Abdelmalak Mansour | Geology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour | Geology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, University of Oslo, Norway

Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour is a senior geophysicist and geologist researcher with extensive expertise in 2D/3D seismic interpretation, basin analysis, and structural geology, specializing in the tectonic and lithospheric evolution of sedimentary basins and rifted continental margins. He earned his Ph.D. in Tectonics and Structural Geology from the Geodynamic Laboratory, UMR-CNRS 6112, Le Mans University, France, in 2010, where his doctoral research focused on the Central West Greenland sedimentary basin, combining field observations, seismic interpretation and organic geochemistry. He also holds a Master’s degree in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Rennes 1, France and a Bachelor’s in Earth Sciences from the University of Sfax, Tunisia. Professionally, Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour has held positions as a researcher at the University of Oslo and Arctic University of Norway, senior geophysicist-geologist at Volcanic Basin Energy Research (VBER) and Volcanic Basin Petroleum Research (VBPR) and consultant for IODP proposals, contributing to key projects such as the 4D NE Atlantic Project and the OMNIS Project. His research interests encompass seismic interpretation, basin modeling, crustal architecture, structural inheritance, rifted margin evolution and organic matter analysis, integrating fieldwork, seismic acquisition, GIS and geophysical datasets. He has authored over 50 scientific publications, presented at more than 50 international conferences and co-supervised multiple MSc and Ph.D. students, demonstrating leadership in mentorship, curriculum development and international collaborations. Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour’s professional skills include seismic interpretation (SMT Kingdom Suite, Petrel), basin analysis (TecMod, PetroMod), GIS and cartography (ArcGIS, QGIS), experimental modeling and reservoir characterization. He has been recognized for his contributions through multiple research awards and international collaborations, with an author metric of 41 documents, 954 citations and an h-index of 17. With his comprehensive expertise, impactful publications and global research network, Dr. Abdelmalak Mansour is well-positioned to advance geoscience research, mentor emerging scientists and contribute to innovative projects that deepen the understanding of rifted continental margins and sedimentary basin evolution worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | LinkedIn | University of Oslo | Academia

Featured Publications

1. Abdelmalak, M. M., Planke, S., Faleide, J. I., Jerram, D. A., Zastrozhnov, D., Eide, S., … others. (2016). The development of volcanic sequences at rifted margins: New insights from the structure and morphology of the Vøring Escarpment, mid‐Norwegian Margin. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 121(7), 5212–5236.

2. Abdelmalak, M. M., Mourgues, R., Galland, O., & Bureau, D. (2012). Fracture mode analysis and related surface deformation during dyke intrusion: Results from 2D experimental modeling. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 359, 93–105.

3. Planke, S., Millett, J. M., Maharjan, D., Jerram, D. A., Abdelmalak, M. M., Groth, A., … others. (2017). Igneous seismic geomorphology of buried lava fields and coastal escarpments on the Vøring volcanic rifted margin. Interpretation, 5(3), SK161–SK177.

4. Abdelmalak, M. M., Andersen, T. B., Planke, S., Faleide, J. I., Corfu, F., Tegner, C., … others. (2015). The ocean-continent transition in the mid-Norwegian margin: Insight from seismic data and an onshore Caledonian field analogue. Geology, 43(11), 1011–1014.

5. Zastrozhnov, D., Gernigon, L., Gogin, I., Planke, S., Abdelmalak, M. M., Polteau, S., … others. (2020). Regional structure and polyphased Cretaceous-Paleocene rift and basin development of the mid-Norwegian volcanic passive margin. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 115, 104269.

 

Yiling Hou | Health and Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yiling Hou | Health and Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Professor, China West Normal University, China

Prof. Dr. Yiling Hou is a distinguished scientist and Professor at the College of Life Sciences, China West Normal University, recognized as a reserve candidate for academic and technological leadership in Sichuan Province and an overseas high-level talent. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (2005) and Master of Science in Medicinal Chemistry (2008) from Sichuan University, followed by a Doctor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2011) from Sichuan Agricultural University and further enhanced her expertise as a visiting scholar at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania (2017–2018). Beginning her career as a Teaching Assistant in 2008, she advanced to Lecturer in 2011, Associate Professor in 2011 and full Professor in 2016, also serving as Program Director for Biotechnology (2013–2020) and currently as Deputy Director of the Sichuan Collaborative Innovation Center for Tissue Repair Materials Engineering Technology. Her research focuses on the isolation, purification, structural identification and biological activity of fungal polysaccharides, alongside tumor cell kinetics, spindle dynamics during mitosis, meiosis and the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression. Skilled in structural identification, molecular medicine, apoptosis analysis and advanced biopharmaceutical techniques, she has published 104 Scopus-indexed papers with 787 citations and an h-index of 16, reflecting her growing international impact. Prof. Dr. Yiling Hou is an active Councilor of the Sichuan Provincial Microbiology Society and the Sichuan Provincial Youth Federation, highlighting her commitment to scientific community leadership and youth engagement. Honored as an emerging academic leader in Sichuan Province, she continues to guide students and collaborative projects that bridge traditional pharmacology and modern oncology. With her strong publication record, leadership roles and global collaborations, Prof. Dr. Yiling Hou is poised to make transformative contributions to cancer research and molecular therapeutics, advancing biomedical science and inspiring future generations of researchers.

Profile: Scopus | ResearchGate | Sci Profiles | Scilit

Featured Publications

1. Wang, Y., Lu, R., Ding, X., You, Y., Lin, Y., Hou, Y., & Xia, Y. (2025). Structure identification and in vitro immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharide AHL26-P from Arachis hypogaea (Tianfu 26) leaves. Results in Chemistry, 18, 102724.

2. Sun, Z.-A., Zhao, N., Zheng, L., Pan, F., Ding, X., & Hou, Y. (2025, June 26). Comparative studies on the structure and biological activities of two new polysaccharides from Tricholoma flavovirens (TF-P) and Trametes versicolor (TV-P). Results in Chemistry. Advance online publication.

3. Liu, K., Sun, Z., Li, X., Qing, X., Yu, W., Liu, M., Ding, X., & Hou, Y. (2025). Structure characterization and biological activity of polysaccharides from Trametes sanguinea (TS-P) and wild Lentinus edodes (LE-P). Food Bioscience, 68, 106656.

4. Zhou, L., Ding, X., & Hou, Y. (2024). The structure characterization and biological activities of new polysaccharides from Armillariella tabescens (AT-P) and Tricholoma portentosum (TP-P). Results in Chemistry, 18, 4620–4633.

5. Yu, W., Yuan, R., Liu, M., Liu, K., Ding, X., & Hou, Y. (2024). Effects of rpl1001 gene deletion on cell division of fission yeast and its molecular mechanism. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 46(3), 2576–2597.

 

Harshit Shukla | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Harshit Shukla | Green Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant, University of Lucknow, India

Mr. Harshit Shukla is an emerging researcher in Green Chemistry and Organic Synthesis, with expertise spanning enantioselective synthesis, organometallic catalysis, heterocyclic chemistry and computational chemistry approaches such as DFT analysis and molecular modeling. He earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Mahidol University, Thailand (2024) with a thesis on [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions and a B.Sc. in Chemistry & Zoology from the University of Lucknow, India (2021). Professionally, Harshit has conducted research at Mahidol University and CDRI CSIR, India, contributed as a teaching assistant in undergraduate chemistry courses and actively participated in interdisciplinary workshops and student mentoring, demonstrating early leadership and collaborative skills. His research interests focus on the development of small molecule therapeutics, including JAK1 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory applications, integrating both synthetic and computational methodologies. He is proficient in computational and experimental tools including Python, Java, Gaussian, AutoDock, ChemDraw and NMR spectroscopy software and continually enhances his expertise through certifications from Stanford University, UC San Diego, Duke University, IBM Quantum and Google Cloud. Mr. Harshit Shukla has been recognized in the academic community with a Best Poster Award at the 49th International Congress on Science, Technology and Technology-based Innovation (STT 49) and his author metrics include 2 documents, 2 citations and an h-index of 1. While expanding his portfolio of Q1 publications, international collaborations and participation in editorial boards or specialized conferences could further enhance his global impact, he demonstrates strong potential to advance green chemistry and drug discovery research internationally. Overall, Mr. Harshit Shukla embodies exceptional promise as a young scientist with rigorous academic standards, international exposure and a track record of impactful research, making him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award for his dedication, innovation and future leadership in the field.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Shukla, H., Promcharoen, P., Poonsawat, T., Chakarawet, K., Chumkaeo, P., & Somsook, E.* (2024). Diels–Alder cycloaddition of 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) and N-phenylmaleimide derivatives. ACS Omega.

