Supraja R Prasad | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Supraja R Prasad | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Kuvempu University | India

Ms. Supraja R. Prasad is a passionate researcher and educator specializing in organic synthesis, computational chemistry, and the design of biologically active heterocycles. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep dedication to the integration of sustainable chemical methodologies with modern computational tools to advance the field of drug discovery. She is particularly recognized for her innovative work on the green synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, utilizing eco-friendly multicomponent reactions and natural catalysts to create molecular frameworks with promising therapeutic potential.Her research portfolio spans multiple interrelated areas, including mechanochemical synthesis of heterocyclic derivatives, density functional theory (DFT) studies, and spectral characterization of synthesized compounds. She has also explored the anti-diabetic activity of synthesized derivatives, focusing on developing safer and more efficient alpha-glucosidase inhibitors for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. By combining experimental synthesis with computational modeling and molecular docking analyses, Ms. Prasad bridges the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical pharmacological applications.Her recent publication in the Journal of the Indian Chemical Society highlights her contributions to the synthesis and evaluation of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, further strengthening her position within the scientific community. Through her work, she demonstrates how green chemistry can drive meaningful advancements in pharmaceutical sciences while minimizing environmental impact.Ms. Prasad’s academic mission is rooted in the belief that collaborative, interdisciplinary research can accelerate innovation. She emphasizes teamwork, creativity, and knowledge sharing as the cornerstones of impactful scientific progress. Her approach integrates sustainability, molecular insight, and therapeutic relevance — a combination that continues to shape her vision for future research.Her ongoing studies and contributions to organic synthesis, bioactivity assessment, and computational modeling position her as an emerging leader in sustainable chemistry and computational drug discovery, striving to make scientific research both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Clay catalyzed dihydropyrimidinone synthesis: α-glucosidase inhibition and chemoinformatics. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society.

Basharat Ali | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Basharat Ali | Drug Discovery and Development | Pakistan

University of Baltistan | Pakistan

Assist. Prof. Dr. Basharat Ali is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in medicinal chemistry, heterocyclic synthesis, and polymer science with extensive expertise in designing and synthesizing biologically active compounds. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan, he has a diverse academic and research background, including postdoctoral research at the College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, China, where he contributed to the development of chemiluminescent dioxetane probes for disease diagnosis, fluorescent probes for hydrogen sulfide detection, and anthraquinone derivatives as anti-infective agents. He has also worked as a research assistant at Zhejiang University, China, focusing on mechanistic studies of olefin polymerization using α-Diimine nickel(II) catalysts, and at the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, where he specialized in synthetic organic chemistry and bioactive heterocycles.Dr. Basharat Ali’s research interests include the synthesis, structural modification, and biological evaluation of medicinally important synthetic derivatives, probe design for environmental and biomedical applications, multicomponent reactions, polymer synthesis, and catalytic system development. He has supervised numerous postgraduate students and contributed extensively to the field with multiple high-impact publications in reputable international journals. Some of his significant research publications include Synthesis and biological evaluations of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives as dual acting enzyme inhibitors to target inflammation and diabetes, Carbothioamides as anticancer agents: synthesis, in-vitro activity, structure-activity relationship evaluations and molecular docking, Synthesis of (E)-3-(aryl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one Chalcone Derivatives for Hyperglycemic Effect in Diabetes.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Li, S., Zhan, L., Zhao, W., Zhang, S., Ali, B., Fu, Z., Lau, T. K., Lu, X., Shi, M., Li, C. Z., … (2018). Revealing the effects of molecular packing on the performances of polymer solar cells based on A–D–C–D–A type non-fullerene acceptors. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 6(25), 12132–12141.

Ali, F., Khan, K. M., Salar, U., Iqbal, S., Taha, M., Ismail, N. H., Perveen, S., … (2016). Dihydropyrimidones: As novel class of β-glucuronidase inhibitors. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 24(16), 3624–3635.

Abbas, A., Ali, B., Khan, K. M., Iqbal, J., Rahman, S. U., Zaib, S., Perveen, S. (2019). Synthesis and in vitro urease inhibitory activity of benzohydrazide derivatives, in silico and kinetic studies. Bioorganic Chemistry, 82, 163–177.

