Dimitri Koutzoumis | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dimitri Koutzoumis l Infectious Diseases
| Best Researcher Award

Medical laboratory in Maryland | United States

Dr. Dimitri Koutzoumis is an accomplished biomedical scientist with extensive expertise in neuroscience, neurodegeneration, and translational research, focusing on dopamine signaling and gut-brain interactions. His doctoral research at the University of Florida examined the role of gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites in modulating dopamine neuron vulnerability, demonstrating how microbiome-induced changes in immune cell populations influence neurodegenerative processes. During his postdoctoral tenure at The City College of New York, he conducted advanced immunohistochemistry, cytokine profiling, and behavioral assays in Parkinson’s disease models, combining molecular and functional approaches to elucidate mechanisms of neuroinflammation and motor deficits. At Sanaria Inc., he applied his skills to vaccine development, including cryopreservation of malaria sporozoites, in vitro potency assays, and GMP-compliant quality management, bridging academic research with industry applications. His notable publication, “Characterizing Dopamine Transporter Mediated Uptake and Efflux in Brain Slices: A New Approach”, highlights innovative methods for studying transporter dynamics in neural tissue. Dr. Koutzoumis has 131 citations across 4 documents, an h-index of 3, and is indexed under Scopus Author ID 57188503800, reflecting his impact on the field. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, pharmacology, and translational science, he continues to advance understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms while contributing to practical biomedical innovations.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publication

Koutzoumis, D. (n.d.). Characterizing dopamine transporter mediated uptake and efflux in brain slices: A new approach

Ezekiel Olatunji | Built Environment | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ezekiel Olatunji | Built Environment
| Best Researcher Award

University of Wolverhampton | United Kingdom

Mr. Ezekiel Olatunji Doctoral Researcher at the University of Wolverhampton, Mr. Ezekiel Olatunji focuses on developing innovative frameworks for assessing and enhancing flood resilience within socially diverse communities. His research explores the intersection of community engagement, infrastructure planning, and risk management, with the goal of improving adaptive capacity and awareness in flood-prone regions. By integrating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including structured interviews, surveys, and participatory workshops, he investigates how social, economic, and cultural factors influence community preparedness and recovery. His work also incorporates the use of analytical tools such as SPSS and NVIVO to interpret complex data and extract meaningful insights that inform policy and practice. The outcomes of his research aim to guide local authorities, urban planners, and policymakers in designing more inclusive and resilient flood management strategies. Through his doctoral work, Mr. Olatunji contributes to the growing body of knowledge on disaster risk reduction and environmental resilience, aligning his efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable cities and climate action. His research underscores the importance of a community-centered approach to resilience, combining academic rigor with practical solutions for sustainable development.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Olatunji, E. O., Adebimpe, O. A., & Oladokun, V. O. (2023). A fuzzy logic approach for measuring flood resilience at community level in Nigeria. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 14(4), [Article details pending].

Olatunji, E., Proverbs, D., Pathirage, C., Suresh, S., Cooper, J., & Capewell, L. (2024). A community-scale framework for evaluating flood resilience across socially diverse communities. Leeds Beckett University.

Olatunji, E., Proverbs, D., Pathirage, C., Suresh, S., & Ekundayo, O. (2025). Towards a participatory assessment of community flood resilience. Purdue University.

Olatunji, E., Ekundayo, O., Proverbs, D., Pathirage, C., Suresh, S., Emonson, P., & others. (2025). The role of stakeholder partnerships in building flood resilient communities: Case study of the FAIR project in the UK. Taylor & Francis.

