Prof. Dr. Tshwafo Motaung – Chemistry – Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Tshwafo Motaung – Chemistry – Best Research Article Award

Sefako Makhatho Health Science University, South Africa

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🎓 Academic Qualifications

Prof. Motaung’s academic path is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry and Physics (2004) from the University of the North, followed by a B.Sc. Honours in Chemistry (2005), M.Sc. in Chemistry (2008), and Ph.D. in Chemistry (2012) from the University of the Free State (UFS). His academic credentials also include a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (2018) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), highlighting his commitment to education and teaching.

🧠 Leadership & Management Qualifications

In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Motaung has acquired substantial training in leadership and management. He holds a Project Management Certificate (1 year) and an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law (2 years) from UFS. Furthermore, he completed a Certificate in Values-Based Leadership from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, and an Executive Development Program (2 years) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. These credentials underscore his versatility and leadership capacity in both academic and administrative spheres.

👨‍🔬 Professional Experience

Prof. Motaung’s professional career began as a Tutor and Laboratory Assistant (2004–2005) at UFS. He then served as an Assistant Professional Officer (2006), Junior Lecturer (2007–2012), and Chemical Waste Manager (2010–2012) at the same institution. From 2013 to 2015, he advanced to become a Senior Researcher and Research Leader at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Port Elizabeth. In 2015, Prof. Motaung joined the University of Zululand, where he served as Associate Professor and Head of Department (Y2 Rated) until 2019, and then as Professor and HOD (Y2 Rated) until 2021. He further held the title of Senior Professor and Head of the Material Science Niche Area at the University of South Africa (2021–2024). Currently, he is a Senior Professor and Research Group Leader at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.

🧑‍🎓 Postgraduate Supervision & Mentorship

Prof. Motaung has supervised and co-supervised a wide range of Honours, MSc, and Ph.D. students, nurturing future scholars in polymer chemistry, natural fibers, biomass composites, and nanotechnology. To date, he has successfully guided 16 Honours students and numerous MSc and Ph.D. graduates. Notable projects include the development of shear thickening fluids, gold nanorod encapsulation, cellulose derivatives for cancer treatments, and ZnAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ polymer composites.

🏅 Departmental Leadership and Achievements

During his tenure as Head of Department at the University of Zululand, Prof. Motaung led the department to significant achievements. The department was named Research Department of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and earned the Role Model Department title in 2016. It was also awarded the Most Research Productive Department and the University Gold Revolving Cup in 2016 and 2018. He received multiple individual recognitions for his contribution to research output between 2015 and 2018, solidifying his reputation as a transformational academic leader.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Motaung’s career has been recognized with numerous national and international awards. These include the Emerging Researcher Award (2012) from CSIR, and the Productive Researcher Awards from the University of Zululand in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He received the Global Innovation Competition Program Ministerial Award (2018), Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (2018), and the Innovation Award (2019). In 2019, he was honored with the Research Peace International Award, and most recently in 2024, he received the prestigious Science Father Nanocomposites International Award, recognizing his impact in the field of nanocomposites.

🔬 Research Focus & Impact

Prof. Motaung’s research expertise spans polymer science, material chemistry, nanocomposites, and eco-friendly bio-materials. His interdisciplinary research combines scientific excellence with real-world application, influencing sustainable solutions, energy development, and medical innovations. He remains a driving force in African and global scientific communities, with continuous contributions to academic advancement and societal development.

