Wilfred Angie Abia | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wilfred Angie Abia | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wilfred Angie Abia |  University of Yaounde 1 | Cameroon

Wilfred Angie Abia is an accomplished biochemist and food safety toxicologist whose career bridges Africa and Europe through impactful teaching, research, and international collaborations. His academic foundation in medical biochemistry, nutrition, and toxicology has evolved into a distinguished career specializing in food contaminants, mycotoxin biomonitoring, fraud detection, and risk assessment. He has held influential postdoctoral and leadership positions in projects addressing agri-food safety and consumer health protection. His contributions span mycotoxicology, food fraud prevention, One Health research, and climate-related food safety challenges. Beyond research, he plays an important role as a senior lecturer and mentor, advancing both academic excellence and professional training in food safety.

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Early Academic Pursuits

Wilfred Angie Abia began his academic journey with a strong foundation in biochemistry, focusing on medical laboratory technology, nutritional sciences, and food safety. His doctoral studies at the University of Yaoundé I provided him with advanced expertise in food contaminants, safety, and biomonitoring of multimycotoxin exposures. His early academic years were marked by interdisciplinary training that connected biochemistry, nutrition, toxicology, and public health, setting the stage for his specialized career in agri-food safety and toxicology.

Professional Endeavors

His professional career spans teaching, research, and project management across multiple institutions and international collaborations. He has held postdoctoral fellowships and senior research positions in Africa, Europe, and the United Kingdom, where he advanced projects on food safety, toxicology, and fraud detection. His work at Queen’s University Belfast included leadership roles in large-scale European initiatives, where he served as both a researcher and project manager. As a Senior Lecturer of Biochemistry and Food Safety/Toxicology at the University of Yaoundé I, he combines teaching, mentorship, and research with program coordination responsibilities, shaping the next generation of food safety professionals.

Contributions and Research Focus

Abia’s research focuses on food contaminants, safety, and human health with a special emphasis on mycotoxicology. He has pioneered studies in exposure assessment, biomarker development, and human biomonitoring, particularly in vulnerable populations. His work extends to food integrity, authenticity, fraud detection, and traceability, ensuring consumer health protection. He has contributed significantly to toxicological risk assessments of chemicals in food, drugs, and the environment, while also addressing broader themes such as climate change, food security, and the One Health approach. His unique contributions include research into the neurotoxicology of mycotoxins, highlighting the intersection of food safety and neuroscience.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Abia has been recognized through prestigious international research fellowships and visiting scholar positions in leading research centers across Europe and Africa. His involvement in high-impact projects such as MycoMarker and FoodSafer underscores his leadership in global food safety initiatives. His achievements are further strengthened by professional certifications, including specialized training in food fraud prevention, which demonstrate his commitment to continuous professional growth and excellence in his field.

Impact and Influence

His work has had a profound impact on advancing food safety research, shaping policies, and protecting public health. By bridging biochemistry with toxicology, agri-food safety, and environmental sciences, he has influenced how food contaminants and fraud are detected and managed. His role as a lecturer and mentor ensures that his expertise is transmitted to students and young researchers who will continue to advance the field. His contributions also extend to policy and science diplomacy, where he actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable solutions in food and health security.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Abia’s legacy lies in his dedication to safeguarding food systems, advancing toxicological research, and promoting interdisciplinary approaches that connect human, animal, and environmental health. His work in mycotoxin biomonitoring and neurotoxicology offers critical insights into the hidden health risks of food contamination. Looking ahead, his future contributions are likely to expand in areas of food fraud prevention, climate-smart agriculture, and One Health frameworks, ensuring resilient food systems for global populations. His combination of research excellence, teaching, and science diplomacy positions him as a thought leader in shaping the future of food safety and toxicology.

Publications

  • Title: Determination of multi-mycotoxin occurrence in cereals, nuts and their products in Cameroon by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
    Authors: WA Abia, B Warth, M Sulyok, R Krska, AN Tchana, PB Njobeh, MF Dutton, …
    Year: 2013

  • Title: Mycotoxin exposure in rural residents in northern Nigeria: A pilot study using multi-urinary biomarkers
    Authors: CN Ezekiel, B Warth, IM Ogara, WA Abia, VC Ezekiel, J Atehnkeng, …
    Year: 2014

  • Title: Development and validation of a rapid multi‐biomarker liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method to assess human exposure to mycotoxins
    Authors: B Warth, M Sulyok, P Fruhmann, H Mikula, F Berthiller, R Schuhmacher, …
    Year: 2012

  • Title: Bio-monitoring of mycotoxin exposure in Cameroon using a urinary multi-biomarker approach
    Authors: WA Abia, B Warth, M Sulyok, R Krska, A Tchana, PB Njobeh, PC Turner, …
    Year: 2013

  • Title: Ultra-sensitive, stable isotope assisted quantification of multiple urinary mycotoxin exposure biomarkers
    Authors: B Šarkanj, CN Ezekiel, PC Turner, WA Abia, M Rychlik, R Krska, M Sulyok, …
    Year: 2018

  • Title: Low doses of mycotoxin mixtures below EU regulatory limits can negatively affect the performance of broiler chickens: A longitudinal study
    Authors: O Kolawole, A Graham, C Donaldson, B Owens, WA Abia, J Meneely, …
    Year: 2020

  • Title: Urinary analysis reveals high deoxynivalenol exposure in pregnant women from Croatia
    Authors: B Šarkanj, B Warth, S Uhlig, WA Abia, M Sulyok, T Klapec, R Krska, …
    Year: 2013

Conclusion

Wilfred Angie Abia’s work exemplifies a rare integration of scientific expertise, international leadership, and educational impact. His contributions to food safety, toxicology, and agri-food research not only safeguard public health but also strengthen global food systems. With his continued focus on innovation, interdisciplinary approaches, and capacity building, he stands as a key figure in shaping the future of food safety science and policy worldwide.