Hemalatha K | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hemalatha K | Mathematics
| Best Researcher Award

Chennai Institute of Technology, Chennai | India

Dr. Hemalatha K is an accomplished mathematician and researcher specializing in theoretical seismology and wave propagation, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Center for Nonlinear Systems, Chennai Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, India, since February 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics (2024) from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, with her thesis titled “Theoretical Study of Elastic Wave Propagation in Anisotropic and Functionally Graded Layered Media.” Her academic foundation includes an M.Sc. in Mathematics with outstanding distinction from Bishop Heber College, Trichy and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from Holy Cross College, Trichy. With over three years of research experience, Dr. Hemalatha has made significant contributions to the field through 17 peer-reviewed international journal publications, achieving a cumulative impact factor. Her recent research includes advanced studies on flexoelectric coupling, interfacial imperfections, and wave behavior in functionally graded and piezoflexoelectric materials, published in reputed Q1–Q3 indexed journals such as Mathematics (MDPI) and Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology (Springer). She holds professional identifiers including ORCID (0000-0002-9355-5747) reflecting her growing international academic recognition.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publication

1. Hemalatha, K., Kumar, S., & Prakash, D. (2023). Dispersion of Rayleigh wave in a functionally graded piezoelectric layer over elastic substrate. Forces in Mechanics, 10, 100171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.finmec.2023.100171

2. Hemalatha, K., Kumar, S., & Kim, I. (2024). Study of SH-wave in a pre-stressed anisotropic magnetoelastic layer sandwich by heterogeneous semi-infinite media. Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, 222, 225–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matcom.2024.01.015

3. Hemalatha, K., Kumar, S., & Akshaya, A. (2023). Rayleigh wave at imperfectly corrugated interface in FGPM structure. Coupled Systems Mechanics, 12(4), 337–364. https://doi.org/10.12989/csm.2023.12.4.337

4. Akshaya, A., Kumar, S., & Hemalatha, K. (2024). Behaviour of transverse wave at an imperfectly corrugated interface of a functionally graded structure. Physics of Wave Phenomena, 32(2), 117–134. https://doi.org/10.3103/S1541308X24020023

5. Hemalatha, K., & Kumar, S. (2024). Propagation of SH wave in a rotating functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic structure with imperfect interface. Journal of Vibration Engineering & Technologies, 12(7), 8383–8397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42417-024-01007-5

6. Akshaya, A., Kumar, S., & Hemalatha, K. (2025). Propagation of shear horizontal wave at magneto-electro-elastic structure subjected to mechanically imperfect interface. Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures, 12(1), 97–114. https://doi.org/10.22075/macs.2025.32784.1550

 

Sagnik Chakraborty | Psychology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Sagnik Chakraborty | Psychology
| Young Scientist Award

Banaras Hindu University | India

Mr. Sagnik Chakraborty is an emerging psychologist from Siliguri, West Bengal, currently pursuing his M.Sc. in Psychology at Banaras Hindu University (2025–2027) after completing a B.Sc. in Psychology from the Central University of Sikkim . He has a strong academic record, scoring . Sagnik has demonstrated research aptitude through publications, including the development of the Bharatiya Geriatric Loneliness Scale in the Indian Journal of Gerontology and a study on internet multitasking and problem-solving ability in the International Journal of Indian Psychology. He has presented his work at multiple state-level conferences, earning recognition as Best Presenter for his paper on the Hindi version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale and presenting research on the BGLS at a conference on elder well-being. His professional experience includes a 180-hour internship on addiction at Serenity Home, a rehabilitation center in Gangtok, Sikkim. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Bengali, Sagnik combines academic excellence with practical experience, research engagement, and strong communication skills. Beyond academics, he enjoys teaching, singing, and playing cricket and table tennis, reflecting a well-rounded personality with dedication to both psychological research and community engagement.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publication

  • Chakraborty, S., Ashaparna, A., & Rai, S. (2025). Development of Bharatiya Geriatric Loneliness Scale. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 39(4), 571–588.

