Teklu Gebretsadik | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Teklu Gebretsadik | Energy | Best Researcher Award

University of Aveiro | Ethiopia

Teklu Gebretsadik Wana is a Ph.D. Fellow in Economics at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, specializing in climate-smart energy and agri-food systems. With over 14 years of professional and research experience, he has significantly contributed to the fields of agricultural economics, bioenergy, natural resources, and food security through his work at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute and the Southern Agricultural Research Institute. His interdisciplinary expertise integrates economic policy, resource management, and rural innovation to address sustainable development challenges in Africa. He has authored 15+ peer-reviewed journal articles, 4 research-based books, and multiple reports focusing on value chain analysis, irrigation sustainability, biogas technology adoption, and ecosystem conservation. His Springer Nature publications demonstrate his global research visibility. Teklu has served as a journal reviewer and editorial board member, emphasizing his engagement in advancing scientific quality and knowledge dissemination. His Google Scholar metrics include an h-index of 8, 16 documents, and over 350 citations, reflecting consistent scholarly impact in environmental and agricultural economics. His ongoing doctoral research explores economic models for climate-resilient agri-food transitions, reinforcing his commitment to evidence-based policy and sustainable innovation.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Gebretsadik, T., Zavale, H., Manuel, L., & Ayele, M. Biogas technology for rural energy security: An investigation of uptake and diffusion in Meskan district, southern Ethiopia. Discover Environment.

Wana, T. G., & Dukamo, T. A. Trends and sustainability of small-scale irrigation in Southern Ethiopia: Exploring constraints and adoption dynamics. BMC Agriculture.

Gebretsadik, T., Zavale, H., Manuel, L., & Chiulele, R. M. Can Africa achieve food security through sustainable agri-food system transformation? A systematic review across regional contexts [Preprint]. Research Square.

Gebretsadik, T., & Cunguara, B. Trends of maize production in Mozambique: A fixed effects model analysis of two decades. Trends in Agricultural Economics, 15(1), 9–19.

Ayele, T., & Gebretsadik, T. Gender analysis in selected agricultural practices in Gedeo and Halaba zones in Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology,

Sadaf Shakoor | Life Sciences Innovation | Public Health Science Awards

Dr. Sadaf Shakoor | Life Sciences Innovation | Public Health Science Awards

University of Agriculture | Pakistan

Dr. Sadaf Shakoor is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Nutrition at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Sub-Campus Burewala). She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2020 and has made significant contributions to food science and nutrition, focusing on the biochemical impacts of food colorants, functional foods, and nutrient-enriched formulations. With a research portfolio comprising over 20 peer-reviewed publications, her work spans high-impact journals such as Food Science & Nutrition, International Food Research Journal, Hindawi Journal of Food Quality, and Journal of Food Science and Technology. Her research has collectively attracted more than 47 citations and she maintains an h-index of 5 and an i10-index of 6, reflecting the relevance and citation strength of her studies in nutritional biochemistry and food innovation. Dr. Shakoor’s ongoing funded project—on dietary modification and micronutrient deficiency mitigation among young women—highlights her commitment to applied nutrition research. She has also supervised multiple postgraduate theses, reviewed international manuscripts, and presented at numerous global and national conferences, positioning her as an influential voice in nutritional science and food technology advancement.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Azmat, M. A., Shahzad, A., Shaban, M., Khan, A. A., & Shakoor, S. Exploring the multifaceted potential of Elaeagnus angustifolia L.: A comprehensive review of its nutritional, pharmacological, and environmental significance. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(7), e70486.

Khan, M. A., Shakoor, S., Ameer, K., Farooqi, M. A., Rohi, M., Saeed, M., Asghar, M. T., Irshad, M. B., Waseem, M., Tanweer, S., & others. Effects of dehydrated Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf powder supplementation on physicochemical, antioxidant, mineral, and sensory properties of whole wheat flour leavened bread. Journal of Food Quality, 2023, Article 4473000.

Khan, M. A., Ameer, K., Shakoor, S., Ashraf, M. R., Butt, M., Khalid, M. S., Rakha, A., Rohi, M., Nadeem, M., & Khalil, A. A. Development and characterization of wheat rusks supplemented with Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour with respect to physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics. Food Science and Technology (Campinas), 42, e53921.

