Alaka Sahoo | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Young Researcher Award

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Mrs. Alaka Sahoo | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Alaka Sahoo, Siksha’O’ Anusandhan University, India

Dr. Alaka Sahoo is a dedicated young researcher in the field of Biotechnology with a focus on translational and clinical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Odisha, with a CGPA of 8.90. With over 17 publications, including 11 research articles and 3 high-impact reviews, Dr. Sahoo has significantly contributed to oral disease therapeutics and antimicrobial studies. She demonstrates expertise in multi-omics analysis, drug discovery, and natural product-based therapy. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award (2024), she is also a life member of reputed organizations like the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Her innovative approach to disease management using phytochemicals and peptides sets her apart as a rising talent in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Publication Record:

    • 17 publications including 11 original research, 3 reviews, and 2 book chapters, showcasing depth and breadth.

    • 7 papers as first or corresponding author—indicating independent research capability.

    • Research in high-impact journals like Frontiers in Microbiology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Nanomaterials, and Chemistry & Biodiversity.

  2. Innovative & Multidisciplinary Research:

    • Integrates multi-omics, computational modeling, clinical dermatology, and natural products.

    • Focus on oral inflammatory diseases, antimicrobial peptides, and drug delivery systems.

  3. Academic Excellence & Research Training:

    • Ph.D. with 8.90 CGPA, and M.Sc. with 87.07% marks.

    • Expertise in BSL-2+ lab work, PCR, ELISA, microbial culture, and molecular docking.

  4. Awards & Recognition:

    • Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award (2024).

    • MSME-Idea Hackathon Innovation Award, Govt. of India.

  5. Global and National Engagement:

    • Life member of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (UK).

    • Demonstrates leadership in science entrepreneurship and women in research.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded International Collaboration:

    • Building long-term research partnerships with international labs could increase global visibility.

  2. Patent/Technology Transfer Efforts:

    • While publications are strong, translating research into patents or commercial products will further strengthen applied impact.

  3. Focused Project Leadership:

    • Leading large interdisciplinary projects or acquiring independent grants will showcase funding leadership.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo has pursued a progressive academic path in Biotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed University, Odisha, completing her research with a notable 8.90 CGPA. Her thesis focused on “Therapeutic Opportunities for Oral Lichen Planus: An Integrated Multi-Omics Approach to Drug Discovery” under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Maitreyee Panda. Prior to this, she completed her M.Sc. in Biotechnology (87.07%) from the College of Basic Science and Humanities, OUAT, Bhubaneswar in 2018 and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology with distinction (75%) from Ramadevi Women’s College, Utkal University in 2016. Her academic journey showcases a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of biosciences.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo brings rich hands-on research experience in clinical and experimental biotechnology. She is skilled in BSL-2+ lab practices, molecular techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, microbial culture, ELISA-based diagnostics, and bioinformatics. Her doctoral work integrated multi-omics and computational biology to study inflammatory oral diseases, and her postdoctoral research spans drug delivery and antimicrobial drug discovery. As first or corresponding author in 7 out of 17 publications, she has led collaborative studies with both national and international partners. Dr. Sahoo’s cross-disciplinary knowledge in microbiology, pharmacology, and nanomedicine enhances her problem-solving abilities, making her a versatile researcher. Her ability to bridge clinical dermatology with biotechnology research positions her as an impactful contributor in both healthcare and academic environments.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo has received notable accolades for her innovation and leadership in science. In 2024, she was awarded the Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award by the Odisha Corporate Foundation, recognizing her outstanding contributions in biotech innovation. She also earned the MSME-Idea Hackathon 3.0 (Women) Innovation Award by the Government of India, honoring her practical scientific advancements with societal impact. These awards reflect her dedication to translational research and her vision to develop cost-effective, natural therapies. Dr. Sahoo is also a life member of two esteemed organizations: the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (UK) and Bioclues Innovation, Research and Development (India). Her achievements signify her rising prominence in the field and her commitment to addressing public health challenges through integrative research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo’s research focuses on oral inflammatory diseases, natural product therapeutics, and insect-derived peptides as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Her Ph.D. thesis explored multi-omics approaches for drug discovery in Oral Lichen Planus, integrating in vitro, in silico, and clinical data. Her work spans immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory drug screening, and nanodrug delivery systems, with cross-functional expertise in dermatology, pharmacology, and microbiology. She combines computational modeling, molecular docking, and wet-lab validation to develop target-specific therapies. Her studies on biofilm inhibition, antifungal peptides, and phytosteroids hold promise for tackling antimicrobial resistance. Through collaborations across academia and healthcare, she aims to translate her lab findings into clinically viable solutions. Her contributions to systematic reviews and molecular simulations further demonstrate her analytical rigor and commitment to evidence-based research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Experimental and clinical trial investigations of phytoextracts in Oral Lichen Planus: A systematic review – J Ethnopharmacol (2022)

