Daniela Stein-Brüggemann | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Daniela Stein-Brüggemann | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Professorship for Performance Diagnostics and Training Control from Medical School Hamburg, Germany

Prof. Dr. Daniela Stein-Brüggemann is a distinguished academic and practitioner in sports science, currently serving as Professor of Performance Diagnostics and Training Control at the Medical School Hamburg (MSH). She also leads the MSH University Outpatient Clinic for Sports and Exercise Medicine. With over two decades of academic, clinical, and applied experience, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to bridging the gap between sports science research and practical athletic performance. Her academic journey began at the University of Rostock, followed by a Ph.D. in Movement Science at the University of Hamburg. A passionate educator, she has mentored numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students across multiple institutions. Her research primarily focuses on performance diagnostics, injury prevention, and training optimization in elite and recreational sports. Through her roles in both academic and clinical settings, she has advanced innovative training models, including individualized performance profiling and prehabilitation strategies. She maintains active collaborations with national and international institutions, sports federations, and research networks, such as the German Football Association and BiSp. Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for top-tier journals and research projects. With her dynamic contributions to science, education, and healthcare, Prof. Stein-Brüggemann is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Education

Prof. Dr. Daniela Stein-Brüggemann holds an interdisciplinary educational background, which forms the foundation of her integrative approach to sports science. She began her academic career at the University of Rostock, where she pursued studies in Sports Science, Political Science, and Educational Science from 1999 to 2004. This multidisciplinary education enriched her ability to view sports and human performance not only through physiological and biomechanical lenses but also from political and pedagogical perspectives. Following her undergraduate studies, she completed a professional internship at the Institute for Applied Training Science (IAT) in Leipzig, where she honed her interests in movement science. Her growing passion for sports medicine prompted a shift in focus, and she went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) in Movement Science at the University of Hamburg in 2015. Her doctoral research was dedicated to injury prevention in professional football, titled: “The Effect of Improved Conditioning on the Incidence of Soccer-Specific Injuries – A Longitudinal Analysis of a Professional Soccer Team.” This work laid the foundation for her future academic and applied contributions, emphasizing the practical utility of evidence-based conditioning programs in reducing injuries among athletes.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Daniela Stein-Brüggemann’s professional experience spans academic teaching, clinical research, project leadership, and athletic training. Between 2005 and 2016, she worked as a Research Associate in the Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine at the University of Hamburg, where she also managed sports medicine laboratories and training for elite and recreational athletes. In this role, she contributed to training interventions for injury-prone populations and co-led the Corporate Health Management (BGM) sector. In 2016, she joined the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) as a Project Manager in the BGM department, further developing her leadership in occupational health and sports medicine. Since 2019, she has served as a Professor at the Medical School Hamburg, where she leads the Chair for Performance Diagnostics and Training Control. As of 2025, she also heads the MSH University Outpatient Clinic for Sports and Exercise Medicine. Outside academia, she has worked continuously as a performance diagnostician and athletic trainer for professional teams across football, hockey, and athletics. She also holds consulting roles and has served as a lecturer for various sports academies. Her career reflects a deep integration of academic research, healthcare service, and high-performance sports environments.

Research Interests

Prof. Stein-Brüggemann’s research is firmly rooted in the application of scientific knowledge to improve real-world athletic performance and healthcare outcomes. Her primary interests lie in performance diagnostics, injury prevention, training control, and exercise therapy. Her pioneering work in lactate threshold diagnostics has refined how physiological data is interpreted to guide training plans for both elite and recreational athletes. She has also conducted sport-specific movement analyses in disciplines including football, handball, hockey, triathlon, and track and field. Her recent research interests include exploring the impact of pre-operative exercise therapy on post-operative recovery, integrating sports science with clinical health strategies. Furthermore, she is deeply invested in women’s sports science through her leadership in the AG Female Athletes research group. She actively contributes to national and international research networks such as the BiSp FeMeLa project, the German Football Association’s Medical Committee on Women’s Football, and the International Female Athlete Network. Her research approach is distinctly translational—bridging gaps between data collection, diagnostic interpretation, and evidence-based implementation in training and rehabilitation settings. She seeks to optimize long-term athlete development while minimizing injury risks and improving recovery outcomes.

