Dr. Debmalya Bhunia – Chemical Biology – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Debmalya Bhunia - Chemical Biology - Best Researcher Award

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE 

SCOPUS 

ORCID 

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

DEBMALYA BHUNIA'S academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, which paved the way for his outstanding contributions to the field of organic and medicinal chemistry. He completed his doctoral research at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India, where he earned his degree from the University of Calcutta. During his studies, Debmalya focused on designing and synthesizing organelle-specific peptides, small molecules, and lipids for targeted drug delivery systems. His work involved advancing drug delivery mechanisms, particularly using liposomal lipopeptides for tumor inhibition. This early academic pursuit set the stage for a career dedicated to innovative biomedical research.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🌍

After his doctoral work, Debmalya honed his expertise further by working at various prestigious institutions. He served as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at The Ohio State University, where his research focused on the design and synthesis of noncanonical nucleobases and novel peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). His work in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department involved developing cell-based assays for PNA-DNA/RNA interactions, which are crucial for understanding genetic material manipulation. Debmalya then moved to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, where he made significant contributions in chemical biology and molecular biology, particularly in DNA/RNA mutagenesis, DNA preservation, and the design of cancer vaccines using innovative peptide nucleic acid strategies.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Debmalya’s research focuses on the intersection of chemical biology, DNA/RNA sequence manipulation, and therapeutic development. He has developed new methodologies for DNA preservation and translation inhibition, contributing to a deeper understanding of gene expression regulation. His expertise in designing bifacial PNAs and utilizing click chemistry for DNA Chemical Biology coupling has opened new avenues for genetic research and therapy development. His recent work includes exploring potential applications of peptide nucleic acids in cancer vaccine development, positioning him at the forefront of genetic engineering and molecular therapeutics.

ACCREDITATION AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Debmalya’s exceptional research and innovative contributions have been recognized by his peers in academia and industry. His work on peptide-based drug delivery systems and cancer Chemical Biology vaccines has garnered attention for its potential in translational medicine. At Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, he was promoted to Senior Fellow in January 2025, underscoring his commitment and expertise in advancing biomedical sciences. His postdoctoral fellowships at The Ohio State University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, coupled with his early career accomplishments, reflect his standing as a prominent figure in chemical biology and molecular medicine.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌐

Debmalya’s work has significantly influenced the fields of drug delivery, peptide chemistry, and molecular therapeutics. His innovative research on peptide nucleic acids and DNA/RNA Chemical Biology interactions holds great promise for improving our understanding of genetic diseases and developing targeted therapies. His pioneering efforts in cancer vaccine design using peptide nucleic acids demonstrate his ability to bridge the gap between basic chemistry and clinical applications. Debmalya’s impact is not limited to academia but extends to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, where his findings could lead to the development of novel treatments.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🚀

As Debmalya advances in his career, his research is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realms of chemical biology, therapeutic development, and molecular engineering. His ongoing work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory promises to yield even more groundbreaking discoveries, particularly in the area of cancer therapy and genetic manipulation. His future contributions will likely continue to shape the future of personalized medicine, gene therapy, and targeted drug delivery, making him a key figure in the evolution of modern biomedical sciences.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

  • Title: Peptide nucleic acids: Recent advancements and future opportunities in biomedical applications
    Authors: Achinta Sannigrahi; Nayan De; Debmalya Bhunia; Jhuma Bhadra
    Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry (2025)
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.108146
  • Title: Modular synthesis of functional libraries by accelerated SuFEx click chemistry
    Authors: Joshua Homer; Rebecca A. Koelln; Andrew Barrow; Timothy Gialelis; Zlata Boiarska; Nikita Steinohrt; Erinna Lee; Wen-Hsuan Yang; Robert Johnson; Taemoon Chung et al.
    Journal: Chemical Science (2024)
    DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05729a
  • Title: Designed hybrid anticancer nuclear-localized peptide inhibits aggressive cancer cell proliferation
    Authors: Prasenjit Mondal; Saswat Mohapatra; Debmalya Bhunia; Prabir Kumar Gharai; Nabanita Mukherjee; Varsha Gupta; Satyajit Ghosh; Surajit Ghosh
    Journal: RSC Medicinal Chemistry (2022)
    DOI: 10.1039/D1MD00324K
  • Title: Synthesis of bifacial Peptide Nucleic Acids with diketopiperazine backbones
    Authors: Not specified
    Journal: Synlett (2022-03-18)
    DOI: 10.1055/a-1802-6873
  • Title: A Small Molecule with Bridged Carbonyl and Tri‐fluoro‐aceto‐phenone Groups Impedes Microtubule Dynamics and Subsequently Triggers Cancer Cell Apoptosis
    Authors: Not specified
    Journal: ChemMedChem (2021-09-06)
    DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100192

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

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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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

Prof. Zhiguo Wang – Polypharmacology – Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Zhiguo Wang - Polypharmacology - Outstanding Scientist Award

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Mechanistic and Translational Research on Bidirectional Complications among Chronic Conditions, Jinan University, China - China 

Author Profile

SCOPUS 

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Zhiguo Wang embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in pharmacology, pursuing his studies at Harbin Medical University in Heilongjiang, China. His early work laid the groundwork for a distinguished career focused on understanding chronic diseases and their complex interrelations. His rigorous training and commitment to research established him as a formidable scholar in the field of cardiovascular and chronic disease research.

