Rosario Megna | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rosario Megna | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

National Research Council  | Italy

Dr. Rosario Megna is an accomplished physicist whose career spans high-energy physics, biomedical research, and advanced clinical imaging. He holds both a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Physics, earned from two of Italy’s leading academic institutions, the University of Naples “Federico II” and the University of Bari. His academic foundations were built within the dynamic field of astroparticle physics, where he explored high-energy cosmic sources, matter-radiation interactions, Monte Carlo simulations, data acquisition systems, and advanced data analysis methodologies. During this early phase of his career, he contributed to several major international scientific collaborations, including ARGO-YBJ, NEMO, ANTARES, and KM3Net, and authored multiple research articles and conference contributions that advanced the understanding of fundamental astrophysical phenomena.Following his doctoral training, Dr. Megna expanded his research trajectory into the biomedical sciences through postdoctoral positions at the University of Bari and the National Institute for Nuclear Physics. Within this multidisciplinary environment, he applied physical principles to medical challenges, specializing in biomedical data management, computational analysis, and medical imaging. As part of the MAGIC-5 collaboration, he played a key role in developing a computer-aided detection system designed for the early diagnosis of lung cancer using computed tomography. This work allowed him to deepen his expertise in CT imaging, DICOM data acquisition, and pattern-recognition techniques tailored for clinical decision support.Dr. Megna later joined the National Research Council of Italy, where his contributions progressed from data storage and analysis for clinical and preclinical studies to broader responsibilities in statistics, database systems, biomedical signal processing, and modeling. As his role evolved into that of a research technologist and, subsequently, a senior research technologist, his research interests expanded to advanced statistics, machine-learning algorithms, risk assessment, and nuclear-medicine–based imaging techniques. His recent work focuses on clinical imaging for oncology and the optimization of radiotherapy approaches, integrating physics-driven innovation with real-world healthcare needs.Throughout his career, Dr. Rosario Megna has authored or coauthored more than fifty scientific publications and conference presentations, reflecting his sustained commitment to scientific advancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the translation of physics-based methodologies into impactful biomedical and clinical applications.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Gargiulo, S., Albanese, S., Megna, R., Gramanzini, M., Marsella, G., & Vecchiarelli, L. (2025). Veterinary medical care in rodent models of stroke: Pitfalls and refinements to balance quality of science and animal welfare. Neuroscience.

External validation of a predictive model for post‑treatment persistent disease by ¹³¹I whole‑body scintigraphy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. (2025). Journal not specified.

Cardiovascular risk factors and development of nomograms in an Italian cohort of patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing SPECT or PET stress myocardial perfusion imaging. (2024). Frontiers in Nuclear Medicine.

Megna, R. (2023). Evolution of the COVID‑19 pandemic in Italy at the national and regional levels from February 2020 to March 2022. AIMS Medical Science.

Petretta, M., Megna, R., Assante, R., Zampella, E., Nappi, C., Gaudieri, V., Mannarino, T., Green, R., Cantoni, V., D’Antonio, A., et al. (2023). External validation and update of the J‑ACCESS model in an Italian cohort of patients undergoing stress myocardial perfusion imaging. Journal of Nuclear Cardiology.

Albert Eisenbarth | Clinical Trials | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth | Clinical Trials | Best Scholar Award

Entomologe at Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg | Germany

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth is a biologist specializing in parasitology, vector biology, and emerging infectious diseases. He earned his doctorate at the University of Tübingen, focusing on Onchocerca ochengi and its relevance to river blindness epidemiology. His career spans international research assignments across Africa, Asia, and Europe, contributing to studies on vector-borne diseases, zoonotic pathogens, and host-parasite interactions. Dr. Eisenbarth has worked at prestigious institutions including the Friedrich Loeffler Institute for Animal Health and the University of Tübingen. With over a decade of field and laboratory expertise, his work bridges veterinary medicine, parasitology, and global health, advancing infectious disease control strategies.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Education 

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth completed his MSc in Parasitology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, where he conducted his thesis on anisakid nematodes in Australian waters. He pursued doctoral studies at the University of Tübingen, earning his Doctor of Biology degree with a thesis on the biology of Onchocerca ochengi and its epidemiological implications for river blindness. His academic training also included international research exchanges at the University of Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, the University of Cape Town, and Kasetsart University in Bangkok. His education combines parasitology, vector biology, and tropical infectious disease research.