Research Skills

Prof. Dr. Stein-Brüggemann possesses an extensive array of research skills that span quantitative analysis, diagnostic protocol development, physiological monitoring, and interdisciplinary project management. Her expertise in performance diagnostics includes advanced lactate curve analysis, movement profiling, and load-strain assessments tailored to individual athletes. She is proficient in utilizing physiological and biomechanical data to optimize training regimens and support rehabilitation protocols. With a strong background in longitudinal studies, she skillfully integrates statistical tools for performance tracking and outcome evaluation. Her academic and clinical research is strengthened by her ability to manage large-scale projects, coordinate interdisciplinary teams, and implement research findings into diverse sports and health contexts. Moreover, her ability to conduct field-based testing and lab-based diagnostics enables a practical approach to research that resonates across elite sports and corporate wellness settings. She is also a skilled mentor and academic supervisor, guiding numerous students through thesis projects at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Her capacity for evidence-based planning, critical evaluation, and continuous methodological improvement establishes her as a versatile and impactful researcher in the field of sports and health sciences.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Prof. Dr. Daniela Stein-Brüggemann has earned recognition for her contributions to sports science research and professional practice. While specific award titles are not explicitly listed, her academic trajectory and multiple appointments to prestigious committees and networks are indicative of her professional esteem. Since 2023, she has served as a reviewer for BiSp research projects, demonstrating trust in her evaluative and methodological expertise at the federal level. Since 2017, she has been a peer reviewer for the German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, further underlining her influence in shaping contemporary sports science literature. Her longstanding membership in the German Association for Sports Science (dvs) since 2008 reflects her commitment to academic collaboration and research dissemination. Her leadership in the AG Female Athletes initiative and collaboration with the DFB on women’s football medicine positions her as a pioneer in gender-specific sports research. Moreover, her coordination roles and project management contributions to interdisciplinary university and clinical settings underscore her ability to lead impactful, real-world research endeavors. These cumulative honors and responsibilities reflect her scholarly excellence, dedication to innovation, and high standing in the academic and athletic communities.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Daniela Stein-Brüggemann’s career exemplifies the synergy of academic excellence, clinical innovation, and athletic expertise. She stands out as a leading figure in applied sports science, with a focus on diagnostics, injury prevention, and training optimization. Her multidisciplinary education, practical experience, and ongoing research in both clinical and athletic settings enable her to deliver impactful, evidence-based interventions. As an educator, she inspires future professionals by merging theoretical rigor with hands-on learning. As a researcher, she has contributed significantly to performance science and healthcare outcomes, particularly in elite sports and women’s health. Her collaborations with esteemed institutions and federations, combined with her leadership in national research networks, highlight her influence and commitment to advancing the field. With a proven track record of successful projects, student mentorship, and scientific publications, she exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher. Given her achievements, leadership, and dedication to knowledge translation, Prof. Stein-Brüggemann is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances sports science but also creates meaningful, lasting impact in health, athletic performance, and education.

Publications Top Notes

  1. The functional movement screen for injury prediction in male amateur football
    Authors: J. Schroeder, K. Wellmann, D. Stein, K.M. Braumann
    Journal: German Journal of Sports Medicine / Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 67(2)
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 19

  2. Der Functional Movement Screen zur Verletzungsvorhersage im Männeramateurfußball
    Authors: J. Schroeder, K. Wellmann, D. Stein, K.M. Braumann
    Journal: Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 67(2), 39–43
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 5

  3. The female athlete—reliability of body composition analyses during the female menstrual cycle in young women without hormonal contraception
    Authors: J. Schröder, J. Fürst, K.M. Kiefer, L. Schultz, R. Reer, D. Stein-Brüggemann
    Journal: German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research
    Year: 2024