Professional endeavors 🏢

Throughout his career, Zhiguo has held numerous prestigious positions, demonstrating his leadership in the medical and research communities. He is currently the Director and Professor at the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Mechanistic and Translational Research on Chronic Disease Complex Complications at Jinan University in Guangzhou, China. His role as a chief scientist and professor across various departments at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University reflects his multifaceted expertise. Additionally, he has contributed significantly as a Distinguished Professor at Harbin Medical University and held a visiting professorship at the Montreal Heart Institute in Canada.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Zhiguo's research focuses on the mechanistic and translational aspects of chronic diseases, particularly the bidirectional complications arising from these conditions. He has pioneered studies that explore the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases and their links to metabolic disorders. His work employs innovative Polypharmacology methodologies to investigate the underlying mechanisms of disease progression and to develop effective therapeutic strategies, aiming to improve patient outcomes in chronic disease management.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Zhiguo Wang has received numerous accolades for his contributions to medical research, including being a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) and a Polypharmacology Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology (FESC). His recognition as a Marion L. Munro Research Scholar by the Canadian Diabetes Association further underscores his impactful research in chronic disease mechanisms. His extensive publication record in high-impact journals reflects his influence and standing in the academic community.

Impact and influence 🌍

Zhiguo's research has made a significant impact on the understanding of chronic diseases and their complications, influencing both clinical practice and public health strategies. His work is instrumental in bridging the gap between basic science and clinical applications, ultimately contributing to improved therapeutic approaches Polypharmacology for patients suffering from chronic conditions. He is a sought-after speaker and mentor, inspiring the next generation of researchers in his field.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

As a leader in chronic disease research, Zhiguo Wang’s legacy is built on his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient care. His ongoing research aims to unravel the complexities of chronic disease interactions and to foster innovative therapeutic strategies. With a focus on translational research, Zhiguo's future contributions are poised to drive significant advancements in understanding and treating chronic conditions, leaving a lasting impact on the field and enhancing healthcare outcomes globally.

Notable Publications 

Assoc Prof Dr. Fatemeh Bagheri – Biotechnology – Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Fatemeh Bagheri - Biotechnology - Best Researcher Award

Tarbiat Modares University - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Fatemeh Bagheri's academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in the field of Cell & Molecular Biology. Beginning with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Isfahan, Bagheri then pursued a Master's degree and subsequently a Ph.D. at the University of Tehran, where they excelled, ranking first in both their graduating classes. Bagheri's exceptional academic performance was recognized early on, as they were selected as an Exceptional Talent in their Ph.D. program without the need for an entrance exam.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

As an Academic Staff member at Tarbiat Modares University, Fatemeh Bagheri has established themselves as a prominent figure in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Their professional journey has been characterized by a commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in areas such as drug and gene delivery, nanobiomaterials, cell therapy, and stem cells.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY

Bagheri's contributions to the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are extensive, spanning various aspects of biomaterials, drug delivery systems, and stem cell technologies. Their research endeavors have resulted in numerous publications in reputable journals and chapters in prestigious books, Biotechnology focusing on topics such as scaffold design, tissue regeneration, and therapeutic delivery systems.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Fatemeh Bagheri's research has made a significant impact on the scientific community, as evidenced by their extensive publication record and high citation index. Their work has contributed to advancing understanding and innovation in areas critical to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Biotechnology  with implications for improving healthcare outcomes and patient quality of life.

ACADEMIC CITES

Bagheri's research findings have been widely cited within the academic community, reflecting the relevance and significance of their contributions to the field. Their work has influenced and informed further research in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and stem cell therapies, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Fatemeh Bagheri's legacy lies in their dedication to advancing the frontiers of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Their ongoing research and scholarly pursuits hold the promise of furthering understanding and innovation in critical areas of healthcare. Bagheri's future contributions have the potential to impact patient care and shape the future of regenerative medicine, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

ATP releasing channels and the ameliorative effects of high intensity interval training on diabetic heart: a multifaceted analysis   2024(1)

Inhalation of Spray-Dried Extract of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn Alleviates Lung Inflammatory, Oxidative, and Remodeling   2024(1)

High-intensity intermittent training ameliorates methotrexate-induced acute lung injury   2024

Alendronate releasing silk fibroin 3D bioprinted scaffolds for application in bone tissue engineering 2024

Genipin-Cross-Linked Silk Fibroin/Alginate Dialdehyde Hydrogel with Tunable Gelation Kinetics, Degradability  2024