Bekri Melka Abdo | Drug Discovery and Development | Top Pharmaceutical Scientist Award

Bekri Melka Abdo | Drug Discovery and Development | Top Pharmaceutical Scientist Award

Mr. Bekri Melka Abdo, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia

Bekri Melka Abdo is a dedicated organic chemist specializing in natural product chemistry 🌿. With expertise in plant sample collection, extraction, compound isolation, and structure elucidation, he focuses on bioactive compounds from Ethiopia’s medicinal and aromatic plants. His research contributes to developing natural product-based treatments for leishmaniasis 🦠. He has two published journal articles, an h-index of 7, a Google patent, and an ISBN-registered book 📖. Actively engaged in research and consultancy, Bekri is committed to innovative drug discovery and advancing natural product chemistry for global health.

Publication Profile

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Education

Bekri Melka Abdo is a dedicated professional in organic chemistry 🧪, specializing in natural product chemistry 🌿. His expertise encompasses plant sample collection and preparation, extraction, compound isolation, and structure elucidation. He is skilled in qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as biological activity determination of natural products extracted from various aromatic and medicinally significant 🌱 exotic and endemic plant species of Ethiopia. With a strong foundation in the field, he contributes to the discovery and characterization of bioactive compounds, supporting advancements in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology 🔬. His research plays a vital role in exploring Ethiopia’s rich botanical resources.

Experience 

Bekri Melka Abdo is a passionate researcher in natural product chemistry 🌿, with a strong track record of research and innovation 🔬. He has successfully completed two research projects and maintains an h-index of 7 📊. His contributions extend to industry consultancy and collaborative projects, showcasing his impact in the field. He has authored a book with an ISBN 📖 and has a Google patent pending. His work is recognized in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals 🏅, with two publications. Actively engaged in editorial roles and professional memberships, he continues to drive scientific advancements in bioactive compound discovery.

Award

Bekri Melka Abdo, with his early career achievements and promising research in natural product chemistry 🌿, is an ideal candidate for the Young Scientist Award 🏆. His dedication to bioactive compound discovery, coupled with his impactful contributions to scientific research and innovation 🔬, highlights his potential for future breakthroughs. With a strong foundation in natural product extraction, analysis, and biological activity determination, he is paving the way for new discoveries in medicine and biotechnology 💊. This award category recognizes emerging researchers like Mr. Abdo, whose work demonstrates both excellence and the promise of transformative scientific advancements.

Research Focus

Mr. Bekri Melka Abdo specializes in phytochemistry and antiparasitic drug discovery, focusing on the bioassay-guided isolation of natural compounds for therapeutic applications. His research on dehydrocostus lactone from Echinops kebericho highlights its potential as a leishmanicidal drug 🦟⚕️. His work integrates natural product chemistry, pharmacognosy, and infectious disease research, contributing to novel drug development against leishmaniasis. By combining traditional medicinal plants with modern bioassays, he advances the search for effective, plant-derived antiparasitic treatments 🌱🔬. His research holds promise for addressing neglected tropical diseases through sustainable and nature-inspired therapies.

Ayaz Ahmed | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Ayaz Ahmed | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr Ayaz Ahmed, ICCBS – University of Karachi, Pakistan

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed 🧬🔬 is a Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), ICCBS, University of Karachi, Pakistan. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dalian Medical University, China, and an M.Sc. in Microbiology from the University of Karachi, his research focuses on microbial profiling, anti-biofilm agents, and infectious disease models. Dr. Ahmed has supervised numerous postgraduate students and received multiple international awards, including recognition from the American Society for Microbiology and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also leads funded projects on combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens. 🌟

Publication Profile

google scholar

Qualifications

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dalian Medical University, China (2012), and a Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Karachi, Pakistan (2006, First Division). 🧬🎓 His doctoral research focused on the “Microbial profiling of dental plaque/Biofilm from dental caries and periodontitis patients” and explored the effects of Lactobacillus species on S. mutans biofilm formation. 🦷🔬 With a strong academic foundation and research expertise in microbiology and molecular biology, Dr. Ayaz contributes significantly to the understanding of microbial interactions in dental health and disease. 🌟

Job Responsibilities

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed is a Principal Investigator at the Cell Biology Lab, where he oversees the Imaging Facility, maintaining high-end fluorescence and light microscopes. He supports students by assisting them in acquiring high-quality images for their theses and manuscripts. Dr. Ahmed also manages the National Animal Facility for Laboratory Animal Research and Care. He supervises routine animal house operations and collaborates with a veterinary doctor to maintain SPF rats, mice, and hamsters. He is responsible for establishing models for infectious diseases and memory deficits to evaluate the efficacy of natural compounds. Dr. Ahmed also conducts toxicological studies and trains students in ethical animal research practices. 🧬🔬🐁