Experience 

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth has held diverse research and professional roles. He served as a Research Fellow at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute for Animal Health, working on novel and emerging infectious diseases. Previously, he completed his doctoral and postdoctoral research at the University of Tübingen and in Cameroon within the Onchocerciasis Programme. His career includes positions as Clinical Data Manager at Kendle GmbH and scientific assistant roles at the University of Tübingen. He has undertaken extensive international assignments in Mozambique, Mauritania, Cameroon, Thailand, France, Australia, and South Africa. His expertise encompasses parasitology, vector ecology, epidemiology, and zoonotic disease transmission at the human-animal interface.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth has received multiple awards and grants for his scientific contributions. He co-coordinated major DFG-funded projects investigating zoonotic viral transmission, including Rift Valley Fever and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Africa. As principal investigator, he secured a RiSC Young Scientist grant for research on genetic susceptibility to tick-borne diseases in African cattle. His international collaborations earned him a South East Asia–European Union NET II Fellowship, supporting One Health research. He has also been recognized with travel grants from the German Society for Parasitology and the Erwin Riesch Foundation. Additionally, he was awarded DAAD fellowships for both MSc and doctoral studies.

Research Focus 

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth research focuses on parasitology, vector-borne diseases, and zoonotic infections affecting both human and animal health. He has conducted extensive work on the epidemiology of Onchocerca volvulus and Onchocerca ochengi, contributing to onchocerciasis control strategies. His studies include the diversity, abundance, and pathogen carriage of hematophagous vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks in Africa. Additionally, he investigates emerging viral diseases, including Rift Valley Fever and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, across the livestock-wildlife-human interface. Through molecular and field-based approaches, his work integrates parasitology, virology, and epidemiology, providing valuable insights for global health, One Health initiatives, and disease elimination programs.

Publication Top Notes

Molecular detection of Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) adleri (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) in Sergentomyia sp. sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Mali and Niger

Mosquito survey in Mauritania: Detection of Rift Valley fever virus and dengue virus and the determination of feeding patterns

Conclusion

Dr. Albert Eisenbarth possesses the academic excellence, research productivity, and global health relevance that make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. His innovative studies on parasitic and vector-borne diseases, coupled with his ability to secure competitive grants and engage in international collaborations, demonstrate outstanding scholarly merit. With continued expansion into broader leadership and translational activities, he is well-positioned to further influence the fields of parasitology, epidemiology, and infectious disease research. His track record aligns with the award’s goal of recognizing impactful and forward-looking scientific scholarship.

Vibeke Strand | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Vibeke Strand | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vibeke Strand, Stanford University, United States

Dr. Vibeke Strand is a renowned rheumatologist and clinical scientist specializing in immunology and autoimmune diseases. With an M.D. from UCSF and a fellowship in Rheumatology/Immunology, she has led groundbreaking research in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. As a Master of the American College of Rheumatology 🎓 and Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Strand has contributed to numerous FDA drug approvals and serves on editorial and scientific advisory boards. Her leadership in OMERACT and GRAPPA underscores her global impact on outcome measures and clinical trials in rheumatology.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Vibeke Strand began her academic journey at Swarthmore College, earning a B.A. in Zoology and Sociology/Anthropology with honors in 1971 🧠📚. She received her M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 1976 and completed her Internal Medicine residency at Michigan State University from 1976 to 1979 🏥💉. She then pursued a prestigious Rheumatology/Immunology fellowship at UCSF from 1979 to 1981 🔬🧪. Dr. Strand is board-certified in Internal Medicine (1979) and Rheumatology/Immunology (1982) and licensed by the State Boards of California and Michigan.

Awards

Dr. Vibeke Strand has received numerous prestigious accolades throughout her distinguished career in rheumatology. In 2015, she was honored with the title of Master by the American College of Rheumatology, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the field 🧠👏. Earlier, in 1982, she was named a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and featured in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering for her scientific impact 🌟📘. Her early career achievements include a Postgraduate Fellowship from the Arthritis Foundation and service as an Associate Investigator at the Veterans Administration in 1981.

Research Focus

Dr. Vibeke Strand’s research is centered around rheumatology, particularly autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She is renowned for her contributions to clinical trials, patient-reported outcomes, and biologic therapies, including JAK inhibitors, biosimilars, and targeted treatments such as anifrolumab and deucravacitinib 💊📊. Her work also spans psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and immunogenicity of biosimilars, often influencing drug development and regulatory strategies 📝💼. As a founding figure in OMERACT, she plays a key role in advancing outcome measures for rheumatic diseases globally.

