Raeesa Manjoo-Docrat | Infectious Diseases | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Raeesa Manjoo-Docrat | Infectious Diseases | Young Researcher Award 

Lecturer | Univeristy of the Witwatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Raeesa Manjoo-Docrat is a developing scholar affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, whose work contributes to the advancement of quantitative epidemiology and public health modelling in South Africa. Her research focuses on the development and application of spatial, age-stratified epidemiological models aimed at understanding disease transmission dynamics within heterogeneous populations. With four peer-reviewed publications and 27 citations, she has established a growing academic footprint supported by an h-index of 2, reflecting the early but significant influence of her work. Her recent open-access article in Heliyon (2025), which applies spatial modelling frameworks to the South African COVID-19 pandemic, exemplifies her commitment to integrating mathematical rigor with real-world public health challenges. Manjoo-Docrat has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprising epidemiologists, mathematicians, and public health scientists, enabling her to contribute to robust analytical frameworks and high-quality scientific outputs. These collaborations also highlight her ability to operate effectively within diverse research environments and to engage in evidence-based problem solving that supports both academic and policy-relevant outcomes. Her research sits at the intersection of infectious disease dynamics, health systems planning, and data-driven decision support, positioning her work within a globally relevant domain of applied epidemiology. Beyond academic metrics, her contributions have societal impact by informing approaches to epidemic preparedne  ss, guiding interventions for vulnerable demographic groups, and enhancing understanding of spatial disparities in health outcomes. Through her continued scholarship, Manjoo-Docrat aims to strengthen the integration of mathematical modelling into national and regional public health strategies, ensuring that data-informed insights contribute to improved health resilience and equitable disease control.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Manjoo-Docrat, R., Abdelatif, N., Holloway, J., Dudeni-Tlhone, N., Dresselhaus, C., Mbayise, E., … Makhanya, S. (2025). Spatial age-stratified epidemiological model with applications to South African COVID-19 pandemic. Heliyon, 11(11), e43171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e43171

2. Dresselhaus, C., Fabris-Rotelli, I., Manjoo-Docrat, R., Brettenny, W., Holloway, J., Thiede, R., Debba, P., & Dudeni-Tlhone, N. (2023). A spatial model with vaccinations for COVID-19 in South Africa. Spatial Statistics, 58, Article 100792. Cited by 2.

3. Manjoo-Docrat, R. (2022). A spatio-stochastic model for the spread of infectious diseases. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 533, 110943.  Cited by 16.

4. Fabris-Rotelli, I., Holloway, J., Kimmie, Z., Archibald, S., Debba, P., Manjoo-Docrat, R., … Potgieter, A. (2022). A Spatial SEIR Model for COVID-19 in South Africa. Journal of Data Science, Statistics, and Visualisation, 2(7), 14–45.  Cited by 5.

Fangfang Tao | Chikungunya Virus | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Fangfang Tao | Chikungunya Virus | Best Researcher Award 

Zhejiang Chinese Medical University | China

Prof. Dr. Fangfang Tao is a dedicated researcher at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University whose work spans integrative medicine, public health, and translational biomedical science. With a portfolio of 35 peer-reviewed publications and over 380 citations, Dr. Tao has established a growing scholarly presence supported by an h-index of 11, reflecting consistent influence and research quality. Her contributions often integrate traditional Chinese medical principles with modern clinical and epidemiological approaches, advancing evidence-based understanding of disease mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and patient-centered health outcomes. Dr. Tao’s collaborative record is extensive, with partnerships involving more than 100 co-authors across national and international institutions, demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and global scientific engagement. Her work contributes meaningfully to emerging health challenges by prioritizing rigorous methodology, culturally relevant medical insights, and innovative therapeutic frameworks. Through her research, Dr. Tao aims to bridge traditional medical knowledge with contemporary biomedical science to enhance clinical practice, inform health policy, and promote accessible, effective care. Her scholarly achievements underscore not only a strong trajectory in academic research but also a broader societal impact, as her studies support improved diagnostic approaches, better-targeted interventions, and enhanced patient well-being across diverse populations.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Niu, N., Zhang, J., Zhang, N., Mercado-Uribe, I., Tao, F., Han, Z., Pathak, S., … (2016). Linking genomic reorganization to tumor initiation via the giant cell cycle. Oncogenesis, 5(12), e281.
Cited by: 169

