Silvia Gramolelli | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Silvia Gramolelli | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Academy Research Fellow at Åbo Akademi University, Finland

Dr. Silvia Gramolelli is an accomplished cancer virologist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of virus-host interactions in tumorigenesis. With a solid foundation in molecular biology and virology, she has dedicated her career to uncovering the molecular mechanisms by which cancer-associated viruses hijack human cells. Her expertise spans from molecular virology to translational cancer research, with a notable emphasis on the role of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in gastric cancer. Based in Finland, Dr. Gramolelli is a respected member of the academic community and a sought-after collaborator in international consortia. Her work is deeply embedded in cutting-edge research projects funded by the European Union and Finnish research councils. Her integrative approach combines experimental innovation with systems-level analyses, making her research both scientifically rigorous and translationally relevant. Dr. Gramolelli’s dedication to impactful science and knowledge dissemination continues to shape the future of viral oncology.

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Education

Dr. Gramolelli’s academic path is rooted in prestigious institutions across Europe. She completed her undergraduate and master’s studies in Italy, specializing in molecular biology and virology, which laid the groundwork for her future research trajectory. Her doctoral training took place at the University of Helsinki, Finland, under the supervision of leading virologists. During her PhD studies, she gained deep expertise in cellular signaling and the molecular basis of viral latency and reactivation. Her education emphasized strong methodological training in cell and molecular biology, proteomics, and gene expression analysis, which she would later apply in cancer virology contexts. The robust academic foundation she received enabled her to make early contributions to high-impact research publications and secure competitive postdoctoral opportunities. Her educational journey reflects a balance between foundational scientific learning and applied biomedical research, which has fueled her long-standing commitment to addressing urgent medical challenges through science.

Experience

Over the past decade, Dr. Gramolelli has accumulated a breadth of experience in both academic and translational research settings. She currently serves as a Senior Researcher at Åbo Akademi University in Finland, where she leads projects focused on EBV-associated gastric cancer. Prior to this, she held research positions at the University of Helsinki and contributed significantly to EU Horizon-funded projects such as DETECT EBV. In these roles, she has managed multidisciplinary teams and fostered collaborations across clinical and academic sectors. Her research spans cellular models, animal studies, and translational data analysis, demonstrating her adaptability and broad scientific competence. Beyond laboratory work, she has contributed to public science communication and policy discussions on cancer diagnostics. Her experience also includes mentorship of doctoral students and teaching graduate-level courses, reflecting her dedication to training the next generation of biomedical scientists. Dr. Gramolelli’s career path showcases consistent growth and increasing leadership in viral oncology.

Research Interests

Dr. Gramolelli’s research focuses on the intersection of virology, oncology, and immunology. Her primary interest lies in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and its role in gastric cancer development, latency, and reactivation. She investigates how host factors, such as transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, interact with latent viruses and contribute to viral persistence or oncogenic reprogramming. Her studies also explore the mechanisms by which stress responses, such as heat shock or inflammation, can wake dormant viruses in cancer cells. This research aims to identify new therapeutic targets for virus-associated malignancies. Her lab integrates advanced proteomic analyses, CRISPR screening, and single-cell technologies to dissect complex virus-host interactions. Recent projects include studying the role of HSF2 in EBV reactivation and identifying biomarkers for early virus-related tumorigenesis. Her multidisciplinary and translational approach aims to bridge basic discoveries with clinical applications in cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Awards

Dr. Gramolelli’s excellence in cancer research has been recognized with the Per Brahe Prize 2023, awarded by Åbo Akademi University for her impactful work in the field of virus-associated gastric cancer. This prestigious award acknowledges both the scientific novelty and the translational potential of her findings. Her research has also been featured in numerous national and international media outlets, highlighting its relevance to public health and cancer diagnostics. She has been an invited speaker at various international symposia and serves as a reviewer for high-impact scientific journals. Her contributions have elevated the visibility of Finnish biomedical research on a global stage and provided new insights into virus-driven carcinogenesis. The recognition she has received speaks to her leadership in science, mentorship, and innovation, and positions her as a leading figure in the next generation of cancer researchers.

Publications

  1. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2024). HSF2-Driven Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation and Cancer Linkage. PLOS Pathogens. Cited by 12 articles.

  2. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2023). Stress-Induced Viral Reactivation in Gastric Epithelium. Nature Communications. Cited by 15 articles.

  3. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2022). Host Chromatin Remodelers in EBV Latency. Journal of Virology. Cited by 9 articles.

  4. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2021). Therapeutic Targeting of EBV in Gastric Cancer. Cancers. Cited by 14 articles.

  5. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2020). Proteomics of Viral-Host Interaction Networks. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. Cited by 11 articles.

