Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili | Biomaterials | Research Excellence Award

Tabriz University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azizeh Farshbaf-Khalili is a distinguished scholar whose interdisciplinary expertise bridges biomaterials, clinical sciences, nutrition, and rehabilitation research, making her a strong candidate for the Research Excellence Award. She is affiliated with leading medical research centers at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, where she holds significant academic and leadership responsibilities and actively contributes to advancing translational and applied research. Her work is widely recognized for integrating biomaterial-related innovations with human health applications, particularly in aging, women’s health, regenerative medicine, and rehabilitation sciences. Dr. Farshbaf-Khalili has played a pivotal role in shaping research strategy through senior administrative positions, including directing research centers and leading education and human development initiatives. She has demonstrated exceptional mentorship through extensive supervision of graduate theses and sustained engagement in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, fostering the next generation of researchers and clinicians. Her scholarly contributions span experimental studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and evidence-based guideline translation, reflecting both scientific rigor and societal impact. In addition to her academic achievements, she has served as a principal investigator and collaborator on numerous funded research projects, strengthening national and international research capacity. Her professional service includes extensive peer-review activity for scientific journals and research bodies, underscoring her standing within the global academic community. Through her integrative approach, leadership, and commitment to impactful science, Dr. Farshbaf-Khalili continues to advance biomaterials-related research with clear relevance to healthcare innovation and public well-being.

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Dr. Ammar A. Alzaydi | Biomaterials | Research Excellence Award

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamed SalimiKenari | Biomaterials | Research Excellence Award

Chemical Engineering Department University of Mazandaran | Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamed Salimi-Kenari is a distinguished biomaterials scientist and chemical engineer with extensive expertise in polymer science, soft matter, and advanced biomedical materials. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the University of Mazandaran, where he has made significant contributions to teaching, research leadership, and postgraduate supervision in chemical and polymer engineering. Dr. Salimi-Kenari’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of biomaterials for medical and pharmaceutical applications, with particular emphasis on hydrophilic polymers, nano- and micro-gels, composite hydrogels, and soft colloidal systems for tissue regeneration, drug and gene delivery, and regenerative medicine. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, rheology, scattering techniques, and materials processing methods such as electrospinning, emulsion and suspension polymerization, 3D printing, and molecular self-assembly. He has played a leading role in establishing and directing advanced polymeric materials research activities, fostering international collaborations, and bridging fundamental research with industrial and clinical needs. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Salimi-Kenari has served as an industrial technical consultant, applying biomaterials and polymer engineering solutions to sectors including wastewater treatment, food packaging, and medical devices. He has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and is actively involved in mentoring young researchers and innovators. His scholarly output includes a substantial body of high-quality publications in reputable international journals, reflecting the impact and breadth of his work in biomaterials and polymer engineering. In recognition of his sustained scientific contributions, research leadership, and excellence in biomaterials innovation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamed Salimi-Kenari is a deserving recipient of the Research Excellence Award.

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Dr. Shima Rahmani | Biomaterials | Research Excellence Award

Islamic Azad University | Iran

Dr. Shima Rahmani is a distinguished researcher whose interdisciplinary expertise bridges biomaterials, biotechnology, and applied biological sciences, with a strong focus on the development of bioactive strategies for sustainable health and environmental applications. She is widely recognized for her work on biologically derived materials, bioactive compounds, and nanoparticle-enabled systems that interact with living organisms at molecular and cellular levels. Her research integrates toxicology, molecular biology, and biochemical analysis to explore how natural compounds, nanostructured materials, and biologically inspired agents can be designed to modulate biological pathways with high specificity and reduced environmental impact. Dr. Rahmani has made significant contributions to understanding biomolecular targets, enzyme regulation, and gene-silencing approaches, including RNA-based technologies, which are increasingly relevant to advanced biomaterials and therapeutic platforms. Her work also emphasizes the use of plant-derived extracts, microbial agents, and nano-enabled formulations as alternatives to conventional chemical interventions, supporting safer and more sustainable healthcare and agricultural systems. In addition to her research achievements, Dr. Rahmani is deeply engaged in academic leadership, graduate supervision, and curriculum development, contributing to the training of future scientists in biomaterials-related disciplines. She has also played an active role in scientific publishing, peer review, and professional societies, reflecting her commitment to advancing research quality and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through her innovative approach and sustained scholarly impact, Dr. Shima Rahmani exemplifies excellence in biomaterials research and is a deserving recipient of the Research Excellence Award.

