Dr. Alice Nabatanzi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi is a distinguished academic and innovator in the field of Natural Products and Phytomedicine. She founded the Natural Products Industry Advancement Network Africa (NAPIANA), as well as the Alice Mabira Foundation (AMAF), which empowers local communities in Uganda by promoting home-based cottage industries. Dr. Nabatanzi’s exceptional work earned her the Best Innovator Award at the Appropriate Technologies Expo 2023, for her creation of a sustainable water purification system. 🏆 She is an Early Career Fellow of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and an Early Career Research Leader Fellow of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. As a Lecturer at Makerere University, she leads research that spans phytobiomolecules for disease treatment, nutraceuticals, and sustainable water solutions, impacting both human health and environmental sustainability. 🌱

Profie 👩‍🏫

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi’s educational background showcases her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of Natural Products and Nutraceuticals. She holds a Post-Doctorate in Phytobiomolecules for human cancer treatment from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Dr. Nabatanzi also completed a Ph.D. in Natural Products (Nutraceuticals) and M.Sc. in Natural Products Technology and Value Chains (Nutraceuticals) at Makerere University in Uganda. Additionally, she holds a B.Sc. in Ethnobotany from the College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University. 🎓 Her academic journey has provided her with a profound understanding of the healing potential of plants, focusing on medicinal plants and traditional African foods, which is reflected in her multidisciplinary research. 📚

Experience 🌿💼

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi brings a wealth of experience to her roles in both academia and community development. She is a Lecturer in Phytomedicine and Nutraceuticals at Makerere University, where she has significantly contributed to research and the education of future leaders in plant-based medicine and sustainable technologies. Her involvement with NAPIANA and AMAF shows her dedication to community engagement and entrepreneurship in Africa. Over the years, Dr. Nabatanzi has supervised over 25 undergraduate and 6 graduate students, with a special focus on empowering young researchers in natural sciences. 🌍 Her collaborative efforts have spanned the academic, scientific, and community development sectors, strengthening ties between research institutions and local populations. 🌱

Research Interests 🔬🌱

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi’s research is at the forefront of multidisciplinary fields, combining phytomedicine, nutraceuticals, and environmental sustainability. Her primary research focus includes the investigation of phytobiomolecules for the treatment of human diseases, specifically cancer. 🌿 She is also passionate about exploring the nutraceutical and physicochemical properties of traditional African foods, investigating their role in improving human health. In addition, Dr. Nabatanzi is focused on phytogenics in animal feeds, helping to enhance livestock health. Another core area of her research is finding innovative solutions to water pollution, a critical issue in Uganda and many parts of Africa. 💧 Her interdisciplinary approach and desire to solve real-world problems make her research highly impactful. 🌍

Awards 🏅

Dr. Alice Nabatanzi has been widely recognized for her innovative contributions to science and community development. In February 2023, she won the prestigious Best Innovator Award at the Appropriate Technologies Expo for her development of a sustainable water purification system that provides access to clean water for communities in East Africa. 🏆 She was also named an Early Career Fellow (2023-2025) by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), marking her as a rising leader in global scientific research. Additionally, Dr. Nabatanzi was an Early Career Research Leader Fellow of the Carnegie Corporation of New York (2019-2020). These accolades affirm her innovative spirit and her commitment to advancing science for social good. 🌟

Publications 📚

Nutritional, Pharmaceutical, and Antinutritional Properties of Wild Edible Plants

Somatic embryo production and GFP genetic transformation in elite Ugandan cassava genotypes

Ex vivo and in vitro antiplasmodial activity and toxicity of Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston (Fabaceae)

Medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria by indigenous communities of Tororo District, Eastern Uganda

One-pot removal of pharmaceuticals and toxic heavy metals from water using xerogel-immobilized quartz/banana peels-activated carbon

Mr NING XIAOZHI | Metals and Alloys | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ning Xiaozhi is a distinguished materials scientist with 19 years of experience in metal materials research. His groundbreaking work on high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel and medical CoCrMo alloys has made significant contributions to metallurgy and industrial applications. His expertise in special alloy smelting and his role in the development of a 500Kg-6MPa pressurized induction furnace showcase his commitment to advancing materials science and engineering.

🎓 Academic Background

Mr. Ning Xiaozhi holds a Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science 🏗️, with an extensive 19-year research career in metal materials 🔬. His expertise lies in high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel and medical CoCr alloys ⚕️, where he has made groundbreaking contributions. His research on metal strengthening mechanisms led to the development of stainless steel with enhanced durability and strength 💪. One of his most remarkable achievements is the design and manufacturing of the first 500Kg-6MPa pressurized induction furnace 🔥, a milestone in metal processing and alloy innovation. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing materials science 🚀.

👨‍🏭 Experience

Mr. Ning Xiaozhi is a highly accomplished materials scientist and industry leader 🏗️, currently serving as the Deputy General Manager at Advanced Steel Technology Co., Ltd. under the China Iron and Steel Research Institute Group 🇨🇳. Since June 2009, he has played a pivotal role in advancing steel technologies, overseeing high-performance alloy development 🔬, and contributing to industrial innovations in metallurgy 🔥. His leadership has significantly impacted the research, production, and application of advanced steels, particularly in high-nitrogen stainless steel and CoCr alloys ⚙️, positioning him as a key figure in China’s steel industry and global metallurgy advancements 🚀

🔬 Research Focus

Mr. Ning Xiaozhi specializes in high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel 🏗️ and medical-grade CoCrMo alloys ⚕️, pioneering advancements in metallurgical engineering. His research focuses on enhancing the strength, corrosion resistance, and durability of these materials for industrial and biomedical applications 🔬. He has perfected the strengthening mechanism of high-nitrogen stainless steel, achieving nitrogen content up to 2%, with tensile strengths reaching 1800 MPa 💪. His contributions to medical CoCrMo alloys have improved biocompatibility and wear resistance, making them ideal for implants and prosthetics 🦾. His innovations bridge scientific research and practical applications, driving progress in modern material science 🚀.

🏆 Contributions

Mr. Ning Xiaozhi has made groundbreaking contributions to high-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel 🏗️ by perfecting its strengthening mechanism 🔬. His research led to the successful manufacturing of stainless steel with nitrogen content up to 2%, significantly enhancing its mechanical properties ⚙️. In the hot-worked state, the material achieves a tensile strength of 1400 MPa, while in the cold-worked state, it exceeds 1800 MPa 💪. These advancements have revolutionized industrial applications, providing high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials for structural, aerospace, and biomedical engineering 🚀. His work bridges scientific innovation with real-world impact, setting new standards in materials science 🔥.

📄 Research Publication

📌 Title: Microstructure Evolution and Oxidation Behavior of Silicon-Modified Aluminide Coatings on IN718 Superalloy at 1000 °C 🔬🔥

👨‍🏫 Authors: Yan-zhang Dai, Jian-peng Zou, Xiao-zhi Ning, Hong-ming Wei, Wen-yi Zhan, Fei-yang Li ✍️

📖 Journal: Journal of Central South University 🏛️

📅 Published: May 2024 📆

This study explores microstructure evolution and oxidation resistance of silicon-modified aluminide coatings on IN718 superalloy at high temperatures (1000°C), contributing to advanced materials for extreme environments 🚀⚙️.