Mahdi Jalali | Natural Product Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Mahdi Jalali | Natural Product Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr at University of Bergen Norway

Vinh Le Ba is a Vietnamese pharmaceutical scientist currently holding an MSCA Postdoctoral scholarship at the University of Bergen, Norway. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Chungnam National University, South Korea, where he also conducted postdoctoral research. With extensive teaching experience in Organic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, he has guided numerous master’s and Ph.D. students in their theses. Vinh has received multiple awards for his research, including Best Poster at the Korean Society of Pharmacognosy conferences. He is an active researcher in marine medicinal materials and serves as a guest editor for the Plants Journal.

Publication profile

Scopus

Orcid

Scholar

šŸ›ļø Current Position

  • 2024-Present: MSCA Postdoc Scholarship at the Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway

šŸŽ“ Education

2016-2020: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. 2011-2015: Bachelorā€™s Degree, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ”¬ Previous Academic Positions

2015-Present: Researcher, Department of Marine Medicinal Materials, Institute of Marine Biochemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam. 2020: Postdoc Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Republic of Korea. 2021: Postdoc Scholarship, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Republic of Korea. 2022-2024: Research Professor, College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Republic of Korea

šŸ† Awards & Honors

04-11-2022: Best Poster at the 53rd Annual General Meeting and Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Pharmacognosy. 01-07-2023: Nominated as a full member of the prestigious Sigma Xi Association. 03-11-2023: Best Poster at the 54th Annual General Meeting and Academic Conference of the Korean Society of Pharmacognosy

šŸ’° Grants & Fellowships

  • 03.2016-02.2020: PhD scholarship support from the Brain Korea Fund (BK21 Plus)

šŸ“š Teaching Experience

2016-Present: Teaching Undergraduate Subjects: Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacognosy uidelines for Master’s and PhD Theses: Successfully supervised several theses on topics involving LC-QTOF MS/MS analysis and biological activities.

šŸ”¬ Research Experience

2020-Present: Postdoc scholarships and research professorship at various universities, focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and marine biochemistry. Guest Editor: Special Issue “Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Plant Secondary Metabolites” for the Plants Journal, starting 01.10.2023.

Publication

  • Investigation of the Inhibitory Activity of Triterpenoids Isolated from Actinidia polygama Stems Against Ī²-Glucuronidase via Enzyme Kinetics, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Analyses
    • Authors: N.V. Phong, M.-S. Heo, L.B. Vinh, Y.H. Kim, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Journal of Molecular Structure, 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase by Cembranoid Diterpenes from Soft Coral Sinularia maxima: Enzyme Kinetics, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics
    • Authors: N.V. Phong, N.P. Thao, L.B. Vinh, C.V. Minh, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Marine Drugs, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Two New Steroidal Saponins with Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects from the Aerial Parts of Gnetum formosum Markgr.
    • Authors: N.V. Hieu, L.B. Vinh, N.V. Phong, S.Y. Yang, H.L. Tuan Anh
    • Published In: Plants, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Identification of Interleukin (IL)-33 Inhibitory Constituents from Canavalia gladiata Pods
    • Authors: L.B. Vinh, S.H. Shin, Y.K. Han, S. Oh, K.Y. Lee
    • Published In: Antioxidants, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.: An Updated Review
    • Authors: N.M. Trang, L.B. Vinh, N.V. Phong, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Nutrients, 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Standardized Extract and Its Compounds from Fruits of Piper longum Suppress MDA-MB-231 Cancer Stem Cells via Down-Regulation of Intracellular Signals
    • Authors: H.T. Ly, P.T. Tran, B.V. Le, K.W. Kang, T.H. Do
    • Published In: South African Journal of Botany, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Studies of Alkaloid Components from Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum: In Vitro Assessments by Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
    • Authors: N.V. Duc, V.T. Trang, H.L. Tuan Anh, L.Q. Lien, S.Y. Yang
    • Published In: Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Identification of Compounds Using HPLC-QTOF-MS Online Antioxidant Activity Mapping from Aerial Parts of Ligularia stenocephala
    • Authors: Y.K. Han, L.B. Vinh, M.-H. Nam, K.Y. Lee
    • Published In: Applied Biological Chemistry, 2023
    • Citations: 4

