Prof. Dr. Maria Luisa Brandi | Biomolecular Diagnosis Awards | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr. Maria Luisa Brandi | Biomolecular Diagnosis Awards | Excellence in Research Award 

Prof. Dr. Maria Luisa Brandi, FIRMO Foundation, Italy

Maria Luisa Brandi is a Full Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Florence Medical School in Italy. She earned her MD from the University of Florence in 1977 and later completed a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Rome. Her distinguished academic career includes a tenure as Visiting Scientist at the NIH (USA) and leadership of multiple clinical and research units, notably on hereditary endocrine tumors and metabolic bone disorders. With over 600 peer-reviewed publications and 250 book chapters, her research spans osteoporosis, parathyroid disorders, bone genetics, and rare metabolic diseases. She has served on editorial boards of major journals and held prestigious positions in global endocrine and osteoporosis societies. As the President of the F.I.R.M.O. Foundation, she also champions public awareness and research funding for bone diseases. Her accolades include the Helena Rubinstein “Women in Science” Award and the Pierre Delmas Prize. She is widely recognized as one of Italy’s leading scientists in endocrinology and bone research.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for Excellence in Research Award – Maria Luisa Brandi

Professor Maria Luisa Brandi is a world-renowned expert in endocrinology with a distinguished academic and research career spanning over four decades. As a Full Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Florence and Director of multiple clinical and research units, she has made pioneering contributions to the fields of metabolic bone diseases, hereditary endocrine tumors, and rare bone disorders.

🎓 Education

  • MD in Medicine – University of Florence, Italy (1977)

  • Specialization in Endocrinology – University of Florence Hospital (1977–1980)

  • Ph.D. in Cell Biology – University of Rome (1988)

  • 🧬 Postdoctoral Research (Visiting Scientist) – NIH, USA (1984–1990)

🧪 Work Experience

  • Professor of Endocrinology – University of Florence (Assistant → Associate → Full Professor, 1990–Present)

  • Director

    • Regional Center on Hereditary Endocrine Tumors (1998–Present)

    • Clinical Unit on Metabolic Bone Disorders (2007–Present)

    • University Master in Metabolic Bone Disease (2004–Present)

  • Scientific Roles

    • Delegate for Italy-USA Academic Interactions (2000–2003)

    • Scientific Attaché for the City of Florence (2015–Present)

    • Health Education Delegate, University of Florence (2016–Present)

  • President – F.I.R.M.O. Foundation (2006–Present) 🦴

  • Editorial Work – Editor-in-Chief, Clinical Cases in Bone and Mineral Metabolism (2004–Present)

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🧪 Roussel Italia Award (1988)

  • 🌍 European Foundation Award (1989)

  • 🧫 Schering Award, Italian Endocrine Society (1990)

  • 👵 Sandoz Foundation Award for Gerontological Research (1991)

  • 👩‍🔬 Helena Rubinstein “Women in Science” Award (1998)

  • 🧠 Italian Endocrine Society Senior Award (2003)

  • 💎 Pierre Delmas IOF/ESCEO Prize (2013)

  • 🇮🇹 Top Italian Scientist Recognition (2016)

📚 Publications & Research

  • 📝 600+ peer-reviewed papers

  • 📘 250 book chapters and books

  • 💡 Research Areas:

    • Genetics & Clinics of Osteoporosis

    • Parathyroid Disorders

    • Bone Cell Biology

    • Endocrine Neoplasia

    • Epidemiology & Rare Bone Diseases

Publication Top Notes:

Serums miR-24-3p and miR-1301-3p as Potential Biomarkers in MEN1 Syndrome

Antiproliferative Role of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Tocopherols on Colorectal Cancer Cells Overexpressing the Estrogen Receptor β

Establishment and Molecular Characterization of a Human Stem Cell Line from a Primary Cell Culture Obtained from an Ectopic Calcified Lesion of a Tumoral Calcinosis Patient Carrying a Novel <i>GALNT3</i> Mutation

The Presence of the Endocannabinoid System in an In Vitro Model of Gorham-Stout Disease and Its Possible Role in the Pathogenesis

Up-to-Date Imaging for Parathyroid Tumor Localization in MEN1 Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: When and Which Ones (A Narrative Pictorial Review)

Mechanisms of Action of Phytoestrogens and Their Role in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Role of Nutrition in the Management of Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1

Irisin and Its Role in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia

Prof. Sadegh Alijani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sadegh Alijani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Sadegh Alijani, University of Tabriz, Iran

