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 ๐ŸŒฟ. With expertise in plant sample collection, extraction, compound isolation, and structure elucidation, he focuses on bioactive compounds from Ethiopiaโ€™s medicinal and aromatic plants. His research contributes to developing natural product-based treatments for leishmaniasis ๐Ÿฆ . He has two published journal articles, an h-index of 7, a Google patent, and an ISBN-registered book ๐Ÿ“–. 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 ๐Ÿงช, specializing in natural product chemistry ๐ŸŒฟ. 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 ๐ŸŒฑ 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 ๐Ÿ”ฌ. His research plays a vital role in exploring Ethiopiaโ€™s rich botanical resources.

Experienceย 

Bekri Melka Abdo is a passionate researcher in natural product chemistry ๐ŸŒฟ, with a strong track record of research and innovation ๐Ÿ”ฌ. He has successfully completed two research projects and maintains an h-index of 7 ๐Ÿ“Š. His contributions extend to industry consultancy and collaborative projects, showcasing his impact in the field. He has authored a book with an ISBN ๐Ÿ“– and has a Google patent pending. His work is recognized in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals ๐Ÿ…, 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 ๐ŸŒฟ, is an ideal candidate for the Young Scientist Award ๐Ÿ†. His dedication to bioactive compound discovery, coupled with his impactful contributions to scientific research and innovation ๐Ÿ”ฌ, 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 ๐Ÿ’Š. 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 ๐ŸฆŸโš•๏ธ. 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 ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ. His research holds promise for addressing neglected tropical diseases through sustainable and nature-inspired therapies.

Shanthi Veerappapillai | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Shanthi Veerappapillai | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shanthi Veerappapillai, Vellore Institute of Technology, India

Dr. Shanthi Veerappapillai is a distinguished Professor at VIT University, specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. With a Ph.D. from VIT, her research interests include computational protein analysis, drug resistance studies, and virtual screening, particularly focusing on infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. She has led multiple funded research projects and published over 130 peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Veerappapillai has been recognized with awards like the Women Achiever Award for Sponsored Research Excellence (2020) and has supervised numerous Ph.D. graduates. Her dedication to education and research is also reflected in her active participation in conferences and professional societies. ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ป๐ŸŒ

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education Qualification

Dr. Shanthi Veerappapillai holds a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from VIT University, Tamil Nadu, India, and an M.Tech in Chemical Process and Design from SASTRA University, Tamil Nadu, India. She also earned a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from EGS Pillai Engineering College, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India. With a strong foundation in both chemical engineering and bioinformatics, Dr. Veerappapillai brings a multidisciplinary approach to her research and academic work. Her diverse academic background equips her with the expertise to bridge the gap between technology and biology, contributing to advancements in various scientific fields. ๐Ÿงฌโš™๏ธ๐ŸŽ“

Leadership in Research

Dr. Shanthi Veerappapillai is a dedicated scientist with extensive leadership experience as Principal Investigator (PI) in multiple prominent projects. Her research spans critical areas such as drug repurposing strategies and cancer research, showcasing her expertise in advancing both medical and computational biology. Through her work, she has contributed significantly to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing healthcare and medical research. Her ability to lead and collaborate on large-scale projects underscores her impact in the field, making her a valuable asset in shaping the future of medical science and computational biology. ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’Š

Mentorship and Teaching

Dr. Shanthi Veerappapillai is a distinguished academic with vast experience in supervising successful Ph.D. candidates and teaching specialized subjects in biotechnology and bioinformatics. Her dedication to fostering academic development is evident in her role as a mentor to future researchers. With a passion for guiding students through advanced research topics, she has contributed significantly to shaping the next generation of experts in her field. Her work in biotechnology and bioinformatics continues to inspire students, encouraging innovation and critical thinking in these dynamic disciplines. ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ป

Community Engagement

Dr. Shanthi Veerappapillai is a dedicated academician who has made significant contributions to the scientific community through her active involvement in organizing conferences and workshops. As a member of various professional bodies, Dr. Veerappapillai continuously strengthens her presence in the academic world, sharing her expertise and collaborating with fellow researchers. Her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering professional connections has had a lasting impact on her field. With a focus on promoting growth in the academic and scientific community, Dr. Veerappapillai’s efforts continue to inspire others. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ๐Ÿ“š

Awards and Achievement

Dr. Shanthi Veerappapillai is a distinguished researcher with 131 peer-reviewed journal articles and an H-index of 14. She received the Best Chapter Award from BRSI-VIT for her exceptional contributions in 2023. She was honored with the Women Achiever Award for Sponsored Research Excellence in 2020 and has been a Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia since June 2023. Dr. Veerappapillaiโ€™s academic journey includes producing 100% results in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics courses and securing university ranks and prizes for academic excellence. She has also received several accolades, including a Best Poster Presentation Award at VIT University. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒŸ

Research Focus

Dr. V. Shanthiโ€™s research primarily focuses on molecular simulation, bioinformatics, and computational approaches to drug discovery. She has explored mechanisms of drug resistance, particularly in influenza virus neuraminidase, using molecular simulations to understand oseltamivir resistance. Her work also spans polypharmacology, investigating therapeutic agents for non-small cell lung cancer, and the identification of potential inhibitors for various viruses like H5N1. Additionally, she has contributed to bioprocess industry applications, drug repurposing, and plant-based therapeutic compounds. Her research aims at enhancing drug design, discovering novel therapeutic agents, and understanding the molecular interactions that govern drug efficacy. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ’ก

