Amin Arzhangi | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Amin Arzhangi | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Amin Arzhangi | University of Bojnord | Iran

Amin Arzhangi is a dedicated Master’s student in Water Engineering and Hydraulic Structures at the University of Bojnord, recognized for academic excellence with a top-class ranking and strong research productivity. His work spans interdisciplinary domains of hydrology, ecohydrology, environmental hydraulics, sedimentology, river engineering, and water quality assessment. He has developed a robust research profile through active involvement in advanced modeling, machine learning applications in environmental systems, and hydro-geomorphic analyses. His research contributions focus on critical issues such as hypoxia prediction in rivers and reservoirs, water quality index modeling, biodegradability assessment, sediment pollution, and river system hydraulics. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in reputable international journals—including Nature Communications Sustainability, Science, and Ecosystem Health and Sustainability—with several manuscripts under review. His publications reflect methodological depth, spanning machine learning models, hydrological process modeling, reaeration estimation, and spatial analysis of riverine and coastal systems. His work has accumulated meaningful citations, demonstrating its contribution to the scientific community. In parallel to his academic research, he has presented at well-regarded international conferences in Turkey, Portugal, and Iran, addressing river morphology, organic carbon dynamics, and land-use impacts on water quality. He also contributes professionally as a reviewer for established journals such as Science of the Total Environment, Journal of Hydrology, Results in Engineering, and others, and serves on an editorial board. His applied skills include machine learning for environmental prediction, hydrodynamic and hydraulic modeling (HEC-RAS, QUAL2K, Hydrus), GIS and remote sensing, and programming in Python and R. He is actively engaged in multiple ongoing projects involving sediment source tracing, coastal ecosystem analysis, turbulence modeling, water quality forecasting, and remote sensing-based hydrological assessments. Through strong academic rigor, interdisciplinary collaborations, and impactful research output, he demonstrates a clear trajectory toward becoming an emerging researcher in water resources engineering and environmental hydro systems.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Partani, S., Arzhangi, A., Danandeh Mehr, A., Ezzati, F., & Saber, A. (2025). Integrated hydraulic and reaeration analysis for sustainable water quality management in river systems. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5365496

Arzhangi, A., & Partani, S. (2025, November). A multi-scale framework for BOD5 prediction from water quality to hydro-geomorphic interpolation. iScience. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.114177

Arzhangi, A., Partani, S., Danandeh Mehr, A., Ezzati, F., & Saber, A. (2025, September 12). Instant water quality index (WQI) prediction via reaeration process and hydraulic parameters in the river system (Version 1) [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7481412/v1

Partani, S., & Arzhangi, A. (2025, August 17). Developing a reliable predictive model for the biodegradability index in industrial complex effluent. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 30108. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15866-0

Arzhangi, A., & Partani, S. (2025, August 12). Development of a biodegradability index for urban rivers using detergent concentration: A case study from Tehran, Iran. American Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering, 458, Article 142521. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajese.20250903.17

Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Roghieh Hajiboland | University of Tabriz | Iran

Prof. Roghieh Hajiboland is a distinguished Full Professor of Plant Physiology in the Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, renowned for her extensive contributions to mineral nutrition, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant–microbe interactions. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and has since developed a globally recognized research portfolio focused on nutrient uptake, transport physiology, heavy metal tolerance, salinity and drought stress adaptation, aluminum toxicity, and silicon- and selenium-mediated stress mitigation in diverse crop and halophytic species. With an active research career spanning more than a decade, Prof. Hajiboland has produced a substantial body of high-impact scientific work, including 60+ international journal articles, influential compilation books with Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, and Shayesteh Publishers, and numerous national publications and conference presentations. Her studies have advanced fundamental understanding of mineral element functions, nutrient remobilization, antioxidant responses, water relations, and physiological/biochemical mechanisms underlying stress resilience in plants. She is widely recognized for pioneering research on tea plant physiology, halophyte species, intercropping systems, and the roles of aluminum, selenium, and silicon in plant stress biology. Prof. Hajiboland teaches a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral-level courses, including Plant Physiology, Plant Growth and Development, Mineral Nutrition, Uptake and Transport in Plants, Transport Physiology, Evolutionary Biology, and Plant–Microbe Interactions. Her academic leadership includes supervising graduate research, mentoring young scientists, and contributing actively to departmental and institutional development. Her scholarly visibility is supported through Google Scholar, Scopus, and ResearchGate profiles, reflecting strong citation influence and international collaboration, particularly with leading researchers in Europe. Through her sustained research, teaching, and publication record, Prof. Hajiboland continues to shape contemporary understanding of plant stress physiology and sustainable crop improvement under challenging environmental conditions.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Moradtalab, N., Hajiboland, R., Aliasgharzad, N., Hartmann, T. E., & Neumann, G. (2019). Silicon and the association with an arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus clarus) mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress on strawberry. Agronomy, 9(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9010041

