Zuzana Slezáková | Nursing and management of nursing | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zuzana Slezáková | Nursing and management of nursing | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Zuzana Slezáková, Faculty of Nursing and Professional Health Studies Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Slovakia

Professor Zuzana Slezáková is a prominent leader in nursing education and healthcare management in Slovakia. As Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Professional Health Studies at the Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, she has played a pivotal role in advancing academic nursing programs at both Master’s and Doctoral levels. With over four decades in the profession, she has evolved from practicing nurse to esteemed professor, academic leader, and policy advisor. Her work emphasizes quality assurance, patient safety, and evidence-based nursing practice. She has authored 17 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to international health conferences, and served on multiple editorial boards and accreditation bodies. Prof. Slezáková is also a vital liaison with the Slovak Accreditation Agency and chairs several national committees that shape vocational and higher education curricula. Her influence continues to elevate nursing science, management, and interdisciplinary collaboration, both nationally and internationally.

🔷Profiles

🎓 Education 

Professor Zuzana Slezáková has an extensive academic background in nursing and healthcare management. She earned her nursing qualification (1978–1982) and a Master’s degree in nursing (1987–1991), which laid the foundation for her professional journey. Her specialization in internal medicine nursing (1996–1999) was followed by doctoral studies, earning her a PhDr. in Nursing (2001–2004). In 2003–2004, she pursued specialist training in Public Health Management, further strengthening her leadership skills. She achieved the academic title of Associate Professor in 2008 and was promoted to full Professor in Nursing in 2018. Her qualifications reflect a lifelong commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and health education. Prof. Slezáková continues to influence nursing curricula design and national educational standards while fostering research-based practices and student mentoring.

💼 Experience 

Professor Zuzana Slezáková has over 40 years of cumulative experience in nursing, academia, and leadership. She began her career as a clinical nurse, progressing into teaching and academic leadership roles. Currently serving as Dean at the Slovak Medical University’s Faculty of Nursing and Professional Health Studies, she also heads the Department of Nursing Theory and Management. She is the responsible authority for implementing and quality-assuring Master’s and PhD nursing programs and liaises with the Slovak Accreditation Agency. Her national influence includes roles as chairperson and member in government advisory councils, accreditation commissions, and examination boards. She has served as Secretary and Member of the Accreditation Commission for the Ministry of Health and Chair of the Committee for Nursing Professor Appointments. Prof. Slezáková’s contributions extend beyond academia into shaping national healthcare education policies, making her a cornerstone in Slovakia’s nursing education system.

🔬 Research Focus 

Professor Slezáková’s research is rooted in nursing science, with a strong focus on nursing management, patient safety, public health education, and tele-nursing. She explores innovative nursing strategies that improve patient outcomes, health literacy, and care quality. Her most notable studies include the impact of tele-education post-cesarean care, leadership during COVID-19, and the assessment of coronary disease awareness using CADE-Q II tools. She also contributes to interdisciplinary studies, such as those investigating adolescent nutrition, microplastic exposure in infants, and vitamin deficiencies in youth. As a principal academic figure, she champions the integration of evidence-based practices into curricula and national healthcare strategies. Her work consistently emphasizes the nurse’s role in secondary prevention and personalized care, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps and improve patient engagement.

📚 Publication Top Notes

1. The impact of early mobilization through a tele-education program on health condition of mothers after caesarean section
Journal: Pielęgniarstwo XXI wieku (2024-12-27)
DOI: 10.2478/pielxxiw-2024-0041
Authors: Ľubica Libová et al., incl. Zuzana Slezáková
Summary: This study demonstrated how tele-education improves postnatal recovery and mobility in mothers after cesarean delivery, highlighting the benefits of digital nursing interventions.

2. An Overview of the Possible Exposure of Infants to Microplastics
Journal: Life (2024-03-12)
DOI: 10.3390/life14030371
Summary: Investigated the emerging issue of microplastic exposure in infants, offering insights into environmental health and the role of nursing in preventive care.

3. Impact of Leadership Style and Crisis Skills… COVID-19 Pandemic
Journal: Zdravotnicke Listy (2023)
EID: 2-s2.0-85161995123
Summary: Assessed how nurse managers’ leadership styles influenced work climate during the pandemic, underlining the need for strategic leadership training.

4. Possibilities of Using the CADE-Q II Questionnaire in Coronary Syndrome
Journal: Zdravotnicke Listy (2023)
EID: 2-s2.0-85174426067
Summary: Highlighted the potential of CADE-Q II to identify knowledge gaps in patients, supporting improved education strategies in secondary prevention.

5. Nursing care of a patient with a diabetic foot
Book: Diabetic Foot – A Vascular Surgeon’s Perspective (2023)
ISBN: 9798891130654
Summary: Detailed case-based nursing practices in diabetic foot care with a multidisciplinary outlook.

6. The relationship between unpleasant experiences… anesthesia
Journal: Kontakt (2023)
DOI: 10.32725/kont.2023.027
Summary: Explored correlations between anesthesia-related distress and patient demographics, advocating for improved perioperative communication.

7. Determination of Vitamin D, Iron… Adolescents
Journal: Central European Journal of Public Health (2022)
DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7048
Summary: Investigated dietary effects on vitamin and mineral levels in adolescents, with recommendations for public health interventions.

8. Implementation of telenursing in the Slovak Republic
Journal: Pielegniarstwo XXI Wieku (2021)
DOI: 10.2478/pielxxiw-2021-0028
Summary: Showcased successful integration of telenursing, establishing a blueprint for other health systems.

Conclusion

Professor Zuzana Slezáková exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, impactful, and visionary academic leader in nursing research. Her contributions span education, policy, publication, and healthcare service improvement, with a proven track record in leading national reforms and producing patient-centered research.