Shakoor, S., Ismail, A., Zia-Ur-Rahman, Sabran, M. R., Bekhit, A. E. D. A., & Roohinejad, S.  Impact of tartrazine and curcumin on mineral status, and thyroid and reproductive hormones disruption in vivo. International Food Research Journal, 29(1), 186–199.

Shakoor, S., Ismail, A., Sabran, M. R., Mohtarrudin, N., Kaka, U., & Nadeem, M. In-vivo study of synthetic and natural food colors effect on biochemical and immunity parameters. Food Science and Technology (Campinas), 1–13.

Irina Primac | Nuclear Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Irina Primac | Nuclear Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Belgian Nucler Research Center SCK CEN | Belgium

Dr. Irina Primac, PhD, is an accomplished cancer biologist and radiopharmaceutical researcher, currently serving as Head of the Radiobiology Unit at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN). She leads a multidisciplinary team focusing on radiotheranostics and tumor microenvironment research, integrating molecular radiobiology with translational cancer therapy. With an H-index of 10, over 744 citations, and more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Primac’s research demonstrates a strong impact on the fields of cancer radiotherapy, epigenetics, and radiopharmaceutical innovation. Her high-impact papers include contributions in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, Cell, and the Journal of Clinical Investigation, underscoring her international recognition. She has been awarded multiple EU-funded research grants such as Thera4Care and Accelerate.EU, leading preclinical work on FAPI-based radioligands for metastatic and triple-negative breast cancers. A recipient of several national and international research prizes and fellowships, Dr. Primac actively contributes to European cancer research initiatives and editorial boards. Her scientific vision centers on advancing precision oncology through next-generation theranostic platforms, bridging laboratory innovation with patient-centered cancer care.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Rajan, N., Primac, I., Etlioglu, E., Debruyne, L., Janssen, A., Sallam, M., Tabury, K., Quintens, R., Tjalma, W., & Benotmane, M. A. Characterizing the salivary RNA landscape to identify potential diagnostic, prognostic, and follow-up biomarkers for breast cancer. Molecular Oncology.

Florit, A., de Koster, E. J., Sassano, S., Alic, L., Pisano, G., van Velden, F. H. P., Annunziata, S., Primac, I., Ruggiero, M. R., Müller, C., & others. Head-to-head comparison of fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPI) radiopharmaceuticals and [18F]FDG in gynaecological malignancies: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Quarto, G., Li Greci, A., Bizet, M., Penning, A., Primac, I., Murisier, F., Garcia-Martinez, L., Borges, R. L., Gao, Q., Cingaram, P. K. R., & others. Fine-tuning of gene expression through the Mettl3-Mettl14-Dnmt1 axis controls ESC differentiation. Cell.

Penning, A., Wang, K., Célérier, M., Collignon, E., Primac, I., Van der Linden, L., Bizet, M., Calonne, E., Hassabi, B., Hubert, C., & others. m3C is a mitochondrial mRNA modification which promotes tumor progression. bioRxiv.

Primac, I., Penning, A., & Fuks, F. Cancer epitranscriptomics in a nutshell. Current Opinion in Genetics and Development, 75, 101924.

Min Zhang | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Min Zhang | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Gansu Provincial Hospital | China

Dr. Min Zhang is a Consultant Physician and Deputy Head of the Second Neurology Department at Gansu Provincial Hospital, recognized as a Second-Tier Talent and an Outstanding Young Physician by the Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine. Her research primarily focuses on neurological disorders such as cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, Guillain-Barré syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and peripheral neuropathy. She also specializes in minimally invasive botulinum toxin injections for movement disorders and spasticity management. Dr. Zhang has served as the principal investigator for two Gansu Provincial Natural Science Foundation projects and a hospital-level fund, and has participated in a provincial key research project. She has authored and co-authored over 10 scientific papers published in SCI-indexed and core Chinese medical journals, earning a Second Prize in the Gansu Medical Science and Technology Awards. Her publications collectively reflect her strong academic footprint, with an h-index of 6, 12 research documents, and over 120 citations, demonstrating her sustained contribution to advancing clinical neurology and neurorehabilitation research. Dr. Zhang also holds several professional appointments in national neurology and geriatric health associations, emphasizing her leadership in the field.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., Li, Y., Liu, F., & Wang, M. Enhanced precision in intracerebral hemorrhage modeling via methodological improvements and outcomes. Scientific Reports.

