Pengyuan Wang | Pancreatitis | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Pengyuan Wang | Pancreatitis | Young Researcher Award

Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University | China

Mr. Pengyuan Wang is an accomplished biomedical researcher and clinician specializing in gastroenterology and translational pharmacology. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Medicine, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmacology, and further strengthened his academic foundation through postdoctoral training in Gastroenterology. He is currently affiliated with leading clinical and research centers in China, where he integrates clinical insight with mechanistic research to address complex gastrointestinal diseases. His professional experience bridges patient-oriented practice and laboratory-based investigation, enabling a strong bench-to-bedside research approach. Mr. Wang’s primary research interest focuses on the metabolic mechanisms underlying pancreatitis, with particular emphasis on identifying key molecular pathways involved in disease initiation and progression. In parallel, he is actively engaged in drug screening and pharmacological evaluation, aiming to discover and optimize therapeutic candidates for pancreatitis and related metabolic disorders. His work contributes to improving diagnostic strategies and advancing targeted treatments in gastroenterology. Recognized for his rigorous scientific approach and interdisciplinary expertise, he has received academic acknowledgment through competitive research training and scholarly contributions. Overall, Mr. Wang’s research continues to enhance the understanding of pancreatitis pathophysiology and supports the development of innovative therapeutic interventions with significant clinical relevance.

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Featured Publications

Esmail El-Fakharany | Drug Delivery | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Esmail El-Fakharany | Drug Delivery | Research Excellence Award

City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications | Egypt

Prof. Dr. Esmail El-Fakharany is a distinguished scientist affiliated with the Protein Research Department at the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, where his work significantly advances biomedical and biotechnological research. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology with a minor specialization in biotechnology in 2012, following an M.Sc. in Microbiology with a focus on antiviral agents in 2009, both from the Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo. His academic foundation is further strengthened by a Diploma in Public Health Microbiology from the High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, and a B.Sc. in Microbiology with excellent distinction. Prof. Dr. El-Fakharany possesses extensive experience in immunology and immunoblotting, molecular biology, therapeutic protein and enzyme purification, antiviral and anticancer agent investigation, microbiological techniques, and tissue culture and cell line maintenance. His primary research interests center on antiviral proteins, recombinant and natural bioactive molecules, therapeutic protein engineering, immunological applications, and biotechnology-driven drug development. Through sustained scientific contributions, he has received professional recognition for excellence in microbiology and biotechnology research. Overall, his work continues to play a vital role in translating fundamental microbiological insights into innovative therapeutic strategies, contributing meaningfully to global health and applied life sciences.

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Featured Publications

Effectiveness of human, camel, bovine and sheep lactoferrin on the hepatitis C virus cellular infectivity: comparison study

Virology Journal, 2013, Vol. 10(1), Article 199

Oyster mushroom laccase inhibits hepatitis C virus entry into peripheral blood cells and hepatoma cells

Protein & Peptide Letters, 2010, Vol. 17(8), pp. 1031–1039

Examination of the activity of camel milk casein against hepatitis C virus (genotype-4a) and its apoptotic potential in hepatoma and HeLa cell lines

Hepatitis Monthly, 2011, Vol. 11(9)

Potential lactoferrin activity against pathogenic viruses

Comptes Rendus Biologies, 2014, Vol. 337(10), pp. 581–595

Poly(vinyl alcohol)–hyaluronic acid membranes for wound dressing applications: synthesis and in vitro bio-evaluations

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, 2015, Vol. 26(7), pp. 1466–1474

Zhongmin Zhou | Solar Cells | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Zhongmin Zhou | Solar Cells | Research Excellence Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Zhongmin Zhou is a Professor at Qingdao University of Science and Technology and a leading researcher in the field of new energy materials, with a strong focus on high-performance perovskite solar cells. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from Qingdao University of Science and Technology and the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, respectively, building a solid foundation in materials chemistry and device physics. Following his doctorate, he undertook postdoctoral research at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (CAS), the National Institute for Materials Science, and The University of Tokyo, gaining extensive international research experience in advanced functional materials. Since joining Qingdao University of Science and Technology, he has been actively engaged in molecular design and device engineering to enhance the efficiency, stability, and scalability of perovskite photovoltaic devices. His research outcomes have been widely recognized through publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Photonics, Nature Communications, JACS, Angewandte Chemie, and Advanced Materials, accumulating over 5,000 citations. He has received multiple academic honors and competitive research awards for his innovative contributions. Overall, Prof. Zhou’s work significantly advances next-generation solar energy technologies and supports the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

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Featured Publications

Ion-Mediated Self-Healing Strategy Enabling Efficient and Stable ETL-Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2025
Additive Engineering Toward Suppression of Sn2+ Oxidation in Sn–Pb Perovskite Solar Cells: Mechanisms, Advances, and Outlook
– Review Article, 2025
Ion-Migration-Induced Dual Interface Dipoles for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Matter, 2025
Competitive-Coordination-Induced Crystallization Regulation for Efficient and Stable Sn–Pb Perovskite Solar Cells
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2025
Substituent Adjustment Strategy on Modifying Perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD Interface in Perovskite Solar Cells
Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025

