Dr. Mahmoud Abo- Elmaaref | Life Sciences Innovation | Life Sciences Innovation

Dr. Mahmoud Abo- Elmaaref | Life Sciences Innovation | Life Sciences Innovation

Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

Mahmoud Abo Elmaaref is a lecturer and specialist in the conservation of archaeological organic materials, with a particular focus on ancient textiles. He holds a master’s degree in textile conservation (2017) and a PhD in the prevention of microbiological deterioration in archaeological linen using enzymes and nanomaterials (2022), both from Sohag University. Over the course of his academic career, he has served as demonstrator, assistant lecturer, lecturer, and former director of the Center for Studies and Research of Archaeology and Restoration. He has completed extensive training in conservation sciences, documentation, quality assurance, scientific research skills, data analysis, microscopy, nanomaterials applications, and museum collection care through national and international workshops. His research interests include textile conservation, nanomaterials, enzymatic cleaning, antifungal treatments, aging studies, characterization techniques, and sustainable conservation approaches. He has published numerous studies in recognized journals, contributing knowledge on linen and cotton conservation, fungal deterioration, silver-nanoparticle treatments, polymer nanocomposites, and eco-friendly antimicrobial agents. His work demonstrates strong commitment to advancing textile preservation through innovative scientific methods. Overall, his career reflects a blend of research productivity, academic development, conservation practice, and dedication to protecting archaeological heritage for future generations.

Featured Publications

Abo-Elmaaref, M., Mohamed, W. S., & Swielam, E. M. (2025, November 29). Eco-friendly nano-curcumin loaded on different polymers: Properties and applications as a consolidation and antimicrobial agent for archaeological cotton textiles. Discover Applied Sciences.

Abo-Elmaaref, M. (2025, October 21). TiO2 nanoparticles loaded onto methyl methacrylate/ethyl acrylate nanopolymers as consolidation and antimicrobial agents for ivory artefacts. Pigment & Resin Technology.

Abo-Elmaaref, M. (2025, September 24). Synthesis of Chitosan/Klucel E nanocomposite: Properties and application as an antimicrobial and consolidation agent to conserve dyed linen textiles. Pigment & Resin Technology.

Abo-Elmaaref, M. (2024). The usage of AgNPs/Klucel G nanocomposites and some conventional materials in the conservation of archaeological linen textile remains. Advanced Research in Conservation Science.

Abo-Elmaaref, M. (2023). A comparative study for the effect of laboratory aging and fungal infection on properties of raw and dyed linen textiles. Advanced Research in Conservation Science.

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.

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.

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.