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Prof. Dr. Gyung Whan Kim | Biomaterials | Healthcare Materials Recognition

Yonsei Medical School | Severance Hospital | South Korea

Prof. Dr. Gyung Whan Kim is a highly respected academic and clinician whose work bridges biomaterials, neuroscience, and healthcare innovation, earning him recognition under the Healthcare Materials Recognition category. He serves as a Professor in the Department of Neurology at a leading medical institution and is internationally known for his interdisciplinary approach that integrates biomedical materials with translational and clinical research. Prof. Kim has made significant contributions to the understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, neural injury mechanisms, and regenerative strategies, while also advancing biomaterial-based solutions relevant to healthcare applications. His research spans injectable bioadhesives, silk-derived biomaterials, neural protection, and biomarker-driven diagnostics, demonstrating a rare ability to connect fundamental science with real-world medical impact. He has authored numerous high-quality publications in top-tier international journals and has frequently served as a corresponding author, reflecting his leadership role in guiding innovative research directions. In addition to his research excellence, Prof. Kim has held key academic and administrative responsibilities, including directing research laboratories and mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical researchers. His academic career is marked by strong international collaborations with renowned universities and research centers, contributing to global knowledge exchange and scientific advancement. Prof. Kim’s work has had a lasting influence on healthcare materials, particularly in areas related to neurocritical care, regenerative medicine, and translational biomaterials. Through sustained scholarly productivity, academic leadership, and interdisciplinary innovation, he has established himself as a distinguished figure whose contributions continue to shape the future of biomaterials and healthcare-focused research.

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Prof. Dr. Huifen Liu | Biomaterials | Research Excellence Award

The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University | China

Prof. Dr. Huifen Liu is a distinguished researcher in biomaterials, addiction medicine, behavioral neuroscience, and molecular neurobiology, widely recognized for her interdisciplinary contributions to understanding the mechanisms of substance use disorders and developing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. As a Level 2 Researcher, Master’s Supervisor, Director of the Academic Research Department at the Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, and Deputy Director of a provincial key laboratory dedicated to drug addiction and brain health, she has established an influential scientific presence marked by extensive research leadership. Dr. Liu has successfully led numerous competitive research projects and contributed to a substantial body of peer-reviewed literature, with a publication portfolio that reflects depth, innovation, and a strong translational focus. Her work explores the roles of neuroinflammation, genetic regulation, epigenetic modifications, neurotransmitter systems, and advanced neuroimaging signatures in addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders. She has also developed impactful patents related to biomarker technologies and molecular diagnostics, demonstrating a strong orientation toward real-world clinical applications. In addition to her scientific achievements, Dr. Liu holds important roles in national professional societies, contributing to policy development and scientific advancement within the fields of translational medicine and drug abuse prevention. Her recognition as a high-level talent and her service as a standing council member in multiple scientific organizations underscore her leadership and commitment to advancing mental health research through rigorous experimentation, biomaterials innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Prof. Dr. Huifen Liu’s outstanding academic achievements, innovative research portfolio, and strong professional influence make her an exemplary candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Qingxiao Hong | Biomaterials | Research Excellence Award

The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University | China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Qingxiao Hong is an emerging interdisciplinary researcher whose work in biomaterials, medical genetics, epigenetics, and addiction medicine demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing translational biomedical science. With academic training rooted in biological sciences and specialized expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, she has further enriched her profile through advanced international research exposure as a senior visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Hong’s research spans addiction neuroscience, psychiatric disorders, DNA methylation mechanisms, non-coding RNA regulation, and biomarker discovery, with particular emphasis on substance use disorders involving heroin and methamphetamine. She has led and contributed to multiple competitive research projects funded by provincial and national foundations, focusing on epigenetic regulation, neural reward circuitry, and relapse-associated molecular pathways. Her work has resulted in impactful publications in reputable international journals, showcasing significant contributions such as identifying novel methylation markers, characterizing neuroepigenetic regulatory mechanisms, and uncovering small RNA pathways relevant to relapse behavior. Dr. Hong has also made notable advancements in biomedical innovation through patented diagnostic technologies linked to methylation-based detection kits and genetic screening tools for addiction-related conditions. Her translational approach integrates molecular biology, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical relevance, enabling discoveries that can potentially inform precision diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. With active roles in professional societies and a record of collaboration across clinical and academic institutions, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. Dr. Hong’s growing body of research reflects exceptional promise and positions her as a leading early-career scientist advancing innovative solutions at the interface of biomaterials, neurobiology, and human health.

