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In 2018, AASLD Foundation brought 62 promising early-career investigators to The Liver Meeting® to attend and present their work to an international audience.

Congratulations to the 2018 Abstract Award recipients. These awardees presented their research at The Liver Meeting® in San Francisco, CA November 9-13.

Advanced Practice Providers Travel Award (2 awards)

These $1,000 awards enable mid-level professionals submitting abstracts for The Liver Meeting® to receive travel support.

  • Heather W. O’Dell, MSN, ANP-BC, MMHC
    Institution: Vanderbilt University
    Abstract: Multispecialty Collaboration Benefits Efforts at Expanding Donor Pools: Transplanting HCV Positive Grafts into HCV Negative Heart Transplant Recipients
  • Summer Collier, MSN, FNP-BC, AAHIVS
    Institution: University of California, San Diego
    Abstract: Developing a Hospital Discharge Program to Increase Linkage to Care and Decrease Readmission Rates in Cirrhotic Patients

Basic Science Young Investigator Travel Awards (20 awards)

These $1,000 awards recognize outstanding young basic science researchers submitting abstracts to The Liver Meeting®.

  • Bijoya Sen, MSc
    Institution: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences
    Abstract: Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRMT) Is Compromised in Senescent Cells As Well As End Stage Liver Disease and Overexpression of UPRMT Player, Clpp, Alleviates the Senescent Phenotype
  • Bilon Khambu, PhD
    Institution: Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
    Abstract: A Critical Role of HMGB1 in Liver Pathology Caused By Autophagy Deficiency
  • Debanjan Dhar, PhD
    Institution: University of California, San Diego
    Abstract: CD44 Controls NOTCH Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
  • Grégory Merlen, PhD
    Institution: Université Paris Sud
    Abstract: TGR5-Dependent Hepatoprotection through the Regulation of Biliary Epithelium Barrier Function
  • Guangyoung Sun, PhD
    Institution: Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University
    Abstract: Adoptive Cell Therapy Using Double Negative T Cells to Prevent the Development and Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Haichuan Wang, MD, PhD
    Institution: University of California, San Francisco
    Abstract: Distinct Roles of YAP and TAZ during Oncogene Driven Liver Tumor Development
  • Jianguo Wu, PhD
    Institution: University of Connecticut
    Abstract: PDK4-Deficiency Reprograms Intrahepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism to Facilitate Liver Regeneration in Mice
  • Jianing Li, PhD
    Institution: Emory University School of Medicine
    Abstract: Asbt Is Not Required for the Choleretic Actions of 24-Norursodeoxycholic Acid in Mice
  • Kai Markus Schneider, MD
    Institution: University Hospital Aachen
    Abstract: Intestinal Dysbiosis Augments Liver Disease Progression Via NLRP3 in a Murine Model of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
  • Kazuma Sekiba, MD
    Institution: The University of Tokyo
    Abstract: Discovery of a Novel Therapeutic Agent Targeting HBx-DDB1 Interaction for HBV Cure
  • Lili Sheng, PhD
    Institution: University of California, Davis
    Abstract: Aged Gut Microbiota Is Implicated in Hepatic Inflammation and Metabolic Disease in a Sex-Dependent Manner
  • Nourdine Hamdane, PhD
    Institution: Université de Strasbourg
    Abstract: Targeting HCV-Induced Epigenetic Reprogramming for HCC Chemoprevention Post Cure
  • Oliver Krenkel, PhD
    Institution: University Hospital Aachen
    Abstract: Western-Diet Triggered Reprogramming of the Innate Immune Response of Myeloid Leukocytes
  • Ruchi Bansal, PhD
    Institution: University of Twente
    Abstract: CD64-Targeted Prednisolone Lipid Nanoparticles As a Novel Drug Delivery System to Target Inflammatory Macrophages for the Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Diseases
  • Ryan J. Schulze, PhD
    Institution: Mayo Clinic
    Abstract: A Novel Autophagic Mechanism Mediating Lipid Droplet Catabolism in Hepatocytes
  • Sonya MacParland, PhD
    Institution: University of Toronto
    Abstract: Dissecting the Human Liver Cellular Landscape By Single Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Novel Intrahepatic Monocyte/Macrophage Populations
  • Tim Hendrikx, PhD
    Institution: University of California, San Diego
    Abstract: Intestinal IL-22 Restoration By Engineered Bacteria Ameliorates Ethanol-Induced Liver Disease in Mice
  • Valentina Edith Gómez Mellado, MSc
    Institution: Academic Medical Center
    Abstract: The Phospholipid Flippase ATP8B1 Mediates Acidification of the Endolysosomal System in Macrophages
  • Yongyin Li, PhD
    Institution: Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
    Abstract: IL-21 Receptor Signaling Is Essential for Control of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth and Immunological Memory for Tumor Challenge
  • Yuki Makino, MD
    Institution: Osaka University
    Abstract: Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) Induces IL-6 Production from Hepatic Stellate Cells and Promotes the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Clinical / Translational Young Investigator Travel Awards (20 awards)

