Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Haroun | Health | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Haroun | Health | Women Researcher Award

Zayed University, United Arab Emirates

Author Profile

Scopus 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dalia Haroun’s academic journey reflects a steadfast dedication to the field of nutrition and child health. Her passion for understanding the complexities of human nutrition began at the American University of Beirut, where she earned her B.Sc. (Hons) in Nutrition and Dietetics between 1998 and 2002. This foundational education shaped her interest in the broader implications of diet on human development, particularly in the vulnerable stages of childhood.

With a desire to deepen her expertise, Dr. Haroun pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Immunology at the University of Surrey, London, from 2003 to 2004. Graduating with distinction, she wrote a thesis on the hydration of fat-free mass in obese versus non-obese children, which set the stage for her future research. Her academic curiosity continued at University College London, where she completed her Ph.D. in Child Health between 2005 and 2008. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Body Composition in Childhood Obesity,” established her as a dedicated scholar committed to investigating the health challenges faced by children in modern society.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Haroun is currently serving as an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Co-Chair of the Department of Health Sciences at Zayed University, located in the United Arab Emirates. Since 2011, she has contributed meaningfully to the academic and professional growth of the department while actively mentoring future public health and nutrition professionals.

Her educational background has been supplemented by various specialized trainings that underscore her multidisciplinary expertise. These include DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) training, Good Clinical Practice, and Peapod Body Composition Assessment training, in addition to certifications in First Aid and CPR. These credentials empower her to bring both academic depth and practical insights to the classroom and her research endeavors.

In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Haroun has actively participated in organizing national and regional initiatives related to public health awareness. Her role at Zayed University allows her to blend pedagogy, community engagement, and scientific investigation—qualities that have defined her professional character.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Haroun’s scholarly focus lies in child health, with an emphasis on body composition, childhood obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the psychosocial aspects of health such as bullying among children. Her research is interdisciplinary, bridging nutrition science with public health and behavioral studies.

A significant aspect of her work involves evaluating the physiological and psychological consequences of obesity among youth. Through her studies, Dr. Haroun explores how nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial variables interact and affect the health outcomes of children. Her academic contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, are vital resources in the regional and global discourse surrounding childhood nutrition and health equity.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Dr. Haroun has been repeatedly recognized for her tireless efforts in promoting child health in the UAE and beyond. In 2014, she was honored by the Ministry of Health for orchestrating a successful National Training Workshop on the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Her consistent engagement in awareness campaigns and health education projects has earned her commendations from a variety of national bodies. The Dubai Education Zone, Ministry of Education, General Women’s Union, and UNICEF have all recognized her impactful work in areas such as child obesity prevention, injury awareness, and diabetes education. In 2010, she was honored by the Princess Haya Initiative for the Development of Health, Physical Education, and School Sports, a prestigious acknowledgment of her community-centric contributions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Haroun’s influence stretches far beyond academic walls. Through her combined teaching, research, and public health initiatives, she has helped shape health policies and school-based intervention programs in the UAE. Her efforts have directly impacted thousands of children and families, particularly in the domains of obesity prevention, nutritional awareness, and health education.

Her collaborative projects with governmental and non-governmental organizations demonstrate a commitment not only to scholarship but also to societal well-being. By fostering partnerships and engaging in interdisciplinary efforts, she continues to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Dalia Haroun is well-positioned to continue her legacy as a pioneering scholar and community advocate in the Middle East and globally. Her future research is expected to delve deeper into the social determinants of child health, exploring innovative interventions to combat obesity and metabolic disorders.

As she continues to mentor students and professionals, she ensures that the next generation of health leaders are equipped with the knowledge, empathy, and scientific rigor required to tackle the world’s pressing health challenges. Her journey from a promising nutrition student in Beirut to a globally recognized academic leader in the UAE exemplifies a life of purpose, impact, and transformative vision.