Rahmat, S., Hajiboland, R., & Sadeghzade, N. (2017). Selenium delays leaf senescence in oilseed rape plants. Photosynthetica, 55(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11099-016-0643-6

Hajiboland, R., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2017). Silicon modifies both a local response and a systemic response to mechanical stress in tobacco leaves. Biologia Plantarum, 61(1), 123–131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10535-016-0633-3

Ebrahimi, N., Hartikainen, H., Simojoki, A., Hajiboland, R., & Seppänen, M. (2015). Dynamics of dry matter and selenium accumulation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in response to organic and inorganic selenium treatments. Agricultural and Food Science, 24(3), 219–230.*

Hajiboland, R., Sadeghzadeh, N., Ebrahimi, N., Sadeghzadeh, B., & Mohammadi, S. A. (2015). Influence of selenium in drought-stressed wheat plants under greenhouse and field conditions. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica, 105(2), 213–225. https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2015.105.2.01

Hajiboland, R., Bastani, S., Bahrami-Rad, S., & Poschenrieder, C. (2015). Interactions between aluminum and boron in tea (Camellia sinensis) plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(12), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-015-1803-1

Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Agricultural Technology | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Agricultural Technology | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Western Sydney University | Australia

Kasuni Vidanagamachchi is an accomplished academic, researcher, and industry professional in Operations and Supply Chain Management, known for her expertise in designing data-driven, digitally enabled, and resilient supply chain systems. She has completed her doctoral research at Western Sydney University, where she modelled viable agri-food supply chains using system dynamics and explored adaptation strategies for long-term supply chain sustainability. With extensive experience across both academia and industry, Kasuni has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects, including Supply Chain Management, Digital Transformation, ICT applications in supply chains, Operations Management, Systems Thinking, Social Computing, Project Management, and Research Methods. She has contributed to curriculum development, designed assessments, supervised student research, managed e-learning activities, and coordinated industry mentorship and internship programs. Kasuni is a productive researcher with peer-reviewed publications, contributing to domains such as digital supply chain ecosystems, Industry readiness, food system resilience, sustainability, agricultural market intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. She has collaborated with research partners across Australia, India, and Sri Lanka, supporting projects in digital agriculture and supply chain innovation. Her work extends beyond academia through her role as a principal innovator developing AgriShift, a digital platform designed to support agri-food supply chain resilience. Her industry background includes roles in logistics analysis and procurement, where she supported multinational clients by designing warehouse layouts, optimising distribution processes, improving operational efficiency, developing key performance indicators, and delivering logistics training. Kasuni has been recognised through multiple awards for research excellence, innovation, leadership, and academic performance. She is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and actively contributes to professional communities such as Women in Logistics and Transport and the System Dynamics Society. In addition to her academic and industry achievements, she is deeply engaged in volunteer initiatives, conference organisation, mentoring, and community-focused activities.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Vidanagamachchi, K., Kumarathunga, M., Pathirage, S., Buhary, R., & Ginige, A. (2024). A systems thinking approach to achieve food security through agricultural market intelligence. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Canberra.

Vidanagamachchi, K., Ginige, A., & Nakandala, D. (2024). Digitally enabling viable agri-food supply chain ecosystems for climate change adaptations. Amplify.

Vidanagamachchi, K., Ginige, A., & Nakandala, D. (2024). Spatial ecologies in viable agri-food supply chains: Insights from iceberg model and causality analysis. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Canberra.

Vidanagamachchi, K., & Ginige, A. (2023). Consumer-centred viable agri-food supply chain ecosystem and potential digital enhancements: An exploratory study. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Wellington, New Zealand.