Publication Top Notes

Long-term effect of anifrolumab on patient-reported outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (TULIP-LTE): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 long-term extension trial

Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric, tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, in patients with active SLE: Efficacy on patient-reported outcomes in a phase II randomised trial

Scoping literature review to identify candidate domains for the OMERACT Systemic Lupus Erythematosus core outcome set

Deucravacitinib in Patients with Plaque Psoriasis Who Screened Positive for Psoriatic Arthritis: Improvements in Joint Pain and the Impact of Musculoskeletal Symptoms

How JAK inhibitors tip the prothrombotic balance in rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis

Poor prognostic factors in predicting abatacept response in a phase III randomized controlled trial in psoriatic arthritis

Sarilumab and adalimumab differential effects on bone remodelling and cardiovascular risk biomarkers, and predictions of treatment outcomes

Correction to: Immunogenicity of Biosimilars for Rheumatic Diseases, Plaque Psoriasis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review from Clinical Trials and Regulatory Documents (BioDrugs, (2020), 34, 1, (27-37), 10.1007/s40259-019-00394-x)

Unmet needs in ankylosing spondylitis patients receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy; results from a large multinational real-world study

Immunogenicity of Biosimilars for Rheumatic Diseases, Plaque Psoriasis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review from Clinical Trials and Regulatory Documents

Dr. Minoo Moghimi|Clinical Trials|Best Researcher Award

Dr. Minoo Moghimi|Clinical Trials|Best Researcher Award

Dr. Minoo Moghimi at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Iran

PROFILE  

Google scholar

 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Minoo Moghimi embarked on her academic journey with a solid foundation in the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents, where she obtained her high school diploma in Yazd (2007-2011). This formative education laid the groundwork for her entrance into the field of pharmacy, where she pursued a PharmD at Yazd University of Medical Sciences from 2011 to 2018. Her early involvement with the faculty research committee highlighted her dedication to the field of pharmacotherapy, showcasing a keen interest in advancing pharmaceutical science right from the start.

Moghimi’s PharmD thesis focused on developing porous microencapsulated probiotics using a spray freeze drying technique. This innovative research emphasized the importance of drug formulation technology and aimed at enhancing probiotic viability. The success of this project led to a patent, marking a significant achievement in her early career and reflecting her capability to contribute meaningfully to pharmaceutical innovation.

Professional Endeavors 🏥

After completing her PharmD, Moghimi chose to channel her expertise into clinical applications by entering the Clinical Pharmacy Residency Program at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2018. This decision was driven by her passion for directly assessing drug effects in real-world patient scenarios. Throughout her residency, she demonstrated a profound dedication to clinical pharmacy, actively participating in research programs and engaging in numerous projects with a strong focus on clinical trials.

Her professional trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when she contributed to the DISCOVER trial. This was a large-scale, randomized clinical trial involving over 1,000 patients, evaluating the efficacy of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The findings, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, were instrumental in understanding potential treatment options during the pandemic, reflecting her commitment to evidence-based clinical practice.

Moghimi’s professional expertise also extends beyond infectious diseases, as she has been involved in designing and implementing clinical trials in oncology, gynecology, and dentistry. Her diverse research portfolio underscores her adaptability and readiness to tackle multifaceted clinical challenges.

Contributions and Research Focus 📚

Minoo Moghimi’s primary research focus lies in managing chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, a critical area that significantly impacts cancer patient care. Her ongoing residency thesis, “Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of the Addition of Lacosamide to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial,” reflects this focus. Through this project, she aims to mitigate the debilitating side effects associated with chemotherapy, thus enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.

In addition to her research in oncology, Moghimi has actively contributed to pharmacotherapy in critical care settings, clinical nutrition management, and drug-drug interaction management. Her ability to design comprehensive clinical trials is supported by her skills in clinical trial design, protocol development for critical medications, and medication reconciliation—skills that have proven vital in her multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Moghimi’s contributions are not limited to clinical environments; she also engages in academic service. As a reviewer for respected journals like Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research Journal (PBR) and Annals of Clinical and Medical Case Reports, she evaluates research, ensuring high standards in pharmacotherapy literature.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Throughout her academic and professional career, Minoo Moghimi has achieved several notable milestones. Her early achievement in patenting her thesis project during her PharmD studies reflects her commitment to innovation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her role in the DISCOVER trial received significant recognition, as the study’s outcomes played a crucial role in informing clinical practices and treatment protocols for COVID-19 patients.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Minoo Moghimi’s research has had a tangible impact on the fields of clinical pharmacy and pharmacotherapy. Her work in chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, particularly taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy, aims to provide oncologists with better tools to manage the side effects of cancer treatments. By focusing on this critical aspect of cancer care, she is not only advancing research but also directly contributing to patient well-being, showcasing the transformative power of targeted pharmacotherapy.

