Mohamad Che Zain | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mohamad Che Zain | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Mohamad Che Zain, University of science Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at Universiti Sains Malaysia, specializing in phytochemistry, sustainable bioscience technology, and pharmaceutical chemistry. His research focuses on the green extraction and standardization of plant-based bioactives, particularly flavonoids, for wound healing and dermatological applications. With multiple national patents, international publications, and innovation awards, Dr. Che Zain is recognized for translating natural product research into impactful health solutions.

Profile

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Summary:

Dr. Mohamad Che Zain is a highly accomplished and emerging leader in biological sciences and phytochemical research. His consistent contributions to sustainable biosciences, bioactive formulation, and translational phytochemistry have marked him as a top performer among early-career and mid-career scientists in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

🎓 Education

Dr. Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain completed his PhD in Phytochemistry at Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2021, where he conducted advanced research in bioactive compounds from Malaysian botanical sources. Prior to this, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the International Medical University in 2017, laying the foundation for his interdisciplinary expertise in chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

💼Experience

Dr. Shazeli is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), leading research at the Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology. Since 2023, he has been involved in teaching, student supervision, and active community engagement. From 2021 to 2023, he worked as the R&D Executive and Lead Researcher at Nexus Wise Sdn Bhd, where he established a phytochemistry lab for GMP-compliant herbal product development. Between 2017 and 2020, he was a Graduate Research Fellow and Tutor at Universiti Putra Malaysia, co-teaching undergraduate courses and leading lab-based research on medicinal plant extracts.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Shazeli specializes in phytochemistry, sustainable bioscience technology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and precision herbal medicine. His work emphasizes green processing methods for plant-based extracts, particularly flavonoid-enriched products derived from oil palm and Melicope ptelefolia for wound care, dermatological and nutraceutical applications. He is actively engaged in translating his findings into industrial-scale innovations that support regenerative and dermatological health.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Shazeli possesses expertise in natural product extraction, microencapsulation, bioassay development, chromatographic analysis, and intellectual property filing. He is proficient in the development of nanotechnology-based formulations and green extraction technologies using deep eutectic solvents. As a licensed Professional Technologist in Chemical Technology, an Accredited HRD Trainer, and an active member of multiple scientific bodies, he combines scientific rigor with leadership in academic, industrial, and community contexts. His scientific communication and STEM outreach activities highlight his commitment to science education, policy translation, and public engagement.

🏆Awards

He has received numerous national and international accolades, including multiple gold medals at the 2025 International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX), the Overall Runner-Up and Gold Medal at the 2025 International Research and Innovation Symposium Competition, and the APEX Young Scholar 5.0 Award at USM. Earlier honors include the Best Thesis Award from the Malaysian Natural Products Society, the Top 15 Chrysalis Award by the Young Scientist Network-ASM, and several travel grants and innovation awards from academic and research institutions since 2019.

📚 Publications

Title: Valorization of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) into high‐value therapeutic agents: an updated review on extraction techniques, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities and encapsulation technologies
Author: Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Title: Transforming agricultural waste into sustainable bioadsorbents and advanced bioaerogels from durian (Durio zibethinus) peel
Author: Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Year: 2025
Journal: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining

Title: Microencapsulation of Elaeis guineensis leaf extract powder enriched with bioflavonoid preserves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: spray drying optimization and powder characterization
Author: Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization

Title: Spray Drying Microencapsulation of Antioxidant Bioflavonoids: A Bibliometric Analysis and Review on Recent Research Landscape (2013–2023) and Process Optimization
Author: Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Food Process Engineering

Title: One-pot synthesis of polysaccharide/gelatin amorphous hydrogels impregnated with a bioflavonoid derived from Elaeis guineensis leaf: wound healing and drug release properties
Author: Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Year: 2024
Journal: DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Title: Macroporous polymeric resin for the purification of flavonoids from medicinal plants: A review
Author: Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Separation Science

Conclusion:

Dr. Mohamad Che Zain is a strong and highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His research originality, impact on health sciences, community engagement, and scientific leadership collectively exemplify the values and excellence that the award seeks to recognize. With continued global engagement and commercialization efforts, he is poised to make even greater contributions to science and society.