Ma, R., You, H., Liu, H., Bao, J., & Zhang, M.  Hesperidin: A citrus plant component plays a role in the central nervous system. Heliyon.

Lu, W., Wen, M., Li, Y., Liu, F., Li, Y., Zhang, H., & Zhang, M. Effects of visual feedback balance system combined with weight loss training system on balance and walking ability in the early rehabilitation stage of stroke: A randomized controlled exploratory study. Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders.

Zhang, M., You, H., Zhang, H., Zhao, W., Han, T., Liu, J., Jiang, S., & Feng, X. Effects of visual feedback balance training with the Pro-kin system on walking and self-care abilities in stroke patients. Medicine.

Huan Song | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huan Song | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power | China

Dr. Huan Song serves as a Lecturer at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, China, where he contributes actively to academic research and teaching in environmental and hydrological sciences. His research focuses on water resource management, hydraulic engineering, and sustainable development in urban and rural ecosystems. Dr. Song has authored 26 scientific documents, reflecting his consistent engagement in multidisciplinary projects addressing the interaction between human activities and aquatic environments. His publications have earned 315 citations, demonstrating the visibility and scholarly influence of his work within the scientific community. With an H-index of 10, Dr. Song’s research performance indicates both productivity and impact across his peer-reviewed contributions. His studies integrate advanced data analysis, modeling, and field experimentation to tackle key challenges in water conservation and environmental protection. In addition to his research, Dr. Song is dedicated to mentoring students and fostering collaborations aimed at achieving sustainable solutions for regional water issues. His academic journey exemplifies a balance between rigorous research and applied science, contributing meaningfully to the understanding of hydrological processes and sustainable engineering practices.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Song, H. (2023). Detecting emerging frost crystals on leaf surfaces using microscopic imaging. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 213, 107931.

Song, H., & Hu, Y. (2023). A predictive model of frost formation on leaf surface and estimation of frost amount. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 42, 102789.

Song, H., Hu, Y., Lu, Y., Wang, J., & Li, P. (2021). A review of methods and techniques for detecting frost on plant surfaces. Agriculture, 11(11), 1142.

Song, H., Hu, Y., Lu, Y., Wang, W., & Li, X. (2019, July 7–10). Adaptive lifting performance verification based on the model of cotton top-cutting machine. In Proceedings of the 2019 ASABE Annual International Meeting (Paper No. AIM.201900153). American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Sachin Sanap | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sachin Sanap | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited | India

Dr. Sachin N. Sanap, Ph.D., is an accomplished Formulation Scientist with over five years of research and development experience spanning academia and the pharmaceutical industry. His expertise lies in parenteral drug formulation, lyophilization, and regulatory-compliant product development, with a strong focus on improving drug delivery efficiency and stability. Dr. Sanap has made significant scientific contributions, authoring 30 research articles, 16 review papers, one book chapter, and securing one patent. His impactful work has earned him an h-index of 15, i10-index of 27, and over 1,200 citations, reflecting his influence in pharmaceutical formulation science. A recipient of the prestigious AcSIR Best PhD Thesis Award  and multiple honors including the Sun Pharma Spotlight Award, Dr. Sanap’s research emphasizes innovative approaches to ophthalmic, peptide, and injectable formulations. His projects, such as sustained-release ophthalmic systems and polymeric liposomal formulations for keratitis, demonstrate translational relevance in therapeutics. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he bridges laboratory innovation with industrial application, contributing to Cipla–CDRI technology transfer initiatives. With a passion for advancing drug delivery systems, Dr. Sanap continues to explore scalable, bioavailable, and patient-centered pharmaceutical solutions for global healthcare challenges.

Featured Publications

Biswas, A., Choudhury, A. D., Agrawal, S., Bisen, A. C., Sanap, S. N., Verma, S. K., & others. Recent insights into the etiopathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and its management. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 40(1), 13–33.

Sanap, S. N., Bisen, A. C., Kedar, A., Yadav, K. S., Krishna, A., Akhir, A., Chopra, S., & others. Chitosan/HPMC-based mucoadhesive film co-loaded with fluconazole and ofloxacin for management of polymicrobial keratitis. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 222, 2785–2795.