 

  • Macrosphelides from Antarctic Fungus Pseudogymnoascus sp. (Strain SF-7351) and Their Neuroprotective Effects on BV2 and HT22 Cells
    • Authors: Z. Liu, L.B. Vinh, N.Q. Tuan, D.-S. Lee, H. Oh
    • Published In: Chemico-Biological Interactions, 2023
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Saponins Isolated from Vernonia gratiosa Hance
    • Authors: P. Van Cong, H.L. Tuan Anh, L.B. Vinh, L.T. Lien, K.Y. Lee
    • Published In: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2023
    • Citations: 2

 

soheila afkar | medicinal plants | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. soheila afkar | medicinal plants | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr soheila afkar Payame Noor University,Ā  Iran

Dr. Soheila Afkar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Breeding at Payame Noor University, Lorestan Province, Iran. She holds a B.Sc. in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the University of Lorestan, an M.Sc. in Plant Breeding, and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the University of Tarbiat Modares. Additionally, she completed a sabbatical in Molecular Biology at the University of TĆ¼bingen, Germany. Dr. Afkarā€™s research primarily focuses on gene expression, molecular genetics, and the biochemical pathways in medicinal plants. She has extensive academic experience, serving as the Head of the Faculty of Agriculture and leading various workshops. She has also published widely in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to plant genetics, breeding, and biotechnology.

 

Publication Profile

Scholar

Evaluation of Soheila Afkar for the Best Researcher Award

šŸŒŸ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Educational Background: Dr. Afkar holds advanced degrees in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology from prestigious institutions, including a Ph.D. from the University of Tarbiat Modares and additional training in molecular biology from the University of TĆ¼bingen in Germany.
  2. Diverse Research Expertise: Her work spans multiple areas, including plant biotechnology, gene expression, and medicinal plants. Her Ph.D. research on menthol biosynthesis in peppermint demonstrates significant contributions to plant molecular biology.
  3. Impressive Academic Leadership: Dr. Afkar has served as the Head of the Faculty of Agriculture at Payame Noor University and led various workshops on cutting-edge topics in agricultural sciences.
  4. Robust Publication Record: She has published over 20 research papers in reputable journals, covering topics such as gene expression, plant breeding, and molecular biology, which demonstrates sustained research output and impact.
  5. Award-Winning Academic Performance: She ranked highly during her M.Sc. and Ph.D. studies and received several academic awards, highlighting her consistent excellence.
  6. International Research Collaboration: Her sabbatical at the University of TĆ¼bingen and contributions to international research projects underscore her global research engagement.

šŸ“ˆ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Wider International Publication Exposure: While Dr. Afkar has published extensively in Iranian journals, expanding her research visibility in international journals with higher impact factors could further solidify her global recognition.
  2. Broader Research Network: Increasing collaborations with international researchers and participating in global research consortia could enhance the impact and diversity of her work.
  3. Grant Funding and Project Leadership: Securing more competitive research grants and leading larger interdisciplinary research projects could further elevate her profile in the research community.

Educational Background:

B.Sc. in Agronomy & Plant Breeding, University of Lorestan, Iran. M.Sc. in Plant Breeding, University of Tarbiat Modares, Iran. Ph.D. in Biotechnology, University of Tarbiat Modares, Iran. Sabbatical Leave in Molecular Biology, University of TĆ¼bingen, Germany

Research Interests: Molecular biology, gene expression, plant breeding, biotechnology, and stress resistance mechanisms in plants.

