Associate Professor at Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU),Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Ashraf Ahmed Qurtam is an accomplished Associate Professor of Physiology at the College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Saudi Arabia. With a career spanning more than three decades across Egypt, Libya, and Saudi Arabia, he has made significant contributions to medical science, particularly in nanomedicine, cancer therapeutics, and molecular biology. His multidisciplinary expertise bridges medical analysis, biochemical research, and academic teaching. Dr. Qurtam is widely known for integrating traditional medicinal knowledge with cutting-edge nanotechnology and in vitro experimentation to address pressing health challenges like chronic diseases and cancer.
Profile
Scholar
Education 🎓
Dr. Qurtam’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to the life sciences. He pursued his foundational degrees and early lecturing career at Omar El-Mukhtar University in Libya, where he transitioned from lecturer to Assistant Professor. Further academic roles took him to King Saud University and Al Ghad College for Applied Medical Sciences. Since 2015, he has been affiliated with IMSIU in Riyadh, where his academic elevation to Associate Professor in 2025 acknowledges his ongoing research impact and educational leadership.
Professional Experience 👨🏫
Beginning as a Medical Analysis Specialist at Al-Salam Hospital in Cairo (1991–1994), Dr. Qurtam gained clinical grounding before moving into academia. From 1994 to 2003, he continued laboratory diagnostics at Cairo Medical Laboratory, then transitioned into university teaching in Libya and Saudi Arabia. At IMSIU, he has actively engaged in curriculum development, departmental administration, and guiding emerging researchers. His diverse experience integrates academic, clinical, and laboratory expertise, fostering a research-rich environment for physiological studies and biotechnology.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Qurtam’s central research focus lies in utilizing medicinal plants and nanoparticles to combat chronic and incurable diseases. His studies involve physiological and molecular assessments using cell cultures and animal models, targeting conditions like cancer, diabetes, and inflammation. By employing both in vivo and in vitro models, he bridges traditional healing compounds with modern biotechnological applications. This holistic research vision aims to develop natural therapeutic agents that are both effective and sustainable, particularly relevant in oncology and nanomedicine.
Awards & Recognition 🏅
Throughout his career, Dr. Qurtam has garnered respect for his contributions to both education and scientific research. While his CV does not detail specific award titles, his elevation to Associate Professor, consistent multi-institutional collaborations, and co-authorship in high-impact journals stand as a testament to his scientific stature and leadership. He has been instrumental in academic guidance and infrastructure, including establishing a zoology museum and participating in key departmental committees.
Key Publications & Citations 📚
Dr. Qurtam has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles across journals like Molecules, Pharmaceutics, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Frontiers in Chemistry. His research has been cited extensively, highlighting global scholarly engagement. Below are seven notable works:
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2021) – Antitumor effect of copper nanoparticles on human breast and colon malignancies, Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Cited by multiple international cancer nanotechnology studies.
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2021) – Citrus Flavanone Narirutin: In Vitro and In Silico Mechanistic Antidiabetic Potential, Pharmaceutics. Recognized for its novel approach to natural antidiabetic agents.
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2023) – In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Abutilon pannosum, Processes. Cited for its contribution to plant-based cytotoxicity assays.
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2023) – Phytochemical Analysis of Thymus zygis and Thymus willdenowii, Plants. Esteemed in antimicrobial research circles.
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2024) – Apoptotic and Anti-Migratory Effects of Achillea millefolium Extract, Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences. Cited in studies on natural cancer therapies.
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2023) – Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties of Pipper nigram Aided Copper Oxide Nanoparticles, Crystals. Noted for merging plant science with materials chemistry.
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Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2024) – Circ RNAs in Extracellular Vesicles and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Cellular and Molecular Biology. Frequently cited in RNA therapeutics and cancer diagnostics literature.
Conclusion & Justification for Nomination 🏆
Dr. Ashraf Ahmed Qurtam exemplifies the qualities of a leading biomedical researcher: scientific curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful innovation. His career-long dedication to merging medicinal plant science with nanotechnology places him at the frontier of translational research. His work not only advances molecular-level insights but also aspires to develop affordable, nature-inspired medical interventions. His consistent publication record in internationally indexed journals, combined with academic mentorship and program-building initiatives, makes him a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Qurtam’s contributions hold promise for long-term clinical and scientific advancement in global health.