Sanap, S. N., Bisen, A. C., Mishra, A., Biswas, A., Agrawal, S., Yadav, K. S., & others. QbD based antifungal drug-loaded ophthalmic liposomal formulation for the management of fungal keratitis: In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 74, 103517.

Sanap, S. N., Mishra, A., Bisen, A. C., Agrawal, S., Biswas, A., Verma, S. K., & others.  Simultaneous determination of fluconazole and ofloxacin in rabbit tear fluid by LC-MS/MS: Application to ocular pharmacokinetic studies. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 208, 114463.

Mishra, A., Bano, M., Bisen, A. C., Verma, S., Sanap, S. N., Kishor, R., Shukla, P. K., & others. Topical corneal targeted sustained release amphotericin B liposomal formulation for the treatment of fungal keratitis and its PK–PD evaluation. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 60, 101944.

.

Soumia Belouafa | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Soumia Belouafa | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Ben M’Sick. University Hassan II Casablanca | Morocco

Prof. Soumia Belouafa, a distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the Faculty of Ben M’Sick, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco, has made notable contributions in the field of biomaterials, materials chemistry, and process engineering. Her research primarily focuses on the controlled synthesis of calcium phosphate biomaterials and the application of Quality-by-Design (QbD) methodologies for reproducible and scalable production. With an impressive portfolio of 26 Scopus-indexed journal publications and 10 additional papers, her scholarly influence is reflected in an h-index of 7 and 188 citation counts across leading research platforms such as Scopus and ResearchGate. Prof. Belouafa has successfully integrated process optimization and statistical control in pilot-scale biomaterial synthesis, enhancing reproducibility and clinical applicability for bone regeneration. Her innovative research extends to sustainable material development, including the valorization of marine by-products and eco-efficient antibacterial dental biomaterials. In addition to her academic publications, she holds three patents, evidencing her commitment to translating laboratory innovations into industrial and environmental applications. Through her interdisciplinary approach combining chemistry, process engineering, and analytical validation, Prof. Belouafa has strengthened the bridge between academic science and industrial biotechnology, positioning herself as a leading figure in advanced biomaterials research and innovation.

Profiles: Scupos | Orcid | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Outalb, K., Chaair, H., Digua, K., & Belouafa, S. (2026). Temperature control in an ultrasonic bath: A statistical experimental approach. Journal of Thermal Engineering.

Belouafa, S., Berrada, M., Digua, K., & Chaair, H. (2026, July). Design and scale-up of a synthesis process for antimicrobial oxygenated apatites for biomedical applications. Johnson Matthey Technology Review.

Belouafa, S., Berrada, M., Digua, K., & Chaair, H. (2025, June 30). Kinetic control of oxygenated apatites: Dynamic operation of a pilot-scale precipitation reactor for bone-mimetic biomaterials. Minerals.

Bennari, H., Belouafa, S., & Chaair, H. (2025, June 1). The economic and agricultural significance of Phoenix dactylifera: Challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Morocco’s date palm sector. Journal of Food Science and Technology (Iran).

Bennari, H., El Omari, S., Habsaoui, A., Chaair, H., & Belouafa, S. (2025, February). Toward ISO/IEC 17025 compliance: Challenges and strategies for a university research laboratory. Accreditation and Quality Assurance.

Wu Ju | Life Science Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wu Ju | Life Science Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University | China

Dr. Wu Ju, M.D., serves as a Master’s Supervisor at the Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University. His research expertise spans metastasis mechanisms of colorectal and gastric cancers and bariatric/metabolic surgery for obesity and diabetes. With an H-index of 17, over 40 research publications-including 20+ in SCI-indexed journals-and more than 1,200 citations, Dr. Wu has made substantial contributions to gastrointestinal oncology and metabolic research. He has led 9 major research projects (4 as Principal Investigator) and holds 12 patents, including 10 national inventions, showcasing a strong integration of clinical innovation and translational science. His studies have identified novel biomarkers such as PRIM1 and LCAT for colorectal cancer metastasis and elucidated the tumor-suppressive role of TRIM36 in colon cancer. Additionally, his work on metabolic surgery explores gut microbiota modulation and molecular signaling pathways that influence metabolic recovery. Dr. Wu actively contributes as a peer reviewer for several international journals and serves on multiple national academic committees. Through his involvement in 7 national GCP clinical trials, he continues to bridge the gap between bench and bedside, driving forward precision-based and patient-centered cancer care in China and beyond.

