Hareesh Nair | Drug Discovery and Development | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Hareesh Nair | Drug Discovery and Development | Outstanding Scientist Award

Texas Tech University Health Science Center | United States

Dr. Hareesh B. Nair, Ph.D., is a distinguished biochemist and translational scientist whose career spans academia, biotechnology innovation, and advanced research leadership. He completed his academic training in life sciences and biochemistry in India, followed by specialized research fellowships in oxidative lipidomics and hormonal carcinogenesis at leading U.S. institutions. These early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapeutic solutions.Dr. Nair’s professional journey reflects a rare blend of deep scientific expertise and strategic research leadership. Over the course of his career, he has held progressive roles ranging from instructor and assistant professor to senior scientist, director, and senior director of translational research and external innovation. His contributions at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute significantly advanced the fields of breast cancer biology, hormonal carcinogenesis, melanoma signaling pathways, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and targeted drug delivery. His work also includes pioneering estrogen-dependent cancer research, mechanistic studies on aromatase pathways, development of innovative cancer detection strategies, and creation of non-human primate models for reproductive disorders.At Evestra, Inc., Dr. Nair led multidisciplinary teams driving the translational development of oncology and women’s health therapeutics. He spearheaded multiple preclinical programs, established strategic collaborations, guided biomarker discovery, contributed to regulatory submissions, and supported business development through scientific due diligence. His leadership also resulted in the advancement of first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutic candidates, expansion of oncology pipelines, and successful acquisition of non-dilutive federal funding. His contributions include numerous publications, patents, and project management of large-scale contraceptive development initiatives supported by major global health foundations.In his current academic role at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Dr. Nair is establishing a cutting-edge research laboratory at the chemistry–biology interface. His group focuses on identifying novel drug targets, decoding disease mechanisms, and transforming molecular insights into preclinical therapeutic strategies for cancers and other complex diseases. He remains deeply engaged in collaborative clinical and translational research, particularly in gynecologic oncology, triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. His expertise also extends to long-acting contraceptive technologies, anti-HIV formulations, and experimental therapeutics for endometriosis and uterine fibroids.Beyond research, Dr. Nair has served extensively as a scientific review officer, facilitating numerous peer-review panels for federal biomedical research programs. His work has been recognized through multiple competitive honors, travel awards, and scientific achievement distinctions. With a strong commitment to innovation, mentorship, and multidisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Hareesh B. Nair continues to shape the future of translational medicine through impactful research, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to improving patient health outcomes.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Aller, E. J., Nair, H. B., Vadlamudi, R. K., & Viswanadhapalli, S. (2025). Significance of midkine signaling in women’s cancers: novel biomarker and therapeutic target. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(10), 4809.

Blankenship, L., Pratap, U. P., Yang, X., Liu, Z., Altwegg, K. A., Santhamma, B., … Lai, Z. (2022). Inhibition of LIFR blocks adiposity‑driven endometrioid endometrial cancer growth. Cancers, 14(21), 5400.

Nair, H. B., Ford, A., Dick, E. J., Jr., Hill, R. H., Jr., & VandeBerg, J. L. (2014). Modeling sunscreen‑mediated melanoma prevention in the laboratory opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 27(5), 822‑830.

Nickisch, K., Nair, H. B., Kesavaram, N., Das, B., Garfield, R., Shi, S. Q., … Edwards, D. P. (2013). Synthesis and antiprogestational properties of novel 17‑fluorinated steroids. Steroids, 78(9), 895‑902.

Bhaskaran, S., Dileep, K. V., Deepa, S. S., Sadasivan, C., Klausner, M., Krishnegowda, N. K., … Nair, H. B. (2013). Gossypin as a novel selective dual inhibitor of V‑RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 and cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 for melanoma. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 12(4), 567‑576.

Budrys, N. M., Nair, H. B., Liu, Y. G., Kirma, N. B., Binkley, P. A., Kumar, S., … Tekmal, R. R. (2012). Increased expression of macrophage colony‑stimulating factor and its receptor in patients with endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility, 97(5), 1159‑1165.e1.

