Zhi Cao | Cancer Research | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Zhi Cao | Cancer Research | Best Research Article Award 

PhD Candidate | Chinese PLA General Hospital | China

Dr. Zhi Cao is a PhD candidate at the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital whose research profile reflects strong scientific rigor, innovation, and clinical relevance in cancer immunotherapy and neuroscience. Her authorship in a high-impact Nature Communications article demonstrates leadership in advancing translational oncology, where she contributed to pioneering preclinical and phase I clinical evidence showing that inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis using eliglustat can enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced cancers, a finding with direct implications for overcoming tumor immune resistance. This work, published in a Q1 journal with a high impact factor, highlights her ability to bridge molecular mechanisms with early-phase clinical application. Complementing this, her comprehensive review in Frontiers in Immunology systematically elucidates the synthesis, biological functions, and therapeutic potential of glycosphingolipids, reinforcing her expertise in tumor immunometabolism and immune modulation while guiding future therapeutic strategies. Beyond oncology, her interdisciplinary strength is evident in her Q1 Brain Research publication, where she applied single-cell molecular analyses to identify target cells and signaling pathways involved in conditioned fear memory, demonstrating technical versatility and strong analytical skills across biomedical domains. Her stated research interests in CAR-T cell immunotherapy and tumor therapy mechanisms align closely with global priorities in precision medicine and next-generation cancer treatments. Collectively, her publication record, impact factor profile, methodological depth, and translational focus indicate a researcher with significant promise and originality, making her a strong and credible candidate for recognition associated with a Best Research Article or similar high-level academic distinction.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Dong, L., Cao, Z., Chen, M., et al. (2024). Inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis with eliglustat in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced cancers: Preclinical evidence and phase I clinical trial. Nature Communications, 15.

Dong, L., Cao, Z., Han, W., & Wu, Z. (2025). Synthesis, function, and therapeutic potential of glycosphingolipids. Frontiers in Immunology, 16.

Shen, M., Cao, Z., Tian, R., et al. (2023). Single-cell molecular alterations reveal target cells and pathways of conditioned fear memory. Brain Research, 1798.

Dr. Zhi Cao’s research advances global cancer innovation by uncovering novel immunometabolic mechanisms that enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies and CAR-T strategies. By bridging molecular discovery with early-phase clinical translation, her work accelerates precision oncology solutions with the potential to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Yasir Al-Mawlah | Cancer Genetics | Editorial Board Member

Assist Prof Dr. Yasir Al-Mawlah | Cancer Genetics | Editorial Board Member 

Researcher | University Of Babylon | Iraq

Yasir Haider Al-Mawlah is an accomplished oncology- and biotechnology-oriented researcher and academic based at the DNA Research Center, University of Babylon, Iraq, with a strong interdisciplinary background spanning molecular biology, biotechnology, forensic genetics, and cancer-related research. He holds a verified academic appointment at the University of Babylon and has established a solid scientific profile with more than 220 citations, an h-index of 9, and an i10-index of 8, reflecting consistent scholarly impact over several years. His oncology-related work focuses primarily on molecular mechanisms of cancer development, genetic susceptibility, and biomarker discovery, particularly in breast cancer. He has contributed significantly to studies examining genetic polymorphisms in antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPx1 and their association with breast cancer risk, oxidative stress, and biomarker alterations, providing insights into cancer pathogenesis and potential diagnostic indicators. In addition, his research includes anti-cancer evaluations of natural compounds, such as plant-derived alkaloids, against human breast cancer cell lines, highlighting translational approaches that bridge natural product research and oncology therapeutics. Beyond cancer, his scientific contributions extend to microRNA expression profiling, including fertility, forensic identification, and body fluid differentiation, demonstrating advanced expertise in non-coding RNA stability and specificity. He has also published widely on antimicrobial nanoparticles, nanobiotechnology, and multidrug-resistant pathogens, reflecting a broader biomedical scope relevant to cancer-associated infections and clinical complications. Dr. Al-Mawlah collaborates extensively with multidisciplinary teams across medical microbiology, genetics, pharmacology, and clinical sciences, both within Iraq and internationally. His publication record in peer-reviewed journals, combined with sustained citation performance, underscores his role as an active contributor to contemporary biomedical and oncology-related research, with work that supports early diagnosis, molecular risk assessment, and innovative therapeutic exploration in cancer and related diseases.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Al-Mawlah, Y. H., Al-Darraji, M. N., & Al-Imari, M. J. (2022). Study of small non-coding RNA (miRNA) expression pattern of fertile/infertile male semen. Acta Informatica Medica, 30(3), 205–210.

