Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Education and Training: Dr. Berlanga has a solid academic background with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology. His post-doctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions like the University of Alberta and Imperial Cancer Research Fund highlight his commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
2. Research Contributions: His extensive work on epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its applications in wound healing, particularly in diabetic foot ulcers, is groundbreaking. He has led numerous research projects and has a substantial number of publications in reputable journals, indicating his active engagement in critical biomedical research.
3. Recognition and Awards: Dr. Berlanga has received numerous prestigious awards, including the “Héroe del Trabajo de la República de Cuba” and various international recognitions, showcasing his impact and contributions to the field.
4. Leadership in Scientific Community: His roles in coordinating research commissions, leading projects, and serving as a speaker at over 40 international conferences illustrate his leadership and influence in the scientific community.
5. Multidisciplinary Approach: His research spans various aspects of pharmacology, tissue repair, and regenerative medicine, demonstrating his ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines effectively.
6. International Collaboration: Dr. Berlanga’s involvement in international workshops and conferences shows his commitment to collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge globally.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Research Scope: While Dr. Berlanga’s focus on EGF is significant, exploring additional areas of research could enhance his impact. Diversifying his research portfolio may lead to novel insights and applications in other fields of medicine.
2. Public Engagement and Communication: Increasing his outreach efforts to communicate research findings to the general public could enhance the visibility of his work and its implications for healthcare.
3. Mentorship Opportunities: Engaging more with younger researchers and students through mentorship programs could foster the next generation of scientists and broaden the research community’s perspectives.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Further collaboration with other scientific disciplines, such as engineering or technology, could lead to innovative approaches in his research areas.

Education

Dr. Berlanga’s educational journey began with primary education in Bayamo, Granma, followed by secondary schooling. He obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Universidad de Granma in 1985. He furthered his studies with a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology from the Universidad de La Habana in 2000. His academic pursuits included post-doctoral fellowships at renowned institutions, such as the University of Alberta in Canada and the Leicester General Hospital in the UK, focusing on wound healing and gastroenterology. Additionally, he completed numerous specialization courses in clinical pathology, molecular biology, and experimental pharmacology. His diverse educational background has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to advance biomedical research and contribute to the field significantly. 🎓

Experience

Dr. Berlanga’s professional experience includes roles as an instructor and assistant lecturer in Anatomical Pathology at the Universidad de Granma and as an Associate Professor of Pathology. He has been a researcher at the Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología (CIGB) in Havana, focusing on EGF’s pharmacological effects and wound healing mechanisms. Over the years, he has led various departments and projects within CIGB, including preclinical studies and diabetic foot ulcer healing initiatives. His leadership has driven significant advancements in understanding tissue repair and regeneration. In addition to his research, Dr. Berlanga has been a prominent speaker at numerous international conferences, sharing his findings and fostering collaboration in the scientific community. His extensive experience has established him as a leading figure in the field of biomedical sciences. 🔬

Awards and Honors

Dr. Berlanga’s contributions to science have earned him numerous accolades. He received the Alberta Heritage Foundation Scholarship in 1995 and the Royal Society Annual Award in 1998. In 2011, he was honored with the Distinción Carlos J. Finlay and recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization as the best young inventor. His achievements include being named Hijo Ilustre de Granma and Bayamo, as well as receiving the prestigious title of Héroe del Trabajo de la República de Cuba in 2020. He has also been acknowledged as a Distinguished Professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. These awards highlight his significant impact on science and society through innovative research and dedication to education. 🏆

Research Focus

Dr. Berlanga’s research primarily focuses on the pharmacological applications of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in wound healing and tissue regeneration. His investigations have led to the development of various animal models to study EGF’s effects on diabetic foot ulcers, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and gastrointestinal health. He explores the molecular mechanisms underlying EGF’s protective properties and its role in enhancing healing processes. His work also includes studying cellular pathologic memory and its implications in diabetes and wound chronicity. Dr. Berlanga’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine continues to shape therapeutic strategies for complex wound healing challenges, making significant contributions to biomedical science. 🧬

Publication Top Notes

• Epidermal growth factor enemas with oral mesalamine for mild-to-moderate left-sided ulcerative colitis or proctitis
• The pro‐inflammatory environment in recalcitrant diabetic foot wounds
• Intra‐lesional injections of recombinant human epidermal growth factor promote granulation and healing in advanced diabetic foot ulcers: multicenter, randomised, placebo …
• Epidermal growth factor in clinical practice–a review of its biological actions, clinical indications and safety implications
• Intralesional administration of epidermal growth factor‐based formulation (Heberprot‐P) in chronic diabetic foot ulcer: treatment up to complete wound closure
• Intralesional injections of Citoprot‐P® (recombinant human epidermal growth factor) in advanced diabetic foot ulcers with risk of amputation
• Glucose toxic effects on granulation tissue productive cells: the diabetics’ impaired healing
• Epidermal growth factor intralesional infiltrations can prevent amputation in patients with advanced diabetic foot wounds
• Diabetic foot ulcers and epidermal growth factor: revisiting the local delivery route for a successful outcome
• Gastrointestinal cell proliferation and crypt fission are separate but complementary means of increasing tissue mass following infusion of epidermal growth factor in rats
• Diabetic lower extremity wounds: the rationale for growth factors‐based infiltration treatment
• Healing enhancement of diabetic wounds by locally infiltrated epidermal growth factor is associated with systemic oxidative stress reduction
• Cellular senescence as the pathogenic hub of diabetes-related wound chronicity
• Wound chronicity, impaired immunity and infection in diabetic patients
• Insulin resistance at the crossroad of Alzheimer disease pathology: A review
• Potency and stability of C terminal truncated human epidermal growth factor
• Systemic translation of locally infiltrated epidermal growth factor in diabetic lower extremity wounds
• Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) as tissue healing agents: clarifying concerns about their possible role in malignant transformation and …
• Intestinal growth in parenterally‐fed rats induced by the combined effects of glucagon‐like peptide 2 and epidermal growth factor
• Medical practice confirms clinical trial results of the use of intralesional human recombinant epidermal growth factor in advanced diabetic foot ulcers

Conclusion

Dr. Jorge Amador Berlanga Acosta exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through his extensive educational background, significant contributions to science, and recognized leadership. His innovative work on EGF and wound healing positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By broadening his research scope, enhancing public engagement, and fostering mentorship, he can further elevate his impact on the scientific community and society at large.