George Yousef | Digital pathology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. George Yousef | Digital pathology | Best Researcher Award

Program Medical Director and head at University Health Network, Canada

Dr. George M. Yousef is a distinguished pathologist and clinician-scientist specializing in oncologic pathology. He is currently the Program Medical Director and Head of the Laboratory Medicine Program at the University Health Network and a Professor at the University of Toronto. With a strong background in molecular pathology and biomarker research, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. His leadership extends to numerous national and international organizations, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pathology.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Yousef obtained his Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from the University of Toronto in 2002. He completed his medical degree (M.B.B.Ch) at Zagazig University, Egypt, followed by an M.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry from Menoufiya University. He later achieved his Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Anatomical Pathology in 2006. Additionally, he pursued extensive postgraduate and specialty training, including an anatomical pathology residency at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Experience

Dr. Yousef has held multiple prestigious positions throughout his career. He has been a Professor at the University of Toronto since 2015 and a Clinician-Scientist at the Princess Margaret Research Institute. Previously, he served as the Chief of the Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children and as the Division Head of Molecular Diagnostics at St. Michael’s Hospital. His expertise has also led him to serve as a visiting professor at Shandong University, China.

Research Interests

Dr. Yousef’s research focuses on cancer biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, and precision medicine. He is particularly interested in developing novel molecular tools for early cancer detection, including microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. His studies extend to renal and prostate cancer, where he has pioneered the discovery of several cancer-associated genes. His work integrates bioinformatics and machine learning approaches to enhance digital pathology and automated diagnostics.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Yousef has received numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • 2024: Highly Ranked Scholars – Lifetime Award (ScholarGPS)
  • 2022: CAP-ACP William Boyd Lectureship Award
  • 2017: E.K. Frey – E. Werle Commemorative Gold Medal for Kallikrein Research
  • 2017: Induction into the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars
  • 2014: Early Career Excellence Award in Teaching, University of Toronto
  • 2009: Early Researcher Award for Advancing Innovations, Ministry of Research and Innovation, Ontario

Selected Publications

Dr. Yousef has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and books. Below are seven key publications:

Yousef GM, Jung K, Stephan C, et al. (2021). “MicroRNA signatures as biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma.” Cancer Research, 81(5), 1124-1133. Cited by 45 articles.

Gabril M, Yousef GM. (2020). “Molecular testing in urothelial tumors.” Journal of Urology Research, 15(3), 289-303. Cited by 30 articles.

Yousef GM, Diamandis EP. (2019). “Novel kallikrein-related peptidases as biomarkers in prostate cancer.” Clinical Biochemistry, 52(4), 201-210. Cited by 60 articles.

Yousef GM, Honey RJ, Jung K. (2018). “Discovery of new markers for prostate cancer relapse through miRNA profiling.” Oncology Reports, 29(2), 99-110. Cited by 25 articles.

Pasic M, Hojila C, Yousef GM. (2017). “Polymerase chain reaction applications in cancer diagnostics.” Molecular Testing in Cancer (Springer), 1, 39-54. Cited by 20 articles.

Gocza E, Yousef GM. (2016). “Digital pathology advancements and applications in precision medicine.” Pathology Informatics Journal, 10(2), 55-68. Cited by 35 articles.

Gabril M, Yousef GM. (2015). “Molecular profiling of renal cell carcinoma.” Nature Reviews Urology, 12(7), 411-423. Cited by 50 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. George M. Yousef’s exceptional contributions to pathology and molecular medicine make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive body of research, global impact, and unwavering dedication to innovation and mentorship place him among the most distinguished researchers in his field. With a career spanning decades of excellence in medical research, Dr. Yousef continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, making a lasting impact on global healthcare.

Qian Zhang | FRP in Health & Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qian Zhang | FRP in Health & Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong

Profiles:

Current Position and Leadership Roles 🏛️

Qian Zhang, a Fellow of IEEE (FIEEE) and Hong Kong Academy of Engineering Sciences (FHKEng), holds several prestigious positions at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). She is the Acting Head of the Integrative System and Design (ISD) Division (since 2024) and serves as the Tencent Professor of Engineering. She is also a Chair Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). As the Founding Director of the Huawei-HKUST Innovation Lab and the Digital Life Research Center, her work integrates cutting-edge technology with practical applications. Additionally, she leads the HKUST MOE/MSRA Information Technology Key Laboratory, solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader in technology and education.

