Basant Farag | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Basant Farag | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Zagazig University Faculty of Science | Egypt

Dr. Basant Farag is a distinguished organic chemist and assistant lecturer at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Egypt, with extensive expertise in the synthesis, biological evaluation, and computational studies of heterocyclic compounds. She completed her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Zagazig University, building on her M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in the same field, demonstrating a consistent commitment to advancing chemical sciences. Her academic career encompasses teaching, mentoring students, and conducting cutting-edge research while serving as a teaching assistant and assistant lecturer, preparing lectures, evaluating students, and engaging in independent research projects. Dr. Farag is also an accomplished international reviewer for numerous journals including Chemistry Select, Eurasian Journal of Chemistry, Journal of Molecular Structure, Bioorganic Chemistry, and International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, highlighting her broad expertise and recognition in the global scientific community.Her research portfolio includes pioneering studies in the design and synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds, focusing on pharmacologically relevant molecules with anticancer, antimicrobial, and antitubercular properties. Her notable publications include Synthesis and Molecular Docking of Some Novel 3-Thiazolyl-Coumarins as Inhibitors of VEGFR-2 Kinase, Mechanochemical Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of New Azines Bearing Indole as Anticancer Agents, Green Synthesis and Molecular Docking Study of Some New Thiazoles Using Terephthalohydrazide Chitosan Hydrogel as Ecofriendly Biopolymeric Catalyst, Green Route Synthesis and Molecular Docking of Azines Using Cellulose Sulfuric Acid under Microwave Irradiation, Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Anticancer Activity of Some 5-Aryl-5,10-Dihydropyrido[2,3-d:6,5-d′]Dipyrimidine-2,4,6,8-Tetraone Derivatives and Pyrido[2,3-d], Synthesis, Molecular Docking Study, and Biological Evaluation of New Thiadiazole and Thiazole Derivatives Incorporating Isoindoline-1,3-Dione Moiety as Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents, Green Biocatalyst for Ultrasound-Assisted Thiazole Derivatives: Synthesis, Antibacterial Evaluation, and Docking Analysis, Cyanauric Chloride as a Key Precursor and a Core Component for Three-Armed Triazolopyrimidines: Recent Finding About SARs and Docking Analyses, Chitosan–Sulfonic Acid-Catalyzed Green Synthesis of Naphthalene-Based Azines as Potential Anticancer Agents, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, In Silico Study, and Evaluation of Bis-Thiazole-Based Curcumin Derivatives as Potential Antimicrobial Agents, and Design and Synthesis of Novel Hybrids Incorporating Thiadiazole or Thiazole-Naphthalene: Anticancer Assessment and Molecular Docking Study.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Abolibda, T. Z., Fathalla, M., Farag, B., Zaki, M. E. A., & Gomha, S. M. (n.d.). Synthesis and molecular docking of some novel 3-thiazolyl-coumarins as inhibitors of VEGFR-2 kinase. Molecules.

Ibrahim, M. S., Farag, B., Al-Humaidi, J. Y., Zaki, M. E. A., Fathalla, M., & Gomha, S. M. (n.d.). Mechanochemical synthesis and molecular docking studies of new azines bearing indole as anticancer agents. Molecules.

Gomha, S. M., Riyadh, S. M., Alharbi, R. A. K., Zaki, M. E. A., Abolibda, T. Z., & Farag, B. (n.d.). Green route synthesis and molecular docking of azines using cellulose sulfuric acid under microwave irradiation. Crystals.

Al-Humaidi, J. Y., Gomha, S. M., El-Ghany, N. A. A., Farag, B., Zaki, M. E. A., et al. (n.d.). Green synthesis and molecular docking study of some new thiazoles using terephthalohydrazide chitosan hydrogel as ecofriendly biopolymeric catalyst. Catalysts.

Hussein, A. M., Gomha, S. M., El-Ghany, N. A. A., Zaki, M. E. A., Farag, B., et al. (n.d.). Green biocatalyst for ultrasound-assisted thiazole derivatives: Synthesis, antibacterial evaluation, and docking analysis. ACS Omega.

Mokbel, W. A., Hosny, M. A., Gomha, S. M., Zaki, M. E. A., Farag, B., El Farargy, A. F., et al. (n.d.). Synthesis, molecular docking study, and biological evaluation of new thiadiazole and thiazole derivatives incorporating isoindoline-1,3-dione moiety as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Results in Chemistry.