Aminur Rahman | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aminur Rahman | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aminur Rahman, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aminur Rahman is a faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Örebro University, Sweden, his research focuses on biochemistry, microbiology, and environmental biotechnology, particularly bioremediation of toxic metals and wastewater treatment. He has held prestigious postdoctoral positions in Sweden and Japan and has received several international awards for his contributions to environmental science.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aminur Rahman is an accomplished academic and researcher whose body of work spans critical areas of biotechnology, microbiology, and environmental health. With significant international exposure, diverse high-impact publications, and recognized scientific contributions, he stands out as a valuable asset to the research community in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

🎓 Education

Dr. Aminur Rahman holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Örebro University, Sweden, where his research focused on the bioremediation of toxic metals to safeguard human health and ecosystems. He earned dual Master of Science degrees in Biomedicine and Molecular Biology from the University of Skövde, Sweden, concentrating on microbial bioremediation and gene characterization. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, where he was recognized with a gold medal for outstanding academic performance.

💼Experience

Dr. Rahman is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, where he teaches biochemistry, metabolism, and food and nutrition. Prior to this, he was a JSPS Postdoctoral Researcher at Saga University, Japan, working on developing natural composite membranes for heavy metal removal. He also served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Örebro University, Sweden, where he investigated antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Lecturer at the University of Skövde, delivering advanced-level lectures in biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology.

🔬Research Focus

His research spans biotechnology, microbiology, and environmental science, with a particular focus on bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and the creation of novel bio-based materials for the adsorption and removal of environmental contaminants. He is especially interested in interdisciplinary approaches that address healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceutical innovation, and sustainable environmental solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s scientific priorities.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Rahman is proficient in advanced molecular biology techniques, genetic engineering, microbial bioremediation, and bioinformatics. He has hands-on expertise in MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry, environmental sampling, and microbiological assays. He is also skilled in higher education pedagogy, curriculum development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific communication through lectures, publications, and presentations at international forums.

🏆Awards

Dr. Rahman has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan (2020), and awards for poster presentations at international conferences held in the USA, Portugal, and Spain. He was also a recipient of the Nilsson-Ehle Foundation grant by the Royal Physiographic Society of Sweden and earned a gold medal from the University of Rajshahi for academic excellence.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Dynamics of Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Risk Factors Associated with Infections Caused by Colistin‑Resistant Bacteria: A Study from the Northern Region of Haryana, India
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Polish Journal of Microbiology

  • Title: Radiometric Hazard Assessment of Soil and Water Samples Adjacent to Bangladesh’s First Nuclear Power Plant Before Commissioning: Insights into Human Health and Environmental Radiological Dynamics
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Heliyon

  • Title: Promising and Environmentally Friendly Removal of Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, and Lead from Wastewater Using Modified Shrimp-Based Chitosan
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Water (Switzerland)

  • Title: Baseline Radioactivity in the Five Candidate Sites for the Second Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh and Concomitant Hazards Assessment
    Year: 2024
    Journal: International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry

  • Title: Characterization of Lignin and Hemicellulose Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Cow Rumen and Forest Soil: Unveiling a Novel Enzymatic Model for Rice Straw Deconstruction
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Conclusion:

Dr. Aminur Rahman is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His consistent publication output, interdisciplinary focus, international collaborations, and alignment with sustainable and healthcare research goals make him deserving of recognition. With continued leadership in research grants, mentoring, and translational science, his profile will further strengthen in coming years.

Haruna Uemori | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 Ms. Haruna Uemori | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Haruna Uemori, Okayama Prefectural University, Japan

Ms. Haruna Uemori is a doctoral student in Nutrition at Okayama Prefectural University, Japan. Her research focuses on the isolation, purification, and structural analysis of polyphenols and other functional compounds from medicinal plants. She is particularly interested in the biological activities of natural products, with recent work highlighting tannins from Eucalyptus camaldulensis with aluminum detoxification properties. Alongside her academic pursuits, she works in the R&D Division at Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., contributing to the development of botanical extracts for health applications.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Ms. Haruna Uemori is an emerging researcher with strong academic credentials and valuable industry experience. Her research on ellagitannins from Eucalyptus camaldulensis is both innovative and applicable, addressing environmental detoxification with natural compounds. Her dual roles in academia and industry reflect a balanced and application-driven approach to research. She possesses solid technical skills, a strong publication foundation, and a clear research direction aligned with contemporary scientific priorities in nutrition and phytochemistry.

🎓 Education

Haruna Uemori holds a Bachelor of Nutrition (2017–2021) and a Master of Nutrition (2021–2023) from Okayama Prefectural University, Japan. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Nutrition at the same university, having commenced her doctoral studies in April 2024. Her academic training has provided a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of nutrition and natural product chemistry.

