Raeesa Manjoo-Docrat | Infectious Diseases | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Global Diseases Research

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.

Hans Rudolf Pfaendler | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Diseases Research

Prof. Dr. Hans Rudolf Pfaendler | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor Emeritus | University of Munich | Germany

Prof. Dr. Hans Rudolf Pfaendler is a distinguished researcher and faculty member at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany, with a focus on microbiology and chemical sciences. Over his career, he has authored 35 publications that have collectively garnered 660 citations, reflecting both the quality and impact of his work. His research spans innovative methodologies in microbiology, including the development of the CarbaLux test for detecting carbapenemases and AmpC beta-lactamases, as well as contributions to organic chemistry, such as novel formaldehyde derivatives and vicinal diamination of terminal olefins. Pfaendler has collaborated with a broad network of 46 co-authors, highlighting his commitment to interdisciplinary and international research initiatives. His work has significantly advanced diagnostic techniques and synthetic chemistry, providing tools that are not only academically influential but also societally relevant, particularly in addressing antimicrobial resistance and chemical synthesis challenges. Recognized for both methodological innovation and practical applications, his scholarship bridges fundamental research and translational impact, underlining his standing as a leading figure in his field.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Pfaendler, H. R. (1994). ß-Lactame – ein aktueller Überblick: The Organic Chemistry of β-Lactams. Von G. I. Georg. VCH, Weinheim 1993. 381 S., 39 Abb., 68 Tab., geb., DM 189,-. ISBN 3-527-28188-6. Nachrichten aus Chemie, Technik und Laboratorium, 42(1), 29–30.Pf.

2. Pfaendler, H. R., Hendel, W., & Nagel, U. (1992). Stable Oxapenem-3-Carboxylic Acids – A New Class of β-Lactam Antibiotics. Influence of 2- and 6-Alkyl Substituents. Zeitschrift für Naturforschung B, 47(7–8), 726–732

3. Pfaendler, H., Hartung, R., Golz, G., Schlaf, S., Silvennoinen, G., Polborn, K., & Mayer, P. (2009). A Simple and Efficient Preparation of Novel Formaldehyde Derivatives. Synthesis, 2009(1), 9–16.

4. Pfaendler, H. R. (1990). Robinsonade: „Robert Robinson ‐ Chemist Extraordinary”. Von Trevor I. Williams. Oxford University Press (Clarendon Press Oxford) 1990. 201 S., 13 Fotos, geb. $ 25.00, ISBN 0‐19‐858180‐7. Nachrichten aus Chemie, Technik und Laboratorium, 38(10), 318–319.

5. Pfaendler, H. R., Weishaupt, R., & Meffert, H. (2000). Synthesis and Biological Activities of an α-Methyl and a β-Methyl Carbapenem and the Corresponding Unsubstituted Compound. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 10(12), 1417–1420.

Prof. Dr. Hans Rudolf Pfaendler’s work advances the rapid detection and characterization of antimicrobial resistance through innovative diagnostic tools, such as the CarbaLux test for carbapenemases and AmpC beta-lactamases. By enabling faster, more accurate identification of resistant bacterial strains, his research supports improved clinical decision-making, enhances patient outcomes, and informs global strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. This contribution bridges fundamental microbiology with practical healthcare applications, promoting both scientific understanding and societal impact.

Mahfuza Nasrin | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Diseases Research

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahfuza Nasrin | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor | Uttara Adhunik Medical College | Bangladesh

Mahfuza Nasrin is an Associate Professor specializing in antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship, with a strong focus on clinical microbiology and infection control. Her research portfolio encompasses the bacteriological profiling of bloodstream, wound, and urinary tract infections, as well as the characterization of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Bangladesh. She has contributed to over ten peer-reviewed publications, which have collectively garnered 16 citations, reflecting her growing impact in the field. Nasrin has collaborated with national and international colleagues on studies that map antimicrobial resistance trends across diverse clinical settings, highlighting variations between low-, middle-, and high-income regions and offering critical insights for global public health strategies. Her recent work emphasizes the emerging threat of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and the importance of establishing effective infection prevention and control protocols in tertiary care hospitals. Beyond her research, Nasrin’s contributions advance antimicrobial stewardship and inform clinical decision-making, with tangible societal impact in improving patient outcomes and guiding evidence-based policy in healthcare institutions. She continues to engage in collaborative studies and preprints, demonstrating a commitment to innovation, knowledge dissemination, and the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Nasrin, M., Begum, M. F., Rahman, F., Karim, R., Bhuiyan, M. M., & Nawal, N. (2025). Antibiogram and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka. Archives of Microbiology & Immunology, 9(1), 31–37. Cited: 1