Weikai Zhang | Drug Discovery | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Weikai Zhang | Drug Discovery | Research Excellence Award

Luoyang Polytechnic, China

Dr. Weikai Zhang is a dedicated biomedical engineering researcher whose work centers on advancing single-cell technologies for improved antibody discovery and biomedical applications. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the School of Life Science at the Beijing Institute of Technology, preceded by a Master’s degree from Henan University of Science and Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Xinyang Agricultural College. His academic journey included extensive joint master’s and doctoral research at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, where he investigated nanobiological effects and safety. Earlier in his career, he contributed as a technician in the Antibody Engineering Laboratory at the National Protein Science Center in Beijing, gaining foundational expertise in protein science and antibody development. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer and Deputy Director of the Key Engineering Technology Research Center for Immune Technology Biological Materials Preparation in Henan Province. His research focuses on designing and developing microfluidic chips for single-cell analysis, improving throughput and screening efficiency, and enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic antibody development. Recognized for his scientific contributions, he has received multiple honors, including youth talent awards and innovation recognitions. Dr. Zhang continues to advance impactful research in biomedical engineering and single-cell technology.

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Featured Publications

Zhang, W., Li, Q., Jia, F., Hu, Z., & Wei, Z. (2021). “A microfluidic chip for screening and sequencing of monoclonal antibody at a single-cell level.” Analytical Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00918

 

Azim Khan | Metal Materials | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan | Metal Materials | Research Excellence Award

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan is a dedicated materials scientist whose academic and professional journey spans advanced research, university teaching, and extensive laboratory expertise across China and Pakistan. He holds an M.Sc. and M.Phil. in Physics with a specialization in solid-state materials, followed by a Ph.D. in Physics/Material Science and Engineering from the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he investigated metal oxide dispersion effects on alumina phase transformation and oxidation performance of Ni₂Al₃ coatings. His postdoctoral work and subsequent faculty roles at Anhui University of Technology further strengthened his contributions to high-temperature oxidation, corrosion behavior, phase transformation of nickel-based superalloys, thermal spray coatings, and catalyst development. He has also served as a lecturer and currently works as an associate researcher at the Yangtze River Delta Research Institute, focusing on catalyst synthesis and CVD-based fabrication of carbon nanomaterials such as SWCNTs, MWCNTs, and carbon nanocoils. His research interests include nanostructured coatings, diffusion coatings, nano-composite materials, and high-entropy alloys. Recognized for his scientific excellence, he has received multiple honors, including a prestigious young scientist research fund and awards from IMR-CAS and leading material science laboratories. Dr. Khan continues to advance innovative materials for high-temperature and catalytic applications.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azim Khan, Rostami, K., Sedighi, M., Khan, S., & Ghasemi, M. (2025). “A Comparative Electrochemical Study of Pt and Ni–Oxide Cathodes: Performance and Economic Viability for Scale-Up Microbial Fuel Cells.” Catalysts. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15121153

Yu, T., Chen, Y., Fan, Y., Chen, G., Khan, A., Liu, Y., & Jian, X. (2025). “Environmental-friendly visible-light inducing bond change of fluorinated carbon in large-scale for ultrahigh-rate lithium/fluorinated carbon battery.” Journal of Power Sources. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236367

Chen, G., Fan, Y., Yu, T., Shoaib, M., Khan, A., Liu, Y., & Jian, X. (2024). “Efficient microwave induction to modify surface for high-rate lithium/fluorinated carbon battery with ultra-high power density.” Chemical Engineering Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.154899

Ullah, S., Gul, U., Tariq, S., Ullah, R., Rahman, N., Ali, E.A., Husain, M., Abbas, M., Ullah, H., & Khan, A. (2024). “First principal investigations to explore the half-metallicity, structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of sodium-based fluoroperovskites NaYF₃ (Y = Sc and Ti) for applications in spintronics and optoelectronics.” Inorganic Chemistry Communications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2024.112369

Rehman, S.U., Sun, Q., Wang, J., Lv, W., Khan, A., Liu, Y., Mahmood, N., & Xian, J. (2024). “In-plane heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers with enhanced charge separation and effective overall water splitting.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.171

Shah, S.S.A., Liu, M., Khan, A., Ahmad, F., Abdullah, M.R., Zhang, X., Xu, S., & Peng, Z. (2024). “Twinning aspects and their efficient roles in wrought Mg alloys: A comprehensive review.” Journal of Magnesium and Alloys. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jma.2024.04.035

Ullah, S., Gul, U., Tariq, S., Ullah, R., Rahman, N., Ali, E.A., Husain, M., Abbas, M., Ullah, H., & Khan, A. (2023). “First Principal Investigations to Explore the Half-Metallicity, Structural, Mechanical, and Optoelectronic Properties of Sodium-Based Fluoroperovskites NaYF₃ (Y = Sc and Ti) for Applications in Spintronics and Optoelectronics.” SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4668900

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.

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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

Noel Isack Kaaya | Geochemistry | Research Excellence Award

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

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.