Abdulazeem, L., Al-Alaq, F. T., Alrubaei, H. A., Al-Mawlah, Y. H., & Alwan, W. K. (2018). Anti-cancer activity of Opuntia polyacantha alkaloid extract on human breast cancer cell line. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 10(7), 1753–1754.

Al-Mawlah, Y. H., Alasadi, Y. F., & Al-Darraji, M. N. (2021). Association between genetic polymorphisms of Cu/ZnSOD and CAT C262T and the risk of breast cancer. Gene Reports, 25, 101401.

Abdulazeem, L., Al-Amiedi, B. H., Alrubaei, H. A., & Al-Mawlah, Y. H. (2019). Titanium dioxide nanoparticles as antibacterial agents against some pathogenic bacteria. Drug Invention Today, 12(5), 963–967.

Al-Mawlah, Y. H., Naji, M. Z., Al-Imari, M. J., & Abdulabbas, H. S. (2022). Micro-RNA evaluation, specification, and stabilization study in mixed and non-mixed body fluids as a specific molecular marker. Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Experimental Therapeutics, 5(2), 347–357.

Through integrative research in oncology, molecular genetics, and biotechnology, the nominee advances scientific understanding of cancer risk, biomarker discovery, and molecular diagnostics. His work bridges fundamental research with applied innovation, supporting early detection, personalized medicine, and translational solutions that benefit public health and biomedical development.

Wedajo Gebre | Plant Breeding | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Wedajo Gebre | Plant Breeding | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer | Jinka University | Ethiopia

This researcher is an established agricultural scientist with a sustained record of applied research focused on crop improvement, genetic diversity, and yield stability in drought-prone and lowland agro-ecologies of Ethiopia. With 171 total citations, an h-index of 8, and an i10-index of 7, his scholarly impact reflects consistent contributions to plant breeding, agronomy, and stress tolerance research since 2014. His work primarily addresses sorghum, maize, pearl millet, mung bean, rice, groundnut, cassava, and finger millet, emphasizing adaptation, genetic variability, phenotypic diversity, and productivity under challenging environmental conditions. A significant portion of his research explores drought tolerance and yield stability using morpho-physiological traits, association and path coefficient analyses, and multi-location trials, providing practical insights for variety selection and sustainable crop production. Publications in reputable journals such as Heliyon, Scientifica, Agrosystems, Geosciences and Environment, and various agricultural science journals demonstrate his engagement with both regional and international research platforms. His collaborative work with national and international co-authors highlights interdisciplinary approaches integrating genetics, breeding, and environmental management. In addition to conventional field evaluation studies, he has contributed to innovative methodologies such as alternative tissue culture media for cassava micro-propagation, reflecting methodological versatility. His studies are particularly relevant to smallholder farming systems, offering evidence-based recommendations for improved cultivar performance, resilience to climate variability, and food security enhancement in Ethiopia and similar agro-ecological regions. Recent outputs from 2024–2025 indicate continued productivity, with expanded analyses of sorghum genetic diversity and drought resilience, reinforcing his role as a consistent contributor to agricultural research aimed at climate adaptation, sustainable intensification, and resource-efficient crop production.