  • Chakraborty, S. (2025). Internet multitasking and problem-solving ability: A correlational study among college and university students in Sikkim. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 13(3), 3106–3115. https://doi.org/10.25215/1303.280

Fadoua Louglali | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Fadoua Louglali | Medical Microbiology
| Best Researcher Award

Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory | Morocco

Ms. Fadoua Louglali is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. student specializing in Natural Resources, Environment, and Health at the Industrial and Surface Engineering Laboratory, Bioprocess and Biointerfaces Team, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Beni-Mellal, Morocco. Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Science and Technology with a focus on Quality Management in Agri-Food Industries and a License in Technology and Quality of Agri-Food Products. She has accumulated practical experience through multiple internships, including contributions to upgrading the  management systems at ELDIN S.A., reliability studies at Centrale DANONE, validation of physicochemical methods at the National Office for Food Safety, and microbiological analyses at a regional hospital in Beni-Mellal. Fadoua’s research focuses on the physicochemical and microbiological characterization of surfaces, particularly gallstones, to understand their interactions with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella Typhi. She has published work in Current Microbiology (1 document, 0 citations, h-index 0) and presented her findings through multiple national scientific communications and posters, exploring factors influencing biofilm formation and the chemical, microstructural, and elemental properties of gallstones. Her multidisciplinary expertise combines analytical chemistry, microbiology, and food safety, reflecting her commitment to advancing health and environmental research. With strong technical skills, a robust research record, and international collaborations, she continues to contribute to the understanding of pathogen-surface interactions and their implications for public health.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus 

Featured Publication

Louglali, F. (2025). Physicochemical characterization of gallstone surfaces to predict their interaction with Salmonella Typhi. Current Microbiology.

Pooja Kumari | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Pooja Kumari | Pharmaceutical Chemistry
| Women Researcher Award

JSS college of pharmacy, mysore | India

Ms. Pooja Kumari is an accomplished pharmaceutical researcher with over four years of experience in drug design, synthetic and medicinal chemistry, and scientific writing. She has expertise in computational approaches, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, QSAR, and homology modeling, alongside hands-on laboratory synthesis of novel compounds. Her Ph.D. research at JSS University focuses on designing and synthesizing novel purine derivatives as Aurora kinase-A inhibitors for breast cancer, integrating in-silico modeling with biochemical evaluation. She has contributed to medicinal chemistry through publications on pyrimidine, pyrazole, benzimidazole, and benzoxazole scaffolds, as well as reviews on pharmacogenomics and oncogenic signaling pathways, with 3 documents, 7 citations, and an h-index of 1. Pooja also has four years of teaching experience and practical guidance experience as a Research Assistant at SriramChem Laboratories. A registered pharmacist in India, she has completed workshops and certifications in AI-driven drug discovery and journal reviewing. Fluent in English and Hindi, she is currently enhancing her Dutch proficiency, reflecting adaptability and commitment to cross-cultural engagement. Her multidisciplinary expertise and strong analytical and communication skills enable her to contribute effectively in academic, research, and regulated pharmaceutical environments.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus 

Featured Publication

Kumari, P. (2026). Exploring pyrimidine scaffolds for cancer therapy: A triad of synthetic chemistry, computational studies, and in-vitro biological testing. Journal of Molecular Structure.

 

 

Mariana Magalhães | Computer Graphics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mariana Magalhães | Computer Graphics | Best Researcher Award

INESC TEC | Portugal

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mariana Magalhães is an interdisciplinary researcher and academic specializing in multisensory Virtual Reality (VR) and digital media, with a strong foundation in linguistics and multimedia studies. She earned her PhD in Digital Media (Cum Laude, 2024) from FEUP, focusing on the influence of multisensory stimuli on users’ emotional responses and mental imagery in virtual tourism, and holds a Master’s in Multimedia from FEUP and a Bachelor in Language Sciences (Linguistics) from FLUP. Her doctoral and postdoctoral research has advanced understanding of human-computer interaction, emotional engagement, and immersive experiences in VR, bridging cognitive, affective, and technological perspectives. Dr. Magalhães has authored multiple high-impact publications in Q1 journals, including Computers & Graphics, IEEE Access, and Multimedia Tools and Applications, with research cited over 30 times, demonstrating both scholarly influence and practical relevance. She contributes actively to the academic community as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at FEUP, guest lecturer internationally, and supervisor of master’s students, while participating in scientific committees and reviewing for top journals. Her professional experience spans research, communication strategy, and human resources, complemented by strong soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork, Citations: 30 by 30 documents | Documents: 4 | h-index: 2 and user experience, positioning her as a leading researcher in virtual tourism and digital media innovation.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus 