💼Experience

Since April 2023, Haruna has been working in the R&D Division at Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., a company known for the development and commercialization of botanical extracts. In this role, she is involved in advanced analysis using precision instruments such as LC-MS and NMR. Her work also includes the isolation of various compounds from food and medicinal plants, contributing to the discovery and development of functional ingredients.

🔬Research Focus

Her current research centers on polyphenols, with a specific interest in isolating and purifying functional compounds from various plants and medicinal herbs. A notable achievement includes the identification of tannins with aluminum detoxification activity derived from Eucalyptus camaldulensis. This research explores plant-based detoxification mechanisms and their potential health and nutritional applications, representing a significant contribution to both science and industry.

🛠️Skills

Haruna is a registered dietitian, certified in March 2021, and has developed a specialized skill set in analytical chemistry, natural product isolation, and compound structure elucidation. Her expertise spans the use of cutting-edge technologies for chemical analysis and a deep understanding of polyphenols and plant-based bioactive compounds. She is particularly skilled in identifying and purifying functional molecules and evaluating their biological activities.

🏆Awards

Haruna has submitted a research manuscript based on her doctoral work, underscoring her contributions to the academic community. Although formal awards are not listed, her ability to integrate academic research with industrial applications highlights her as a promising researcher in the fields of nutrition and natural product chemistry.

📚 Publications

Title: Ellagitannin Oligomers from Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves and Their Role in the Detoxification of Aluminum
Author: Haruna Uemori
Year: 2025
Journal: Molecules

Conclusion:

Ms. Haruna Uemori is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, particularly within the domains of natural product chemistry, functional foods, and environmental health. With continued contributions, international engagement, and leadership development, she is poised to become a leading figure in her field. Her demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence and innovation makes her a deserving nominee for this recognition.

Soner Soylu | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is a Professor of Plant Pathology at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey. His research focuses on fungal and bacterial plant diseases, including pathogen identification, biological control, and antimicrobial activity of natural products. With a Ph.D. from Imperial College London, he has led numerous national and international research projects and published extensively in top-tier journals. Prof. Soylu is recognized for his contributions to plant disease management and serves on editorial boards of several scientific journals.

Profile

Scopus

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is a distinguished academic whose work is rooted in rigorous scientific research and meaningful contributions to plant pathology and crop protection. His career reflects dedication to high-quality research, mentorship, and international collaboration. He is recognized both for foundational work in disease identification and for applied studies targeting sustainable solutions to plant health challenges.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Imperial College London in 1998. His academic foundation in plant protection and pathology was further strengthened by rigorous research training and international exposure during his doctoral studies. This educational background laid the groundwork for his specialization in fungal and bacterial plant diseases.

💼Experience

Prof. Soylu is a full-time Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has led and contributed to 85 research projects funded by universities, government agencies, the European Union, and private organizations. In addition to academic research, he has also been involved in six consultancy and industry-sponsored projects. He has played a crucial role in supervising numerous MSc and Ph.D. theses and serves as Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Member for various prestigious scientific journals.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Soylu’s primary research areas include plant fungal and bacterial diseases, focusing particularly on the identification and control of soilborne and seedborne pathogens. He investigates the use of natural substances and beneficial microorganisms to manage plant diseases, with a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable solutions. His work contributes to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions and plant immune responses, especially through the molecular identification of obligate pathogens and post-harvest diseases. His contributions to mycology and bacteriology are recognized for their practical implications and scientific excellence.

🛠️Skills

Prof. Soylu possesses extensive expertise in molecular and morphological identification of plant pathogens, evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of natural products including essential oils and nanoparticles, and the study of induced resistance mechanisms in plants. He is skilled in applying biological control methods using beneficial microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and antagonistic fungi. His proficiency extends to research design, data analysis, publication, and collaborative scientific leadership across interdisciplinary teams.

🏆Awards

Prof. Soylu’s research has earned him national and international recognition, with 135 publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals. His citation metrics are notable, with an H-index of 20 on Web of Science/Scopus and 32 on Google Scholar, totaling over 5,025 citations. His work has led to numerous first reports of plant diseases in Turkey, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural biosecurity. His contributions to plant pathology and biological control have made him a highly respected figure in the scientific community.

