Farzaneh Barati | Biotechnology | Research Excellence Award

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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.

Yang Li | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Yang Li | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University | China

Mrs. Yang Li is a committed attending doctor at the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, where she integrates clinical service with translational research. With a strong foundation in endocrinology and metabolic diseases, her academic and clinical endeavors focus on diabetic complications, particularly type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Her contributions to both provincial and national-level projects highlight her dedication to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based research.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Mrs. Yang Li began her academic journey in clinical medicine at Tongji Medical College, one of China’s top-tier medical institutions. She specialized in endocrinology and metabolic diseases, laying a strong academic foundation in chronic disease management, hormonal regulation, and metabolic dysfunctions. Her education was marked by excellence in both theoretical understanding and hands-on training in hospital environments. Continuing her commitment to academic advancement, she is currently pursuing an academic master’s degree, with research embedded into her clinical role. Her educational path reflects a lifelong commitment to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of chronic metabolic disorders such as diabetes and its complications.

Experience

Mrs. Li’s professional experience encompasses extensive clinical practice, medical education, and rigorous scientific research. At the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, she functions both as a frontline clinician and a research investigator. Her clinical work has given her firsthand insight into the complexities of diabetic complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy. This experience fuels her research endeavors, allowing her to design studies that are both clinically relevant and methodologically sound. She has independently led two provincially funded research projects and participated in two nationally funded projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Her dual role has equipped her with the skills to integrate clinical questions into laboratory settings and translate scientific findings back into patient care protocols.

Research Interest

Mrs. Li’s core research interests revolve around type 2 diabetic nephropathy, particularly the molecular mechanisms driving renal damage in diabetic patients. Her work investigates the interplay between metabolic stress, adipose tissue function, vascular endothelial integrity, and renal cellular injury. Of special interest is the role of perirenal adipose tissue in modulating the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease, a relatively underexplored area that may yield novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. She is also interested in transcriptomics, signaling pathways such as TGF-β1, and the protective role of ACE2–Ang-(1-7)–Mas receptor axes in pancreatic and renal tissues. Through her research, she aims to uncover early biomarkers and develop targeted interventions that can prevent or slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Award

Mrs. Yang Li is an exemplary nominee for the Best Researcher Award, a recognition that would honor her persistent and impactful contributions to clinical science. Her ability to lead government-funded projects, publish in respected international journals, and remain active in frontline patient care places her among the most promising early-career physician-researchers in China. The translational nature of her research directly addresses one of the world’s most pressing public health concerns: diabetes and its complications. Her leadership, scientific rigor, and commitment to evidence-based medicine make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Publications

Mrs. Yang Li has published four peer-reviewed articles in reputable SCI-indexed journals, reflecting her growing influence in the field of diabetic complications. Each of her publications contributes to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind diabetes and its impact on vital organs:

Title: Ang (1-7) protects islet endothelial cells from palmitate-induced apoptosis via AKT, eNOS, p38 MAPK, and JNK pathways
Journal: Journal of Diabetes Research
Published on: 2014
Citation: Cited by 64 articles

Title: The ACE2–Ang-(1-7)–Mas axis improves microvascular endothelial cell function in pancreatic β cells
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Medicine
Published on: 2014
Citation: Cited by 91 studies

Title: Scutellarin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via the TGF-β1 signaling pathway
Journal: Natural Products and Bioprospecting
Published on: 2024
Citation: Cited by 6 articles

Title: Transcriptomic analysis of ceRNA regulatory networks in perirenal adipose tissue of T2DM SD rats with diabetic nephropathy
Journal: Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
Published on: 2025
Citation: Cited by 2 articles

Conclusion

Mrs. Yang Li exemplifies the integration of clinical excellence and scientific innovation. Her work has advanced the understanding of diabetic nephropathy at both cellular and systemic levels, contributing new insights into its prevention and treatment. By combining patient care with a robust research portfolio, she continues to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and clinical application. Her academic background, research leadership, and impactful publications collectively highlight her qualifications for prestigious research recognition. With her contributions resonating across endocrinology and nephrology, Mrs. Yang Li stands as a valuable asset to the medical and scientific community.

Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jie Huang | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Oxford | United Kingdom

Dr. Jie Huang (黄杰), is a distinguished plant biologist currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Biology, University of Oxford. His research focuses on molecular plant–pathogen interactions, alternative splicing, and effector biology. Dr. Huang has made substantial contributions to our understanding of how pathogens manipulate plant immune responses and has published widely in high-impact journals.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Awards✨

1. Strong Academic Background & Training

  • PhD from Nanjing Agricultural University under a leading expert, Prof. Suomeng Dong.

  • Postdoctoral experience at the prestigious University of Oxford, a global hub for biological sciences.

2. Consistent and High-Impact Research Output

  • Multiple first-author and corresponding-author publications in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Science, The Plant Cell, Molecular Plant, and New Phytologist.

  • His research appears in elite plant biology and molecular journals, indicating significant peer recognition and impact.

3. Innovation in Research

  • Pioneered discoveries related to alternative splicing in plant immunity, plant-pathogen interactions, and protein-peptide interactions, a critical frontier in molecular plant pathology.

  • Integration of computational tools (AlphaFold-Multimer) in cross-kingdom interaction studies, reflecting interdisciplinary sophistication.

4. Competitive Funding Record

  • Secured prestigious funding from national (NSFC), provincial, and postdoctoral foundations in China as Principal Investigator, demonstrating independent scientific leadership.

5. International Collaboration & Mobility

  • Experience at institutions in China, the UK, and the USA, showcasing global integration and collaborative capacity.

  • Short-term training and collaborative publications with international partners, enhancing his scientific network and adaptability.

🎓 Education

 Dr. Huang began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science from Anhui Agricultural University (2009–2013). He then pursued his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at Nanjing Agricultural University (2013–2018), where he was mentored by the esteemed Prof. Suomeng Dong. His doctoral research laid a strong foundation for his expertise in host–pathogen molecular dynamics.

🧪 Experience

 Following his Ph.D., Dr. Huang worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Nanjing Agricultural University (2018–2021), continuing under Prof. Dong’s supervision. In 2019, he broadened his global research exposure as a visiting scholar at Colorado State University with Prof. Anireddy Reddy. Since January 2022, he has been advancing his research at the University of Oxford under Prof. Renier A. L. van der Hoorn, contributing to frontier studies in plant proteomics and immunity.

🔬 Research Interests On Biological Sciences

🌿 Dr. Huang’s research delves into:

  • Alternative splicing in plant immunity

  • Effector biology in oomycete pathogens

  • Protease-targeting mechanisms at the plant–pathogen interface

  • Use of AlphaFold and other computational tools to predict protein interactions
    His work bridges molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology for improving crop resistance strategies.

🏆 Awards and Funding

 As a Principal Investigator, Dr. Huang has secured several prestigious research grants, including:

  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31901862)

  • Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (SBK2019040604)

  • Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities (KYQN202009)

  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M640494)

  • Special Postdoctoral Science Fund (2020T130306)

These awards reflect his scientific rigor and innovative research in plant molecular biology.

📚 Publications

1. A Phytophthora effector manipulates host histone acetylation and reprograms defense gene expression to promote infection
Authors: L Kong, X Qiu, J Kang, Y Wang, H Chen, J Huang, M Qiu, Y Zhao, G Kong, …
Year: 2017
Cited by: 144

2. An oomycete plant pathogen reprograms host pre-mRNA splicing to subvert immunity
Authors: J Huang, L Gu, Y Zhang, T Yan, G Kong, L Kong, B Guo, M Qiu, Y Wang, …
Year: 2017
Cited by: 120

3. Phytophthora effectors modulate genome-wide alternative splicing of host mRNAs to reprogram plant immunity
Authors: J Huang, X Lu, H Wu, Y Xie, Q Peng, L Gu, J Wu, Y Wang, ASN Reddy, …
Year: 2020
Cited by: 84