Sebastian Kelle | Clinical Trials | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kelle | Clinical Trials | Distinguished Scientist Award

Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité | Germany

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kelle is an internationally recognized leader in cardiovascular imaging and one of the most influential experts in cardiac magnetic resonance worldwide. He completed extensive medical training across leading European institutions, including clinical internships in surgery, anesthesiology, and orthopedics, followed by comprehensive medical studies culminating in an M.D. degree. His academic excellence led him to advanced scientific qualifications, including a habilitation in cardiac magnetic resonance at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, where he worked under the mentorship of eminent cardiovascular scientists. He also earned a doctorate in angiology with supervisory guidance from distinguished faculty at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.Prof. Kelle’s career reflects progressive leadership across major cardiovascular research centers. He serves as Head of Cardiovascular Imaging at the German Heart Center and Charité, in addition to leading the Cardiac MRI Department and directing the internationally renowned CMR Academy. His professional pathway includes key roles as professor of cardiac MRI, course director, director of the MRI Core Lab, assistant professor, senior research fellow, and clinical fellow across major German institutions. His global academic contributions were further enriched through prestigious postdoctoral and research fellowships at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.He holds multiple board certifications in cardiology, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, general internal medicine, and hypertension, along with several Level-III accreditations from leading international societies. Prof. Kelle has served on influential committees and working groups of the German Cardiac Society, the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, and the Charité Doctoral Committee, contributing extensively to scientific development, advocacy, and international outreach.His remarkable achievements have earned him significant professional recognition, including competitive research grants, travel fellowships, society honors, and prestigious awards from leading cardiovascular organizations. Prof. Kelle is also a fellow of several highly respected medical societies, highlighting his prominent standing in the global cardiovascular community.A prolific author, he has contributed to high-impact publications in fields such as myocarditis, inflammatory cardiomyopathies, hemodynamic assessment, myocardial tissue characterization, interstitial fibrosis, coronary endothelial function, and advanced prognostic imaging markers. His scientific insights have shaped current understanding of cardiac MRI’s role in diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision-making.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Anonymous. (2025). Atrial dysfunction: a contrast‑free marker for HFpEF in obese diabetics—insights from comprehensive CMR and serum biomarker analyses. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 24(1), 1‑12. (link unavailable)‑025‑xxxx‑x

Editorial. (2025). Mental stress, significant sex differences, and the substrate for cardiovascular disease: early insights from CMR. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 24(1), 13‑15. (link unavailable)‑025‑yyyy‑y

Anonymous. (2025). Longitudinal effects of lipid‑lowering treatment on high‑risk plaque features and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation using serial coronary computed tomography. Diagnostics, 15(3), 210‑222. (link unavailable)

Anonymous. (2025). Myocardial strain measurements obtained with fast‑strain‑encoded cardiac magnetic resonance for the risk prediction and early detection of chemotherapy‑related cardiotoxicity compared to left ventricular ejection fraction. Diagnostics, 15(4), 350‑363. (link unavailable)

Anonymous. (2025). Rare isolated transthyretin amyloidosis of the left atrium: step‑wise multi‑modality evaluation by transoesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and single‑photon‑emission computed tomography. European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging, 26(2), 180‑192. (link unavailable)

Ali Darehkordi | Medicinal Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Ali Darehkordi | Medicinal Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan | Iran

Prof. Dr. Ali Darehkordi is a distinguished Iranian chemist whose academic and professional career reflects deep expertise in organic synthesis, catalysis, drug modification, heterocyclic chemistry, and the design of biologically active fluorinated compounds. He holds a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. in Organic Chemistry and Chemistry from leading Iranian universities, with a strong foundational background in natural sciences. Beginning his academic journey as an instructor in the Faculty of Science at Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, he steadily advanced through key academic ranks, serving as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and ultimately Professor of Organic Chemistry. Throughout his career, he has also held several important administrative and leadership roles, including Deputy of the Faculty of Science, Director of the Department of Chemistry, and repeated appointments as Head of the Faculty of Basic Sciences, where he contributed to academic development, departmental management, curriculum enhancement, and research advancement.Prof. Darehkordi’s research accomplishments have earned him multiple awards, including several Excellent Researcher Awards at the faculty, departmental, and university levels, recognizing his contributions to both scientific research and industrial collaboration. His scientific interests span a wide range of advanced topics, such as the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of trifluoromethylated heterocyclic compounds with anticancer potential, catalysis reactions, drug modification using trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides, organic synthesis pathways, carbohydrate reaction mechanisms, and herbal medicine applications. His laboratory expertise includes hands-on proficiency with NMR, FT-IR, microwave reactors, ultrasound systems, and polarimetry, supporting his ability to conduct complex chemical characterizations and innovative synthesis techniques.As an active researcher with extensive contributions to international journals, Prof. Darehkordi has authored impactful publications, including A novel bistrifluoromethylated compound as highly efficient nematicide against root-knot nematode on pistachio and docking study, Antitumor activities of a novel fluorinated small molecule (A1) in CT26 colorectal cancer cells: molecular docking and in vitro studies, and A facile and catalyst-free microwave-promoted method for the synthesis of 3-trifluoromethyl 1,2,4-triazole-5-thiones. These publications highlight his innovative chemical synthesis approaches, application-driven research mindset, and strong integration of computational docking, biological testing, and modern reaction methodologies. Prof. Dr. Ali Darehkordi continues to stand as a leading scientist in organic and medicinal chemistry, contributing meaningfully to drug discovery, reaction design, and fluorinated molecule development.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Moghadam, M. R., Jahromi, S. M. P., & Darehkordi, A. (2016). Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of copper, cobalt, nickel and iron in foodstuffs and vegetables with a new bis thiosemicarbazone ligand using chemometric approaches. Food Chemistry, 192, 424–431.