Featured Publication

Magalhães, M., Coelho, A., Melo, M., & Bessa, M. (2024). Measuring users’ emotional responses in multisensory virtual reality: A systematic literature review. Multimedia Tools and Applications. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-16918-1

 

Madhu R | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Madhu R | Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

IISER-Tirupati/JNCASR | India

Dr. Madhu R is a distinguished researcher currently serving as a Research Associate at IISER Tirupati/JNCASR, India, specializing in molecular therapeutics and neurodegenerative disease biology. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc & AH/DVM) in Veterinary Medicine from Veterinary College, Bidar, Karnataka, in July 2015, and completed his doctoral research at JNCASR (2017–2023) under the guidance of Prof. T. Govindaraju. His Ph.D. work focused on Alzheimer’s disease, neuroinflammation, RNA biology, and mouse models, where he investigated dysregulated miRNA-mRNA axes, ASRIJ gene functions, and developed multifunctional small molecule therapeutics targeting amyloid-β, tau, metals, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. He subsequently contributed to cutting-edge research on RNA therapeutics, dendrimers, peptide-based drugs, and biomarker probes for Alzheimer’s and cancer management. At IISER Tirupati, working with Prof. K. N. Ganesh, his research focuses on peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), including Janus PNAs for cellular uptake studies and therapeutic targeting of miRNA structures to modulate inflammation. His thesis titled “Visual detection of Listeria monocytogenes DNA using gold nanoprobes” reflects his early expertise in molecular diagnostics. Dr. Madhu has published impactful research, accumulating 592 citations, an h-index of 14, and an i10-index of 15, highlighting his significant contributions to neurobiology, RNA therapeutics, and molecular medicine.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ramesh, M., & Govindaraju, T. (2025). MiR-7a-Klf4 axis as a regulator and therapeutic target of neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in Alzheimer’s disease. NAR Molecular Medicine, ugaf022.

Thimmaiah, G., Ramesh, M., & Balachandra, C. (2025). Amyloid and associated pathology modulators and methods thereof (U.S. Patent Application No. 18/843,676).

Dongre, P., Ramesh, M., Govindaraju, T., & Inamdar, M. S. (2025). Asrij/OCIAD1 depletion reduces inflammatory microglial activation and ameliorates Aβ pathology in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 22(1), 89.

Mandal, S., Ramesh, M., & Govindaraju, T. (2025). Strategic mutations in designer native peptides combat NLRP3 inflammasome activation in neurodegenerative disorders. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 68(3), 2890–2902. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.xxxxxxx ← (Add actual DOI if available)

Dongre, P., Ramesh, M., Govindaraju, T., & Inamdar, M. S. (2025). Asrij/OCIAD1 contributes to age-associated microglial activation and neuroinflammation in mice. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 17, 1674136. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1674136

 

Maryam Fakri | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maryam Fakri | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

