Dr. Bilal Yıldırım | Cancer Biology & Oncology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Bilal Yıldırım | Cancer Biology & Oncology | Research Excellence Award

Marmara University Internal Medicine Department | Turkey

Dr. Bilal Yıldırım is a physician and internal medicine resident with a strong academic foundation and growing expertise in clinical research and multidisciplinary patient care. He completed his medical education at Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa Medical School with high academic distinction, reflecting a solid grounding in core medical sciences and clinical practice. His professional experience includes service as a general practitioner in an emergency department setting, where he gained broad exposure to acute care and complex clinical decision-making, followed by advanced specialty training in internal medicine at a leading academic institution. He has further enriched his clinical perspective through international observerships and training experiences in hematology-oncology and cardiology at prestigious medical centers in the United States. His research interests focus on hematology, oncology, genomics-guided medicine, prognostic biomarkers, and personalized treatment strategies in complex diseases. He has contributed to national and international scientific meetings through poster and e-poster presentations and is a published author in a peer-reviewed international journal, highlighting his commitment to academic medicine and evidence-based practice. Recognized by strong performance in standardized medical examinations, his profile reflects both clinical competence and research-oriented thinking. Overall, his work demonstrates a dedication to advancing internal medicine through clinical excellence, translational research, and continuous professional development within modern, patient-centered healthcare.

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Featured Publications

Dr. Simran Motwani | Systems Biology | Young Researcher Award |

Dr. Simran Motwani | Systems Biology | Young Researcher Award

National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India

Dr. Simran Motwani is a life sciences researcher specializing in molecular genetics, metabolism, and ageing biology using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. She completed her Ph.D. in Life Sciences at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi (2020–2025), where her doctoral research focused on deciphering diet-dependent regulation of stress tolerance and lifespan mediated by RICTOR/mTORC2 signaling, one-carbon metabolism, and the p38-MAPK pathway. She holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Delhi, graduating as a University Gold Medalist. Dr. Motwani has extensive research experience in genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, metabolomics, mitochondrial biology, and advanced imaging techniques, with strong expertise in lifespan, stress, behavioral, and metabolic assays. Her work has resulted in peer-reviewed publications, preprints, and presentations at national and international scientific meetings. She has been recognized with several prestigious honors, including the DST-INSPIRE Fellowship, CSIR-Lectureship rank, DBT BioE3 Challenge Top-10 Award, and multiple academic merit scholarships. In addition to her research contributions, she has actively mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her research interests center on nutrient sensing, metabolic signaling, stress resilience, ageing, and inter-tissue communication, with the broader goal of advancing translational insights into healthspan regulation.

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Featured Publications

Zebrafish Early Stage Developmental Defects as Indicator of Site-Specific Water Composition of River Yamuna
– DU Journal of Undergraduate Research and Innovation, 2016

Dr. Ghaith Mansour | Pharmacology and Drug Development | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ghaith Mansour | Pharmacology and Drug Development | Research Excellence Award

Alfaisal University | Saudi Arabia

Ghaith Khalid Mansour is a dedicated PharmD student at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, recognized consistently on the Dean’s List for his academic excellence and strong commitment to advancing the field of pharmacy. His professional development spans meaningful volunteer experiences with leading organizations such as the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy and several impactful health awareness events addressing medication misuse, antibiotic resistance, and dermatological conditions. He has contributed to high-level academic activities, including poster presentations at the 13th College of Pharmacy Research Day at King Saud University and the 15th Annual Research Day at Alfaisal University, earning the 3rd place Young Pharmacist Research Award. His research interest centers on innovative therapeutic strategies, including bioelectronic neuromodulation of renal nerves for hypertension treatment, alongside broader interests in clinical pharmacy, pharmacoeconomics, and public health. He has held leadership roles such as serving as a batch leader at the College of Pharmacy and working with the Saudi Pharmacoeconomic Expert Group on value-based healthcare strategies. Supported by numerous international certifications, he remains focused on contributing to innovative pharmacy practice, advancing patient care, and driving positive healthcare outcomes through research, service, and professional leadership.

Profile: Google Scholar 
Featured Publications

Ameer, O. Z., Mansour, G. K., Al-Amoudi, R. S., & Abu-Owaimer, F. M. (2025). Exploring dupilumab for asthma: From mechanistic insights to clinical outcomes, safety and cost-effectiveness. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1631321.

Mansour, G. K., Alangari, L, Khosyfan, L, Alhammad, R., & Hajjar, A. W. (2025). Efgartigimod for generalized myasthenia gravis and beyond: A narrative review of its pharmacological profile, clinical utility, and expanding applications. Biomedicines, 13(12), 2975.

Mansour, G. K., & AlGoraini, Y. (2025). Pediatric anaphylaxis in the emergency department: From mechanisms to personalized care. Cureus, 17(10).

Mansour, G. K., Yousif, A., & Mansour, G. (2025). Magnesium sulfate in pediatric emergency medicine: Pharmacology, evidence, and clinical applications. Cureus, 17(9).

Mansour, G. K., Hajjar, A. W., & Sajid, M. R. (2025). Therapeutic targeting of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis and erythropoietic modulators: A narrative review. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1726337.

