Sevgi Kolayli | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Sevgi Kolayli | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Karadeniz Technical university, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Sevgi Kolaylı is a distinguished biochemist at Karadeniz Technical University, serving in the Department of Biochemistry within the Chemistry Division, where she has built a notable academic and research career. She completed her higher education in chemistry and biochemistry, developing a strong foundation that shaped her specialization in natural product biochemistry. With extensive experience spanning more than a decade, she has authored around 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications that have collectively garnered approximately 7,500 citations, reflecting her influence and productivity in the global scientific community. Her primary research interests center on the biochemical properties, antioxidant potential, and therapeutic applications of bee products and other natural compounds, positioning her as a recognized expert in this niche field. She has supervised 15–20 master’s theses and 15 doctoral dissertations, contributing significantly to the academic development of young scientists. Prof. Kolaylı’s work has earned national and international appreciation, including recognition in high-impact journals and scientific platforms. Her continued dedication to advancing biochemistry through innovative research, academic mentorship, and contributions to natural product science underscores her commitment to enhancing scientific understanding and promoting beneficial applications of bioactive substances.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Cora, M., Esertas, U. Z. U., Kara, Y., & Kolayli, S. (2025). Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiproliferative properties of Turkish propolis sample. European Food Research and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00217-024-04618-5

Bedjih, F., Ouchemoukh, S., Amessis-Ouchemoukh, N., Otmani, A., Zaidi, H., Kara, Y., Inan, C., Ozkan, I., & Kolayli, S. (2025). Biochemical properties of different Algerian bee pollen samples. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. https://doi.org/10.1177/1973798X251318583

Dursun, I., Kanbur, E. D., Kara, Y., & Kolayli, S. (2025). Determination of Grayanotoxin-III amount in the rhododendron honey and flowers samples using UHPLC-Orbitrap®-HRMS. Toxicon. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TOXICON.2025.108294

Sahin, H., Kolayli, S., Kara, Y., Can, Z., Guler, H. I., Ozkok, A., & Serdar, U. (2024). A study on recognizing the value of chestnut (Castanea sativa) blossom waste. Tarim Bilimleri Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.15832/ANKUTBD.1172677

Can, Z., Kara, Y., Kolayli, S., & Cakmak, I. (2024). Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of propolis from Marmara region, Turkey. Journal of Apicultural Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2022.2157582

Can, Z., Gidik, B., Kara, Y., & Kolayli, S. (2024). Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of bee breads from different regions of Türkiye by chemometric analysis (PCA and HCA). European Food Research and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00217-024-04597-7

Gunes, M. E., Keskin, S., Alkan, P. E., Keskin, M., & Kolayli, S. (2024). Biochemical characterization and antimicrobial properties of ice cream enriched with antioxidant encapsulated propolis. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences. https://doi.org/10.36899/JAPS.2024.1.0702

Assist. Prof. Dr. Xiancai Li | Natural Products Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Xiancai Li | Natural Products Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assist Prof. Dr. Xiancai Li is a dedicated pharmacological researcher recognized for his strong contributions to plant-based therapeutic discovery, particularly in the antimicrobial and uric-acid-lowering potential of natural products. With extensive experience in molecular biology and phytochemical research, he has developed deep expertise in transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, enabling him to elucidate complex biochemical pathways and identify novel bioactive compounds. He earned his Bachelor of Science in plant protection, followed by a Ph.D. in science, where he focused on natural product pharmacology and plant-derived mechanisms of disease mitigation. His postdoctoral research at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology further strengthened his proficiency in functional genomics and biological validation techniques, leading to several impactful publications in reputable scientific journals. Currently serving as a Research Associate at the South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he continues to advance innovative pharmacological studies with an emphasis on plant resources for drug discovery. His research interests span antimicrobial resistance, metabolic regulation, phytotherapy, and natural product innovation. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with academic honors and research achievements that highlight his commitment to scientific excellence. Dr. Li remains dedicated to advancing evidence-based natural medicine and contributing to global health solutions.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, X., Yu, W., Yao, L., Liu, F., Li, Y., Xiong, B., Xie, J., & Qiu, S.-X. (2026). “Amelioration effects of Cajanus cajan extracts and the active ingredient pinostrobin on hyperuricemia and related kidney injury.” Food & Function.
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5FO01806D

Li, X., Chen, S., Wu, Y., Liu, F., Jumai, A., Zhu, B., Xiong, B., & Qiu, S.-X. (2026). “γ-mangostin from Garcinia mangostana (L.) exerts antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans by inhibiting ribosome biogenesis.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, March 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2025.120986