Student Supervised

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed and his team of dedicated researchers have made significant strides in their exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. Among the Ph.D. candidates, Zulfiqar Ahmed’s research on controlling salmonellosis through probiotics in poultry, Binte Zehra’s study on modulating the metastatic potential of NSCLC, and Jazib Shafiq’s investigation into gut dysbiosis and anxiety have all been awarded. Additionally, Afshan Shams, Yamina Usmani, and Shariqa Khuwaja are examining the potential of natural and synthetic compounds in combating oral cancer and other diseases. Several M. Phil. students are also contributing to research on antimicrobial resistance and cancer therapies. 🧪🔬🧫

Honors and Awards

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. In 2024, he received the Award for Collaborative Scientific Achievement from the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Science, Beijing. He also became an International Federation for Biosafety Association (IFBA) Certified Biological Waste Management Professional and Bio-risk Management Professional in 2023. Dr. Ahmed was selected as a Mentor for the ASM Future Leaders Mentoring Fellowship Program in 2023 and was awarded the Health Security Partner Grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2021. He has also earned prestigious travel awards and fellowships, including the American Society for Microbiology ID Fellowship and the Science and Technology Talent Award. 🏅🌍🦠

Completed Projects

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has led multiple impactful research projects focused on combating multidrug-resistant microorganisms and improving public health. His research on the effect of synthetic and natural compounds on biofilm formation was funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) under project # HEC No: PD-IPFP/HRD/HEC/ 2013/1182. He also contributed to projects such as Personal Protective Equipment for Sindh Poultry Vaccine Center (funded by CRDF Global, USA), and oral pathogens related to dental caries (funded by ICCBS). Notably, his work on antimicrobial-resistant water contaminants, funded by the U.S.-Pakistan Centers for Advanced Studies in Water, aims to improve water quality. He further advanced research on antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents targeting Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumonia with funding from HEC. 💧🔬🦠

Professional Experience

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed has had a distinguished career in academia and research. Since June 2017, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi. Prior to this, he worked as a Senior Research Officer at the same institution from November 2013 to June 2017. Dr. Ahmed also pursued Post-Doctoral training in Behavioral Sciences at Hunan Drug Safety Evaluation in Changsha, China, from January 2016 to February 2017. His earlier roles include Assistant Professor on Interim Placement, Research Officer in Avian Influenza Vaccine Production, and a research intern in the National Internship Program. 🧪📚

Professional Membership

Dr. Ayaz Ahmed is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, contributing significantly to the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases. His memberships include the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 🦠, the Pakistan Biological Safety Association (PBSA) 🧫, and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) 🌍. Additionally, he is a member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 🎗️ and the Medical Microbiology & Infectious Disease Society of Pakistan (MMIDSP) 🇵🇰. These memberships reflect his commitment to advancing research and innovation in microbiology, infectious diseases, and cancer research.

Research Focus

Dr. Ayaz Ayaz Ahmed research focus primarily revolves around microbiology, particularly in the fields of gut microbiota analysis, antimicrobial resistance, and biofilm formation. His studies often investigate the interactions between microorganisms and the human or animal host, such as comparing gut microbe profiles between healthy individuals and those with conditions like hyperthyroidism and liver cirrhosis. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed explores innovative therapeutic approaches, including the development of antimicrobial agents, such as nanoparticles conjugated with antibiotics to combat biofilm-forming pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. His work has significant implications for medical microbiology and the treatment of infectious diseases. 🦠🔬

Publication Top Notes

Gut microbe analysis between hyperthyroid and healthy individuals

Phylogenetic and biological characterization of Newcastle disease virus isolates from Pakistan

Biofilm inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine conjugated gold nanoparticles against Klebsiella pneumoniae

Comparison of the gut microbe profiles and numbers between patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy individuals

Rifampicin conjugated silver nanoparticles: a new arena for development of antibiofilm potential against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Effect of Lactobacillus species on Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation.

Comparison of oral microbiota in orthodontic patients and healthy individuals

Synthesis and Chemosensing of Nitrofurazone using Olive oil based Silver Nanoparticles (O-AgNPs)

Isolation of dihydrobenzofuran derivatives from ethnomedicinal species Polygonum barbatum as anticancer compounds

Dr. ANANDARUP GOSWAMI| Drug Discovery and Developmenty|Best Researcher Award

Dr. ANANDARUP GOSWAMI| Drug Discovery and Development|Best Researcher Award

Dr. ANANDARUP GOSWAMI at Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research,India

PROFILE  

Google scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Anandarup Goswami’s passion for chemistry was ignited during his early years of education. He completed his undergraduate studies with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry from the prestigious Presidency University in Kolkata, one of India’s top institutions for the sciences. He further honed his expertise by pursuing an M.Sc. in Chemistry at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, known for producing some of the finest scientific minds in the country. Dr. Goswami’s dedication to his academic pursuits earned him a place in Cornell University, USA, where he completed his Ph.D. His doctoral work marked the beginning of his contribution to cutting-edge research, where he specialized in advanced areas of chemistry. His journey did not stop there; he went on to complete his postdoctoral research at Rutgers University, USA, and Palacky University, Czech Republic, enhancing his research portfolio and gaining exposure to diverse scientific methodologies and innovative research techniques.

