Nicolas Leuenberger | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Swiss laboratory for Doping Analyses | Switzerland

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger is a distinguished Privat-docent and Research Manager at the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, University Hospital of Lausanne. With a proven track record in forensic science and anti-doping research, he has contributed significantly to advancing methodologies for detecting blood doping and other performance-enhancing practices. His leadership in managing research projects, mentoring graduate students, and fostering international collaborations has positioned him as an influential figure in forensic and biomedical sciences.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and advanced qualifications in forensic and medical sciences, which laid the foundation for his career in anti-doping research. His academic background integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and forensic medicine, enabling him to explore novel biomarkers of blood manipulation and enhance anti-doping practices worldwide.

Experience

With extensive experience as Research Manager at the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger oversees both research operations and biological unit management. He directs master’s and PhD projects, guiding students from experimental design to thesis completion. As part of the LAD management team, he coordinates grant applications, establishes ISO-accredited protocols, and supervises multidisciplinary collaborations with hospital units and global anti-doping laboratories. His consultancy roles with Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG, the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong, and the World Anti-Doping Agency further demonstrate his expertise and international recognition.

Research Interests

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger’s research focuses on the discovery of innovative biomarkers for blood doping, particularly through the fields of ironomics and transcriptomics. His pioneering work on erythroferrone and hepcidin as indicators of blood manipulation has reshaped anti-doping science. Currently, he is advancing mRNA biomarker detection from dried blood spots, enabling more accurate detection of autologous blood transfusions and micro-dose EPO administration. His commitment lies in developing cutting-edge forensic tools that safeguard the integrity of sports and public health.

Awards

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger has been widely recognized for his contributions to forensic and anti-doping science. His editorial appointment as Associate Editor of Frontiers in Sport and Active Living and his membership in the Swiss Haematology Society underscore his professional standing. He has also been invited as an expert reviewer for the World Anti-Doping Agency and other international bodies, reflecting his global impact on anti-doping policy and scientific innovation.

Publications

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals, significantly contributing to anti-doping and forensic biomarker research. A selection of his highly cited works includes:

1. Detection of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in human anti-doping control: Past, present and future
Journal: Drug Testing and Analysis
Published on: July 2012

2. Circulating microRNAs as Biomarkers for Detection of Autologous Blood Transfusion
Journal: PLoS ONE
Published on: June 2013

3. Circulating microRNAs: The Future of Biomarkers in Anti-doping Field
Journal: Drug Testing and Analysis
Published on: December 2015

4. Autologous Blood Transfusion in Sports: Emerging Biomarkers
Journal: Transfusion Medicine Reviews
Published on: May 2016

5. mRNA Biomarkers in Dried Blood Spots May Improve Detection of Autologous Blood Micro-Transfusions Using an Individualized Approach
Journal: Haematologica
Published on: August 2025

6. High Pretransplant Levels of Erythroferrone Are Predictive for 1-Year All-Cause Mortality and Acute Cellular Rejection after Heart Transplantation
Journal: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation
Published on: January 2025

7. New Transcriptomic Biomarkers for Detection of the Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) MirCERA in Horses
Journal: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Published on: September 2024

8. Comparison between standard hematological parameters and blood doping biomarkers in dried blood spots within the athlete population of Swiss Sport Integrity
Journal: Haematologica
Published on: September 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Nicolas Leuenberger exemplifies scientific excellence through his pioneering research in anti-doping biomarker discovery, his leadership at the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of forensic scientists. His contributions have not only advanced the global fight against blood doping but also strengthened the integrity of competitive sports. For these reasons, he is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Ishita Biswas | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ishita Biswas | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | S.B.S. Government College, Hili | India

Dr. Ishita Biswas is an esteemed Assistant Professor in Botany at S. B. S. Government College, Hili, West Bengal, India. With a rich academic background in microbiology and plant sciences, she has made remarkable contributions to microbial research and plant biochemistry. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge is evident through her extensive research, numerous accolades, and commitment to mentoring young scholars.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • 🌟 Academic Excellence: Dr. Biswas has consistently excelled academically, earning top ranks throughout her educational journey, including a silver medal for securing the second position in her Master of Science in Botany.
  • 📊 Research Contributions: She has published 17 full-length research papers in reputed journals, including Elsevier and MDPI, showcasing a diverse range of research interests from plant biochemistry to microbiology.
  • 🏅 Awards and Recognition: Her achievements include multiple “Best Presenter” and “Outstanding Paper” awards at international conferences, reflecting her ability to effectively communicate research findings.
  • 🧬 GenBank Submissions: Submission of seven gene sequences to NCBI highlights her contributions to genetic research, which is a valuable addition to the scientific community.
  • 👩‍🏫 Professional Involvement: Active participation in academic committees, student welfare initiatives, and administrative roles demonstrates her dedication to institutional development.
  • 🌐 Interdisciplinary Approach: Her research integrates microbiology, biochemistry, and plant physiology, reflecting a multidisciplinary perspective.
  • 📈 Competitive Edge: Qualifying for prestigious exams like UGC JRF-NET, GATE, and SET further underscores her academic rigor and research potential.

