Karine Mougin | Chimie Des Matériaux | Innovative Research Award

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Prof. Karine Mougin | Chimie Des Matériaux | Innovative Research Award

Professeure | The University of CNRS | France

Prof. Karine Mougin is an internationally recognized researcher in materials science and nanotechnology, with contributions spanning functional surfaces, molecular self-assembly, nanoparticle-based materials, and bio-derived composites. Her research addresses nanoscale friction, surface nanostructuration, plasmonic and optical properties of nanomaterials, and the design of advanced functional interfaces. She has also contributed to sustainable material development through natural fiber reinforcement, smart coatings, sensors, and micro- and nanosystems, including applications in nanomedicine, microfluidics, and additive manufacturing. Her work integrates fundamental surface science with applied material engineering, enabling innovations in sensing, advanced coatings, and responsive materials. The author’s scientific impact is reflected in 94 published documents, 1,449 citations, and an h-index of 22, demonstrating consistent influence across interdisciplinary research domains.

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Featured Publications

 

Nontobeko Mncwangi | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nontobeko Mncwangi | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Medicinal Chemistry at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa

Dr. Nontobeko Patience Mncwangi is a registered pharmacist and the Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s School of Pharmacy in South Africa. She holds extensive experience in both the private and public healthcare sectors of the country, having worked for over 15 years. Her role at the university involves the development and implementation of pharmacy curricula for undergraduate students, alongside overseeing research methodologies for postgraduate students. Dr. Mncwangi is also engaged in collaborative research involving regulatory bodies like the South African Pharmacy Council to inform policy and legislation. Her professional involvement extends to being an External Medicine Evaluator for the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), with a focus on the Pharmaceutical and Analytical Committee. As a visiting scientist at various prestigious national and international institutions, she has enhanced her expertise in the field of medicinal plant research, particularly focusing on phytomedicines. Dr. Mncwangi’s passion for research has been demonstrated through her publications and presentations at both local and international scientific meetings.

Profile:

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Education:

Dr. Mncwangi’s educational journey reflects her deep commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences. She earned a Doctor of Technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2017, with a thesis titled “Metabolomic Profiling of Harpagophytum Species, Devil’s Claw.” Prior to this, she completed a Master of Technology in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2009, graduating cum laude with a dissertation on the “Metabolomic Profiling of Sutherlandia.” Her foundation in pharmacy was laid at the University of Limpopo (MEDUNSA), where she obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 2006.

Experience:

Dr. Mncwangi’s career has spanned various academic and research roles. She currently serves as the Acting Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, a position she has held since 2021. Her duties include curriculum development, student evaluation, and postgraduate supervision. Previously, she was a Senior Lecturer in the same department, from 2019 to 2021. Dr. Mncwangi’s academic career began at Tshwane University of Technology, where she served as a Lecturer from 2011 to 2019. During this time, she contributed to the development of the BPharm program and supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her work in the Medical Research Council’s Herbal Drugs Research Unit at TUT also enriched her expertise in the field of medicinal plants and phytomedicines.

Research Interests:

Dr. Mncwangi’s research interests are focused on phytomedicines, specifically the phytochemical analysis and biological assays of medicinal plants. She is passionate about exploring the therapeutic potential of natural products, with a particular emphasis on their quality assurance and quality control. Her interests also extend to pharmacy practice, where she investigates ethics and law, human resource development, and pharmaceutical services, particularly monitoring and evaluation in public health contexts.

Awards:

Dr. Mncwangi has received several accolades throughout her career. Notably, in 2013, she was awarded the Best Pharmacology Publication by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (APSSA). This award recognized her paper titled “Devil’s Claw – A Review of the Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activity of Harpagophytum Procumbens,” published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Additionally, she received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 2013 Faculty Research Day at Tshwane University of Technology, further showcasing her proficiency in communicating her research. In 2012, Dr. Mncwangi earned second place in the oral presentation category at the Indigenous Plant Use Forum for her work on “Towards a Rapid Quality Control Procedure for Devil’s Claw.”

Publications:

Dr. Mncwangi has contributed to numerous publications, underscoring her expertise in the field of medicinal plant research and pharmaceutical sciences. Key publications include:

  1. Mncwangi, N.P., Chen, W., Vermaak, I., Viljoen, A.M., Gericke, N. (2012). Devil’s Claw – A review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological activity of Harpagophytum procumbens. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 143, 755-771.

  2. Mncwangi, N., Viljoen, A.M., Vermaak, I. (2013). Metabolomic profiling of Devil’s Claw. Faculty of Science Research Day.

  3. Mncwangi, N., Viljoen, A.M., Vermaak, I. (2012). Towards a rapid quality control procedure for Devil’s Claw using vibrational spectroscopy. Indigenous Plant Use Forum (IPUF).

These publications have been widely cited by other researchers in the fields of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Conclusion:

Dr. Mncwangi’s distinguished career in pharmacy and medicinal plant research has made significant contributions to the scientific community, particularly in the areas of phytomedicines and pharmacy practice. With an extensive academic background, numerous publications, and a proven track record in research and education, she continues to play a pivotal role in advancing pharmaceutical sciences in South Africa and internationally. Through her leadership in academia, involvement with regulatory bodies, and dedication to research, Dr. Mncwangi remains a key figure in the development of pharmaceutical practices and medicinal plant research.

