Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | Environmental Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally | National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries | Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed El-Metwally is an accomplished researcher in marine environmental science with strong expertise in pollution studies, water treatment, biodiversity, and ecological assessment. He holds a BSc and PhD in Science from Mansoura University and an MSc from Alexandria University, complemented by advanced international training through the GAME program at IFM-Geomar in Germany, a UNESCO-IHE course in the Netherlands, a research fellowship at the University of Pavia in Italy, and a postdoctoral research grant at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the USA. Since 2008, he has contributed significantly to the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, where he has developed extensive experience in environmental monitoring, emergent contaminants, aquatic ecosystem health, and advanced laboratory techniques. His work bridges applied research and environmental protection, focusing on improving water quality, understanding pollution pathways, and promoting sustainable marine resource management. Throughout his career, he has been recognized through competitive fellowships and international research opportunities that highlight his scientific impact. With a commitment to advancing marine environmental science, Dr. El-Metwally continues to contribute knowledge that supports conservation efforts, ecological sustainability, and innovative solutions to modern environmental challenges.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sallam, A., El-Metwally, M., Sabry, M.A., & Elsbaey, M. (2021). Cladamide: a new ceramide from the endophytic fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides. Natural Product Research.

El-Metwally, M.E.A., Darwish, D.H., & Dar, M.A. (2021). Spatial distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Lake Burullus, Egypt. Arabian Journal of Geosciences.

El-Sayed, W.M.M., Elshaer, M.M., Ibrahim, H.A.H., & El-Metwally, M.E.A. (2020). Antimicrobial agents from sea urchin (Diadema setosum) collected from the Red Sea, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

El-Metwally, M.E.A., Othman, A.I., & El-Moselhy, K.M. (2019). Distribution and assessment of heavy metals in the coastal area of the Red Sea, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Elsbaey, M., Sallam, A., El-Metwally, M., Nagata, M., Tanaka, C., Shimizu, K., & Miyamoto, T. (2019). Melanogenesis inhibitors from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus amstelodami. Chemistry & Biodiversity.

Al Prol, A.E., El-Metwally, M.E.A., & Amer, A. (2019). Sargassum latifolium as eco-friendly materials for treatment of toxic nickel (II) and lead (II) ions from aqueous solution. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

Mahmoud, M.A.M., Dar, M.A., Hussein, H.N.M., El-Metwally, M.E.A., Maaty, M.M., Omar, M.Y., Seraj, M.R., & Mohammed, T.A.A. (2019). Survivorship and growth rates for some transplanted coral reef-building species and their potential for coral reef rehabilitation in the Red Sea. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries.

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.

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.