Makhotso Merriam Ralehike | Nursing and Health Professions | Innovative Research Award

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Innovative Research Award

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike – University of Pretoria, South Africa

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike
Affiliation University of Pretoria
Country South Africa
ORCID 0009-0009-2006-366X
Document 1
Subject Area Nursing and Health Professions
Event International Phenomenological Research Awards

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike is a South African nursing professional, occupational health practitioner, nurse educator, and bioethics specialist affiliated with the University of Pretoria. Her academic and professional activities focus on occupational health, nursing ethics, healthcare quality, rural health systems, patient safety, and evidence-based nursing practice. Through clinical service, educational leadership, and emerging scholarly contributions, she has developed expertise relevant to contemporary healthcare challenges and nursing policy development.[1]

Abstract

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike has developed a multidisciplinary professional profile integrating nursing practice, occupational health, healthcare ethics, education, and rural healthcare research. Her work addresses healthcare quality, workforce wellbeing, patient safety, and ethical challenges within resource-constrained environments. Her published research on nurses’ experiences in water-scarce healthcare clinics contributes to understanding healthcare delivery challenges in South Africa and supports evidence-informed policy and professional practice improvements.[2]

Keywords

Nursing Science, Occupational Health Nursing, Bioethics, Rural Healthcare, Healthcare Quality, Patient Safety, Nursing Education, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Policy, Clinical Leadership.

Introduction

The nursing profession increasingly requires practitioners who combine clinical expertise with ethical leadership, occupational health knowledge, educational competence, and research engagement. Ralehike’s professional development reflects this interdisciplinary approach through service in critical care, occupational health, nursing education, and healthcare management. Her academic progression includes advanced qualifications in nursing education, labour law, disaster management, HIV and TB management, occupational health nursing, and bioethics, supporting a broad perspective on healthcare systems and workforce development.[1][2]

Research Profile

As a PhD candidate in Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria, Makhotso Merriam Ralehike focuses on nursing ethics, occupational health, healthcare quality, rural health systems, and patient-centered care. Her academic interests emphasize ethical responsibilities within healthcare environments, particularly where infrastructure limitations influence professional practice and patient outcomes. Her educational background provides a foundation for examining healthcare challenges through clinical, legal, ethical, and organizational perspectives.[1]

Research Contributions

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike’s principal scholarly contribution investigates the lived experiences of nurses working in healthcare clinics affected by water scarcity within the Maluti-A-Phofung district of South Africa. The study explores how environmental and infrastructural limitations affect healthcare delivery, professional obligations, and patient care standards. By documenting frontline nursing experiences, the research contributes evidence relevant to healthcare planning, nursing regulation, occupational wellbeing, and service quality improvement initiatives.[2]

Publications

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike’s most significant publication examines nurses’ lived experiences within healthcare clinics experiencing water scarcity in South Africa’s Free State Province. The study highlights ethical responsibilities, operational challenges, healthcare quality concerns, and workforce resilience in resource-constrained settings while providing evidence relevant to nursing policy, occupational health, healthcare infrastructure planning, and patient safety improvements across underserved communities.[2]

Research Impact

The practical relevance of Ralehike’s research lies in its focus on real-world healthcare challenges affecting nurses and patients in rural and resource-limited environments. Her work contributes to broader discussions concerning healthcare equity, workplace conditions, ethical accountability, and sustainable healthcare delivery. Such evidence supports policymakers, healthcare managers, educators, and practitioners seeking improvements in healthcare infrastructure and service provision.[2]

Award Suitability

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike demonstrates attributes aligned with recognition under the International Phenomenological Research Awards through her investigation of lived professional experiences in healthcare settings. Her interdisciplinary expertise spanning nursing science, occupational health, ethics, and education supports research that addresses human experiences within complex healthcare environments. The phenomenological orientation of her published work and its relevance to healthcare practice, policy, and professional wellbeing provide a strong basis for consideration within research recognition initiatives.[2]

Conclusion

Makhotso Merriam Ralehike represents an emerging nursing scholar whose professional experience, advanced academic preparation, and healthcare research collectively contribute to nursing science and occupational health practice. Her focus on ethical healthcare delivery and lived experiences within resource-constrained clinical environments supports ongoing efforts to improve healthcare quality, workforce wellbeing, and evidence-based policy development in South Africa.[1][2]

References

  1. ORCID. (n.d.). Makhotso Merriam Ralehike – ORCID Profile. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2006-366X
  2. Ralehike, M.M., Mulaudzi, M.F., Sepeng, N.V., & Nyandeni, S. (2026). Lived experience of nurses working in healthcare clinics that are experiencing water scarcity, in Maluti-A-Phofung district, Free State Province, South Africa. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101114

