Suleiman Akilu | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Suleiman Akilu | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Suleiman Akilu | BUA Cement Company LTD | Nigeria

Dr. Suleiman Akilu is a dynamic and results-driven mechanical engineer and project management professional with over a decade of experience in project execution, operational leadership, compliance oversight, and research innovation. His career spans the cement manufacturing industry, academic research institutions, and engineering operations, where he has consistently demonstrated strategic thinking, technical depth, and exceptional leadership capabilities. At BUA Cement Company PLC, one of Nigeria’s leading cement producers, Dr. Akilu was recruited to serve as Principal Manager and later Assistant Director, functioning as Technical Assistant/Adviser to the MD/CEO. In this role, he led a multidisciplinary project team that significantly increased raw material reserves, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened the company’s strategic growth initiatives. He supported major contract negotiations related to LNG supply, power plant operations, and input materials, while ensuring regulatory compliance and coordinating closely with mining and environmental agencies. His responsibilities also included logistics coordination, integration of alternative fuels to enhance sustainability, and contributing to technical documentation, contract reviews, and high-level stakeholder engagements. Earlier, as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Hydrocarbon Recovery in Malaysia, Dr. Akilu conducted advanced research on gas transport in porous media, shale reservoirs, adsorption phenomena, and fracturing fluid behavior. He published multiple high-impact papers, supported experimental system design, managed research materials, and supervised undergraduate research projects. His expertise includes computational tools such as ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, and BIOVIA Materials Studio. During his tenure as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, he provided academic support in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, energy systems, and MATLAB, while assisting with laboratory instruction, project evaluations, course coordination, and research output. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and ongoing MSc studies in Project Management, Dr. Akilu brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, analytical capability, and strategic leadership—positioning him as a valuable asset to innovative, high-performing organizations.

Profile: Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Akilu, S., Sharma, K. V., Baheta, A. T., & Mamat, R. (2016). A review of thermophysical properties of water based composite nanofluids. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 66, 654–678.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Said, M. A. M., Minea, A. A., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Properties of glycerol and ethylene glycol mixture based SiO₂–CuO/C hybrid nanofluid for enhanced solar energy transport. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 166, (year), pages.
(Note: Page numbers were not provided—add them if available.)

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Experimental measurements of thermal conductivity and viscosity of ethylene glycol-based hybrid nanofluid with TiO₂–CuO/C inclusions. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 246, 396–405.

Akilu, S., Padmanabhan, E., & Sun, Z. (2021). A review of transport mechanisms and models for unconventional tight shale gas reservoir systems. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 175, 121125.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Minea, A. A., & Sharma, K. V. (2017). Rheology and thermal conductivity of non-porous silica (SiO₂) in viscous glycerol and ethylene glycol based nanofluids. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 88, 245–253.

Akilu, S., Baheta, A. T., Kadirgama, K., Padmanabhan, E., & Sharma, K. V. (2018). Viscosity, electrical and thermal conductivities of ethylene and propylene glycol-based β-SiC nanofluids. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 284, 780–792.

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

FURONG LI | Medical Discoveries | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. FURONG LI | Medical Discoveries | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. FURONG LI, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, China

Dr. Fu-Rong Li, MD, PhD, is the Director of the Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center at the First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People’s Hospital) of the Southern University of Science and Technology, China. With a prolific academic background in clinical medicine, parasitology, and molecular biology, Dr. Li has made significant contributions in stem cell research, cancer immunotherapy, nanomedicine, and regenerative medicine. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and holds several national patents. His pioneering work continues to influence the fields of translational and precision medicine both nationally and internationally.

🧬 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Fu-Rong Li embarked on his medical journey with an M.D. from Ningxia Medical College in 1984, followed by a Master’s degree in Parasitic Diseases with a focus on hydatidosis at Lanzhou Medical College in 1991. His academic dedication culminated in a Ph.D. in Molecular and Immune Parasitology from Tongji Medical University in 1999. These formative years laid the groundwork for his enduring contributions to translational medicine, immunotherapy, and stem cell biology. His research curiosity took root early, especially in the intersection of infectious diseases and immune response, which later evolved into a lifelong dedication to stem cell differentiation, regenerative medicine, and cancer immunotherapy.