Ali, B., Khan, K. M., Hussain, S., Hussain, S., Ashraf, M., Riaz, M., Wadood, A., … (2018). Synthetic nicotinic/isonicotinic thiosemicarbazides: In vitro urease inhibitory activities and molecular docking studies. Bioorganic Chemistry, 79, 34–45.

Naz, F., Latif, M., Salar, U., Khan, K. M., Al-Rashida, M., Ali, I., Ali, B., Taha, M., … (2020). 4-Oxycoumarinyl linked acetohydrazide Schiff bases as potent urease inhibitors. Bioorganic Chemistry, 105, 104365.

Salar, U., Khan, K. M., Taha, M., Ismail, N. H., Ali, B., Perveen, S., Ghufran, M., … (2017). Biology-oriented drug synthesis (BIODS): In vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory and in silico studies on 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl) ethyl aryl carboxylate derivatives. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 125, 1289–1299.

Ali, M., Khan, K. M., Salar, U., Ashraf, M., Taha, M., Wadood, A., Hamid, S., Riaz, M., … (2018). Synthesis, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and in silico study of (E)-thiosemicarbazones and (E)-2-(2-(arylmethylene)hydrazinyl)-4-arylthiazole derivatives. Molecular Diversity, 22(4), 841–861.

Wuting Lu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wuting Lu | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wuting Lu at Jiangxi Academy of Sciences | China

Dr. Wuting Lu is a dedicated researcher specializing in immunotoxicology, neurobiology, and aquatic toxicology. With a strong academic background and diverse research experience, Dr. Lu has contributed significantly to understanding environmental toxicants and their effects on immunity and neurodevelopment using zebrafish models. He has participated in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, focusing on mechanisms of high-risk autism genes and their impact on the gut-immune-brain axis. His work has resulted in several high-impact journal publications, advancing knowledge in environmental safety, immunology, and neurobiology. Currently, he serves as Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences.

Publication Profile 

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Wuting Lu completed his Ph.D. in Biology at Nanchang University, where his research explored immunotoxicity and neurodevelopmental effects of environmental pollutants. He earned his M.S. in Neurobiology, also from Nanchang University, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms in the nervous system. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Aquaculture at Dalian Ocean University, providing him with a strong foundation in aquatic biology and toxicology. This multidisciplinary training enabled him to integrate environmental science, immunology, and neuroscience into his research, developing expertise in both experimental techniques and advanced molecular analysis approaches for investigating complex biological interactions.

Experience 

Dr. Wuting Lu professional career includes roles in academic research and laboratory management. He currently serves as Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute of Microbiology, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, where he investigates immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity mechanisms. Before this, he worked as a Laboratory Technician at Jinggangshan University, gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology, immunology, and laboratory safety management. He has actively participated in several National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, contributing to studies on autism gene regulation, microglial activation, and the gut-immune-brain axis. His multidisciplinary experience spans aquatic toxicology, neurobiology, immunology, and transcriptomic analysis, bridging fundamental research with environmental health concerns.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Wuting Lu has received recognition for his research contributions through participation in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, including studies on the high-risk autism gene CHD8 and its effects on microglial activation and the gut-immune-brain axis. His publications in leading journals, such as Fish & Shellfish Immunology and Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, highlight his impactful work on immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and antioxidant mechanisms in aquatic organisms. While early in his independent research career, his achievements demonstrate excellence in experimental design, molecular analysis, and scientific communication, positioning him as a promising researcher in environmental health and neuroimmunology fields.

Research Focus 

Dr. Wuting Lu research focuses on immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and environmental safety, particularly investigating the effects of environmental toxicants on immune and nervous system development using zebrafish as a model organism. He explores molecular mechanisms underlying pollutant-induced oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and neurodevelopmental impairments. Additionally, he studies the regulatory roles of genes, such as CHD8, in microglial activation and the gut-immune-brain axis, linking environmental exposures to autism spectrum disorders. His work integrates toxicology, transcriptomics, and neuroimmunology to elucidate pathways of toxicity, identify potential biomarkers, and provide insights into environmental risk assessment, contributing to public health and ecological sustainability research.