Karunarathna, N., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A calibrated model of critical success factors for Industry 4.0 warehousing performance improvement: Insights from multiple case studies. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences and Advanced Technology.

Gamini, L., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A knowledge transfer model to implement lean practices for apparel industry based multi-stakeholder 3PLs. Proceedings of a conference.

Chandrasekara, S., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A literature-based survey on Industry 4.0 technologies for procurement optimization. Proceedings of a conference.

Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | University of Birjand | Iran

Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashanis an Associate Professor of Animal Science at the University of Birjand, specializing in Poultry Science and Poultry Nutrition. With an academic path beginning with a diploma in Natural Sciences and progressing through B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Animal and Poultry Science from the University of Birjand, followed by a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, he has built a strong research portfolio in poultry nutrition, antioxidant strategies, heat-stress mitigation, feed additives, and improvement of poultry performance, immunity, lipid metabolism, skeletal health, intestinal morphology, and meat quality. His M.Sc. and Ph.D. dissertations focused on enriching egg yolk n-3 fatty acids and evaluating natural antioxidants in diets containing vegetable oils and tallow under heat stress in Arian broilers. Since joining academia in , Dr. Hosseini-Vashan has held key administrative roles as Head of the Animal Science Department and Head of the Animal Science Research Laboratory, and has served as Secretary of the First National Congress on Advances in Animal Sciences. He is an active member of several professional bodies including WPSA and the Iran Genetics Association. His teaching portfolio spans Poultry Production, Poultry Health, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Physiology, Diet Formulation, and Advanced Bioenergetics. He has authored numerous conference papers and peer-reviewed journal publications in prestigious Iranian and international journals, addressing nutritional interventions such as pomegranate peel, tomato pomace, turmeric, grape pomace, hempseed, nanoselenium, saffron petal extract, and functional feed additives in poultry and ostrich production systems. His research consistently emphasizes enhancing animal health and productivity under challenging environmental conditions, especially heat stress, and exploring natural, cost-effective, and sustainable dietary solutions for the modern poultry industry.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Golian, A., & Yaghobfar, A. (2016). Growth, immune, antioxidant, and bone responses of heat stress-exposed broilers fed diets supplemented with tomato pomace. International Journal of Biometeorology, 60(8), 1183–1192.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Golian, A., Yaghobfar, A., Zarban, A., Afzali, N., & … (2012). Antioxidant status, immune system, blood metabolites and carcass characteristic of broiler chickens fed turmeric rhizome powder under heat stress. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(94), 16118–16125.

Safdari-Rostamabad, M., Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Perai, A. H., & Sarir, H. (2017). Nanoselenium supplementation of heat-stressed broilers: Effects on performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and jejunal morphology. Biological Trace Element Research, 178(1), 105–116.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Safdari-Rostamabad, M., Piray, A. H., & Sarir, H. (2020). The growth performance, plasma biochemistry indices, immune system, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed grape (Vitis vinifera) pomace. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 259, 114343.

Sharifian, M., Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Nasri, M. H. F., & Perai, A. H. (2019). Pomegranate peel extract for broiler chickens under heat stress: Its influence on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, immunity, jejunal morphology, and meat quality. Livestock Science, 227, 22–28.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., & Raei-Moghadam, M. S. (2019). Antioxidant and immune system status, plasma lipid, abdominal fat, and growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress and fed diets supplemented with pomegranate pulp. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 47(1), 521–531.

Eric Howard | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Eric Howard | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Eric Howard | Macquarie University | Australia

