Yinfeng Yang | Artificial Intelligence |Young Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yinfeng Yang | Artificial Intelligence | Young Scientist Award

Anhui University of Chinese Medicine | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yinfeng Yang is an Associate Professor and emerging research leader at the intersection of artificial intelligence and traditional Chinese medicine, with a strong focus on biomedical big data analytics and AI-driven drug discovery. With a publication record of 45 documents and a citation impact exceeding 5,738 citations from 5,599 citing documents, alongside an h-index of 18, her research demonstrates significant international influence. Her work integrates bioinformatics, machine learning, molecular simulation, and systems biology to uncover key biomarkers, elucidate disease mechanisms, and accelerate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. She has made notable contributions to multi-omics data mining, virtual screening, quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling, and mechanistic analysis of natural products and traditional prescriptions, particularly in oncology, immunology, cardiovascular disorders, and neurological diseases. Her research advances include AI-powered ADMET prediction, graph neural network–based drug-target discovery, and multiscale modeling of herbal medicine mechanisms. She has authored more than sixty publications, including first- and corresponding-author papers in high-impact journals such as Journal of Advanced Research, Phytomedicine, Drug Discovery Today, International Journal of Surgery, and ACS Omega, contributing influential and highly cited work. In addition to her scientific output, she has edited scholarly works, holds an authorized patent, and has received provincial recognition for scientific achievements. She also serves on editorial boards and contributes extensively as a reviewer for numerous international journals across pharmacology, bioinformatics, natural product research, and integrative medicine. Her expertise spans molecular dynamics, docking, high-throughput virtual screening, AI algorithms, multi-omics integration, and experimental pharmacology, positioning her at the forefront of intelligent medicine and translational research in traditional Chinese medicine.

Featured Publications

  • Fan, N. N., Chen, J., Wang, J. H., Chen, Z. S., & Yang, Y. F. (2025). Bridging data and drug development: Machine learning approaches for next-generation ADMET prediction. Drug Discovery Today, Article 104487.

  • Han, Z. J., Liu, Q. W., Yang, J. H., Wang, X. Y., Song, W. C., Wang, J. H., & Yang, Y. F. (2025). Exploration of the mechanism of Ginkgo biloba leaves targeted angiogenesis against gastric cancer. ACS Omega, 10, 40460–40476.

  • Yang, P. Z., Wang, X. Y., Yang, J. H., Yan, B. B., Sheng, H. Y., Li, Y., Yang, Y. F., & Wang, J. H. (2025). AI-driven multiscale study on the mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma in regulating immune function in STAD. ACS Omega, 10(19), 19770–19796.

  • Li, H., Fu, S. F., Shen, P., Zhang, X., Yang, Y. F., & Guo, J. C. (2025). Mitochondrial pathways in rheumatoid arthritis: Therapeutic roles of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products. Phytomedicine, Article 157106.

  • Zhang, H. R., Xu, Q., Kan, H. X., Yang, Y. F., & Cai, Y. Q. (2025). Exploration of the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of BRCA1 in gastric cancer. Discover Oncology, 16(1), 381.

 

Xingyu Chen | Cancer Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Xingyu Chen | Cancer Biology | Young Scientist Award

Research Bioinformatician | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | United States

Dr. Xingyu Chen is a research bioinformatician and computational oncologist specializing in sex chromosome genomics, cancer immunology, and precision medicine. His work has revealed the Loss of the Y Chromosome (LOY) as a causal driver of cancer immune evasion in men, demonstrating its role in tumor progression, immune dysfunction, and therapy resistance. He pioneered the development of the world’s first Sex Chromosome-Aware Genomic Large Language Model, integrating AI with genomic data to enhance cancer diagnostics and guide precision therapies. His research combines multi-omics analysis, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and deep-learning models to uncover mechanisms of tumor evolution, T-cell exhaustion, and sex-specific cancer vulnerabilities. Chen has contributed to high-impact publications in journals such as Nature, Oncogene, and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, with 800 citations, an h-index of 15, and multiple first/co-first author contributions, reflecting his influence in the field. His work extends to translational applications, including LOY-informed cellular therapies and radiogenomic predictive algorithms for bladder cancer, leading to patentable innovations. He has also mentored trainees, co-supervised projects, and collaborated with international institutions to advance integrative cancer genomics and AI-driven therapeutics. Overall, his research advances the understanding of male-biased cancer mechanisms and supports the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, bridging fundamental biology, computational modeling, and clinical applications to improve outcomes for men with cancer.