Darehkordi, A., Saidi, K., & Islami, M. R. (2007). Preparation of heterocyclic compounds by reaction of dimethyl and diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate (DMAD, DEAD) with thiosemicarbazone derivatives. Arkivoc, 1, 180–188.

Darehkordi, A., Rahmani, F., & Hashemi, V. (2013). Synthesis of new trifluoromethylated indole derivatives. Tetrahedron Letters, 54(35), 4689–4692.

Funt, L. D., Tomashenko, O. A., Novikov, M. S., & Khlebnikov, A. F. (2018). An azirine strategy for the synthesis of alkyl 4-amino-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylates. Synthesis, 50(24), 4809–4822.

Karimabad, M. N., Mahmoodi, M., Jafarzadeh, A., Darehkordi, A., Hajizadeh, M. R., et al. (2017). The novel Indole-3-formaldehyde (2-AITFEI-3-F) is involved in processes of apoptosis induction? Life Sciences, 181, 31–44.

Karimabad, M. N., Mahmoodi, M., Jafarzadeh, A., Darehkordi, A., Hajizadeh, M. R., et al. (2017). Evaluating of OCT-4 and NANOG was differentially regulated by a new derivative indole in leukemia cell line. Immunology Letters, 190, 7–14.

Rosario Megna | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Rosario Megna | Clinical Trials | Research Excellence Award

National Research Council  | Italy

Dr. Rosario Megna is an accomplished physicist whose career spans high-energy physics, biomedical research, and advanced clinical imaging. He holds both a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Physics, earned from two of Italy’s leading academic institutions, the University of Naples “Federico II” and the University of Bari. His academic foundations were built within the dynamic field of astroparticle physics, where he explored high-energy cosmic sources, matter-radiation interactions, Monte Carlo simulations, data acquisition systems, and advanced data analysis methodologies. During this early phase of his career, he contributed to several major international scientific collaborations, including ARGO-YBJ, NEMO, ANTARES, and KM3Net, and authored multiple research articles and conference contributions that advanced the understanding of fundamental astrophysical phenomena.Following his doctoral training, Dr. Megna expanded his research trajectory into the biomedical sciences through postdoctoral positions at the University of Bari and the National Institute for Nuclear Physics. Within this multidisciplinary environment, he applied physical principles to medical challenges, specializing in biomedical data management, computational analysis, and medical imaging. As part of the MAGIC-5 collaboration, he played a key role in developing a computer-aided detection system designed for the early diagnosis of lung cancer using computed tomography. This work allowed him to deepen his expertise in CT imaging, DICOM data acquisition, and pattern-recognition techniques tailored for clinical decision support.Dr. Megna later joined the National Research Council of Italy, where his contributions progressed from data storage and analysis for clinical and preclinical studies to broader responsibilities in statistics, database systems, biomedical signal processing, and modeling. As his role evolved into that of a research technologist and, subsequently, a senior research technologist, his research interests expanded to advanced statistics, machine-learning algorithms, risk assessment, and nuclear-medicine–based imaging techniques. His recent work focuses on clinical imaging for oncology and the optimization of radiotherapy approaches, integrating physics-driven innovation with real-world healthcare needs.Throughout his career, Dr. Rosario Megna has authored or coauthored more than fifty scientific publications and conference presentations, reflecting his sustained commitment to scientific advancement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the translation of physics-based methodologies into impactful biomedical and clinical applications.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Gargiulo, S., Albanese, S., Megna, R., Gramanzini, M., Marsella, G., & Vecchiarelli, L. (2025). Veterinary medical care in rodent models of stroke: Pitfalls and refinements to balance quality of science and animal welfare. Neuroscience.

External validation of a predictive model for post‑treatment persistent disease by ¹³¹I whole‑body scintigraphy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. (2025). Journal not specified.

Cardiovascular risk factors and development of nomograms in an Italian cohort of patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing SPECT or PET stress myocardial perfusion imaging. (2024). Frontiers in Nuclear Medicine.