📚 Publications

Title: Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with citrus wood diseases in the eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye
Authors: Kurt, Ş., Uysal, A., Guarnaccia, V., Soylu, S., Oğuz, M.
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology

Title: Disease prevalence, incidence, morphological and molecular characterisation of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae causing collar rot disease on peanut plants in Turkey
Authors: Özkaya, S., Soylu, S., Kara, M., Bilaloğlu, İ., Lavkor, I.
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection

Title: Morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium incarnatum as a causal disease agent of pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit rot
Authors: Soylu, S., Atay, M., Kara, M., Soylu, E.M., Kurt, Ş.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Phytopathology

Title: First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii on okra in Türkiye
Authors: Soylu, S., Kara, M., Soylu, E.M., Uysal, A., Kurt, Ş.
Year: 2023 (assumed)

Title: Molecular characterization of stem gall disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (= Agrobacterium biovar 1) on Citrus trees as a new host, in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey
Authors: Bozkurt, İ.A., Soylu, S., Kara, M., Altan, B., Çarpar, H.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection

Title: Determination of the chemical composition and antifungal activity of wood vinegar (pyroligneous acid) against the onion bulb rot disease caused by Fusarium proliferatum
Authors: Kara, M., Soylu, S., Soylu, E.M., Kurt, Ş., Türkmen, M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Gesunde Pflanzen

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research track record, leadership in academic publishing, and impact on sustainable agricultural practices strongly align with the values and criteria of this award. With further engagement in innovation and global visibility, his contributions will continue to inspire and advance the field significantly.

Setia Sari Girsang | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Setia Sari Girsang | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang, Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang is a Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia, specializing in soil science and plant nutrition. With over two decades of experience, she leads research on sustainable agriculture, precision fertilization, and the utilization of biofertilizers in sub-optimal lands. Her work supports improved food security and environmental sustainability in Indonesia.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang exemplifies scientific excellence and leadership in agricultural and environmental research. Her extensive experience, impactful research outputs, and commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices contribute to food security and rural development in Indonesia. She is an active contributor to both academic literature and national innovation programs, and her work directly benefits communities in challenging agro-ecological settings.

🎓 Education

Setia Sari Br Girsang, Ph.D., holds a robust academic background in soil science. She earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from Universitas Sumatera Utara in 2000, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field from the same university in 2007. Her foundational education was completed with a Bachelor’s degree in Soil and Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2016. This academic journey has firmly established her expertise in soil and plant nutrition, environmental science, and sustainable agricultural practices.

💼Experience

Dr. Girsang currently serves as a Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) within the Agricultural and Food Research Organization. Since 2022, she has also led a research group focused on developing location-specific innovation technologies for managing dry, wet, acidic, and other sub-optimal lands. Prior to this, from November 2021 to September 2024, she was a Senior Researcher at the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development under the Ministry of Agriculture. Her leadership and research roles have been instrumental in advancing agricultural resilience and environmental sustainability in Indonesia.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Girsang specializes in soil science and plant nutrition, with a focus on precision agriculture, nutrient management, and sustainable farming. Her recent research includes developing information systems for precision fertilization of rice, enhancing regional agricultural commodities, optimizing rice production using zinc-solubilizing microbes, and utilizing rhizosphere microbes for phosphate management. She has also explored the use of biomass waste to improve corn productivity on acidic dry land and studied nitrogen efficiency in sorghum as an alternative animal feed.

🛠️Skills

Her expertise spans soil fertility, plant nutrition, nutrient cycling, microbial biofertilizers, precision agriculture, and sustainable land management. She has significant experience in using modeling tools like cellular automata and artificial neural networks to predict land use changes and agricultural outcomes. Additionally, she has contributed to knowledge-sharing through international training programs on agricultural policy and sustainability standards.

🏆Awards

In 2023, she was honored with the Satyalancana Karya Satya award for 20 years of dedicated service, recognizing her significant contributions to the agricultural research sector and her commitment to advancing food security and sustainable development in Indonesia.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Site-specific nutrient management for rice using soil properties to adjust phosphorus and potassium supply from compound NPK fertilizer
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Girsang, S.S.; Castillo, R.L.; Buresh, R.J.
    Journal: Field Crops Research

  • Title: Impact of certified rice seed on farmers’ income in Simalungun District, North Sumatra
    Year: [Year not specified]
    Authors: Savitri, S.; Setyaningrum, W.F.; Parhusip, D.; Sayaka, B.; de Brauw, A.
    Journal: [Conference Paper – No journal source available]

Conclusion:

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang is a highly suitable and deserving nominee for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her achievements embody the spirit of this award—demonstrating not only technical brilliance but also leadership, mentorship, and societal relevance. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past contributions but also inspire continued excellence and innovation from women researchers in agriculture and environmental science across Southeast Asia and beyond.