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is an emerging chemist whose work spans inorganic chemistry, bioprocessing, biomass valorization, and physical chemistry, supported by strong academic training and multidisciplinary research experience. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, focusing on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for converting glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse into value-added biochemicals. Building on her Master’s research on Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes with bioactivity studies and her Honours and undergraduate training in chemistry and geology, she has cultivated a broad scientific foundation. Professionally, she has gained significant experience as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology, a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories, and a Tutor and Laboratory Coordinator at both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Fort Hare. Her expertise includes laboratory management, analytical chemistry, fermentation processes, biomass processing, and instrumental analysis such as HPLC and nutrient profiling. She has received several distinctions, including multiple certificates in quality systems, safety management, and digital literacy, as well as prestigious recognitions such as the National Research Foundation Scholarships and the James Moir Medal. Her growing body of work reflects a commitment to sustainable chemistry and impactful scientific innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Tokoyi, V. (2024). Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials. Chemical Engineering Transactions.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Potential Application of IL@ZIF-MOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds. Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques.

Tokoyi, V. (Year n.d.). Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking. Journal of Molecular Liquids.

Dr. Hongyan Lin | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hongyan Lin | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Changzhou University | China

Dr. Hongyan Lin is a distinguished researcher and lecturer at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changzhou University, China, with a strong emphasis on natural product chemistry and molecular pharmacology. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering at Changzhou University, followed by an Integrated Master-PhD in Biology at Nanjing University, where she specialized in the biological mechanisms of traditional medicine. Dr. Lin further expanded her expertise as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Associate at the School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, contributing significantly to molecular pharmacology and natural product research. Her research interests focus on the chemical structural modification of natural products for anticancer applications, the role of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating intestinal microbiota to prevent colitis-associated cancer, and the isolation, structural identification, and biological activity of bioactive compounds from traditional herbs. Dr. Lin has been recognized for her scientific contributions through research grants and academic publications in high-impact journals. Her work supports the evolution of natural product-based therapeutics and offers promising directions for cancer prevention and treatment. In her role as a lecturer and researcher, she continues to inspire the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists through her dedication and innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Lin, H., Ai, D., Liu, Q., Wang, X., Gao, J., Chen, Q., Ruan, L., Tao, Y., Gao, J., & Wang, L. (2023). Modified Podophyllotoxin Phenoxyacetamide Phenylacetate Derivatives: Tubulin/AKT1 Dual-Targeting and Potential Anticancer Agents for Human NSCLC. Journal of Natural Products, Published online July 28, 2023.

Lin, H., Zhou, Z., Ma, X., Chen, Q., Han, H., Wang, X., Qi, J., & Yang, Y. (2021). One pot synthesis of aryl nitriles from aromatic aldehydes in a water environment. RSC Advances, 2021.

Dr. Véronique Eparvier | Chemistry of Natural Product | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Véronique Eparvier | Chemistry of Natural Product | Best Researcher Award

CNRS | France

Dr. Véronique Eparvier is a CNRS Research Director at the Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles (ICSN–CNRS) in France, where she leads the Functional Chemistry–Chemical Ecology team and serves as Deputy Coordinator of the Natural Substances–Medicinal Chemistry Department. She also established and manages the ICSN Symbiotic Microorganism Strain Library. She holds a PhD in Natural Products Chemistry and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR), along with Master’s degrees in Agro-resource Sciences and Anthropology. Her professional career spans over a decade of research at CNRS, including leading the “Chemodiversity of the Flora of French Guiana” program. Her research focuses on the interface of natural product chemistry, chemical ecology, and metabolomics, emphasizing interactions between microorganisms and plants or insects to identify bioactive metabolites of pharmacological and agrochemical interest and to elucidate their ecological roles. She applies integrative approaches combining analytical chemistry, metabolomic profiling, and ecological insights. Dr. Eparvier’s work has resulted in numerous publications, patents, conference presentations, and invited lectures. Her achievements have been recognized with awards such as the Air Liquide Trophy for Scientific Research. Through her research and outreach, she significantly advances knowledge in natural substances, chemical ecology, and interdisciplinary biotechnology.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Levasseur, M.; Santerre, C.; Segret, J.; Elie, N.; Genty, C.; Estevez, Y.; Amusant, N.; Houël, E.; Eparvier, V.; Touboul, D. (2023). “Composition of antifungal volatile organic compounds in Sextonia rubra fruit by molecular networks.” Comptes Rendus Chimie.

Hebra, T.; Eparvier, V.; Touboul, D. (2023). “Nitrogen Enriched Solid-State Cultivation for the Overproduction of Azaphilone Red Pigments by Penicillium sclerotiorum SNB-CN111.” Journal of Fungi.