Dr. Eric Howard is an accomplished academic leader, researcher, and innovator with nearly three decades of combined experience across computational physics, astronomy, quantum computing, data science, and cybersecurity. He has made influential contributions through teaching, curriculum design, research supervision, and interdisciplinary program development across multiple higher-education sectors. His academic leadership includes directing programs and advancing pedagogical frameworks for undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA-level studies. Dr. Howard’s research portfolio reflects significant advancements in emerging technologies. His completed and ongoing projects span quantum machine learning for fraud detection, hybrid quantum-classical neural networks for intrusion detection, quantum Bayesian inference models, variational simulations of molecular ground states, holographic beam shaping with AI optimization, and quantum graph neural networks for complex systems. He has published more than sixty peer-reviewed papers in respected SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, covering quantum information science, artificial intelligence, cosmology, cryptography, and computational physics. He also contributes to global scholarship as an editor for international journals in physics and theoretical mathematics, while serving as a peer reviewer for prominent scientific publishers and organizations. In addition, Dr. Howard maintains strong collaborative ties with national research institutes, quantum technology networks, and centers of excellence, advancing high-impact interdisciplinary projects. In industry, Dr. Howard has demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership as CEO of companies specializing in AI-powered cybersecurity and data-driven digital automation. His consultancy experience includes developing secure e-learning ecosystems, threat intelligence platforms, cloud security frameworks, and advanced analytics solutions for enterprise and academic clients. Dr. Howard’s key contributions include pioneering quantum-enhanced cybersecurity models, designing AI-driven threat intelligence frameworks, and leading competitive grant-funded projects in quantum sensing, VQE simulations, and digital security. His sustained commitment to innovation, mentorship, and research excellence underscores his significant impact on scientific, technological, and educational advancement.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Howard, E. (2025). Data imputation with deep learning: AI techniques for handling missing or noisy data. Eksplorium. https://doi.org/10.52783/eksplorium.65

Howard, E. (2025). End-to-end visibility in global supply chains: Blockchain and AI integration [Dataset]. figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.28528676

Howard, E. (2025). Leveraging computer vision and data science for enhanced operational efficiency in smart enterprises. Tangence. https://doi.org/10.52783/tangence.6

Ramshankar, P., Howard, E., Srinivasan, V., Prabu, D., Dhanraj, J. A., Kumar, M. J., & Rajendiran, M. (2025). Nanoscale characterization and imaging techniques for material analysis. AIP Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0277578

Howard, E. (2025). Optimization of heat transfer in mechanical systems using AI in neural networks. Tangence. https://doi.org/10.52783/tangence.3

Howard, E. (2025). Real-time image-based data processing and its applications in managerial decision-making and risk analysis. Eksplorium. https://doi.org/10.52783/eksplorium.181

Fatimah Qassadi | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Fatimah Qassadi | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Fatimah Qassadi | Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz Univeristy | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Fatimah Ibrahim Qassadi is a dedicated pharmacist, academic, and researcher with extensive experience in both clinical and educational settings across Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. With over four years of clinical practice at King Abdulaziz Medical City—one of Riyadh’s leading governmental hospitals—she has developed strong expertise in clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacotherapy, and patient-centred care. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), where she previously worked as a teaching assistant. She also held an academic role at the University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy, contributing to undergraduate teaching, supervision, and practical training. Dr. Qassadi holds a PhD in Pharmacy from the University of Nottingham, an MSc in Medicinal Natural Products and Phytochemistry (Distinction) from University College London, and a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Pharmacy from King Saud University. Her research focuses on gastrointestinal bacteria, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and plant-derived therapeutics, with publications in reputable journals such as Pathogens, Frontiers in Nutrition, and Gut. She has presented her work at major international conferences and received multiple awards for best scientific presentations in the UK and China. Her competencies span curriculum development, instructional design, scientific research, statistical analysis (SPSS, MATLAB), and academic leadership. She is certified in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Lean Six Sigma, project management, advanced MATLAB, and higher education teaching. She is also licensed as a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia and trained in essential healthcare safety practices, including BLS and CPR. Actively engaged in community initiatives, Dr. Qassadi has contributed to health awareness campaigns, scientific committees, and student mentorship programs. Passionate about advancing pharmacy education and healthcare quality, she is committed to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 through innovative teaching, impactful research, and the development of future pharmacy professionals.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Qassadi, F. I., Johnson, C., Robinson, K., Griffin, R., Polytarchou, C., Kao, D., Kim, D.-H., Griffiths, R. L., Zhu, Z., & Monaghan, T. M. (2025). Untargeted metabolomics identifies faecal filtrate-derived metabolites that disrupt Clostridioides difficile metabolism and confer gut barrier cytoprotection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22), Article 11221. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211221

