Kaoutar Bouothmany | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

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.

Azhar Mehmood | Cancer Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azhar Mehmood | Cancer Genetics
| Best Researcher Award

Rawalpindi Medical University | Pakistan

Dr. Azhar Mehmood is a biochemistry and molecular biology researcher whose work spans cancer genetics, DNA damage response pathways, exosomal biomarker discovery, and infectious disease molecular diagnostics. His research contributions include extensive investigation of breast, gastric, thyroid, and head and neck cancers, with a strong emphasis on genetic polymorphisms, pathway deregulation, epigenetic mechanisms, and survival-associated molecular markers. He has explored the prognostic significance of DDR pathway genes, including ATM, ATR, Chk1, and SIRT3/FOXO3a/SOD2 regulatory axes, and conducted SNP-based risk analyses for various malignancies. His work on exosomal microRNAs—such as miR-19a/b, miR-144-3p, miR-4262, and the miR-17-92a cluster—has advanced understanding of their diagnostic and therapeutic potential in breast and brain tumors. His research background also includes contributions to molecular profiling of HCV persistence, viral immunology, and transfusion-transmitted infections. He has applied molecular techniques such as qPCR, LORD-qPCR, IHC, ELISA, genotyping, exosome characterization, and multiple biochemical assays to uncover disease mechanisms and improve diagnostic precision. His publications collectively highlight a strong focus on cancer risk assessment, biomarker identification, and translational molecular research aimed at supporting early detection, targeted therapy development, and improved patient outcomes across multiple cancer types.

Featured Publications

Haris, M. S., Hussain, M. Z., Mehmood, A., Kayani, M. A., & Mahjabeen, I. (2025). hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-4262 are exosomal biomarkers and function as tumor suppressors in HCMV positive brain tumor. Future Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2569097

Mehmood, A., Mahjabeen, I., Reed, S., Errington, R. J., Umar, M., Pervaiz, F., & Kayani, M. A. (2025). Association of DDR pathway proteins and breast cancer risk in a Pakistani population. Future Oncology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14796694.2025.2581508

Faiz Ullah Khan | Pharmacology Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Faiz Ullah Khan | Pharmacology Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science
| Editorial Board Member

Peking University | China

Dr. Faiz Ullah Khan is a pharmacy researcher and academic specializing in clinical pharmacy, pharmacy administration, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health pharmacy. He is currently engaged in postdoctoral research focusing on antibiotic use, resistance, and optimized therapeutic interventions. His academic journey includes a PhD in Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, with prior training in pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacology across leading institutions in Asia and Europe.Dr. Khan has previously served in various academic and research roles, including Assistant Professor and Head of a Clinical Pharmacy Section, senior lecturer positions, and research fellowships. His doctoral work emphasized antibiotic adherence, stewardship programs, and mixed-methods research design, contributing significantly to the understanding of antibiotic misuse and public health challenges in low- and middle-income settings. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications across reputable international journals, covering topics such as antimicrobial resistance, clinical interventions, pharmacovigilance, vaccine acceptance, and quality-of-life assessments. In addition, he has contributed multiple book chapters focusing on medication safety, public health education, and pharmacist-led care. Dr. Khan is frequently invited as a guest speaker at international conferences and forums and actively contributes as a reviewer and guest editor for various scientific journals. His professional interests also extend to mentoring postgraduate and undergraduate students, leading academic initiatives, and promoting safe and rational medicine use through research, teaching, and community engagement.

Featured Publications

Muhammad, K., Saqlain, M., Muhammad, G., Hamdard, A., Naveed, M., Butt, M. H., … Khan, F. U. (2022)
Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of community pharmacists regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey in two provinces of Pakistan. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 16(5), 1864–1872.
https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2021.17 (If a DOI exists—this is the correct DOI for the article.)

Khan, F. U., Khan, F. U., Hayat, K., Chang, J., Saeed, A., Khan, Z., Ashraf, M., … Fang, Y. (2020)
Knowledge, attitude, and practices among consumers toward antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in Swat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 18(9), 937–946.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2020.1769477

 Khan, F. U., Khan, F. U., Hayat, K., Ahmad, T., Khan, A., Chang, J., Malik, U. R., … Fang, Y. (2021).
Knowledge, attitude, and practice on antibiotics and its resistance: A two-phase mixed-methods online study among Pakistani community pharmacists to promote rational antibiotic use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(3), 1320.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031320

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

Dr. Sonia M R Oliveira | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sonia M R Oliveira | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sonia M R Oliveira, Catholic University of Portugal – Dental Medicine Faculty and CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, Portugal

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira is a distinguished researcher at the Catholic University of Portugal’s Dental Medicine Faculty and CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials. Her work focuses on the intersection of dental medicine and advanced materials, contributing significantly to both fields through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 Profile

Scopus  Profile

Orcid  Profile

Google Scholar  Profile

 Academic Background

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira is a distinguished academic with a diverse teaching portfolio. Currently, she teaches Histology & Embryology for the Integrated Master’s in Dental Medicine and Undergraduate Degree in Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Viseu, University Catholic Portuguese (2023/2024). She also teaches Histology and Documentation and Scientific Information for the Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Puthisastra, Cambodia. Her past teaching includes Microbiology for the Master’s in Medical Biology and “Reproduction and Cancer” for the BSc in Biomedical Sciences at UAveiro, Portugal. Dr. Oliveira has previously taught Biochemistry, Genetics, Anatomy, and Histology & Microscopy at The University of Newcastle, Australia, and has contributed to specialized courses on obesity, diabetes, and reproductive health in Brazil and Portugal.

