Assist. Prof. Dr Naveed Ahmed | High-Performance Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed is a medical microbiologist and research scientist with extensive expertise in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine design, and nanomedicine. Currently serving at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, he combines academic leadership with impactful research collaborations across multiple countries. He has authored numerous high-impact Q1/Q2 publications, holds multiple copyrights, and is actively engaged in global health initiatives, including as a GBD Senior Collaborator and a Registered Scientist (UK). His multidisciplinary work spans from molecular microbiology to translational medicine.

Assist. Prof. Dr Naveed Ahmed | University of Tabuk | Saudi Arabia

Profiles

SCOPUS

ORCID

Education

Dr. Ahmed earned his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from Universiti Sains Malaysia, where his doctoral work explored immune checkpoint regulation in EBV-associated cancers. He previously obtained a Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Central Punjab and a BS (Honors) in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of the Punjab. His education is complemented by certifications from professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Biology (UK) and the Malaysia Board of Technologists.

Experience

Dr. Ahmed’s career spans clinical diagnostics, academic teaching, and advanced research. As Assistant Professor at the University of Tabuk, he teaches medical sciences and contributes to curriculum design and quality assurance. His previous roles include Graduate Research Assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he managed research grants and ethics approvals, and Laboratory Technologist roles in top medical institutions in Pakistan. He has also served as a visiting lecturer in multiple universities.

Skills and Expertise

Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed possesses a diverse skill set combining technical, analytical, and linguistic competencies. He is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi, advanced in English, and has basic proficiency in Arabic. His programming expertise includes R for data cleaning, visualization, and statistical modelling, with proficiency in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. He is skilled in data analysis software such as R, SPSS, RevMan, CMA, and OpenMeta, and proficient in Microsoft Office and LaTeX for document creation. His laboratory expertise spans advanced instruments including flow cytometry, PCR systems, ELISA readers, HPLC analyzers, hematology analyzers, and automated diagnostic systems.

Honors and Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed has earned multiple prestigious recognitions for his academic and research excellence. He received the Graduate on Time Award and was nominated for the Best PhD Thesis Award at Universiti Sains Malaysia. His presentation skills and impactful research earned him the 2nd Place Oral Presentation and Young Investigator Award at the Regional Conference on Molecular Medicine and the National Conference for Cancer Research. He has twice received the Sanggar Sanjung Award for outstanding publications, along with awards for best oral and poster presentations. Additionally, he was awarded the USM Research Assistance Scheme for academic merit.

Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed’s research focuses on infectious diseases, nanomedicine, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular diagnostics. He integrates in silico, in vitro, and translational approaches to address global health challenges, including the development of nanomaterials for diagnostics and therapeutics, computational vaccine design, and the study of emerging pathogens. His work bridges fundamental science and clinical application, with strong collaborations in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Publications

A Review of In Silico and In Vitro Approaches in the Fight Against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Absar, M.; Zaidah, A.R.; Ahmed, N.; Nik Hashim, N.H.H.; Yean, C.Y.; Mahmood, A.; Ahmad, S.; Ejaz, H.
Journal: Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis (2025)

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials as Multifunctional Particles for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Naveed Ahmed; Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah; Muhammad Absar; Muhammad Sajid Noor; Bakhtawar Bukhari; Saira Ali Anjum; Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh; Chan Yean Yean
Journal: Nano LIFE (2025)

The Microbial Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Potential Anticancer Therapeutic Options
Authors: Naveed Ahmed; Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah; Muhammad Absar; Muhammad Hassan Nasir; Anam Farzand; Ijaz Ahmad; Zaineb Sohail; Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh; Atif Amin Baig; Chan Yean Yean
Journal: Nano LIFE (2025)

ipaH-Targeted Electrochemical Genosensor: A Fast and Reliable Diagnostic Approach for Simultaneous Detection of Shigella Species and Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
Authors: Pavithrah Shunmugam; Naveed Ahmed; Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh
Journal: Microchemical Journal (2025)