Sadegh Alijani is an Iranian professor specializing in animal breeding, genetics, and statistical methods in livestock science. He earned his B.Sc. in Animal Science from the University of Shahid Chamran, followed by an M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Tabriz, and a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran, consistently ranking first in his academic programs. Dr. Alijani has extensive teaching experience at the University of Tabriz, where he has lectured on subjects ranging from genetics and statistics to experimental design and advanced statistical methods across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. His research focuses on the application of Bayesian statistics, genetic markers, and molecular genetics in animal breeding. He has served in administrative roles, including Deputy of the Khalat Poushan Research Station and Head of the Central Laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture. With a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and a history of supervising numerous M.Sc. theses, Dr. Alijani continues to contribute significantly to the fields of animal genetics and statistical modeling.

Professional Profile:

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🏆 Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Sadegh Alijani is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his exceptional academic achievements, sustained research output, and impactful teaching and leadership roles over more than two decades in the field of animal breeding, molecular genetics, and statistical methods.

🎓 Educational Background

  • B.Sc. in Animal Science
    📍 University of Shahid Chamran – 1992
    🏅 Rank: 1st

  • M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics
    📍 University of Tabriz – 1997
    🏅 Rank: 1st
    📘 Thesis: “Efficiency of advanced statistical methods in animal breeding and genetics and their application in breeding of native Turkey of Azarbaijan”

  • Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics
    📍 University of Tehran – 2009
    🏅 Rank: 1st
    📘 Thesis: “Major genes detection in farm animals using Bayesian statistical methods and genetic markers”

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

  • 🧮 Application of statistics in animal breeding (M.Sc.) — 2003–Present

  • 📊 Advanced statistical methods (SAS) (M.Sc.) — 1999–Present

  • 🧬 Genetics (B.Sc.) — 2000–Present

  • 🎲 Statistics and probability (B.Sc.) — 1999–Present

  • 🧪 Experimental design in animal science (B.Sc.) — 2004–Present

  • 🐔 Poultry breeding (B.Sc.) — 1999–Present

  • 📉 Estimation of variance–covariance (Ph.D.) — 2012–Present

  • 📈 Linear model in animal breeding (Ph.D.) — 2012–Present

🏢 Academic and Administrative Positions

  • Lecturer (1999–2003)

  • Assistant Professor (2003–2013)

  • Associate Professor (2013–2021)

  • Professor (2021–Present)
    📍 University of Tabriz

  • 🧪 Deputy of Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture – 1999–2000

  • 🧫 Head of Central Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture – 2011–2014

🧑‍🎓 Graduate Supervision 

  1. 🐮 Genetic parameters in Sarabi cattle

  2. 🧬 Kappa casein polymorphism in Holstein & native cattle

  3. 🌡️ Heat stress impact on broilers

  4. 🐑 Growth traits in Lori sheep

  5. 🍗 Broiler performance with different fat sources

  6. 🐥 Cottonseed meal in broiler diet

  7. 🧵 Fleece characteristics in hybrid sheep

  8. 🩸 Vitamin supplementation effects in calves

  9. 🐄 Genetic potential via test-day records (Zanjan Univ.)

  10. 🍼 Lactation curve studies (Zanjan Univ.)

🏆 Achievements & Honors

  • 📚 Ranked 1st in B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. studies

  • 🧠 Expertise in Bayesian statistical methods, molecular genetics & genomics

  • ✍️ Published over 15+ research papers in international journals

  • 💻 Specialized in SAS software and advanced modeling

  • 📈 Pioneer in applying random regression models and genotype-environment interaction studies in Iranian livestock

  • 🎓 Active mentor for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in animal breeding

Publication Top Notes:

Application of a random forest algorithm to estimate marker effects and identify candidate genes for reproductive traits in Iranian Holstein dairy cattle

Effect of Dietary Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) Supplemented with Enzyme Blend on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Status in Laying Hens

Searching for Possible Association between Six Microsatellite Markers and Suppression of Mite Reproduction (SMR) Trait in Honey Bees

Genomic Selection Signatures in Two French and Swedish Holstein Cattle Breeds Provide Evidence for Several Potential Candidate Genes Linked to Economic Traits

Molecular Screening of Varroa-Resistant Trait of Honey Bee Colonies based on NorpA2 Candidate Gene Polymorphism: A Genetic Case-Control Study

Supplementation of broiler chicken diets with bovine lactoferrin improves growth performance, histological parameters of jejunum and immune-related gene expression