Publication Top Notes

Exploring the cause of oseltamivir resistance against mutant H274Y neuraminidase by molecular simulation approach

Current progress and future perspectives of polypharmacology: From the view of non-small cell lung cancer

Bioactive Amento flavone isolated fromย Cassia fistulaย L. leaves exhibits therapeutic efficacy

Application of heat exchangers in bioprocess industry: a review

Multi-dimensional screening strategy for drug repurposing with statistical frameworkโ€”a new road to influenza drug discovery

Identification of potential inhibitors of H5N1 influenza A virus neuraminidase by ligand-based virtual screening approach

Role of the cation-ฯ€ interaction in therapeutic proteins: A comparative study with conventional stabilizing forces

 

 

 

Victor Ajayi | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Victor Ajayi | Drug Discovery and Development | Best Researcher Award

Mr Victor Ajayi, University of Medical sciences Ondo Nigeria, Nigeria

Mr. Oluwadamilola Victor Ajayi is a distinguished academic and researcher in human physiology ๐Ÿงฌ, with a B.Tech, M.Sc., and M.Phil. from reputable institutions. His groundbreaking research focuses on anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant effects, phytochemical profiling, and bioactive compounds’ therapeutic roles ๐Ÿฉบ. With over a decade of teaching experience at UNIMED ๐ŸŽ“, he excels in curriculum development and research mentorship. A member of esteemed bodies like PSN and Physoc ๐Ÿ…, Mr. Ajayi actively engages in advancing physiology through publications and conferences. His dedication to science and education makes him a standout contributor in his field ๐ŸŒ.

Publication Profile

orcid

Educational Backgrounds

Victor Ajayi’s academic journey spans several prestigious institutions. He is currently pursuing an M.Phil in Human Physiology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), starting in November 2024. He previously attended the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, from August 2022 to December 2024, and earned his M.Sc. in Human Physiology from the University of Ibadan in November 2018. Victor completed his B.Tech in Human Physiology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in November 2011. His earlier academic milestones include WAEC (2009) and NECO (2002). ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸŽ“

Work Experience

Victor Ajayi has a diverse work experience spanning various roles in academia and healthcare. He started with industrial training as a Technologist at Spring Specialist Hospital in 2010, followed by NYSC at Ondo State School of Nursing, where he taught Physiology and Anatomy. Victor later worked as a teacher and guest tutor at different institutions, including Integrity Nursery, Ondo State School of Nursing, and several colleges. At the University of Medical Sciences, he serves as an Assistant Lecturer, course coordinator, and level adviser, while also supervising graduate students. His contributions to Physiology education remain invaluable. ๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Membership

Mr. Victor Ajayi D. is an active member of esteemed professional bodies such as the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN) and The Physiological Society (Physoc). Over the years, he has attended several notable conferences and workshops, including the 28th and 29th Scientific Conferences of PSN at the University of Ilorin in 2008 and 2009, and the 31st conference at Lagos State University in 2011. He also participated in workshops on pedagogy, effective communication, animal ethics, and integrated registration. His dedication to continued learning is evident in his certified seminar attendance, such as the Bioinformatics and Genomics course in October 2024. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ

Community and Professional Engagement

Mr. Victor Ajayi has consistently showcased remarkable leadership in professional communities. As a dedicated member of esteemed organizations such as the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN) and The Physiological Society (Physoc), he has made significant contributions to the advancement of his field. His active participation in numerous conferences and workshops underscores his commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of his profession. Through these engagements, Mr. Ajayi has demonstrated a passion for professional growth and a commitment to fostering collaboration within the scientific community. His involvement continues to inspire and influence others in the field. ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ“š

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Victor Ajayi has made significant contributions to research, education, and professional development, positioning him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Although his CV does not highlight specific prior awards, his innovative approaches to addressing physiological challenges and his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge demonstrate his potential. Additionally, his dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers reflects his passion for nurturing talent and fostering academic growth. Mr. Ajayiโ€™s work continues to inspire and impact the research community, showcasing his outstanding ability to drive change and innovation in his field. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ

Research Focus

Mr. Victor Ajayi’s research focuses on the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of pasteurized yoghurt in mitigating gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin in male Wistar rats. This study delves into gastrointestinal health and the potential therapeutic benefits of food-based interventions in inflammatory conditions. His work contributes to pharmacology, nutritional science, and biomedical research with an emphasis on how diet and natural substances can influence disease progression and provide alternative treatments. This aligns with the field of Pharmacological Toxicology and Gastroenterology, exploring the intersection of nutrition and pharmacology in disease management. ๐Ÿง‘โ€โš•๏ธ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ๐Ÿ’Š

Publication Top Notes

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of pasterurised yoghurt in indomethacin induced gastric ulceration in male Wistar rats

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. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’Š๐Ÿ”ฌ

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 (1985โ€“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. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ“

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 Mรคlardalen University in 1981. ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’‰๐Ÿ“š

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 Lillyโ€“Novo Nordisk Muscarinic Research Collaboration. He has also been a grant evaluator for the European Union and Polandโ€™s National Centre for Research and Development. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿง 

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. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’Š

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. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’Š

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 Umeรฅ 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. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ก

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. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’Š๐ŸŽ“

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. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’Š 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