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

Nicholas Candy | Surgical Hydrogels | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Nicholas Candy | Surgical Hydrogels | Research Excellence Award

University of Adelaide | Australia

Dr. Nicholas Candy is an accomplished neurosurgeon and academic whose career blends advanced clinical expertise with impactful research. He holds a Master of Surgery in Neurosurgery from the University of Sydney and completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide, where he later progressed to roles as Clinical Lecturer and Senior Clinical Lecturer. His extensive clinical experience spans multiple accredited registrar positions across leading Australian hospitals, including the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and Flinders Medical Centre. He has cultivated strong research interests in pituitary surgery, postoperative outcomes, neuro-endocrine preservation, and innovations that reduce surgical scarring and complications. His role as Coordinating Principal Investigator in a Phase I trial on Chitogel and Deferiprone Gel reflects his commitment to translational research designed to enhance neurosurgical recovery. Dr. Candy has supervised doctoral research, contributed to international clinical studies, and carried out significant work in traumatic brain injury outcomes and neurosurgical quality-of-life assessments. His academic impact and contributions have earned him notable awards, including multiple prestigious research scholarships from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and recognition as the Sheldon College Young Alumnus of the Year. Overall, he stands out as a dedicated clinician-scientist advancing modern neurosurgical practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ovenden, C., Mignone, E., Chapman, I., Torpy, D. J., Rankin, W., Jukes, A., Santoreneos, S., Candy, N., Psaltis, A., & De Sousa, S. M. C. (2026). “Early Postoperative Decline in Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) Predicts Surgical Remission of Acromegaly.” World Neurosurgery.

Candy, N. G., Barry, E. F., Tomatis, V. M., Patel, S., Miller, J., Ovenden, C., Nowicki, J., Hammam, E., Poonnoose, S., Sandler, S., et al. (2025). “Phase I Trial to Evaluate Safety of Deferiprone-Chitogel to Prevent Epidural Fibrosis in Lumbar Spine Surgery.” European Spine Journal.

Tong, J. Y., Candy, N. G., Sung, J., Jukes, A. K., & Selva, D. (2025). “In Reply: Transorbital Approach to the Cavernous Sinus After an Exenteration.” Operative Neurosurgery.

Tong, J. Y., Candy, N. G., Sung, J., Jukes, A. K., & Selva, D. (2025). “Transorbital Approach to the Cavernous Sinus After an Exenteration.” Operative Neurosurgery.

Candy, N. G., Jukes, A. K., Ooi, E. H., Valentine, R., Vrodos, N., Santoreneos, S., Floreani, S., Wormald, P.-J., & Psaltis, A. J. (2025). “The Evolution of Pituitary Surgery in an Australian Health Care Framework.” Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B: Skull Base.

Candy, N. G., Zhang, A. S., Jukes, A. K., & Wormald, P. J. (2025). “Sphenoid sinusitis with extradural empyema in a paediatric patient.” Journal of Clinical Neuroscience.

Mansour, L. T., Candy, N., Nowicki, J., Jukes, A., Chryssidis, S., & Harding, M. (2024). “An infratentorial dural arteriovenous fistula mimicking cervical myelopathy: A case report.” Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery.