Dr Emmanuel Mintah Bonku | Sustainable Drug Development | Sustainable Practices Award |

Dr Emmanuel Mintah Bonku | Sustainable Drug Development | Sustainable Practices Award

Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, CAS

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku is a passionate and innovative scientist specializing in sustainable medicinal chemistry. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has made significant strides in the green synthesis of antiviral drugs, particularly tecovirimat for monkeypox. His expertise spans drug development, process optimization, and sustainable practices in pharmaceutical chemistry. Dr. Bonku’s commitment to environmental stewardship and impactful research has earned him notable recognition, including the prestigious Excellent International Graduate Award in 2024.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Bonku holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry (2024) from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, with a focus on green and sustainable drug development. He also earned a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and Technology (2021) from Wuhan University of Science and Technology, where he explored biotransformation and sustainable chemistry of natural products. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (2017) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, where he developed a strong foundation in ethnobotany.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Bonku’s research centers on developing environmentally friendly synthetic methodologies for critical drugs targeting emerging infectious diseases. He has pioneered innovative processes for synthesizing tecovirimat, achieving a scalable output of 180 kg for monkeypox treatment. His work also includes the development of sustainable synthetic methods for antipsychotic and antihypertensive drugs, such as cariprazine and benzimidazole compounds. His focus on green chemistry ensures reduced waste, energy efficiency, and a lower environmental footprint.

🏆Honors & Awards : 

Excellent International Graduate Award, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2024)

Acknowledged for contributions to drug synthesis, with his work featured on the cover of Organic Process Research & Development (2023).

💼 Professional Experience:

As a postdoctoral researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Dr. Bonku plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable drug development. He is also an active reviewer for scientific journals like Journal of Green Synthesis and Catalysis and Journal of Food Science, contributing to the peer-review process and maintaining high standards in research.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Extraction of Essential Oil from Citrus reticulata Blanco Peel and Its Antibacterial Activity Against Cutibacterium acnes (Formerly Propionibacterium acnes)

Authors: H.S. Hou, E.M. Bonku, R. Zhai, R. Zeng, Y.L. Hou, Z.H. Yang, C. Quan

Index: Heliyon, Volume 5 (12)

Citations: 90

Year: 2019

 

An Alkali-Tolerant Carbonyl Reductase from Bacillus subtilis by Gene Mining: Identification and Application

Authors: W. Luo, H.J. Du, E.M. Bonku, Y.L. Hou, L.L. Li, X.Q. Wang, Z.H. Yang

Index: Catalysis Letters, Volume 149, Pages 2973–2983

Citations: 8

Year: 2019

 

Facile Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via N-Arylamidoxime Cyclization

Authors: H. Qin, A. Odilov, E.M. Bonku, F. Zhu, T. Hu, H. Liu, H.A. Aisa, J. Shen

Index: ACS Omega, Volume 7 (49), Pages 45678–45687

Citations: 6

Year: 2022

 

Efficient Large-Scale Process for Tecovirimat via Reactive Distillation for the Preparation of Cycloheptatriene

Authors: E.M. Bonku, H. Qin, A. Odilov, F. Yang, X. Xing, X. Wang, S.D. Guma, J. Shen

Index: Organic Process Research & Development, Volume 27 (11), Pages 1984–1991

Citations: 5

Year: 2023

Conclusion:

Dr. Emmanuel Mintah Bonku’s contributions to sustainable drug development position him as a strong candidate for the Research for Sustainable Practices Award. His innovative work in green synthetic methodologies and impactful drug production demonstrates a clear alignment with the award’s objectives. Addressing areas like broader environmental assessments and policy engagement would further enhance his candidacy and the long-term impact of his research..

Prof Velislava Lyubenova | Process monitoring | Best Researcher Award |

Prof. Velislava Lyubenova | Process monitoring | Best Researcher Award

Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Prof. Velislava Noreva Lyubenova is a distinguished researcher and professor at the Institute of Robotics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. With a strong background in mechatronic bio/technological systems, she has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative research and leadership in various scientific projects. Her dedication to advancing knowledge and technology is reflected in her numerous publications and successful collaborations.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Lyubenova earned her Doctor of Sciences degree in 2016, with a dissertation focused on “Monitoring the Kinetics of Biotechnological Processes.” She previously completed her Doctorate at the Technical University of Sofia, specializing in bioengineering. Additionally, she holds an MSc in Radio Electronics from the same institution, showcasing her solid technical foundation and commitment to continuous learning.

🔍 Research Focus:

Prof. Lyubenova’s research primarily centers on mechatronic bio/technological systems, with an emphasis on developing intelligent systems for monitoring and controlling biotechnological processes. Her work integrates robotics, automation, and bioengineering, addressing the challenges in the field and contributing to advancements in biotechnology.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Throughout her career, Prof. Lyubenova has received several accolades, including the “Marin Drinov” award from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, recognizing her substantial contributions to intelligent system development. Her achievements reflect her commitment to excellence in research and innovation.

💼 Professional Experience:

Prof. Lyubenova has held various academic positions at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences since 1992, currently serving as a Professor and head of the Department of Mechatronic Bio/Technological Systems. She has led numerous national and international projects, supervised PhD students, and coordinated Erasmus programs, demonstrating her leadership and collaborative spirit in academia.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Indirect Adaptive Linearizing Control of a Class of Bioprocesses – Estimator Tuning Procedure
Authors: M.N. Ignatova, V.N. Lyubenova, M.R. García, C. Vilas, A.A. Alonso
Citations: 30
Index: Journal of Process Control
Year of Publication: 2008

Kinetic Characteristics of Alcohol Fermentation in Brewing: State of Art and Control of the Fermentation Process
Authors: V. Shopska, R. Denkova, V. Lyubenova, G. Kostov
Citations: 19
Index: Fermented Beverages
Year of Publication: 2019

Control of Biotechnological Processes: New Formalization of Kinetics – Theoretical Aspects and Applications
Authors: M. Ignatova, V. Lyubenova
Citations: 15
Index: Saarbrücken: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, GmbH & Co
Year of Publication: 2011

Adaptive Control of Fed-Batch Process for Poly-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Production by Mixed Culture
Authors: M. Ignatova, V. Lyubenova
Citations: 14
Index: Comptes Rendus – Académie Bulgare des Sciences
Year of Publication: 2007

Adaptive Control of the Simultaneous Saccharification—Fermentation Process from Starch to Ethanol
Authors: S. Ochoa, V. Lyubenova, J.U. Repke, M. Ignatova, G. Wozny
Citations: 12
Index: Computer Aided Chemical Engineering
Year of Publication: 2008

Conclusion:

Velislava Noreva Lyubenova appears to be a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive research background, leadership in scientific projects, and commitment to education make her a strong contender. While there are areas for improvement, such as enhancing her language skills and diversifying her publication venues, her existing strengths significantly outweigh these factors.

Dr Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau | Life-cycle assessments | Best Researcher Award |

Dr Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau | Life-cycle assessments | Best Researcher Award.

McGill University, Canada

Professional Profiles:

SCOPUS

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

 👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau is a dedicated Canadian researcher with a strong interdisciplinary background in bioresource engineering, cellular and molecular medicine, and biology. His work primarily focuses on assessing the environmental impact of the Canadian cannabis industry and urban farming, utilizing life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. With a passion for sustainability and environmental sciences, Dr. Brousseau has made significant contributions to understanding the carbon footprint and global warming potential associated with agricultural practices. Fluent in both French and English, he is also a skilled science communicator, effectively sharing his findings with diverse audiences.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Brousseau completed his Ph.D. in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University (2019-2024), where his thesis explored the role of mineral fertilizers in the environmental performance of Canadian cannabis production and urban soil-less farms. Prior to this, he earned a Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from Université de Montréal (2015-2016), a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from McGill University (2017-2019), and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Université du Québec à Montréal (2011-2014). Additionally, he is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Initial Training for College Teaching at Université de Sherbrooke.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Brousseau’s research centers on the environmental performance of agricultural systems, with a particular focus on the Canadian cannabis industry and urban farming. His work involves quantifying the environmental and economic impacts of indoor versus outdoor cannabis production using advanced life-cycle assessment (LCA) techniques. His research is pivotal in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and understanding the ecological consequences of modern farming methods

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Dr. Brousseau has been recognized with several prestigious awards and scholarships, including the NSERC-CREATE Scholarship, the CRSNG-RDC Scholarship, and the Excellence Award from McGill University. His accolades also include the First Place Oral Presentation Award from the Canadian Bioresource Engineering Society, and the People’s Choice Winner in the Lister Family Engaged Science 3 Minute Thesis competition. These honors reflect his academic excellence and the impact of his research contributions

💼 Professional Experience:

Throughout his career, Dr. Brousseau has held several key positions that have shaped his expertise in bioresource engineering and environmental sciences. He served as an Analyst at the Cannabis Laboratory for Health Canada, leading research teams and presenting findings to senior management. He also worked as a Science Communicator at the Lister Family Engaged Science Initiative, where he effectively shared complex scientific concepts with the public. His previous roles include Scientific Advisor at Circulus Ag Tech and Financial Advisor at Financière agricole du Québec, where he gained experience in both technical and advisory capacities

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Cannabinoids and Terpenes: How Production of Photo-Protectants Can Be Manipulated to Enhance Cannabis sativa L. Phytochemistry
Authors: Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau, Bo-Sen Wu, Sarah MacPherson, Victorio Morello, Mark Lefsrud
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
Volume: 12
Citations: 65
Year: 2021

Title: Cannabis Chemistry, Post-Harvest Processing Methods and Secondary Metabolite Profiling: A Review
Authors: Philip Wiredu Addo, Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau, Victorio Morello, Sarah MacPherson, Maxime Paris
Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
Volume: 170, Article 113743
Citations: 45
Year: 2021

Title: Light Quality Impacts Vertical Growth Rate, Phytochemical Yield and Cannabinoid Production Efficiency in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Victorio Morello, Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau, Natalie Wu, Bo-Sen Wu, Sarah MacPherson
Journal: Plants
Volume: 11 (21), Article 2982
Citations: 19
Year: 2022

Title: Fungal Contamination Monitoring in Legal Cannabis Using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau, Emmanuelle Bahl, Julia Lacroix-Labonté, André Robichaud
Journal: Journal of Testing and Evaluation
Volume: 52 (6)
Citations: N/A (recent publication)
Year: 2024

Title: Greener Green: The Environmental Impacts of the Canadian Cannabis Industry
Authors: Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau, Benjamin P. Goldstein, Mathieu Lachapelle, Ilies Tazi, Mark Lefsrud
Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume: 208, Article 107737
Citations: N/A (recent publication)
Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Vincent Desaulniers Brousseau is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly due to his impactful research on the environmental performance of the Canadian cannabis industry and his impressive publication record. His interdisciplinary expertise, coupled with his communication skills, further bolsters his candidacy. However, to enhance his profile, he could focus on broadening the application of his research, gaining more teaching and leadership experience, and diversifying his research outputs. These steps would solidify his standing as a leading researcher with a significant impact on both academia and industry