Levasseur, M.; Hebra, T.; Elie, N.; Guérineau, V.; Touboul, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Classification of Environmental Strains from Order to Genus Levels Using Lipid and Protein MALDI-ToF Fingerprintings and Chemotaxonomic Network Analysis.” Microorganisms.

Hebra, T.; Pollet, N.; Touboul, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Combining OSMAC, metabolomic and genomic methods for the production and annotation of halogenated azaphilones and ilicicolins in termite symbiotic fungi.” Scientific Reports.

Hebra, T.; Pollet, N.; Touboul, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Combining OSMAC, Metabolomic and Genomic Methods on Termite Symbiotic Fungi for the Production and Annotation of Halogenated Azaphilones and Ilicicolins.” Research Square, preprint.

Houël, E.; Ginouves, M.; Azas, N.; Bourreau, E.; Eparvier, V.; Hutter, S.; Knittel-Obrecht, A.; Jahn-Oyac, A.; Prévot, G.; Villa, P.; et al. (2022). “Treating leishmaniasis in Amazonia, part 2: Multi-target evaluation of widely used plants to understand medicinal practices.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Sorres, J.; Hebra, T.; Elie, N.; Leman-Loubière, C.; Grayfer, T.; Grellier, P.; Touboul, D.; Stien, D.; Eparvier, V. (2022). “Antiparasitic Ovalicin Derivatives from Pseudallescheria boydii, a Mutualistic Fungus of French Guiana Termites.” Molecules.

Dr. Hardik Varu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hardik Varu | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Subhash University, Junagadh | India

Dr. Hardik Varu is an accomplished chemist and academician with expertise in analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Junagadh, focusing on “Method Development, Validation and Analytical Studies of Bioactive Compounds,” following a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Dr Subhash University, Junagadh, he has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at his alma mater, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate education. His teaching spans Regulatory Affairs, Spectroscopy & Chromatography, and Pharmaceutical Technology. Dr. Varu possesses extensive technical expertise in operating advanced instrumentation, including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, FTIR, fluorescence spectrophotometers, flame photometers, and UHPLC systems, alongside proficiency in scientific software such as Origin, ChemDraw, Mnova, and research database tools. His research interests focus on analytical method development, bioactive compound analysis, and pharmaceutical applications. Recognized for his excellence, he has received awards including Academic Excellence, fellowships, and multiple SSIP grants, as well as conference distinctions. With a commitment to academic innovation, research advancement, and mentorship, Dr. Varu continues to contribute significantly to the scientific community.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Vavaiya, P.P.; Malviya, N.J.; Alshehri, A.A.; Alqarni, M.; Varu, H.L. (2026). “The reaction of Ninhydrin Revisited: applications in quantification of analytes, active pharmaceutical ingredients and amino acids” in Journal of Molecular Structure.

Varu, H.L.; Parmar, H.N.; Vadhel, H.D.; Ambasana, M.A. (2025). “A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Methodologies for Memantine Hydrochloride” in Journal of Analytical Chemistry.

Varu, H.L.; Bapodra, A.H.; Ambasana, M. (2024). “First Order Derivative Spectroscopic Evaluation of Carfilzomib in Parenteral Preparation” in Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Vachhani, D.; Parekh, J.H.; Patra, S.; Varu, H.L.; Soni, M.; Jebaliya, H.J. (2024). “Green Analytical Method Development and Validation Studies of Viloxazine Hydrochloride in Pure and Commercial Products Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy” in Journal of Applied Spectroscopy.

Varu, H.L.; Nariya, P.B.; Patel, A.S.; Gadher, M.; Makhasana, M.; Lunagariya, K.; Tirvedi, B.; Ambasana, M.A. (2024). “High-performance thin-layer chromatography‒spectrodensitometric determination of diltiazem hydrochloride and its commonly occurring degradation impurity” in Journal of Planar Chromatography – Modern TLC.

Varu, H.L.; Kapuriya, N.P.; Bhalodia, J.J.; Bapodra, A.H.; Ambasana, M.A. (2024). “Kinetic Spectrophotometric Determination of Memantine Hydrochloride Based on the Formation of Its Dinitrochlorobenzene Adduct” in Journal of Analytical Chemistry.

Joshi, R.J.; Dholariya, M.P.; Chothani, S.R.; Chamakiya, C.A.; Varu, H.L.; Karmur, M.B.; Maliwal, D.; Pissurlenkar, R.R.S.; Bapodra, A.H.; Patel, A.S.; et al. (2024). “Synthesis, antidiabetic activity and in silico studies of benzo[b]thiophene based small molecule α-amylase inhibitors” in Journal of Molecular Structure.