Sun, Y., Liu, S., Chen, L., Zhou, Z., Ma, M., Li, J., Lu, Y., Shi, Y., Yao, T., Feng, R., … Qassadi, F. I. (2025). Spaceflight redefines ageing-associated microbiota. iMeta. https://doi.org/10.1002/imt2.70023

Qassadi, F., Kim, D.-H., Griffiths, R., Kao, D., Zhu, Z., & Monaghan, T. (2024). P102: Dissecting the metabolic impact of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in C. difficile and E. coli infections using 3D OrbiSIMS. Oral Presentations, Gut, 73(Suppl. 2), A111. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2024-bsg.184

Qassadi, F., Monaghan, T., Kim, D.-H., Griffiths, R., & Zhu, Z. (2023). Antibacterial evaluation of natural oridonin and its chemically synthesised derivatives. Planta Medica, 89(11), 1003–1013. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1774023

Qassadi, F. I., Zhu, Z., & Monaghan, T. M. (2023). Plant-derived products with therapeutic potential against gastrointestinal bacteria. Pathogens, 12(2), 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020333

Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Lilley, D., & Heinrich, M. (2021). Myrcene—What are the potential health benefits of this flavouring and aroma agent? Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 699666. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Material Science | Best Researcher Award | 2625

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sacha Cavelier | Queensland University of Technology | Austria

Dr. Sacha Cavelier is a mechanical engineer and postdoctoral researcher at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), specializing in advanced biomaterials, bone tissue engineering, and biomechanical characterization. Graduating as a biomedical-focused engineer from the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne (France), he advanced his research career through a Master’s and PhD in Mechanical Engineering at McGill University (Canada). His doctoral work introduced innovative strategies for next-generation bone graft materials, including multilayered titanium–calcium sulfate composites with superior strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, and led to multiple high-impact publications and patents. With more than seven years dedicated to developing ceramic-titanium bone graft composites, Dr. Cavelier has become a recognized expert in toughened biomaterials and bone regeneration. He further expanded his expertise during his postdoctoral fellowship at Ohio University, where he developed mineralized collagen scaffolds, supervised graduate students, and contributed to grant writing. At the University of Adelaide, he served as a visiting researcher, investigating the mechanical properties of human dura mater and pericranium. Currently at QUT’s ARC Centre for Cell & Tissue Engineering Technologies, Dr. Cavelier leads research on cartilage characterization, antibacterial coatings, and intramedullary implant technologies, including in vivo efficacy studies. He supervises PhD students, contributes to collaborative research programs, and continues to publish in leading journals such as Advanced Materials, Nanomaterials, Bioactive Materials, and Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. Dr. Cavelier’s technical skillset spans additive manufacturing, finite-element modeling, biochemistry, mechanical testing, microscopy, and high-precision fabrication.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yu, L., Cavelier, S., Hannon, B., & Wei, M. (2023). Recent development in multizonal scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration. Bioactive Materials, 25, 122–159.

Cavelier, S., Dastjerdi, A. K., McKee, M. D., & Barthelat, F. (2018). Bone toughness at the molecular scale: A model for fracture toughness using crosslinked osteopontin on synthetic and biogenic mineral substrates. Bone, 110, 304–311.

Cavelier, S., Mirmohammadi, S. A., & Barthelat, F. (2021). Titanium mesh-reinforced calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 118, 104461.

Cavelier, S., Quarrington, R. D., & Jones, C. F. (2022). Mechanical properties of porcine spinal dura mater and pericranium. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 126, 105056.

Cavelier, S., Quarrington, R. D., & Jones, C. F. (2022). Tensile properties of human spinal dura mater and pericranium. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 34(1), Article 4.

Cavelier, S., Tanzer, M., & Barthelat, F. (2020). Maximizing the strength of calcium sulfate for structural bone grafts. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 108(4), 963–971.

Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani | Hassan II University of Casablanca | Morocco

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani is a dedicated researcher in Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioinformatics, holding a Ph.D. from Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. Affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and Technics of Mohammedia, her work is rooted in the Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment, and New Energies. Her research primarily focuses on thoracic oncology, particularly Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), where she integrates molecular profiling, genetic variants, biomarkers, and advanced diagnostic technologies to improve early detection and precision medicine. Dr. Morjani has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications addressing clinical, anatomical, and molecular dimensions of lung cancer. Her work includes exploring GWAS-derived genetic variants in NSCLC, investigating interleukin-based blood biomarkers, analyzing metastasis patterns, and assessing the impact of smoking on lung cancer mechanisms. She has also presented extensively at prestigious international conferences in Morocco, France, and Saudi Arabia, contributing to discussions on NGS applications, ROS1 rearrangement detection, and molecular pathology. Her scientific expertise is strengthened by advanced training in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) at renowned institutions in France, along with hands-on experience in sequencing platforms such as Ion Torrent and Illumina. She is proficient in NGS library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and bioinformatics analysis involving FastQ, BAM, and SAM files. Her competencies extend to R programming, statistical analysis, and functional genomics. She has participated in major workshops, including the African BioGenome Project Fellowship, enhancing her mastery of genome assembly, annotation, and biodiversity genomics. Dr. Morjani has additional experience in molecular diagnostics, including RT-qPCR detection of foodborne viruses and breast cancer biomarker analysis through IHC and FISH. She is also actively involved in teaching, mentoring, quality assurance, COVID-19 testing, and regulatory compliance. A member of multiple national and international scientific societies, she is recognized for her adaptability, teamwork, communication skills, and strong commitment to advancing cancer genomics and molecular oncology.

Profile: Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Morjani, O., Benkirane, N., Errihani, H., Elfahime, E. M., & Lakhiari, H. (2024). Molecular analysis of genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer in Morocco. Pan African Medical Journal, 47(1).

Morjani, O., Benlhachemi, S., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E., & Lakhiari, H. (n.d.). Epidemiological, clinical, anatomopathological and molecular profiles of lung cancer in patients at the oncology center of the Cheikh Zaid International University Hospital in Rabat. [Journal information incomplete].

Morjani, O., Yang, Y.-W., Lahlil, R., Lakhiari, H., & Alaoui, H. (2025). Hematological biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer: Evaluating the diagnostic potential of circulating interleukin levels. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22), 11014.

Morjani, O., Mounaji, N., Ghaouti, M., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E., & Lakhiari, H. (2024). Next generation sequencing and genomic mapping: Towards precision molecular diagnosis of lung cancer in Morocco. Pan African Medical Journal, 49, 75.

Morjani, O., Karimoune, M. A. S., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E. M., & Lakhiari, H. (2023). Comparative study of molecular techniques for detecting ROS1 rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: Implications for diagnostic precision. Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, 26(6), S5–S6.

Mahesh Kumar Sah | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Sah | Material Science | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Sah | Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology | India

Dr. Mahesh Kumar Sah is a dedicated mechanical engineering professional with robust expertise in nano-finishing, surface engineering, composite materials, coating technology, image analysis, and design of experiments. With a Ph.D. from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, he brings a strong blend of academic, research, and industrial-oriented experience. His technical proficiency spans AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Origin, Minitab, and MS Office, enabling him to execute high-precision research and engineering tasks effectively. Dr. Sah has over six years of academic experience as an Assistant Professor at Siddartha Institute of Science and Technology, AP, where he handled a wide range of subjects including Engineering Mechanics, CAD/CAM, Robotics, Thermal Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, and Metrology. He also supervised laboratories, coordinated academic programs, and managed responsibilities related to seminars, projects, NBA/NAAC documentation, and student administration. Currently, he serves as a Project Associate-II at NIT Jalandhar, contributing to advanced mechanical engineering research. His research contributions include multiple SCI-indexed publications in reputable journals such as Materials and Manufacturing Processes, Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, and Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance. His work primarily focuses on CNC abrasive finishing, reflective polishing, nano-finishing processes, and optical characterization of materials. He has also authored book chapters and reviewed research manuscripts for leading journals. Dr. Sah is the co-inventor of a filed patent titled “A System for Mirror-Like Reflective Surface Finishing on Metallic Cylindrical Workpiece” and has presented his research at several national and international conferences. He has completed NPTEL and FDP courses in surface engineering, machine learning, sustainability, nanotechnology, and entrepreneurship. Recognized with the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Research Award, Dr. Sah is a motivated researcher and educator committed to advancing mechanical engineering, fostering innovation, and contributing meaningfully to academia and industry.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Sah, M. K., Vijaya, A., & Singh, H. (2025). Nanofinishing of aluminum sheet using CNC fixed abrasive lapping. Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-025-10886-3