2. Tao, F., Tian, X., Ruan, S., Shen, M., & Zhang, Z. (2018). miR‐211 sponges lncRNA MALAT1 to suppress tumor growth and progression through inhibiting PHF19 in ovarian carcinoma. The FASEB Journal, 32(11), 6330–6343.
Cited by: 92

3. Tao, F., Tian, X., Lu, M., & Zhang, Z. (2018). A novel lncRNA, Lnc-OC1, promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration by sponging miR-34a and miR-34c. Journal of Genetics and Genomics, 45(3), 137–145.
Cited by: 59

4. Tian, X., Tao, F., Zhang, B., Dong, J. T., & Zhang, Z. (2018). The miR‐203/SNAI2 axis regulates prostate tumor growth, migration, angiogenesis and stemness potentially by modulating GSK‐3β/β-catenin signal pathway. IUBMB Life, 70(3), 224–236.
Cited by: 42

5. Jiang, X., Cui, X., Xu, H., Liu, W., Tao, F., Shao, T., Pan, X., & Zheng, B. (2019). Whole genome sequencing of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolated from a wastewater treatment plant in China. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10, 1797.
Cited by: 34

Josiah Orji | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Josiah Orji | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Student | Federal University of Technology | Nigeria                         

Mr. Josiah Orji is an applied mathematician specializing in differential equations, mathematical modeling, and numerical simulation, with a focus on biological and medical applications. He excels in translating complex biological processes into mathematical frameworks, conducting analytical and computational analyses, and preparing findings for publication. Currently pursuing an M.Tech. in Applied Mathematics (Distinction) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, his dissertation explores the modeling and optimal control of malaria transmission dynamics with the impact of an effective vaccine. He holds a B.Tech. in Industrial Mathematics (First Class Honors) from the same university. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, emphasizing malaria and schistosomiasis modeling, and he possesses strong programming skills in MATLAB, Maple, and Python. A PTDF scholar and recipient of multiple academic awards, including the Prof. Reuben Olufenwa Ayeni Award and a NAMCUS Bronze Medal, Josiah has teaching experience at both pre-degree and secondary levels and has served in leadership roles such as President of the Watchman Catholic Charismatic Campus Fellowship. His research interests include mathematical biology, optimal control theory, computational mathematics, and data-driven approaches to disease modeling. He is proficient in LaTeX and web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), a member of professional bodies such as Black in AI and ResearchGate, and remains committed to advancing interdisciplinary research in mathematics, data science, and biomedical systems while mentoring future scientists through teaching, tutoring, and community engagement.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Orji, J. C., Yusuf, T. T., Afolabi, A. S., & Dawodu, K. A. (2025). Integrated malaria control: Impacts of vaccination and combined interventions on disease dynamics. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 11(6), 1–23

2. Chukwuebuka, O. J., Miswanto, M., & Sunday, A. A. (n.d.). Optimal control problems constrained by non-linear ordinary differential equations.

 

Ahmad Nematollahi | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Ahmad Nematollahi | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Academic Member | University of Tabriz | Iran

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Nematollahiis a distinguished Professor at the University of Tabriz, Iran, specializing in Veterinary Parasitology. He earned his DVM in Veterinary Medicine from Urmia and his Ph.D. in Veterinary Parasitology from the University of Tehran. Over his academic career, he has contributed significantly to parasitology education through courses on nematodes, protozoa, arthropods, and helminth taxonomy. His administrative and teaching service spans more than three decades at the University of Tabriz, where he has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses on protozoan and helminthic infections in domestic animals. Dr. Nematollahi has published widely in national and international journals on subjects including Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis, Eimeria, Haemonchus contortus, and Theileria species. His extensive conference participation across Asia and Europe underscores his active engagement in global veterinary research. Recognized multiple times as a superior researcher and teacher, he is also an accomplished author of textbooks in parasitology. Dr. Nematollahi has published 42 scientific documents, accumulating 495 citations and holds an h-index of 14