📝Notable Publications

Validity of self-reported weight and height among female young adults in the United Arab Emirates

Authors: Dalia Haroun and Aseel Ehsanallah

Journal: PLOS ONE

Year: 2024 

Dr. Luciano Fusco | Immunology | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Luciano Fusco | Immunology | Best Research Article Award

CONICET y UNNE, Argentina

Author Profile

Orcid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Luciano Sebastian Fusco, born on January 2, 1986, in Corrientes, Argentina, has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for science and a commitment to understanding biochemical processes from an early stage in his career. He pursued his foundational studies at the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), where he earned his degree as a Biochemist in 2010. He continued on this academic trajectory, completing a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences at UNNE in 2015, a decision that marked a turning point in his scientific journey. During this period, Dr. Fusco began his in-depth exploration of snake venom toxicology and immunology—fields that would come to define his career. In addition to his formal degrees, he expanded his academic horizons by completing over 20 specialized postgraduate courses, focusing on immunotoxicology, proteomics, biotechnology, and pedagogical training for higher education, laying a solid foundation for both research and teaching.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Fusco currently serves as an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET—Argentina’s most prestigious scientific institution—and as a faculty member at UNNE’s Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences and Surveying. Over the past 15 years, he has cemented his place as an authority in snakebite toxicology, immunology, and protein chemistry, tackling one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases. His work combines rigorous laboratory research with practical applications in public health, particularly in developing more effective antivenoms. Dr. Fusco’s scientific career includes strong collaborative links with leading international institutions such as UNICAMP, Fiocruz, and Butantan Institute in Brazil, and the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV–CSIC) in Spain. These collaborations have enriched his scientific output and brought global perspectives into his lab in Argentina, positioning him as a bridge between Latin American and European scientific networks.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

At the heart of Dr. Fusco’s research is a relentless drive to innovate antivenom production techniques and make them more efficient, affordable, and widely available in regions where snakebites are a major health issue. His projects focus on immunological strategies that incorporate nanostructured adjuvants, aiming to enhance the body’s immune response and increase the efficacy of antivenoms. His groundbreaking investigations have led to the development of experimental antivenoms using novel adjuvants such as CpG-ODN and ascorbyl palmitate, combining cutting-edge immunology with tangible health benefits. He has authored or co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications, contributing significantly to the academic discourse on venom immunogenicity, PLA2 enzyme inhibition, and venom component characterization.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Fusco’s scientific excellence has been consistently recognized through competitive funding and research support from institutions like CONICET, FONCYT, SGCyT, and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) in the UK. The RSTMH Early Career Grant he received in 2022 is a testament to his international credibility and the global relevance of his research. These accolades not only reflect the scientific value of his work but also acknowledge his growing leadership in the field of neglected diseases and biomedical innovation.

🌎 Impact and Influence

The societal relevance of Dr. Fusco’s research is profound. In regions such as Latin America, where snakebites are a significant public health burden, his work contributes to saving lives and improving the quality of emergency response systems. By pushing for more immunogenic and affordable antivenoms, he is directly addressing gaps in health equity. Moreover, his dedication to human resource development is notable; he has mentored doctoral students, undergraduate researchers, and research fellows, effectively shaping the next generation of biomedical scientists in Argentina. His interdisciplinary and collaborative approach encourages knowledge sharing across borders, institutions, and cultures.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Luciano Fusco is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of immunotherapeutics and venom research. His scientific endeavors will likely continue to evolve, incorporating tools from biotechnology, nanomedicine, and systems biology to refine and revolutionize antivenom production. Equally important is his role as an educator and mentor, ensuring that the future of biochemical research in Argentina remains vibrant and globally connected. His work not only uplifts national scientific capacity but also aligns with global health priorities such as reducing mortality from neglected tropical diseases.