Petros Tarantilis | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Petros Tarantilis | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Professor, at Agricultural University of Athens, Greece.

Petros A. Tarantilis is a Professor of Instrumental Chemical Analysis of Natural Products at the Agricultural University of Athens (A.U.A.), School of Food and Nutritional Sciences. With a strong background in food chemistry and natural product analysis, his research focuses on the isolation, purification, and structure determination of bioactive compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), saffron, honey, and olive oil. His expertise includes chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, FT-IR & Raman Spectroscopy, and authenticity testing of food products. Over the years, he has collaborated with renowned international research institutions and has led multiple EU and national research projects. With over 175 publications and an h-index of 51, his contributions to the field are widely recognized. Prof. Tarantilis has played a key role in advancing methods for evaluating food quality, authenticity, and biological activity, ensuring safer and more reliable food products for global consumers.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education 

Prof. Tarantilis has pursued an extensive academic journey in chemical analysis and food science, specializing in instrumental techniques for natural product research. His educational background is rooted in a strong foundation in chemistry, analytical techniques, and biochemistry, which has enabled him to develop innovative methodologies in chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis. Throughout his academic career, he has been involved in cutting-edge research projects, focusing on the characterization of bioactive compounds in various plant-based products, essential oils, and agricultural commodities. His education has equipped him with the expertise to contribute significantly to the food industry and natural product chemistry, ensuring high standards in quality control, authentication, and food safety. As a leading academic, he continues to mentor students and young researchers in the scientific exploration of food chemistry and analytical methodologies.

💼 Experience 

With a distinguished career spanning decades in academia and research, Prof. Tarantilis has made significant contributions to instrumental chemical analysis, food chemistry, and natural product research. He has been a Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens (A.U.A.), where he has developed and taught advanced courses on chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. His expertise has led to numerous international collaborations with research institutions in France, Spain, Russia, and Italy, focusing on food authentication, phytochemical analysis, and quality control. In addition to his academic role, he has led major European Union (EU) and national research projects, such as SAFFRONOMICS, CROCUSBANK, and HONEY PRINT, which aim to enhance the traceability and standardization of food products. His experience extends to serving as a scientific advisor in various governmental and industrial initiatives, contributing to the development of quality standards for food products globally.

🔬 Research Interests 

Prof. Tarantilis’ research focuses on the isolation, purification, and structure determination of natural products using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. His work primarily revolves around medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), saffron (Crocus sativus L.), honey, and olive oil, with a strong emphasis on their biological activity, authenticity, and quality control. His expertise includes FT-IR & Raman spectroscopy for microbial analysis, antioxidant and antimicrobial studies, and food adulteration detection. He has contributed to the development of innovative instrumental methods for ensuring the botanical and geographical origin of food products. Through collaborations with international research institutions, he has played a crucial role in enhancing global food safety and quality assurance standards. His research continues to bridge analytical chemistry and food science, ensuring reliable and efficient methods for food authentication, traceability, and sustainability.

🏆 Awards 

Prof. Tarantilis has received numerous accolades for his pioneering research in food chemistry and natural product analysis. His contributions have been recognized by leading academic and scientific organizations, earning him prestigious grants, fellowships, and awards. He has been the scientific leader in multiple European and national research projects, such as the INTERREG III C – SAFFRON project and the COST ACTION FA 1101 – SAFFRONOMICS initiative. His groundbreaking work in food authentication and bioactive compound analysis has led to significant advancements in food quality control methodologies, earning him global recognition in the scientific community. His contributions to chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have been instrumental in enhancing food safety regulations and quality standards. Prof. Tarantilis continues to be a key figure in international food chemistry research, working towards sustainable and innovative solutions for food authentication and quality assurance.

📚 Top Notes Publications 

Prof. Tarantilis has an extensive publication record, with 175 scientific papers, including 149 journal articles, 10 conference papers, 14 review articles, and 2 editorial contributions. His research has been widely cited, with 7,609 citations and an h-index of 51 (SCOPUS 2024), reflecting his impact in food chemistry and natural product analysis. Some of his notable publications include:

  • “Isolation and structural characterization of crocins and picrocrocin from saffron (Crocus sativus L.) using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques” – Published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2004 [Cited by 350 articles] 🔗 Link
  • “Authentication of honey varieties using FT-IR spectroscopy and chemometric analysis” – Published in Food Chemistry, 2018 [Cited by 420 articles] 🔗 Link
  • “Raman spectroscopic analysis of olive oil for quality assessment and adulteration detection” – Published in Analytical Methods, 2020 [Cited by 210 articles] 🔗 Link

Conclusion

Petros A. Tarantilis is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, given his strong publication record, high citation impact, international collaborations, and leadership in food authenticity and natural product analysis. While his focus has been specialized, expanding research applications and industry collaborations could further elevate his influence. His scientific leadership in saffron research and spectroscopic techniques makes him a top contender for this award.