Dr. Debmalya Bhunia – Chemical Biology – Best Researcher Award

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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. Sue Han Lee – Computational Botany – Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Sue Han Lee - Computational Botany - Women Researcher Award

Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus - Malaysia

Author Profile

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Lee Sue Han's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electronics Engineering from Multimedia University, Malaysia. Her passion for technology and innovation propelled her to pursue a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics at Shinshu University, Japan. Under the guidance of Professor Kiyoshi Tanaka, she focused on computer vision and machine learning, laying a solid foundation for her future research. Her quest for knowledge culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science & IT at University Malaya, where she further specialized in computer vision and deep learning under the mentorship of Professor Ir. Dr. Chan Chee Seng.

Professional endeavors 🏢

Since February 2020, Lee has served as a Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, where she has taken on significant responsibilities, including Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technologies. Her role as an Interdisciplinary AI Research Driver emphasizes her commitment to advancing AI applications across various fields. Prior to this, she gained valuable experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at INRAE in Montpellier, France, specializing in computational botany, which showcases her diverse expertise and adaptability in research.

Contributions and research focus 🔍

Lee's research is primarily centered on computer vision and deep learning, with a strong emphasis on machine learning applications. She has made significant strides in developing algorithms and techniques that enhance the understanding and analysis of visual data. Her contributions to computational botany highlight the Computational Botany intersection of technology and environmental science, where she explores innovative solutions for plant research through advanced computational methods. Her interdisciplinary approach not only enriches her field but also opens new avenues for research and application.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Lee Sue Han's contributions to the field have been recognized through her active involvement in professional organizations. As a member of IEEE Young Professionals since 2019, she has engaged with a global community of engineers and technologists. Recently, she was designated a Graduate Technologist by the Malaysian Board Computational Botany of Technologists (MBOT) in 2023, acknowledging her expertise and commitment to the engineering profession. Her achievements reflect her dedication to excellence and her impactful role in the academic and professional landscape.

Impact and influence 🌍

Lee's work significantly influences the fields of computer vision, machine learning, and computational botany. Her research not only advances theoretical knowledge but also has practical implications for various industries, including agriculture and environmental science. By bridging the gap between technology and real-world Computational Botany applications, she contributes to solving pressing global challenges. Her mentorship and leadership at Swinburne University inspire the next generation of engineers and researchers to explore innovative solutions.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

As Lee Sue Han continues her academic and research endeavors, her legacy is defined by her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and technological advancement. Her future contributions are expected to push the boundaries of knowledge in computer vision and AI, particularly in addressing environmental issues and enhancing agricultural practices. Lee's vision for the future is one where technology plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable solutions, and her ongoing work promises to have a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

Notable Publications 

How deep learning extracts and learns leaf features for plant classification 2017

Deep-plant: Plant identification with convolutional neural networks 2015

New perspectives on plant disease characterization based on deep learning  2020

Multi-organ plant classification based on convolutional and recurrent neural networks  2018

Attention-based recurrent neural network for plant disease classification 2020

Prof. Fady R. Mohareb – Bioinformatics and Computational Biology -Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Fady R. Mohareb - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology -Best Researcher Award

Cranfield University - United Kingdom

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Fady R. Mohareb’s academic journey began with a BSc (Hons.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Cairo University, Egypt, where he developed a foundational understanding of the biological sciences. His pursuit of advanced knowledge led him to Cranfield University, where he earned an MSc in Bioinformatics in 2005, followed by a PhD in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology in 2009. This rigorous education set the stage for his subsequent career in bioinformatics and systems biology.

🏛️ PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Mohareb has built an impressive career in bioinformatics over the past two decades. Currently, he serves as a Professor of Bioinformatics at Cranfield University, where he has been instrumental in securing a substantial research income, totaling £4.89M. His leadership extends to heading the Bioinformatics Group and directing the Applied Bioinformatics MSc course. With over 1,200 lecturing hours and the supervision of around 120 MSc students, his role in education and research continues to be pivotal.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Mohareb’s research focuses on the application of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence to genomics. His work includes genome assembly and functional annotation of various species, such as Fusarium langsethiae and Solanum sitiens. Notable contributions include pioneering Bioinformatics and Computational Biology methods for understanding structural variations associated with drought and salinity tolerance in plants, and using advanced techniques to assess meat spoilage and gene biomarkers in food safety.

📈 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Mohareb’s research has been widely recognized through numerous high-impact publications in leading journals. His work on genome assembly and functional annotation has been published in journals such as BMC Genomics and Bioinformatics. His innovative research and Bioinformatics and Computational Biology contributions to the field have garnered respect and acknowledgment from peers and industry leaders alike.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Mohareb’s impact extends beyond academia, influencing practices in genomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence. His research on genome assembly and functional annotation has provided valuable insights into genetic variations and their implications for agriculture and food Bioinformatics and Computational Biology safety. His work is crucial in advancing our understanding of genetic mechanisms and their applications in various fields.

🔗 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a leading figure in bioinformatics, Dr. Mohareb’s legacy is defined by his contributions to genome analysis and his role in shaping the field of applied bioinformatics. His future contributions are likely to continue advancing genomic research and AI applications, with ongoing projects that promise to further our understanding of genetic and biological systems.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Fact-based nutrition for infants and lactating mothers—The NUTRISHIELD study 2023(1)

Machine Learning Methods for Automatic Segmentation of Images of Field- and Glasshouse 2023(3)

Modeling the spatial-spectral characteristics of plants for nutrient status identification 2023(3)

Field phenotyping for African crops: overview and perspectives 2023(1)

Missense mutation of a class B heat shock factor is responsible for the tomato bushy root-2 phenotype 2022(2)