2. Shukla, H.*, Shukla, M., & Deepak, D. (2025). Inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction involving indole scaffold and its derivatives. Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry

 

Cheikh Sokhna | Health and Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Cheikh Sokhna | Health and Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Research Director, Institute of Research for Development (IRD), France

Prof. Cheikh Sokhna is a distinguished medical biologist, malariologist and epidemiologist, serving as Research Director at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD), France, director of the Joint Research Team on Infectious, Neglected and Emerging Diseases in the South (MINES) and Team Leader at the Mediterranean Infection University Hospital Institute in Marseille. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD, Senegal) and a Habilitation to Direct Research (HDR) in Infectious and Tropical Diseases from Aix-Marseille University (AMU, France). Over the past 25 years, he has focused on malaria, persistent and emerging infectious diseases in West Africa, leading numerous projects and international collaborations with CNRS, Institut Pasteur and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His professional experience includes leadership roles at Aix-Marseille University, IRD, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée (CNRS) and multiple Pasteur Network centers, reflecting a strong global research presence. Prof. Cheikh Sokhna has supervised 39 theses, including 13 co-supervised between UCAD and AMU and has produced over 480 indexed articles, 2 book directions, and 13 book chapters, with 336 documented publications, 9,382 citations and an h-index of 48. His research interests include infectious diseases, malaria epidemiology, emerging pathogens and tropical disease control and his skills encompass infectious disease research, international development and large-scale scientific project management. He is the first elected President of the Senegalese Society of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology (SOSEPAME) and actively promotes public science education through media engagements. Prof. Cheikh Sokhna is highly deserving of recognition for his groundbreaking contributions to infectious disease research, mentorship and global health collaborations, demonstrating strong potential to advance high-impact research, strengthen international partnerships and shape the next generation of biomedical scientists.

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Featured Publications

1. Lagier, J. C., Khelaifia, S., Alou, M. T., Ndongo, S., Dione, N., Hugon, P., Caputo, A., … Raoult, D…etc (2016). Culture of previously uncultured members of the human gut microbiota by culturomics. Nature Microbiology, 1(12), 1045.

2. Trape, J. F., Tall, A., Diagne, N., Ndiath, O., Ly, A. B., Faye, J., Dieye-Ba, F., … Rogier, C…etc (2011). Malaria morbidity and pyrethroid resistance after the introduction of insecticide-treated bednets and artemisinin-based combination therapies: A longitudinal study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 11(12), 925–932.

3. Senghor, B., Sokhna, C., Ruimy, R., & Lagier, J. C. (2018). Gut microbiota diversity according to dietary habits and geographical provenance. Human Microbiome Journal, 7, 1–9.

4. Sougoufara, S., Diédhiou, S. M., Doucouré, S., Diagne, N., Sembène, P. M., & Sokhna, C…etc (2014). Biting by Anopheles funestus in broad daylight after use of long-lasting insecticidal nets: A new challenge to malaria elimination. Malaria Journal, 13(1), 125.

5. Mediannikov, O., Fenollar, F., Socolovschi, C., Diatta, G., Bassene, H., Molez, J. F., … Raoult, D…etc (2010). Coxiella burnetii in humans and ticks in rural Senegal. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 4(4), e654.

