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