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.

 

Muhammad Tahir Aleem | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Shantou University Medical College | China

Dr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem is a highly accomplished early-career scientist in the field of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Molecular Parasitology, with a multidisciplinary research background spanning veterinary sciences, immunology, molecular biology, vaccine development, and zoonotic diseases. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and an M.Phil. in Parasitology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and earned his Ph.D. from Nanjing Agricultural University, China, where his doctoral research focused on the role of progesterone receptors in the reproduction of Trichinella spiralis, a key area in parasite biology. He completed two postdoctoral fellowships: one in Molecular Parasitology and Chromosome Biology at Cleveland State University, USA, and another in Basic Medicine at Shantou University Medical College, China. Dr. Aleem has authored over 15 peer-reviewed articles, including several in Q1 journals such as Vaccines, International Immunopharmacology, and Biomedical Research International, contributing to a cumulative impact factor exceeding 148.14. His studies delve into advanced vaccine design (mRNA, DNA), host-parasite interactions, immunomodulation, and molecular docking techniques, reflecting a strong command of both theoretical and applied biomedical sciences. He has served as corresponding author on multiple publications, highlighting his leadership in collaborative research. His work has garnered over 400 citations, with an estimated h-index of 8–10, showcasing his growing impact in the international scientific community. Dr. Aleem’s research has far-reaching implications for both veterinary and human health, especially in the control of parasitic diseases, emerging zoonoses, and infectious disease prevention. He actively collaborates across institutions and countries, demonstrating a global outlook and commitment to scientific innovation. His contributions to membrane-associated progesterone receptor studies have opened new avenues for reproductive parasitology, while his recent work on mRNA and DNA vaccine platforms marks him as a forward-looking investigator. He also contributes to public health and translational medicine by addressing environmental pathogens and drug development challenges. Given his high-impact publications, international collaborations, cross-disciplinary research profile, and growing citation footprint, Dr. Muhammad Tahir Aleem stands out as a promising and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances veterinary and biomedical sciences but also paves the way for translational solutions to global health challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

COVIDSurg Collaborative, & GlobalSurg Collaborative. (2021). Timing of surgery following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: An international prospective cohort study. Anaesthesia, 76(6), 748–758.

Sohail, M. U., Ijaz, A., Yousaf, M. S., Ashraf, K., Zaneb, H., Aleem, M., & Rehman, H. (2010). Alleviation of cyclic heat stress in broilers by dietary supplementation of mannan-oligosaccharide and Lactobacillus-based probiotic: Dynamics of cortisol, thyroid hormones and growth performance. Poultry Science, 89(9), 1934–1938.

Suleria, H. A. R., Butt, M. S., Khalid, N., Sultan, S., Raza, A., Aleem, M., & Abbas, M. (2015). Garlic (Allium sativum): Diet based therapy of 21st century – A review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 5(4), 271–278.

Ijaz, A., Hussain, A., Aleem, M., Yousaf, M. S., & Rehman, H. (2009). Butylated hydroxytoluene inclusion in semen extender improves the post-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology, 71(8), 1326–1329.

Sultan, S., Huma, N., Butt, M. S., Aleem, M., & Abbas, M. (2018). Therapeutic potential of dairy bioactive peptides: A contemporary perspective. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 58(1), 105–115.

Jamil, M., Aleem, M. T., Shaukat, A., Khan, A., Mohsin, M., Rehman, T. U., Abbas, R. Z., Saleemi, M. K., Khatoon, A., Babar, W., Yan, R., & Li, K. (2022). Medicinal plants as an alternative to control poultry parasitic diseases. Life, 12(3), 449.

Adeel, M., Ijaz, A., Aleem, M., Rehman, H., Yousaf, M. S., & Jabbar, M. A. (2009). Improvement of liquid and frozen-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) through supplementation of fat. Theriogenology, 71(8), 1220–1225.

COVIDSurg Collaborative, GlobalSurg Collaborative, Nepogodiev, D., et al. (2022). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and venous thromboembolism after surgery: An international prospective cohort study. Anaesthesia, 77(1), 28–39.

Bajwa, H. U. R., Khan, M. K., Abbas, Z., Riaz, R., Rehman, T., Abbas, R. Z., Aleem, M. T., et al. (2022). Nanoparticles: Synthesis and their role as potential drug candidates for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Life, 12(5), 750.

