Alemayehu Toma | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alemayehu Toma | Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences | Ethiopia

Dr. Alemayehu Toma is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, and an accomplished researcher whose work bridges pharmacological science with public health impact. His professional career reflects an unwavering dedication to advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and addressing pressing health challenges in both local and global contexts. Over his career, he has built an outstanding reputation for his research in HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes, pharmacovigilance, nutrition-related interventions, and the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants. With 45 peer-reviewed publications and more than 3,900 citations on Google Scholar, his research has significantly influenced both scientific literature and healthcare practice.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Dr. Toma’s academic path demonstrates a progressive commitment to mastery in pharmacology and medical science. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Addis Ababa University, preceded by a Master’s degree in Pharmacology from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Jimma University. To further enhance his educational contributions, he obtained a Higher Diploma in Pedagogy from Hawassa University, equipping him with the expertise to deliver effective teaching and mentorship in higher education. His academic background integrates deep pharmacological knowledge with practical clinical insight and refined pedagogical skill.

Experience

Dr. Toma’s professional career spans teaching, research, clinical service, and academic leadership. At Hawassa University, he held the role of Associate Professor of Pharmacology in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he was also Head of the Quality Assurance Office. He played a pivotal role in maintaining academic standards, developing research capacity, and ensuring the quality of medical education. He has also served as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Komar University of Science and Technology in Iraq, where he contributed to curriculum development and supervised postgraduate theses. His work as a licensed pharmacy specialist reflects his hands-on involvement in patient care, linking academic expertise with clinical practice.

Research Interest

Dr. Toma’s research interests are diverse but strongly interconnected, focusing on areas where pharmacological science directly impacts human health. His core areas include HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes and comorbidities, the effects of pharmacological interventions on organ systems, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants, nutritional status among vulnerable populations, and epidemiological studies of chronic and infectious diseases. He also contributes to multi-country global health collaborations, such as disease burden mapping, which inform policy and public health programs. His work is characterized by methodological rigor, translational relevance, and a commitment to addressing real-world medical challenges.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Toma’s contributions to pharmacology and public health have been acknowledged in prestigious journals including The Lancet, BMJ Open, Scientific Reports, and BMC Infectious Diseases. His h-index of 19 is evidence of sustained research influence, while his work’s consistent citation by peers shows its enduring value. His collaborative publications with international research networks further underscore his role as a key contributor to global health science.

Publications

Title: Prevalence and attributable health burden of chronic respiratory diseases, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Journal: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine
Published on: 2020
Citation: 2126

Title: Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HIV, 1980–2017, and forecasts to 2030, for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the …
Journal: The Lancet HIV
Published on: 2019
Citation: 560

Title: Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease …
Journal: The Lancet
Published on: 2020
Citation: 152

Title: Intestinal α-glucosidase and some pancreatic enzymes inhibitory effect of hydroalcholic extract of Moringa stenopetala leaves
Journal: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Published on: 2014
Citation: 123

Title: Antidiabetic activities of aqueous ethanol and n-butanol fraction of Moringa stenopetala leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Journal: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Published on: 2015
Citation: 121

Title: Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Moringa oleifera
Journal: International Journal of Pharmacognosy
Published on: 2014
Citation: 94

Title: Global and regional burden of chronic respiratory disease in 2016 arising from non-infectious airborne occupational exposures: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of …
Journal: Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Published on: 2020
Citation: 76

Title: Antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates isolated from ear discharges of patients at University of Hawassa comprehensive specialized …
Journal: BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology
Published on: 2017
Citation: 74

Conclusion

Dr. Alemayehu Toma’s career stands as a model of academic excellence, research productivity, and societal impact. His studies have provided crucial insights into the management of HIV/AIDS, nutrition in vulnerable groups, medicinal plant pharmacology, and the global burden of diseases. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for health systems, contributing to policy change and improved clinical outcomes. His leadership in academia, commitment to mentoring emerging scholars, and active collaboration in international research initiatives make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. This recognition would not only honor his past achievements but also encourage further contributions that can transform healthcare practice in resource-limited settings worldwide.

 

Mei-Lang Kung | Pharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mei-Lang Kung | Pharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Assistant Research Fellow | Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital | Taiwan

Dr. Mei-Lang Kung is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in cancer biology, gene engineering, and phytochemical pharmacology. She currently serves as a Senior Assistant Research Fellow at the Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, and an Assistant Professor at Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management. With a strong background in molecular biology and nanomedicine, Dr. Kung has contributed significantly to innovative research in oncology and nanomaterials for medical applications.

Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Strong Academic Background 📚

    • Dr. Mei-Lang Kung holds a Ph.D. in Biological Science from National Sun Yat-sen University (2012).
    • Her dissertation focused on cancer cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a highly relevant area in biomedical research.
  • Extensive Research Expertise 🔬

    • Her work spans multiple interdisciplinary fields, including cancer biology, gene engineering, phytochemical pharmacology, and green nanomaterials.
    • These diverse skill sets enhance the impact of her research in translational medicine.
  • Significant Research Contributions 🏆

    • 21+ peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals (SCI-indexed).
    • Notable research on nanomedicine and cancer treatment strategies, contributing to innovative therapeutic approaches.
    • Demonstrated leadership as a corresponding author in multiple studies, reflecting independent research capability.
  • Recognition & Awards 🥇

    • Best Poster Award (2021) from the Taiwan Urology Association.
    • National Taiwan University System Young Scholars Award (2018) for innovative research.
    • Multiple Outstanding Paper Awards at prestigious conferences (IEEE, New Advance in Medicine, etc.).
    • These accolades highlight her excellence in research and scholarly impact.

Education 🎓

Dr. Kung earned her Ph.D. in Biological Science from National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2012, under the guidance of Prof. Tai Ming-Hong. Her dissertation focused on the mechanisms of hepatoma-derived growth factor-mediated cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. She also holds an M.S. in Biochemistry from Kaohsiung Medical University (2002) and a B.S. in Nutrition from Chung Shan Medical University (2000).

Experience 🌟

Dr. Kung has extensive experience in academia and research. Since 2019, she has been a Senior Assistant Research Fellow at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. She also holds a faculty position at Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management. Previously, she served as an Assistant Faculty member (2017-2019) and a Postdoctoral Research Associate (2012-2017) in the Chemistry Department of National Sun Yat-sen University, working under Dr. Shuchen Hsieh.

Research Interests On Pharmacology 📚

Dr. Kung’s research interests include cancer biology, gene engineering, phytochemical pharmacology, and toxicology. She is particularly focused on the development and applications of green nanomaterials for cancer treatment. Her work explores novel phytochemically derived nanoparticles and their effects on cancer cell adhesion, proliferation, and metastasis.

Awards 🏆

  • 2021: Taiwan Urology Association “Best Academic Activity Award – Best Poster Award”
  • 2018: National Taiwan University System Young Scholars Selection for Innovative Research and Development Achievements – Excellent Work Award
  • 2015: New Advance in Generation Medicine, Cancer and Stem Cell Outstanding Paper Award
  • 2013: IEEE Nanotechnology Materials and Devices Conference, Outstanding Paper Award

Publications 📰

Dr. Kung has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. Below are some of her notable works:

  1. Wang, J.-H., Chen, Y.-W., Hsieh, S., & Kung, M.-L.* (2025). “Nanosized ginger-derived phenolic zingerone obstructs cell cycle G2/M progression and initiates apoptosis in human colorectal cancer.” Environmental Toxicology. DOI:10.1002/tox.24470 (SCI; 2023 IF=4.4)
  2. Chu, L.-W., Chen, J.-Y., Chen, Y.-W., Hsieh, S., & Kung, M.-L.* (2024). “Phytoconstituent-derived zingerone nanoparticles disrupt cell adhesion and suppress cell motility in melanoma B16F10 cells.” Journal of Biotechnology. DOI:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.06.015
  3. Kung, M.-L., Cheng, S. M., Wang, Y.-H., et al.* (2024). “Deficiency of RNA adenosine deaminase (ADAR2) ameliorates metabolic-associated fatty liver disease via AMPK signaling pathways in male diet-induced obese mice.” Communications Biology. (SCI; 2022 IF=5.9)
  4. Kung, M.-L., Yang, T.-H., Lin, C.-C., et al.* (2024). “ADAR2 deficiency ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and muscle atrophy through modulating serum amyloid A1.” Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. DOI:10.1002/jcsm.13460 (SCI; 2022 IF=8.9)
  5. Hu, T.-H., Wu, J.-C., Huang, S.-T., et al.* (2023). “HDGF Stimulates Liver Tumorigenesis by Enhancing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Mitochondria.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. (SCI; 2022 IF=4.8)

Conclusion 📚

Dr. Mei-Lang Kung has made remarkable contributions to cancer research and nanomedicine, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic applications. Her expertise in molecular oncology and green nanotechnology continues to impact the scientific community, making her a leader in the field of biomedical research. Through her innovative work, she strives to advance cancer treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.