2. Nawal, D. N., Begum, M. F., Nasrin, M., Rahman, F., Karim, R., Alam, M. S., … & Alam, D. M. S. (2025). Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of clinical isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fortune Journal of Health Sciences, 8, 668–674. Cited: 1

3. Nasrin, M., Begum, F., Sujan, M. J., Barua, H. T., Habib, Z. H., Rizvi, S. M. S., … (2025). Bacterial profile and antimicrobial resistance pattern from different clinical specimens at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Preprints. Cited: 1

4. Nasrin, M., Begum, M. F., Karim, R., Alam, M. S., & Rahman, F. (2021). Bacteriological profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of blood culture isolates among bloodstream infection suspected patients attending in a referral hospital. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, 15(2), 5–11. Cited: 6

5. Begum, M. F., Nasrin, M., & Alam, M. S. (2020). Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of wound infections at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, 14(1), 15–19. Cited: 5

Dr. Mahfuza Nasrin’s work on antimicrobial resistance and bacterial infection profiling advances understanding of pathogen susceptibility patterns in clinical settings, directly informing antibiotic stewardship and public health strategies in Bangladesh and globally. Her research supports evidence-based interventions to combat drug-resistant infections, improving patient outcomes and guiding policy in infectious disease management.

Peter Asaga Mac | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Global Diseases Research

Dr. Peter Asaga Mac | Infectious diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Senior clinical research fellow | University Hospital Freiburg | Germany

Dr. Peter Asaga Mac is a dedicated researcher at Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, specializing in infectious and zoonotic diseases. His scientific work focuses on understanding the epidemiology, immune response, and transmission dynamics of emerging viral infections, particularly mosquito-borne diseases such as Chikungunya and Dengue. Through a combination of field-based studies, serological analyses, and molecular surveillance, Dr. Mac investigates how co-circulating arboviruses interact within populations and contribute to public health challenges in endemic regions, especially in Africa. His notable publication, “An Undetected Expansion, Spread, and Burden of Chikungunya and Dengue Cocirculating Antibodies in Nigeria” (Zoonotic Diseases, 2024), provides valuable insight into the unnoticed expansion of these viruses and their long-term implications for disease control strategies. Dr. Mac’s research is characterized by its translational value—bridging scientific discovery with actionable health interventions to improve epidemic preparedness and response. His collaborations with international scientists strengthen global efforts to monitor zoonotic threats and develop more resilient surveillance systems. Despite being an early-career researcher, his contributions are gaining recognition within the academic community. With 3 publications, 14 citations  and an h-index of 2, Dr. Mac’s growing academic footprint reflects his potential to make lasting contributions to infectious disease research, particularly in the areas of viral immunology, epidemiological modeling, and global health resilience. His commitment to evidence-based solutions continues to shape a better understanding of emerging diseases and their impact on human health worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Chackalackal, D. J., Al-Aghbari, A. A. A., Jang, S. Y., Ramirez, T. R., Vincent, J., Joshi, A., et al. (2021). The Covid-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: Who carries the burden? Review of mass media and publications from six countries. Pathogens and Global Health, 115(3), 178–187.
Cited by: 49

2. Mac, P. A., Suleiman, A. C., & Airiohuodion, P. E. (2019). High prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Central Nigeria. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, 5(1), 068.
Cited by: 34

3. Mac, P. A., Asheadzi, H. F., Gideon, A., Thaker, P., & Airiohuodion, P. (2019). Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum among Nigerians in Abuja and Central States: A comparative analysis of sensitivity and specificity using rapid diagnostic test and microscopy. International Journal of Tropical Diseases, 1, 014.
Cited by: 22

4. Mac, P. A., Kroeger, A., & Airiohuodion, P. E. (2019). Needs assessment of emergency medical and rescue services in Abuja/Nigeria and environs. BMC Emergency Medicine, 19(78), 8.
Cited by: 21

5. Mac, P. A., Airiohuodion, P. E., Yako, A. B., et al. (2022). The seroprevalence and hidden burden of chikungunya endemicity and malaria mono- and coinfection in Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 8896.
Cited by: 19