Farooq, M., Durrani, F. R., Aleem, M., Chand, N., & Muqarrab, A. K. (2001). Egg traits and hatching performance of Desi, Fayumi and Rhode Island Red chicken. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 4(7), 909–911.

 

Tugba Agbal | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Tugba Agbal | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Specialist Doctor at Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Turkey.

Dr. Tuğba Ağbal is a dedicated specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, currently serving at Etlik City Hospital. She completed her residency at The University of Health Sciences Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Gynecology Training and Research Hospital and earned her medical degree from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Ağbal’s professional experience includes significant roles at both Etlik City Hospital and Bulanık Public Hospital. Her research interests focus on reproductive health, prenatal and postnatal care, and innovative surgical techniques. She has received multiple awards and honors, including competency certificates in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic interventions, obstetric ultrasonography, neonatal resuscitation, and various therapeutic practices. Dr. Ağbal’s research skills are robust, encompassing clinical study design, statistical analysis, literature review, and collaboration. Her contributions to women’s health are marked by her compassionate approach to patient care and her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving clinical outcomes.

Professional Profiles:

Education 🎓

Tuğba Ağbal completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at The University of Health Sciences Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Gynecology Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, from 2016 to 2021. Prior to her residency, she earned her medical degree from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, also in Ankara, where she studied from 2009 to 2015. Her educational journey began at Hacı Ömer Tarman Science High School in Ankara, where she completed her high school education from 2005 to 2009.

Professional Experience

Since February 2023, Tuğba Ağbal has been working as a specialist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at Etlik City Hospital. Prior to this, she served as a specialist in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at Bulanık Public Hospital from 2022 to 2023. Her professional journey has been marked by a dedication to women’s health, with a focus on providing comprehensive care in obstetrics and gynecology. During her tenure at these hospitals, she has gained extensive experience in managing a variety of cases, ranging from routine prenatal and postnatal care to complex gynecological surgeries. Dr. Ağbal’s commitment to her field is evident through her continuous pursuit of professional development and her active involvement in clinical practice, ensuring she stays at the forefront of medical advancements. Her work is characterized by a compassionate approach to patient care and a strong commitment to improving women’s health outcomes.

Research Interest

Tuğba Ağbal’s research interests are primarily focused on obstetrics and gynecology, with a particular emphasis on improving clinical outcomes and advancing medical knowledge in women’s health. She is deeply interested in the study of reproductive health, prenatal and postnatal care, and the management of gynecological disorders. Her work includes investigating innovative approaches to treat conditions such as pelvic floor organ prolapse and postpartum complications. Additionally, she is keen on exploring the impacts of various medical interventions on maternal and fetal health. Dr. Ağbal is also interested in the development and assessment of new methodologies for gynecological surgeries and minimally invasive techniques. Her research aims to enhance the understanding and treatment of female reproductive health issues, contributing to better patient care and outcomes.

Award and Honors

Tuğba Ağbal has received several awards and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the Laparoscopic Intervention Competency Achievement Certificate from The University of Health Sciences Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Gynecology Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. She also earned the Hysteroscopic Intervention Competency Achievement Certificate from the same institution. Additionally, Dr. Ağbal completed training and received competency certification for basic obstetric ultrasonography in both the first and second trimesters. She has been recognized for her expertise in neonatal resuscitation by the Turkish Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Health. Furthermore, she holds certifications in colposcopy, divorce therapy, sexual therapy, and marriage and couple therapy from the Relationship Therapies Institute. These accolades highlight her dedication to professional development and excellence in her field.

Research Skills

Tuğba Ağbal possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enhance her expertise in obstetrics and gynecology. She is proficient in designing and conducting clinical studies, particularly those related to women’s reproductive health. Her skills include statistical analysis and data interpretation, which are crucial for evaluating research outcomes and drawing meaningful conclusions. Dr. Ağbal is experienced in writing and reviewing scientific manuscripts, contributing to her ability to publish research findings in reputable journals. She is adept at using various research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, to explore complex medical issues. Additionally, her skills in literature review and meta-analysis enable her to synthesize existing research and identify gaps in knowledge. Dr. Ağbal’s ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and her commitment to ethical research practices further underscore her capabilities as a researcher in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.