Cheragh University of Medical Sciences | Afghanistan

Murtaza Jafari is an Afghan scholar and Assistant Professor recognized for his contributions to biochemistry, genetics, and pharmaceutical sciences. He serves as a lecturer at leading higher-education institutions in Kabul, including Cheragh Medical Institute of Higher Education, Ghalib University, and the Farabi Institute of Medical Sciences, where he teaches biochemistry, biology, genetics, and pharmacy-related subjects while actively participating in research projects. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Kabul University and a Master of Science from Persian Gulf University, specializing in biochemical research and nanotechnology-based applications. His academic work includes the synthesis and application of cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles coated with PEG and PEI, focusing on their use in purifying free and genomic DNA, as well as advancing magnetic nanoparticle-assisted DNA extraction methods. With expertise in computational biology tools such as PyMol, AutoDock Vina, AutoDock Tools, and Avogadro, along with strong command of SPSS, Microsoft Office, and modern digital platforms, he contributes to multidisciplinary research across pharmacy and biomedical sciences. His scientific output includes h-index: [provide], total documents: [provide], and citation count: [provide], reflecting his growing influence and academic impact. Fluent in Persian and proficient in English, he is dedicated to fostering scientific development and educational excellence in Afghanistan.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Jafari, M. (2022). Microbiological quality (yeast and mold) of dried fruits in Kabul, Afghanistan: A laboratory study. Global Scientific Review, 1, 19–28.

Jafari, M., Shahryar, S., Mohebbi, S., Ahmadi, A., Nazari, R., Haidari, A. R., … (2025). DNA nanostructures as promising anticancer agents: A narrative review. Cancer Treatment and Research Communications, 101029.

Amiri, S. H., Danish, S. M., Azimi, A. W., & Jafari, M. (2024). Gastric cancer incidence among patients referred to Jamhuriat Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study, 2023. American Journal of Pedagogical and Educational Research, 23.

Tawakuli, Y., Nazari, R., Rasoli, M. R., Jafari, M., & Sultani, F. (2022). Evaluation of narcotics prescribed in surgery: A descriptive study in Kabul, Afghanistan, 2022. Texas Journal of Medical Science, 10, 76–80.

Tawakuli, Y., Jafari, M., Taib, A., & Amiri, S. H. (2022). Evaluation of the risk factors of COVID-19 mortality in health centers of Kabul, Afghanistan: A descriptive cross-sectional study. American Journal of Technology and Applied Sciences, 3, 35–40.

Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh | Drug Discovery | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 31/10/202531/10/2025 by Innovator Awards

Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh | Drug Discovery | Best Researcher Award

Shiraz University| Iran

Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh is based at the Agricultural Faculty of Shiraz University (Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz-Isfahan Highway, Shiraz, Iran) where he pursues advanced research in bioactive small molecules and peptides—whether synthesised by ribosomes or derived from proteins. His work spans in vitro isolation, purification and structural-physicochemical characterisation of these compounds, their pharmacological and sensory properties, and complementary in silico design and target-interaction studies. He also explores recombinant production of bioactive peptides using plant and bacterial expression systems. Prior to his current role, he earned a bachelor’s in agricultural engineering (plant protection) at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, a master’s in plant biotechnology at University of Guilan (thesis: factors affecting virulence genes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants), and a PhD in biotechnology at Shiraz University (dissertation: functional properties of bio-active peptides derived from plant resources). He gained research experience at the Medical University of Vienna (on discovery of a novel cyclotide targeting the CCK2 receptor) and later led a project on plant-derived bioinsecticides funded by the National Elite Foundation of Iran, while also teaching as a TA in plant genetic engineering, molecular markers and plant tissue culture at Shiraz University. His research has steadily contributed to the field of peptide biotechnology, with growing recognition: his h-index currently stands at (unknown) and his publication and citation counts are steadily rising as he continues to establish himself in the realm of bioactive small molecules and recombinant peptide production.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Abbasi, A., Taghizadeh, M. S., Moghadam, A., Niazi, A., Lotfi, M., & Taghavi, S.-M. (2025). A comprehensive insight into ultrasound-assisted protein extraction from Camelina sativa and de-bittering of resulting hydrolysates with emphasis on their structural, physicochemical, sensory, and biological properties. Food Chemistry, 445, 145435.

Taghizadeh, M. S., Niazi, A., Mirzapour-Kouhdasht, A., Pereira, E. C., & Garcia-Vaquero, M. (2025). Enhancing cyclotide bioproduction: Harnessing biological synthesis methods and various expression systems for large-scale manufacturing. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 45(1), 1–20.

Hoseini, S., Moghadam, A., Palizban, A., Hoseini, F., Taghizadeh, M. S., Choopani, A., & Hoseini, F. (2025). Immune boosting by pharmaceutical C-phycocyanin, in vitro and in silico effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Health Biotechnology and Biopharma, 8(1), 1–10.