Featured Publications

Gebre, W. (2015). Adaptation study of improved mung bean (Vigna radiata) varieties at Alduba, South Omo, Ethiopia. Research Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Management, 4(8), 339–342.

Gebre, W., & Mohammed, H. (2015). Study on adaptability and stability of drought tolerant maize varieties in drought prone areas of South Omo Zone, SNNPRS. International Journal of Research, 9, 13.

Tekle, Y., & Gebre, W. (2015). Evaluation of different moisture conservation practices on growth, yield and yield components of sorghum at Alduba, southern Ethiopia. Research Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Management, 4(3), 169–173.

Gebre, W. (2014). Evaluation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) genotypes for yield and yield stability in South Omo and West Hararghe. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 4(8).

Gebre, W., Mekbib, F., Tirfessa, A., & Bekele, A. (2024). Genetic variability among lowland sorghum accessions collected from southern Ethiopia for grain quality traits. Heliyon, 10(4), 2405–8440.

The nominee’s work advances agricultural science by strengthening understanding of genetic diversity, yield stability, and drought tolerance in staple crops critical to food security. By delivering evidence-based solutions for climate-resilient crop improvement, his research directly supports smallholder farmers, sustainable agriculture, and long-term resilience in vulnerable agro-ecological regions.

Ali Moradi Kalan | Cancer Genetics | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Ali Moradi Kalan | Cancer Genetics | Editorial Board Member 

Doctor | Medical School Tabriz | Iran

Ali Moradi Kalan is an oncology and public health–focused researcher affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, with a scholarly profile reflecting strong contributions to cancer epidemiology, disease burden analysis, and population health research. With 966 total citations and an h-index of 5, his work demonstrates consistent academic influence, particularly in large-scale epidemiologic assessments and region-specific cancer reviews. His most highly cited contribution is a landmark 2021 Lancet study examining spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns of tobacco smoking and its attributable disease burden across 204 countries from 1990 to 2019, a publication that has significantly informed global tobacco control policies and cancer prevention strategies. In addition to global health modeling, he has led and co-authored systematic and narrative reviews on major cancers in Iran, including gastric and bladder cancer, providing critical insights into incidence trends, risk factors, and public health implications within the regional context. His research portfolio also spans interdisciplinary biomedical themes, such as the role of environmental toxins like arsenic in neuroinflammatory mechanisms and molecular studies exploring immunomodulatory and gene expression effects of nutritional and hormonal compounds. Through these works, he bridges epidemiology, clinical oncology, and mechanistic research, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and evidence-based policy. His publications appear in reputable international journals including The Lancet, Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, Research and Reports in Urology, Nutritional Neuroscience, and Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, underscoring the translational relevance and scientific rigor of his scholarship. Collectively, Ali Moradi Kalan’s research advances understanding of cancer burden and modifiable risk factors at both global and national levels, supporting improved public health planning, targeted interventions, and future oncology research, while positioning him as a contributor to data-driven cancer epidemiology and population-based health sciences.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Reitsma, M. B., Kendrick, P. J., Ababneh, E., Abbafati, C., Abbasi-Kangevari, M., Abdoli, A., … Moradi Kalan, A. (2021). Spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns in prevalence of smoking tobacco use and attributable disease burden in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: A systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet, 397(10292), 2337–2360.

Kalan Farmanfarma, K., Mahdavifar, N., Hassanipour, S., & Salehiniya, H. (2020). Epidemiologic study of gastric cancer in Iran: A systematic review. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, 13, 511–542.

Kalan Farmanfarma, K., Mahdavifar, N., & Salehiniya, H. (2020). Bladder cancer in Iran: An epidemiological review. Research and Reports in Urology, 12, 91–103.

Alizadeh-Ghodsi, M., Zavvari, A., Ebrahimi-Kalan, A., Shiri-Shahsavar, M. R., & colleagues. (2018). The hypothetical roles of arsenic in multiple sclerosis by induction of inflammation and aggregation of tau protein: A commentary. Nutritional Neuroscience, 21(2), 92–96.