Her involvement in critical care pharmacotherapy, nutrition management, and drug-drug interaction management demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care, where she considers various factors influencing therapeutic outcomes. This multidisciplinary expertise positions her as a key contributor to advancing patient-centered care in clinical settings.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Minoo Moghimi aims to continue her work at the intersection of research and clinical practice. Her focus on chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, critical care, and nutrition management indicates a commitment to advancing patient care through evidence-based research. As a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, her goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical applications, ensuring that pharmacotherapy evolves in response to patient needs.

In the future, Moghimi plans to expand her research into novel drug therapies, aiming to develop innovative interventions for managing complex clinical conditions. Her dedication to the peer-review process reflects her intention to contribute to the scientific community by ensuring the dissemination of accurate and impactful research findings.

Skills and Technological Expertise 💻

Minoo Moghimi possesses a diverse skill set encompassing clinical trial design, research management, and critical care pharmacotherapy. Her expertise extends to protocol development for high-risk drugs, clinical nutrition, and drug-drug interaction management. In terms of technical skills, she is proficient with software like GraphPad Prism, Endnote, and MS Office—tools that are essential for managing data, conducting statistical analysis, and organizing research findings.

Research Interests and Aspirations 🔬

Her primary research interests revolve around chemotherapy-induced adverse effects, a field that holds immense potential for improving cancer care outcomes. Moghimi is also dedicated to critical care pharmacotherapy and nutrition management, fields where she hopes to make significant contributions in the future. Her aspiration is to develop strategies and guidelines that healthcare professionals can utilize to optimize treatment outcomes in complex clinical scenarios.

Conclusion 🎯

Minoo Moghimi’s journey from a dedicated pharmacy student to a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist is marked by a strong academic foundation, substantial research contributions, and a commitment to improving patient care. Her work has already left an indelible mark on the clinical pharmacy landscape, and her ongoing projects promise to further enhance therapeutic approaches in critical care and oncology. Moghimi’s career is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated research, clinical expertise, and a patient-centered approach can have in advancing healthcare.

🎓Publication 

A Narrative Review on Adverse Effects of Dasatinib With a Focus on Pharmacotherapy of Dasatinib-Induced Pulmonary Toxicities

  • Authors   :Zahra Nekoukar, Minoo Moghimi, Ebrahim Salehifar
  • Journal    :Blood Research
  • Year         :2021

Evaluation of the Effect of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir in Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial (DISCOVER)

  • Authors   : Sara Mobarak, Mehdi Salasi, Ahmad Hormati, Javad Khodadadi, Masood Ziaee, Farshid Abedi, Azadeh Ebrahimzadeh, Zohreh Azarkar, Fariborz Mansour-Ghanaei, Farahnaz Joukar, Sara Yeganeh, Tofigh Yaghubi Kalurazi, Mohammadreza Naghipour, Zeinab Mehrabi, Amir Reza Bahadori, Shoeleh Yaghoubi, Rohollah Moslemi, Hamideh Abbaspour Kasgari, Hafez Fakheri, Minoo Moghimi, Amir Mohammad Shabani, Zahra Nekoukar, Farhang Babamahmoodi, 
  • Year         :2025

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Atazanavir/Ritonavir Plus Hydroxychloroquine with Lopinavir/Ritonavir Plus Hydroxychloroquine in Patients with moderate COVID-19, A

  • Authors   :Zahra Nekoukar , Shahram Ala, Siavash Moradi, Andrew Hill, Ali Reza Davoudi Badabi, Ahmad Alikhani, Shahriar Alian, Minoo Moghimi, Amir Mohammad Shabani, Hamideh Abbaspour Kasgari
  • Journal    :Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
  • Year         :2021

Suicide attempt using zinc phosphide rodenticide: A case report and literature review

  • Authors   :Zahra Nekoukar, Minoo Moghimi, Kimia Rasouli, Aref Hoseini, Zakaria Zakariaei, Rabeeh Tabaripour, Mahdi Fakhar, Elham Sadat Banimostafavi 
  • Journal    : Clinical case reports
  • Year         :2021

Prevalence of Thromboembolic Events, Including Venous Thromboembolism and Arterial Thrombosis, in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

  • Authors   :Babak Bagheri, Abbas Alipour, Mojtaba Yousefi, Rozita Jalalian, Minoo Moghimi, Mahsa Mohammadi, Negar Hassanpour, Mohammadreza Iranian
  • Journal    :Tehran University of Medical Sciences
  • Year         :2023