Publication Achievements 📚

Qian Zhang has an extensive portfolio of impactful publications. Her work spans high-impact journals and top-tier conferences, focusing on areas such as AI and Internet of Things (AIoT), cognitive radio networks, and next-generation wireless networks. Her interdisciplinary research, blending machine learning and data analytics, has resulted in groundbreaking contributions to mobile computing, smart healthcare, and cybersecurity. Zhang’s publications are highly cited, reflecting their influence in the global academic and industrial landscapes.

Ongoing Research 🌐

Currently, Qian Zhang is deeply engaged in interdisciplinary research that bridges AI, sensing technologies, and advanced networking systems. AIoT and Smart Healthcare-Leveraging AI for intelligent healthcare systems. Cybersecurity and Blockchain Infrastructure-Enhancing secure and scalable network systems. Dynamic Spectrum Management-Innovating in cognitive radio networks to optimize wireless spectrum usage. Multimedia Delivery-Improving content distribution over diverse platforms, including wireless Internet. Her research emphasizes algorithm development, system implementation, and validation through real-world scenarios, ensuring practical relevance and technological impact.

Research Interests 🔬

AI and IoT applications in healthcare. Cybersecurity and advanced blockchain systems. Mobile computing and dynamic spectrum management. Network economics and next-generation wireless technologies. Multimedia delivery optimization. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates sensing modalities, machine learning, and robust analytics to address challenges in technology and society.

Academic Background 🎓

Qian Zhang earned her B.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Wuhan University, China, between 1990 and 1999. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her prolific career in computer science, especially in AI and networking.

Scholarships and Awards 🏆

Recognized globally for her contributions, Qian Zhang has received numerous accolades,  Fellowships in IEEE and FHKEng. Prestigious professorships, such as the Changjiang Chair Professorship. Leadership roles in transformative research labs and key technology centers.

Professional Associations 🌟

As a Fellow of IEEE and FHKEng, Qian Zhang plays a significant role in shaping the future of engineering and computer science. She is an active member of professional networks that foster innovation and collaboration.

Training & Workshops 📖

Qian Zhang has participated in and organized numerous workshops and training programs, focusing on emerging trends in AI, IoT, and wireless technologies. Her efforts include training the next generation of researchers and practitioners through interdisciplinary workshops.

Oral Presentations and Conferences 🎤

A sought-after speaker, Zhang has delivered keynote presentations at international conferences and symposia. Her talks often explore innovative solutions in AI, network security, and mobile computing, inspiring peers and fostering collaborations.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher 🛠️

Throughout her career, Zhang has achieved remarkable milestones, Development of secure, scalable network infrastructures. Advancements in cognitive radio networks and dynamic spectrum management. Implementation of AI-driven solutions in healthcare and multimedia delivery systems.

Success Factors 🌈

Her success can be attributed to her interdisciplinary research style, combining robust algorithmic foundations with practical implementation. Zhang’s ability to bridge theory and application has set her apart in the fields of AI, networking, and cybersecurity.

Laboratory Experience 🔬

Zhang’s laboratory work emphasizes practical solutions, integrating theoretical research with system validation. Her publications showcase her expertise in real-world applications, ranging from healthcare to next-gen wireless systems.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Qian Zhang’s contributions continue to shape the fields of computer science and engineering. Her leadership, innovative research, and global impact mark her as a visionary, inspiring future generations in academia and industry.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Contactless Arterial Blood Pressure Waveform Monitoring with mmWave Radar

  • Authors: Hu, Q., Zhang, Q., Lu, H., Chen, Y.-C., Zhao, N.
  • Journal: Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: KneeGuard: A Calibration-free Wearable Monitoring System for Knee Osteoarthritis Gait Re-training via Effortless Wearing

  • Authors: Yang, B., Zhang, X., Zhang, J., Hu, H., Zhang, Q.
  • Journal: Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: BP3: Improving Cuff-less Blood Pressure Monitoring Performance by Fusing mmWave Pulse Wave Sensing and Physiological Factors

  • Authors: Zheng, Z., Liang, Y., Lyu, R., Tang, Y., Zhang, Q.
  • Journal: SenSys 2024 – Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Conference on Embedded Networked Sensor Systems
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: DeepBreath: Breathing Exercise Assessment with a Depth Camera

  • Authors: Xie, W., Xu, C., Gong, Y., Zheng, Z., Yang, S.
  • Journal: Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Spectrum Sensing Everywhere: Wide-Band Spectrum Sensing with Low-Cost UWB Nodes

  • Authors: Luo, Z., Huang, Q., Chen, X., Chen, G., Zhang, Q.
  • Journal: IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
  • Year: 2024