Shiri-Shahsavar, M. R., Mirshafiee, A., Parastouei, K., Ebrahimi-Kalan, A., & colleagues. (2016). A novel combination of docosahexaenoic acid, all-trans retinoic acid, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reduces T-bet gene expression and serum interferon levels. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 60(4), 498–508.

Ali Moradi Kalan’s research advances global oncology and public health by generating high-impact evidence on cancer burden, tobacco exposure, and population-level risk factors that directly inform prevention strategies and health policy. Through rigorous epidemiologic analyses and region-specific cancer studies, his work strengthens data-driven decision-making, supports equitable cancer control, and contributes to sustainable improvements in global health outcomes.

Hamid Amini | Oncology Management | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Hamid Amini | Oncology Management | Editorial Board Member 

Tolou-e- Mehr Non-profit Institute of Higher Education | Iran

Hamid Amini is an Iranian researcher and academic affiliated with the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Tolou-e-Mehr Non-profit Institute of Higher Education in Qom, whose scholarly work centers on exercise physiology, physical activity, and the interaction between physical training, health, and disease prevention. His research portfolio reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach that integrates sports science with public health, immunology, neurodegeneration, and molecular biology. Amini has contributed significantly to understanding how different forms of physical activity influence inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, immune responses, and functional capacity across diverse populations, including women with multiple sclerosis, elderly women, COVID-19 patients, and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his work gained particular relevance through studies examining physical inactivity trends, the relationship between pre-disease activity levels and disease severity, and the need to update global physical activity policies, highlighting his engagement with population-level health challenges. He has also explored exercise-induced muscle damage and recovery, investigating interventions such as herbal supplements, vibration therapy, vitamin D, and combined pharmacological and natural treatments to mitigate delayed-onset muscle soreness and related biochemical changes. Beyond applied human studies, his publications include experimental research on molecular pathways, cytokine expression, heat shock proteins, and growth factors influenced by aerobic and resistance training, demonstrating methodological breadth from clinical to laboratory-based research. In addition, Amini has examined organizational and educational dimensions of physical education, including empowerment, organizational learning, and tacit knowledge transfer among educators, reflecting an interest in both human performance and institutional effectiveness. His work has appeared in a range of international journals and book chapters, and he actively contributes to the scientific community through peer review for multidisciplinary journals. Overall, Hamid Amini’s research profile illustrates a sustained commitment to advancing evidence-based exercise science with clear implications for health promotion, disease management, and public policy.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Amini, H., Habibi, S., Islamoglu, A. H., Isanejad, E., Uz, C., & Daniyari, H. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic-induced physical inactivity: The necessity of updating the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 26, Article 1.

Amini, H., Isanejad, A., Chamani, N., Movahedi-Fard, F., Salimi, F., Moezi, M., & Habibi, S. (2020). Physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic in the Iranian population: A brief report. Heliyon, 6(11), e05411.

Amini, H., Tadayon Zadeh, F., Habibi, S., Shahedi, V., Isanejad, A., & Akbarpour, M. (2020). The effects of 8-week combined exercise training on inflammatory markers in women with multiple sclerosis. Neurodegenerative Diseases, 20, 1–8.

Naghavi-Azad, E., Rahmati-Ahmadabad, S., Amini, H., Azizbeigi, K., Helalizadeh, M., Iraji, R., Cornish, S. M., Khojasteh, Z., & Azarbayjani, M. A. (2020). Effects of simultaneous intake of chamomile and ibuprofen on delayed-onset muscle soreness markers and some liver enzymes following eccentric exercise. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 50, 468–477.

Liu, W., Akbarpour-Beni, M., Movahed, S., Gorzi, A., Cheraghi, E., & Amini, H. (2023). Neutralising the testosterone enanthate-induced oxidative stress in rats’ uterine tissue by propolis and chicory as natural antioxidants. Comparative Exercise Physiology, 19, 1–9.