Lotfi, M., Keshvari, T., Taghizadeh, M. S., Afsharifar, A., Moghadam, A., Aram, F., & Niazi, A. (2025). Optimizing Camelina sativa oil extraction and its cytotoxicity using RSM by emphasis on antioxidant properties, physical characteristics, and molecular docking insights. Industrial Crops and Products, 215, 120334.

Taghizadeh, M. S., Mirzapour-Kouhdasht, A., & Huang, J.-Y. (2025, December). Unraveling the structure-activity relationship and molecular mechanisms for targeted therapeutic applications of food-derived angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides. Food Bioscience, 65, 107820.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Meenakshi Dhanawat – Pharmacy – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 06/01/202506/01/2025 by Innovator Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr Meenakshi Dhanawat - Pharmacy - Best Researcher Award

Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Haryana - India

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Meenakshi Dhanawat's academic journey began with a solid foundation in Pharmaceutical Sciences, completing her B. Pharm at Lachoo Memorial College of Science & Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan in 2005. She further honed her expertise by pursuing a Master's in Medicinal Chemistry at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, where she developed a deep interest in synthetic chemistry, drug delivery systems, and nanotechnology. Her passion for advancing pharmaceutical science led her to complete a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the Department of Pharmaceutics at IIT-BHU, Varanasi, in 2012. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the development of innovative drug delivery systems and therapeutic strategies to enhance drug bioavailability.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

Dr. Dhanawat has had a dynamic professional career spanning over 17 years in teaching and research. She began her career as a Quality Manager at Nector Life Science Ltd., where she contributed to ensuring the quality and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. She then served as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department at Mewar University, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, from 2013 to 2016. Dr. Dhanawat continued her academic journey at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) in Mullana, Ambala, where she held the position of Assistant Professor and later Associate Professor. Her contributions to academia expanded as she joined Amity University in Gurugram as an Associate Professor in December 2022, where she continues to shape the future of pharmacy education.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Dr. Dhanawat's research expertise lies in synthetic chemistry, heterocyclic chemistry, nanotechnology, and drug delivery systems. She has worked extensively on designing prodrugs and co-drug drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic efficacy. Her research also focuses on the complexation of polymers in drug delivery systems, aiming to enhance the controlled release of Pharmacy active pharmaceutical ingredients. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications and innovative research work in pharmaceutical sciences. She has authored 71 research/review articles, contributed to six books, and edited one book. Her work on drug design and delivery has further extended to patented innovations aimed at advancing pharmaceutical technology.

ACCELERATING IMPACT THROUGH PATENTS AND INNOVATIONS 📑

Dr. Dhanawat's innovative spirit is exemplified by her contribution to pharmaceutical technology through five granted patents. These patents include designs for cutting-edge pharmaceutical Pharmacy devices, such as an inclined paw grip and climbing apparatus for rodents, a handheld nanoparticle size analyzer, and intelligent dosing control systems for pharmaceuticals. Additionally, she has pioneered innovations in pharmaceutical waste disposal units and UV chambers for pharmaceutical processes. These patents not only underscore her technical expertise but also contribute significantly to the advancement of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Dr. Dhanawat’s outstanding contributions to the field of pharmaceutical sciences have earned her numerous accolades and recognition within academic and professional circles. She is a Pharmacy sought-after reviewer for scientific journals and has contributed to several thematic issues in the field. Her extensive research, innovative patents, and contributions to academia have made her a recognized leader in pharmaceutical sciences. Her achievements in drug design, nanotechnology, and polymer chemistry continue to inspire the next generation of researchers and practitioners in the field.

