Bratlley Alexis Fernandez Hernandez | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Bratlley Alexis Fernandez Hernandez | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Bratlley Alexis Fernandez Hernandez | Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá | Colombia

Bratlley Alexis Fernandez Hernandez is a physician and pediatric researcher at Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, with expertise in pediatric respiratory diseases and sleep medicine. His clinical and research work focuses on rare pediatric lung conditions, respiratory infections, and sleep disorders, with the goal of improving early recognition, diagnosis, and management in children. He has contributed to pediatric pulmonology through a peer-reviewed publication on Neuroendocrine Hyperplasia of Infancy (NEHI) in Pediatric Pulmonology. In addition to his scientific research, he is a contributing author to the textbook Pediatría: Diagnóstico y Tratamiento. His research projects include clinical characterization of NEHI, retrospective studies on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, validation of pediatric sleep questionnaires in Colombian populations, and investigations into the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and enuresis in children living at high altitude.

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Featured Publication


Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia at a Tertiary Care Center in a High‐Altitude City

– María Camila Ortiz‐Pérez; Alexis Fernández‐Hernández; Daniela Cleves; Juliana Cáceres Montejo; Patricia Panqueva; Sonia Restrepo‐Gualteros,
Pediatric Pulmonology

Andrea Frustaci | Neurogenetics | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Andrea Frustaci | Neurogenetics | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Andrea Frustaci | National Institute of Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani | Italy

Andrea Frustaci is an Italian cardiologist and Associate Professor of Cardiology at Sapienza University of Rome, working at the Policlinico Umberto I Hospital in Rome. He earned his medical degree with highest honors from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and later specialized in cardiology. His academic career has included roles as a university researcher and clinician in cardiovascular medicine, focusing on diagnostic and clinical cardiology. Professor Frustaci has made substantial contributions to cardiovascular research and patient care. His scholarly output includes 248 scientific documents, accumulating 12,475 citations, with an h-index of 51, reflecting significant international impact in cardiology and clinical cardiovascular science.

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Featured Publications

Severe Aortopathy Caused by Fabry Disease
– Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases, 2025

Danai Veltra | Neurogenetics and Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Danai Veltra | Neurogenetics and Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Danai Veltra | National and Kapodistrian University | Greece

Dr. Danai Veltra is a Greek medical researcher specializing in clinical genetics and genomic medicine, with a strong focus on rare genetic disorders, epileptic encephalopathies, and neurodevelopmental syndromes. Her research contributions encompass genetic diagnostics through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), significantly improving the identification and understanding of Mendelian and chromosomal disorders. She has presented her work at numerous prestigious international conferences, including the European Human Genetics Conference and the European Paediatric Neurology Society Congress, where she has contributed to studies on Marfan syndrome, Williams syndrome, Melnick-Needles syndrome, and Diamond Blackfan Anemia. Dr. Veltra has co-authored impactful publications in leading journals such as the European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, Gynecological Endocrinology, and American Journal of Medical Genetics. Her collaborative work has enhanced genotype–phenotype correlations and advanced precision medicine approaches in pediatric and hereditary diseases. With 237 citations, an h-index of 7, and an i10-index of 5, she has established herself as a promising scientist in medical genetics, contributing both to clinical application and academic advancement in human genomics and molecular diagnostics.

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Featured Publications

Marinakis, N. M., Svingou, M., Veltra, D., Kekou, K., Sofocleous, C., Tilemis, F. N., … (2021). Phenotype‐driven variant filtration strategy in exome sequencing toward a high diagnostic yield and identification of 85 novel variants in 400 patients with rare Mendelian disorders. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 185(8), 2561–2571.

Zouvelou, V., Yubero, D., Apostolakopoulou, L., Kokkinou, E., Bilanakis, M., … Veltra, D. (2019). The genetic etiology in cerebral palsy mimics: The results from a Greek tertiary care center. European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, 23(3), 427–437.

Tilemis, F. N., Marinakis, N. M., Veltra, D., Svingou, M., Kekou, K., Mitrakos, A., … (2023). Germline CNV detection through whole-exome sequencing (WES) data analysis enhances resolution of rare genetic diseases. Genes, 14(7), 1490.