The nominee’s research advances exercise physiology and public health by generating evidence on how physical activity and targeted interventions modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and functional capacity across clinical and population settings. His work informs disease prevention strategies, rehabilitation practices, and health policy, particularly during global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By bridging laboratory science, clinical research, and community health, his contributions support sustainable, evidence-based approaches to improving population well-being.

Hend Okasha | Biotechnology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Hend Okasha | Biotechnology | Editorial Board Member

Researcher | Theodor Bilharz Research Institute | Egypt

She is an accomplished oncology and molecular biology researcher with a strong interdisciplinary profile spanning cancer biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, and translational therapeutics. With more than 355 citations, an h-index of 12, and an i10-index of 14, her work demonstrates sustained scientific impact and relevance before and after 2020. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and therapy, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer, with emphasis on apoptosis, autophagy, tumor suppressor signaling, and immune modulation. She has made notable contributions to peptide-based anticancer strategies, including recombinant expression of bioactive peptides such as Cecropin-B and Chromogranin A derivatives, showing promising therapeutic potential against resistant cancer cell lines. Her expertise extends to molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, and recombinant protein production in bacterial systems, supporting both diagnostic and therapeutic innovation. In parallel, she has contributed to studies on gut microbiota modulation, metabolic disorders linked to cancer risk, antiviral and antibacterial nanotechnologies, and natural product–derived anticancer compounds, reflecting a broad translational vision. As a verified researcher affiliated with Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, she actively collaborates with senior professors and multidisciplinary teams across biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and biotechnology. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Bioorganic Chemistry, European Journal of Pharmacology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology Reports, and Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology highlight her ability to integrate in vitro, in silico, and molecular approaches to address complex biomedical challenges. Beyond oncology, her work contributes to antimicrobial resistance solutions, immunotherapy-related biomarkers, and environmentally responsive molecular systems. Overall, her scientific profile reflects a dedicated researcher advancing cancer therapeutics and molecular medicine through innovative experimental design, strong collaborative networks, and a clear commitment to translational and societal impact.

Featured Publications

Ahmed, L. A., Salem, M. B., Seif el-Din, S. H., El-Lakkany, N. M., Ahmed, H. O., Nasr, S. M., et al. (2020). Gut microbiota modulation as a promising therapy with metformin in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Role of LPS/TLR4 and autophagy pathways. European Journal of Pharmacology, 887, 173461.

Samir, S., El-Far, A., Okasha, H., Mahdy, R., Samir, F., & Nasr, S. M. (2022). Isolation and characterization of lytic bacteriophages from sewage at an Egyptian tertiary care hospital against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 29(5), 3097–3106.

Abdelmonsef, A. H., Abdelhakeem, M. A., Mosallam, A. M., Temairk, H., Okasha, H., et al. (2022). A search for anti-inflammatory therapies: Synthesis, in silico investigation of the mode of action, and in vitro analyses of new quinazolin-2,4-dione derivatives targeting inflammatory pathways. Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry, 59(3), 474–492.

Morsi, E. A., Ahmed, H. O., Abdel-Hady, H., El-Sayed, M., & Shemis, M. A. (2020). GC-analysis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities of some extracts and fractions of Linum usitatissimum. Current Bioactive Compounds, 16(9), 1309–1318.

Seif el-Din, S. H., Salem, M. B., El-Lakkany, N. M., Hammam, O. A., Nasr, S. M., et al. (2021). Early intervention with probiotics and metformin alleviates liver injury in NAFLD rats via targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis and p-AKT/mTOR/LC-3II pathways. Human & Experimental Toxicology, 40(9), 1496–1509.

Her work advances oncology and molecular medicine by translating peptide-based therapeutics, microbiome modulation, and recombinant biotechnology into promising anticancer and antimicrobial strategies. By integrating molecular biology, pharmacology, and nanotechnology, her research addresses cancer treatment resistance and infectious disease challenges with strong potential for clinical and industrial translation.