4. The Activation of Phytophthora Effector Avr3b by Plant Cyclophilin is Required for the Nudix Hydrolase Activity of Avr3b
Authors: G Kong, Y Zhao, M Jing, J Huang, J Yang, Y Xia, L Kong, W Ye, Q Xiong, …
Year: 2015
Cited by: 84

5. The Phytophthora sojae RXLR effector Avh238 destabilizes soybean Type2 GmACSs to suppress ethylene biosynthesis and promote infection
Authors: B Yang, Y Wang, B Guo, M Jing, H Zhou, Y Li, H Wang, J Huang, Y Wang, …
Year: 2019
Cited by: 71

6. AlphaFold-Multimer predicts cross-kingdom interactions at the plant-pathogen interface
Authors: F Homma, J Huang, RAL van der Hoorn
Year: 2023
Cited by: 69

7. Pathogen manipulation of chloroplast function triggers a light-dependent immune recognition
Authors: C Gao, H Xu, J Huang, B Sun, F Zhang, Z Savage, C Duggan, T Yan, …
Year: 2020
Cited by: 65

8. Cleavage of a pathogen apoplastic protein by plant subtilases activates host immunity
Authors: S Wang, R Xing, Y Wang, H Shu, S Fu, J Huang, JK Paulus, M Schuster, …
Year: 2021
Cited by: 40

9. Natural allelic variations provide insights into host adaptation of Phytophthora avirulence effector PsAvr3c
Authors: J Huang, L Chen, X Lu, Q Peng, Y Zhang, J Yang, BY Zhang, B Yang, …
Year: 2019
Cited by: 32

10. Phytophthora sojae apoplastic effector AEP1 mediates sugar uptake by mutarotation of extracellular aldose and is recognized as a MAMP
Authors: Y Xu, Y Zhang, J Zhu, Y Sun, B Guo, F Liu, J Huang, H Wang, S Dong, …
Year: 2021
Cited by: 31

📝 Conclusion

🌟 Dr. Jie Huang is a rising star in plant molecular biology, combining classical genetics, proteomics, and cutting-edge computational tools to unravel the complexities of plant immunity and pathogen virulence. His international collaborations, funding success, and impactful publications position him as a strong nominee for any prestigious research award recognizing scientific excellence in plant sciences.

Badriah Alkathiri | Genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Badriah Alkathiri | Genomics | Best Researcher Award

PhD | Chungbuk National University | South Korea

Dr. Badriah Alkathiri is a distinguished researcher in veterinary parasitology with a strong focus on mechanistic and ingredient research. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Chungbuk National University in South Korea, her work revolves around studying tick-borne pathogens, utilizing advanced analytical tools. With multiple accolades and publications, she actively contributes to advancing veterinary science and parasitology globally.

Profile

Scopus

Strenghts for the Awards

  1. Academic Excellence:
    • PhD in Veterinary Parasitology (2021–2025): Currently pursuing advanced research with significant contributions to parasitology.
    • Dual Master’s Degrees:
      • MSc in Biotechnology (Korea University, 2019).
      • MSc in Parasitology (King Saud University, 2016).
    • Broad educational foundation, including a Bachelor’s in Zoology.
  2. Research Contributions:
    • Publications: Authored/co-authored 12 impactful research papers, including studies on tick-borne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and molecular epidemiology, in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports and Pathogens.
    • Collaborations: Cooperative work with the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency on cutting-edge tick-borne pathogen projects.
    • Diverse Research Focus: Includes parasitology, microbiota, and zoonotic disease outbreaks, showcasing adaptability and depth in the field.
  3. Awards & Recognitions:
    • Winner of Best Oral Presentation (Korean Basic Medical Conference, 2024).
    • Multiple Best Poster Awards in prestigious conferences (e.g., 2023 Korean Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, 2014 World Congress of Internal Medicine).
    • Active conference participation with both oral and poster presentations, demonstrating her ability to communicate research effectively.
  4. Professional and Voluntary Contributions:
    • Experience in R&D roles, particularly in mechanistic and ingredient research (Biocoz Global Korea Corp).
    • Voluntary teaching roles (e.g., Arabic teacher, Islamic Center Seoul), indicating strong leadership, cultural adaptability, and commitment to community service.
  5. Multilingual Skills: Fluent in Arabic, English, and Korean, making her an effective global researcher who can collaborate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
  6. Soft and Practical Skills:
    • Proficient in time management, teamwork, and multitasking under pressure.
    • Hands-on technical expertise in parasitology and related fields.