Dr. Elena Tchetina | Medicine and Dentistry | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Elena Tchetina | Medicine and Dentistry | Excellence in Research  Award 

Leading Scientist at Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology | Russia

Dr. Elena Tchetina is a distinguished researcher in medicine and dentistry, recognized for her impactful contributions to molecular biology and rheumatology. Her academic foundation includes advanced training in microbiology, cell biology, and molecular sciences, supporting a strong interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research. She has extensive experience as a leading scientist and principal investigator, contributing to high-level research in immunology and molecular physiology. Her research interests focus on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, with emphasis on gene expression, metabolic regulation, and biomarker discovery for disease progression and therapeutic response. Dr. Elena Tchetina has produced 53 documents with an h-index of 18 and has received 8,094 citations across 7,863 documents, reflecting her global research influence. Her work advances translational medicine by connecting molecular insights with clinical applications, strengthening innovative strategies for diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment in rheumatic diseases.

Citation Metrics

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

Citations
8094

Documents
53

h-index
18

View Scopus ProfileView ORCID Record

Featured Publications

Molecular Mechanisms of Osteoarthritis Progression and Cartilage Degeneration

– International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Gene Expression Signatures in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Therapeutic Targets

– Frontiers in Immunology

Biomarkers for Predicting Disease Progression in Osteoarthritis Patients

– Arthritis Research & Therapy

Metabolic Pathways and Inflammation in Joint Disorders

– Journal of Clinical Medicine

Translational Approaches in Rheumatology: From Molecular Insights to Clinical Practice

– Clinical Rheumatology

Franziska Münz | Medicine and Dentistry | Future Science Leader Award

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Dr. Franziska Münz | Medicine and Dentistry | Future Science Leader Award 

Physician at Universität Heidelberg | Germany

Dr. Franziska Münz is a promising researcher in the field of Medicine and Dentistry, demonstrating strong scientific impact through 10 scholarly documents that have collectively received 97 citations across 88 academic works, alongside an h-index of 5. Her research contributions focus on advancing medical knowledge through evidence-based approaches, particularly in clinically relevant and translational domains. Her work reflects a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes by exploring innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary perspectives. With a growing citation record and consistent publication output, Dr. Franziska Münz shows clear potential as an emerging leader in future scientific advancements. Her research trajectory highlights both quality and influence, positioning her as a valuable contributor to the global medical research community and a strong candidate for recognition under the Future Science Leader Award.

Citation Metrics

100

75

50

25

0

Citations
97

Documents
10

h-index
5

View Scopus Profile

Top 5 Publications

Javier Baena Espinar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Javier Baena Espinar | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Research Article Award 

Medical Oncologist at Hospital 12 de Octubre | Spain

Dr. Javier Baena Espinar is a prominent medical oncology researcher whose work has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of thoracic malignancies, precision oncology, and real-world clinical outcomes. His academic background is grounded in advanced training in health sciences, biomedicine, molecular oncology, immuno-oncology, and cancer biology, supported by multiple postgraduate degrees and specialized certifications that have strengthened his expertise in lung cancer research and evidence-based clinical practice. His professional experience spans leading Spanish healthcare and research institutions, where he has contributed to multidisciplinary oncology teams, national research initiatives, and international collaborative networks focused on improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment personalization, and therapeutic decision-making. His research interests center on non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors, next-generation sequencing, biomarker discovery, outcomes research, and the intersection between cancer care and infectious disease vulnerabilities. He has been instrumental in studies evaluating immunotherapy effectiveness, prognostic determinants, molecular profiling, and global registry data, producing findings that support the optimization of treatment strategies and guide clinical standards. With 27 published documents, 884 citations from 800 referencing articles, and an h-index of 11, his scholarly contributions reflect sustained impact and influence across oncology and translational research communities. His work appears in high-impact journals and encompasses both clinical and translational dimensions, bridging innovative scientific methodologies with real-world applicability. Through continuous involvement in international collaborations, multicenter studies, and academic dissemination, he has advanced the understanding of patient outcomes, therapeutic safety, and emerging frontiers in cancer treatment. His research trajectory demonstrates a strong commitment to expanding precision medicine, fostering collaborative research excellence, and improving the clinical management of thoracic cancers. Dr. Javier Baena Espinar’s ongoing contributions highlight his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening global oncology evidence, and supporting the evolution of patient-centered cancer care.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2025). Determinants of 5-year survival in patients with advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 ≥50% treated with first-line pembrolizumab outside clinical trials: Pembro-real 5Y registry results. Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Clinical utility of combined tissue and plasma next-generation sequencing in treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC. JTO Clinical and Research Reports.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of lorlatinib in ALK- and ROS1-rearranged metastatic NSCLC within the compassionate use program in Spain.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Observational study on the safety and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in lung cancer patients.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in patients with cardiac metastasis: A multicenter international retrospective analysis.