Dina M. Ibrahim | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Assist. Prof Dr. Dina M. Ibrahim | Engineering | Editorial Board Member 

Assistant Professor | Tanta University | Egypt

She is a highly cited interdisciplinary researcher whose work bridges oncology-focused medical imaging with advanced machine learning, deep learning, wireless networks, and intelligent systems, demonstrating strong impact across healthcare, engineering, and applied artificial intelligence. With 1,848 citations, an h-index of 18, and an i10-index of 27, her research portfolio reflects sustained scholarly influence since 2020 and strong international collaboration. Her most influential contributions are in AI-driven disease diagnosis, particularly deep learning models for chest X-ray and MRI analysis, where her work on multi-class classification of COVID-19, pneumonia, and lung cancer has gained wide recognition and adoption in clinical research contexts. She has also made notable advances in diabetic eye disease detection, brain MRI synthesis using GANs, and hybrid deep learning architectures for biomedical signal and image analysis, supporting early diagnosis and decision-making in oncology and related medical fields. Beyond healthcare, her research extends to TinyML and edge AI for ultra-low-power devices, IoT systems, cybersecurity, wireless sensor networks, and energy consumption prediction, highlighting her ability to translate core AI techniques across domains. She has collaborated with leading academics from universities in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK, and Europe, contributing to high-impact journals such as Computers in Biology and Medicine, Diagnostics, Sensors, IEEE Access, Micromachines, Sustainability, and PeerJ Computer Science. Her work is characterized by methodological rigor, practical relevance, and a strong focus on real-world deployment, particularly in resource-constrained and data-driven environments. Through sustained publication, mentoring, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, she continues to advance intelligent healthcare systems, strengthen AI applications in oncology-related diagnostics, and contribute to global innovation at the intersection of computer science, engineering, and medical research.

Featured Publications

  1. Ibrahim, D. M., Elshennawy, N. M., & Sarhan, A. M. (2021). Deep-chest: Multi-classification deep learning model for diagnosing COVID-19, pneumonia, and lung cancer chest diseases. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 132, 104348.

  2. Elshennawy, N. M., & Ibrahim, D. M. (2020). Deep-pneumonia framework using deep learning models based on chest X-ray images. Diagnostics, 10(9), 649.

  3. Alajlan, N. N., & Ibrahim, D. M. (2022). TinyML: Enabling inference deep learning models on ultra-low-power IoT edge devices for AI applications. Micromachines, 13(6), 851.

  4. Al-Shargabi, A. A., Almhafdy, A., Ibrahim, D. M., Alghieth, M., & Chiclana, F. (2022). Buildings’ energy consumption prediction models based on buildings’ characteristics: Research trends, taxonomy, and performance measures. Journal of Building Engineering, 54, 104577.

  5. Alrashedy, H. H. N., Almansour, A. F., Ibrahim, D. M., & Hammoudeh, M. A. A. (2022). BrainGAN: Brain MRI image generation and classification framework using GAN architectures and CNN models. Sensors, 22(11), 4297.

Her work advances global innovation by integrating deep learning and intelligent systems into medical imaging, enabling earlier, more accurate diagnosis of cancer and other critical diseases. By translating AI research into practical healthcare, IoT, and edge-computing solutions, she strengthens data-driven decision-making, supports resource-efficient technologies, and bridges the gap between scientific discovery, clinical practice, and industry needs worldwide.

