Michal Galek-Aldridge | Health Sciences | Best Scholar Award

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.

 

Somi Shin | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Somi Shin | Nursing | Best Researcher Award 

Ms. Somi Shin, College of Nursing, Konyang University, South Korea

Ms. Somi Shin is a dedicated healthcare professional and researcher affiliated with the College of Nursing at Konyang University, South Korea. With a strong academic foundation in infection control and advanced nursing, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. while actively contributing to public health research at the Korean National Tuberculosis Association. Her work focuses on infection prevention, tuberculosis control, and the development of evidence-based nursing practices to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Somi Shin embarked on her academic journey with a deep passion for healthcare and public health, focusing particularly on the growing need for specialized nursing in infection control. Born on June 24, 1989, in South Korea 🇰🇷, her early academic aspirations were rooted in the pursuit of excellence in medical and healthcare services. Her commitment culminated in a Master’s degree from Konyang University, majoring in Infection Control Advanced Nursing in 2022.

Demonstrating academic ambition and dedication to continual learning, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing (with specialization in Infection Control) at the same university, further strengthening her foundation in specialized healthcare research and practice. Her academic progression signifies her unwavering desire to contribute meaningfully to the fight against infectious diseases through evidence-based nursing and healthcare interventions.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Somi Shin has accumulated over a decade of diverse professional experience, with her career beginning in May 2013 at Konyang University Hospital. There, she worked as a nurse for over 11 years, gaining extensive clinical experience in managing patients with various health conditions and honing her skills in infection control — especially vital during the global COVID-19 pandemic. 🏥

In parallel, she extended her expertise to the academic world. From 2021 to 2023, she served as an adjunct professor at both Joongbu University (Chungcheong Campus) and Daejeon Institute of Science and Technology. Through these teaching roles, she played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, sharing her hands-on knowledge and instilling the importance of infection prevention and evidence-based care. 🎓📘

Currently, she is a researcher at the Korean National Tuberculosis Association’s Tuberculosis Research Institute, starting in November 2024. This transition reflects her growing focus on applied research in the field of tuberculosis (TB), a major public health challenge in Korea and globally. Her shift from clinical to research roles showcases her dynamic career path, blending patient care with scientific inquiry.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Somi Shin’s research interests are aligned with some of the most critical global health issues, particularly tuberculosis control, hospital infection management, and advanced nursing practices in infectious disease settings. Her Master’s and Ph.D. studies underscore her commitment to developing effective infection control protocols, particularly for vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.

Her current role at the Tuberculosis Research Institute places her at the heart of Korea’s public health research infrastructure, where she contributes to national and international efforts to curb TB incidence, improve infection surveillance, and enhance patient outcomes. 🦠📊

Moreover, her work is expected to contribute to the development of policy guidelines, training modules, and technological innovations that aid in infection tracking and control within clinical and community settings.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While formal awards and recognitions are not listed in her documented history, Somi Shin’s reputation as a clinical expert and educator speaks volumes about her impact in the healthcare and academic sectors. Her trusted roles at multiple academic institutions and prestigious research bodies demonstrate recognition by peers and institutions alike.

In the nursing field, where impact is often measured by patient outcomes and student feedback rather than plaques or medals, her longevity and versatility are accolades in themselves. 💐

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her clinical work, education, and now research, Somi Shin has influenced multiple layers of the healthcare system in South Korea. Her dual role as a nurse and researcher uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing her insights to shape hospital policies and academic curricula alike.

She has also mentored nursing students, many of whom are likely to follow in her footsteps as infection control specialists — a field gaining significance in the post-pandemic world. Her influence continues to ripple through hospital corridors and university classrooms, contributing to stronger, safer healthcare systems. 🩺🧬

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Somi Shin is poised to become a thought leader in infection control nursing and tuberculosis research. As she completes her Ph.D. and deepens her engagement in national health research, her contributions are likely to influence not only policy but also the broader discourse on sustainable healthcare in Korea and beyond.

Her interdisciplinary background — combining clinical nursing, academia, and scientific research — positions her as a catalyst for innovation in patient care and public health. 🚀📈

By continuing her work with the Tuberculosis Research Institute and engaging in academic collaboration, Somi is well on her way to leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against infectious diseases. Her career is a powerful example of how dedication to learning and service can drive meaningful, system-wide change.

Publication Top Notes

ContributorsSun Young Jeong; 지혜; sung eun Lee; So mi Shin; Kwan-Il Kim
Journal: Healthcare
Year: 2025