Education 🎓

Dr. Biswas’s academic journey began at WBBSE, where she completed her secondary education with distinction. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Botany from the University of North Bengal, securing first-class honors. Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a B.Ed. and ultimately a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Raiganj University in 2024. Additionally, she qualified for prestigious examinations such as UGC JRF-NET, NET-LS, SET, and GATE, showcasing her academic excellence.

Experience 💼

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at S. B. S. Government College, Hili, Dr. Biswas plays an active role in various academic and administrative committees. She has served as the Convener of the Students’ Welfare & Disciplinary Sub-Committee and Joint Convener of the Routine Sub-Committee and Women Grievance & Redressal Cell. Additionally, she contributes to the External Examination, Sports, Internal Complaint, UGC, and Website Sub-Committees.

Research Interests On Biology 🔬

Dr. Biswas’s research interests lie in plant biochemistry, plant physiology, and microbiology. Her work focuses on microbial interactions, enzyme characterization, and exploring natural methods for environmental remediation. She is particularly passionate about studying plant-microbe interactions and harnessing microbial potential for sustainable agriculture and bioremediation.

Awards 🏆

  • Silver Medal from the Honorable Governor for securing First Class Second Position in M.Sc. Botany, University of North Bengal (2013).
  • “Best Presenter Award” at the 7th Annual International Conference Biospectrum 2023, organized by the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (2023).
  • “Outstanding Paper Award” at the 6th Regional Science & Technology Congress (Region 2) (2023-24).
  • “Best Presenter Award” at the 8th Annual International Conference Biospectrum 2024, organized by the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, in collaboration with the University of Iasi, Romania (2024).

Publications 📖

  • Title: Valorization of vermicompost with bacterial fermented chicken feather hydrolysate for the yield improvement of tomato plant: A novel organic combination
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, A Senapati, D Mitra, S Chattaraj, M Ali, G Basak
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 25

  • Title: Bioactive compounds as a potential inhibitor of colorectal cancer; an insilico study of Gallic acid and Pyrogallol
    Authors: D Mitra, A Dey, I Biswas, PK Das Mohapatra
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 23

  • Title: Recent advancement in metabiotics: a consortium with bioactive molecules after fermentation by probiotic bacteria with multidisciplinary application potential and future prospects
    Authors: I Biswas, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 21

  • Title: Contributions of protein microenvironment in tannase industrial applicability: An in-silico comparative study of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial tannase
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, AK Bandyopadhyay, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Structural and catalytic advancement of fungal tannase: A proteomic contribution in industrial applicability
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Concomitant yield optimization of tannase and gallic acid by Bacillus licheniformis KBR6 through submerged fermentation: An industrial approach
    Authors: PKD Mohapatra, I Biswas, KC Mondal, BR Pati
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Application of egg shell with fortified vermicompost in Capsicum cultivation: a strategy in waste management
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, D Mitra, S Chattaraj, A Senapati, A Chakraborty
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Paraburkholderia tropica PKI7 and Kosakonia arachidis PKI8: Two newly reported tannase producing bacteria isolated from forest soil and study of their tannase producing potential
    Authors: I Biswas, PKDAS Mohapatra
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Preparation of metabiotic curd and optimization of tannase and gallic acid production by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PKI15
    Authors: I Biswas, JP Soren, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Insilico sequence-structure based analysis of bacterial chromate reductase to unravel enzymatic specificity towards chromium pollution
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

Conclusion 📊

Dr. Ishita Biswas has made significant strides in the field of botany and microbiology. Her dedication to research and education, coupled with numerous accolades and a strong publication record, highlights her passion for advancing scientific knowledge. She continues to inspire future generations through her teaching and research, leaving an indelible mark in her field.