Dr. Vivash Naidoo | Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vivash Naidoo | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. Vivash Naidoo is a dedicated South African academic and medical scientist with a rich background in anatomical pathology, molecular medicine, and health science education. Currently serving as a lecturer and IPC GEMP 4 coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care at the University of the Witwatersrand, she brings more than two decades of expertise to the academic and clinical training environment. With a passion for fostering medical education and a strong research foundation, she continuously contributes to the advancement of healthcare science and student development.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Background:

Dr. Naidoo is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science Education (2025-ongoing) at the University of the Witwatersrand. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 2024 from the same institution, where she previously completed an MSc in Molecular Medicine (2015–2019). Her academic journey includes a BTech from Vaal University of Technology (2012–2014), a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2006), and multiple diplomas in medical and therapeutic disciplines. Her foundational schooling was completed at Tongaat Secondary School in 1990.

👩‍💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Naidoo has held a variety of academic and medical roles. She has lectured extensively at the University of the Witwatersrand and previously at Vaal University of Technology, teaching subjects including Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. Her experience also includes roles as a GEMP facilitator, Chief Invigilator, and curriculum committee member. Clinically, she worked with the NHLS in both technologist and technician capacities, specializing in renal pathology, immunostaining, and clinical audits. She also contributed to a Ministry of Health study in Botswana and served on research and innovation committees.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Naidoo has received multiple accolades including the DAAD–NRF Doctoral Scholarship (R120,000 in 2019), several Faculty Research Committee (FRC) grants, and international conference awards such as the 1st Prize Leader Award from the ASCB Virtual Conference (USD 200) and the SOCM Leaderboard Award(R500). Additionally, she received departmental funding to attend the 2019 NCRI Cancer Conference in Glasgow.

🔬 Research Focus:

Her primary research explores the role of glycosylation inhibitors in colorectal cancer, with a focus on therapeutic agents like Brefeldin A and Tunicamycin C. Her Ph.D. investigated novel targets in colon cancer using in silico models, while her master’s thesis evaluated a synthetic indoline derivative’s effect on apoptosis in cancer cells. Dr. Naidoo has supervised multiple postgraduate students and is actively involved in manuscript review and scientific committee service.

🔚 Conclusion:

Driven by a passion for both science and education, Dr. Naidoo exemplifies academic excellence and mentorship in the health sciences. With her extensive experience and forward-looking approach to teaching, research, and clinical practice, she continues to shape the next generation of medical professionals while contributing meaningfully to the global fight against cancer.

📚 Top Publications:

Interactions between aflatoxin B1 and dietary iron overload in hepatic mutagenesis – Toxicology (2007) – Cited by 115

Synergistic interaction between excess hepatic iron and alcohol ingestion in hepatic mutagenesis – Toxicology (2008) – Cited by 92

A novel EGFR Inhibitor, HNPMI regulates apoptosis and oncogenesis by modulating Bcl-2/Bax and p53 in colon cancer – British Journal of Pharmacology (2023) – Cited by 7

The Impact of Combination Therapy of Croton Membranaceus and Finasteride on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Histomorphology – Phytomedicine Plus (2024) – Cited by 3

Rauwolfia vomitoria—a promising medicinal plant for benign prostatic hyperplasia management; yet with challenges – Phytomedicine Plus (2025) – Cited by 2

Dr. Rania Mohamed | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rania Mohamed | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD student, Southwest University, China

Dr. Rania Mohamed Awad is a dedicated researcher and lecturer in the field of food science, currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Southwest University, Chongqing, China. She also serves as a lecturer at Khartoum University, Sudan. With a strong background in biochemistry and food science, she has made significant contributions to research on antioxidant capacity, phytochemistry, and food processing. Her work explores innovative techniques to enhance food quality, safety, and nutritional value. Passionate about scientific discovery, she has published multiple research papers in high-impact journals, attended prestigious academic conferences, and actively collaborates on groundbreaking research projects.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education:

Dr. Rania earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a specialization in Biochemistry and Food Science from Khartoum University in 2006. She further pursued a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology in 2010, where her dissertation on the antioxidant properties of date palm fruits received top honors. Currently, she is completing her Ph.D. at Southwest University, China, focusing on innovative food processing techniques, with a strong emphasis on the impact of extraction temperature on protein properties in tea science.

💼 Experience:

With years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Rania has played a pivotal role in academia. As a lecturer at Khartoum University, she has mentored students in various subjects, including biochemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and enzyme studies. Her research interests span food biotechnology, chemical safety, flavor enhancement, and extending food shelf life. She has successfully completed five research projects and is currently working on another. She is also actively involved in international collaborations, including participation in the 2024 China-ASEAN Xishan Forum academic conference.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Rania has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to food science and research. Her Master’s dissertation was the highest-scoring in the 2013 academic year. She has published innovative research, including a novel study on the effects of extraction temperature on protein from date palm pollen, which has gained attention in the scientific community. Additionally, she is a member of prestigious societies related to food science and human protection.

🔍 Research Focus:

Her research expertise encompasses food science, phytochemistry, chemical biology, agricultural plant science, structural biology, polymer chemistry, and tea science. She explores new methods to improve food quality, develop functional foods, and enhance food safety through biotechnology. Her ongoing projects focus on novel extraction techniques and bioactive compound analysis to optimize food processing methods.

