Hiba Muhammed | Bioelectronics and Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Hiba Muhammed | Bioelectronics and Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

University of Calicut | India

Ms. Hiba Muhammed is an emerging researcher in pharmacology and biomedical sciences with interdisciplinary expertise bridging pharmacology, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Her research contributions encompass nanomaterial synthesis, drug design, neuropharmacology, and biomedical applications of hybrid composites. She has co-authored publications in reputed international journals such as Physica B: Condensed Matter and Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, where her work explored nanocurcumin–titanium dioxide bio-nanocomposites and multifunctional chitosan–chloro-aspirin materials for biomedical and energy applications. She has also contributed a book chapter on the therapeutic potential of carbon nanotubes in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Her academic research projects include investigations into neuroprotective agents and green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles, highlighting her focus on translational pharmacology and biocompatible nanomaterials. She has been recognized with multiple academic excellence awards and holds a university rank in pharmacology. With active participation in national and international conferences, poster presentations, and workshops on biostatistics, pharmacovigilance, and computational drug discovery, Ms. Hiba Muhammed demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing experimental pharmacology and nano biomedicine. Her works have earned citations indexed in Scopus, reflecting growing recognition in the scientific community.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

• Anju, P., Muhammed, H., Kantholi, A., Bahuleyan, B., & Ramesan, M. T. (2025). Synthesis of nanocurcumin conjugated titanium dioxide bio-nanocomposites for enhanced optical, thermal, electrical, and antibacterial applications. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 711, 417269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2025.417269

• Muhammed, H., Faheema, S., Thayyil, M. S., Udayan, G., & Ramesan, M. T. (2025). Multifunctional chitosan/chloro-aspirin composites for energy storage and biomedical applications. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 102(8), 101866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jics.2025.101866

Ajay Kumar Rana | Biology and Life Sciences | Outstanding Contribution to Forensic Biology Award

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Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana | Biology and Life Sciences | Outstanding Contribution to Forensic Biology Award

Central Forensic Science Laboratory | India

Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana is a highly accomplished forensic biologist and Scientist-B at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, India, with over a decade of expertise in DNA analysis, serology, and forensic molecular biology. He earned his Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi/Central Drug Research Institute, where he conducted pioneering work on methyltransferases of Wolbachia endosymbionts and anti-filarial drug development, followed by postdoctoral training at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion-IIT) focusing on tRNA methyltransferases and ribonucleases. Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana’s professional journey spans roles from Scientific Assistant to Assistant Director (Biology) at the State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jharkhand, and now leadership of the DNA/Biology Division at CFSL Hyderabad, where he manages NABL-accredited laboratories, oversees quality compliance, and supervises forensic sample analysis. He has reported over 750 cases, attended more than 35 crime scenes, and mentored numerous scientific assistants and law enforcement personnel in forensic protocols. His research integrates molecular biology, DNA methylation, and advanced forensic genetics, including strategies for extracting DNA from challenging samples, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and practical forensic applications. Dr. Ajay Kumar Rana has published 12 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, accumulating 208 citations with an h-index of 8, as indexed in Scopus, in journals including Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2013), Frontiers in Genetics (2016), and Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences (2018). Recognized with prestigious awards including the DST-SERB International Travel Award, CSIR fellowships, and national competitive selections, Dr. Rana exemplifies scientific excellence, innovation, and dedication to advancing forensic biology.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2013). Current drug targets for helminthic diseases. Parasitology Research, 112(5), 1819–1831.

Rana, A. K., & Ankri, S. (2016). Reviving the RNA world: An insight into the appearance of RNA methyltransferases. Frontiers in Genetics, 7, 99.

Rana, A. K., & Kumar, N. (2023). Current wildlife crime (Indian scenario): Major challenges and prevention approaches. Biodiversity and Conservation, 32(5), 1473–1491.

Rana, A. K. (2018). Crime investigation through DNA methylation analysis: Methods and applications in forensics. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 8(7), 38.

Kushwaha, S., Singh, P. K., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2011). Cloning, expression, purification and kinetics of trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase of filarial parasite Brugia malayi. Acta Tropica, 119(2–3), 151–159.

Kumar, N., Yadav, V. K., & Rana, A. K. (2017). Wildlife forensic: Current techniques and their limitations. Journal of Forensic Science & Criminology, 5(4), 402.

Singh, P. K., Kushwaha, S., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2014). Cofactor independent phosphoglycerate mutase of Brugia malayi induces a mixed Th1/Th2 type immune response and inhibits larval development in the host. BioMed Research International, 2014, 590281.

Kushwaha, S., Singh, P. K., Rana, A. K., & Misra-Bhattacharya, S. (2013). Immunization of Mastomys coucha with Brugia malayi recombinant trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase results in significant protection against homologous challenge infection. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e72585.