Daša Zupančič | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daša Zupančič | Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daša Zupančič, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Daša Zupančič is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in cell biology, urothelial pathology, and medical education. Her extensive contributions to scientific research, particularly in the field of urothelial repair and cancer transformation, have earned her recognition, including the EMBO award. She has played a crucial role in mentoring and teaching, guiding future generations of researchers and medical professionals.

Profile

Orcid

✨ Early Academic Pursuits ✨

Daša Zupančič embarked on her academic journey with an unwavering passion for cell biology and medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in 2002 from the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, where she meticulously explored cellular and molecular biological changes in the rat bladder urothelium following cyclophosphamide exposure. This formative research laid the foundation for her Ph.D., which she successfully completed in 2006, investigating the protective role of melatonin in urothelial injury and repair. Her dedication to advancing biomedical knowledge was evident from the very beginning of her scholarly career.

🎓 Professional Endeavors 🎓

Since 2006, Daša Zupančič has been an esteemed Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Cell Biology. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience as a Young Researcher and Teaching Assistant from 1999 to 2006. Her extensive expertise and commitment to education have made her an integral part of the institution, where she continuously fosters scientific curiosity and excellence among students and colleagues alike.

🎡 Contributions and Research Focus 🎡

Throughout her career, Daša Zupančič has dedicated her research to understanding cellular mechanisms in urothelial biology and pathology. Her investigations into cyclophosphamide-induced urothelial injury, melatonin’s protective effects, and retinoid signaling pathways in urothelial cancer transformation have provided valuable insights into cellular repair processes. Her work extends beyond laboratory research, influencing the medical community’s approach to urothelial diseases and potential therapeutic advancements.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Her exceptional contributions to biomedical research have been recognized on multiple platforms. In 2017, she was honored with the prestigious EMBO award for her short-term scholarship project on the role of the retinoid signaling pathway in urothelial cancer transformation. This recognition underscores her significant impact on the scientific community and highlights her pioneering approach to understanding cancer pathophysiology.

👨‍🎓 Impact and Influence 👨‍🎓

A dedicated mentor, Daša Zupančič has guided numerous students towards academic excellence. Between 2014 and 2025, she has successfully mentored four master’s students and is currently supervising two more. In addition, she has overseen the research endeavors of four Ph.D. candidates, with one having successfully defended their dissertation in 2023 and another expected to graduate in 2025. Her mentorship has shaped the next generation of biomedical researchers, fostering a culture of rigorous inquiry and scientific discovery.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions 📚

Beyond her research, Daša Zupančič plays a pivotal role in academia through her extensive teaching engagements. Since 2000, she has been a cornerstone of education at the University of Ljubljana, contributing to multiple faculties, including Medicine, Biotechnical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy. She teaches a range of graduate and doctoral courses, covering essential subjects such as Medical Cell Biology, Immunology, and Research in Medicine. Her dedication to education ensures that her knowledge and expertise continue to shape the minds of aspiring medical professionals and researchers for years to come.

Publication

  • Vitamin A‐Enriched Diet Increases Urothelial Cell Proliferation by Upregulating Itga3 and Areg After Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Injury in Mice
    Authors: Brina Dragar, Simona Kranjc Brezar, Maja Čemažar, Tanja Jesenko, Rok Romih, Mateja Erdani Kreft, Tadeja Kuret, Daša Zupančič
    Year: 2025

 

  • Selective Targeting of Lectins and Their Macropinocytosis in Urothelial Tumours: Translation from in vitro to ex vivo
    Authors: Nataša Resnik, Tanja Višnjar, Tomaž Smrkolj, Mateja Erdani Kreft, Rok Romih, Daša Zupančič
    Year: 2023

 

  • Nanodiamonds as Possible Tools for Improved Management of Bladder Cancer and Bacterial Cystitis
    Authors: Daša Zupančič, Peter Veranič
    Year: 2022

 

  • Transmission Electron Microscopy Demonstration of Reduced Endothelial Glycocalyx in Severe Preeclampsia
    Authors: Mugerli S, Zupančič D, Rok Romih, Lučovnik M
    Year: 2022

 

  • Vitamin A and Retinoids in Bladder Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, Challenges and Future Prospects
    Authors: Larisa Tratnjek, Jera Jeruc, Rok Romih, Daša Zupančič
    Year: 2021

 

  • Immunohistochemistry as a Paramount Tool in Research of Normal Urothelium, Bladder Cancer and Bladder Pain Syndrome
    Authors: Daša Zupančič, Rok Romih
    Year: 2021

 

  • Combined Lectin- and Immuno-Histochemistry (CLIH) for Applications in Cell Biology and Cancer Diagnosis: Analysis of Human Urothelial Carcinomas
    Authors: Daša Zupančič
    Year: 2020

 

  • Vitamin A Rich Diet Diminishes Early Urothelial Carcinogenesis by Altering Retinoic Acid Signaling
    Authors: Daša Zupančič, Jelena Korać-Prlić, Mateja Erdani Kreft, Lucija Franković, Katarina Vilović, Jera Jeruc, Rok Romih, Janoš Terzić
    Year: 2020

 

  • Lectins as Possible Tools for Improved Urinary Bladder Cancer Management
    Authors: Daša Zupančič
    Year: 2019

 

  • Co-Culturing Porcine Normal Urothelial Cells, Urinary Bladder Fibroblasts and Smooth Muscle Cells for Tissue Engineering Research
    Authors: Daša Zupančič
    Year: 2018

 

🌟 Conclusion 🌟

With a career dedicated to pioneering research, impactful mentorship, and transformative education, Daša Zupančič continues to leave a lasting legacy in the scientific and academic communities. Her work not only enhances understanding of urothelial biology but also inspires innovation and discovery among young scientists. As she continues her academic and research endeavors, her influence on the field will undoubtedly grow, shaping the future of biomedical sciences.

