Fabrizio Carta | Medicinal Chemistry | Pharmaceutical Research Excellence Award

Prof. Fabrizio Carta | Medicinal Chemistry | Pharmaceutical Research Excellence Award

Universita’ degli Studi di di Firenze | Italy

Prof. Fabrizio Carta is an accomplished medicinal chemist and academic leader whose research bridges rational drug design, molecular pharmacology, and structure–activity relationship analysis to address critical unmet medical needs. As an Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Florence, within the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Area and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), he has established an internationally recognized research profile centered on the discovery and optimization of innovative bioactive compounds of both natural and synthetic origin. His scientific vision integrates chemical creativity with biological insight, enabling the development of next-generation therapeutic agents with improved selectivity, efficacy, and safety profiles.His research activity spans three interconnected domains. The first focuses on the rational design and synthesis of novel small molecules targeting challenging disease pathways, with particular emphasis on antiglaucoma, anti-obesity, anticancer, and antiviral agents. The second domain is dedicated to the in-depth molecular characterization of biological activity and mechanisms of action, combining chemical synthesis, biochemical evaluation, and pharmacological validation to uncover new drug targets and signaling pathways. The third domain involves advanced structure–activity relationship studies, often supported by structural biology data, to guide structure-based optimization and minimize off-target effects.A major hallmark of Prof. Carta’s work is his pioneering contribution to the field of carbonic anhydrase modulation. As principal investigator or co-investigator on multiple funded projects, he has designed and synthesized a broad spectrum of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and modulators belonging to diverse chemical classes, including sulfonamides, sulfamides, sulfamates, carboxylic acids, coumarins, polyamines, phenols, dithiocarbamates, xanthates, and monothiocarbamates. Notably, he contributed to the discovery of entirely new inhibitor classes, significantly expanding the chemical space of zinc-binding motifs and influencing subsequent drug discovery efforts. His work also played a key role in the development of a clinically advanced carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitor for the management of hypoxic tumors.

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Jean Noël Nyemb | Medicinal Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jean Noël Nyemb | Medicinal Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

The University of Maroua | Cameroon

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jean Noël Nyemb is a distinguished Cameroonian scholar in Organic Chemistry, widely recognized for his contributions to natural products chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and applied chemical sciences. He serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Refining and Petrochemistry at the National Advanced School of Mines and Petroleum Industries, University of Maroua, where he plays a leading role in teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, and curriculum development. Over the course of his academic journey, he has held several positions across respected higher education institutions, including the University of Maroua, the University of Ngaoundere, and the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Yaounde. His progressive career includes roles as Instructor, Lecturer, Part-time Lecturer, Research Fellow, and ultimately Senior Lecturer, reflecting a consistent record of academic excellence, professional growth, and dedication to scientific advancement.Dr. Nyemb earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with the highest distinction, specializing in Natural Products Chemistry, following a strong academic foundation that includes graduate and undergraduate degrees in Organic and Applied Chemistry. His scientific expertise covers the isolation, characterization, and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites, the synthesis and semi-synthesis of biologically active compounds, and the evaluation of their pharmacological potential, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, and chemotaxonomic relevance. His research further integrates molecular docking, computational drug design, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, enzymology, and biochemistry, illustrating his multidisciplinary approach to discovering bioactive molecules with therapeutic value.With more than forty publications, an impressive cumulative impact factor, and numerous articles as principal or co-author, Dr. Nyemb has established himself as a productive scientist in his field. His works span areas such as phytochemical profiling, medicinal plant research, natural compound synthesis, and biological activity evaluation. His publications are well-cited globally, and his h-index reflects strong scholarly influence. Dr. Nyemb is also actively involved in ongoing research projects focusing on bioactive compounds from Vernonia species and members of the Zingiberaceae family, highlighting his interest in medicinal plants and ethnopharmacological resources.

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Ali Darehkordi | Medicinal Chemistry | Research Excellence Award

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.

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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.

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.