LEGACY AND INFLUENCE ON FUTURE RESEARCH 🌍

Dr. Dhanawat's legacy is marked by her impact on the development of novel drug delivery systems, which have improved the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and enhanced patient outcomes. Through her research, she has inspired many students and professionals to explore the intersection of synthetic chemistry, nanotechnology, and drug delivery. As a mentor and educator, she continues to guide the future of pharmaceutical sciences, fostering innovation in drug design and therapeutic systems. Her forward-thinking research, combined with her extensive academic experience, ensures that she remains a key influencer in shaping future pharmaceutical technologies.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Title: Auvelity: A New Era in Medicine - Unraveling the Multifaceted Benefits of Dextromethorphan/Bupropion Combination
Authors: Anchal Dhawan, Sunayna Choudhary, Sumeet Gupta, Abhishek Chander, Meenakshi Dhanawat
Journal: Current Drug Therapy, 2024-09
DOI: 10.2174/1574885519666230913105725
Title: Effect of Vitamin D on Retinoblastoma Protein in Prediabetic Individuals
Authors: Dakshita Hardatt, Manju Devi, Sonal Vyas, Gurvinder Singh, Jyoti Jain, Sumeet Gupta, Meenakshi Dhanawat
Journal: Current Diabetes Reviews, 2024-01
DOI: 10.2174/1573399819666230331083715
Title: Quinazolinone: Pharmacophore with Endless Pharmacological Actions
Authors: Meenakshi Dhanawat, Sumeet Gupta, Somdutt Mujwar
Journal: Current Indian Science, 2023
DOI: 10.2174/2210299X02666221125101550
Title: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and in Silico Studies of Some New Analogues of 3,5-Disubstituted Thiazolidin-2,4-Dione
Authors: Harsh Kumar, Aastha Sharma, Davinder Kumar, Minakshi Gupta Marwaha, Meenakshi Dhanawat, Navidha Aggarwal, Rakesh Kumar Marwaha
Journal: Future Medicinal Chemistry, 2023-12
DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0237
Title: Assessment of Peripheral Neuropathy Pain by Biothesiometer in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Manju Devi, Sukhdeep Singh, Meenakshi Dhanawat, Kirti Gupta, Sumeet Gupta, B K Agarwal, Inderjeet Verma, Parminder Nain
Journal: Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2023-01-01
DOI: 10.5530/097515050431

Dr. Subash Chandra Sonkar – Medical Science – Best Researcher Award

Posted on 04/11/202404/11/2024 by Innovator Awards

Dr. Subash Chandra Sonkar - Medical Science - Best Researcher Award

Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals New Delhi, India - India

Author Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Subash Chandra Sonkar's academic journey began with a b.sc. in chemistry, botany, and zoology from v.b.s. purvanchal university, jounpur, uttar pradesh. his passion for science deepened as he pursued an m.sc. in applied microbiology at banaras hindu university, where he conducted research under the mentorship of prof. arti kapil at aiims, new delhi. dr. sonkar's academic career culminated with a ph.d. in biomedical science from the university of delhi, under the guidance of prof. daman saluja, focusing on designing naat-based diagnostic assays for trichomonas vaginalis detection.

🔬 Professional endeavors

Dr. Sonkar's professional journey has been marked by a series of impactful roles. he has served as a research scientist-ii at the multidisciplinary research unit of maulana azad medical college, contributing to important medical research projects. his experience extends to advisory positions, including his role as a technical advisor for the indian council of medical research (icmr), where he contributed to national mental health capacity building programs.

💡 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Sonkar’s contributions to public health and biomedical science are vast, particularly in the areas of diagnostics and viral infections. he has led research on the role of viral infections in adverse birth outcomes and the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices, including rt-lamp and lfa-based assays for sars-cov-2. his Medical Science postdoctoral research also includes designing multiplex diagnostic kits for detecting sexually transmitted infections.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Throughout his career, dr. sonkar has garnered recognition for his pioneering research and innovation. he has been a postdoctoral fellow at prestigious institutions like the public health research institute of india and vardhmaan mahaveer medical college. his work in diagnostic assays and medical devices has earned him Medical Science international acclaim, particularly in public health and biomedical sciences.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Sonkar’s research has had a far-reaching impact on public health, particularly in india. his work on diagnostics for viral infections and sexually transmitted diseases has improved early detection and contributed to better healthcare outcomes. his role in the development of diagnostic kits during the covid-19 pandemic Medical Science highlights his significant contributions to global health.

🔗 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Sonkar’s legacy lies in his multidisciplinary approach to biomedical research. his expertise in diagnostics, public health, and medical device development positions him as a leader in healthcare innovation. his future contributions are expected to further advance diagnostics and public health, ensuring better healthcare access and outcomes worldwide.

Notable Publications

Title: Insights into the Emergence and Evolution of Monkeypox Virus: Historical Perspectives, Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, Transmission, and Preventative Measures
Authors: Krishna, S., Kurrey, C., Yadav, M., Chandra, L., Koner, B.C.
Journal: Infectious Medicine, 2024, 3(2), 100105
Title: Cancer Stem Cells and Advanced Novel Technologies in Oncotherapy
Authors: Sakthivel, S., Srivastava, M., Barman, M.K., Sonkar, S.C., Bhukya, P.
Journal: Research Anthology on Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Computational Biology, 2024, pp. 428–456
Title: Molecular Farming and Anticancer Vaccine: Current Opportunities and Openings
Authors: Ratre, Y.K., Mehta, A., Shinde, S., Shukla, D., Vishvakarma, N.K.
Journal: Microbial Bioreactors for Industrial Molecules, 2023, pp. 355–373
Title: Preface
Authors: Bhukya, P.L., Mhaske, S.T., Sonkar, S.C.
Journal: Emerging Human Viral Diseases, Volume I: Respiratory and Haemorrhagic Fever, 2023, 1, pp. ix
Title: Emerging Human Viral Diseases, Volume I: Respiratory and Haemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Bhukya, P.L., Mhaske, S.T., Sonkar, S.C.
Journal: Emerging Human Viral Diseases, Volume I: Respiratory and Haemorrhagic Fever, 2023, 1, pp. 1–587