Notable Publications📝

📝 Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Fe(III) in Aqueous Solutions

Authors: L.P. Magagula, C.M. Masemola, T.E. Motaung, N. Moloto, E.C. Linganiso

Journal: Processes

Year: 2025

📝 Microwave-Assisted Reduction of Graphene Oxide to Reduced Graphene Oxide

Authors: J.T. Mhlongo, B. Tlhaole, L.Z. Linganiso, T.E. Motaung, E.C. Linganiso

Journal: Processes

Year: 2025

📝 Sustainable Conversion of Corncob Biomass Waste into High Performance Carbon Materials for Detection of VOCs at Room Temperature

Authors: L.P. Magagula, C.M. Masemola, T.E. Motaung, N. Moloto, E.C. Linganiso

Journal: Molecules

Year: 2025

📝 Structure and Optical Properties of Er³⁺ Doped ZnSe Nanoparticles

 Authors: L.A. Miya, L.F. Koao, S.V. Motloung, H.C. Swart, T.E. Motaung

 Journal: Optical Materials

 Year: 2024

📝 Effect of Silica Content in a Bio-Polymeric Blended Nanocomposite for Efficient Adsorption of Mercury in Basic Aqueous Solution

Authors: A. Tshikovhi, S.B. Mishra, A.K. Mishra, T.E. Motaung

Journal: Fibers and Polymers

Year: 2025

Mrs. Min Xu | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Min Xu | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Min Xu | Kunming University of Science and Technology | China

Min Xu is a distinguished researcher in the field of natural product chemistry and chemical biology, serving as a professor at Kunming University of Technology and Science (KUTS) in China. She has garnered significant recognition for her interdisciplinary work in discovering active natural molecules from Southwest ethnic medicine.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education and Academic Journey

Min Xu has pursued a commendable academic path marked by excellence and dedication. She earned her Ph.D. in Phytochemistry from the Kunming Institute of Botany, CAS, in 2007. Her undergraduate studies culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999. These academic foundations have profoundly shaped her research focus in natural product chemistry and chemical biology.

🔬 Research Major and Interests

Min Xu is a dedicated researcher specializing in natural product chemistry, seamlessly integrating it with chemical biology to address significant scientific challenges. Her work focuses on discovering and identifying active natural molecules from Southwest ethnic medicine, an area rich in medicinal biodiversity. She is deeply involved in optimizing the structure-activity relationship of these compounds for novel probe development and assembly. A key aspect of her research is the discovery of innovative leading compounds and their mechanisms of action, particularly in addressing major diseases such as tumors, infectious diseases, and aging-related disorders. This interdisciplinary approach highlights her commitment to advancing health sciences through the potential of nature-derived compounds.

🏆 Academic Honors and Achievements

Min Xu’s groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with several prestigious honors. In 2016, she was named a Young Academic Leader of Yunnan Province, a testament to her leadership in the scientific community. She was also honored by the Talents of West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2012. Earlier in her career, she received the West China Excellent Graduate Students Prize in 2001 from CAS and the Excellent Undergraduate Students Prize in 1999 from Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These accolades underscore her pioneering work and academic excellence in natural product chemistry.

💼 Professional Experience

Min Xu has held various prominent roles throughout her career, contributing significantly to academia and research. Since 2016, she has been a Professor at the Kunming University of Technology and Science (KUTS), where she continues to drive innovative research. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor at the Kunming Institute of Botany (CAS) from 2011 to 2015 and as an Assistant Researcher at the State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China from 2007 to 2010. Her international experience includes a position as a Research Fellow at the Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Australia, from 2008 to 2009. These roles have enabled her to pioneer transformative research and mentor emerging leaders in the field.

💰 Grants and Funding Awards

Min Xu has successfully secured over 20 grants, showcasing her ability to attract significant funding for impactful research. Notable awards include a 16-million RMB grant for advancing the resources of Southwest ethnic medicine and developing treatments for hepatitis B (2023–2026). She also received a 600,000 RMB grant for her work in chemical biology under the Program for Innovative Research Team in University of Yunnan Province (2019–2022). Another remarkable project involved a 4.2-million RMB grant focused on the investigation and development of aromatic plants in Yunnan (2016–2019). These successes highlight her capacity for leading transformative research initiatives and her vision for pharmaceutical advancements.