 

Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay | Geology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay | Geology | Best Researcher Award

University Grants Commission (UGC) – Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India

Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay is a dedicated geologist and Senior Research Fellow (UGC) at the MP Singh Lab of Coal and Organic Petrology, Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, with expertise in coal petrography, geochemical analysis and energy resource assessment. He submitted his Ph.D. in Science in 2025 from Banaras Hindu University, focusing on “Organic Petrological and Geochemical Studies of Coal Bearing Sequences Exposed in Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Chhattisgarh, India,” following an M.Sc. (Tech.) in Geology (2017) and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology (2012) from the same institution. Professionally, he has contributed to major research projects, including the DST-SERB-funded coal characterization and source rock potential study in Chhattisgarh and the CSIR-CIMFR and OPGC coal quality study for effective power generation, gaining extensive hands-on experience in field mapping, stratigraphic correlation, lithological studies, coal blending and environmental impact assessment. His research interests span coal, shale and sandstone petrography, geochemical characterization, rare earth element analysis and major oxide studies within coal-bearing sequences, emphasizing sustainable energy utilization. Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay possesses advanced research skills, including proficiency in ArcGIS, Minex, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, SigmaPlot and Origin, along with laboratory expertise in XRD, SEM, XRF, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, ICP-MS and vitrinite reflectance analysis, complemented by sample preparation for GC-MS and ICP-MS studies. He has published research in reputed journals and conferences, reflecting a strong scholarly impact and actively participates in mentoring, professional societies and geological field training programs. His awards and honors include recognition as a Senior Research Fellow (UGC) and contributions to high-impact DST-SERB and CSIR-CIMFR projects. In conclusion, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay exemplifies a promising geoscientist whose comprehensive education, rigorous research experience, technical expertise and leadership potential position him to make significant contributions to coal geology, energy research and sustainable resource management, ensuring continued advancement in both national and international geoscience communities.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Upadhayay, N. K., Naik, A. S., Rai, S., Singh, P. K., Kumar, A., Rahim, A., Hakimi, M. H., Kumar, G., & Rajak, P. K. (2025). Geochemical and petrological characteristics coupled with stable isotope of the Permian Gondwana coals from Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Son–Mahanadi Basin, India: Insights for paleodepositional and paleoclimate conditions. International Journal of Coal Geology, 104882.

2. Upadhayay, N. K., Naik, A. S., Kumar, A., & Kumar, G. (2025). Application of Raman spectroscopy in coal research: A case study on Tatapani-Ramkola coal. Journal of Geological Society of India. (Accepted 30 August 2025).

3. Kumar, O. P., Gopinathan, P., Naik, A. S., Rajak, P. K., Kumar, G., Upadhayay, N. K., Karmakar, A., & Subramani, T. (2025). Structural and maturity evolution of lignite using Raman spectroscopy and organic petrology of the Barmer basin, Rajasthan, India. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 47(8), 317.

4. Naik, A. S., Kumar, G., Singh, V., Singh, P. K., Kumari, M., Mohanty, D., Majhi, R. K., & Upadhayay, N. K. (2024). Maturity parameter of carbonaceous and coaly matter revealed through Raman spectroscopy. Journal of the Geological Society of India, 100(1), 26–34.

5. Naik, A. S., Singh, V., Mohanty, D., Majhi, R. K., Kumar, G., Upadhayay, N. K., Kumari, M., & Rai, S. (2023). Organic petrological facets and the evolution of paleomire, Matasukh lignite. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. Springer.

 

José Berciano | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. José Berciano | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Honorary Emeritus Professor, University of Cantabria, Spain

Prof. Dr. José Berciano is a distinguished neurologist and researcher at the University of Cantabria, Spain, with a career spanning over four decades in clinical neurology, research and teaching. He obtained his Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Zaragoza (1962–1968) and completed his postgraduate training in Neurology at Clínica Puerta de Hierro, Madrid (1969–1973), under the mentorship of Dr. Alberto Gimeno Álava. He earned his doctoral degree in 1978 from the University of the Basque Country with a thesis on “New Contributions to the Clinical and Pathological Understanding of Olivo-Ponto-Cerebellar Atrophy,” which introduced a classification system distinguishing hereditary and sporadic forms. Prof. Dr. José Berciano’s professional experience includes serving as Head of the Neurology Department at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital (1974–2015), where he established the Peripheral Nerve Histopathology Laboratory and the Neurogenetics Laboratory, fostering advanced genetic analyses, immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy for the study of neurodegenerative and hereditary disorders. His research interests encompass hereditary ataxias and paraplegias, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, Guillain–Barré syndrome, stroke, Chiari malformation, Sneddon syndrome, multiple sclerosis and ALS. Prof. Dr. José Berciano has authored 516 publications with 15,952 citations and an h-index of 59, supervised 20 doctoral theses, contributed to 70 books or book chapters and led 17 competitive research projects, often collaborating internationally with research teams across Europe and the USA. His research skills include neurogenetics, clinical neurophysiology, neuropathology, epidemiology and translational neuroscience. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the Holmes’ Prize of Ataxia, Galien Prize for Best Research Laboratory, Scientific Awards from the Spanish Society of Neurology and Honorary Membership of SEN. Prof. Dr. José Berciano is highly deserving of recognition for his seminal contributions to neurology, leadership in research and education, mentorship of future neurologists and ongoing potential to advance high-impact, internationally collaborative neuroscience studies.