Featured Publications

Abdel-Hafiz, H. A., Schafer, J. M., Chen, X., Xiao, T., Gauntner, T. D., Li, Z., … et al. (2023). Y chromosome loss in cancer drives growth by evasion of adaptive immunity. Nature, 619(7970), 624–631.

Jin, Y., Wang, Z., He, D., Zhu, Y., Chen, X., & Cao, K. (2021). Identification of novel subtypes based on ssGSEA in immune‐related prognostic signature for tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Medicine, 10(23), 8693–8707.

Kaoutar Bouothmany | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Kaoutar Bouothmany | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

University Hassan II of Casablanca  | Morocco

Dr. Kaoutar Bouothmany is a biochemist and microbiologist specializing in the discovery and valorization of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and co-products for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. Her research focuses on the chemical characterization, antioxidant potential, and biological activities of plant-derived phenolic compounds, targeting oxidative stress-related diseases, including cancer, viral infections, hepatic disorders, and microbiome dysbiosis induced by bacterial resistance. She combines in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methodologies, including cell culture, molecular biology, phytochemical analysis, and molecular docking, to investigate cytotoxic, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects of natural products. Her work emphasizes the development of innovative green extraction techniques and optimized experimental protocols to maximize the therapeutic potential of plant bio-residues. She has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, with 76 citations from 75 documents and an h-index of 4, reflecting her expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation. Additionally, she has been involved in mentoring students, supervising laboratory work, and supporting practical courses, fostering scientific learning and research skill development. Her contributions advance the understanding of plant-based bioactives as alternative strategies for disease prevention and treatment, bridging fundamental biochemical research with translational applications in biotechnology, microbiology, and natural product pharmacology.

Featured Publication

(2025). Uncovering antiviral potential of Cistus ladanifer extracts against Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 by in vitro and in silico analysis. Chemistry and Biodiversity.

Ayesha Ahmed | Cancer Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Ayesha Ahmed | Cancer Biology | Research Excellence Award

Roosevelt University | United States

Ms. Ayesha Ahmed is an emerging pharmacist and pharmaceutical sciences researcher with a strong interdisciplinary foundation spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical manufacturing, research coordination, and academic support. Her academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing global healthcare through evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, and collaborative learning. She has contributed to research projects that integrate stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and analytical evaluation, enabling the development of targeted research approaches within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Her scientific interests encompass drug formulation, regulatory science, clinical pharmacy, and translational research aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes. She has co-authored publications exploring corrosion-resistant polymer modifications for industrial applications, barriers and enablers influencing community pharmacists’ participation in deprescribing initiatives, and molecular insights into CRP interactomes related to cellular signaling and tumorigenicity. These works demonstrate her ability to engage with both laboratory-based and clinical-conceptual research, bridging basic science with healthcare practice. She possesses strong communication and instructional skills refined through academic tutoring roles, where she supported learners in developing scientific writing, analytical reasoning, and pharmacy-related competencies. Her international training exposure has strengthened her understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, regulatory frameworks, and quality-assurance practices within diverse healthcare systems. Motivated by a passion for patient-centered care, interdisciplinary research, and global health development, she continues to expand her expertise through advanced study in pharmaceutical sciences. She aims to contribute to innovations in drug development, clinical decision-making, and pharmacy practice through research that supports safety, effectiveness, and equitable access to healthcare.

Featured Publication

Gerhardt, A., Nanakaliy, D., Shah, H. D., Sarfaraz, S., Madigan, C., Downing, M., Elliott, R. P., Dipto, R., Vrapciu, B., Noetzel, J. W., et al. (2025). Evaluating the CRP interactome: Insights into possible novel roles in cellular signaling and tumorigenicity. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(12), Article 1003.

Elshazly, M., Wilkinson, J., Jawad, S., Ahmed, A., ElGeed, H., & Yusuff, K. B. (2025). Enablers and barriers to community pharmacists’ readiness to implement deprescribing of inappropriate medications for older adults in Qatar. PLOS ONE, 20(1), Article e0316363.