Megna, R. (2023). Evolution of the COVID‑19 pandemic in Italy at the national and regional levels from February 2020 to March 2022. AIMS Medical Science.

Petretta, M., Megna, R., Assante, R., Zampella, E., Nappi, C., Gaudieri, V., Mannarino, T., Green, R., Cantoni, V., D’Antonio, A., et al. (2023). External validation and update of the J‑ACCESS model in an Italian cohort of patients undergoing stress myocardial perfusion imaging. Journal of Nuclear Cardiology.

Sandip Kaledhonkar | Drug Discovery and Development | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandip Kaledhonkar | Drug Discovery and Development | Research Excellence Award

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | India

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandip Kaledhonkar is a distinguished scientist whose work spans biophysics, structural biology, cryo-electron microscopy, and molecular microbiology. He currently serves in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he contributes to cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and academic mentorship. Prior to his current role, he progressed through key academic and research appointments, including his tenure as Assistant Professor at IIT Bombay, a scientific role at the Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing in Mumbai, and an impactful post-doctoral fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. These experiences collectively shaped his expertise in structural dynamics, cryo-EM methodologies, and molecular interactions critical to understanding biological systems.Dr. Kaledhonkar earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Oklahoma State University, where he conducted foundational work on the Structural Dynamics of Photoactive Yellow Protein under the guidance of Dr. Aihua Xie. He further strengthened his academic foundation with an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Pune. His teaching portfolio reflects his multidisciplinary strengths, covering subjects such as Mathematics for Biologists, Experimental Techniques in Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, cryo-Electron Microscopy, and core undergraduate biology.His research contributions have significantly advanced the field, with notable publications including titles such as In Silico Identification of Potential Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA Gyrase from Phytoconstituents of Indian Medicinal Plants, Cryo-EM Reconstruction of the phiK601 Jumbo Phage Head, VCP/p97, a Host AAA-ATPase Exhibits Bacteriolytic Activity for Clearance of Microbial Infection, Conformational Flexibility Associated with Remote Residues Regulate the Kinetic Properties of Glutamate Dehydrogenase, and Application of Bio-Layer Interferometry for the Analysis of Ribosome-Protein Interactions. Other influential works include Physiochemical Characterization of a Potential Klebsiella Phage MKP-1, Not All Photoactive Yellow Proteins Are Built Alike, and landmark cryo-EM studies such as Late Steps in Bacterial Translation Initiation Visualized Using Time-Resolved Cryo-EM and Key Intermediates in Ribosome Recycling Visualized by Time-Resolved Cryo-Electron Microscopy. His scholarly record also features important methodological contributions, including Single Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy and A Fast and Effective Microfluidic Spraying-Plunging Method for High-Resolution Single-Particle Cryo-EM.Dr. Kaledhonkar’s excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including prestigious microscopy, teaching, and research awards, as well as membership in India’s premier scientific academies. His work continues to influence modern bioscience research, inspiring new advancements in structural biology and biomedical innovation.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Feng, X., Fu, Z., Kaledhonkar, S., Jia, Y., Shah, B., Jin, A., Liu, Z., Sun, M., & Chen, B. (2017). A fast and effective microfluidic spraying‑plunging method for high‑resolution single‑particle cryo‑EM. Structure, 25(4), 663‑670.e3.

Chen, B., Kaledhonkar, S., Sun, M., Shen, B., Lu, Z., Barnard, D., & Lu, T. M. (2015). Structural dynamics of ribosome subunit association studied by mixing‑spraying time‑resolved cryogenic electron microscopy. Structure, 23(6), 1097‑1105.

Fu, Z., Indrisiunaite, G., Kaledhonkar, S., Shah, B., Sun, M., & Chen, B. (2019). The structural basis for release factor activation during translation termination revealed by time‑resolved cryogenic electron microscopy. Biophysical Journal, 116(3), 574a‑575a.

Fu, Z., Kaledhonkar, S., Borg, A., Sun, M., Chen, B., Grassucci, R. A., & Ehrenberg, M. (2016). Key intermediates in ribosome recycling visualized by time‑resolved cryoelectron microscopy. Structure, 24(12), 2092‑2101.

Horst, M. A., Stalcup, T. P., Kaledhonkar, S., Kumauchi, M., Hara, M., & Xie, A. (2009). Locked chromophore analogs reveal that photoactive yellow protein regulates biofilm formation in the deep‑sea bacterium Idiomarina loihiensis. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 131(47), 17443‑17451.