  4. Speed and power of young soccer players in German divisional development training center: 3549 Board# 310 May 30, 8:00 AM–9:30 AM
    Authors: R. Reer, D. Stein, K. Wellmann, J. Schroeder, S.P. von Duvillard, …
    Journal: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 47(5S), 966–967
    Year: 2015

  5. Auswirkung einer verbesserten konditionellen Leistungsfähigkeit auf das Auftreten von fußballspezifischen Verletzungen: Längsschnittanalyse einer professionellen Fußballmannschaft
    Author: D. Stein
    Publisher: Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg Carl von Ossietzky
    Year: 2015

  6. Position-specific indices of selected physiological abilities of professional soccer players: 3541 Board# 185 May 31, 9:30 AM–11:00 AM
    Authors: R. Reer, D. Stein, K. Wellmann, J. Schroeder, S.P. von Duvillard, …
    Journal: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(5S), 952–953
    Year: 2014

  7. The relationship between sports conditioning and success in professional soccer
    Authors: R. Reer, D. Stein, K. Wellmann, S.P. von Duvillard, K.M. Braumann
    Journal: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 44, 114–114
    Year: 2012

 

Deniza J. Nyakana | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Deniza J. Nyakana | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Dr. Deniza Joash Nyakana is a distinguished Tanzanian academic, specializing in linguistics, foreign language acquisition, and sociolinguistics. She holds a Ph.D. in General Linguistics from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and has built a career that combines teaching, applied research, and academic writing. Deniza is a Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, where she has advanced through various academic ranks, demonstrating commitment to both education and research. Her work focuses on multilingualism, foreign language teaching, and the acquisition of languages such as English and French, particularly among Swahili speakers. With a rich academic and research background, Deniza is highly regarded in the fields of linguistics and language acquisition in Tanzania and beyond.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Deniza Joash Nyakana earned her Ph.D. in General Linguistics from Stellenbosch University in South Africa in 2021, where she conducted in-depth research on multilingual language acquisition. Prior to this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2015. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Language Teaching) from the same university in 2009. These qualifications provided her with a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical linguistics, equipping her for her current role as a lecturer and researcher. Her education underscores her commitment to contributing to linguistic scholarship with a focus on language acquisition in African contexts.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nyakana has extensive teaching experience at the University of Dar es Salaam, where she has worked in various capacities since 2010. She began as a Tutorial Assistant in 2009 at the University of Dodoma, and her career progressed to an Assistant Lecturer in 2016. In 2021, she was promoted to Lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, where she continues to teach and mentor students in the fields of linguistics and language acquisition. Her teaching spans a wide range of subjects, including second language acquisition, multilingualism, and sociolinguistics. Dr. Nyakana’s long tenure in academia demonstrates her dedication to nurturing future scholars in the field of linguistics.

Research Interests

Dr. Deniza Nyakana’s research interests are centered around the fields of first and second language acquisition, multilingualism, foreign language teaching, and sociolinguistics. She is particularly interested in how multilingual Swahili speakers in Tanzania acquire and use English and French. Her Ph.D. dissertation focused on the acquisition of English and French Determiner Phrases by L1 Swahili speakers, a topic that offers valuable insights into multilingual acquisition in African educational contexts. Other research interests include contact linguistics, dialects of English, and the linguistic landscape. Her work aims to bridge gaps in understanding the intersection of language, culture, and education, with a focus on multilingual learning environments.

Research Skills

Dr. Nyakana possesses a diverse set of research skills, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. She is proficient in data analysis using SPSS and Stata, which allows her to conduct in-depth statistical analysis in her linguistic studies. Her qualitative research skills are equally strong, enabling her to analyze language usage, language acquisition processes, and sociolinguistic phenomena. Dr. Nyakana is also adept in various research techniques, including discourse analysis, case studies, and ethnographic research. Her language skills in Kiswahili, English, and French enhance her ability to conduct cross-linguistic studies, particularly in multilingual settings. These research skills enable her to explore complex language dynamics in African educational and social contexts.