Neylan Kaya | Management | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Neylan Kaya | Management | Young Scientist Award

Akdeniz University | Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Neylan Kaya is a scholar in quantitative methods and management sciences, specializing in efficiency analysis, meta-regression, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, and data-driven performance evaluation across finance, insurance, banking, and public-sector institutions. Her research advances methodological and applied work in stochastic frontier analysis, data envelopment analysis, grey relational analysis, VIKOR, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, and clustering approaches for assessing organizational efficiency, financial performance, sustainability indicators, and corporate governance practices. She has conducted extensive studies on insurance companies, banks, public hospitals, and manufacturing industries, offering comparative insights through meta-analysis, bibliometric review, and panel data modelling. Her contributions include analyses of non-financial information reporting, corporate social responsibility practices, financial inclusion, and cross-country economic competitiveness, combining robust statistical techniques with managerial perspectives. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers that explore methodological innovations and applied decision-analysis frameworks. Her scholarly output also includes research on sustainability assessment, supply chain decision-making, productivity measurement, and financial system characteristics across global regions. She actively presents her work at national and international conferences in econometrics, management, and quantitative methods, contributing to academic dialogue within multidisciplinary platforms. Her teaching and academic engagement span operations research, managerial decision-making, and applied mathematics, reflecting her strong quantitative foundation and commitment to methodological rigor. With a substantial publication record and expertise across diverse analytical frameworks, she continues to contribute to the advancement of empirical research in efficiency measurement, financial performance assessment, and decision-support methodologies within the social sciences and management fields.

Featured Publication

Kaya, N., Ersoy Bozcuk, A., Tutcu, B., Terzioğlu, M., & Ünal Uyar, G. F. (2025). Evaluating ESG practices from the perspective of transparency and accountability through clustering analysis and MCDM methods. Sustainability, 17(23)

Kaya, N. (2025). Sigorta şirketlerinin stokastik sınır analizi ile etkinliği: Bir meta analiz. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 2025(8)

Samiksha Painuly | Metal Organic | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Samiksha Painuly | Metal Organic | Young Scientist Award

Research Scholar | Gurukul Kangri Deemed to be University | India

Ms. Samiksha Painuly is a dedicated materials chemistry researcher specializing in the design, synthesis, and functional applications of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), coordination polymers, and advanced hybrid materials. Her work focuses on developing luminescent MOFs, mesoporous composites, and one-dimensional coordination polymers tailored for sensing, photocatalysis, and environmental monitoring. She has expertise in synthesizing Zn-, Cd-, and Cu-based MOFs using wet-chemical, solvothermal, hydrothermal, and mechanochemical routes, integrating multitopic carboxylate and nitrogen donor linkers to achieve structurally robust and functionally responsive materials. Her research contributions span the development of ratiometric luminescent sensors for inorganic and organic analytes, MOF-based composites for heavy-metal detection, ammonia sensing, photocatalytic degradation, and emerging applications such as LED phosphors and catalytic conversion of acetylenic molecules. Skilled in structural and physicochemical characterization, she routinely employs PXRD, FTIR, SEM, XPS, UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence techniques, and NMR analysis to elucidate material properties and structure–activity relationships. She has published research articles and book chapters covering MOF synthesis, membrane design, separation processes, waste management, sustainable development, and IP-related dimensions of emerging materials. Her work reflects both fundamental understanding and applied innovation, contributing to interdisciplinary progress in materials chemistry, environmental remediation, and sensor technologies. She actively engages in scientific collaborations, presents her findings at conferences, and participates in workshops and training programs to expand her technical and conceptual expertise. With a strong foundation in experimental design, analytical reasoning, and creative problem-solving, she is committed to advancing next-generation MOF-based materials and their applications in sustainability, sensing, and functional materials research.

Featured Publication

Samiksha, Rajput, G., Parmar, B., Dadhania, A., Isaeva, V., Kumar, R., & Bisht, K. K. (2025). Synthesis, structure, and photocatalytic properties of a Cu(II) coordination polymer derived from a flexible tripodal linker. SCENV, 11, 100277.

