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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Dr. Zafar Iqbal | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Zafar Iqbal | Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Zafar Iqbal is a biotechnologist and academic researcher with extensive expertise in plant molecular virology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. He obtained his PhD in Biotechnology from the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, following advanced degrees in biochemistry. Currently serving as Assistant Professor at Central Laboratories, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, he brings over a decade of experience in university-level teaching, research leadership, laboratory quality management, and international collaboration. His research interests encompass plant–virus–vector interactions, whole-genome and microbiome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas-based resistance development, nanoparticle-mediated stress mitigation, biofuels, and sustainable agricultural innovations. He has led and contributed to more than 25 funded research projects, including prestigious RDIA support for establishing a Hi-Tech Next Generation Sequencing facility, and has published extensively in high-impact international journals with more than 1100 citations. Dr. Iqbal actively contributes to the scientific community as a peer reviewer, trainer, and mentor, while playing key roles in ISO 17025 laboratory quality systems and capacity-building programs. Through an integrated approach combining molecular biology, computational analysis, and applied biotechnology, he continues to advance translational life science research and sustainable solutions for agriculture and environmental resilience.

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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.

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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.

Dr. Lexing Li | Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Lexing Li | Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Wuhan University of Bioengineering | China

Dr. Lexing Li is a veterinary biomedical scientist whose work bridges fundamental immunology with practical applications in animal health. He completed his doctoral training in Basic Veterinary Medicine at Huazhong Agricultural University, where he developed strong expertise in macrophage biology, metabolic reprogramming, and autophagy regulation. His research explores how natural compounds—such as Houttuynia cordata and quercetin—modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell-death pathways, contributing to the development of safe, antibiotic-free interventions in livestock production. Dr. Li has published extensively on the CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in tissue repair, the therapeutic potential of targeting FAK and LAMP1, and the role of lncRNAs in autophagy. His work has led to significant insights recognized through competitive research grants, including high-level talent start-up funds and national key laboratory open projects. Before joining academia as a lecturer, he gained five years of industry experience as a Technical Service Director and Product Manager, strengthening his ability to translate research findings into practical solutions for biomedicine and animal husbandry. His ongoing efforts aim to advance immunoregulation, natural-product pharmacology, and host–pathogen interactions, contributing to healthier livestock systems and innovative strategies for combating inflammatory diseases.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., Wan, Z., Zhu, Z., Wang, P., Xu, X., Ma, T., Qian, F., Li, L., Liu, G., & Gu, W. (2025). Comparative study of the effects of nine CXCR3 antagonists on macrophage function and the treatment of acute lung injury. Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition), 30(10), 45931.