Pavinato, L., Delle Vedove, A., Carli, D., Ferrero, M., Carestiato, S., Howe, J. L., … (2023). CAPRIN1 haploinsufficiency causes a neurodevelopmental disorder with language impairment, ADHD and ASD. Brain, 146(2), 534–548.

Saffari, A., Lau, T., Tajsharghi, H., Karimiani, E. G., Kariminejad, A., Efthymiou, S., … (2023). The clinical and genetic spectrum of autosomal-recessive TOR1A-related disorders. Brain, 146(8), 3273–3288.

Layo-Carris, D. E., Lubin, E. E., Sangree, A. K., Clark, K. J., Durham, E. L., … (2024). Expanded phenotypic spectrum of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder Bryant-Li-Bhoj syndrome with 38 additional individuals. European Journal of Human Genetics, 32(8), 928–937.

Veltra, D., Kosma, K., Papavasiliou, A., Tilemis, F. N., Traeger‐Synodinos, J., … (2022). A novel pathogenic ATP6V1B2 variant: Widening the genotypic spectrum of the epileptic neurodevelopmental phenotype. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 188(12), 3563–3566.

Ivan Zivotic | Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ivan Zivotic | Molecular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ivan Zivotic, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia.

Dr. Ivan Životić is a Serbian molecular geneticist whose research focuses on the genetic epidemiology of complex human diseases such as atherosclerosis, congenital kidney anomalies, and chronic inflammatory conditions. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Belgrade and a master’s background in applied genetics, he has cultivated a strong academic and research foundation. Currently affiliated with the “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences, he has authored 16 scientific papers and coauthored over 40 abstracts, contributing meaningfully to the fields of genomics and transcriptomics. His expertise lies in deciphering gene-disease associations using modern molecular and computational tools.

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Born on July 23, 1986, in Belgrade, Serbia, Dr. Ivan Životić embarked on a promising academic journey rooted in the life sciences. His passion for unraveling the genetic underpinnings of human diseases led him to the Faculty of Biology at the University of Belgrade. He obtained a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Physiology in 2011, specializing in applied genetics within the Department of Population Genetics. His master’s thesis explored the role of GST M1 and GST T1 gene deletion polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis, laying the groundwork for his deep engagement in genetic epidemiology. He continued with doctoral studies at the same faculty, where he focused on the molecular biology of eukaryotes. His Ph.D. thesis examined the association between genetic variants on chromosome 9p21 and transcription levels of CDKN2B and HACD4 genes with atherosclerosis and its complications, graduating with an impressive average grade of 9.7.

🧬 Research Focus in Molecular Genetics

Dr. Životić’s research is rooted in molecular genetics with a core focus on the genetic epidemiology of complex human diseases. His scientific curiosity revolves around how genomic and transcriptomic profiles contribute to the development of conditions such as atherosclerosis, congenital kidney anomalies, and chronic inflammatory diseases. His work integrates molecular tools and population studies to understand genetic variants and their influence on disease onset, making valuable contributions to the broader fields of genomics and transcriptomics. His dedication to uncovering genetic risk factors reflects a commitment to improving predictive medicine and tailored healthcare strategies.

🏥 Professional Endeavors in Medical Sciences

Professionally, Dr. Životić holds a distinguished position at the “Vinča” Institute of Nuclear Sciences, a leading Serbian national research institute affiliated with the University of Belgrade. His role within this multidisciplinary environment places him at the forefront of translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. Collaborating with esteemed researchers and clinicians, he continually advances the understanding of how molecular mechanisms translate into disease phenotypes, particularly within the realm of cardiovascular and renal health.

📚 Contributions to Scientific Literature

Dr. Životić has authored 16 research papers in internationally recognized SCI journals and coauthored over 40 scientific abstracts presented at prestigious conferences. These publications represent his steady and thoughtful contributions to the academic community. His scholarly output reflects not only the depth of his investigations but also his role in team-based science. His Scopus-indexed h-index of 4 and 54 heterocitations (as of February 12, 2025) demonstrate a growing influence in the field of molecular medical research.

🏆 Accolades and Academic Recognition

Dr. Životić’s academic achievements are complemented by consistent scholarly excellence. With high average grades throughout his university education and a commendable Ph.D. thesis addressing significant clinical concerns, he has earned recognition within his academic circles. His scientific insights into cardiovascular genomics have positioned him as a promising voice among early-career researchers in Serbia’s biomedical community. His educational accomplishments, including supervision under renowned expert Dr. Maja Živković, reflect a foundation built on rigor and mentorship.