  • Baena Espinar, J., et al. (2025). Unmet needs in maintenance therapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2024). Consolidation osimertinib vs durvalumab vs observation after chemoradiation in unresectable EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Facts and hopes on cancer immunotherapy for small cell lung cancer. Clinical Cancer Research.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Real-world data of first-line cemiplimab monotherapy for PD-L1 high NSCLC. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Multi-region transcriptomic subtyping and biomarkers of chemoimmunotherapy outcome in extensive-stage SCLC. Clinical Cancer Research.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2024). Targeting KRAS G12C in NSCLC: Current standards and developments. Drugs.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2023). Future perspectives in second-line therapy for non-oncogene–addicted NSCLC. Cancers.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2023). Safety and activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in people living with HIV and cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J.(2022). Updated prognostication system for thoracic malignancies with COVID-19: TERAVOLT registry. Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

  • Baena Espinar, J. (2022). COVID-19 outcomes, vaccination status, and cancer-related delays during the Omicron wave: TERAVOLT analysis. JTO Clinical and Research Reports.

Barbara Ariue | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Barbara Ariue | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Barbara Ariue is a distinguished medical professional and academic leader specializing in pediatric allergy and immunology, recognized for her outstanding contributions to research, education, and clinical innovation. As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at a leading medical institution, she has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding and management of pediatric asthma, allergic conditions, stinging insect allergies, and immunodeficiency disorders. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence in both teaching and scientific inquiry, inspiring medical students and resident physicians to pursue evidence-based and compassionate patient care. Dr. Barbara Ariue’s research has significantly impacted the field, particularly through her pioneering project, “Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Diagnosing and Managing Inborn Errors of Immunity,” which received a planning grant from the Allergists’ Foundation Community Grant Program under the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The project evaluates diagnostic practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and educational needs in managing immunodeficiencies, leading to her recent publication, “Lessons from the ACAAI Survey: Advancing the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for the Practicing Allergist-Immunologist,” in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Her scholarly output includes publications in prestigious journals such as Journal of Clinical Immunology, Pediatrics, and Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. In addition to her research, she serves as a consultant and advisory board member for various pharmaceutical organizations, contributing her expertise to clinical trials and therapeutic advancements in immunology. Professionally, she holds fellowships and leadership positions in numerous medical societies, including the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, reflecting her influence in shaping professional standards in allergy and immunology. Her citation index demonstrates 168 citations by 168 documents, with 11 publications and an h-index of 6, underscoring the impact and reach of her scientific work. Dr. Barbara Ariue’s career embodies a balance of clinical dedication, academic leadership, and research excellence, with her contributions continually shaping the future of pediatric immunology and fostering global advancements in medical science and patient care.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid  

Featured Publications:

  • Oh, C. K., Ariue, B., Alban, R. F., Shaw, B., & Cho, S. H. (2002). PAI-1 promotes extracellular matrix deposition in the airways of a murine asthma model. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 294(5), 1155–1160.

  • Heimall, J., Keller, M., Saltzman, R., Bunin, N., McDonald-McGinn, D., Ariue, B., … Markert, M. L. (2012). Diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and Artemis deficiency in two children with T-B-NK+ immunodeficiency. Journal of Clinical Immunology, 32(5), 1141–1144.

  • Cho, S. H., Hall, I. P., Wheatley, A., Ariue, B. K., Abraha, D., Delmundo, J., & Oh, C. K. (2001). The possible role of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene in the development of asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 107.

  • Ariue, B. K., Cho, S. H., Tam, S. W., & Oh, C. K. (2001). 142 Analysis of airway remodeling genes in human mast cells by cDNA microarrays. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 107.

  • Ariue, B. K. & Oh, C. K. (2005). Chapter 43 – Anaphylaxis (in book chapter). In Pediatrics. Mosby Inc.

  • Ariue, B. K. & Oh, C. K. (2005). Chapter 48 – Insect allergies (in book chapter). In Pediatrics. Mosby Inc.

  • McDonnell, J., Angarola, B., Ariue, B., Arnold, D. E., Assa’ad, A. H., Aytekin, C., … Bleesing, J. (2024). COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inborn errors of immunity reduces hospitalization and critical care needs: a USIDNET report. Journal of Clinical Immunology.