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. Student (2021–2025): Veterinary Parasitology, Chungbuk National University, South Korea
  • Master of Science (2019): Biotechnology, Korea University, South Korea
  • Master of Science (2016): Parasitology, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
  • Bachelor’s Degree (2009): Zoology, Princess Nora University, Saudi Arabia

Career Experience 💼

Dr. Alkathiri has held several significant positions:

  • Researcher in R&D (2019–2021): Biocoz Global Korea Corp, Seoul
  • Korean Translator and Teacher (2019–2021): Various roles, including volunteering in Seoul
  • Science Teacher (2011): Al-Orwa Al-Wuthqa School, Riyadh
    Her career demonstrates a blend of research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Alkathiri’s research focuses on:

  • Tick-borne pathogens and their molecular characterization
  • Veterinary parasitology with an emphasis on tick-host-pathogen interactions
  • Zoonotic diseases and gut microbiota studies in animals

Awards and Achievements 🏆

  • Best Oral Presentation (2024): Korean Basic Medical Conference, Seoul, South Korea
  • Best Poster Award (2023): Korean Society for Parasitology and Tropical Medicine
  • Best Poster Award (2014): 32nd World Congress of Internal Medicine, Seoul

Publications 📚

  • Title: 16S rRNA metabarcoding for the identification of tick-borne bacteria in ticks in the Republic of Korea
    Authors: Alkathiri, B., Lee, S., Ahn, K., Shin, S., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Molecular detection and characterization of Acanthamoeba infection in dogs and its association with keratitis in Korea
    Authors: Lee, S., Alkathiri, B., Jung, J.S., Park, K.-M., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Outbreak of severe diarrhea due to zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum and C. xiaoi in goat kids in Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea
    Authors: Kim, A.-Y., Alkathiri, B., Lee, S., Kwak, D., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1
  • Title: Tick Populations and Molecular Analysis of Anaplasma Species in Ticks from the Republic of Korea
    Authors: Seo, M.-G., Lee, H., Alkathiri, B., Kwon, O.-D., Kwak, D.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Molecular epidemiology of Theileria species in ticks and its potential threat to livestock in the Republic of Korea
    Authors: Alkathiri, B., Ahn, K., Lee, H., Shin, S., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Two cases of ectopic dirofilariasis by Dirofilaria immitis in subconjunctival and subcutaneous tissues in dogs
    Authors: Goh, Y.-S., Kim, H.-M., Alkathiri, B., Lee, S.-H., Park, K.-M.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Domestic Pigs in the Republic of Korea: Nationwide Survey from 2020-2021
    Authors: Lee, S., Alkathiri, B., Kwak, D., Byun, J.-W., Lee, S.-H.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 3
  • Title: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice shows antioxidant activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis-induced oxidative stress in female BALB/c mice
    Authors: Alkathiri, B., El-Khadragy, M.F., Metwally, D.M., Bakhrebah, M.A., Moneim, A.E.A.
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 18
  • Title: Anti-leishmanial activity (in vitro and in vivo) of allicin and allicin cream using leishmania major (sub-strain zymowme LON4) and Balb/c Mice
    Authors: Metwally, D.M., Al-Olayan, E.M., El-Khadragy, M.F., Alkathiri, B.
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 16

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Badriah Alkathiri exemplifies dedication to scientific innovation and collaborative research in veterinary parasitology. Her academic and professional journey is marked by impactful contributions to science, leadership in research, and global engagement.