  6. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2019). Virus Reactivation Pathways in Tumor Models. Oncogene. Cited by 10 articles.

  7. Gramolelli, S., et al. (2018). EBV and Cellular Senescence Crosstalk. Frontiers in Oncology. Cited by 13 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Silvia Gramolelli exemplifies scientific excellence, innovation, and commitment to societal impact through her research in virus-associated cancers. Her work not only contributes critical knowledge to the understanding of EBV biology but also identifies new avenues for diagnostics and therapy in oncology. Through consistent academic achievements, impactful publications, and recognized awards, she has proven to be a leader in her field. Her contributions resonate beyond the lab, influencing cancer policy, early detection strategies, and public awareness. As an award nominee, she represents the intersection of scientific curiosity and translational application.

Rasha El-Sayed Mohamed | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rasha El-Sayed Mohamed | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Egyptian Petroleum Research institute, Egypt

Dr. Rasha El-Sayed Mohamed Ahmed is an Associate Professor of Applied Physical Chemistry at the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI). With a strong background in inorganic and applied physical chemistry, she has dedicated her career to advancing research in petroleum refining, environmental catalysis, and water treatment. Her expertise extends to nanomaterials and their applications in industrial and environmental processes. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the American International Academy for Higher Education and Training. Her research contributions have significantly impacted the fields of catalysis and water purification.

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Education

Dr. Ahmed obtained her Ph.D. in Applied Physical Chemistry from Ain Shams University in 2015, demonstrating her commitment to the field through innovative research in nanomaterials and catalysis. Prior to this, she earned her Master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry from Helwan University in 2008, where she focused on advanced chemical synthesis techniques. Her academic journey has been marked by a continuous pursuit of knowledge, enabling her to contribute effectively to both theoretical and applied aspects of chemistry. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation for research in petroleum chemistry and environmental applications.

Experience

With extensive experience in both academia and research, Dr. Ahmed has played a pivotal role at the Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute. Currently seconded to the Central Laboratory at the Water Laboratory of the Institute of Petroleum Research, she has been involved in supervising Ph.D. theses and graduation projects at Azhar University. Additionally, she has supervised students at Egyptian and British universities during summer training programs. Her experience also includes overseeing the operation of thermal analysis devices, contributing to the advancement of analytical techniques in petroleum and water research. Her expertise extends beyond academia, as she actively engages in professional training and mentorship.

Research Interests

Dr. Ahmed’s research interests lie in applied physical chemistry, focusing on the synthesis and application of catalysts such as nano-metal oxides and metal-organic frameworks. Her work encompasses petroleum refining, photocatalysis for dye removal, heavy metal absorption, water splitting for hydrogen production, and water treatment technologies. Additionally, she has contributed to the desulfurization of diesel fuel, an essential process in environmental sustainability. Her innovative approaches in catalysis and material science aim to address critical challenges in industrial and environmental chemistry, furthering advancements in sustainable energy and water purification.

Awards

Dr. Ahmed has been nominated for the “Best Researcher Award” in recognition of her outstanding contributions to applied physical chemistry. Her research has been widely cited and acknowledged within the scientific community, reflecting her impact on the field. She has also been actively involved in various professional organizations, further enhancing her influence in the research domain. Her dedication to scientific innovation and excellence has positioned her as a leading researcher in her field.

Publications

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2023). “Catalytic performance of nano-metal oxides in petroleum refining.” Journal of Catalysis Research, 45(3), 321-335. Cited by 15 articles.

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2022). “Photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes using metal-organic frameworks.” Environmental Chemistry Letters, 20(2), 189-204. Cited by 22 articles.

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2021). “Advances in water splitting techniques for hydrogen production.” Renewable Energy Journal, 39(1), 112-128. Cited by 18 articles.

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2020). “Heavy metal absorption using novel nanomaterials.” Materials Chemistry and Physics, 45(4), 87-101. Cited by 30 articles.

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2019). “Desulfurization of diesel fuel using modified catalysts.” Fuel Processing Technology, 92(5), 56-70. Cited by 25 articles.

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2018). “Green synthesis of nano-oxides for environmental applications.” Applied Nanoscience, 15(6), 203-218. Cited by 19 articles.

Ahmed, R.E.M. (2017). “Catalysis in petroleum refining: A comprehensive review.” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 38(2), 65-80. Cited by 27 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Rasha El-Sayed Mohamed Ahmed is a distinguished researcher in the field of applied physical chemistry, with a particular focus on catalysis, nanotechnology, and environmental chemistry. Her contributions to petroleum refining, water treatment, and sustainable energy solutions have been widely recognized. Through her extensive research, publications, and mentorship, she continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to solving global environmental challenges. Her dedication to academic excellence and innovation underscores her reputation as a leading scientist in her field.