Kaledhonkar, S., Fu, Z., White, H., & Frank, J. (2018). Time‑resolved cryo‑electron microscopy using a microfluidic chip. In Protein Complex Assembly: Methods and Protocols (pp. 59‑71).

Kaledhonkar, S., Hara, M., Stalcup, T. P., Xie, A., & Hoff, W. D. (2013). Strong ionic hydrogen bonding causes a spectral isotope effect in photoactive yellow protein. Biophysical Journal, 105(11), 2577‑2585.

Asif Muzaffar | Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Asif Muzaffar | Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation | Research Excellence Award

Birmingham City University | United Kingdom

Dr. Asif Muzaffar is an accomplished scholar and higher education professional specialising in operations management, supply chain strategy, and the interface between technology, sustainability, and organisational performance. He holds a Ph.D. in Production, Operations and Logistics Management from the School of Management at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, an AACSB- and AMBA-accredited institution. During his doctoral studies, he was mentored by renowned scholars and completed advanced seminars under globally recognised academics, strengthening his analytical and research capabilities in quantitative modelling, operational efficiency, and logistics optimisation. His academic foundation also includes a Master’s degree in Information and Operational Management with a specialisation in Operations Research, a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Education from Birmingham City University, fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), and professional training through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan.Dr. Muzaffar serves as a Teaching Fellow in Operations and Supply Chain Management at Birmingham City Business School, where he leads key modules such as Operations Management, Strategic Supply Chain Management, and Global Transportation and Digital Management. He also acts as Course Lead for Business Administration and International Business top-up programmes, contributing significantly to curriculum development, innovative pedagogy, and programme leadership. His previous academic appointments include Assistant Professor roles in Oman, Lahore, and at the University of Engineering and Technology, where he taught diverse cohorts, supervised doctoral and master’s students, and conducted research focused on supply chain contracts, marketing–operations alignment, and interdisciplinary management strategies.With professional experience in industrial engineering across leading textile and apparel manufacturing organisations, Dr. Muzaffar has managed facility layout design, feasibility assessments, quality assurance systems, and operations optimisation.  His contributions include “Integrating Explainable AI and Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Practices,” “WeChat Gamification: Mobile Payment Impact on Word of Mouth and Customer Loyalty,” “Augmented Reality is the New Digital Banking—AR Brand Experience Impact on Brand Loyalty,” “Engaging the Customer with Augmented Reality and Employee Services to Enhance Equity and Loyalty,” “Travel Before You Actually Travel with Augmented Reality—Role of Augmented Reality in Future Destination,” “WOW, the Make-up AR App is Impressive: A Comparative Study Between China and South Korea,” “Environmental Sustainability, Innovation Capacity, and Supply Chain Management Practices Nexus: A Mixed Methods Research Approach,” and “Institutional Pressures and Supplier Involvement: A Perspective on Sustainability.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Abbas, J., Muzaffar, A., Mahmood, H. K., Ramzan, M. A., & Rizvi, S. (2014). Impact of technology on performance of employees (a case study on Allied Bank Ltd, Pakistan). World Applied Sciences Journal, 29(2), 271‑276.

Butt, A., Ahmad, H., Muzaffar, A., Ali, F., & Shafique, N. (2022). WOW, the make‑up AR app is impressive: a comparative study between China and South Korea. Journal of Services Marketing, 36(1), 73‑88.

Jahangiri, L., McAndrew, M., Muzaffar, A., & Mucciolo, T. W. (2013). Characteristics of effective clinical teachers identified by dental students: a qualitative study. European Journal of Dental Education, 17(1), 10‑18.

Butt, A., Ahmad, H., Ali, F., Muzaffar, A., & Shafique, M. N. (2023). Engaging the customer with augmented reality and employee services to enhance equity and loyalty. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 51(5), 629‑652.

Ahmad, H., Butt, A., & Muzaffar, A. (2023). Travel before you actually travel with augmented reality – role of augmented reality in future destination. Current Issues in Tourism, 26(17), 2845‑2862.

Bhutta, M. K. S., Muzaffar, A., Egilmez, G., Huq, F., Malik, M. N., & Warraich, M. A. (2021). Environmental sustainability, innovation capacity, and supply chain management practices nexus: a mixed‑methods research approach. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 28, 1508‑1521.

Butt, A. H., Ahmad, H., & Muzaffar, A. (2024). Augmented reality is the new digital banking – AR brand experience impact on brand loyalty. International Journal of Bank Marketing, 42(2), 156‑182.

Alhawari, O., Bhutta, K., & Muzaffar, A. (2021). Supply chain emerging aspects and future directions in the age of COVID‑19: a systematic review. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 9(2), 429‑446.