Profiles:  Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Nematollahi, A., Moghaddam, G., & Pourabad, R. F. (2009). Prevalence of Eimeria species among broiler chicks in Tabriz (Northwest of Iran). Munis Entomology & Zoology, 4(1), 53–58.
Cited by: 120

2. Hasanpour, A., Moghaddam, G. A., & Nematollahi, A. (2008). Biochemical, hematological, and electrocardiographic changes in buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata. The Korean Journal of Parasitology, 46(4), 223–228.
Cited by: 109

3. Pourseif, M. M., Yousefpour, M., Aminianfar, M., Moghaddam, G., & Nematollahi, A. (2019). A multi-method and structure-based in silico vaccine designing against Echinococcus granulosus through investigating enolase protein. BioImpacts, 9(3), 131–144.
Cited by: 69

4. Valilou, R. H., Rafat, S. A., Notter, D. R., Shojda, D., Moghaddam, G., & Nematollahi, A. (2015). Fecal egg counts for gastrointestinal nematodes are associated with a polymorphism in the MHC-DRB1 gene in the Iranian Ghezel sheep breed. Frontiers in Genetics, 6, 105.
Cited by: 48

5. Pourseif, M. M., Moghaddam, G., Daghighkia, H., Nematollahi, A., & Omidi, Y. (2017). A novel B-and helper T-cell epitopes-based prophylactic vaccine against Echinococcus granulosus. BioImpacts, 8(1), 39–49.
Cited by: 46

Sharmin Musa | Foodborne Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Sharmin Musa | Foodborne Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Professor | University of Dhaka | Bangladesh

Dr. Sharmin Musa, Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Dhaka, is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in parasitology, zoonotic diseases, and vector-borne infections. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Biology from the University of Manchester, UK, where her doctoral work focused on parental care in burying beetles, complementing earlier research on post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) during her MSc at the University of Dhaka. Over the course of her career, she has led and collaborated on numerous research projects addressing pressing public health concerns in Bangladesh, including malaria among Rohingya refugees, intestinal parasitic infections in slum populations, soil-transmitted helminths, and foodborne parasitic risks linked to street vendors and vegetables. Her prolific publication record spans more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, covering both human and animal parasites. She has supervised multiple Ph.D. and MSc theses, contributing significantly to the development of young scientists in Bangladesh. In addition to research, Dr. Musa has delivered invited talks at international conferences, reflecting her recognition as an authority in parasitology and epidemiology. She is an active member of professional bodies such as the Zoological Society of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Society for Parasitologists, where she has held executive roles. Her academic excellence has been acknowledged with awards, including the Dean’s Award and prestigious fellowships for higher study abroad. Alongside her teaching and research, she has also served in administrative roles, including warden and senate member, demonstrating her leadership within the university community and her enduring commitment to advancing science and public health

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Barua, P., Banik, K.S., Saha, S., & Musa, S. (2024). Risk factors associated with street food consumption in Dhaka city due to faeco-oral parasitic infection in food vendors. Food and Humanity

Dayong Xu | CRISPR and Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dayong Xu | Molecular Diagnostics | Best Researcher Award 

Principal Investigator at Huaibei Normal University | China

Dr. Dayong Xu is an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, China. He is an active researcher specializing in CRISPR technologies and molecular diagnostics. His contributions span across microbiology, biotechnology, and molecular biology, with a strong emphasis on developing innovative diagnostic tools and exploring microbial mechanisms of resistance and virulence. As a corresponding author on several high-impact publications, Dr. Xu has collaborated with distinguished researchers worldwide, advancing the field of molecular detection systems. His research outputs include pioneering CRISPR-based diagnostic platforms for viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, along with studies on antifungal resistance and microbial physiology. With a balance of academic scholarship and practical application, he is recognized for translating scientific knowledge into technologies with potential clinical and industrial impact. Dedicated to innovation and excellence, Dr. Xu has built a professional reputation as a leading scientist in molecular diagnostics and microbial pathogenesis.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile | Orcid  Profile

Education

Dr. Dayong Xu pursued his academic training in the life sciences, where he cultivated expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and biotechnology. His education provided him with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and experimental skills, allowing him to investigate fundamental processes in microbial systems while applying molecular techniques to real-world challenges. Through his academic journey, he gained exposure to advanced genetic tools, protein analysis, and diagnostic development. This training equipped him to explore areas such as CRISPR-mediated detection methods and the molecular basis of antifungal drug resistance. By integrating rigorous coursework with extensive laboratory research, Dr. Xu developed the ability to connect basic science with translational applications. His educational path strengthened his interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaborations across genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology. This background has been essential in enabling him to address complex research questions and contribute meaningfully to both academic science and applied diagnostic innovation.

