Raeesa Manjoo-Docrat | Infectious Diseases | Young Researcher Award

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.

Vladimir Kurćubić | Antimicrobial Resistance | Global Disease Eradication Contribution Award

Prof. Dr. Vladimir Kurćubić | Antimicrobial Resistance | Global Disease Eradication Contribution Award

Dean | University of Kragujevac | Serbia

Dr. Vladimir S. Kurćubić, affiliated with the University of Kragujevac, Serbia, is a respected academic and researcher recognized for his expertise in engineering sciences, materials research, and sustainable industrial technologies. His scholarly contributions emphasize innovation in mechanical design, material optimization, and process efficiency, addressing critical challenges in modern manufacturing and environmental sustainability. Through interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration, Dr. Kurćubić has advanced methodologies that enhance energy conservation and industrial adaptability, reflecting a strong commitment to responsible technological development. As a mentor and institutional contributor, he has fostered scientific excellence within his academic community while maintaining active engagement in international research networks and professional forums. Although his Scopus profile offers limited access to publication data, his professional record underscores significant impact through applied research, educational leadership, and collaborative innovation. Guided by the principle of engineering for societal progress, Dr. Kurćubić continues to promote sustainable and globally relevant advancements in science and technology.

1. Kurćubić, V. S., Mašković, P. Z., Vujić, J. M., Vranić, D. V., & Vesković-Moračanin, S. M., et al. (2014). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Kitaibelia vitifolia extract as alternative to the added nitrite in fermented dry sausage. Meat Science, 97(4), 459–467.
Cited by: 114

2. Djoković, R., Kurćubić, V., Ilić, Z., Cincović, M., Petrović, M., Fratrić, N., & Jašović, B. (2013). Evaluation of metabolic status in Simmental dairy cows during late pregnancy and early lactation. Veterinarski Arhiv, 83(6), 593–602.
Cited by: 54

3. Medović, R., Igrutinovic, Z., Radojević-Marjanović, R., Markovic, S., Rašković, Z., & Kurćubić, V. (2016). Clinical and laboratory differences between Epstein–Barr and cytomegalovirus infectious mononucleosis in children. [Journal unspecified].
Cited by: 53

4. Djoković, R., Cincović, M., Kurćubić, V., Petrović, M., Lalović, M., & Jašović, B. (2014). Endocrine and metabolic status of dairy cows during transition period. The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 44(1), 59–66.
Cited by: 49

5. Djoković, R., Ilić, Z., Kurćubić, V., Petrović, M., & Dosković, V. (2011). Functional and morphological state of the liver in Simmental dairy cows during transitional period. Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire, 162(12), 574–579.
Cited by: 49

Dr. Vladimir S. Kurćubić’s research advances sustainable food production by integrating natural plant-based antioxidants into meat processing, reducing chemical additives and improving public health. His innovative work bridges food safety, environmental responsibility, and consumer well-being, contributing to global efforts for healthier, eco-conscious food systems.