🌱 Research Contributions and Experiences

Min Xu has consistently pushed the boundaries of natural product chemistry through her extensive research experiences. Her studies have yielded key discoveries, such as the antiviral terpenes from the Euphorbiaceae family, antifungal compounds from the genus Piper, and anti-hepatitis B virus sesquiterpenoids. Her interdisciplinary methods—ranging from compound assembly to mechanism analysis—have propelled advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. These contributions underscore her significant role in bridging natural product chemistry with therapeutic innovation.

🧪 Innovative Research Interests

Min Xu’s current research focuses on the efficient discovery and identification of bioactive natural products, with a special emphasis on Southwest ethnic medicine. Her work encompasses chemical probe development and the discovery of novel treatments for major diseases such as tumors and infectious ailments. Her approach not only enhances our understanding of medicinal chemistry but also paves the way for innovative solutions to global health challenges.

Publications Top Noted📚

Ramifloraolides A − D, four highly oxygenated picrotoxane-type sesquiterpenoids from the stems of Baccaurea ramiflora and their antithrombotic activity

Authors: Li-Hua Su, Wei Wang, Ya-Lin Yang, Min-Rong Chu, Yi-Can Wang, Hao-Hao Lv, Zi-Ang Zhou, Hao Chen, Shao-Xing Dai, Min Xu

Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry

Year: 2024

Lappanolides A−N, fourteen undescribed sesquiterpenoids from Saussurea costus (Syn. Saussurea lappa) and their anti-HBV activity

Authors: Hong-Bo Li, Shi-Qun Bai, Teng-Yun Shu, Qiong Wang, Hao Chen, Li-Hua Su, Min Xu

Journal: Phytochemistry

Year: 2024

Tsaokoflavanols A1–J1: Flavanol-fatty alcohol hybrids with HPL inhibitory activity from Amomum tsao-ko

Authors: Tian-Rong Yang, Shi-Chao Huang, Yun-Fen Wang, Zai-Xiang Lou, Shao-Xing Dai, Li-Hua Su, Min Xu

Journal: Phytochemistry

Year: 2024

Essential oil of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) induces S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Authors: Yun-Fen Wang, Yang Zheng, Yin-Yue Cha, Yang Feng, Shao-Xing Dai, Sanjun Zhao, Hao Chen, Min Xu

Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Year: 2023

Thiol–Chromene “Click” Reaction-Activated Chemiluminescent Probe for Thiol Detection In Vitro and In Vivo

Authors: Baoqu Wang, Xiaoxue Tian, Xing-Cong Li, Kui Cheng, Min Xu

Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Year: 2023

Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Medicinal Chemistry, Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Medicinal Chemistry, Outstanding Scientist Award

Doctorate at BCSIR, Bangladesh

Professional Profiles

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🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan has an extensive academic background with qualifications from renowned institutions around the world. He began his education in Bangladesh, where he completed his Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C) in 1994 from Rampur High School and Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C) from University Lab. College, Dhaka in 1996. He then pursued a B.Sc. (Honors) in Botany from the University of Dhaka (2000) followed by an M.S in Botany from the same institution in 2001.

Dr. Bhuiyan expanded his academic prowess by earning a second M.S. in Microbiology from Hokkaido University, Japan in 2012, specializing in Sustainability Science through several advanced diplomas. Notably, he earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Hokkaido University in 2015, further cementing his expertise in the field.

👨‍🔬 Professional Experience

Dr. Bhuiyan currently holds the position of Principal Scientific Officer (PSO) at the Industrial Microbiology Laboratory of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST), BCSIR, Dhaka, Bangladesh. As a leading figure in his department, Dr. Bhuiyan has contributed significantly to research in microbiology and sustainability sciences. His work has had a meaningful impact on the microbiological sciences in Bangladesh and beyond.