Sah, M. K., Vijaya, A., & Singh, H. (2025). A novel CNC abrasive finishing process of aluminium pipe for industrial applications. Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1080/00084433.2025.2582355

Sah, M. K., Vijaya, A., & Singh, H. (2025). Experimental study of the surface finishing of CNC magnetic abrasive finishing based on ANN. Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1080/00084433.2024.2415726

Sah, M. K., & Vijaya, A. (2024). Optimizing highly reflective CNC abrasive polishing on aluminum sheets. Materials and Manufacturing Processes. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2024.2304867

Sah, M. K., & Vijaya, A. (2023). Experimental studies on reflective finishing of aluminum sheet by CNC abrasive lapping. Materials and Manufacturing Processes. https://doi.org/10.1080/10426914.2023.2244034

Shohei Katsuya | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

Mr. Shohei Katsuya | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

Mr. Shohei Katsuya | Advanced Technology Laboratories, OSAKA GAS Co., Ltd. | Japan

Shohei Katsuya is a dedicated Researcher at the Advanced Technology Laboratories of OSAKA GAS Co., Ltd., where he specializes in cutting-edge metabolic and nutritional research. He holds a Master of Agriculture degree from Kyoto University, completed in March 2021, and has since been actively involved in advanced investigations centered on the physiological functions and health impacts of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Since joining Osaka Gas in April 2021, Katsuya has contributed significantly to a series of clinical and biochemical studies exploring the therapeutic potential of BHB, a key ketone body known for its roles in metabolism, energy utilization, and physiological regulation. His research focuses on understanding the metabolic pathways and physiological effects of BHB in humans, with applications ranging from obesity reduction to improved sleep quality and metabolic health. He has authored five peer-reviewed publications between 2023 and 2025 in reputable journals including Obesities, Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, and Nutrition. These works include randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating the effects of D-BHB on body fat reduction, sleep quality enhancement, and its safety profile in humans and animal models. Additionally, he contributed to a collaborative study demonstrating BHB’s protective effects on diabetic renal and muscular pathologies.Katsuya’s publications have collectively received 18 citations and earned an h-index of 2 according to Scopus, reflecting the emerging impact of his work within the nutritional and biochemical sciences. His ongoing projects continue to deepen scientific understanding of BHB as a functional metabolite with potential applications in health optimization, disease prevention, and metabolic regulation. Through his work, Shohei Katsuya is advancing evidence-based insights that contribute to both academic knowledge and practical applications in human health research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Kawamura, J., Goto, T., Takara, T., & Tsubota, J. (2025). Effect of D-β-hydroxybutyric acid on body fat in Japanese adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Obesities, 5(4), 82. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5040082

Aisyah, R., Katsuya, S., Miyata, K., Chen, Z., Horii, M., Kudo, A., Kumrungsee, T., Tsubota, J., & Yanaka, N. (2025). β-Hydroxybutyrate attenuates diabetic renal and muscular pathologies in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. Nutrition, Article 112792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2025.112792

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Kawamura, Y., Kawamura, J., & Tsubota, J. (2025). Effect of d-β-hydroxybutyrate on sleep quality in healthy participants: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 89(5), 769–775. https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbaf017

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Sugimoto, M., Nishimura, T., & Tsubota, J. (2024). Determination of the safety of Halomonas sp. KM-1-derived d-β-hydroxybutyric acid and its fermentation-derived impurities in mice and Japanese adults. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 88(9), 1073–1080. https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbae088

Ip, C.-H., Higuchi, H., Wu, C.-Y., Okuda, T., Katsuya, S., Ogawa, J., & Ando, A. (2024). Production of docosahexaenoic acid by a novel isolated Aurantiochytrium sp. 6-2 using fermented defatted soybean as a nitrogen source for sustainable fish feed development. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 88(5), 872–881. https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbae035

Katsuya, S., Kawata, Y., Goto, T., & Tsubota, J. (2023). Daily intake of D-β-hydroxybutyric acid (D-BHB) reduces body fat in Japanese adult participants: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, 69(2), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.69.121