Painuly, S., Rajput, G., Parmar, B., Rachuri, Y., Isaeva, V. I., Kumar, R., & Bisht, K. K. (2025). Zn(II)-based multivariate, multicomponent metal–organic framework as a highly sensitive ratiometric luminescent sensor for Rhodamine-B in edibles. Inorganic Chemistry, 64, 16297–16302.

Varshita Srivastava | Molecular Parasitology | Best Scholar Award

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Ms. Varshita Srivastava | Molecular Parasitology | Best Scholar Award

Senior Research Scholar | Central University of Rajasthan |India

Ms. Varshita Srivastava is a molecular parasitology researcher specializing in antimalarial drug discovery, virtual screening, molecular cloning, biochemical characterization, and Plasmodium falciparum parasite biology. Her research integrates in silico therapeutic prediction with experimental validation to identify novel strategies for overcoming drug resistance in malaria. She has extensive experience in molecular docking, high-throughput virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations, and structural modeling, along with strong laboratory skills in recombinant protein expression, purification, enzyme assays, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and troubleshooting of protein solubilization challenges. In parasitology, she routinely handles P. falciparum culture under biosafety conditions, performs drug sensitivity assays, IC₅₀ calculations, parasite synchronization, microscopy-based stage identification, and phenotypic assessments to evaluate the efficacy of candidate molecules. Her work spans multi-target drug discovery, immunotherapeutic design, peptide–ligand conjugates, and identification of FDA-approved repurposed drugs, contributing to research on malaria, dengue, monkeypox, and SARS-CoV-2. She has co-authored impactful publications in high-quality journals, including studies on kinase inhibition, proteogenomic annotation, natural product screening, antiviral peptide inhibitors, and immunotherapy models. Beyond malaria, her interdisciplinary research extends to computational immunology, antiviral therapeutics, systems biology, and high-throughput data analyses. She has contributed book chapters on marine anti-viral compounds, microRNA applications, and systems biology approaches, reflecting her broad scientific engagement. Her growing scientific impact is reflected in 75 citations across 59 documents, supported by 10 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 5, underscoring the visibility and influence of her research contributions. Recognized for her academic excellence and research achievements, she has received multiple national-level awards for oral and poster presentations and has participated in international scientific conferences and advanced training programs. Her work reflects a complete bench-to-computer pipeline aimed at developing innovative therapeutic solutions for parasitic and viral diseases.

Featured Publication

Panda, M., Srivastava, V., Singh, S., & Prusty, D. (2025). Unveiling prospective therapeutic potential of conserved hypothetical Plasmodium falciparum proteins by using integrated proteo-genomic annotation and in-silico therapeutic discovery approach. Protein Journal.

Francis Akpa-Inyang | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Francis Akpa-Inyang | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Research Associate | Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Francis Akpa-Inyang is a multidisciplinary public health scholar whose research integrates bioethics, indigenous knowledge systems, research integrity, and applied health sciences. His work advances understanding of informed consent within African traditional medicine, exploring how cultural values, communal decision-making, and indigenous ethical frameworks shape patient autonomy and healthcare interactions. He has developed a pluralistic model for healthcare decision-making that offers a culturally grounded alternative to Western biomedical ethics, contributing significantly to debates on ethics in global health. His scholarship further extends to orthopaedic research, 3D-printing innovation, public health behaviour, infectious disease knowledge, and higher-education teaching and learning. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, addressing themes such as ethical regulation, cross-cultural consent processes, infection control, ergonomics in remote work, pedagogy, and health-seeking behaviours. In addition to his academic contributions, he plays an active role in strengthening research integrity systems in Africa, drafting institutional policies, investigating ethical breaches, and providing training in responsible research conduct. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, contributes to international conferences, and supports emerging scholars through supervision and mentorship across public health, clinical sciences, and social science research. His work on ethical, legal, social, and cultural issues in emerging technologies, including synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, reinforces his commitment to ethical governance in rapidly evolving scientific landscapes. With expertise spanning bioethics, public health research, academic development, and research integrity leadership, he is recognized for advancing culturally responsive ethical practices and promoting high standards of scientific conduct within African and global research environments.

Featured Publication

Akpa-Inyang, F. (2025). The San Code of Ethics versus international ethical guidelines: A cross-cultural analysis. African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 7(1).