Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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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.

Yong Liu | Research Excellence | Innovative Research Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yong Liu | Research Excellence | Innovative Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yong Liu | Tianjin University | China

Dr. Yong Liu is an Associate Professor at the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Tianjin University, China. With an extensive record of scholarly contributions, he has authored and co-authored over 100 technical papers, three books or book chapters, and more than 50 patents in electrical engineering. His research primarily focuses on ageing evaluation, defect diagnosis, and performance monitoring of outdoor insulators and power cables under complex atmospheric and electrical conditions. Dr. Liu’s pioneering work integrates advanced sensing technologies, signal processing, and artificial intelligence to improve the reliability and safety of high-voltage power transmission systems. His studies on leakage current characteristics, surface discharges, and magnetic field-based condition evaluation have significantly advanced diagnostic techniques for high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) and direct current (HVDC) equipment. Notable recent contributions include research on multi-scale leakage current feature extraction using graph neural networks, magnetic field feature analysis for power cable evaluation, and dynamic discharge behavior of ice-covered insulators under DC voltages. He has made substantial progress in understanding the electro-thermal and mechanical ageing mechanisms of polymeric insulators and cables, developing novel monitoring strategies and predictive models for insulation failure. His publications in leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Access, Energies, and Polymers demonstrate his sustained excellence and influence in high-voltage engineering and applied materials science. As a member of the Chinese Society for Electrical Engineering (CSEE) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Dr. Liu actively contributes to international collaboration and academic exchange. His innovative research continues to support the development of smart grid technologies, advanced cable diagnostics, and climate-resilient power systems, positioning him as a leading scholar in electrical insulation and power engineering research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications 

Liu, Y., Lin, M., Wei, H., Duan, X., Li, Z., & Fu, Q. (2025). Cable outer sheath defect identification using multi-scale leakage current features and graph neural networks. Energies, 18(21), 5687. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215687

Liu, Y., Wang, M., Huang, Y., Han, T., & Du, B. (2024). Feature extraction of magnetic field for condition evaluation of HVAC power cable. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2023.3342774

Liu, Y., Li, C., Yin, F., Du, B. X., & Farzaneh, M. (2024). Nonlinear traits of leakage current and dynamic actions of surface discharges on ice-covered insulators under DC voltages. IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2024.3373549

Liu, Y., Guo, Y., Wang, B., Li, Q., Gao, Q., & Wan, Y. (2024). Research on influencing factors and wind deflection warning of transmission lines based on meteorological prediction. Energies, 17(11), 2612. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112612

Liu, Y., Xin, Y., Huang, Y., Du, B., Huang, X., & Su, J. (2024). Optimal design and development of magnetic field detection sensor for AC power cable. Sensors, 24(8), 2528. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24082528

Liu, Y., Xin, Y., Du, B., Huang, X., & Su, J. (2024, March 22). Optimal design and development of magnetic field detection sensor for AC power cable [Preprint]. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.1352.v1

Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Istittuto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale G.Caporale | Italy

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo is an accomplished veterinary researcher specializing in marine animal health, wildlife pathology, and aquaculture sustainability. With a career devoted to understanding the effects of emerging diseases, pollutants, and environmental stressors on aquatic species, she has made significant contributions to marine ecosystem monitoring and animal welfare. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, she brings extensive experience in diagnostics of wild and stranded marine animals, including necropsy, histology, parasitology, cytology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research also extends to microplastics detection and the assessment of their biological impacts on marine organisms. Dr. Di Renzo holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences, Public Health, and Animal Welfare, along with postgraduate specializations in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine and dual second-level master’s degrees in Aquaculture of the Future and Healthcare Management and Administration. Her interdisciplinary background bridges veterinary pathology, marine ecology, and environmental biotechnology, positioning her at the forefront of integrated marine health research. She is the author and co-author of over 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications featured in leading journals such as Pathogens, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Pollution, Animals, PLoS One, and Scientific Reports. Her impactful work on cetacean diseases, sea turtle health, microplastics contamination, and zoonotic pathogens has earned her international recognition, contributing to global marine conservation efforts. Beyond her research, Dr. Di Renzo actively participates in national scientific boards and committees on aquaculture and wildlife health, providing expert advisory input for policy and conservation strategies. She has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences including the European Cetacean Society, World Marine Mammal Conference, and International Sea Turtle Symposium, sharing insights into the health challenges facing marine wildlife. Fluent in Italian and English, with intermediate Portuguese proficiency gained through Erasmus experience at the University of Lisbon, she also dedicates her time to volunteer work with Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus and Sub Loto, supporting marine rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo’s scholarly impact is reflected in 36 documents, 318 citations, and an h-index of 11, underscoring her sustained contributions to advancing veterinary and marine science globally.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Di Renzo, L., Mariani, G., Matiddi, M., Silvestri, C., Chiesa, S., Petochi, T., Marino, G., Pizzurro, F., Fazio, S., Rossi, E., et al. (2025, October 6). First survey on sea turtles’ interactions in mussel farms in Italy. Animals, 15(19), 2909. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192909

