyem, J. P., Ranque, S., & Ngouana, T. K. (2025). Candida krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii) multilocus sequence typing and antifungal susceptibility profile in Cameroon. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology.

Michal Galek-Aldridge | Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Michal Galek-Aldridge | Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

University Medical Center Utrecht | Netherland

Michał Gałek-Aldridge is a multilingual medical researcher and physician with a strong interdisciplinary background bridging molecular science, engineering, and regenerative medicine. Born on September 18, 1993, in Tucson, Arizona, he holds Polish nationality and is fluent in English, Dutch, Polish, and Russian, with advanced proficiency in French and beginner-level Portuguese. Michał’s academic journey spans multiple international institutions, including The British School of Warsaw, the Anglo-American School in Moscow, and the International School of Amsterdam, culminating in an International Baccalaureate (IB) bilingual diploma in 2011. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Science and Technology at Delft University of Technology and Leiden University, completing his thesis on “The loading of chemotherapeutics in polymersome carriers” at the Reactor Institute Delft. During this period, Michał received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study at Chalmers University in Sweden, where he expanded his expertise in nuclear chemistry, project management, waste management, and ecology. Driven by a passion for medicine, he subsequently earned both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Medicine at the University of Amsterdam, with clinical experience in orthopedic surgery at the UMC Amsterdam. Since 2021, Michał has been a PhD candidate at the University Medical Center Utrecht, focusing on the translation of regenerative surgical shoulder implants into clinical practice. His research integrates advanced therapies, 3D-printed medical devices, and regenerative medicine, while also addressing regulatory compliance, intellectual property assessment, and GMP evaluation for ATMP production. He actively supervises students at the 3D Lab, contributing to both academic and translational research. His work is supported by prominent supervisors including Prof. Michel van den Bekerom, Dr. Arthur van Noort, Dr. Bart van der Wal, and Prof. Jos Malda. Michał has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, publishing as first author on innovative orthopedic treatments and as co-author in high-impact journals, including The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and JSES Reviews, Reports & Techniques. His research has spanned topics from patient-specific bone regenerative implants and congenital hip dislocation management to COVID-19 respiratory subphenotypes and ventilation strategies. Michał’s professional development is complemented by diverse certifications and conferences, including Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR 2018), ISO 13485, 3D printing in hospitals, and arthroscopy and arthroplasty courses. Outside of his professional endeavors, he maintains an active lifestyle through kickboxing, Muay Thai, skiing, kite surfing, and cooking. His combination of scientific rigor, clinical expertise, and entrepreneurial initiative positions him as a rising leader in regenerative medicine and medical innovation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

van Spanning, S. H., van Iersel, T. P., Verweij, L. P. E., van Noort, A., Floor, S., Galek-Aldridge, M., van den Borne, M. P. J., Kleinlugtenbelt, Y. V., van den Bekerom, M. P. J., & van Deurzen, D. F. P. (2025). Lower education level is associated with failure to return to sport whereas bony Bankart lesions predict successful return to preinjury sport level after open Latarjet procedure. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery. Advance online publication.