Awards and Honors

While Dr. Nyakana’s accomplishments are primarily academic and research-oriented, she has received recognition for her significant contributions to the field of linguistics. Her doctoral research, focusing on multilingual language acquisition, has been published in reputable journals and is often cited within the academic community. Dr. Nyakana’s research is of considerable importance to language policy and education in Tanzania, particularly in the context of multilingual education. Her work has also contributed to understanding language acquisition processes in African multilingual contexts, and she continues to receive accolades for her ongoing research. Although she has not formally listed specific awards, her academic trajectory and growing influence in linguistics indicate the potential for future recognition in her field.

Conclusion

Dr. Deniza Joash Nyakana is a highly qualified and accomplished researcher with a strong background in linguistics, extensive teaching experience, and notable contributions to multilingual acquisition research. Her work is academically rigorous, regionally significant, and socially relevant. With her robust expertise in sociolinguistics and foreign language acquisition, Deniza stands out as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. By expanding her international collaborations and focusing on applied research, she could further solidify her place as an influential figure in the field.

Publication Top Notes

  • Multilingual acquisition of determiner phrases in L2 English and L3 French by L1 Swahili speakers in Tanzania
    Author: DJ Nyakana
    Year: 2021

 

Rainer Feldbacher | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dist AssProf of Capital Normal University, Austria.

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher is a distinguished scholar with a rich background in archaeology, ancient history, and interdisciplinary research. Born on December 4, 1975, in Salzburg, Austria, he has established himself as a prominent figure in academia and professional circles. Dr. Feldbacher’s academic journey commenced with his studies in ancient history, papyrology, and epigraphy, culminating in a diploma thesis focusing on the development of Cyprus during the late 13th to early 9th century B.C. His passion for archaeological research led him to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Vienna’s Institute for Oriental Studies, where he delved into Near Eastern archaeology and Semitic philology. His doctoral thesis, titled “Die multikulturellen Beziehungen Tell elcAjjuls, Gaza, in der Mittelund Spätbronzezeit im Lichte der Cypriaca” (“Tell el cAjjul’s multicultural relations during the Middle and Late Bronze Age in the light of Cypriote imports”), explored the multicultural dynamics of ancient Gaza.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher pursued an extensive academic journey, focusing on archaeology, philology, and history. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Vienna, specializing in Near Eastern Archaeology and Semitic Philology. His doctoral thesis, titled “Die multikulturellen Beziehungen Tell elcAjjuls, Gaza, in der Mittelund Spätbronzezeit im Lichte der Cypriaca” (“Tell el cAjjul´s multicultural relations during the Middle and Late Bronze Age in the light of Cypriote imports”), was supervised by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gebhard Selz. Additionally, Dr. Feldbacher obtained a diploma in Ancient History, Papyrology, and Epigraphy, among other disciplines, from the University of Salzburg. His diploma thesis focused on “Ägyptisches Kulturgut im Rahmen der Entwicklung Zyperns vom späten 13. bis zum frühen 9. Jahrhundert vor Christus” (“Aegyptiaca as an indicator for the development of Cyprus from the late 13th to early 9th century B.C.”), under the supervision of ao. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Günther Hölbl.

Professional Experience

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher’s professional journey reflects a rich tapestry of experiences across academia, research, teaching, and project management. Since 2019, he has served as a Distinguished Associate Professor at Capital Normal University in Beijing, contributing his expertise to the School of History. Prior to this role, from 2018 to 2019, Dr. Feldbacher worked as a high school teacher at the Experimental School affiliated to Nanjing Normal University, where he played a pivotal role in guiding students and fostering their academic growth. His tenure as a professor at Nanjing Normal University’s Faculty of Philosophy from 2016 to 2019 further underscored his commitment to teaching and academic mentorship. Notably, Dr. Feldbacher led a significant research project focusing on ethnological and religious-historical investigation along the Silk Road from 2015 to 2018, shedding light on the cultural and historical significance of this ancient trade route. Additionally, his engagement in scientific research, lectures, and speeches across Asia as part of his collaboration with Eurasia-Pacific Uninet (EPU) from 2012 to 2016 highlights his global academic outreach efforts. Dr. Feldbacher’s multifaceted contributions include his role as a scientific employee at the University of Vienna from 2011 to 2023, where he participated in diverse projects spanning cultural heritage, media studies, and communication. These experiences, coupled with his involvement in various archaeological endeavors and research initiatives, exemplify Dr. Feldbacher’s interdisciplinary expertise and his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field.