California State University Fullerton | United States

Ms. Maryam Fakri is a dedicated clinical psychology scholar and aspiring licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) currently pursuing her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. She holds an H.B.Sc. in Psychology Specialist from the University of Toronto, where she graduated with high distinction as a Dean’s List Scholar, and completed her earlier education with both American and International Baccalaureate diplomas at Ibn Khuldoon National School in Bahrain. Maryam has extensive professional experience spanning clinical practice, research, and education. She has served as a psychologist at King Hamad University Hospital and Dr. Eyad Jamsheer Medical Center, providing supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and group sessions for children and adults, while gaining expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy. In research, she has contributed to studies on culturally competent psychotherapeutic interventions for perinatal and postnatal women at Sidra Medicine and explored acculturation and coping mechanisms among Arab American youth, presenting her findings at prominent conferences. She also mentored undergraduate students at CSUF, guiding them in psychology internships and academic skill development. Maryam’s research interests focus on culturally sensitive interventions, mental health promotion, and evidence-based psychotherapy, integrating clinical practice with academic inquiry. She has earned multiple scholarships and recognitions for her academic excellence and has publications including book reviews and research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, she has training in CBT, experience in teaching and mentoring across different educational levels, and proficiency in SPSS and Microsoft Office. Fluent in English and Arabic, Maryam combines clinical expertise, research rigor, and cross-cultural sensitivity to advance psychological science and provide meaningful mental health support, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and community impact.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Fakri, M. (2025). The twin children of the Holocaust: Stolen childhood and the will to survive. Holocaust Studies.

 

Raiha Imran | Mathematics | Academic Innovator Young Achiever Award

Ms. Raiha Imran | Mathematics | Academic Innovator Young Achiever Award

Ms. Raiha Imran is an accomplished MPhil scholar in Mathematics at Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan, with a strong focus on fuzzy set theory and its applications in decision-making and mathematical modeling. Her research explores innovative solutions in the Fuzzy framework, including the development of Bonferroni mean operators for circular intuitionistic fuzzy sets and their applications in multi-criteria group decision-making. Raiha has published multiple high-quality research papers in reputed journals, addressing topics such as interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy information, neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy aggregation operators, and distance measures for intuitionistic fuzzy hypersoft sets with practical applications like air quality evaluation. She has received 126 citations for her work, with an h-index of 5, reflecting her impactful contributions to the field. Raiha completed her Master’s degree in Mathematics from Riphah International University with a focus on fuzzy set theory and her Bachelor’s degree from Lahore Garrison University, where she also investigated multi-attribute group decision-making under cubic intuitionistic fuzzy soft environments. Her academic foundation is complemented by earlier schooling under the BISE Lahore and Faisalabad boards, achieving excellent grades throughout. Raiha’s research interests encompass generalizations of fuzzy sets, aggregation operators, similarity and distance measures, entropy measures, pattern recognition, cluster analysis, artificial intelligence, neuro computing, and data sciences. She has collaborated internationally with scholars from India, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan. Beyond research, Raiha has experience teaching mathematics and physics at both intermediate and matriculation levels, contributing to educational development. She has earned several certifications, participated in international conferences, and gained skills in data analysis and machine learning, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning. Raiha combines rigorous analytical expertise with a passion for advancing applied mathematics, aiming to develop innovative methodologies and decision-support tools that bridge theoretical research with practical applications, demonstrating dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a proactive approach to academic excellence.

Featured Publications

1. Imran, R., Ullah, K., Ali, Z., & Akram, M. (2024). A multi-criteria group decision-making approach for robot selection using interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy information and Aczel-Alsina Bonferroni means. Spectrum of Decision Making and Applications, 1(1), 1–32.

2. Saqlain, M., Riaz, M., Imran, R., & Jarad, F. (2023). Distance and similarity measures of intuitionistic fuzzy hypersoft sets with application: Evaluation of air pollution in cities based on air quality index. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.

3. Imran, R., Ullah, K., Ali, Z., & Akram, M. (2024). An approach to multi-attribute decision-making based on single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy Aczel-Alsina aggregation operator. Neutrosophic Systems with Applications, 22, 43–57.

4. Imran, R., Ullah, K., Ali, Z., Akram, M., & Senapati, T. (2023). The theory of prioritized Muirhead mean operators under the presence of complex single-valued neutrosophic values. Decision Analytics Journal, 7, 100214.

5. Imran, R., & Ullah, K. (2023). Circular intuitionistic fuzzy EDAS approach: A new paradigm for decision-making in the automotive industry sector. Spectrum of Engineering and Management Sciences, 3(1), 76–92