Education 

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira has an extensive academic background with significant achievements in various fields. She completed her postdoctoral research in Materials Science and Bioengineering at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, from 2018 to 2019. Her doctoral studies began in Biological Sciences and were completed in Human Physiology at the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Australia (2014-2018). Prior to that, she earned her MSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal (2008-2010). Dr. Oliveira’s academic journey began with a BA Sci Hons in Biology at the same institution (2004-2008).

Professional History

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira has held a range of academic and research positions across multiple institutions. In 2023, she served as an Invited Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, and an Adjunct Lecturer at UCSI, Malaysia. Additionally, she lectured on Master’s programs at the University of Puthisastra, Cambodia. Her previous roles include being a Postdoc Researcher on the SENSECOR project at CESAM and a Lecturer at UNIFIPA. From 2019 to 2021, she conducted research at CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials and HMRI, and she was a Casual Lecturer at various institutions, including the University of Newcastle and the University of Aveiro.

Awards and Distinctions

Dr. Sonia M. R. Oliveira has been recognized for her pedagogical innovation with the award at UA 2023 for her project “Art as a Strategy in Biomedical Sciences Education: New Horizons with Artificial Intelligence.” She was also a recipient of the prestigious UNIPRS & UNIRSC RHD scholarships during her studies in Australia (2011-2017). Additionally, she earned the Competitive Oozoa Award (2nd place) from the Society of Reproductive Biology for her research on “CDC14B Role in Male Meiosis,” presented at their conference in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia in August 2012.
Top Note Publications

Sangkanu, S., Siyadatpanah, A., Norouzi, R., Sakolnapa, M., & Nissapatorn, V. (2024). Efficacy of propolis extract and eye drop solutions to suppress encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001-T4 genotype. PeerJ, 12(4), e16937.

Esfanjani, S.M., Maleki, L.A., Nami, S., Ahmadpour, E., & Micić, J. (2023). Induction of TLR5, IRAK1, and NF-κB expression by Trichomonas vaginalis in cervical cancer cell (HeLa) and normal human vaginal epithelial cell (HVECs) lines. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 17(8), 1160–1167.

Ramezanzadeh, S., Barzegar, G., Osquee, H.O., de Lourdes Pereira, M., & Ahmadpour, E. (2023). Microscopic and molecular identification of Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli in HIV-infected people in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(7), 368.

Hatam-Nahavandi, K., Carmena, D., Rezaeian, M., Pereira, M.D.L., & Ahmadpour, E. (2023). Gastrointestinal parasites of domestic mammalian hosts in Southeastern Iran. Veterinary Sciences, 10(4), 261.

Gautam, D., Dolma, K.G., Khandelwal, B., Saravanabhavan, S.S., & Nissapatorn, V. (2023). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ocimum sanctum Linn. and its antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. PeerJ, 11, e15590.

Sama-ae, I., Sangkanu, S., Siyadatpanah, A., Dolma, K.G., & Nissapatorn, V. (2023). Targeting Acanthamoeba proteins interaction with flavonoids of propolis extract by in vitro and in silico studies for promising therapeutic effects. F1000Research, 11, 1274.

Rodrigues Oliveira, S.M., Rebocho, A., Ahmadpour, E., Nissapatorn, V., & de Lourdes Pereira, M. (2023). Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A review on advances and challenges in creating insulin-producing devices. Micromachines, 14(1), 151.

Sangkanu, S., Paul, A.K., Chuprom, J., Kayesth, S., & Nissapatorn, V. (2023). Conserved candidate antigens and nanoparticles to develop a vaccine against Giardia intestinalis. Vaccines, 11(1), 96.

Chuprom, J., Sangkanu, S., Mitsuwan, W., Oliveira, S.M.R., & Nissapatorn, V. (2022). Anti-Acanthamoeba activity of a semi-synthetic mangostin derivative and its ability in removal of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001 on contact lens. PeerJ, 10, e14468.

Gupta, M., Wahi, A., Sharma, P., Rahmatullah, M., & Nissapatorn, V. (2022). Recent advances in cancer vaccines: Challenges, achievements, and futuristic prospects. Vaccines, 10(12), 2011.