These $1,000 awards enable young clinical / translational researchers submitting abstracts to The Liver Meeting® to receive travel support.

  • Ariel W. Aday, MD
    Institution: University of Texas Southwestern
    Abstract: Acute Liver Failure in Pregnancy: How Much Is Pregnancy-Related?
  • Brian P. Lee, MD
    Institution: University of California, San Francisco
    Abstract: Predicting Low-Risk for Sustained Alcohol Use after Early Liver Transplant for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis: The Salt Score
  • Carmine Rossi, PhD
    Institution: British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
    Abstract: Sustained Virologic Responses Reduces the Incidence of Extrahepatic Manifestations in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
  • Ciro Celsa, MD
    Institution: University of Palermo, Italy
    Abstract: Direct Antiviral Agents after Successfully Treated Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Improves Survival in Cirrhotic Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
  • Daan van Wessel, BSc
    Institution: University of Medical Center Groningen
    Abstract: The Natural Course of Bsep Deficiency: Results from the Global Napped-Consortium
  • Fadi Jaber-Luc, PhD
    Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
    Abstract: Antagonism of Sulfonylurea KATP Channel Subunit in Donor Hepatocytes Enhances Their Capacity for Liver Repopulation By Improving Mitochondrial Health
  • Hannes Hagström, MD, PhD
    Institution: Karolinska University
    Abstract: Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Jeanne-Marie Giard, MD, MPH
    Institution: Université de Montréal
    Abstract: Wait-List (WL) Outcomes of Patients with Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (AALD) Are Superior to Patients with Other Indications for Liver Transplantation (LT): An Analysis of WL Removals
  • Luisa Vonghia, MD, PhD
    Institution: Antwerp University Hospital
    Abstract: Severity of NAFLD/Nash Is Associated with Both More Severe ß-Cell Dysfunction and Reduced Insulin Clearance Independently of Body Weight in a Large Cohort of Non-Diabetic Subjects: Further Insights in the Causative Role of Nash in T2DM Development
  • Niviann Blondet, MD
    Institution: Seattle Children’s Hospital
    Abstract: Relationship between the Pattern of Hepatic Iron Deposition and Histological Severity in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Nora Cazzagon, MD
    Institution: University of Padova
    Abstract: Two Simple Magnetic Resonance Scores Are Able to Predict Survival in Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
  • Pamela L. Valentino, MD, MSc, FRCPC
    Institution: Yale University
    Abstract: Biliary Stricture Management and Outcomes Post-Liver Transplantation in Children: A Report from Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT)
  • Robert Montal, MD
    Institution: Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, BCLC Group, IDIBAPS
    Abstract: Molecular Classification and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Romain Desert, PhD
    Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago
    Abstract: Matrisome Analysis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cirrhosis Highlights a New Group of Tumors Expressing a Cancer-Specific Extracellular Matrix Signature Associated with Poor Outcome in Humans
  • Shakti Prasad Choudhury, DM
    Institution: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences
    Abstract: Continuous Infusion of Terlipressin Is More Effective and Safe Than Bolus Administration in Hvpg Reduction in Patients with Acute Esophageal Variceal Bleed – A Randomised Controlled Trial (NCT02695862)
  • Silvia Vilarinho, MD, PhD
    Institution: Yale University
    Abstract: A Genomic Approach to Idiopathic Liver Disease in Adults: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and New Interventions at Bedside
  • Stephanie Popping, MD
    Institution: Erasmus Medical Center
    Abstract: Prevalence of NS3 and NS5A Resistance Associated Substitutions through European Daa-Failures
  • Takayuki Kondo, PhD
    Institution: University College London, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health
    Abstract: A Novel Target for the Prevention of Progression of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF)
  • Ulrich Bang, MD, PhD
    Institution: Hvidovre Hospital
    Abstract: Regular Use Versus Irregular Use of Propranolol Is Related with Increased Survival Among Patients with Decompensated Alcoholic Cirrhosis
  • Yi Huang, PhD, MBBS
    Institution: The University of Western Australia
    Abstract: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: An Australian Cohort Study