Publication Top Notes

Immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by natural borneol and synthetic borneol in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Immunotoxicity and transcriptome analysis of zebrafish embryos exposure to Nitazoxanide

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Wuting Lu exhibits a strong research trajectory with impactful publications, interdisciplinary expertise, and contributions to nationally funded projects. His work in environmental toxicology, neurobiology, and molecular mechanisms aligns well with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on independent project leadership and global collaboration, Dr. Lu has the potential not only to be a strong award candidate but also to emerge as a leading researcher in his field.

Michael Swedberg | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Michael Swedberg | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr Michael Swedberg, Swedberg Preclinical Partner, Sweden

Dr. Michael Swedberg is a distinguished pharmacologist with extensive expertise in safety pharmacology, CNS pharmacology, gastrointestinal pharmacology, and drug abuse assessment. He has held key leadership roles, including Associate Director at AstraZeneca and founder of Swedberg Preclinical Partner AB. His global impact includes contributions to regulatory compliance, developing novel animal models, and mentoring future researchers. With a Ph.D. in discrimination learning and postdoctoral training at NIDA, Dr. Swedberg has collaborated internationally and received numerous accolades for his innovative research and leadership. His career embodies excellence in pharmacology and preclinical drug discovery. 🌍💊🔬

Publication Profile

scopus

Education

Dr. Michael Swedberg is a distinguished academic and researcher, having earned his Ph.D. in 1985 from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. His doctoral dissertation focused on “A Model of Discrimination Learning with Interoceptive Stimuli.” He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specializing in addiction research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Preclinical Pharmacology Branch in Baltimore, Maryland (1985–1988). Additionally, Dr. Swedberg holds a Bachelor of Social Science (B.S.Sc.) from Uppsala University, with a comprehensive background in psychology, sociology, and law. 🧠📚🎓

Professional Appointments

Dr. Michael Swedberg has had an extensive and distinguished career in pharmacology and drug discovery. From 2014 to 2021, he was the Founder and CEO of Swedberg Preclinical Partner AB in Sweden. Prior to that, he was a Partner and Consultant at The Research Network (TRN) from 2014 to 2016. His earlier career includes key roles at AstraZeneca R&D, where he served as Associate Director in Safety Pharmacology and Preclinical Development. He also held senior leadership positions at Novo Nordisk and Ferrosan. Dr. Swedberg’s journey began as a Lecturer at Mälardalen University in 1981. 🧑‍🔬💉📚

Academic Service

Dr. Michael Swedberg has made significant contributions to the field of pharmacology and neuroscience through various roles. He served as a board member for the Department of Psychology at the University of Uppsala and the Faculty of Social Sciences from 1980 to 1985. His leadership extended to chairing the Council of Graduate Students. Recognized for his service, Dr. Swedberg received awards from the Drug Abuse Liability Ad Hoc Committee and for his work with the Lilly–Novo Nordisk Muscarinic Research Collaboration. He has also been a grant evaluator for the European Union and Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development. 🌍🔬🧠

Presentations

Dr. Michael Swedberg has made significant contributions to the field of drug safety and abuse liability assessment. His research, presented at multiple prestigious meetings, includes the role of drug discrimination studies in evaluating novel compounds’ abuse potential. Notably, his work at the Safety Pharmacology Society, American College of Toxicology, and the Swedish Pharmaceutical Congress has advanced methodologies like rat self-administration and drug discrimination for psychoactive effects. His work on the interaction between mGluR5 antagonists and benzodiazepines also stands out. Swedberg’s contributions to safety pharmacology have had a lasting impact on CNS drug development and regulatory guidelines. 🧠💊

Lecturing and teaching

Dr. Michael Swedberg has delivered extensive lectures and seminars on safety pharmacology, drug abuse, and CNS risk assessment. His contributions include lectures at the American College of Toxicology, Safety Pharmacology Society, and the European Congress of Toxicologic Pathology, focusing on drug dependence, abuse liability, and CNS safety. Additionally, Swedberg has provided in-depth training on the regulatory and industrial challenges in drug development at AstraZeneca and other global platforms. His teaching spans from the biomedical program at Karolinska Institute to the University of Uppsala, covering neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, and drug addiction. His educational materials are widely respected in the field. 🧠📚💊