🌍 Scientific Impact and Global Relevance

The research conducted by Dr. Životić holds substantial relevance not only within Serbia but also internationally, given the global burden of atherosclerosis and other complex diseases. His work on gene expression, chromosomal variations, and their clinical correlations contributes to a better understanding of disease mechanisms that affect millions worldwide. His interdisciplinary approach, blending genetics, epidemiology, and bioinformatics, is increasingly critical for the development of precision medicine.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Životić is poised to make further breakthroughs in the fields of medical genomics and complex disease genetics. As the need for personalized medicine grows, his contributions are expected to inform diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that are tailored to individual genetic backgrounds. With a strong foundation, a collaborative research spirit, and an unwavering focus on human health, Dr. Životić is building a scientific legacy that will inspire future generations of geneticists and medical researchers.

Publication

  • Title: Expression of HMGB1, TGF-β1, BIRC3, ADAM17, CDKN1A, and FTO in Relation to Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients Six Months after the First Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Study
    Authors: Jovana Kuveljic, Ana Djordjevic, Ivan Zivotic, Milica Dekleva, Ana Kolakovic, Maja Zivkovic, Aleksandra Stankovic, Tamara Djuric
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Gene expression of chemokines CX3CL1 and CXCL16 and their receptors, CX3CR1 and CXCR6, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis – a pilot study
    Authors: Ljiljana Stojkovic, Aleksandra Stankovic, Ivan Zivotic, Evica Dincic, Dragan Alavantic, Maja Zivkovic
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: The Effects of Aronia melanocarpa Juice Consumption on the mRNA Expression Profile in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Subjects at Cardiovascular Risk
    Authors: Ljiljana Stojković, Ivan Jovanovic, Manja Zec, Ivan Zivotic, Ivan Zivotić, Jovana Kuveljić, Ana Kolaković, Ivana Kolić, Ana Djordjević, Marija Glibetić et al.
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: CDKN2B gene expression is affected by 9p21.3 rs10757278 in CAD patients, six months after the MI
    Authors: Zivotić I, Djurić T, Stanković A, Milasinovic D, Stankovic G, Dekleva M, Marković Nikolić N, Alavantić D, Zivković M
    Year: 2019

 

  • Title: The HACD4 haplotype as a risk factor for atherosclerosis in males
    Authors: Zivotić I, Djurić T, Stanković A, Ivančević I, Končar I, Milasinovic D, Stankovic G, Alavantić D, Zivković M
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: 9p21 locus rs10757278 is associated with advanced carotid atherosclerosis in a gender-specific manner
    Authors: Zivotić I, Djurić T, Stanković A, Djordjević A, Končar I, Davidović L, Alavantić D, Zivković M
    Year: 2016

 

  • Title: Genetic Variants in the Vicinity of LGALS-3 Gene and LGALS-3 mRNA Expression in Advanced Carotid Atherosclerosis: An Exploratory Study
    Authors: Djordjevic A, Zivkovic M, Stankovic A, Zivotic I, Koncar I, Davidovic L, Alavantic D, Djuric T
    Year: 2016

 

  • Title: The glutathione S-transferase T1 deletion is associated with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis
    Authors: Živković M, Životić I, Dinčić E, Stojković L, Vojinović S, Stanković A
    Year: 2013

 

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Životić exemplifies a new generation of biomedical scientists committed to bridging genetic science with clinical application. His work not only enhances the understanding of disease pathogenesis but also supports the advancement of personalized medicine. With a growing academic presence, a commitment to collaborative research, and a focus on translational impact, Dr. Životić is well-positioned to make lasting contributions to the global scientific community.

Zhenhua Wu | Neurogenetics | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Dr. Zhenhua Wu | Neurogenetics | Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Zhenhua Wu, Exegenesis Bio, Inc ,United States.