Pizzurro, F., Nerone, E., Di Domenico, M., Ancora, M., Mincarelli, L. F., Salini, R., Di Renzo, L., Fazio, S., & Recchi, S. (2025, April 3). Realistic environmental exposure of microplastics in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes. Water, 17(7), 1063. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071063

Di Febo, T., Di Francesco, G., Grattarola, C., Sonsini, L., Di Renzo, L., Lucifora, G., Puleio, R., Di Francesco, C. E., Smoglica, C., Di Guardo, G., et al. (2025, January 2). Serological diagnosis of Brucella infection in cetaceans by rapid serum agglutination test and competitive ELISA with Brucella abortus and Brucella ceti as antigens. Pathogens, 14(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010026

Grattarola, C., Pietroluongo, G., Belluscio, D., Berio, E., Canonico, C., Centelleghe, C., Cocumelli, C., Crotti, S., Denurra, D., Di Donato, A., et al. (2024, September). Pathogen prevalence in cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 2015 and 2020. Pathogens, 13(9), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090762

Di Renzo, L., De Angelis, M. E., Torresi, M., Mariani, G., Pizzurro, F., Mincarelli, L. F., Esposito, E., Oliviero, M., Iaccarino, D., & Di Nocera, F., et al. (2024, April 18). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species isolated from sea turtles. Microorganisms, 12(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040817

Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Urmila Shirke | Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved & Research Centre | India

Dr. Urmila Jijaba Shirke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. She holds degrees in BAMS, MD in Swasthavritta and Yoga, and an MA in Sanskrit, and is currently pursuing her PhD from Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. With over sixteen years of academic experience, she has served as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor and Head of Department at leading Ayurvedic institutions. Her research interests span preventive and promotive health, yoga therapy, diet and lifestyle management, and Ayurvedic public health applications. Dr. Shirke has authored numerous research papers in national and international journals and has contributed to a book on Kayachikitsa and Mano Vigyan. She has participated in and organized many seminars, CME programs, and workshops on Ayurveda and Yoga across India and abroad. Her projects include both self-funded and externally funded research supported by MUHS and Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. Actively involved in administrative and academic activities, she serves as IQAC Coordinator and NAAC Committee in-charge and has played a key role in developing curricula and health education initiatives. She is also a recognized PG guide and examiner for MUHS, mentoring students in research and clinical training. Dedicated to public health and community welfare, Dr. Shirke regularly conducts health camps, obesity awareness programs, and yoga training courses, promoting holistic living through Ayurveda and Yoga.

Sayak Chatterjee | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sayak Chatterjee | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee | University of Massachusetts | United States

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee is a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA, specializing in experimental high-energy nuclear and particle physics. His research focuses on precision measurements, detector development, and high-rate data acquisition systems for frontier experiments such as MOLLER at Jefferson Lab and CBM at FAIR, Germany. With advanced expertise in Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM), Cherenkov detectors, and GEANT4-based simulations, he has contributed significantly to detector innovation and performance optimization. Dr. Chatterjee has an impressive academic record, authoring 44 research documents with 179 citations and an h-index of 7, reflecting the impact of his contributions to detector physics. His scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple international honors, including the Ernest Rutherford Best Researcher Award and the Young Research Grant at the Pisa Meeting on Advanced Detectors, Italy. Beyond research, he serves on editorial boards, reviews for leading journals, and actively mentors students, embodying excellence in both scientific innovation and academic leadership.

Profiles:  ORCID | Scopus | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Chatterjee, S. (2025). Characterization of Cherenkov detectors for the MOLLER experiment. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment.

Mandal, S., Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Gope, S., Dhani, S., Hegde, A. C., … (2024). Investigation of the stability in the performance of triple GEM detectors for High Energy Physics experiments. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Charging-up effect and uniformity study of a single mask triple GEM detector. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Effect of relative humidity on the long-term operation of a single mask triple GEM chamber. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Sen, A., Chatterjee, S., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Characterization of a new RPC prototype using conventional gas mixture. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.