📜 Conclusion:

Dr. Rania Mohamed Awad is a passionate scientist dedicated to advancing food science through research, innovation, and education. Her work bridges the gap between traditional food processing techniques and modern scientific advancements. With a strong academic foundation, international collaborations, and impactful research contributions, she continues to make a difference in the field of food science and technology.

📚 Publications:

Effects of Extraction Temperature of Protein from Date Palm Pollen on the Astringency Taste of Tea (2024) – Food DOI: 10.3390/foods14030508

Effect of Processing Methods on Alkaloids, Phytate, Phenolics, Antioxidants Activity and Minerals of Newly Developed Lupin (Lupinus albus L.) Cultivar – Journal of Food Processing and Preservation DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.12960

Changes in Chemical Composition and Total Energy as Affected by Fermentation and/or Cooking of Pearl Millet Flour Supplemented with Moringa or Fenugreek Seeds Flour – International Food Research Journal (2017)

Changes in Protein Nutritional Quality as Affected by Processing of Millet Supplemented with Moringa Seed Flour (2018) – Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences DOI: 10.1016/j.jssas.2016.05.006

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Mineral Extractability of Sudanese Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruits – Food Science & Nutrition DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.123

 

Bouthaina Dridi | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Bouthaina Dridi | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Professor, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem Sousse, Tunisia

🌿 Prof. Bouthaina Dridi Al Mohandes is a distinguished academic in the field of Agronomy and Biotechnology, currently serving as a professor at the High Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Mariem in Tunisia. With over 30 years of experience, she has contributed immensely to plant physiology, biotechnology, and horticultural sciences. She has also co-authored books and numerous international research publications, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative plant production techniques.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  • Extensive Educational Background: Dr. Bouthaina Dridi holds multiple advanced degrees in horticulture and agronomic sciences, including a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences. Her academic credentials demonstrate a strong foundation in plant physiology, biotechnology, and genetics, which aligns well with the theme of women’s research excellence in agriculture.
  • Vast Professional Experience: Dr. Dridi has over 30 years of experience in academia and research, having worked in both national and international institutions. Her experience as a professor, researcher, and engineer showcases her long-term commitment to advancing agricultural sciences.
  • Research Impact and Publications: Dr. Dridi has a significant body of research, with numerous publications in high-impact international journals over the last decade. Her work spans topics like plant physiology, virus-free plant production, and environmental sustainability, which makes her a valuable contributor to the field.
  • Leadership in Research: With her habilitation degree, Dr. Dridi is qualified to supervise research, highlighting her leadership in the academic and scientific community. Her co-authorship of a book on best practices in artichoke farming also points to her contribution to practical agricultural development.
  • Focus on Environmental Sustainability: Dr. Dridi’s research on sustainable agriculture, including the ecological assessment of heavy metal pollution and the use of plant-based agents, is highly relevant to current global challenges in sustainable food production and environmental conservation.

Areas for Improvement:

  • Visibility in Gender-Specific Research: While Dr. Dridi has a rich academic and research background, there is little focus on gender-specific research or contributions that directly address the advancement of women in science or agriculture. Enhancing visibility in this area could strengthen her candidacy for a women-focused research award.
  • Involvement in Advocacy for Women in Science: Although Dr. Dridi is highly accomplished, there is no mention of involvement in programs, initiatives, or advocacy efforts aimed at promoting women in STEM or agriculture. Expanding her influence in this domain would further align her profile with the goals of the Women Research Award.

Education

🎓 Prof. Dridi holds an impressive academic background in agricultural and biological sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences from Ghent University, Belgium, in 2003, specializing in biotechnology and plant genetics. She also holds a Habilitation degree in Agronomic Sciences from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, and two engineering certificates in Horticulture Sciences from ENSH, France, and Chott-Mariem, Tunisia.

Experience

💼 Since 2019, Prof. Dridi has been a Professor at the High Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Mariem, Tunisia, following her roles as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor since 2005. Her career began as an engineer and researcher at the National Agronomic Research Institute of Tunisia, before moving to academic teaching and research. Her early work includes research at the National Museum of Natural History, Paris, and leading a laboratory in vitro production in France.

Research Focus

🔬 Prof. Dridi’s research focuses on biotechnology, plant physiology, and genetics. She is passionate about in vitro tissue culture techniques for virus-free plant production, with an emphasis on sustainable and innovative methods for horticultural development, particularly artichokes and other horticultural crops. Her work also extends to studying the environmental impacts of agriculture.

Awards and Honours

🏅 Prof. Dridi has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to agronomy, receiving honorable mentions for her Ph.D. thesis and engineering dissertations. She has also co-authored a Guide de bonnes pratiques for organic artichoke farming, which reflects her commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Publications – Top Notes

Clotting and Proteolytic Activity of Wild Thistles (2023)

Onopordum Nervosum Flowers as Antioxidant Agents (2023)

Comparative Study of Tunisian Pepper Accessions (2022)

Effect of Vermicompost on Tomato Growth under Salt Stress (2022)

Conclusion:

Dr. Bouthaina Dridi is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Research Award due to her extensive academic background, leadership in agronomic sciences, and impactful research contributions in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. However, her candidacy could be further strengthened by highlighting more gender-specific initiatives or contributions to advancing women in the scientific community. Despite this, her research excellence and leadership make her a strong contender for the award.