Mr. Kamran Haider | Life Sciences Innovation | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Kamran Haider | Life Sciences Innovation | Young Researcher Award

Huazhong Agricultural University | Wuhan, China

Kamran Haider is an emerging researcher in agricultural entomology with a strong focus on insect–plant interactions, biological control, and molecular approaches for pest management. He completed his M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture Entomology and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, where his research centered on the management of Fall armyworm using sodium silicate and Trichogramma integration for sustainable maize protection. Kamran gained international research exposure as a Research Trainee at Huazhong Agricultural University, China, working on insect–plant molecular interactions and gaining practical skills in insect rearing, RNA/DNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, RNA interference, and gel electrophoresis. His additional experience includes internships in pest monitoring, pesticide quality analysis, and field surveys using modern diagnostic tools. He has co-authored research and review papers on topics such as silicon-based insect management, plant melatonin metabolism, and the role of gut microbiota in insect immunity and adaptation. Kamran has completed several certified courses in plant bioinformatics and insect biology and participated in international scientific conferences and workshops. He has received academic awards, including scholarship support and recognition for scientific engagement. He aims to contribute to innovative pest management strategies and sustainable agriculture through advanced entomological research.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Ahmed, W., Safdar, U., Ali, A., Haider, K., Tahir, N., Sajid, S., Ahmad, M., … (2022). Sustainable water use in agriculture: A review of worldwide research. [Journal name and volume not provided].

Ikram, M., Mehran, M., ur Rehman, H., Ullah, S., Bakhsh, M. Z. M., Tahira, M., … (2024). Mechanistic review of melatonin metabolism and signaling pathways in plants: Biosynthesis, regulation, and roles under abiotic stress. Plant Stress, 14, 100685.

Zaib, M., Aryan, M., Khaliq, A., Haider, K., Ahmad, S., Zeeshan, A., Haq, E. U., … (2023). Essential insights for effective environmental management and human well-being: Strategies for remediation in soil-plant-environment systems. Journal of Asian Development Studies, 12(3), 1453–1469.

Zaib, M., Farooq, U., Adnan, M., Sajjad, S., Abbas, Z., Haider, K., Khan, N., … (2022). Remediation of saline soils by application of biochar: A review. Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, 24, 29–36.

Zaib, M., Farooq, U., Adnan, M., Abbas, Z., Haider, K., Muhay-Ul-Din, M. F., … (2023). Water stress in crop plants: Implications for sustainable agriculture. Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, 25(1), [page numbers not provided].

Haider, K., Abbas, D., Galian, J., Ghafar, M. A., Kabir, K., Ijaz, M., Hussain, M., … (2025). The multifaceted roles of gut microbiota in insect physiology, metabolism, and environmental adaptation: Implications for pest management strategies. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 41(3), 75.

Andrea Smidler | Gene Editing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrea Smidler | Gene Editing | Best Researcher Award

University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Andrea L. Smidler is an accomplished molecular entomologist and genetic engineer whose research focuses on innovative CRISPR-based tools for vector control, particularly in Anopheles gambiae, the primary malaria vector. According to her Scopus profile (Author ID: 36626227000), she has published 18 scientific documents, achieving an impressive h-index of 14 and accumulating over 2008 citations, reflecting her growing influence in genetic biocontrol research. Her recent high-impact works include “Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae” (Scientific Reports, 2025), “CRISPR technologies for the control and study of malaria-transmitting Anopheline mosquitoes” (Parasites and Vectors, 2025), and “Eliminating malaria vectors with precision guided sterile males” (PNAS, 2024). Through collaborations with leading scientists such as Omar Akbari, George Church, and Flaminia Catteruccia, Dr. Smidler has advanced CRISPR-mediated gene drive and sterilization systems that aim to eradicate malaria at its source. Her consistent publication record across top-tier journals—including Science, PNAS, and Cell—and her citation metrics underscore her pioneering contributions to synthetic biology, public health genetics, and entomological engineering. Dr. Smidler continues to be a key innovator in developing genetic solutions for vector-borne disease elimination.

Featured Publications

Smidler, A., Abernathy, D., Marrogi, E., Mameli, E., Akbari, O., Church, G., Esvelt, K., & Catteruccia, F. (2025, October 8). Engineering gene drive docking sites in a haplolethal locus in Anopheles gambiae. Scientific Reports.

Smidler, A., & Akbari, O. (2025, July 3). CRISPR technologies for the control and study of malaria-transmitting Anopheline mosquitoes. Parasites and Vectors.

Gendron, W. A. C., Raban, R., Mondal, A., Sánchez, C. H. M., Smidler, A., Zilberman, D., Ilboudo, P. G., D’Alessandro, U., Marshall, J. M., & Akbari, O. S. (2025, July 18). Evaluating the cost of malaria elimination by Anopheles gambiae precision guided SIT in the Upper River region, The Gambia. PLOS Global Public Health.

Smidler, A., Apte, R., Pai, J., Chow, M., Chen, S., Antoshechkin, I., & Akbari, O. (2024, June 25). Eliminating malaria vectors with precision guided sterile males. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Smidler, A., Marrogi, E., Kauffman, J., Paton, D., Westervelt, K., Church, G., Esvelt, K., Shaw, W., & Catteruccia, F. (2024, February 19). CRISPR-mediated germline knockouts for genetic sterilization of male Anopheles gambiae. Scientific Reports.