Professional Endeavors 🧪

Dr. Anandarup Goswami joined Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (VFSTR) as an Associate Professor in November 2026. His professional career spans a broad spectrum of roles, from teaching and mentoring students to leading groundbreaking research. He has served as a Ph.D. supervisor and has guided numerous students in drug degradation studies and nanocatalysis development for environmental applications. His work at VFSTR has helped shape the future of young scientists while driving forward critical research in sustainable chemistry.

Dr. Goswami also holds numerous editorial appointments, including being a member of the Editorial Board of Current Indian Science (Bentham) and a Review Editor for Green and Sustainable Chemistry (Frontiers). His contributions to these roles highlight his prominence in the scientific community, where he is trusted to review and oversee publications in these significant areas of research.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Goswami’s research contributions are primarily centered around two critical areas: pharmaceutically relevant compounds and sustainable nanocatalysts. His extensive work in the isolation and in-depth characterization of degradation products of pharmaceutical compounds has significant implications for drug safety, efficacy, and regulatory science. In tandem, his pioneering work on the development of nanocatalysts for environmental applications addresses pressing issues related to sustainability and environmental protection.

Dr. Goswami’s work emphasizes catalysis, energy conversion, and material science, offering solutions to some of today’s most critical challenges. His contributions span more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, including in highly reputed journals such as Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Angewandte Chemie, and Nature Chemistry. Moreover, his book, Solvent-Free Methods in Nanocatalysis: From Catalyst Design to Applications, co-edited with prominent scientists, reflects his authority in the field of nanocatalysis.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Goswami’s research accomplishments have been widely recognized in the scientific community. With an h-index of 27 on Google Scholar and 26 on Scopus, along with more than 8,800 citations, his work has made a lasting impact on his field. He has received recognition for his contributions to nanocatalysis and drug degradation, and his research has gained international acclaim.

One of his notable patents, US010722743B2, titled Multicatalyst Polyelectrolyte Membranes and Methods of Utilizing the Same, was developed during his time at Rutgers University, USA. This patent reflects his innovative approach to solving complex problems in material science and catalysis.

Dr. Goswami’s contributions have also led him to collaborate with renowned scientists globally, including Prof. Tewodros Asefa from Rutgers University, USA, and Prof. Radek Zboril from RCPTM, Czech Republic. These collaborations have expanded his research’s scope and influence, enabling him to contribute to international advancements in chemistry.

🎓Publication 

Cu and Cu-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications in Catalysis

  • Authors   : Manoj B Gawande, Anandarup Goswami, François-Xavier Felpin, Tewodros Asefa, Xiaoxi Huang, Rafael Silva, Xiaoxin Zou, Radek Zboril, Rajender S Varma
  • Journal    :Chemical reviews
  • Year         :2016

obalt‐Embedded Nitrogen‐Rich Carbon Nanotubes Efficiently Catalyze Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at All pH Values

  • Authors   : Xiaoxin Zou, Xiaoxi Huang, Anandarup Goswami, Rafael Silva, Bhaskar R Sathe, Eliška Mikmeková, Tewodros Asefa
  • Journal    :Angewandte Chemie International Edition
  • Year         :2014

Core–shell nanoparticles: synthesis and applications in catalysis and electrocatalysis

  • Authors   : Manoj B Gawande, Anandarup Goswami, Tewodros Asefa, Huizhang Guo, Ankush V Biradar, Dong-Liang Peng, Radek Zboril, Rajender S Varma
  • Journal    :Chemical Society Reviews
  • Year         :2015

Covalent functionalization of monolayered transition metal dichalcogenides by phase engineering

  • Authors   : Damien Voiry, Anandarup Goswami, Rajesh Kappera, Cecilia de Carvalho Castro e Silva, Daniel Kaplan, Takeshi Fujita, Mingwei Chen, Tewodros Asefa, Manish Chhowalla
  • Journal    :Nature chemistry
  • Year         :2015

Covalent functionalization of monolayered transition metal dichalcogenides by phase engineering

  • Authors   :Damien Voiry, Anandarup Goswami, Rajesh Kappera, Cecilia de Carvalho Castro e Silva, Daniel Kaplan, Takeshi Fujita, Mingwei Chen, Tewodros Asefa, Manish Chhowalla
  • Journal    :Nature Publishing Group
  • Year         :2015