Asad Abbas Jaffari | Regulatory Affairs | Excellence in Research Award

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Dr. Asad Abbas Jaffari | Regulatory Affairs | Excellence in Research Award

Birmingham City University | United Kingdom

Dr. Asad Abbas Jaffari is an accomplished academic leader, marketing educator, and management professional whose career spans higher education, research, academic administration, and industry engagement. He serves as a Programme Leader for Online MBA and MSc Management at Birmingham City University, where he oversees the design, management, and delivery of postgraduate curricula while ensuring that academic regulations, learning outcomes, and quality assurance standards are consistently upheld. In this role, he provides strategic guidance to colleagues, enhances teaching and assessment practices, and actively contributes to improving the overall student experience through data-driven improvements, effective resource planning, and innovative curriculum development. Alongside his leadership responsibilities, he lectures in Marketing, delivering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral teaching grounded in contemporary, practice-oriented approaches. His commitment to student success is evident through his personal tutoring, supervision, module leadership, and his role in supporting marketing and recruitment initiatives within the university.Before joining Birmingham City University, Dr. Jaffari held key academic roles in the United Kingdom, including positions at Teesside University and Kingston University ISC, where he taught marketing, supported doctoral students, facilitated online engagement, and developed module materials and assessments. His earlier academic career in Pakistan included extensive teaching and leadership experience at the University of Sargodha, where he contributed to curriculum design, research supervision, academic administration, training coordination, and strategic school management. He has also held influential additional roles, such as Director of Seminars and Workshops and Head/Coordinator of a Business School, where he led academic teams, strengthened industry linkages, organized large-scale academic events, and secured sponsorships to support training and development activities.Beyond academia, Dr. Jaffari has professional experience in the hospitality sector in London, where he contributed to customer experience management, marketing strategy, staff development, and service-quality enhancement. His research expertise spans marketing, strategic management, innovation, and international business, with contributions as a keynote speaker, scientific committee member, guest editor, and editorial board reviewer. He has secured competitive research grants and actively participates in global academic networks. Widely recognized for his dedication to teaching excellence, mentorship, and academic leadership, Dr. Jaffari continues to make a significant impact on students, colleagues, and the broader scholarly community through his dynamic, student-centered, and research-informed approach to higher education.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Javed, H. A., Jaffari, A. A., & Rahim, M. (2014). Leadership styles and employees’ job satisfaction: A case from the private banking sector of Pakistan. Journal of Asian Business Strategy, 4(3), 41‑?

Javed, I., Mustafa, G., Ashfaq, M., Yasmeen, R., Ghafoor, A., Yasin, M., Jaffari, A. A., … (2018). Competitiveness in agricultural trade of Pakistan with United Arab Emirates. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 55(3), 12‑?

Jaffari, A. A., Foroudi, P., Palazzo, M., & Akbari, M. (2024). Enriching the concept of employer branding: Investigating its impact in the service sector. Employee Relations: The International Journal, 46(7), 1446‑1482

Jaffari, A. A. (2021). Influence of employer branding on employer of choice and organisation performance: A study of service sector employees’ perception in Pakistan. University of the West of Scotland

Chen, N., Jaffari, A. A., Muzaffar, A., & Rahman (n.d.). Integrating explainable AI and corporate social responsibility for sustainable practices. Unpublished manuscript.

Konstantinos Gardikis | Dermatological Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Konstantinos Gardikis | Dermatological Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