Hejian Zou | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Hejian Zou | Clinical Trials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hejian Zou at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, China.

Dr. Hejian Zou is a renowned physician-scientist in the fields of rheumatology and immunology, with over three decades of academic and clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from Shanghai Medical University and steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a professor in 2003. A prolific researcher and clinician, he has led numerous national research projects focusing on autoimmune mechanisms, macrophage polarization, and innovative therapies for gout and arthritis. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and holds multiple patents. Dr. Zou has also authored influential books and serves on editorial boards of several prominent medical journals. He plays a critical leadership role at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, and in several major national and international professional associations. Through his pioneering research, teaching, and clinical innovations, Dr. Zou has significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of autoimmune and connective tissue diseases in China and beyond.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education

Professor Hejian Zou began his academic journey at Shanghai Medical University, graduating in 1987 with a six-year degree in medical sciences. He continued at the same institution, earning a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1992 from the university’s prestigious graduate school. His educational path laid a strong foundation in both theoretical and clinical medicine, especially in immunology and rheumatology. Throughout his medical training, he demonstrated a profound interest in chronic inflammatory diseases, which later became his central research focus. His academic accomplishments led to successive promotions: he became an associate professor in 1994, a chief physician in 1999, and achieved the rank of full professor in 2003. His academic pedigree and continuous involvement in both teaching and research reflect a lifelong dedication to medical education, innovation, and mentoring the next generation of physicians and researchers in the field of autoimmune disorders and connective tissue diseases.

Experience

Professor Zou has built a distinguished career marked by excellence in clinical medicine, academic leadership, and scientific research. He currently serves as a professor and head of rheumatology and immunology at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, one of China’s premier medical institutions. Over the years, he has led several national research projects, including studies on macrophage polarization in gout, follicular helper T cells in SLE, and T regulatory cell therapy for arthritis. With a citation index exceeding 2600, his publications have influenced both Chinese and global rheumatology. He has actively contributed to medical education, mentoring students and young researchers. In parallel, Dr. Zou has worked on translational research, holding patents for novel gout therapies. His role extends to editorial and advisory positions in key medical journals and organizations. His comprehensive expertise and commitment have established him as a leading voice in rheumatology across clinical, academic, and scientific communities.

Awards 

Professor Hejian Zou’s pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades in the field of rheumatology and immunology. He has been a recipient of national research funding awards for his studies on autoimmune diseases, including three major projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He has also received multiple patents for his discoveries in gout therapies, showcasing his commitment to translational and impactful research. Professor Zou is a Vice Chairman of The International Network of Scleroderma Clinical Care and Research (InSCAR) and holds top roles in major Chinese medical associations. His inclusion in editorial boards of renowned journals like the Journal of Chinese Rheumatology and Practical Internal Medicine further reflects his scientific stature. Recognized for both clinical excellence and research, Dr. Zou is a frequent speaker at international conferences, representing China on the global rheumatology stage. His achievements continue to inspire emerging researchers and clinicians worldwide.

Research Focus 

Professor Hejian Zou’s research focuses on autoimmune and connective tissue diseases, with a strong emphasis on gout, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. He explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, particularly macrophage polarization, regulatory T cell therapy, and follicular helper T cell function. His projects aim to develop targeted therapies that improve patient outcomes in autoimmune conditions. A pioneer in translational medicine, he has patented natural and pharmacological agents—such as paeoniflorin and melatonin—for the treatment of gout. His approach combines basic immunology, experimental therapeutics, and clinical trials, enabling bench-to-bedside innovation. He actively collaborates with national institutions, mentors young scientists, and publishes widely in SCI-indexed journals. His lab’s work not only contributes to the understanding of autoimmune pathogenesis but also to drug development and personalized treatment strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Publication Top Notes

  • Spatial multiomics decipher fibroblast–macrophage dynamics in systemic sclerosis
  • A Common Functional Variant at the Enhancer of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk Gene ORMDL3 Regulates its Expression Through Allele-Specific JunD Binding

Katiane – Medicinal Chemistry – Best Researcher Award

Katiane - Medicinal Chemistry - Best Researcher Award

UFPE - Brazil

Introduction

Katiane Cruz Magalhães Xavier is a dedicated researcher in the field of chemistry, with a particular focus on inorganic chemistry, materials science, and environmental applications. Her academic journey has led her to explore a wide range of topics, including the activation of clays for industrial applications, the use of natural materials for oil clarification, and the development of sustainable solutions for biotechnological purposes. Currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), her work continues to push the boundaries of chemical research with an emphasis on both academic and practical outcomes.