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Featured Publications

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

Galal Elgemeie | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Galal Elgemeie | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Helwan University | Egypt

Prof. Elgemeie stands as a distinguished figure in the field of organic and medicinal chemistry, with a research career deeply rooted in the development and mechanistic understanding of organic reactions and their applications in synthesizing antimetabolic agents. His scholarly pursuits bridge fundamental chemistry with biomedical innovation, particularly in the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds aimed at combating cancer and viral diseases. Through his extensive academic contributions, he has established a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire scientists and researchers globally.An internationally recognized scientist, Prof. Elgemeie was elected as a member of the Scientific Board of the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) under UNESCO in Paris, France, reflecting his global influence and leadership in advancing the chemical sciences. His postdoctoral experiences across Germany, the United States, and England—supported by prestigious foundations such as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Fulbright Program, and the British Council—shaped his multidisciplinary expertise and broadened his research collaborations across continents.Prof. Elgemeie’s innovative research has led to numerous impactful projects, including the design and synthesis of novel epigenetic small molecules and antimetabolites in collaboration with the Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Düsseldorf University. His pioneering work in developing sofosbuvir analogues for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatocellular carcinoma among Egyptian patients demonstrates his commitment to translating scientific discovery into therapeutic applications with real-world benefits.His publication record is exceptional, with over 270 papers indexed in international databases such as Scopus, and his scientific influence is further underscored by a significant citation index. He has authored influential scientific books with leading publishers like Elsevier, offering comprehensive insights into cancer metabolism and heterocyclic chemistry. Prof. Elgemeie also holds several patents in process, reflecting his drive to innovate beyond academia and contribute to industry-based advancements in medicinal chemistry.Serving as an editorial board member for prominent journals including Current Microwave Chemistry, he continues to guide the global scientific dialogue in his field. His collaborations span several institutions worldwide, reinforcing his reputation as a bridge between Egyptian and international research communities.Beyond research, Prof. Elgemeie has played a vital role in educational reform and academic development across Egypt and the Arab region. He has supervised multiple cooperative projects with the European Community under the TEMPUS programme, contributing to the restructuring of higher education and aligning it with international standards. These initiatives have significantly advanced institutional capacity and innovation within Mediterranean and Arab universities.

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Featured Publications

Azzam, R. A., Seif, M. M., El-Demellawy, M. A., & Elgemeie, G. H. (2025). Novel 2-substituted benzothiazole derivatives: Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluations as potential anticancer agents. RSC Advances.

Elgemeie, G. H., Fathy, N. M., & Shaarawi, S. I. (2024). Naphthyl cyanoketene N, S-acetals in glycoside synthesis: A new preparative route to a new class of N-naphthylcyanoacrylamide thioglycosides and their conversions to naphthyl–pyrazole hybrids. Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids.

Abu-Zaied, M. A., Nawwar, G. A., & Elgemeie, G. H. (2024). Novel synthesis of a new class of substituted S-glycosylisothiourea derivatives and their conversion to 5-amino-1,2,4-triazoles. Synthetic Communications.

Metwally, N. H., Elgemeie, G. H., & Fahmy, F. G. (2023). Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzothiazolyl-pyridine hybrids as new antiviral agents against H5N1 bird flu and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. ACS Omega.

Abdallah, A. E. M., Abdel-Latif, S. A., & Elgemeie, G. H. (2023). Novel fluorescent benzothiazolyl-coumarin hybrids as anti-SARS-COVID-2 agents supported by molecular docking studies: Design, synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, DFT, and TD-DFT/PCM calculations. ACS Omega.

Ahmed, E. A., Elgemeie, G. H., & Azzam, R. A. (2023). Synthesis of new sulfapyrimidine and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives. Synthetic Communications.

Khedr, M. A., Zaghary, W. A., Elsherif, G. E., Azzam, R. A., & Elgemeie, G. H. (2023). Purine analogs: Synthesis, evaluation and molecular dynamics of pyrazolopyrimidines-based benzothiazole as anticancer and antimicrobial CDK inhibitors. Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids.