Zhenhua Wu is a distinguished biotech entrepreneur and scientific leader with over 20 years of experience across the research and development value chain. As the founder, President, and CEO of Exegenesis Bio Inc., he has pioneered accessible, innovative gene therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. His journey spans rigorous academic beginnings, executive leadership in multiple biotechnology companies, and a steadfast commitment to global health advancement. Known for assembling world-class talent and making strategic decisions, Wu has played a key role in shaping the future of gene therapy through both scientific and business excellence.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Zhenhua Wu’s journey into the world of biotechnology and gene therapy was shaped by a solid academic foundation rooted in scientific rigor and innovation. During his early academic pursuits, he demonstrated a deep curiosity for biological systems and therapeutic sciences. This intellectual appetite laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in translational medicine, where scientific discovery meets real-world application. His academic training not only honed his research skills but also instilled a lifelong commitment to innovation in the life sciences.

💼 Professional Endeavors

With more than two decades of hands-on experience in the research and development value chain, Zhenhua Wu has established himself as a seasoned leader in biotechnology. He has served in executive roles across a range of biotech companies of various sizes and strategic focuses. In each capacity, he brought visionary leadership, guiding teams to deliver impactful solutions in the biomedical space. His career has been a progressive climb from scientific inquiry to corporate strategy, integrating a robust understanding of science with sharp business acumen.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

As a pioneer in the field of gene therapy, Zhenhua Wu’s contributions are both profound and multifaceted. He is the founder and current President and CEO of Exegenesis Bio Inc., a multinational gene therapy company based in Philadelphia, PA. Under his leadership, the company has developed a pipeline of innovative, affordable gene therapies designed to address high unmet medical needs. His research focus lies in advancing next-generation gene therapies that are not only effective but also accessible, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and patient care.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Zhenhua Wu’s impactful career has earned him recognition as a visionary entrepreneur and scientific innovator. Though his biography remains modest in tone, his work has resonated across the biotech sector, attracting significant investment and strategic partnerships. His ability to build and lead a cutting-edge biotech company from the ground up has marked him as a key influencer in gene therapy, with accolades stemming from both industry peers and investors who recognize the value and promise of his work.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through Exegenesis Bio, Zhenhua Wu has catalyzed a new wave of therapeutic innovation with global reach. His influence extends beyond the lab and boardroom, impacting regulatory conversations, patient advocacy movements, and international biotech development. By forging cross-continental collaborations and assembling a top-tier team of experts, he has ensured that the company is positioned as a global leader in gene therapy solutions, redefining what is possible in patient care and drug development.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Zhenhua Wu continues to chart a path focused on expanding access to gene therapy on a global scale. His legacy is being built not only through the therapies under development but also through the culture of scientific integrity, innovation, and purpose that he has instilled in his company. He remains dedicated to mentoring future leaders, cultivating partnerships that push boundaries, and shaping a future where life-altering treatments are within reach for all who need them.

🧠 Visionary Leadership in Gene Therapy

At the heart of Zhenhua Wu’s professional identity is his role as a visionary leader in the fast-evolving field of gene therapy. His ability to connect scientific breakthroughs with patient-focused strategies has transformed Exegenesis Bio into a beacon of hope for countless individuals suffering from genetic diseases. Through his relentless pursuit of innovation, ethical leadership, and commitment to excellence, he continues to redefine what leadership means in the life sciences industry.

Publication

  • Title: Tunneling Nanotubes and Gap Junctions–Their Role in Long-Range Intercellular Communication during Development, Health, and Disease Conditions
    Authors: Ariazi J, Benowitz A, De Biasi V, den Boer M, Cherqui S, Cui H, Douillet N, Eugenin EA, Favre D, Goodman S, et al.
    Year: 2017

 

  • Title: Quantitative assessment of Aβ peptide in brain, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma following oral administration of γ-secretase inhibitor MRK-560 in rats
    Authors: Wu G, Wu Z, Na S, Hershey JC
    Year: 2015

 

  • Title: Role of the MEOX2 homeobox gene in neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer disease
    Authors: Wu Z, Guo H, Chow N, Sallstrom J, Bell RD, Deane R, Brooks AI, Kanagala S, Rubio A, Sagare A, et al.
    Year: 2005

 

🔚 Conclusion

Zhenhua Wu’s career reflects the powerful intersection of science, leadership, and purpose. From building a visionary biotech enterprise to steering the development of transformative therapies, his contributions continue to resonate across the scientific community and healthcare industry. His legacy is not only defined by the innovations he leads today but also by the future he is helping shape—one where advanced gene therapies are more equitable, effective, and globally impactful. Through unwavering dedication and strategic foresight, he stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of modern biotechnology.