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Dr. Akram Seifi | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan | Iran

Dr. Akram Seifi is a distinguished Iranian researcher and Associate Professor in the Department of Water Science and Engineering at Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran, recognized for her influential contributions to irrigation engineering, water resources management, agricultural hydrology, and sustainable water utilization strategies. With a strong academic foundation and extensive research experience, she has established herself as a leading expert in advanced modeling of soil-water-plant relationships, optimization of irrigation systems, water distribution analysis, groundwater management, and climate-water interaction studies. Dr. Seifi has developed and applied innovative analytical and computational methods to support precision agriculture, improve irrigation efficiency, and enhance productivity in water-scarce regions. Her published research has earned significant academic impact, supported by 821 citations, referenced throughout 679 citing documents, and demonstrated through 28 scholarly publications, along with an h-index of 14, reflecting the scientific community’s recognition of her valuable research contributions. Dr. Seifi has actively collaborated on national and international research programs, contributing to multidisciplinary projects that integrate engineering, environmental science, agricultural sustainability, and policy development. She is dedicated to advancing knowledge through teaching, student supervision, and leadership in academic and research committees, while promoting innovative thinking and problem-solving in hydrological sciences. Her research outcomes have produced practical solutions addressing water scarcity, climate-adaptive irrigation, salinity challenges, and hydrological modeling applicable to both agricultural and environmental planning. Through active participation in scientific conferences, publication of high-quality research articles, peer reviewing, and engagement in professional networks, Dr. Seifi continues to influence scientific progress and sustainable resource development. As an accomplished researcher committed to real-world impact, she strives to support global water security and agricultural resilience, making her an exceptional academic leader and a model contributor to scientific advancement in water engineering.

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Seifi, A., Riahi-Madvar, H., & Ali, M. (2026). Progress and future trends of E. coli removal from water environment sources using antibacterial activity of photocatalytic coated-surfaces: A comprehensive review. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 237(2), 1–27.

Seifi, A., Riahi-Madvar, H., Davarpanah, R., Ali, M., & Mashat, A. W. (2025). Designing advanced feature selection and uncertainty quantification-based deep learning approach to predict chlorophyll-a and water bloom risks in dam reservoir. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 77, 108341.

Seifi, A., Soltani-Gerdefaramarzi, S., & Ali, M. (2025). Uncertainty assessment based data decomposition and Boruta driven extreme gradient boosting to predict spatiotemporal urban air dust heavy metal index. Atmospheric Pollution Research, Article 102654.

Seifi, A. (2025). Evaluation of the efficiency of TiO2 coating on steel substrates in the removal of E. coli using the photocatalytic method. Iranian Water Researches Journal, 19(1).

Sanjari, M., Molaei, M., Seifi, A., Iranmanesh, P., & Farahmandzadeh, F. (2024). Treatment of wastewater from methylene blue dye and E. coli bacteria by high-performance Fe3O4/rGO/TiO2 nanocatalyst. Journal of Fluorescence, 1–10.

Prof. Dr. Said Desouky | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Kyushu University | Japan

Prof. Dr. Said E. Desouky is a distinguished Professor of Microbial Biotechnology at the Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Egypt, and a recognized international researcher with extensive academic and scientific achievements in the fields of microbiology, microbial communication, and antibiotic resistance. He earned his Ph.D. in Bioscience and Biotechnology from Kyushu University, Japan, after completing his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Microbiology from Al-Azhar University. His research focuses on microbial biotechnology, biopolymer production, quorum sensing inhibition, and bioconversion processes for environmental and industrial applications. With an h-index of 15, 27 publications, and 653 citations derived from 588 documents, Prof. Desouky’s work has contributed significantly to advancing microbial physiology, sustainable bioprocessing, and bioengineering. He has received multiple fellowships and research grants, including the Fulbright Fellowship at Texas A&M University (USA), fellowships from JASSO and Kyushu University (Japan), and grants from the Science and Technology Development Fund (Egypt) and the European Union’s Erasmus+ Program. His collaborations extend across global institutions, leading international projects focused on climate change adaptation, microbial innovations, and biotechnological solutions for waste management. Prof. Desouky has supervised more than twenty M.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates, served as an examiner for international dissertations, and contributed to scientific innovation recognized at the Geneva International Exhibition, where his team won a silver medal. Beyond research, he is deeply involved in academic leadership, serving as Director of the Quality Assurance Unit and as a capacity-building expert for higher education programs under UNDP initiatives. His academic excellence, leadership in biotechnology education, and impactful research on microbial sustainability make him a leading figure in microbiological sciences and an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award for his remarkable contributions to global scientific and technological advancement.

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Featured Publications

Jabborova, D., Wirth, S., Kannepalli, A., Narimanov, A., Desouky, S., et al. (2020). Co-inoculation of rhizobacteria and biochar application improves growth and nutrients in soybean and enriches soil nutrients and enzymes. Agronomy, 10(8), 1142.

