Silvia Gramolelli | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Profile

Orcid

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.

Younes Hamed | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Younes Hamed | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Gafsa, Tunisia

Prof. Dr. Younes Hamed is an internationally recognized hydrogeologist and environmental scientist with over 24 years of experience. His work spans across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, contributing significantly to the fields of hydrogeology, geochemistry, and environmental risk assessment. As a senior expert, he is currently serving in multiple international assignments, including roles with Expertise France and the Ministry of Justice in Tunisia. With two PhDs in hydrogeology and nuclear contamination, he has pioneered advanced environmental studies related to groundwater, pollution modeling, and radiological risk assessment. Prof. Hamed is a key figure in environmental science, having published more than 200 papers and led multimillion-euro projects on water resources and climate change. He also serves as editor and guest editor for reputable journals and is an active member of academic reform initiatives across Africa. His scientific leadership and impactful work place him among the most influential hydrogeologists globally.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Hamed holds two doctoral degrees: a PhD in Hydrogeology and Geochemistry from the University of Sfax (Tunisia) in collaboration with Vienna University (Austria), and a second PhD in Nuclear Radioactivity Contamination from the University of Gabes (Tunisia) in partnership with Heifi University (China). He also earned a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hydrogeology through the Fulbright Program at the University of Houston (USA), focusing on integrated geomorphological and geochemical analysis of karst aquifers. Prior to this, he completed a Research Master’s in Hydrogeology and Geochemistry and a Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences from the University of Sfax. His academic journey is supplemented by international certifications, including training from UNESCO-France in climate change impact and from the University of New Mexico-USA in chemical security. This robust academic foundation has enabled Prof. Hamed to conduct interdisciplinary research and provide policy-relevant environmental assessments at national and international levels.

Professional Experience

Prof. Hamed’s professional portfolio includes diverse, high-impact assignments in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Iraq, and the United States. As Senior Expert, he has led extensive water quality monitoring campaigns, managed hydrometeorological networks, and conducted environmental audits for courts and ministries. In Tunisia, he headed large-scale aquifer modeling projects funded by the EU and GIZ-Germany. His expertise also contributed to evaluating oil and groundwater overexploitation impacts on subsidence in Texas, USA. He has worked on nuclear contamination assessments in phosphate mining regions and led geochemical risk analyses for both groundwater and soil. Prof. Hamed is frequently engaged by environmental ministries and international donors for projects exceeding €80 million in budget. His combined role as technical expert, field scientist, and project leader ensures science-based outcomes for sustainable water and environmental management.

Research Interests

Prof. Hamed’s research interests encompass hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, radiological contamination, and climate change impacts on water resources. He specializes in groundwater modeling, aquifer vulnerability assessment, pollution risk analysis, and the geochemical tracing of toxic elements. His work includes artificial recharge systems using wastewater and rainwater, hydrogeophysical mapping, and ecosystem health risk evaluations. He also explores the interface of mining activities with environmental and human health hazards, particularly involving uranium and heavy metal contaminants. He integrates remote sensing, GIS, and isotope hydrology in his research and applies this to address environmental justice and water security in arid and semi-arid regions. Prof. Hamed’s work is highly interdisciplinary and policy-relevant, bridging science, public health, and environmental law. His ongoing focus includes remediation strategies for radioactively contaminated groundwater and development of sustainable desalination impact assessments.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Hamed has achieved top-ranking positions on national and continental scales: #1 in Tunisia and Africa, and #22 globally on the AD Scientific Index in Hydrogeology and Environmental Sciences. He is a recipient of multiple recognitions for international research leadership, including appointment as President of the International Association of Water Resources in the Southern Mediterranean Basin and Chairman of the International Symposium of Water Resources and Environmental Impact Assessment in North Africa. He has served as national and international committee member for PhD and curriculum reforms and is a trusted evaluator for major academic funding programs such as PRIMA, Erasmus+, and PHC-Maghreb. He is also Editor-in-Chief and Guest Editor for international journals such as Water, Sustainability, and Environmental Integration. These accolades underline his global standing and influence in hydro-environmental research and academic governance.

Publications

  1. Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Radioactivity of the unconventional uranium resources from phosphate rock in Tunisia—remediation strategies. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration. Cited by: 3.

  2. Boschetti, T., Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Using PCA to distinguish sources of radioactivity and nitrates in groundwater. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 271. Cited by: 5.

  3. Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Radiological monitoring around phosphate deposits in Tunisia. Acque Sotterranee, 14(1). Cited by: 4.

  4. Hamed, Y. et al. (2025). Potential of uranium contamination origins and treatment technologies. Umm Al-Qura Univ. Journal for Applied Sciences. Cited by: 2.

  5. Hamed, Y. et al. (2024). Environmental radioactivity and toxic metals in dams. Sustainability Journal. Cited by: 7.

  6. Hamed, Y. et al. (2024). Assessment of groundwater contamination from phosphate mining. Hydrology, 11, 84. Cited by: 6.

  7. Al-Hussein, A. A., Hamed, Y. et al. (2024). SWAT modeling of sediment yield in Iraq. Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration. Cited by: 3.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Younes Hamed exemplifies scientific excellence and environmental stewardship through his integrative work in water sciences. His dual expertise in geochemistry and nuclear radioactivity sets him apart as a visionary researcher capable of addressing the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. Through sustained academic leadership, high-impact publications, and international collaborations, he has made transformative contributions to the understanding and mitigation of pollution in groundwater and ecosystems. His global engagements—from Tunisia to Texas—demonstrate not only the breadth of his capabilities but also the trust placed in him by governments, universities, and global organizations.