Helton Santiago | Inflammation | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helton Santiago | Inflammation | Research Excellence Award

Federal University of Minas Gerais | Brazil

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helton Santiago is a distinguished immunologist whose career bridges clinical research, infectious disease immunology, and vaccine development. He earned his medical degree followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in Immunology of Infectious Diseases, later completing advanced postdoctoral training in leading U.S. institutions, where he deepened his expertise in parasitic diseases, allergy, and immune regulation. Over the years, he has held key academic and research positions, including roles at renowned universities and national research institutes, contributing to major programs in dengue, Zika, COVID-19, helminth infections, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis. His experience spans directing clinical trials, leading Phase I–III vaccine studies, developing early-stage vaccine candidates, and conducting translational research on regulatory T cells, cytokines, biomarkers, allergy, inflammation, and cancer immunology. His scientific leadership is reflected in service on ethics committees, biosafety boards, IRBs, and clinical trial oversight groups. Dr. Santiago’s innovative contributions have earned multiple national and international awards, including recognitions for medical innovation, scientific merit, and outstanding doctoral research. His work continues to advance understanding of immune mechanisms and support the development of groundbreaking vaccines and therapeutic strategies, reinforcing his role as a prominent figure in global immunology and translational medicine.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bafica, A., Santiago, H. C., Goldszmid, R., Ropert, C., Gazzinelli, R. T., & Sher, A. (2006). “TLR9 and TLR2 signaling together account for MyD88-dependent control of parasitemia in Trypanosoma cruzi infection” in The Journal of Immunology.

Diemert, D. J., Pinto, A. G., Freire, J., Jariwala, A., Santiago, H., Hamilton, R. G., Periago, M. V., Loukas, A., Tribolet, L., Mulvenna, J., Correa-Oliveira, R., Hotez, P. J., & Bethony, J. M. (2012). “Generalized urticaria induced by the Na-ASP-2 hookworm vaccine: implications for the development of vaccines against helminths” in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Canesso, M. C. C., Lemos, L., Neves, T. C., Marim, F. M., Castro, T. B. R., Veloso, É. S., Queiroz, C. P., Ahn, J., Santiago, H. C., Martins, F. S., Alves-Silva, J., Ferreira, E., Cara, D. C., Vieira, A. T., Barber, G. N., Oliveira, S. C., & Faria, A. M. C. (2018). “The cytosolic sensor STING is required for intestinal homeostasis and control of inflammation” in Mucosal Immunology.

Dos Santos, P. V. A., Roffê, E., Santiago, H. C., Torres, R. A., Marino, A. P. M. P., Paiva, C. N., Silva, A. A., Gazzinelli, R. T., & Lannes-Vieira, J. (2001). “Prevalence of CD8⁺ αβ T cells in Trypanosoma cruzi-elicited myocarditis is associated with acquisition of CD62L⁻LFA-1⁺VLA-4⁺ activation phenotype and expression of IFN-γ” in Microbes and Infection.

Santiago, H. C., Feng, C. G., Bafica, A., Roffe, E., Arantes, R. M., Cheever, A., Taylor, G., Vieira, L. Q., Aliberti, J., Gazzinelli, R. T., & Sher, A. (2005). “Mice deficient in LRG-47 display enhanced susceptibility to Trypanosoma cruzi infection associated with defective hemopoiesis and intracellular control of parasite growth” in The Journal of Immunology.

Bethony, J. M., Simon, G., Diemert, D. J., Parenti, D., Desrosiers, A., Schuck, S., Fujiwara, R., Santiago, H., & Hotez, P. J. (2008). “Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of the Na-ASP-2 hookworm vaccine in unexposed adults” in Vaccine.

Aléxia Thamara Gasparin | Diagnostic | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Aléxia Thamara Gasparin | Diagnostic | Research Excellence Award

Hilab | Brazil

Mrs. Aléxia Thamara Gasparin is a dedicated biotechnology and pharmacology professional whose academic and research journey reflects strong commitment to scientific advancement and health innovation. She holds a technical qualification in Biotechnology and Industrial Bioprocesses from SENAI-PR, a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), and a Master’s degree in Pharmacology from UFPR. Throughout her education, she developed extensive laboratory expertise, particularly in evaluating the pharmacological potential and adverse effects of bioactive compounds, and she actively participated in specialized training programs in pharmacology, psychopharmacotherapy, epigenetics, and animal handling. Her professional experience includes significant contributions to research projects focused on antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, as well as the development of interactive and didactic scientific materials. She also played a key role in science outreach and health-related extension activities. Currently, she is part of the research and development team at Hilab, where she contributes to the innovation of remotely operated laboratory tests (RTL) and internationally patented products designed to expand access to healthcare technologies in Brazil. Her achievements include top rankings and awards in scientific presentation events, highlighting her proficiency and dedication. Aléxia continues to build a meaningful career focused on pharmacology, biotechnology, and health democratization.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

Pharmacological Interaction Between Cannabidiol and Tramadol on Experimental Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: An Isobolographic Analysis

Author: Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Year: 2024