🏥 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Li currently serves as the Director of the Translational Medicine Collaborative Innovation Center at Shenzhen People’s Hospital, affiliated with the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech). Since 1999, he has held progressive roles from Assistant Professor to Professor, contributing significantly to the evolution of translational medicine in China. His early career included a stint as an Attending Physician in the Department of Digestive Medicine at Ningxia Medical University (1984–1988), followed by senior research and teaching roles at Lanzhou University’s Hydatid Research Laboratory. His professional trajectory showcases his dual capabilities in clinical practice and cutting-edge biomedical research.

🔬 Research Focus and Contributions

Dr. Li is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in stem cell biology, regenerative therapies, cancer diagnostics, and nanomedicine. His research contributions are vast, with over 85 peer-reviewed publications, covering topics like:

  • Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into pancreatic β cells.

  • Cancer proteomics and exosomal signaling in lung adenocarcinoma.

  • Nano-immunodiagnostic tools for infectious and oncological diseases.

  • Single-cell analysis of non-coding RNAs in stem cell differentiation and immunity.

  • Development of novel multi-omics frameworks for understanding tumor biology.

His work has been published in prestigious journals such as Stem Cell Research & Therapy, Advanced Science, Cell Death & Disease, and NPJ Genomic Medicine.

🧪 Innovation and Patents

Dr. Li holds nine Chinese national invention patents, reflecting his commitment to translational applications of research. His inventions include:

  • Methods for iPSC to pancreatic cell differentiation via miRNAs.

  • Novel liquid chip-based miRNA detection kits.

  • Dual-labeled gold nanoprobes for diagnostic purposes.

  • Preparation methods for nano-magnetic drug microspheres.

These patents highlight his role as a scientific innovator and entrepreneurial researcher, bridging laboratory discoveries with real-world applications.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Li’s research excellence has earned him national and institutional recognition, especially for his work on diabetic wound healing, tumor immunotherapy, and stem cell engineering. His research has contributed to clinical advancements in personalized medicine and biomaterial-assisted stem cell therapy. He is frequently invited to speak at international conferences, reflecting his status as a leading expert in translational medicine and regenerative biology in China and beyond.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through mentoring emerging scientists, supervising graduate students, and leading interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Li has cultivated a strong academic legacy. He is a bridge between fundamental biology and clinical medicine, influencing drug delivery systems, immunotherapy protocols, and biosensing platforms used globally. His work in lung cancer biology, in particular, has offered insights into cancer metastasis, immune checkpoint modulation, and exosome-mediated signaling pathways—laying the foundation for next-generation immunotherapies.

🔭 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a respected leader in Shenzhen’s biomedical ecosystem, Dr. Fu-Rong Li continues to shape the future of regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and translational diagnostics. With over four decades of combined clinical and research expertise, he remains committed to advancing therapies for diabetes, cancer, and immune diseases. Looking ahead, Dr. Li is expected to contribute significantly to the integration of AI, single-cell sequencing, and precision medicine for real-time diagnostics and personalized treatment. His multidisciplinary approach ensures that his legacy will influence generations of scientists and physicians to come.

✍️Notable Publications

SLC4A7 suppresses lung adenocarcinoma oncogenesis by reducing lactate transport and protein lactylation

Author:  Haojie Yan , Qian He, Yubiao Gao, Xiaomei He, Haitao Luo, Lijuan Shao, Jun Dong, Furong Li

Journal: International Journal of Oncology .,

Year: 2025

Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Emerging Tools for Cancer Therapeutics

Author: Lin DingChih-Jung ChangMin-Li LiangKang-Mei DongFu-Rong Li

Journal: Advanced Therapeutics

Year: 2024

Novel DNA Biosensing Platform for Detecting HIV Integrase for Highly Sensitive and Quantitative HIV Detection, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Monitoring

Author:  Fuming Chen, Jing Wang, Jie Ma, Li Song, Haojie Yan, Feng Wang, Zhengrong Yang, Furong Li