 

Pongrama Ramasoota | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Pongrama Ramasoota | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Pongrama Ramasoota, Mahidol University, Thailand.

Dr. Pongrama Ramasoota is a distinguished professor and researcher specializing in antibody research and virology at the Centre of Excellence for Antibody Research (CEAR), Mahidol University, Thailand. With a strong academic foundation in veterinary medicine, public health, and microbiology, he has dedicated his career to developing therapeutic and diagnostic monoclonal antibodies against viruses such as Dengue, Rabies, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Influenza. His contributions extend beyond infectious disease research, as he has also explored anti-aging supplements for humans and pets. Recognized with numerous national and international awards, his research has significantly impacted medical biotechnology, earning him a reputation as a leading scientist in his field.

 

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Pongrama Ramasoota’s journey into the world of microbiology and antibody research began with a solid foundation in veterinary medicine. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Kasetsart University, where his fascination with infectious diseases and immunology took root. His academic pursuits led him to Mahidol University, where he obtained a Master of Public Health, further broadening his expertise in disease prevention and control. Driven by a passion for scientific exploration, he pursued a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Microbiology at the prestigious Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden. These formative years were instrumental in shaping his career as a leading researcher in antibody development and disease management.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

As a distinguished professor at the Centre of Excellence for Antibody Research (CEAR) within the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Dr. Ramasoota has dedicated his career to advancing the field of immunotherapy. His research primarily focuses on developing neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to combat viral threats such as Dengue and Rabies. Over the years, he has led groundbreaking projects aimed at creating effective therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. His expertise has also extended beyond academia, as he collaborates with industry leaders to translate research into practical applications that benefit global health.

🦠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ramasoota’s contributions to medical research are vast and impactful. His work on neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies against Dengue and Rabies viruses has paved the way for potential life-saving treatments. His research extends to diagnostic monoclonal antibodies for detecting Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and Influenza, significantly enhancing disease surveillance. Beyond infectious diseases, he has also ventured into anti-aging research, developing natural supplements to promote longevity in both humans and pets. His relentless pursuit of innovation continues to drive advancements in virology, immunotherapy, and biotechnology.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ramasoota’s contributions to science have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. He was honored as Thailand’s Outstanding Researcher in 2020 and named Thailand’s Outstanding Veterinarian in 2016. His innovative work earned him multiple Outstanding Research and Invention Awards from the National Research Council of Thailand between 2008 and 2016. He has also received international recognition, including a gold medal from the 2014 Taipei Invention & Techno Mart and awards from the Korea Invention Association and the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations. These accolades underscore his influence as a pioneer in antibody research and biotechnology.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With an H-index of 18 and over 1,038 citations on Scopus, Dr. Ramasoota’s research has significantly influenced the scientific community. His findings have been instrumental in shaping new treatment strategies for viral diseases, providing hope for better therapeutic interventions. Collaborating with industry leaders such as Advy Chemical (India) and Thai-Naoka (Thailand), he has helped bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. His contributions to diagnostic tools and monoclonal antibody therapies continue to shape the future of virology and medical biotechnology.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Ramasoota has authored books that highlight his expertise in environmental management and anti-aging technologies. His book Hallmarks of Aging, Technology and Innovation for Anti-Aging explores groundbreaking advancements in longevity research, demonstrating his commitment to improving human health across various dimensions. As he continues to innovate, his legacy as a leading researcher in antibody development and viral immunotherapy will inspire future generations of scientists. His ongoing efforts to combat infectious diseases and promote healthier aging promise a lasting impact on global health and biotechnology.

Publication

  1. Title: Development of novel canine phage display-derived neutralizing monoclonal antibody fragments against rabies virus from immunized dogs
    Authors: A. Chorpunkul, U. Boonyuen, K. Limkittikul, P. Lekcharoensuk, P. Ramasoota
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from clinical specimens and oysters in Thailand
    Authors: N. Tewawong, S. Kowaboot, S. Kengkarn, P. Ramasoota, O. Suthienkul
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Nicotiana benthamiana as a potential source for producing anti-dengue virus D54 neutralizing therapeutic antibody
    Authors: S. Krittanai, K. Rattanapisit, C.J.I. Bulaon, R. Strasser, W. Phoolcharoen
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Associations of effort-reward imbalance at work and quality of life among workers after stroke: a one-year longitudinal study in Thailand
    Authors: S. Naknoi, J. Li, P. Ramasoota, N. Soonthornworasiri, O. Kaewboonchoo
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: Potential Protective Effect of Dengue NS1 Human Monoclonal Antibodies against Dengue and Zika Virus Infections
    Authors: R. Sootichote, W. Puangmanee, S. Benjathummarak, P. Ramasoota, P. Pitaksajjakul
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: A replication competent luciferase-secreting DENV2 reporter for sero-epidemiological surveillance of neutralizing and enhancing antibodies
    Authors: K. Saipin, B.K. Thaisomboonsuk, B. Siridechadilok, N. Sittisombut, J. Junjhon
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: Spread of a Novel Indian Ocean Lineage Carrying E1‐K211E/E2‐V264A of Chikungunya Virus East/Central/South African Genotype across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Africa
    Authors: J. Phadungsombat, H.A. Imad, E.E. Nakayama, W. Piyaphanee, T. Shioda
    Year: 2022

 

🎯 Conclusion

Dr. Ramasoota’s work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also contributed to real-world solutions in disease treatment and diagnostics. His collaborations with industries and commitment to innovation ensure that his research continues to benefit global health. As he continues to push the boundaries of antibody research and anti-aging science, his legacy will inspire future generations of scientists, leaving a lasting impact on virology, immunotherapy, and biotechnology.