Rania Awadi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rania Awadi | Developmental Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rania Awadi |  Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis | Tunisia

Dr. Rania Awadi is a biophysics and medical imaging researcher whose work centers on cardiac biomechanics and non-invasive diagnostic techniques. With a PhD in biophysics and medical imaging, she has conducted advanced studies on left ventricle biomechanics using finite element modelling and gained international experience through research internships in France and collaborations with leading medical institutions in Tunisia. Her research expertise lies in cardiovascular MRI, image processing, and myocardial strain assessment, particularly in pediatric populations where diagnostic challenges are more pronounced. Among her significant contributions is a study on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where she applied cardiac MRI feature tracking to identify early subclinical myocardial dysfunction without contrast agents, an advancement with meaningful clinical impact.

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Early Academic Pursuits

From the outset of her academic journey, Dr. Rania Awadi cultivated a strong foundation in biophysics, medical physics, and medical imaging. Her doctoral studies at the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis were marked by a deep focus on the biomechanics of the left ventricle, where she applied finite element modelling to explore complex cardiac dynamics. Early research internships at prestigious institutions such as IMT Atlantique in France and Sorbonne University enriched her academic profile, enabling her to refine her expertise in advanced imaging and computational modelling techniques.

Professional Endeavors

Building upon her academic training, Dr. Awadi advanced into professional roles that merged teaching and research. She joined the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis as a lecturer in biomechanics, where she has contributed to shaping future professionals in medical physics and imaging. Her work also extended to clinical collaborations, including her involvement with the Principal Military Hospital of Tunis and Monji Ben Hmida Center, emphasizing translational research that bridges scientific innovation with patient care.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Awadi’s contributions to medical science are anchored in cardiovascular imaging and cardiac biomechanics. Her expertise lies in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, image processing, and computational modelling, with a particular focus on assessing myocardial strain. She has addressed the unique challenges of pediatric populations, where smaller heart sizes, higher heart rates, and variability in strain demand precise methodologies. Her research has sought to make early diagnosis more accessible and reliable, especially in vulnerable groups affected by genetic and muscular disorders.

Pioneering Research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Among her notable achievements, Dr. Awadi conducted a pioneering study on myocardial strain assessment for early diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in pediatric patients using cardiac MRI. Through the application of feature tracking techniques, she demonstrated the feasibility of detecting subclinical myocardial dysfunction without the use of contrast agents, reducing risks in younger patients. Her findings, published in Applied Sciences, underscored significant associations between myocardial strain parameters and structural cardiac changes, providing a non-invasive tool for monitoring disease progression in affected children.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Awadi’s scholarly contributions have been recognized in the international research community through publication in high-impact journals. Her work in Applied Sciences has strengthened her standing as an emerging researcher in cardiac imaging and biomechanics. Her collaborations with European and Tunisian research institutions reflect her growing reputation as a scientist capable of fostering cross-border innovation in medical imaging and biomechanics.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Awadi’s research extends beyond academic recognition to meaningful influence on clinical practices. By offering new insights into myocardial strain assessment, she has contributed to refining diagnostic approaches for conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, where early intervention can significantly alter outcomes. Her teaching and mentorship also shape a new generation of researchers and clinicians, further amplifying the reach of her work across academia and healthcare.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Awadi’s career continues to chart a path of scientific advancement and clinical relevance. With expertise spanning biomechanics, MRI, and computational modelling, she is poised to deepen investigations into cardiac function across diverse patient populations. Her future contributions are expected to expand the frontiers of non-invasive diagnostics, ensuring that her legacy in cardiovascular biomechanics and imaging is defined by both innovation and tangible impact on patient health.

Publications

Numerical study of two microwave antennas dedicated to superficial cancer hyperthermia
N. Benameur, R. Awadi, A. Bouabidi, M.A. Mohammed, M.U. Rehman, … – 2024

A quasi-static biomechanical model of the human myocardium based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance images
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, L. Salam – 2023

Comparison of Left Ventricle Deformation Analysis Using Abaqus and CVi42 Software: Insights from Healthy Subjects and patients with Myocardial Infarction
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, A. Sleimi, L. Salam – 2025

Myocardial Strain Assessment for Early Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients Using Cardiac MRI
R. Awadi, N. Benameur, H. Hafsi, T.B. Younes, Y. Arous, S. Labidi, … – 2024

Left Ventricle Wall Motion Abnormalities Detection in Cardiac MRI
N. Benameur, R. Awadi, R. Mahmoudi, M. Deriche, M. Al Betar – 2023

Finite Element of Biomechanical Model of the Human Myocardium from a Cardiac MRI Images
A. Rania, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, S. Labidi – 2022

of the Human Myocardium from a Cardiac MRI Images
A. Rania, N. Benameur, T. Kraiem, S. Labidi – 2022

Conclusion

Dr. Awadi’s career reflects a blend of academic rigor, professional dedication, and innovative research that addresses pressing clinical needs in pediatric cardiology. Her work has advanced the understanding of myocardial strain assessment, offering tools that improve early diagnosis and patient care. Through her teaching, collaborations, and published research, she has established herself as a promising figure in cardiac imaging and biomechanics. Looking forward, her contributions are set to further bridge the gap between research and clinical application, reinforcing her role as a driving force in the development of non-invasive diagnostic technologies.