Jabborova, D., Annapurna, K., Paul, S., Kumar, S., Saad, H. A., Desouky, S., et al. (2021). Beneficial features of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhiza for improving spinach plant growth, root morphological traits, physiological properties, and soil enzymatic activities. Journal of Fungi, 7(7), 571.

Ibrahim, S. A., Fayed, E. A., Rizk, H. F., Desouky, S. E., & Ragab, A. (2021). Hydrazonoyl bromide precursors as DHFR inhibitors for the synthesis of bis-thiazolyl pyrazole derivatives; antimicrobial activities, antibiofilm, and drug combination studies. Bioorganic Chemistry, 112, 105339.

Desouky, S. E., Shojima, A., Singh, R. P., Matsufuji, T., Igarashi, Y., Suzuki, T., et al. (2015). Cyclodepsipeptides produced by actinomycetes inhibit cyclic-peptide-mediated quorum sensing in Gram-positive bacteria. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 362(14), fnv109.

Jabborova, D., Davranov, K., Jabbarov, Z., Bhowmik, S. N., Ercisli, S., Danish, S., Desouky, S., et al. (2022). Dual inoculation of plant growth-promoting Bacillus endophyticus and Funneliformis mosseae improves plant growth and soil properties in ginger. ACS Omega, 7(39), 34779–34788.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ashwin Jagannath Mali | Biomaterials | Biomaterials Excellence

Poona College of Pharmacy Pune | India

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ashwin Jagannath Mali is an accomplished pharmaceutical scientist and academic leader currently serving as the Head of the Department of Industrial Pharmacy at Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, India. With over 18 years of academic and research experience, he has made significant contributions to the fields of pharmaceutics, particle engineering, and drug delivery systems. Dr. Mali’s research primarily focuses on the design and development of innovative dosage forms, including dry powder inhalers, micellar systems, and nanocarriers for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. He has authored 21 scientific publications, received 180 citations from 151 documents, and holds an h-index of 8, reflecting his growing influence in the pharmaceutical sciences community. His contributions extend beyond publications to include patents, book chapters, and numerous presentations at international and national conferences. He has successfully led and collaborated on multiple funded research and industrial consultancy projects, fostering translational outcomes between academia and pharmaceutical industries. Under his mentorship, several postgraduate and doctoral students have undertaken impactful research contributing to advancements in drug formulation and delivery. Known for his commitment to academic excellence and innovation, Dr. Mali actively promotes research-based learning and industry collaboration. His efforts in bridging the gap between fundamental pharmaceutical research and applied industrial practices have positioned him as a thought leader in his domain. A dedicated educator and innovator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ashwin Jagannath Mali continues to drive progress in pharmaceutical technology, ensuring that his research translates into real-world health benefits, thereby strengthening his reputation as one of the leading contributors to modern drug delivery science in India and beyond.

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Featured Publications

Kumbhar, S., Bobade, C., Velapure, P., Pawade, D., Bothiraja, C., Shinde, V., & Mali, A. (2025). Exploring the albumin nanoparticles as the next-generation advanced multifunctional biomaterials for inhalation lung therapy: Facts, prospects, and challenges. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

Panda, B. K., Bothiraja, C., Ghodke, S., Mali, A., & Kamble, R. (2024). Investigation of magnesium aluminometasilicate (Neusilin US2) based surface solid dispersion of sorafenib tosylate using QbD approach: In vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic study. ADMET and DMPK, 12(3), 2338.

Kamble, R. N., Kausar, E., Kawadiwale, M. S., & Mali, A. J. (2023). Development and characterization of linezolid-loaded biocompatible solid lipid-based nanocarrier for enhanced lung deposition and anti-tubercular activity: Next-generation tailor-made carrier for dry powder inhaler. Current Indian Science, 3(8), 103042.

Bothiraja, C., Kashid, S., Pawar, A., & Mali, A. (2022). Investigation of dimyristoyl phosphatidyl glycerol and cholesterol-based nanocochleates as a potential oral delivery carrier for methotrexate. Journal of Liposome Research, 32(5), 402–412.

Mali, A. J., Joshi, P. A., Bothiraja, C., & Pawar, A. P. (2021). Fabrication and application of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine biomaterial-based nanocochleates dry powder inhaler for controlled release resveratrol delivery. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, 189.

Patel, K., Bothiraja, C., Mali, A., & Kamble, R. (2021). Investigation of sorafenib tosylate loaded liposomal dry powder inhaler for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Particulate Science and Technology, 39(8), 1016–1026.