Farzaneh Barati | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Farzaneh Barati | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

Alzahra University | Iran

Dr. Farzaneh Barati is a microbial biotechnology researcher whose work integrates molecular biology, enzyme engineering, nanobiotechnology, microbial genetics, and computational bioprocess design to advance innovative and sustainable biotechnological applications. With five Scopus-indexed publications, 103 citations, and an h-index of 4, she has built a growing research footprint centered on microbial metabolic optimization, green nanotechnology, and in silico–supported enzyme engineering. Her contributions include notable advancements in polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) biosynthesis through the cloning and overexpression of the phbC gene in Ralstonia eutropha, offering valuable insights for enhancing biodegradable biopolymer production. She has also contributed significantly to environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis by optimizing copper oxide nanoparticle production using plant-derived extracts, applying design of experiments (DOE) and response surface methodology (RSM) to improve nanoparticle yield and functionality. Dr. Farzaneh Barati’s influential systematic reviews on bioactive peptide generation and computational strategies for enzyme immobilization demonstrate her ability to combine experimental biotechnology with advanced computational analysis, providing frameworks for more efficient enzyme stabilization and catalytic improvement. Her research further includes the isolation and molecular characterization of a collagenase-producing microorganism from slaughterhouse-contaminated soil, resulting in a publicly deposited GenBank sequence (OR555920) and subsequent studies exploring its enzyme–nanoparticle interactions. Through her multidisciplinary contributions spanning microbial biotechnology, sustainable nanotechnology, and data-driven enzyme engineering, she continues to advance scientific understanding and strengthen the development of next-generation bioprocesses with industrial, environmental, and biomedical relevance.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Barati, M., Javanmardi, F., Mousavi Jazayeri, S. M. H., Jabbari, M., Rahmani, J., et al. (2020). Techniques, perspectives, and challenges of bioactive peptide generation: A comprehensive systematic review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 19(4), 1488–1520.

2. Barati, F., Asgarani, E., Gharavi, S., & Soudi, M. R. (2020). Considerable increase in Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) production via phbC gene overexpression in Ralstonia eutropha PTCC 1615. BioImpacts (BI), 11(1), 53.

3. Barati, F., Hosseini, F., Vafaee, R., Sabouri, Z., Ghadam, P., Arab, S. S., Shadfar, N., et al. (2024). In silico approaches to investigate enzyme immobilization: A comprehensive systematic review. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 26(7), 5744–5761.

4. Barati, F., Hosseini, F., Ghadam, P., & Arab, S. S. (2024). Optimizing CuO nanoparticle synthesis via walnut green husk extract utilizing response surface methodology. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1316, 139077.

5. Barati, F., Hosseini, F., Moghadam, F. H., & Dezfouli, S. A. (2021). Face mask as a tool to prevent the Coronavirus disease 2019: The importance and challenges. International Journal of Health and Life Sciences, 7(1), e109729.

Huai-Jen Tsai | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Forensic Scientist

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University | Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai is a distinguished molecular biologist whose research spans developmental biology, marine biotechnology, and gene transgenesis in aquatic organisms, with a particular focus on zebrafish and other finfish models. He has pioneered innovative sperm-mediated and electroporation-based gene transfer systems, enabling highly efficient transgenesis in finfish and shellfish, and has significantly advanced understanding of growth hormone regulation, gonadotropins, rhodopsins, and muscle-specific transcription factors, thereby contributing to both vertebrate developmental biology and aquaculture applications. Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai’s work bridges fundamental molecular biology and applied biotechnology, investigating molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic development, stress responses, and neural regeneration, including studies on ENDOU-mediated translation regulation and the role of extracellular proteins in promoting neurite outgrowth and spinal cord repair. He has authored 162 documents indexed in Scopus, which have been cited over 5,174 times by 4,191 publications, and he holds an h-index of 36, reflecting the high impact and wide recognition of his contributions in the scientific community. Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Huai-Jen Tsai has received numerous prestigious awards, including the MOST Outstanding Research Award, Y. Z. Hsu Technology Invention Award for a patented zebrafish gene fragment, and multiple NSC Outstanding Research Awards, and he has served as principal investigator on numerous funded research projects. In addition, he contributes extensively as a reviewer and editorial board member for international journals. His research continues to integrate molecular genetics, developmental studies, and biotechnological innovation, establishing him as a leading authority in aquatic molecular genetics, transgenic technologies, and regenerative biology, and underscoring his influential role in advancing both basic science and translational applications in vertebrate and aquatic systems.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • Lee, H.-C., Huang, Y.-H., Hsieh, C.-C., Ke, Y.-N., & Tsai, H.-J. (2025). ENDOU-1-induced cytoplasmic HnRNPA3 recognizes m6A methylation on the upstream reading frame of human CHOP transcripts to achieve maximal CHOP translation. Preprint.

  • Lee, B.-C., Tsai, J.-C., Huang, Y.-H., Wang, C.-C., Lee, H.-C., & Tsai, H.-J. (2024). The 419th aspartic acid of neural membrane protein enolase 2 is a key residue involved in axonal growth of motor neurons mediated by interaction between enolase 2 receptor and extracellular Pgk1 ligand. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(19), 10753.

  • Lee, H.-C., Chao, H.-T., Lee, S. Y.-H., Lin, C.-Y., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). The upstream 1350~1250 nucleotide sequences of the human ENDOU-1 gene contain critical cis-elements responsible for upregulating its transcription during ER stress. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(24), 17393.

  • Zeng, C.-W., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). The promising role of a zebrafish model employed in neural regeneration following a spinal cord injury. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(18), 13938.

  • Fu, C.-Y., Chen, H.-Y., Lin, C.-Y., Chen, S.-J., Sheu, J.-C., & Tsai, H.-J. (2023). Extracellular Pgk1 interacts with neural membrane protein enolase-2 to improve neurite outgrowth of motor neurons. Communications Biology, 6, 822.

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

Published on by Forensic Scientist

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.