Notable Achievements:

Ranked 4th in the M.Sc. entrance exam for Iran Universities (2005). First rank in M.Sc., University of Tarbiat Modares. Second rank in Ph.D., University of Tarbiat Modares

Academic Experience:

  • Head of Faculty of Agriculture, Payame Noor University (2016 ā€“ Present)
  • Workshop leader on topics like greenhouse products, agricultural research software (Minitab, SPSS), and tissue culture

 

Publications:

  • Assessment of Variability of Lentil Genotypes for Agronomic Traits Using Multivariate Analyses
    • Journal: Journal of Crop Breeding
    • Publication Date: 2019
    • Volume: 11(30), pp. 142-151
    • Contributors: P. Pezeshkpour, S. Afkar

 

  • The Study of Genetic Diversity, Heritability, and Genetic Advance of Morphological Traits, Yield, and Yield Components in Different Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Genotypes
    • Journal: Journal of Crop Breeding
    • Publication Date: 2018
    • Volume: 9(24), pp. 61-68
    • Contributors: P. Pezeshkpour, S. Afkar

 

  • Influence of Methyl Jasmonate on Menthol Production and Gene Expression in Peppermint (Mentha X Piperita L.)
    • Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants and By-product
    • Publication Date: 2013
    • Volume: 2(1), pp. 75-82
    • Contributors: S. Afkar, G. Karimzadeh, M. Jalali-Javaran, M. Sharifi, M. Behmanesh

 

  • A Study of Morphological Variation in Some Genotypes of Festuca arundinacea Using Multivariate Analysis
    • Publication Date: 2009
    • Contributors: S. Afkar, G. Karimzadeh, A. A. Jafari

 

  • Evaluation of Essential Oil Composition and Antibacterial Effect of Mentha longifolia Collected from Different Regions of Lorestan Province
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
    • Publication Date: 2021
    • Contributors: S. Afkar, M. Azadpour, B. Mahdavi, M. Rashidipour

 

  • Genetic Relationships of Some Mint Species Using Seed Storage Protein Pattern
    • Journal: Journal of Genetic Resources
    • Publication Date: 2020
    • Volume: 6(1), pp. 12-19
    • Contributors: S. Afkar, R. Zand

 

  • Methyl Jasmonate-Induced Changes in Non- and Antioxidant-Enzymatic Defense in Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology and Breeding
    • Publication Date: 2013
    • Volume: 3(1), pp. 13-21
    • Contributors: S. Afkar, G. Karimzadeh, M. Jalali Javaran, M. Sharifi, M. Behmanesh

 

  • Assessment of Chemical Compositions and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Mentha piperita in Response to Salicylic Acid
    • Journal: Natural Product Research
    • Publication Date: 2023
    • Contributors: S. Afkar

 

  • Variation of Yield and Morphological Traits in Several Iranian Populations of Agropyron pectiniforme
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Rangelands and Forests Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources
    • Publication Date: 2018
    • Contributors: A. A. Jafari, M. Jafari, S. Nakhjavan, S. Afkar

 

āœ… Conclusion:

Dr. Soheila Afkar demonstrates a strong candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. Her deep expertise in plant biotechnology, impressive leadership in academia, and robust publication record provide substantial evidence of her research impact. Strengthening her international research visibility and engagement could make her an even more compelling contender for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan | Natural products | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan | Natural products | Young Scientist Award

Ā Dr. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ A dedicated researcher with a Ph.D. from The University of Hong Kong, specializing in toxicology and drug development. Currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at PhrmaSec Limited, excelling in research design, data analysis, and project management. Experienced in academic and industry settings, with a track record of publications and awards. Possesses expertise in regulatory toxicology, drug evaluation, and neurology. Recognized for contributions to pearl powder research and diabetic neurological disorders. Committed to continuous learning through professional development courses and certifications in animal research compliance.šŸŒŸ

 

Profile

Scopus

 

Educational Qualification šŸŽ“

  • PhD: The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2018-2022.
  • Master of Science (Biotechnology): VIT University, India, 2012-2014.
  • Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology): Karnatak University, India, 2009-2012.

