Dr. Emel Omercioglu | Developmental Pediatrics | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Emel Omercioglu | Developmental Pediatrics | Research Excellence Award

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital | Turkey

Dr. Emel Ömercioglu is a developmental pediatrician whose work focuses on promoting optimal growth, neurodevelopment, and behavioral health in children. She completed her medical degree at Cumhuriyet University, followed by a pediatrics residency at Dr. Sami Ulus Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and later specialized in developmental pediatrics at Hacettepe University. Her clinical and academic experience spans developmental–behavioral evaluation, early childhood developmental monitoring, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral difficulties, feeding and sleep problems, and risk factors influencing child development. Dr. Ömercioglu has contributed extensively to the scientific literature, authoring research on neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants, behavioral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, autism presentation in girls, developmental risk assessment, and psychosocial factors affecting families. Her publications in national and international journals reflect her commitment to improving evidence-based developmental care. She has experience working across tertiary pediatric centers and developmental clinics, where she conducts clinical assessments, guides families, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams. Her research interests include developmental delays, neurodevelopmental trajectories, behavioral disorders, early identification strategies, and child health disparities. With a strongly growing publication record and a dedication to advancing developmental pediatrics in Türkiye and beyond, Dr. Ömercioglu aims to continue contributing to research, clinical excellence, and improved developmental outcomes for children.

Profiles:  ORCID
Featured Publications

Omercioglu E, Yesil AM, Ozturk E, Ozdemir G, Sencan B, Ozmert EN. Feeding Issues Among Preschoolers With Developmental Concerns and Risks From a Developmental Pediatrics Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study From an Eurasian Country. Clinical Pediatrics. 2025; Published online Dec 2025. doi:10.1177/00099228251375538.

Ömercioğlu E, Özçelik E, Akpınar F, Özdereli Z, Öztürk E, Acar BÇ, Çelik P. Autoinflammatory periodic fever syndromes in preschoolers: neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and maternal psychosocial outcomes. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2025; Published online Nov 24, 2025. doi:10.1007/s00431-025-06566-y.

Ömercioğlu E, Akpınar F, Turmuş GH, Yeşil AM, Şahin G, Çelik P. Investigation of the relationship between language skills and behavioral problems in children assessed for language and speech delay. Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease. 2025; Published online Nov 21, 2025. doi:10.12956/TJPD.2025.1123.

Ömercioğlu E, Yeşil AM, Avcı H, Özmert EN. Changes in developmental-behavioral pediatric referral trends from a non-western country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics. 2025; Published online Oct 24, 2025. doi:10.24953/turkjpediatr.2025.4560.

Yesil AM, İskender HC, Çam EC, Ömercioğlu E, Kılınç Ş, Özmert EN. Recognizing the overlooked: rethinking autism spectrum disorder symptom presentation in girls. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics. 2025;67(4):514–521. doi:10.24953/turkjpediatr.2025.5636.

Dr. Alassane Sow | Charismatic Leadership | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Alassane Sow | Charismatic Leadership | Outstanding Scientist Award

Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar | Senegal

Dr. Alassane Sow is a sociologist of religion whose academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intersections between religion, society, education, and development in West Africa. He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in the Sociology of Religion from UCAD, building on a strong foundation in social sciences. His experience spans university teaching, applied research, and interdisciplinary consultancy across institutions in Senegal, the United States, Europe, and Africa. Dr. Sow has served as a lecturer at UCAD and UGB and as an associate researcher at internationally recognized centers such as Lehigh University and the Polish Academy of Sciences. His extensive fieldwork includes studies on home literacy environments, religious dynamics, peacebuilding, early childhood education, public health, migration, gender, environmental and social impact assessments, and community development. He has collaborated with major organizations including UNICEF, USAID, the World Bank, UNESCO partners, and several ministerial bodies. His research interests focus on religion and society, education, childhood development, social inequalities, community resilience, and socio-anthropological approaches to public policy. Dr. Sow’s contributions have earned him recognition through diverse academic engagements, invited lectures, and participation in international conferences. He continues to advance socially impactful research bridging academia, policy, and community development.

Profiles: Featured Publications

Sow, A., Lemmond, B., Rennick, B., Van Wyk, J., Martin, L., Townsend, M., Grupe, A., Beaudry, R., Healy, R., Smith, M. E., et al. (2024). Tuber cumberlandense and T. canirevelatum, two new edible Tuber species from eastern North America discovered by truffle-hunting dogs. Mycologia.

Sow, A., Van Wyk, J., Lemmond, B., Healy, R., Smith, M. E., & Bonito, G. (2024). Effective field collection of Pezizales ascospores for procuring diverse fungal isolates. Diversity, 16(3), 165.

Chou, M.-Y., Andersen, T. B., Mechan Llontop, M. E., Beculheimer, N., Sow, A., Moreno, N., Shade, A., Hamberger, B., & Bonito, G. (2023). Terpenes modulate bacterial and fungal growth and sorghum rhizobiome communities. Microbiology Spectrum, 11(5), e01332-23.

Lemmond, B., Sow, A., Bonito, G., & Smith, M. E. (2023). Accidental cultivation of the European truffle Tuber brumale in North American truffle orchards. Mycorrhiza, 33, 451–458.