 

Sidra Tul Muntaha | Nutrition | Editorial Board Member

Ms. Sidra Tul Muntaha | Nutrition | Editorial Board Member

Ph.D. Scholar | University of Agriculture | Pakistan 

Sidra Tul Muntaha is a Ph.D. scholar in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, where she has been pursuing her doctoral studies since November 2021 after completing her M.Sc. (Hons.) in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the same institution in 2021. Her academic and research journey is centered on advancing evidence-based nutrition, functional foods, and nutraceutical science with a strong emphasis on improving human health outcomes. She has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed international journals, reflecting her growing impact in food science, nutrition, and interdisciplinary health research. Her published work spans experimental, applied, and review-based studies, including investigations into the anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects of citrus peel pectin, highlighting its therapeutic potential against diet-induced hyperlipidemia. She has also explored innovative nutraceutical approaches such as polyphenol-protein particles, positioning them as emerging solutions in modern nutrition and food science. Her research interests extend to public health nutrition and disaster resilience, as demonstrated by her contribution to a multisectoral analysis of nutrition crisis management following floods. Additionally, she has worked on product development and functional food evaluation, examining the nutritional, textural, phytochemical, and sensory properties of protein-enriched biscuits formulated with alfalfa leaf protein concentrate. Her review articles further emphasize her expertise in nutraceuticals, including comprehensive analyses of industrial hemp for arthritis and diabetes management and the role of berries in gastrointestinal disorders. Through her multidisciplinary research, Sidra Tul Muntaha integrates nutritional biochemistry, food technology, and public health perspectives to address both chronic disease prevention and nutrition security. Her scholarly contributions reflect a commitment to translating scientific research into practical dietary strategies and functional food innovations, positioning her as an emerging researcher with a strong foundation in nutrition science and a clear focus on improving health through food-based interventions.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Rasheed, H., Altemimi, A. B., Rabail, R., Muntaha, S. T., Rakha, A., Haider, U., Rasheed, F., Shehzad, M., Khaneghah, A. M., Abdi, G., & others. (2025). Anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-atherogenic effect of citrus peel pectin against cholesterol and cholic acid induced hyperlipidemia in Sprague Dawley rats. Food Science & Nutrition, 13, e70274.

Muntaha, S. T., Rakha, A., Rasheed, H., Fatima, I., Butt, M. S., Abdi, G. R., & Aadil, R. M. (2025). Polyphenol-protein particles: A nutraceutical breakthrough in nutrition and food science. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 101641.

Rakha, A., Jabbar, A., Rasheed, H., Tul-Muntaha, S., Munir, A., Fatima, A., Anwar, R., Sohail, M., & Aadil, R. M. (2025). Nutrition crisis management after floods: A multisectoral perspective. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 98, 105141.

Muntaha, S. T., Pasha, I., Rasheed, H., Rakha, A., Fatima, I., Rasheed, F., Jamil, A., Rehman, M., Abdi, G. R., & Jha, P. (2025). Nutritional, textural, phytochemical, and sensory properties of novel biscuits supplemented with alfalfa leaf protein concentrate. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 49, e6736541.

Rakha, A., Rasheed, H., Altemimi, A. B., Tul-Muntaha, S., Fatima, I., Butt, M. S., Hussain, S., Bhat, Z. F., Khaneghah, A. M., & Aadil, R. M. (2024). Tapping the nutraceutical potential of industrial hemp against arthritis and diabetes: A comprehensive review. Food Bioscience, 59, 104195.

Sidra Tul Muntaha’s research advances nutrition science by developing evidence-based functional foods and nutraceutical strategies that address chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, and nutrition security. By integrating food technology, public health, and disaster nutrition perspectives, her work supports sustainable health solutions with clear relevance to industry innovation and societal well-being.

Muhammad Asif | Food Science and Technology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Muhammad Asif | Food Science and Technology | Editorial Board Member 