Karanvir Singh | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Karanvir Singh | Medicinal Chemistry | India

Guru Nanak Dev University | India

Mr. Karanvir Singh is a dynamic and highly skilled researcher in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry, currently pursuing his Doctorate of Philosophy at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India. His ongoing doctoral research, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, focuses on the design and synthesis of 1,2,4-triazine hybrids with Nipecotic acid for anticonvulsant activity, emphasizing computational modeling, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel anticonvulsant agents. He holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry) from ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, where he completed a thesis on the design and synthesis of 1,2,4-triazine derivatives for anticonvulsant activity under the guidance of Dr. Vikramdeep Monga and Dr. Bhupinder Kumar. His strong academic foundation was built upon a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the Laureate Institute of Pharmacy, Himachal Pradesh.With a blend of academic excellence and industrial exposure, Mr. Singh has worked as an Assistant QA Chemist at United Biotech Pvt. Ltd., where he gained extensive experience in pharmaceutical quality assurance. His scientific expertise spans molecular docking, fragment-based drug design, pharmacophore modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, organic synthesis, compound purification, and structural elucidation using analytical tools such as NMR, FT-IR, HPLC, and Mass spectrometry.Mr. Singh has made significant contributions to the scientific community, authoring multiple research and review articles in reputed journals. His notable publications include Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Triazole-Linked Lignan–Monoterpenoid-Based Hybrid Molecules as Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors with Potent In Vivo Efficacy; Design, Synthesis, and Multi-Target Biological Evaluation of 1,2,3-Triazole Linked Indole–Thiazolidinedione Hybrids as Potent α-Glucosidase, α-Amylase, and DPP-4 Inhibitors with Antioxidant Potential; Design, Synthesis, Antibacterial Evaluation, and Molecular Modelling Studies of 1,2,3-Triazole-Linked Coumarin–Vanillin Hybrids as Potential DNA Gyrase and Topoisomerase IV Inhibitors; and Development of Coumarin-Inspired Bifunctional Hybrids as a New Class of Anti-Alzheimer’s Agents with Potent In Vivo Efficacy. His review works, such as Exploring Norfloxacin Analogs in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Design, Mechanistic Insights, and Structure–Activity Relationship and Incredible Indolinedione Derivatives Nucleus in the Development of Anti-Diabetic Drugs: Exploring the Mechanistic Studies, Design, and Structure–Activity Relationship, further demonstrate his broad research vision and scientific depth.

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Featured Publications

Singh, K., Pal, R., Khan, S. A., Kumar, B., & Akhtar, M. J. Insights into the structure–activity relationship of nitrogen-containing heterocyclics for the development of antidepressant compounds: An updated review. Journal of Molecular Structure.

Singh, A., Malhotra, D., Singh, K., Chadha, R., & Bedi, P. M. S. Thiazole derivatives in medicinal chemistry: Recent advancements in synthetic strategies, structure–activity relationship, and pharmacological outcomes. Journal of Molecular Structure.

Singh, A., Singh, K., Sharma, A., Kaur, K., Kaur, K., Chadha, R., & Bedi, P. M. S. Recent developments in synthetic α-glucosidase inhibitors: A comprehensive review with structural and molecular insight. Journal of Molecular Structure.

Pal, R., Singh, K., Khan, S. A., Chawla, P., Kumar, B., & Akhtar, M. J. Reactive metabolites of the anticonvulsant drugs and approaches to minimize the adverse drug reaction. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Singh, A., Singh, K., Sharma, A., Kaur, K., Chadha, R., & Bedi, P. M. S. Recent advances in antifungal drug development targeting lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51): A comprehensive review with structural and molecular insights. Chemical Biology & Drug Design.

Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Song Guo Zheng | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine | China

Prof. Song Guo Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., is an internationally renowned immunologist and clinician-scientist specializing in rheumatology, molecular immunology, and translational medicine. He currently serves as Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. With academic leadership roles across prestigious institutions in the U.S. and China, his pioneering work spans autoimmunity, cell therapy, and immunoregulation. A prolific author with over 110 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals, Prof. Zheng is also a highly decorated researcher and active leader in global immunology societies. His contributions continue to shape modern immunotherapy and precision medicine.