Fellow Research Award (1 award)

This $1,000 award is given for the best abstract submitted by a fellow to The Liver Meeting®.

  • Bhavana Bhagya Rao, MD
    Institution: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Abstract: Clinic Visit within 30 Days of Hospital Discharge Is Associated with Improved Survival in Cirrhotic Patients

International Early Career Investigator Award presented in honor of Professor C. Y. Kim and his visionary work to eliminate Hepatitis B (1 award)

This $1,500 award provides travel support to a young international researcher from Korea who submitted an abstract for The Liver Meeting®.

  • Wonsuk Choi, MD, MSc
    Institution: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Abstract: Serotonin Signals through a Gut-Liver Axis to Regulate Hepatic Steatosis

International Young Investigator Travel Awards (5 awards)

These $1,500 awards provide travel support to young international researchers submitting abstracts for The Liver Meeting®.

  • Juan Bayo, PhD
    Institution: Instituto De Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional
    Abstract: New Therapeutic Strategies for Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Epigenetic Targeting
  • C. Rinaldi A. Lesmana, MD, PhD, FACP, FACG, FINASIM
    Institution: Universitas Indonesia
    Abstract: Serum Uric Acid Level As Independent Risk Factor for Liver Disease Progression in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Evaluated Using Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) Transient Elastography (TE): Lesson Learnt from Tertiary Referral Center
  • Lirui Wang, PhD
    Institution: China Pharmaceutical University
    Abstract: YIPF6 Promotes Diet-Induced Obesity and Hepatic Steatohepatitis By Decreasing FGF21 Secretion
  • Maria-Bernarda Requena, MD
    Institution: Inserm – Sorbonne Université
    Abstract: Performance of HCV Core Antigen Quantification in Predicting HCV-RNA Undetectability in Daa-Treated Patients Living in Resource-Constrained Countries
  • Rakhi Maiwall, MD, DM
    Institution: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences
    Abstract: High-Volume Plasma-Exchange Improves Transplant-Free Survival in Patients with Acute Liver Failure- a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial NCT02718079

Liver Transplant and/or Hepatology Biliary Surgery Fellow Award (2 awards)

These $1,000 travel awards enable liver transplant and/or hepatology biliary surgery fellows submitting abstracts for The Liver Meeting® to receive travel support.

  • Carlo Ceresa, MBChB
    Institution: University of Oxford
    Abstract: Exploring the Structural and Functional Effects of Normothermic Machine Perfusion and De-Fatting Interventions on Human Steatotic Livers
  • David Wallace, MRCS, MSc, MA, BSc
    Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
    Abstract: The Impact of Pre-Transplantation Performance Status on Hospital Resource Use Following Liver Transplantation

Pediatric Research Award (1 award)

The purpose of this $1,000 award is to foster excellence in pediatric liver disease research. The award is given to a physician/scientist with a primary appointment affiliation in a department of pediatrics.

  • Zhenhua Luo, PhD
    Institution: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
    Abstract: A Molecular Signature Predicts 2-Year Outcome of Biliary Atresia and Identifies a Therapeutic Target to Suppress Fibrosis

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Award for the Most Promising PSC Research (1 award)

The annual award of $3,000 is given to the investigator presenting the most promising PSC research at The Liver Meeting®.