Sumathi Robert Shanmugam | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sumathi Robert Shanmugam | Nursing | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahaman University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Sumathi Robert Shanmugam is an accomplished academician and researcher in the field of nursing. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she brings over 29 years of teaching experience. Dr. Shanmugam holds a Ph.D. in Pediatric Nursing, specializing in advancing educational practices and innovative clinical assignments. She is passionate about improving academic standards and student learning through technology-based teaching methods and has contributed significantly to the development of nursing curricula and research methodology. Her work focuses on pediatric care, nursing education, and women’s health, and she is actively involved in mentoring research scholars and guiding students in research methodologies. With multiple publications in reputable journals and awards such as the Distinguished Teacher Award for 2023, Dr. Sumathi is recognized as a leader in nursing education and research.

Profile

Education

Dr. Sumathi Robert Shanmugam earned her Ph.D. in Pediatric Nursing, where she delved into the complexities of child health and nursing care. She holds a robust academic background, having completed advanced studies in nursing sciences, which laid the foundation for her extensive career in academia and research. Over the years, Dr. Sumathi has continuously sought to enhance her professional knowledge by engaging in numerous academic courses and workshops, ensuring that she stays at the forefront of nursing education. Her dedication to the field of nursing is reflected in her active contributions to the development of nursing curricula, particularly in Bachelor of Maternity Nursing programs. Dr. Shanmugam’s academic achievements have earned her recognition in the form of the Distinguished Teacher Award 2023, which serves as a testament to her commitment to shaping future generations of nurses. Her academic credentials and ongoing contributions continue to make her a leading figure in the field of nursing education.

Experience

With over 29 years of experience in nursing education, Dr. Sumathi Robert Shanmugam has carved a distinguished career in both teaching and research. Throughout her career, she has successfully implemented technology-based teaching methods that have transformed traditional classroom settings, bringing innovation into nursing education. Dr. Shanmugam has also contributed to the academic world by developing clinical assignments and simulation training programs, which help students hone their skills in real-world scenarios. Beyond her teaching role, she actively mentors students and researchers, guiding them through research methodology, data analysis, and manuscript writing. Her leadership extends to her role as a Research Mentor for Ph.D. scholars, where she fosters research growth in nursing. Additionally, Dr. Shanmugam has had key editorial roles, contributing to Paediatric Nursing Journals and co-authoring chapters in nursing textbooks. Her work continues to influence nursing education, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally.

Research Focus

Dr. Sumathi Robert Shanmugam’s research interests span a wide range of critical topics within the nursing domain, with a particular emphasis on Pediatric care, Women’s and Child Health, Nursing Education, and the use of Simulation in Nursing. Her focus on nursing education includes developing new curricula and enhancing training programs for better practical application and academic delivery. Additionally, Dr. Shanmugam has explored the psychological aspects of healthcare, particularly through research examining emotional intelligence and well-being among nursing students. Her research on simulation-based training is particularly noteworthy, as it bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that future nurses are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in real-world clinical settings. Dr. Shanmugam is also involved in collaborative research projects, such as studies on psychological health, addiction recovery, and the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in various populations, making her research both diverse and impactful.

Publication Top Notes

  • Levels of depression among wives of alcoholics and non-alcoholics-A comparative study (Indian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 2018) 🌍📚
  • Impact of sleep and psychological well-being on the academic and clinical performance of nursing students in Saudi Arabia (Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 2024) 🌙📈
  • Emotional intelligence and self-esteem among Saudi Arabian and Indian nursing students: findings from two countries (BMC Nursing, 2024) 🌟💡
  • Awareness, Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Usage of Open Access Scholarly Publishing among Faculty (Cardiometry, 2023) 🖋️📑
  • Effectiveness of music therapy on pain, anxiety, depression and quality of life among patients with cancer—A systematic review (Int J Nurs Health Care Res, 2023) 🎶💪
  • Psychological effects of COVID-19 lockdown among Aseer residents, Saudi Arabia (JPMA, 2023) 🦠😷
  • Facilitators and Barriers for Advocacy among Nurses-A Cross-Sectional Study (The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 2024) 🧑‍⚕️🤝
  • WhatsApp Addiction and Educators Role in WhatsApp usage among Students (Psychology and Education, 2021) 📱👨‍🏫
  • Quality of life among wives of juvenile diabetics (Tamilnadu Nurses and Midwives Council, 2018) ❤️📊
  • Psychological problems among children of alcohol dependents with children of juvenile diabetics (The Journal of Nursing Trendz, 2018) 🧒🍷
  • Psychological problems among wives of alcohol dependents with wives of Juvenile diabetics and normal controls (Indian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2018) 🧠💔
  • Deep Tissue Massage (Journal of Medical Surgical Nursing, 2014) 💆‍♀️📖
  • Collaborative newborn care- Nurses Role (Nightingale Nursing Times, 2010) 👶🤱
  • Newborn care practices (Health Action, 2010) 🍼👶

 

 

Jorge Amador Berlanga-Acosta | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Jorge Amador Berlanga-Acosta | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Research project leader, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cuba

Dr. Jorge Amador Berlanga Acosta is a distinguished Cuban veterinary medicine and pharmaceutical scientist, born on October 11, 1962, in Bayamo, Granma, Cuba. With a career spanning over three decades, he specializes in the pharmacological applications of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) for wound healing and diabetic foot ulcers. He holds several prestigious titles, including Member of Honor of the Cuban National Academy of Science and Distinguished Professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. Dr. Berlanga has made significant contributions to biomedical research and has been instrumental in various clinical trials and technical missions across multiple continents, earning recognition for his impactful work in regenerative medicine and pharmacology. His expertise is complemented by a strong commitment to education and mentorship in the scientific community. 🌟

Profile

Google Scholar

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.