Dr. Awanish Kumar – Drug Discovery and development – Excellence in Research

Posted on 08/10/202408/10/2024 by Innovator Awards

Dr. Awanish Kumar - Drug Discovery and development - Excellence in Research

NIT Raipur - India

Author Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Awanish Kumar's journey into biotechnology began with an m.sc. in biotechnology from devi ahilya university, indore, where he graduated with first division honors, securing an impressive 75.9%. his thirst for knowledge and passion for research led him to pursue a ph.d. at the prestigious jawaharlal nehru university (jnu), new delhi, and the central drug research institute (cdri), lucknow. during this time, he delved deeply into biotechnology, laying a strong foundation for his future research in antifungal therapeutics and microbial biology.

👨‍🏫 Professional endeavors

currently, Dr. Awanish kumar serves as an associate professor at the department of biotechnology, national institute of technology (nit), raipur. since april 2022, he has been mentoring students, guiding cutting-edge research, and contributing to the growth of the department. his academic career also includes a post-doctoral fellowship at jnu, where he worked on a ugc-funded project investigating the antifungal properties of curcumin, a bioactive compound from curcuma longa.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Kumar’s research is centered around antimicrobial peptides, drug delivery systems, and antifungal therapeutics. under his mentorship, two ph.d. students Drug Discovery and development completed their research on topics like the isolation of antifungal peptides from microbes and the design of biopolymeric microneedle patches for transdermal drug delivery. his ongoing projects include studies on biofilm disruption, redox nanomaterials, and the evaluation of natural compounds for their antifungal properties. one of his notable research contributions is demonstrating how curcumin induces apoptosis in candida albicans by generating reactive oxygen species and activating caspase-3.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

dr. Kumar’s achievements in research have not gone unnoticed. he was awarded the prestigious ugc ds kothari fellowship, recognizing him as an emerging young Drug Discovery and development investigator. this fellowship provided him the opportunity to lead significant research on antifungal mechanisms, especially curcumin’s role in modulating efflux activities in candida albicans. his innovative work on biopolymers and antifungal biomaterials has earned him acclaim in academic circles.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Kumar’s work in biotechnology, particularly his studies on antifungal peptides and curcumin’s therapeutic potential, has significant implications in both medicine and agriculture. his pioneering efforts in designing biopolymeric patches for drug delivery and developing antifungal biomaterials are set to influence future research in fungal pathogen treatment. he continues to inspire the next generation of researchers through his mentorship and collaborative projects in microbial biotechnology.

💡 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Kumar's contributions to antifungal research and biopharmaceutical sciences are building a legacy in microbial biotechnology. with three ongoing ph.d. projects under his guidance and several groundbreaking discoveries already under his belt, he is shaping the future of antifungal therapeutics. his focus on developing Drug Discovery and development commercial applications for antifungal biomaterials highlights his forward-thinking approach and commitment to bringing research from the lab to real-world applications.

Notable Publications

Title: Acetaminophen induces mitochondrial apoptosis through proteasome dysfunctions
Authors: Jagtap, Y.A., Kumar, P., Dubey, A.R., Prasad, A., Mishra, A.
Journal: Life Sciences, 2024, 349, 122732
Title: Nanomaterials-Based Hybrid Bioink Platforms in Advancing 3D Bioprinting Technologies for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Chandra, D.K., Reis, R.L., Kundu, S.C., Kumar, A., Mahapatra, C.
Journal: ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 2024, 10(7), pp. 4145–4174
Title: Access to and quality of elective care: a prospective cohort study using hernia surgery as a tracer condition in 83 countries
Authors: Dönmez, A.E., Goswami, A.G., Raheja, A., Osama, Z., Dauksa, Z.
Journal: The Lancet Global Health, 2024, 12(7), pp. e1094–e1103
Title: Development of the dynamic approach for detection of Salmonella Typhi biofilm via optimizations of interaction with safranin dye
Authors: Upadhyay, A., Pal, D., Kumar, A.
Journal: Biologia, 2024, 79(7), pp. 2299–2309
Title: Application of Invasive Weed Biochar as Soil Amendment Improves Soil Organic Carbon Fractions and Yield of Fodder Oat in a Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Prasad, M., Choudhary, P., Choudhary, M., Palsaniya, D.R., Kumar, S.
Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2024, 24(2), pp. 2111–2122