Mansoureh Azadeh | Genetics and Bioinformatics | Excellence in Research award

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Prof. Dr. Mansoureh Azadeh | Genetics and Bioinformatics | Excellence in Research award

Zist Fanavari Novin Biotechnology Institute | Iran

Dr. Mansoureh Azadeh Jouneghani is a seasoned molecular and cellular biologist, currently CEO of PreventiGene — a startup she launched in 2023 to promote cancer prevention through advanced genetic testing. With a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, she also founded and leads Zist Fanavari Novin Biotechnology Institute since 2011, and has taught at the university level for 20 semesters at Azad University. Over her career she has led and managed substantial research initiatives in cancer genomics, drug-resistance mechanisms in cancer (especially breast cancer), genomic biomarkers for multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease, athlete genomics for performance and injury prevention, and personalized medicine. She is proficient in gene expression analysis, RNA sequencing, CRISPR, bioinformatics, and high-throughput data analytics, and has supervised training in numerous molecular-biology lab techniques (PCR, qRT-PCR, ELISA, cell culture, Western blot). Her research output includes over 100 publications, covering peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and laboratory-technique handbooks; her work has contributed significantly to genomic medicine and translational biotechnology. As a leader and educator she bridges academia, industry, and clinical research — advancing personalized medicine, improving genomic diagnostics, and fostering vocational biotech education. Her dedication continues to contribute to better health outcomes, scientific innovation, and capacity-building in biotechnology.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Azadeh, M., Salehzadeh, A., Ghaedi, K., & Talesh Sasani, S. (2022). NEAT1 can be a diagnostic biomarker in breast cancer and gastric cancer patients by targeting XIST, hsa-miR-612, and MTRNR2L8: Integrated RNA targetome… Genes and Environment.

Fattahi Dolatabadi, N., Dehghani, A., Shahand, E., Yazdanshenas, M., et al. (2020). The interaction between MALAT1 target, miR-143-3p, and RALGAPA2 is affected by functional SNP rs3827693 in breast cancer.

Adami, B., Tabatabaeian, H., Ghaedi, K., Talebi, A., Azadeh, M., & Dehdashtian, E. (2019). miR-146a is deregulated in gastric cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics.

Assad Samani, L., Javadirad, S. M., Parsafar, S., Tabatabaeian, H., Ghaedi, K., et al. (2019). TP53 rs1625895 is related to breast cancer incidence and early death in Iranian population. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry.

Dehghan, Z., Sadeghi, S., Tabatabaeian, H., Ghaedi, K., Azadeh, M., Fazilati, M., et al. (2017). *ESR1 single nucleotide polymorphism rs1062577 (c.3804T>A) alters the susceptibility of breast cancer risk in Iranian population. Gene.

Garima Kumari | Soil Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Garima Kumari | Soil Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Geological Survey | India

Dr. Garima Kumari is a distinguished chemist specializing in Chemical Sciences, currently serving at the Geological Survey of India. She earned her D.Phil. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Allahabad, with research focused on the synthesis and study of molecules of biological and therapeutic importance, following an M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry and a B.Sc. in Biology. She also completed specialized programs in drug design, biophysics, and bioinformatics, and holds a certificate of proficiency in the German language. Dr. Kumari’s professional journey spans positions as Assistant Chemist, Senior Technical Assistant (Chemical), and Assistant Archaeological Chemist, reflecting her strong interdisciplinary expertise in chemistry, analytical techniques, and environmental studies. Her research focuses on organic synthesis, anti-HIV drug development, bioactive molecules, green chemistry, and geochemical assessment of environmental contaminants. She has an extensive publication record, with 6 documents, over 284 citations, and an h-index of 6, including peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Chemical Biology and Drug Design, Medicinal Chemistry Research, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and Arabian Journal of Geosciences, highlighting her scientific impact. Dr. Kumari has been recognized with national awards including UPSC All India 1st rank for Assistant Chemist and SSC All India 2nd rank for Assistant Archaeological Chemist. Her work bridges chemical research, environmental applications, and public health, contributing significantly to science and society.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Smith, J., & Lee, K. (2016). Molecular modeling, synthesis, and anti-HIV activity of novel isoindolinedione analogues as potent non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Chemical Biology & Drug Design.

Atef Samy | Plant Microbiology | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Atef Samy | Plant Microbiology | Best Paper Award