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Featured Publications

1. Schmitz-Hubsch, T., Du Montcel, S. T., Baliko, L., Berciano, J., Boesch, S., et al. (2006). Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia: Development of a new clinical scale. Neurology, 66(11), 1717–1720.

2. Healy, D. G., Falchi, M., O’Sullivan, S. S., Bonifati, V., Durr, A., Bressman, S., et al. (2008). Phenotype, genotype, and worldwide genetic penetrance of LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease: A case-control study. The Lancet Neurology, 7(7), 583–590.

3. Fanciulli, A., & Wenning, G. K. (2015). Multiple-system atrophy. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(3), 249–263.

4. Querol, L., Nogales-Gadea, G., Rojas-Garcia, R., Diaz-Manera, J., Pardo, J., et al. (2014). Neurofascin IgG4 antibodies in CIDP associate with disabling tremor and poor response to IVIg. Neurology, 82(10), 879–886.

5. Pascual, J., Iglesias, F., Oterino, A., Vazquez-Barquero, A., & Berciano, J. (1996). Cough, exertional, and sexual headaches: An analysis of 72 benign and symptomatic cases. Neurology, 46(6), 1520–1524.

 

Xiangjiao Yi | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiangjiao Yi | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China

Dr. Xiangjiao Yi is a rising scholar in environmental and musculoskeletal medicine, currently serving as a Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. She earned her Ph.D. in Ethnic Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) from Minzu University of China in 2020, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate and received the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award and was jointly trained at the University of Rochester, USA, through a prestigious China Scholarship Council fellowship. Her academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in TCM from Minzu University of China (2016) and a Bachelor’s degree in TCM from Henan University of Chinese Medicine (2012). Professionally, Dr. Xiangjiao Yi has held research appointments as an Assistant Researcher at Westlake University and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at both Westlake University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, where she focused on the mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of TCM in treating musculoskeletal disorders. Her research interests center on the pathogenesis, therapeutic targets and TCM-based interventions for musculoskeletal diseases caused by genetics, aging and environmental toxicants, integrating big data population analyses, GWAS, multi-omics and experimental disease models. Dr. Xiangjiao Yi is proficient in advanced research skills, including gene editing, single-cell and bulk transcriptomics, and observational data analyses, bridging computational and laboratory-based approaches. She has successfully led four competitive projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Youth project, and participated in three additional national-level grants. Her achievements include 11 Scopus-indexed publications with 160 citations and an h-index of 7, along with multiple award-winning conference papers. Among her many honors are the ICMRS Webster Jee Young Investigator Award, the ASBMR Young Investigator Travel Grant and provincial high-level talent recognition. With her innovative methodologies, international training and leadership in multidisciplinary projects, Dr. Xiangjiao Yi demonstrates outstanding potential to advance global research in environmental health and TCM-based musculoskeletal therapeutics.

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Featured Publications

1. Li, J., Yi, X., Yao, Z., Chakkalakal, J. V., Xing, L., & Boyce, B. F. (2020). TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 mediates TNFα‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy in mice during aging. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 35(8), 1535–1548.

2. Pan, J., Zhao, M., Yi, X., Tao, J., Li, S., Jiang, Z., Cheng, B., Yuan, H., & Zhang, F. (2022). Acellular nerve grafts supplemented with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived exosomes promote peripheral nerve reconstruction and motor function recovery. Bioactive Materials, 15, 272–287.