Academic Supervision

Dr. Michael Swedberg has mentored numerous students at various stages of their academic careers, including graduate, Ph.D., and postdoctoral researchers. He supervised students at Umeå University, University of Uppsala, and Karolinska Institute, guiding experimental work in fields such as cannabinoid tolerance, dopamine release, and nicotine’s effects on learning. His postdoctoral supervision included projects on visual and auditory discrimination in drug testing. Swedberg’s research has been supported by multiple prestigious grants, such as the Clas Groschinsky Memorial Foundation and the Swedish Medical Research Council. His contributions have significantly advanced brain and behavior research. 🎓🧠💡

Committee Service

Dr. Michael Swedberg held several key roles at AstraZeneca, including membership in the Safety Knowledge Group for CNS and leadership in CNS GLP Safety Pharmacology Harmonization. He was also a part of multiple committees, such as the AstraZeneca Expert Advisory Group on Abuse Liability and the Cross Company Abuse Liability Consortium. Dr. Swedberg contributed to international organizations like PhRMA and CPDD, focusing on drug abuse liability. He attended professional courses in safety pharmacology, project management, and leadership, further enhancing his expertise. Additionally, he completed a teaching course at Karolinska Institute, strengthening his academic influence. 🧠💊🎓

Research Focus

Dr. Michael Swedberg’s research focuses on the pharmacology of muscarinic receptors and their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in relation to neurological and psychiatric disorders. His work has delved into muscarinic receptor agonists, with significant contributions to the understanding of their antipsychotic and antinociceptive properties. Additionally, he has explored the role of nicotinic compounds and their reinforcing effects. His research has implications for treating conditions like schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. 🧠🔬💊 His studies on receptor-ligand interactions and pharmacological profiles contribute to the development of novel drugs for various neurological and gastrointestinal conditions.

Publication Top Notes

Approaches for early identification of abuse potential liability

Drug discrimination: A versatile tool for characterization of CNS safety pharmacology and potential for drug abuse

Drug Discrimination: Use in Preclinical Assessment of Abuse Liability

AZD9272 and AZD2066: Selective and highly central nervous system penetrant mGluR5 antagonists characterized by their discriminative effects

Prediction and modeling of effects on the QTc interval for clinical safety margin assessment, based on single-ascending-dose study data with AZD3839

A multi-site comparison of in vivo safety pharmacology studies conducted to support ICH S7A & B regulatory submissions

Establishment of auditory discrimination and detection of tinnitus induced by salicylic acid and intense tone exposure in the rat

Prof. Maysoon Al-Haideri| Drug Discovery |Best Researcher Award

Prof. Maysoon Al-Haideri|Drug Discovery|Best Researcher Award

Prof. Maysoon Al-Haideri at University oh Kurdistan Hewlêr,Iraq

PROFILE  

scopus 

 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Al-Haideri began her educational journey at Baghdad University, where she completed her B.Sc. in Pharmacy in 1973. She demonstrated early promise and a strong interest in clinical analysis, leading her to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Clinical Analysis from Baghdad University between 1977 and 1979. Her academic curiosity and pursuit of excellence took her to the United States, where she attended Columbia University in the City of New York, earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1983, followed by an M.Phil. in Pathology in 1985. Her dedication and passion culminated in a Ph.D. in Pathology from Columbia University in 1987, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in clinical research and academia.

Professional Endeavors 🩺

Dr. Al-Haideri’s professional career began in Iraq, where she gained practical experience and took on leadership roles in several medical institutions. She completed a traineeship in Clinical Hematology, Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology, Parasitology, and Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health in Baghdad from 1974 to 1975. Following this, she served as the Director of the Clinical Laboratory at Abo-Alkhaseab Hospital in Basrah (1975-1976) and Chief of the Clinical Biochemistry and Hematology Divisions at Al-Khadmia Teaching Hospital in Baghdad (1976-1981). During this time, she was also responsible for student supervision and training, highlighting her commitment to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

From 1981 to 1982, Dr. Al-Haideri took on a national role as the Director of Quality Control and Standardization for all public clinical laboratories in Iraq, ensuring the consistent application of best practices in clinical analysis. Her leadership and expertise were further recognized when she undertook a traineeship in infertility at the Ministry of Health in Baghdad in 1982, signaling her growing influence in medical diagnostics and reproductive health.