Inorganic Chemistry and Clay Activation

Katiane's research on the thermal activation of palygorskite, a natural clay mineral, has contributed significantly to the field of inorganic chemistry. Her work on using thermally activated palygorskite to clarify soybean oil, published in Applied Clay Science (2016), has garnered attention for its potential to improve industrial processes related to oil purification. This study not only highlights the utility of clay materials but also presents an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional oil clarification methods.

Materials Science and Surface Modifications

Katiane has also made substantial contributions to materials science, particularly in understanding the effects of acid treatment on clay minerals. Her collaborative research, featured in Materials Research (2014), examined how acid treatment alters the surface area, morphology, and chemical composition of palygorskite, paving the way for more efficient applications of clays in various industries. These insights are crucial for the development of enhanced materials that are both functional and sustainable.

Environmental and Biotechnological Applications

As part of her doctoral research at UFPE, Katiane is exploring the use of macroalgae from the Pernambuco coast. Her project, titled Macroalgae from the Pernambuco Coast: From the Use of Crude Extracts to Electrospun Films for Biotechnological Applications, focuses on harnessing the biotechnological potential of marine resources. By creating electrospun films from macroalgae extracts, she aims to develop innovative materials for use in various biotechnological fields, including medicine, environmental science, and materials engineering.

Oil Purification and Environmental Sustainability

Katiane's work on oil clarification extends beyond traditional chemical methods and emphasizes environmentally sustainable approaches. Her research into using thermally activated clays, particularly in the context of soybean oil purification, offers a green alternative to chemical treatments. This work aligns with global trends in minimizing the environmental impact of industrial processes and contributes to the development of cleaner technologies in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Interdisciplinary Research in Chemistry

Katiane's research is rooted in the intersection of several disciplines, including inorganic chemistry, materials science, and environmental chemistry. Her ability to bridge these areas allows for a holistic approach to problem-solving, addressing both practical and theoretical challenges. This interdisciplinary methodology has equipped her with the skills to develop solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also applicable in real-world scenarios.

Conclusion

Katiane Cruz Magalhães Xavier’s academic and research career has been defined by her commitment to advancing the fields of inorganic chemistry, materials science, and biotechnological applications. Through her innovative work on clay activation, oil clarification, and macroalgae-based materials, she continues to contribute valuable knowledge that could have far-reaching implications in both industrial and environmental sectors. As a doctoral candidate at UFPE, her research promises to further enhance our understanding of natural materials and their potential for sustainable development.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Thermally activated palygorskites as agents to clarify soybean oil

Effects of acid treatment on the clay palygorskite: XRD, surface area, morphological and chemical composition

Zhao-Jie Wang – Medicinal Chemistry – Best Researcher Award

Zhao-Jie Wang - Medicinal Chemistry - Best Researcher Award

Yunnan Normal University - China

Introduction

Dr. Zhao-Jie Wang is an eminent researcher in the field of natural products, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology. With an extensive portfolio of over 33 SCI-indexed publications, Dr. Wang has made substantial contributions to understanding antimicrobial compounds, drug development, and therapeutic strategies against multidrug-resistant pathogens. His research bridges phytochemistry and pharmacology, offering innovative solutions to pressing challenges in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial Natural Products

Dr. Wang has extensively studied bioactive compounds derived from plants and fungi to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. His work, featured in leading journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Food Chemistry: X, provides a comprehensive analysis of plant-based antimicrobial agents, their chemical compositions, and mechanisms of action. His studies on Zanthoxylum species and Sigesbeckia orientalis are pivotal in discovering new therapeutic agents.

Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections

A significant aspect of Dr. Wang's research focuses on developing novel strategies to address multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. His study on light-controllable chitosan micelles for bacterial biofilm treatment, published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=11.2), exemplifies his innovative approach. This research provides a promising avenue for combating MDR bacteria using advanced nanotechnology.

