Liqiang Jia | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Liqiang Jia | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Liqiang Jia | Guizhou Education University | China

Dr. Liqiang Jia is a plant molecular biologist recognized for advancing crop genomics, stress physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying plant development. His scientific impact is reflected in 108 citations across 88 documents, supported by a portfolio of 6 publications and an h-index of 5. His research spans functional gene characterization, chlorophyll regulation, iron homeostasis, root system architecture, mitochondrial protein function, and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme families in key crops such as rice, sorghum, and banana. Utilizing integrative genomics, molecular genetics, and transcriptomic analyses, he uncovers regulatory pathways driving plant growth, stress resilience, and nutrient efficiency. His discoveries in developmental regulation and stress-response networks contribute to innovation in plant biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. Through continued contributions in functional genomics, he enhances understanding of crop performance and biological adaptation.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Li, Z., Mo, W., Jia, L., et al. (2019). Rice FLUORESCENT1 is involved in the regulation of chlorophyll. Plant Cell Physiology, 60(10), 2307–2318.

Jia, L., Zhao, Q., & Chen, S. (2019). Evolution and expression analysis of the sorghum ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family. Functional Plant Biology, 46(3), 236–247.

Dong, C., Hu, H., Jue, D., Zhao, Q., Chen, H., Xie, J., & Jia, L. (2016). The banana E2 gene family: Genomic identification, characterization, expression profiling analysis. Plant Science, 245, 11–24.

Jia, L., Wu, Z., Hao, X., et al. (2011). Identification of SPR1 involved in root development and iron homeostasis in rice. New Phytologist, 189(3), 843–855.

Jia, L., Zhang, B., Mao, C., et al. (2008). OsCYT-INV1 for alkaline/neutral invertase is involved in root cell development and reproductivity in rice. Planta, 228(1), 51–59.

 

Margherita Barbuti | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Margherita Barbuti | Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Medical doctor in private practice | University of Pisa | Italy

Dr. Margherita Barbuti is a highly regarded psychiatrist and clinical researcher recognized for her work in translational psychiatry, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychopharmacology. Trained at the University of Pisa, she integrates clinical expertise with innovative research, focusing on mood disorders, addiction, and obesity-related psychiatric conditions. Her work bridges neuroscience and behavioral medicine, contributing to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in mental health care. She has authored 55 scientific documents, which have collectively received 820 citations from 689 sources, reflecting her strong impact in the field. Additionally, she has served as an editor and reviewer for leading international journals and has participated in major clinical trials addressing complex psychiatric disorders. Through her research, teaching, and clinical leadership, Dr. Barbuti continues to advance evidence-based psychiatry and promote interdisciplinary collaboration, shaping the future of mental health research and practice.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications 

Barbuti, M., et al. (2019). Personalized and precision medicine as informants for treatment management of bipolar disorder. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 34(5), 237–245. — Cited by 138 articles.

Barbuti, M., et al. (2022). Treatment adherence and tolerability of immediate- and prolonged-release lithium formulations in bipolar patients. Journal of Affective Disorders, 297, 312–320. — Cited by 84 articles.

Barbuti, M., et al. (2021). Psychiatric comorbidities and emotional dysregulation in bariatric patients: Implications for surgical outcomes. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 645872. — Cited by 67 articles.

Marlon Caicedo | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Marlon Caicedo | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Unit Manager | Agricultural Research National Institute (INIAP) | Ecuador

Dr. Marlon Brainer Caicedo Villafuerte is a distinguished agricultural scientist recognized for his pioneering work in maize breeding, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture. He has led major initiatives to develop high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease-resistant maize hybrids that enhance food security and agricultural productivity. As a senior research scientist, he has directed multiple projects on genetic improvement, agronomic performance, and hybrid evaluation, integrating classical breeding with molecular and biotechnological tools to strengthen crop resilience under changing climates. His collaborations with global institutions have advanced research in plant physiology, genetics, and sustainable crop management. Dr. Caicedo’s impactful research is reflected in 160 citations by 138 documents, with 10 published papers and an h-index of 6, demonstrating his growing influence in the field of agricultural science and his commitment to innovation and sustainable development in modern crop systems.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications 

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2012). Effect of visual selection during the development of inbred lines of maize. Crop Science. Widely cited for improving inbred line selection efficiency.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2016). Stay-green QTLs in temperate elite maize. Euphytica. Influential in mapping genetic regions controlling leaf senescence.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2016). Redefining agricultural residues as bioenergy feedstocks. Materials. Contributed to bioenergy and sustainability research.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2018). Fine analysis of a genomic region involved in resistance to Mediterranean corn borer. BMC Plant Biology. Explored pest resistance through genetic mapping.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2022). Genome-wide association analysis of senescence-related traits in maize. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Advanced knowledge on aging and yield traits in maize.

 

 

Hassan Dianat-Moghadam | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Hassan Dianat-Moghadam | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Isfahan University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Hassan Dianat-Moghadam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology at the School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, with a joint appointment at the Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center. His expertise spans molecular biology, genetics, immunotherapy, and medical biotechnology, with particular emphasis on cancer biology and parasitic diseases. He began his academic journey with a diploma and undergraduate studies in Laboratory Sciences, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology, where he focused on translational research in genetics and molecular medicine. His career integrates clinical, research, and teaching roles, beginning as a laboratory technician in microbiology and hematology and advancing to academia, where he has guided undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in genetics, biotechnology, and cancer research. His research focuses on cancer resistance mechanisms, immunotherapies targeting tumor vasculature, live attenuated vaccines, nanoparticle-based treatments, wound healing technologies, and gene therapy applications, aiming to connect laboratory discoveries with clinical outcomes. Recognized for his impactful research, funded projects, and contributions to international journals, he has earned global recognition with 1,132 citations by 976 documents, 49 published documents, and an h-index of 20. He has also been acknowledged for his mentorship and commitment to academic excellence. His achievements underscore his ability to bridge fundamental science with applied biotechnology, advancing solutions in regenerative medicine, infectious disease, and cancer therapy, while shaping the next generation of biomedical researchers.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publication 

Dianat-Moghadam, H., et al. (n.d.). Immunotherapies targeting tumor vasculatures: Challenges and opportunities. Frontiers in Immunology.

Dianat-Moghadam, H., et al. (n.d.). Exosome-mediated drug resistance in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Molecular Cancer.

Dianat-Moghadam, H., et al. (n.d.). Therapeutic strategies against Leishmania major. Parasite Immunology.

Ashraf Qurtam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Qurtam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2023) – In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessment of Abutilon pannosum, Processes. Cited for its contribution to plant-based cytotoxicity assays.

  4. Qurtam, A.A. et al. (2023) – Phytochemical Analysis of Thymus zygis and Thymus willdenowii, Plants. Esteemed in antimicrobial research circles.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.