Research Interest

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of archaeology, cultural heritage, and interdisciplinary studies. His scholarly pursuits revolve around investigating multilayered aspects of Near Eastern archaeology, Semitic philology, and ancient history. Specifically, he has a keen interest in exploring the multicultural dynamics of ancient civilizations, particularly during the Middle and Late Bronze Age periods. Through his research, Dr. Feldbacher delves into understanding the complex interactions, trade networks, and cultural exchanges that characterized regions such as Tell el cAjjul in Gaza. Moreover, his expertise extends to the study of Cypriote imports and their implications for cross-cultural relations during antiquity. Dr. Feldbacher’s interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from archaeology, history, linguistics, and cultural studies to unravel the rich tapestry of human civilization’s past. His research endeavors aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of ancient societies, their material cultures, and the socio-political dynamics that shaped their development.

Award and Honors

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher has received several awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to academia and research. These accolades underscore his commitment to scholarly pursuits and his significant achievements in various fields. Among his notable recognitions are the Pro Scientia Sponsorship for Education awarded by the Austrian Bishop’s Conference in 2002 and the Best Researcher Award received at the 5th Edition of the International Research Awards on Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in 2023. Dr. Feldbacher’s excellence in academic endeavors was further acknowledged with the Excellence in National Capacity Development Program award in 2022. Additionally, he has been honored with gold medals at the 7th and 8th International Invention Innovation Competitions in Canada. In 2021, Dr. Feldbacher was also awarded the Diploma of the Imperial College (DIC), highlighting his academic achievements and contributions to archaeology and cultural heritage. These accolades reflect Dr. Feldbacher’s exceptional scholarly achievements, dedication to research, and significant impact on advancing knowledge in his field of expertise.

Research Skills

Dr. Rainer Feldbacher possesses a diverse range of research skills honed through his extensive academic and professional experiences. His proficiency spans various domains, including archaeological fieldwork, database management, and interdisciplinary research collaboration. Dr. Feldbacher is adept at conducting surveys, documenting findings, and analyzing data to derive meaningful insights. His expertise also extends to specialized areas such as papyrology, epigraphy, and ethnological investigations. Moreover, he has demonstrated proficiency in IT tools such as Windows, MS Office, Photoshop, and AutoCAD, enhancing his ability to manage and analyze research data effectively. With a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, Dr. Feldbacher is well-equipped to undertake complex research projects and contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in his field.

Publications

  1. Title: An Aegean Mirror from Hala Sultan Tekke, Cyprus
    • Authors: Feldbacher, R.; Alvarez, L.E.; Miyauchi, Y.; Lorentz, K.; Fischer, P.M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. Title: Ancient Koguryŏ’s Heritage around Ji’an: Past and Current Interpretations
    • Author: Feldbacher, R.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1
  3. Title: Cyprus. Divided Island, Stolen Heritage, Uncertain Future | Zypern. Geteilte Insel, Gestohlenes Erbe, Unsichere Zukunft
    • Author: Feldbacher, R.
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 0
  4. Title: Area of Conflict: Archaeology and its Implications in the Holy Land
    • Author: Feldbacher, R.
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 0
  5. Title: Tell el-c Ajjul 2000: Second Season Preliminary Report
    • Authors: Fischer, P.M.; Sadeq, M.; Lykke, A.; Weigl, M.; Mlinar, C.
    • Year: 2004
    • Citations: 17