Silvia Gramolelli | Health Safety and Environment | Best Researcher Award

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.

Sameer Arora | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sameer Arora | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) | Best Researcher Award

Sector Specialist at National Institute of Urban Affairs, India

Sameer Arora is an accomplished environmental engineer specializing in water resource engineering and waste management. With extensive experience across academia, research institutions, and policy advisory roles, he has made significant contributions to urban environmental sustainability. His expertise spans integrated waste management, pollution control, climate resilience, and the implementation of sustainable environmental policies. Dr. Arora has worked with leading organizations, including the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Jhpiego-NISHTHA, the Central Pollution Control Board, and various academic institutions. His research primarily focuses on water quality modeling, air pollution assessment, and waste management strategies. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between research and practical environmental solutions, influencing sustainable urban development.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Sameer Arora holds a Ph.D. in Water Resource Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, earned in 2021. His research at IIT Delhi focused on advanced modeling techniques for improving urban river water quality. Prior to this, he completed his M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from Delhi Technological University (DTU) in 2012, where he gained extensive knowledge of wastewater treatment technologies and environmental impact assessment. He began his academic journey with a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in 2009, laying a strong foundation in sustainable engineering practices and environmental conservation.

Experience

Dr. Arora has amassed a wealth of experience across various sectors. Currently serving as a Sector Specialist in Waste Management at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, he is actively involved in assessing and improving urban waste management systems under the CITIIS 2.0 program. Previously, as a Technical Lead for Water and Waste Management at Jhpiego-NISHTHA, he played a pivotal role in integrating climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability in public healthcare facilities. His tenure at the Central Pollution Control Board as a Consultant in Science and Engineering involved extensive work in air and water pollution monitoring, regulatory framework analysis, and sustainable waste management. Additionally, he has held academic positions at Sharda University, G D Goenka University, and Galgotias University, where he contributed to teaching, research, and curriculum development in environmental engineering.

Research Interests

Dr. Arora’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of environmental sustainability domains. His work extensively explores water quality modeling, particularly the development of predictive models for dissolved oxygen dynamics in urban rivers. He has also conducted significant research on air pollution analysis, industrial waste management, and e-mobility solutions. His interest in climate resilience has led to studies on carbon footprint assessment in healthcare facilities and strategic planning for environmental sustainability. With a focus on integrating technology with environmental conservation, he has employed machine learning, artificial intelligence, and statistical modeling to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Sameer Arora has received numerous accolades for his contributions to environmental research and policy. His work has been recognized by leading academic and governmental institutions, highlighting his commitment to sustainable urban development. He has been a key contributor to national environmental policies and has received appreciation for his efforts in waste management and air pollution control. Additionally, he has been invited as a guest speaker at various faculty development programs (FDPs) and short-term training programs (STTPs), further emphasizing his impact in the field.

Selected Publications

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2023). Implementing Machine Learning Algorithm to Model Reaeration Coefficient of Urbanized Rivers. Environmental Modeling & Assessment. (Cited by multiple studies on urban water modeling.)

Arora, S. (2023). Assessment of technological and financial challenges in upgradation of BS-III and BS-IV vehicles. International Journal of Vehicle Design.

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2023). Implication of dissolved nitrogen dynamics of urban rivers using multivariate regression and structural equation modeling. CLEAN–Soil, Air, Water.

Arora, S., & Gargava, P. (2023). E-Mobility: Hindrances and motivators for policies implementation in India. Case Studies on Transport Policy.

Singh, K., Arora, S., & Gargava, P. (2023). Waste paper trade and recycling policy in India: a review. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2022). Modeling re-aeration of rivers using predictive models and developed ANN models under varying hydrodynamic conditions. Hydrological Sciences Journal.

Arora, S., & Keshari, A.K. (2021). ANFIS-ARIMA modeling for scheming re-aeration of hydrologically altered rivers. Journal of Hydrology.

Conclusion

Dr. Sameer Arora’s extensive experience, strong academic background, and impactful research in environmental sustainability position him as a leading expert in his field. His commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges, particularly in waste management, water quality modeling, and pollution control, has contributed to the advancement of sustainable urban infrastructure. Through his policy advisory roles and academic contributions, he continues to drive meaningful change in the domain of environmental engineering. His work not only influences research and industry practices but also shapes policies for a cleaner and more sustainable future.