University of Athens | Greece

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Gardikis is a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist whose career integrates advanced academic training, interdisciplinary laboratory expertise, and high-level industrial leadership in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnological innovation. He completed his academic journey at the School of Pharmacy, University of Athens, earning a Bachelor of Science, a Master’s degree in Industrial Pharmacy with a thesis focused on dendrimer–lipid interactions studied through calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy, and a Ph.D. centered on the design and evaluation of chimeric nanosystems employing liposomes and dendrimers for targeted delivery of doxorubicin. His scientific foundation expanded through extensive postdoctoral and advanced laboratory training across leading European institutions, including specialized work in ethnobotany, phytochemical extraction, purification and characterization of oligosaccharides, bioinformatics for RNA-seq studies, microencapsulation, spray drying, thermodynamic analysis of nanosystems, fluorescence spectroscopy, toxicity assays, and GC-MS and GPC analytical techniques. His training also encompasses hands-on industrial experience in microalgae cultivation, extraction and distillation processes, and pharmaceutical research and development. Dr. Gardikis’ professional career is strongly defined by his long-standing leadership at APIVITA SA, where he currently serves as Director of Research & Development. In this role, he oversees multidisciplinary teams across R&D and Regulatory Affairs, guiding product formulation, innovation strategy, sustainability initiatives, development of novel raw materials, and the creation of next-generation nanoformulations. He manages the full lifecycle of product development, ensures regulatory compliance in more than fifty global markets, leads international product notifications, supervises cosmetovigilance operations, and steers scientific communication and technology transfer activities. His achievements include the formulation of over one hundred cosmetic and food supplement products, the reformulation of extensive product lines for global regulatory standards, successful execution of major research projects under European frameworks, and inventorship of multiple PCT and national patents on innovative natural raw materials and nanoscale delivery systems. Earlier, as Director of Scientific Affairs at APIVITA SA, he established research laboratories, coordinated multinational research consortia, optimized novel extraction processes, and contributed to the company’s scientific growth through pioneering patented technologies. With a strong background in pharmaceutical nanotechnology, natural products, and applied biotechnology, Dr. Gardikis continues to contribute to scientific advancement through innovation-driven research, cross-sector collaboration, and the development of sustainable, high-performance formulations that bridge academic expertise with industrial impact.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Athanasopoulou, S., Panagiotidou, E., Spanidi, E., Gkika, M., Georgiou, D., Anagnostopoulos, A. K., Ganos, C., Chinou, I., Beletsiotis, E., & Gardikis, K. (2025). Propolis extract with activity against _Cutibacterium acnes biofilm targeting the expression of virulence genes_. Antioxidants, 14(7), 849.

Athanasopoulou, S., Spanidi, E., Panagiotidou, E., Cavagnino, A., Bobier, A., & Gardikis, K. (2024). An advanced combinatorial system from _Vitis vinifera leaves and propolis enhances antioxidants’ skin delivery and fibroblasts functionality_. Pharmaceuticals, 17(12), 1610.

Katsogiannis, I., Naziris, N., Sarika, A., Gardikis, K., Hatziantoniou, S., Boukos, N., Dallas, P., Fikioris, N., & Demetzos, C. (2024). Development and in vitro evaluation of liposomal carnosine for dermatological and cosmeceutical applications. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 84, 105654.

Letsiou, S., Bakea, A., Holefors, A., Rembiesa, J., Spanidi, E., & Gardikis, K. (2023). In vitro protective effects of _Paeonia officinalis var. mascula callus extract on human keratinocytes_. Scientific Reports, 13, 19213.

Letsiou, S., Kapazoglou, A., Tsaftaris, A., Spanidi, E., & Gardikis, K. (2023). Transcriptional and epigenetic effects of _Vitis vinifera L. leaf extract on UV‑stressed human dermal fibroblasts_. Molecular Biology Reports, 50, 5763–?.

Palaniyandi Velusamy | Drug Discovery and Development |

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Prof. Dr. Palaniyandi Velusamy | Drug Discovery and Development | Research Excellence Award

Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital  | India

Prof. Dr. Palaniyandi Velusamy is a distinguished researcher, academic leader, and biotechnology expert recognized for his extensive contributions to microbiology, nanobiotechnology, biosciences, and antibacterial drug research. He began his academic journey with foundational studies in botany and biochemistry before completing his doctoral research at the University of Madras, where he specialized in antibacterial agents and developed research competencies that shaped his future scientific pursuits. Following his Ph.D., he undertook multiple prestigious post-doctoral fellowships across internationally reputed institutions in Taiwan and South Korea, including Academia Sinica, Korea University, and Chonnam National University, where he contributed to advanced research in nanotechnology, microbial applications, and bioengineering. He later served as a Visiting Professor at Kyung Hee University in South Korea, strengthening his global academic footprint. In India, he built a progressive academic career at SRM University, where he contributed as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and later took on key departmental responsibilities including Deputy Controller of Examinations, Research Coordinator, Department Treasurer, Class In-Charge for B.Tech and M.Tech programs, Counsellor, and Course Coordinator for key subjects such as Microbial Technology, Microbiology, Enzyme Technology, Bionanotechnology, Green Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Phytochemistry. His academic leadership expanded further when he joined Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, where he served as Professor and currently holds the role of Joint Director at the Innovation & Incubation Centre, guiding institutional innovation, research development, and technology incubation.Prof. Velusamy’s contributions to scientific publishing are extensive; he serves as Editor for Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group), Associate Editor for Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Editor for the Global Journal of Pathology and Microbiology, Guest Editor for Biosensors, and Editorial Board Member for the Austin Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology. He is also an invited reviewer for globally recognized journals including Colloids and Surfaces B, Spectrochimica Acta Part A, Heliyon, and the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Krishnan, N., Singh, P. K., Sakthivelu, M., Velusamy, P., Gopinath, S. C. B., & Raman, P. (2024). Influence of thermal treatment on extraction and characteristics of phytochemicals from rhizome of _Acorus calamus L_. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. doi:10.1007/s13399-022-03415-y