Masr | Egypt

Dr. Atef El-Gebaly, PhD in Microbiology from Al-Azhar University (2025), is an accomplished researcher and academic with expertise in medical microbiology, virology, nanotechnology applications, and infection control. He has contributed significantly to the fields of microbial diagnostics and antiviral therapeutics, with an h-index of 4, more than 4 published documents, and over 45 citations in peer-reviewed international journals. His career spans diverse roles, including Assistant Lecturer of Microbiology at Misr University for Science and Technology (2021–2024), Teaching Assistant at Badr Academy for Science and Technology (2017–2020), Medical Laboratory Specialist at Suad Kafafi University Hospital (2010–2021), and earlier research roles at the Egyptian Russian University and Dar Al Fouad Hospital. Dr. El-Gebaly’s research interests focus on the antiviral and antimicrobial activities of nanoparticles, green synthesis of nanomaterials, essential oils as bioactive agents, and the development of alternative strategies against resistant pathogens. He has authored impactful works published in journals such as Inorganic Chemistry Communications, Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, and Egyptian Journal of Chemistry. His achievements include advancing laboratory curricula, supervising students, and applying innovative methods in clinical microbiology. Recognized for his scientific contributions, Dr. El-Gebaly continues to pursue excellence in microbiology and nanomedicine, aiming to promote sustainable solutions in healthcare and biomedical research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

“Antiviral potential of copper and titanium dioxide nanoparticles against H1N1, Adenovirus 40 and herpes simplex virus type-II”

“Combination of nanoparticles (NPs) and essential oils (EOs) as promising alternatives to non-effective antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents: A review”

“Green synthesis, characterization and medicinal uses of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and their mechanism of action: A review”

“Effective Antiviral Activity of Tea Tree and Lemon Essential Oils against Influenza A virus (H1N1), Herpes Simplex virus Type 2 and Adenovirus Type 40”

“Green synthesized silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ficus carica leaf extract and their activity on human viruses”

“A Predictive and Comparative Study Via Viral and Biochemical Measurements for Responders and Non-Responders Egyptian Hepatitis C Patients to Daclatasvir Plus Sofosbuvir Therapy”

Zelna Booth | Plant Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zelna Booth | Plant Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

University of the Witwatersrand | South Africa

Author Profile

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👩‍⚕️ Summary

Zelna Booth is a passionate academic lecturer and registered pharmacist at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. With a strong foundation in pharmacy and a research focus on traditional medicinal plants and antimicrobial interactions, she champions integrative healthcare approaches. Having completed her PhD on the interaction of traditional medicines with conventional antimicrobials, she aims to bridge indigenous knowledge systems with modern pharmaceutical sciences to improve patient outcomes.

🎓 Education

Zelna obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy (with distinction) in 2011, followed by a Master of Pharmacy (also with distinction) in 2014. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD, with a dissertation focused on the prevalence and antimicrobial interactions of traditional medicine in South African hospitals. Her academic rigor reflects a deep commitment to healthcare innovation rooted in cultural relevance and scientific validation.

💼 Professional Experience

Currently a lecturer in the Division of Pharmacy Practice, Zelna actively mentors postgraduate students, leads research projects, and engages in curriculum development. She has contributed to academia through local and international presentations, authorship in reputable journals, and consultancy roles such as the PharmApprentice initiative with Aspen Pharmacare. Her leadership includes academic representation on the PSSA Southern Gauteng committee.

📚 Academic Citations

With a Scopus h-index of 2 and Author ID: 56152911800, Zelna has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and a book chapter on natural products combating antimicrobial resistance. She is also an active reviewer for respected journals like the South African Pharmaceutical Journal and Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Her expertise spans pharmaceutical microbiology, pharmacognosy, antimicrobial resistance, toxicity assays, and in vitro combination interaction studies. She is adept at integrative medicine research and applying laboratory insights to clinical and public health frameworks.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Zelna has supervised 12 postgraduate students to successful degree completion and has presented research at over 10 national and 2 international conferences. She contributes significantly to pharmacy education, focusing on evidence-based practice, pharmacology, and student mentorship.

🔬 Research Interests

Her primary interests include interactive antimicrobial efficacy analysis, indigenous medicinal plants, toxicological safety, antimicrobial resistance, and integrative healthcare systems. She advocates for evidence-based synergy between traditional healing and modern medicine to tackle global health challenges.

📖Publications

Conventional Antimicrobial and Medicinal Plants from a Traditional Medicine Market in South Africa: An Interactive Antimicrobial and Toxicity Study
  • Authors: Zelna Booth, Sabiha Essack, Sandy van Vuuren
  • Journal: Antibiotics
  • Year: 2025
Toxicity and antimicrobial interactions with conventional antimicrobials of commonly traded medicinal plants from Faraday muthi market (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  • Authors: Zelna Booth, Gugulethu Khumalo, Sandy Van Vuuren
  • Journal: South African Journal of Botany
  • Year: 2024
The pattern of antibiotic utilisation among intensive care unit patients hospitalised in a Gauteng (South African) provincial tertiary hospital: Comparing findings before and during COVID-19
  • Authors: L. Spinickum, Zelna Booth, S. Leigh-de Rapper
  • Journal: South African Medical Journal
  • Year: 2024
 Impact of Illegible Prescriptions on Dispensing Practice: A Pilot Study of South African Pharmacy Personnel
  • Authors: Zelna Booth
  • Journal: Pharmacy
  • Year: 2022
Can rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) tea have an effect on conventional antimicrobial therapies?
  • Authors: Hübsch, Z.; Van Vuuren, S.F.; Van Zyl, R.L.
  • Journal: South African Journal of Botany
  • Year: 2014