In the United States, Dr. Al-Haideri continued her impressive trajectory, completing a postdoctoral fellowship at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York (1987-1988), followed by research positions at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (1988-1990) and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (1989-1991). During this time, she held the title of Instructor of Immunology, Rheumatology, and Allergy. Dr. Al-Haideri’s academic and research career reached new heights when she joined Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she worked as an NIH Postdoctoral Research Trainee (1991-1994), eventually becoming an Associate Research Scientist and Assistant Professor (1994-2004).

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Al-Haideri’s research has primarily focused on clinical pathology, immunology, rheumatology, and allergy. Her work has been instrumental in enhancing the understanding of immunological responses in various pathological conditions. She has been actively involved in numerous research projects, often collaborating with leading medical institutions in both the U.S. and Iraq.

Her role as Director of Quality Control and Standardization in Iraq’s Ministry of Health laid the groundwork for the development of national policies aimed at ensuring the accuracy and reliability of clinical laboratory diagnostics across the country. In the U.S., her work at prestigious institutions like Columbia University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine helped advance the field of immunology, particularly in relation to autoimmune diseases.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Al-Haideri’s work has been widely recognized through various awards and honors. She received NIH Grant Awards from 1991 to 1994, which supported her groundbreaking research in immunology and pathology. Her academic excellence was also acknowledged at Columbia University, where she was awarded Graduate Research Assistantships.

Her commitment to medical education and healthcare development in Iraq earned her numerous accolades, including being named Employee of the Year at Hawler Medical University in Erbil, Kurdistan in 2012. Additionally, she received letters of appreciation from the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kurdistan region, as well as from the President of Hawler Medical University and several deans of colleges at the university for her contributions to education and healthcare.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Al-Haideri has had a profound impact on medical education and healthcare both in Iraq and abroad. As a leader in various institutions, she has played a critical role in shaping the medical education system in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Her tenure as Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Hawler Medical University (2014-2018) and Director of Quality Assurance (2010-2015) helped set new standards for academic excellence and institutional leadership in the region.

Her influence extends beyond academia. Dr. Al-Haideri has been an active member of numerous professional societies, including the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Heart Association, further cementing her status as a respected expert in her field. Her involvement in international organizations, such as the International Institute of Education in New York, reflects her commitment to global collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Dr. Maysoon Tahir Al-Haideri’s legacy is one of dedication to advancing medical knowledge, improving healthcare systems, and fostering academic excellence. Her work has had a lasting impact on the clinical and academic landscapes in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan region, where she has influenced generations of healthcare professionals through her leadership roles at Hawler Medical University and Cihan University-Erbil.

As she continues her work as the Director of the Pharmacy Program at the University of Kurdistan Hewler, Dr. Al-Haideri remains committed to mentoring students and contributing to the development of the healthcare sector in the region. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of scientists, educators, and healthcare professionals, ensuring her legacy will endure for years to come.

🎓Publication 

Silymarin suppresses proliferation and PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer cells and increases inflammatory CD8+ cells in tumor-bearing mice

  • Authors   :Al-Haideri, M.
  • Journal    :Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology
  • Year         :2024

Functional and financial analysis of an inclined step solar desalination using phase change nanomaterials

  • Authors   : Mahal, A., Al-Haideri, M., Alkhouri, A., Obaidullah, A.J., Duan, M.
  • Journal    :Water Science and Technology
  • Year         :2024

Tuning the optoelectronic properties of selenophene-diketopyrrolopyrrole-based non-fullerene acceptor to obtain efficient organic solar cells through end-capped modification

  • Authors   :Ijaz, R., Waqas, M., Mahal, A., Alatawi, N.S., Aloui, Z.
  • Journal    :Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling,
  • Year         :2024

Rational designing of phenothiazine dioxide based hole transporting materials for efficient perovskite solar cells

  • Authors   : Hanan, M., Umair, Mahal, A., Farooq, Z., Mahr, M.S.
  • Journal    : Solar Energy,
  • Year         :2024

Linking the increasing epidemiology of scrub typhus transmission in India and South Asia: are the varying environment and the reservoir animals the factors behind?

  • Authors   : Mohapatra, R.K., Al-Haideri, M., Mishra, S., Mohanty, A., Sah, R.
  • Journal    :Frontiers in Tropical Diseases,
  • Year         :2024