Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, Tanzania

Mr. Noel Isack Kaaya is an accomplished chemist and researcher with extensive expertise in hazardous chemical management, environmental monitoring, and analytical toxicology. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dodoma and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam, which laid the foundation for his strong scientific and analytical capabilities. With over a decade of professional experience at the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority, he has played a key role in conducting laboratory analyses related to environmental pollution, occupational safety, health risk assessment, and the detection of illicit substances. His research interests span acid mine drainage, soil contamination, geogenic pollutants, carcinogenic risk assessment, and the application of advanced analytical techniques to address environmental and public health challenges. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized for his commitment to scientific integrity and service to environmental protection. Driven by a passion for improving chemical safety and promoting evidence-based environmental management, he continues to advance his expertise through research, collaboration, and capacity building. His career reflects dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safeguarding communities through scientific excellence.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2026). “Acid mine drainage, soil pollution, and carcinogenic risk of geogenic contaminants in artisanal and small-scale gold mining areas of Geita, Tanzania.” Environmental Geochemistry and Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-025-02909-8

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2025). “Graphene-based adsorbents for selective recovery of rare earth elements from mining wastes: A review.” FlatChem. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flatc.2025.100954

Kaaya, N.I., Vegi, M.R., & Macheyeki, A.S. (2025). “Health risks of geogenic contaminants in gold mining areas in Geita, Tanzania.” Journal of Trace Elements and Minerals. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100222

Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

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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.

Ms. Yufang Ma-Pharmaceutical Chemistry-Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Yufang Ma-Pharmaceutical Chemistry-Best Researcher Award

Wuhan University - China

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Yufang Ma's academic journey began with a fervent interest in the biomedical sciences. She completed her undergraduate studies with a focus on pharmacology, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding drug interactions and biological systems. Her early research interests centered around natural compounds, particularly flavonoids, which are known for their diverse pharmacological properties. This interest led her to delve deeper into the conformational relationships of these compounds, exploring how their structures influence their biological activities. Her dedication to her studies was reflected in her academic excellence and active participation in various research initiatives.

Professional Endeavors

Following her undergraduate studies, Ms. Yufang Ma pursued a Master's degree at Wuhan University, one of the top institutions in China. Her professional endeavors have been marked by her commitment to advancing pharmacological research. At Wuhan University, she has been primarily engaged in studying the conformational relationships of flavonoids and their pharmacological effects. Her research aims to uncover the therapeutic potential of these natural compounds, particularly in the context of treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy. This work not only contributes to the scientific community's understanding of flavonoids but also has the potential to lead to the development of new, effective treatments for epilepsy.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Yufang Ma's contributions to pharmacological research are centered on her in-depth studies of flavonoids. Her primary research focus involves investigating the conformational relationships of these compounds and how their structural variations impact their pharmacological properties. She is particularly interested in the therapeutic potential of flavonoids in treating epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Through her research, she aims to identify specific flavonoids that can modulate neuronal activity and reduce seizure frequency. This focus on epilepsy research is a significant contribution to the field, as it addresses a critical need for new, effective treatments for this debilitating condition.

Accolades and Recognition

While Yufang Ma's work is ongoing, she has already garnered recognition for her contributions to pharmacological research. Her dedication to exploring the therapeutic potential of flavonoids has been acknowledged by her peers and mentors at Wuhan University. Although she has not yet published extensively or secured patents, her research on epilepsy is paving the way for significant advancements in the field. The recognition she has received serves as a testament to her potential to make impactful contributions to pharmacology and therapeutics.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Yufang Ma's research extends beyond the academic community. Her work on flavonoids and epilepsy has the potential to influence the development of new pharmacological treatments. By identifying specific flavonoids with anticonvulsant properties, her research could lead to the creation of novel therapies that offer better efficacy and fewer side effects compared to existing treatments. This potential impact highlights the broader significance of her work in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Yufang Ma's legacy in pharmacological research is still in the making, but her ongoing work promises to leave a lasting impact on the field. As she continues to explore the therapeutic potential of flavonoids, her findings could pave the way for new treatment paradigms in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Her future contributions are likely to extend beyond research, potentially influencing clinical practices and drug development strategies. With her dedication and innovative approach, Ms. Yufang Ma is poised to become a leading figure in pharmacology, contributing to the advancement of science and the improvement of human health.

Notable Publication

Apigenin analogs as α-glucosidase inhibitors with antidiabetic activity, 2024.

Diosmetin Ameliorates HFD-induced Cognitive Impairments via Inhibiting Metabolic Disorders, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Male SD Rats, 2024