Phytochemical Analysis and Bioactivity

Dr. Wang has explored the phytochemistry of various herbs and their bioactivity against pathogens. His work includes detailed characterization of chemical constituents using LC-MS and their evaluation for antibacterial, antifungal, and nematicidal activities. Studies published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and Heliyon highlight his expertise in bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmacology.

Therapeutic Strategies for Infectious Diseases

With a focus on infectious diseases, Dr. Wang has proposed innovative therapeutic strategies to combat intracellular MDR bacteria. His study published in the Journal of Controlled Release (IF=10.8) offers groundbreaking insights into targeted drug delivery systems and their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy against challenging infections.

Bioactivity-Driven Drug Development

Dr. Wang’s research on bioactivity-driven isolation and characterization of antifungal and antibacterial compounds has significantly contributed to drug development. Studies on compounds such as diterpenoids, ent-kaurane diterpenes, and formononetin derivatives underscore his efforts in identifying potential therapeutic agents for osteoclast regulation and bacterial resistance management.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhao-Jie Wang's diverse and impactful research continues to advance the understanding of natural products, antimicrobial pharmacology, and innovative therapeutic approaches. His multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to addressing global health challenges have established him as a leading figure in the field of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. Through his work, Dr. Wang aims to contribute to the development of safer and more effective treatments for drug-resistant pathogens, ensuring a brighter future for global healthcare.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Siegesoxylipin A‒J, previously undescribed phyto-oxylipins inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci from Sigesbeckia orientalis

Diterpenoids of Caryopteris trichosphaera W. W. Sm. inhibiting MRSA and VRE in vitro and in vivo.

Oleanolic acid derivatives against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi by multi-targets to avoid drug resistance

Phytocannabinoid-like meroterpenoids from twigs and leaves of Rhododendron spinuliferum

New resorcylic acid derivatives of Lysimachia tengyuehensis against MRSA and VRE by interfering with bacterial metabolic imbalance

Rahul K. Reddy – Pharmacology – Excellence in Research

Rahul K. Reddy - Pharmacology - Excellence in Research

Lautoka Hospital - Fiji

Introduction

Rahul K. Reddy is an accomplished researcher and medical professional specializing in urology, surgery, and trauma care. With a focus on advancing medical understanding and clinical outcomes in challenging cases, Dr. Reddy has contributed significantly to the fields of laparoscopic surgery, burn care, and acute surgical conditions. His work is characterized by its depth of clinical insight and dedication to improving patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings, particularly in Fiji.

Laparoscopic Surgery in Urology

Dr. Reddy's pioneering work in the laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cystadenoma underscores his expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Published in Urology Case Reports (2019), this study has provided valuable insights into rare urological conditions, offering innovative approaches to their management.

Burn Injury Characteristics and Outcomes

In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, Dr. Reddy conducted an in-depth analysis of burn injury patterns and treatment outcomes at Lautoka Hospital. His findings, featured in Burns Open (2024), have contributed to the optimization of burn care protocols in resource-limited settings, enhancing recovery rates and patient care quality.

Acute Appendicitis Management

Through an observational retrospective study on acute appendicitis at Lautoka Aspen Hospital, Dr. Reddy explored the clinical characteristics and outcomes over a one-year period (2022–2023). Published in World Journal of Surgical Research (2024), this research offers evidence-based recommendations for improving appendicitis management in Pacific Island healthcare systems.

Rare Tumors and Pathologies

Dr. Reddy has also delved into the study of rare pathologies, such as primary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the kidney pelvis. His case report, published in the American Journal of Surgery and Clinical Case Reports (2020), adds to the limited literature on this rare tumor type, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and tailored surgical interventions.

Trauma and Emergency Medicine

With a holistic approach to trauma care, Dr. Reddy's research addresses the critical needs of patients in emergency settings. His work highlights the significance of multidisciplinary collaboration and protocol-driven management in achieving favorable outcomes for complex trauma cases.

Conclusion

Rahul K. Reddy’s extensive research portfolio reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient care. By addressing diverse challenges in urology, surgery, and trauma care, Dr. Reddy continues to contribute to the development of innovative treatments and clinical best practices, with a lasting impact on global and regional healthcare.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cystadenoma 2019 (4)

Burns injury characteristics and outcomes at lautoka hospital, fiji 2024

Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Appendicitis in Lautoka Aspen Hospital, Fiji: An Observational Retrospective Study (09/22–09/23) 2024

Primary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Kidney Pelvis 2020