Velusamy, P., Jeyanthi, V., Pachaiappan, R., Anbu, P., & Gopinath, S. C. B. (2024). Secretion of 2,4‑di‑tert‑butylphenol by a new _Pseudomonas strain SBMCH11: A tert‑butyl substituted phenolic compound displayed antibacterial efficacy_. Results in Chemistry, 6, 101593. doi:10.1016/j.rechem.2024.101593

Velusamy, P., Su, C.-H., Ramasamy, P., Arun, V., Rajnish, N., Raman, P., Baskaralingam, V., Kumar, S. M. S., & Gopinath, S. C. B. (2023). Volatile Organic Compounds as Potential Biomarkers for Noninvasive Disease Detection by Nanosensors: A Comprehensive Review. Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 53(4), 1‑30. doi:10.1080/10408347.2022.2043145

Soundararajan, P., Parthasarathy, S., Sakthivelu, M., Karuppiah, K. M., Velusamy, P., Gopinath, S. C. B., & Raman, P. (2023). Effects of Consuming Repeatedly Heated Edible Oils on Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 30(30), 1‑18. doi:10.2174/0109298673250752230921090452

Ramesh, V., Kulkarni, S. A., Velusamy, P., Devadasan, V., Devaraju, P., Rajnish, K. N., Madhavan, T., Anbu, P., Ramasamy, P., & Sundarraj, R. (2022). Current Update of Phytotherapeutic Agents in the Treatment of COVID‑19: <i>In‑Silico</i> Based Virtual Screening Approach for the Development of Antiviral Drug. Frontiers in Bioscience‑Landmark, 27(4), 123. doi:10.31083/J.FBL2704123

Parthasarathy, S., Soundararajan, P., Krishnan, N., Karuppiah, K. M., Devadasan, V., Prabhu, D., Rajamanikandan, S., Velusamy, P., Gopinath, S. C. B., & Raman, P. (2022). Detection of adulterants from common edible oils by GC‑MS. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 12(5), 1‑12. doi:10.1007/S13399-022-02913-3

Mahmoud Hallal | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Top Pharmaceutical

Prof. Mahmoud Hallal | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences | Lebanon

Prof. Mahmoud Hallal is a distinguished clinician, educator, and leader in the field of gastroenterology, renowned for his extensive expertise in internal medicine, hepatology, and advanced therapeutic endoscopy. He began his medical journey by earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Baghdad University, laying the foundation for a career marked by excellence, dedication, and continuous learning. He later pursued advanced clinical training in internal medicine at Makassed General Hospital in Beirut, a center affiliated with the American University of Beirut Medical Center, where he completed a comprehensive residency followed by a rotating internship that strengthened his clinical acumen and patient-centered approach.Driven by a deep interest in digestive health and liver diseases, Prof. Hallal completed intensive post-graduate fellowship training in gastroenterology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. His advanced training included a specialized senior fellowship focused on liver diseases and an external university training program in France, where he developed high-level competency in therapeutic bilio-pancreatic procedures and invasive endoscopy, including ERCP. This period shaped his clinical expertise and positioned him among the region’s leading specialists in advanced endoscopic interventions.Prof. Hallal’s professional credentials include medical licensure as a physician, internist, and gastroenterologist in Lebanon. Over the course of his career, he has held several major hospital leadership roles, including serving as the head of gastroenterology and endoscopy departments and contributing as assistant chief of staff for academic development at Al Zahraa University Hospital Medical Center. He also held senior administrative and clinical leadership roles at Rassoul Al-Aazam Hospital, where he oversaw both internal medicine and gastroenterology divisions.An influential academic figure, Prof. Hallal serves as a clinical assistant professor of gastroenterology at the Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences. He has also served as a clinical instructor, lecturer, fellowship program coordinator, and undergraduate thesis mentor, shaping the next generations of physicians and gastroenterologists. His academic involvement extends to national and international conferences, where he is frequently invited as a speaker in Lebanon, Abu Dhabi, Turkey, Rome, and the United Kingdom.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Boutari, R., Zayour, N., Hmedeh, A. N., Bashashi, D. K., Assaf, F., Al Tahan, J., Zrara, N., Al-Mokdad, N., Al Khatib, O., Zreik, A., et al. (2025). Prevalence, risk factors, and endoscopic findings of Helicobacter pylori infection among Lebanese patients undergoing gastroscopy: A retrospective study from a single tertiary center.