Working and Research Experience šŸ’¼

Post-Doctoral Fellow: PhrmaSec Limited, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong (April 2023 – Current)Responsibilities include research design and execution, data analysis and interpretation, literature review and scientific writing, collaboration and communication, grant writing and project management. R and D Advisor: Pearl Power Research Institute Limited, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong (January 2023 – Current)Responsibilities include research planning, experimental design, data collection and analysis, technology assessment, project management, and mentorship. Research Assistant I: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (January 2022 – April 2023)Responsible for supporting ongoing research projects, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, experiment conduct, and administrative duties.Part-Time Research Assistant I: School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (September 2022 – January 2023)Similar responsibilities as Research Assistant I, but part-time.Quality Control Supervisor: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (January 2017 – February 2018)Responsible for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, conducting inspections and tests, and managing supplier quality.Research Assistant: Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal (August 2014 – June 2015)Responsibilities included supporting research projects, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and administrative tasks.

PhD Research Focus šŸ“š

  • Title: Comprehensive toxicological evaluation of novel anti-hypertensive small molecule KSD179019.
  • Guide: Prof. Billy KC Chow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong.

Masterā€™s Degree Research Focus šŸ“–

  • Title: Effect of Insulin on diabetic associated neurological disorders.
  • Guide: Dr. Eugenia Carvalho and Dr. Ermelindo Leal, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal.

Fellowships and Awards šŸ†

Second prize laureate Global Challenging Union Alliance (GCUA) 2030 award 2023.Research Talent Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Research Talent Hub – Innovation and Technology Fund Hong Kong 2023.Peopleā€™s Choice Award in the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2023 Video Contest by National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), Prime Ministerā€™s Office 2023.Excellent Teaching Assistant Award 2020-2021 from the faculty of science, The University of Hong Kong.IBRO Associate School Fellowship from International Brain research organization 2019.Albert-Renold Travel Fellowship from European Foundation for Study Diabetes 2014.BEST National Service Scheme unit leader for the year 2011-2012 by Alumni Association, India.

Continuing Education Course šŸ“š

Continuing Education Course (CEC) 01: A hands-on introduction to applied artificial intelligence in toxicology on September 10, 2023, in line with the 57th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2023) in Ljubljana, Slovenia.Continuing Education Course (CEC) 01: Vaccine efficacy and safety evaluation on September 18, 2022, in line with the XVIth International Congress of Toxicology (ICT 2022) in Maastricht, the Netherlands.Continuing Education Course (CEC) 06: Toxicity assessment in drug development on 28 September 2021 in line with the 56th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2021) which was hosted as a virtual congress.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  1. Title: Systematic Analysis of the Toxicological Effects of KSD179019, a Novel Anti-Hypertensive Compound
    • Authors: Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Kailash Singh, Muthu Iswarya, Rex K.H. Au-Yeung, Li Zhang, Hani El-Nezami, Billy K C Chow
    • Journal: Journal of Pharmacology
    • Month/Year: January 2024
    • Status: Under Review

 

  1. Title: Discovery of Small-Molecule Modulator of the Secretin Receptor: Purmorphamine Derivatives as Novel Anti-Hypertensive Agents
    • Authors: Kailash Singh, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Li Zhang, Hani El-Nezami, Rajasekar Reddy Annapureddy, Billy KC Chow
    • Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    • Month/Year: August 2022

 

  1. Title: Solar and visible active amino porphyrin/SiO2ā€“ZnO for the degradation of naphthol blue black
    • Authors: Balu Krishnakumar, Avula Balakrishna, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, V. Pandiyan, Antonio Aguiar, Abilio J.F.N. Sobral
    • Journal: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 111
    • Pages: 364ā€“371

 

  1. Title: Facile synthesis of Y2S3/ZnO nanocomposite and its catalytic performance in the degradation of Methylene Blue using UV-A/solar illumination
    • Authors: A. Senthilraja, Balu Krishnakumar, Shaik Abdullah Nawabjan, Abilio J.F.N. Sobral, Subash, M. Swaminathan, M. Shanthi
    • Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering
    • Year: 2016
    • Volume: 12
    • Pages: 32ā€“40