Assistant Professor | University of Agriculture | Pakistan

Muhammad Asif is an emerging food science researcher with a strong scholarly profile focused on sustainable food systems, food quality, food safety, waste management, and food extrusion technologies. With 235 citations, an h-index of 6, and an i10-index of 6, his work demonstrates growing academic influence, particularly since 2020. He is affiliated with the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and holds a verified email association with Purdue University, reflecting international academic engagement. His research emphasizes the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, functional food development, and innovative processing techniques aimed at improving nutritional, sensory, and bio-functional properties of foods. One of his most cited contributions addresses sustainable food industrial waste management through single-cell protein production, highlighting environmentally responsible solutions for food security. He has also published extensively on the utilization of fruit and vegetable pomace, such as apple and citrus by-products, in functional foods and extruded products, demonstrating their antioxidant, phenolic, and gastrointestinal benefits. His interdisciplinary collaborations with researchers from institutions in Pakistan, the United States, Europe, China, and the Middle East underscore his global research outlook. Muhammad Asif’s work spans diverse areas including probiotics, microencapsulation, smart packaging films, bioactive peptides, dairy product innovation, and emerging analytical tools like electronic nose and tongue technologies. He has contributed both original research articles and comprehensive reviews in reputable journals such as Food Bioscience, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal of Food Safety, Applied Food Research, and European Food Research and Technology. His recent publications also explore the role of functional foods and microbiome-driven approaches in metabolic health. Overall, Muhammad Asif’s research profile reflects a commitment to sustainable innovation, nutritional enhancement, and applied food science solutions with practical industrial and public health relevance.

Featured Publications

Khan, M. K. I., Asif, M., Razzaq, Z. U., Nazir, A., & Maan, A. A. (2022). Sustainable food industrial waste management through single cell protein production and characterization of protein enriched bread. Food Bioscience, 46, 101406.

Asif, M., Javaid, T., Razzaq, Z. U., Khan, M. K. I., Maan, A. A., Yousaf, S., Usman, A., et al. (2024). Sustainable utilization of apple pomace and its emerging potential for development of functional foods. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(12), 17932–17950.

Asif, M., Khan, M. K. I., Khan, M. I., Maan, A. A., Helmick, H., & Kokini, J. L. (2023). Effects of citrus pomace on mechanical, sensory, phenolic, antioxidant, and gastrointestinal index properties of corn extrudates. Food Bioscience, 55, 103012.

Azam, M., Saeed, M., Yasmin, I., Afzaal, M., Ahmed, S., Khan, W. A., Iqbal, M. W., et al. (2021). Microencapsulation and in vitro characterization of Bifidobacterium animalis for improved survival. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 15(3), 2591–2600.

Talha, M., Khalid, S., Maan, A. A., Tanveer, N., Khan, M. K. I., Asif, M., Arif, S., et al. (2024). Ohmic assisted extraction: A sustainable and environment friendly approach to substitute conventional extraction methods. Food Reviews International, 40(10), 3508–3529.

The nominee’s work advances sustainable food science by transforming agro-industrial waste into high-value functional foods and ingredients, directly supporting food security and environmental stewardship. Through innovative processing technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, his research bridges science and industry while promoting healthier, resource-efficient global food systems.

Bashiru Ibrahim | Cancer Cells | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bashiru Ibrahim | Cancer Cells | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow | University of Birmingham | United Kingdom

Dr. Bashiru Ibrahim is a highly skilled nanotoxicology and environmental science researcher with a strong academic foundation and extensive laboratory, teaching, and project management experience. He holds a PhD in Nanotoxicology from the University of Birmingham, where his research focused on the toxicological effects of metallic nanomaterials on lung epithelial cells, examining their interactions with cellular stress pathways, protein degradation systems, and intracellular uptake mechanisms. His academic journey also includes an MSc in Environmental Science with Distinction from the Islamic University in Uganda, where he studied the relationship between waterborne diseases and community water-handling practices, and a BSc in Biochemistry from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Nigeria. Ibrahim has developed advanced expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, characterisation, cytotoxicity assays, flow cytometry, ICP-MS, confocal microscopy, and data analysis using multiple statistical software tools. He has worked as a Research Associate at the University of Birmingham, contributing to major international projects such as ACCORDs and NanoSolveIT, where he synthesised and characterised diverse nanomaterials, performed toxicological assessments using various cell lines and zebrafish models, and supported sustainable material design initiatives.

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Citations
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