Publication Profile 

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Education 

Prof. Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology from the University of Orleans, France (2011), and a Master’s in Pathology and Immunology from Shanghai Medical University (1992). He completed his M.D. at Anhui Medical University (1984). His clinical training included a residency in surgery at Chizhou City Hospital (1984–1989) and an internship at Shanghai Zhabei Hospital (1983–1984). He further pursued a pathology fellowship at Shanghai Medical University Cancer Hospital (1989–1993). These academic and clinical foundations laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in immunology, clinical research, and translational medicine across both China and the United States.

Experience 

Prof. Zheng currently serves as Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Dean of the School of Cell and Gene Therapy (2023–Present). He previously held senior positions including the Ronald L. Whisler Chair in Rheumatology and Immunology at Ohio State University (2018–2022) and Director at Penn State University’s College of Medicine (2013–2018). His U.S. academic journey began at the University of Southern California as an assistant and associate professor (2004–2013), after postdoctoral work at USC and UCLA. With leadership in research, teaching, and clinical science, he has become a global authority in immunological therapeutics and rheumatology.

Awards

Prof. Zheng has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Outstanding Scientist Award (2023, USA) and the Distinguished Clinical Immunologist Award (2019, China). He was awarded the Edmund L. Dubois Award (2019), NIH STAR Award (2016–2021), and was Chair of NIH MOSS Study Section (2016). Notably, he earned the James R. Klinenberg Award for best immunologist in Southern California (2007) and the Freda Newton Memorial Scholar Award (2006). He is an elected member of The Henry Kunkel Society (2012) and a recipient of the ACR Investigator Award (2008–2010), reflecting his impactful and sustained contributions to clinical immunology.

Research Focus 

Prof. Zheng’s research centers on molecular immunology, particularly in autoimmune diseases, Treg/Th17 cell modulation, and immune tolerance mechanisms. He investigates immunometabolism, gene and cell therapy, and inflammatory signaling pathways with an emphasis on clinical translation. His studies on cytokines, nanomedicine, and immune checkpoint regulation aim to advance precision therapeutics for rheumatic and inflammatory diseases. He integrates cutting-edge techniques including single-cell sequencing, CRISPR-based modulation, and nano-drug delivery systems. His innovative research is highly cited and supports next-generation treatments for autoimmunity, cancer immunotherapy, and organ-specific inflammation, shaping global trends in immune-based medical interventions.

Publication Top Notes

Natural and induced CD4+ CD25+ cells educate CD4+ CD25− cells to develop suppressive activity: the role of IL-2, TGF-β, and IL-10

IL-2 is essential for TGF-β to convert naive CD4+ CD25− cells to CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and for expansion of these cells

Role of vitamin A in the immune system

Generation ex vivo of TGF-β-producing regulatory T cells from CD4+ CD25− precursors

Vitamin D and chronic diseases

TGF-β requires CTLA-4 early after T cell activation to induce FoxP3 and generate adaptive CD4+ CD25+ regulatory cells

Natural and TGF-β–induced Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are not mirror images of each other

Role of TNF–TNF receptor 2 signal in regulatory T cells and its therapeutic implications

Cutting edge: Foxp3+ CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells induced by IL-2 and TGF-β are resistant to Th17 conversion by IL-6

Hall of fame among pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 gene and its transcriptional regulation mechanisms

The ubiquitin ligase Stub1 negatively modulates regulatory T cell suppressive activity by promoting degradation of the transcription factor Foxp3

The role of the combination of IL-2 and TGF-β or IL-10 in the generation and function of CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+regulatory T cell subsets

Conclusion

Given his outstanding scientific productivity, leadership in global immunology communities, and groundbreaking research on immune regulation, Prof. Song Guo Zheng is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His body of work demonstrates not only scientific depth and innovation but also sustained impact on the field of immunology and clinical medicine. With ongoing contributions and strategic improvements, he remains a central figure in advancing immune-based therapies and education worldwide.