Experience

Dr. Dayong Xu has accumulated significant academic and research experience as an Associate Professor at Huaibei Normal University. His role involves a combination of teaching, mentoring, and leading innovative scientific investigations in molecular diagnostics and microbiology. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, often serving as a corresponding author, which reflects his leadership in collaborative projects. His experience spans the design and optimization of CRISPR-based diagnostic systems, the study of antifungal resistance in Candida albicans, and the development of microbial fermentation strategies for bioactive compounds. He has also explored genetic pathways involved in microbial virulence, calcium homeostasis, and stress tolerance, contributing to a deeper understanding of pathogen biology. Beyond research, Dr. Xu engages in academic guidance for students and fosters collaborations with international scientists. His extensive experience highlights his ability to integrate laboratory research, academic leadership, and practical innovation in advancing molecular and microbial sciences.

Research Focus

Dr. Dayong Xu’s research is centered on CRISPR technology, molecular diagnostics, and microbial pathogenesis. He is particularly focused on designing and optimizing CRISPR/Cas-based platforms for the rapid and accurate detection of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. His studies extend to the molecular mechanisms underlying antifungal resistance in Candida albicans, where he investigates genetic interactions, membrane transport proteins, and signaling pathways that affect drug tolerance and virulence. He also explores microbial enzyme functions, protein expression, and biotechnological applications, such as the transformation of biochemical compounds and the fermentation-based production of antimicrobial agents. His research integrates basic molecular biology with translational outcomes, bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world diagnostic needs. With a strong emphasis on precision and applicability, Dr. Xu aims to contribute to global health by advancing tools for early disease detection, therapeutic development, and microbial understanding through cutting-edge molecular approaches.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Efficient Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinoline Alkaloids from Dopamine and Natural Phenolic Acids by Whole-Cell Biocatalysis
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 2025
Summary: This article presents a sustainable biocatalytic approach for synthesizing tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids using dopamine and natural phenolic acids as substrates. Whole-cell systems are employed to achieve efficient synthesis, highlighting green chemistry applications in natural product production.

Title: Fast-Flu: RT-RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assisted one-step platform for rapid influenza B virus detection
Journal: Microbiology Spectrum, 2025
Summary: The study introduces a rapid diagnostic platform, Fast-Flu, combining RT-RPA with CRISPR/Cas12a in a single step to detect influenza B virus. The method is highly sensitive, specific, and time-efficient, offering potential for point-of-care influenza diagnostics.

Title: Heterologous Expression and Enzymatic Properties of β-Glucuronidase from Clostridium perfringens and Its Application in Bilirubin Transformation
Journal: Microorganisms, 2025
Summary: This research reports the heterologous expression and characterization of β-glucuronidase from Clostridium perfringens. The enzyme’s biochemical properties are examined, and its application in bilirubin transformation is demonstrated, providing insights into microbial enzyme utilization in biomedicine.

Conclusion

Dr. Dayong Xu exemplifies the role of a modern life sciences researcher who integrates deep biological knowledge with technological innovation. His career reflects a commitment to both academic scholarship and applied solutions, particularly in the fields of CRISPR diagnostics and microbial pathogenesis. By combining his expertise in molecular biology with his leadership in collaborative research, he has contributed to advancing scientific understanding and developing diagnostic systems with significant potential for clinical use. His publications, many of which list him as a corresponding author, showcase his influence in driving forward high-impact research. Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Xu is dedicated to mentoring young researchers and fostering international collaborations that broaden the reach of his work. Through a balance of innovation, research, and education, he continues to play an influential role in shaping the future of molecular diagnostics, microbial biology, and applied biotechnology.