  • Angela Cheung, BSc, MD, FRCP
    Institution: Mayo Clinic
    Abstract: High-Resolution Metabolomics and Exposomics in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis Uncovers Novel, Disease-Specific Associations in Bile Acid and Amino Acid Metabolism and Environmental Toxicant Exposures

Resident Research Award (1 award)

The purpose of this $1,000 award is to recognize high quality research undertaken by a resident in training.

  • Kellie Young, MD
    Institution: Oregon Health and Science University
    Abstract: Lower Likelihood of Graft Failure and Death after Liver Transplantation in the Era of Current Direct Acting Antivirals: An Analysis of the 2002-2016 United Network for Organ Sharing Registry

Student Research Award (1 award)

This $1,000 award is given to a student who is the primary contributor to the research study in the abstract submitting to The Liver Meeting®.

  • Jad Baki
    Institution: University of Michigan
    Abstract: Frailty and Opiate Use Are Strongly Correlated with Quality of Life in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study of 300 Outpatients without Hepatic Encephalopathy

The Paul Angulo Memorial Travel Award for Best Abstract in Clinical NAFLD (1 award)

Dr. Angulo was an exceptional clinical researcher who earned international prestige for his work on autoimmune and fatty liver disease. The goal of this $2,500 award is to encourage clinical research in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

  • Russell Rosenblatt, MD, MS
    Institution: Columbia University
    Abstract: Tight Glucose Control Improves Liver Tests in Diabetics: A Prospective Analysis

The Professor Margit Hamosh Travel Award (1 award)

This $2,500 award is presented to a fellow or junior investigator who submits the most outstanding abstract on hepatocellular carcinoma research for The Liver Meeting®.

  • Tracey G. Simon, MD
    Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital
    Abstract: Lipophilic Statins and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Mortality: A Prospective, Nationwide Population with Chronic Viral Hepatitis

The Maribel Rodriguez-Torres Travel Award (1 award)

Dr. Rodríguez-Torres was a renowned researcher and treater of HCV. She treated her patients with the utmost respect and care, and never gave up finding a cure for Hepatitis C. A pioneer for the latest treatments for HIV-HCV patients, Maribel dedicated her entire life to her work. The goal of this memorial $2,500 award is to encourage young investigators residing in Latin America or Spain to pursue research in the area of Hepatitis C.

  • Luis Esteban Ramirez-Gonzalez, MD
    Institution: Instituto Nacional De Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran
    Abstract: Risk Factors Associated to Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-Positive Populations of Central Mexico

The Leonard B. Seeff Award for Outstanding Research in Clinical/Translational Science by a Young Investigator (1 award)

This award is named in recognition of Dr. Leonard B. Seeff’s legacy as a leader in the field of hepatology, his commitment to training future leaders, and his many contributions to both hepatology and AASLD over the past half century. The goal of this $2,500 award is to inspire young investigators to present their research at The Liver Meeting®.

  • Yuri Boteon, MD
    Institution: University of Birmingham
    Abstract: Pharmacological Defatting of Steatotic Human Donor Livers during Ex Situ Normothermic Machine Perfusion

The Thomas D. Boyer Travel Award for Outstanding Research in Basic Science by a Young Investigator (1 award)

  • Swati Ghosh, PhD
    Institution: University of Colorado
    Abstract: Nfκb Suppression of LRH1 and Subsequent ABCG5/8 Suppression Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Parenteral Nutrition Associated Cholestasis

The Rosalyn and Leo Fried Memorial Travel Award (2 awards)

This $2,500 award recognizes and encourages young investigators residing in the Middle East to present their research at The Liver Meeting®.

  • Inbal Goldshtein, PhD
    Institution: Maccabi Healthcare Services
    Abstract: Extra Hepatic Manifestation of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver
  • Radi Hammad, MSc, MBA
    Institution: Ministry of Health
    Abstract: HCV Mass-Screening through Outreach Caravan in Egypt, 2018