Donath Damian | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Donath Damian | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Dar es Salaam | Tanzania

Dr. Donath Damian is a distinguished researcher and lecturer specializing in Molecular Biosciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and an M.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). Currently, he serves as a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam-Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, where he educates and mentors medical students. With extensive research experience in medical biochemistry, molecular biology, viral metagenomics, virology, and zoonotic diseases, he has contributed significantly to scientific advancements. His work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and he has actively participated in international conferences focusing on diabetes and virology.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Strong Academic Background – Dr. Damian holds a PhD in Molecular Biosciences, along with an MSc in Medical Biochemistry and a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, showcasing a solid educational foundation in his field.

  • Significant Research Contributions – With over 11 peer-reviewed publications covering topics such as virology, metagenomics, zoonotic diseases, and non-communicable diseases, his research output is commendable.

  • Diverse Research Interests – His work spans various biomedical and molecular biology areas, particularly in diabetes, viral genomics, and tick-borne diseases, reflecting interdisciplinary expertise.

  • Teaching and Mentorship – He contributes to academia by lecturing medical students and supervising research, fostering future professionals in the field.

  • International Collaboration & Conference Participation – Attending multiple conferences and collaborating with researchers worldwide strengthens his credibility as an active contributor to global scientific discourse.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences (2016-2021) – University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
  • M.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry (2011-2013) – Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
  • B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (2003-2006) – University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Experience 📓

Dr. Damian is a seasoned educator and researcher with extensive experience in molecular biosciences. He teaches Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Virology, and Molecular Genetics to undergraduate medical students at the University of Dar es Salaam-Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences. He also supervises medical students in their research projects and contributes to advancements in molecular studies related to vector-borne diseases, diabetes, and viral metagenomics.

Research Interests On Biochemistry 🔬

Dr. Damian’s research interests lie in:

  • Medical Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Viral Metagenomics
  • Genomics and Virology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Non-Communicable Diseases
  • Vector-borne diseases and epidemiology

Awards 🏆

  • Recognition for contributions to virology and molecular biosciences research
  • Multiple research grants for studies on tick-borne viruses and zoonotic diseases
  • Acknowledgment for participation in international scientific conferences on diabetes and virology

Selected Publications 📚

  1. Omics for bioprospecting and drug discovery from bacteria and microalgae

    • Authors: R Maghembe, D Damian, A Makaranga, SS Nyandoro, SL Lyantagaye, …

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 71

  2. Application of viral metagenomics for study of emerging and reemerging tick-borne viruses

    • Authors: D Damian, R Maghembe, M Damas, JJ Wensman, M Berg

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 17

  3. Molecular diversity of hard tick species from selected areas of a wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

    • Authors: D Damian, M Damas, JJ Wensman, M Berg

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 12

  4. Genetic Relationship Between Hard Ticks (Ixodidae) Infesting Cattle from Select Areas of a Wildlife–Livestock Interface Ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

    • Authors: D Damian, M Damas, JJ Wensman, M Berg

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 2

  5. The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer

    • Authors: D Damian

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 1

  6. Phylogeny and genetic relationship between hard ticks (Ixodidae) infesting cattle collected from selected areas of a wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

    • Authors: D Damian, M Damas, JJ Wensman, M Berg

    • Year: 2020

    • Citations: 1

  7. Lipid Profile Abnormalities in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Tanzania: A Retrospective Study

    • Authors: J Mlonga, D Damian

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: Not listed

  8. Navigating the Landscape of Tick Diversity: Integrating Molecular Approaches for Enhanced Control Measures

    • Authors: D Damian

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: Not listed

  9. Tick-Borne Viruses of Clinical Significance: A Systematic Review

    • Authors: D Damian

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: Not listed

  10. Diversity of viruses in hard ticks (Ixodidae) from select areas of a wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

  • Authors: D Damian, M Damas, JJ Wensman, M Berg

  • Year: 2020

Conclusion ✅

Dr. Donath Damian is a dedicated scientist and educator whose research has made significant contributions to the fields of molecular biosciences and medical biochemistry. His work on viral metagenomics, tick-borne diseases, and non-communicable diseases has provided valuable insights into emerging health challenges. Through his teaching, research, and publications, he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of medical professionals while advancing scientific knowledge in his field.

Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Pingyu Zhang | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shenzhen University | China

Pingyu Zhang is a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry at Shenzhen University. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2015 under the mentorship of Professor Hui Chao at Sun Yat-sen University. Following her doctoral studies, she joined the University of Warwick as a Newton Fellow in Professor Peter J. Sadler’s group from 2015 to 2017. Since 2017, she has been a faculty member at Shenzhen University, where she has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. In recognition of her outstanding research, she was honored as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar by the Ministry of Education in 2023.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions

    • Professor Zhang has made significant advancements in the field of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy, particularly in light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor treatments.
    • Her pioneering work in sonodynamic therapy using metal complexes has opened new avenues for deep-tumor treatment, demonstrating high scientific impact.
  2. Academic Excellence & Recognitions

    • Recognized as a Young Chang Jiang Scholar (2023) by the Ministry of Education, a prestigious honor highlighting her research excellence.
    • Recipient of the Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (2023, first contributor) and the Dalton Division Horizon Prize (2022) from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
  3. Research Productivity & Innovation

    • Published over 80 research papers in reputable journals, reflecting her consistent contributions to the scientific community.
    • Holds 18 Chinese invention patents, indicating her strong emphasis on translational research and innovation.
  4. International Experience & Collaborations

    • Gained global exposure through her postdoctoral research as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick (2015-2017) under the mentorship of Professor Peter J. Sadler.
    • Established a strong research presence both nationally and internationally, positioning her as a leading scientist in her field.

Education 🎓

Pingyu Zhang completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Sun Yat-sen University in 2015 under the guidance of Professor Hui Chao. Her academic journey equipped her with a strong foundation in metal complex chemistry, which later became a cornerstone of her research career.

Experience 💼

Following her Ph.D., Professor Zhang worked as a Newton Fellow at the University of Warwick from 2015 to 2017, collaborating with Professor Peter J. Sadler on groundbreaking research in metal-based therapeutics. In 2017, she joined Shenzhen University as a faculty member, where she currently serves as a distinguished professor and deputy director of the Department of Chemistry. Her leadership and dedication have significantly advanced the department’s research initiatives.

Research Interests On Biochemistry 🌍

Professor Zhang’s research focuses on the fundamental study of metal complex drugs for tumor-driven therapy. She has pioneered the development of light- and sound-sensitive anti-tumor drugs, creating innovative therapeutic strategies. Notably, she was the first to identify the potential application of metal complexes in sonodynamic therapy, a promising approach for treating deep-seated tumors. Her work aims to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Awards 🏆

  • Young Chang Jiang Scholar, Ministry of Education (2023)
  • Second-Class Natural Science Award of Shenzhen (First Contributor, 2023)
  • Dalton Division Horizon Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry (2022)

Publications 📚

Professor Zhang has published over 80 research papers in prestigious journals and holds 18 Chinese invention patents. Below are some of her notable publications:

  1. Highly stable single Pt atomic sites anchored on aniline-stacked graphene for hydrogen evolution reaction

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, Q Zhang, P Zhang, T Xu, Q Wang, D He, L Guo, Y Zhang, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 474
  2. Highly charged ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as lysosome‐localized photosensitizers for two‐photon photodynamic therapy

    • Authors: H Huang, B Yu, P Zhang, J Huang, Y Chen, G Gasser, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 445
  3. Targeted photoredox catalysis in cancer cells

    • Authors: H Huang, S Banerjee, K Qiu, P Zhang, O Blacque, T Malcomson, …
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 398
  4. Advances in the design of organometallic anticancer complexes

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 392
  5. New designs for phototherapeutic transition metal complexes

    • Authors: C Imberti, P Zhang, H Huang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 377
  6. Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes as mitochondria-targeted two-photon photodynamic anticancer agents

    • Authors: J Liu, Y Chen, G Li, P Zhang, C Jin, L Zeng, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 278
  7. Targeting nucleus DNA with a cyclometalated dipyridophenazineruthenium (II) complex

    • Authors: H Huang, P Zhang, B Yu, Y Chen, J Wang, L Ji, H Chao
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 230
  8. Redox‐active metal complexes for anticancer therapy

    • Authors: P Zhang, PJ Sadler
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 213
  9. Boosting the alkaline hydrogen evolution of Ru nanoclusters anchored on B/N–doped graphene by accelerating water dissociation

    • Authors: S Ye, F Luo, T Xu, P Zhang, H Shi, S Qin, J Wu, C He, X Ouyang, Q Zhang, …
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 174
  10. Noncovalent ruthenium (II) complexes–single-walled carbon nanotube composites for bimodal photothermal and photodynamic therapy with near-infrared irradiation

  • Authors: P Zhang, H Huang, J Huang, H Chen, J Wang, K Qiu, D Zhao, L Ji, …
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 167

Conclusion 🎯

Pingyu Zhang is a leading researcher in the field of metal-based tumor therapy, with significant contributions to the development of innovative anti-cancer strategies. Through her pioneering work in sonodynamic and photodynamic therapy, she continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment. Her numerous accolades, high-impact publications, and patents underscore her influence in the scientific community, making her a key figure in advancing metal complex drug research.