📝Notable Publications

Venomic and F(ab’)₂ antivenomic studies of Bothrops alternatus venom proteins

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, Emidio Beraldo-Neto, Juan J. Calvete, Libia Sanz, Laura C. Lanari, Carolina Lorente, Laura C. Leiva, Daniel Pimenta, Adolfo R. de Roodt, Davinia Pla
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2025

Evaluation of a nanostructured CpG-ODN/ascorbyl palmitate as a safe and effective adjuvant for anticrotalic PLA2 serum

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, Gisela L. Lopez, Franco Maslovski, Sofía Brignone, María G. Chaves, Juan J. Calvete, Yanet G. Franco, David Hernandez, Andrea Van de Velde, Constanza Marin et al.
Journal: Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2025

 Ascorbyl palmitate (ASC16) as a potential inhibitor of toxicity induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus venom

Author(s): Franco Maslovski, Emilio Angelina, María Alonso, Laura Leiva, Luciano Fusco
Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology
Year: 2024

Potential low-impact immunogen for the production of anti-bothropic serum: Bothrops alternatus venom treated with Na₂EDTA

Author(s): Gisela Lumila Lopez, Andrea Van de Velde, David Hernández, Soledad Bustillo, Laura Leiva, Luciano Sebastian Fusco
Journal: Toxicon
Year: 2024

 CpG-ODN formulated with a nanostructure as adjuvant for anticrotalic serum production. Studies in mice

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, María M. Pascual, David Hernandez, María F. Sánchez Vallecillo, María B. Arrieta, Gabriel Moron, Santiago Palma, Belkys A. Maletto, Laura C. Leiva
Journal: Toxicon
Year: 2022

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng | Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yiyuan Zheng | Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China

Author Profile

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng’s journey into the world of medicine began with a strong foundational education in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Driven by a deep curiosity about the ancient wisdom of herbal remedies and natural healing, Dr. Zheng pursued higher education in TCM, laying a robust academic foundation. Her passion for blending tradition with modern science was evident from the outset, as she immersed herself in both classical texts of Chinese medicine and emerging scientific research.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Zheng serves as an associate researcher and associate professor at Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she seamlessly bridges clinical practice with research. Her dual roles allow her to not only guide patients towards better health through TCM techniques but also to explore and validate these techniques through rigorous scientific investigation. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to enhancing the understanding and application of TCM for chronic metabolic diseases, particularly fatty liver and obesity.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A defining aspect of Dr. Zheng’s work is her focus on the integrative application of traditional Chinese medicine techniques, including herbal tea formulations, aromatherapy, and acupoint embedding. Her research primarily targets the prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease and obesity. Notably, she has conducted extensive clinical and foundational research on the efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal tea in addressing metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease. This work has provided valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zheng’s dedication to TCM research has earned her recognition within the medical community. As an associate professor and researcher at a prestigious institution, she has established herself as an expert in the field. Her contributions have been acknowledged through various academic and professional accolades, and she is frequently invited to share her insights at national and international conferences, contributing to the global understanding of TCM.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Beyond her direct research contributions, Dr. Zheng’s work has significantly impacted the field of TCM, particularly in the area of metabolic diseases. By validating the efficacy of traditional techniques through clinical research, she has strengthened the credibility of TCM within modern medical practice. Her research has also informed clinical guidelines, benefiting countless patients suffering from chronic metabolic disorders.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Yiyuan Zheng’s commitment to advancing traditional Chinese medicine is evident in her ongoing research and patient care. As she continues to explore the integrative application of TCM for metabolic health, her work is poised to further enhance the understanding of how ancient wisdom can complement modern medicine. Her legacy will be defined by her contributions to evidence-based TCM practice, her role in educating the next generation of TCM practitioners, and her unwavering dedication to patient well-being.”)

📝Notable Publications

📄 Ursolic Acid Modulates Estrogen Conversion to Relieve Inflammation in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease via HSD17B14

Authors: Simin Gu, Hui Zhang, Zhekun Xiong, Yiyuan Zheng, Yong Li

Journal: Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology

Year: 2025

📄 Research Progress on the Molecular Mechanisms of Saikosaponin D in Various Diseases (Review)

Authors: Simin Gu, Yiyuan Zheng, Chong Chen, Jing Liu, Yanping Wang, Junmin Wang, Yong Li

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Medicine

Year: 2025