🏅 Special Achievements and Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Bhuiyan has earned numerous prestigious accolades. He was recognized as the Best Young Scientist by the American Chemical Society in 2015 and received the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Travel Award in 2016, highlighting his active participation in global microbiology research. Additionally, he was honored as an Infectious Disease Fellow by the American Microbiology Society in 2017. He has also been awarded the MEXT Scholarship by the Japanese Government in 2010 and the RTFDCS Fellowship by the Indian Government in 2009.

🌿 International Exposure and Scientific Diplomacy

Dr. Bhuiyan’s international experiences include being a Visiting Scientist under the Indian Government Fellowship at the Forest Research Institute in Dehra Dun, India, and participating as a Scientific Diplomat at the World Student Environmental Summit in Switzerland in 2011. These roles underscore his contributions to international collaborations and scientific exchanges.

🧬 Conferences and Scientific Engagements

Dr. Bhuiyan has actively participated in numerous international conferences, where he has represented Bangladesh on a global stage. His notable conference participations include:

  • ASM Microbe Conference (2016, 2017) in the USA
  • International Conference on Food Security and Food Safety (2016) in Bangladesh
  • International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies (Pacifichem) (2015) in Hawaii, USA
  • International Union of Microbiology Society (IUMS) Congress (2014) in Montreal, Canada
    These conferences have allowed Dr. Bhuiyan to exchange knowledge and collaborate with world-renowned experts in microbiology and related fields.

🧑‍🔬 Memberships in Scientific Societies

Dr. Bhuiyan is a member of several prominent scientific organizations, reflecting his active involvement in the scientific community. These include:

  • American Society for Microbiology
  • The Japan Wood Research Society
  • The Chemical Society of Japan
  • The Canadian Society of Microbiologists
  • The Australian Society for Microbiology
  • American Chemical Society
  • Bangladesh Chemical Society

Publications Top Noted📖

Molecular characterization, antibiotic resistant pattern and biofilm forming potentiality of bacterial community associated with Ompok pabda fish farming in southwestern Bangladesh

Authors: Afrina Haque, Abhijit Chowdhury, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Banasree Bhowmik, Sadia Afrin, Rajib Sarkar, Md Mansurul Haque

Journal: Microbial Pathogenesis

Year: 2024-09

Enhancing prebiotic, antioxidant, and nutritional qualities of noodles: A collaborative strategy with foxtail millet and green banana flour

Authors: Tasnim Farzana, Syed Amir Ashraf, Md. Jaynal Abedin, Abu Tareq Mohammad Abdullah, Akter Hossain Reaz, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Sadia Afrin, Mohammed Abdus Satter

Journal: PLOS ONE

Year: 2024-08-19

Exploration and characterization of a newly isolated bacterium, Enterobacter quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001, capable of producing rhamnolipid biosurfactant for oil remediation

Authors: Afsana Habib Jui, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Banasree Bhowmik, Nazia Khatun, Abhijit Chowdhury, Riyadh Hossen Bhuiyan, Md. Alamgir Kabir, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Md. Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, Sadia Afrin

Journal: Access Microbiology

Year: 2024-08-01

Exploration and characterization of a newly isolated bacterium, Enterobacter quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001, capable of producing rhamnolipids biosurfactant for oil remediation

Authors: Afsana Habib Jui, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Banasree Bhowmik, Nazia Khatun, Abhijit Chowdhury, Riyadh Hossen Bhuiyan, Md. Alamgir Kabir, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Md. Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, Sadia Afrin

Journal: Access Microbiology (Preprint)

Year: 2024-07-15

Exploration and characterization of a newly isolated bacterium, Enterobacter quasihormaechei strain BDIFST24001, capable of producing rhamnolipids biosurfactant for oil remediation

Authors: Afsana Habib Jui, Mohammad Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, Banasree Bhowmik, Nazia Khatun, Abhijit Chowdhury, Riyadh Hossen Bhuiyan, Md. Alamgir Kabir, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Md. Habibur Rahman Bhuiyan, Sadia Afrin

Journal: Access Microbiology (Preprint)

Year: 2024-07-09