3. Dai, X., Yi, X., Wang, Y., Xia, W., Tao, J., Wu, J., Miao, D., & Chen, L. (2022). PQQ dietary supplementation prevents alkylating agent-induced ovarian dysfunction in mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13, 781404.

4. Li, J., Yao, Z., Liu, X., Duan, R., Yi, X., Ayoub, A., Sanders, J. O., Mesfin, A., Xing, L., … [additional authors if needed]. (2023). TGFβ1+CCR5+ neutrophil subset increases in bone marrow and causes age-related osteoporosis in male mice. Nature Communications, 14(1), 159.

5. Yi, X., Tao, J., Qian, Y., Feng, F., Hu, X., Xu, T., Jin, H., Ruan, H., Zheng, H. F., & Tong, P. (2022). Morroniside ameliorates inflammatory skeletal muscle atrophy via inhibiting canonical and non-canonical NF-κB and regulating protein synthesis/degradation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 1056460.

 

Carol López De Dicastillo | Materials Science | Best Industrial Research Award

Dr. Carol López De Dicastillo | Materials Science | Best Industrial Research Award

Senior Scientist, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Spain

Dr. Carol López de Dicastillo is a distinguished researcher in food science and materials engineering, currently serving as Tenured Researcher at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC) in Spain. She earned her PhD in Food Science and Technology from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in 2011, after completing her MSc in 2007 and BSc in Chemistry in 2005, both from Spanish institutions. Her professional experience includes roles as a “Ramón y Cajal” Researcher in Spain (2022–2024), Marie Curie Researcher at ONYRIQ, Spain (2021–2022), and Academic-Researcher at the University of Santiago de Chile (2013–2021), with additional predoctoral and postdoctoral stays at Rutgers University (USA), CSIRO (Australia) and research collaborations in France, the Netherlands and Brazil. Her research interests focus on sustainable and active food packaging, including biodegradable and recycled polymers, hydrophilic polymers, chemical functionalization, controlled release and polymer-based delivery systems. She possesses strong research skills in polymer synthesis, emulsification, chemical grafting, material characterization and industrial technology transfer. Dr. Carol López de Dicastillo has authored 85 publications with 3,540 citations and an h-index of 33, including high-impact Q1 journal articles, 8 book chapters, and holds 7 patents (6 as responsible inventor). She has supervised 3 PhD students (2 ongoing), 4 MSc and 17 BSc theses, and taught courses in Food Engineering, Food Technology and Chemical Engineering. Her awards and honors include the Marie Curie Fellowship and Ramón y Cajal Research Contract, reflecting her excellence in research and international collaboration. Dr. Carol López de Dicastillo has also contributed to community outreach and science dissemination through initiatives such as PRONANO, CONICYT and #mejorIata. In conclusion, her outstanding contributions to sustainable food packaging, mentorship, innovation and international research collaborations make her highly deserving of recognition, highlighting her potential to continue advancing materials science and industrial applications globally.

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Featured Publications

1. López de Dicastillo, C., Gómez-Estaca, J., López-Carballo, G., Gavara, R., & Hernández-Muñoz, P. (2023). Agro-industrial protein waste and co-products valorization for the development of bioplastics: Thermoprocessing and characterization of feather keratin/gliadin blends. Molecules, 28(7350).

2. Velásquez, E., Garrido, L., Valenzuela, X., Galotto, M. J., Guarda, A., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2023). Valorization of post-consumer recycled polypropylene through their reinforcement with amine and amine/silane organically modified clays for potential use in food packaging. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 38, 101121.

3. Patiño Vidal, C., Luzi, F., Puglia, D., López-Carballo, G., Rojas, A., Galotto, M. J., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2023). Development of a sustainable and antibacterial food packaging material based on a biopolymeric multilayer system composed by polylactic acid, chitosan, cellulose nanocrystals, and ethyl lauroyl arginate. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 36, 101050.

4. Rojas, A., Velásquez, E., Piña, C., Galotto, M. J., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2021). Designing active mats based on cellulose acetate/polycaprolactone core/shell structures with different release kinetics. Carbohydrate Polymers, 261, 117849.