Prevalence of Leptospirosis Infections Among Humans in Malaysia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohd Yusof M.S.; Naveed Ahmed
Journal: Tropical Biomedicine (2025)

Exploring TGF-β Signaling in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: From Cellular Senescence to Fibrosis and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Abida Khan; Hayat Ali Alzahrani; Shatha Ghazi Felemban; Alanood Saeed Algarni; Amani Baqqan S. Alenezi; Mehnaz Kamal; Zia Ur Rehman; Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq; Naveed Ahmed
Journal: Biogerontology (2025)

Synthesis, and Biological Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Produced via Green Synthesis Method Using Cordyceps Militaris Aqueous Extract
Authors: Muhammad Afzal; Tayyaba Khan; Noshaba Mehmood; Romaisa Irfan; Ravish Fatima; Zeemal Seemab Amin; Naveed Ahmed
Journal: Nano (2025)

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed demonstrates all the hallmarks of a top-tier researcher international collaborations, a strong publication record in Q1/Q2 journals, clinical and laboratory expertise, intellectual property generation, and leadership in medical science education. His contributions to infectious disease research, vaccine development, and nanomedicine strongly support his nomination and suitability for the Best Researcher Award.

Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology. Her work focuses on green and sustainable chemistry, specifically the use of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids to convert biomass-derived glucose into valuable biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has professional experience as a Research Scientist Intern and Sales Technology Chemist. With a strong background in coordination chemistry and applied research, she brings a passion for innovation, community impact, and scientific advancement.

🎓 Education

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has an extensive academic background in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, where her research focuses on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the conversion of glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse to value-added biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her master’s research centered on the synthesis and evaluation of Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes and their morpholine adducts, with applications in antibacterial and anticancer studies. she completed her Honours degree in Chemistry with distinction (Cum Laude) at the University of Fort Hare, focusing her research on bipyridine adducts of transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of Fort Hare. Prior to that, she obtained her matric exemption from Templeton High School .

Contribution

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has made meaningful contributions to the field of chemistry through her academic research and applied scientific work. Her Ph.D. research is advancing sustainable chemical processes by converting agricultural waste into high-value biochemicals using innovative materials like ZIF-8 and ionic liquids—supporting green chemistry and waste valorization efforts. She has also contributed to the understanding of metal-ligand complexes with potential antibacterial and anticancer properties, enriching the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Beyond the lab, she has supported research development at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology and contributed to technology-driven solutions during her time at Buckman Laboratories and the Technology Innovation Agency. Through her academic achievements, technical skills, and public-sector engagement, she is helping to bridge research, industry, and societal impact.

🏆Awards

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ms. Tokoyi has been recognized for her excellence and dedication. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarship for both her Honours and Master’s studies. In 2017, she was awarded the James Moir Medal by the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) for outstanding academic performance in Chemistry. She has completed numerous professional development programs, earning certificates in business writing and communications, Microsoft digital literacy, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety, Mushroom Cultivation, and the design of bioactive molecules such as Pleuran and Cordycepin. She also holds certifications in Quality Control and Quality Assurance Techniques.

👩‍🔬 Experience

Ms. Tokoyi brings over three years of professional experience, primarily within research and applied chemistry roles. she has been serving as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology. Her earlier roles include working as a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories under the Yes Graduate Program, where she honed her skills in technical sales and client support. Additionally, she served as a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, gaining practical experience in scientific research, laboratory operations, and applied innovation in the chemical sciences.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Tokoyi’s research is rooted in applied and sustainable chemistry. Her current Ph.D. work investigates the use of advanced materials such as ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the green conversion of biomass-derived glucose into biochemicals, contributing to circular economy and renewable resource utilization. Her prior research involved transition metal complexes with potential biological applications, highlighting her interests in bioinorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and materials chemistry. Her academic trajectory illustrates a commitment to leveraging chemistry for innovation in both health-related and environmental applications.

📚 Publications

Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering Transactions, July 2024

Potential Application of IL@ZIFMOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques

Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques

Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Journal of Molecular Liquids