Featured Publications

Wu, J., Tian, S., Xu, J., Cheng, N., Chen, X., Yin, J., & Nie, Z. (2023). Association of high-risk comorbidity with overall survival among patients with gastric cancer and its sex-specific differences in China: A retrospective observational cohort study. BMC Cancer, 23(1), 916.

Han, Y., Wu, J., Ji, R., Tan, H., Tian, S., Yin, J., Xu, J., Chen, X., Liu, W., & Cui, H. (2023). Preoperative sarcopenia combined with prognostic nutritional index predicts long-term prognosis of radical gastrectomy with advanced gastric cancer: A comprehensive analysis. BMC Cancer, 23(1), 751.

Yin, H., Li, H., Xu, J., & Wu, J. (2023). Primary tumor location impacts survival in colorectal cancer patients after primary resection: A population-based propensity score matching cohort study. Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, 14(2), 886–897.

Wu, J., Yu, W., Huang, L., Hou, S., Huang, Y., Huang, Z., Dai, Z., Yin, J., & Nie, Z. (2025). The HbA1c/HDL-C ratio as a screening indicator of NAFLD in US adults: A cross-sectional NHANES analysis (2017–2020). BMC Gastroenterology, 25(1), 369.

Zheng, C. Y., Wu, J., Chen, C. S., Huang, Z. N., Tang, Y. H., Qiu, W. W., He, Q. C., Lin, G. S., & others. (2025). A scoring model for predicting early recurrence of gastric cancer with normal preoperative tumor markers: A multicenter study. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, 49(11), 107094.

.

Cheng Ji | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheng Ji | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Jiangsu University | China

Dr. Cheng Ji, an Associate Professor at Jiangsu University Medical College, has established a strong research foundation in the field of stem cell extracellular vesicles (EVs) and renal tissue regeneration. With an h-index of 23, he has authored 30 SCI-indexed publications that have collectively garnered over 1,200 citations, reflecting his impactful contributions to regenerative medicine and translational nanobiotechnology. His ongoing investigations center on the mechanistic roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs in mitigating acute and chronic kidney injury, focusing on fibrosis prevention through ubiquitination pathways. Dr. Ji has successfully completed two research projects and continues work on three ongoing studies, complemented by five industry collaborations that bridge academic discovery with clinical application. His book, Extracellular Vesicles: From Bench to Bedside, exemplifies his leadership in knowledge dissemination, while six patents highlight his commitment to innovation. As a member of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), Dr. Ji actively contributes to global collaborative research networks. His integrative work on magnetically modified dual-targeted stem cell EVs to combat chronic kidney fibrosis positions him as a frontrunner for the Best Researcher Award, with a research vision that unites molecular insight and therapeutic advancement.

Featured Publications

Jin, C., Wu, P., Wu, W., Chen, W., Liu, W., Zhu, Y., Wu, Q., Chen, B., Ji, C., & Qian, H. Therapeutic role of hucMSC-sEV-enriched miR-13896 in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through M2 macrophage polarization. Cell Biology and Toxicology.

Wang, M., Yang, D., Li, L., Wu, P., Sun, Y., Zhang, X., Ji, C., Xu, W., Qian, H., & Shi, H.  A dual role of mesenchymal stem cell derived small extracellular vesicles on TRPC6 protein and mitochondria to promote diabetic wound healing. ACS Nano.

Ji, C., Zhang, J., Shi, L., Shi, H., Xu, W., Jin, J., & Qian, H. Engineered extracellular vesicle-encapsulated CHIP as novel nanotherapeutics for treatment of renal fibrosis. npj Regenerative Medicine.

Zhang, J., Gu, J., Wang, X., Ji, C., Yu, D., Wang, M., Pan, J., Santos, H. A., Zhang, H., & Zhang, X. Engineering and targeting neutrophils for cancer therapy. Advanced Materials.

Zhang, J., Yu, D., Ji, C., Wang, M., Fu, M., Qian, Y., Zhang, X., Ji, R., Li, C., & Gu, J. Exosomal miR-4745-5p/3911 from N2-polarized tumor-associated neutrophils promotes gastric cancer metastasis by regulating SLIT2. Molecular Cancer.