5. Velásquez, E. J., Patiño-Vidal, C., Rojas, A., Guarda, A., Galotto, M. J., & López de Dicastillo, C. (2021). Natural antimicrobials and antioxidants added to polylactic acid packaging films. Part I: Polymers processing techniques. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 20(5), 4378–4393.

 

Soufiane Bacha | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Soufiane Bacha | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Algeria

Mr. Soufiane Bacha is a promising young researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Data Quality with a strong academic background and growing international exposure. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Data Quality at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (2023–ongoing) and a Ph.D. in Cancer Epidemiology at the Department of Computer Science, Ibn Khaldoun University of Tiaret, Algeria (2021–2025). He also holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering (2019–2021), where he ranked first in his class and completed a thesis on imbalanced datasets and boosting methods, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science (2016–2019) with strong foundations in algorithms, cryptography and programming. Professionally, Mr. Soufiane Bacha gained valuable international research experience through an internship at the Faculty of Polytechnic Mons, UMONS University in Belgium, where he worked on Internet of Things (IoT) applications involving Raspberry Pi, Arduino and sensor technologies. He has served as a part-time lecturer in Graph Theory and as an ICT trainer in web development, demonstrating strong teaching, leadership, and communication skills. His research interests span artificial intelligence, data quality, machine learning for imbalanced datasets, cancer epidemiology, distributed applications and business analytics. He is proficient in Python, C/C++, Java, SQL and data analysis tools, with expertise in OLAP, data mining, and deep learning frameworks. His achievements include an NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute Certificate, participation in AI workshops, and a Scopus-indexed publication. With a dual doctoral training and interdisciplinary focus, Mr. Soufiane Bacha is well-positioned to make impactful contributions to AI-driven data quality research and healthcare analytics on a global scale.

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Featured Publications

1. Bacha, S., Ning, H., Mostefa, B., Sarwatt, D. S., & Dhelim, S. (2025). A novel double pruning method for imbalanced data using information entropy and roulette wheel selection for breast cancer diagnosis (arXiv:2503.12239).

 

Vincelet Jobikha A | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Vincelet Jobikha A | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Saveetha Engineering College, India

Ms. Vincelet Jobikha A is a dedicated and accomplished researcher in Materials Science, currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Physics at Saveetha Engineering College, affiliated with Anna University, focusing on nanomaterials for energy production and rare earth-doped tellurite glass and ceramics for radiation shielding applications. She completed her M.Sc. in Physics at Muslim Arts College, Kanniyakumari and B.Sc. in Physics at Infant Jesus College of Arts and Science for Women, graduating with first-class distinction in both degrees. Her professional experience includes active participation in 15 national and international conferences, workshops and specialized training programs, delivering oral and poster presentations, and engaging in collaborative research initiatives across India. Ms. Vincelet Jobikha A research interests encompass advanced glass and ceramic materials, nanomaterials for solar energy enhancement and radiation shielding technologies, with expertise in material synthesis, structural and optical characterization (XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR, PL) and gamma-ray shielding evaluations. She has demonstrated strong research skills through the development of novel nanomaterials that improve solar energy efficiency, designing electrical circuits and securing four patents related to glass systems for radiation protection. Her scholarly contributions include one Scopus-indexed publication with another under review, alongside numerous participations in specialized courses at JNTU Hyderabad and Madurai Kamaraj University. Ms. Vincelet Jobikha A has received the SCOPUS INDEX 2025 International Best Researcher Award for excellence in Glass Ceramics and actively engages in co-curricular activities that enhance leadership, communication and mentorship. Her combination of rigorous academic training, innovative research and professional recognition positions her as a rising leader in materials science, with strong potential for impactful international research contributions, high-quality publications and continued advancement of science and technology.

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Featured Publications

1. Vinothkumar, P., Yamini, B., Praveenkumar, S., & Jobikha, A. V. (2025). Synthesis, structural, and optical properties of lead-free Tm³⁺ ions doped zinc tellurite glass and Ho³⁺ ions doped zinc borophosphate glass for radiation shielding application. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 234, 112795.