  2. 🐞 Insect-derived antimicrobial peptides as novel anti-biofilm agents: A systematic review – Front. Microbiol. (2021)

  3. 💊 Ultraflexible liposome nanocargo for dermal drug delivery – Nanomaterials (2021)

  4. 🌿 Phytochemicals for Oral Lichen Planus: A multi-omics and experimental study – Chem Biodivers (2025)

  5. ⚗️ Carbohydrate-derived N-benzyl aminocyclopentitols with anticancer properties – Carbohydr Res. (2025)

  6. 🧬 Target-specific screening of anti-inflammatory phytosteroids using molecular docking – Steroids (2025)

  7. 🧪 Insect-derived antifungal peptides in Candida management – Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2025)

  8. 🧫 Azo-coumarin-Co(II)-galangin hybrids for multipotential activities – J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn. (2024)

  9. 🧒 Pediatric dermatology case analysis in Eastern India – Indian J. Paediatr. Dermatol. (2024)

  10. 🔬 Schiff/Mannich coumarin derivatives: Antibacterial and anti-biofilm evaluation – RSC Adv. (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo is highly suitable for the Research for Young Researcher Award. Her multi-disciplinary expertise, robust research record, and recognition through national awards highlight her as a promising early-career scientist. She combines academic rigor with innovation, and her work has meaningful implications for public health, especially in oral disease therapy, biofilm inhibition, and phytochemical-based drug development.

Yong-Soo Bae | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yong-Soo Bae | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yong-Soo Bae | Sungkyunkwan University | South Korea

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae is a distinguished immunologist and professor at the Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Korea. He currently serves as the Director of the SRC Center for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organs (CIRNOS). With over three decades of academic, clinical, and industry experience, Dr. Bae is internationally recognized for his pioneering research in immunology, virology, and vaccine development. His multidisciplinary contributions span academia, biotech innovation (as CEO/CTO of JW Creagene Inc.), and scientific leadership, including organizing global conferences and serving as editor-in-chief and president in numerous societies. His work focuses on immune modulation, cancer immunotherapy, and mucosal vaccines, which has led to influential publications in prestigious journals like Nature Communications, Science Advances, and Advanced Materials. Dr. Bae’s career reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and education, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Pioneering Research Leadership
    Dr. Bae has led groundbreaking research in immunology, particularly in immune regulation of non-lymphoid organs, vaccine development, and cancer immunotherapy. His leadership of the Center for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organs (CIRNOS) demonstrates his national influence in immune research.

  2. Extensive Scientific Contributions
    With over 18 high-impact publications in the past 3–4 years alone, including in top-tier journals like Nature Communications, Molecular Therapy, Science Advances, and Advanced Materials, Dr. Bae continues to push the boundaries of translational immunology and personalized medicine.

  3. International & Interdisciplinary Experience
    His training at Harvard Medical School, his professorships across Korean institutions, and leadership at JW Creagene Inc. showcase both academic and industrial impact.

  4. Scientific Community Engagement
    Roles such as Editor-in-Chief, society president, and organizer of global conferences (e.g., DC2012) reflect his commitment to advancing scientific dialogue and collaboration.

  5. Mentorship and Institutional Development
    Dr. Bae has contributed significantly to capacity building in Korea’s biomedical research landscape, mentoring junior scientists and shaping departmental growth.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Collaboration Visibility
    While his work is highly impactful in Korea and Asia, more joint publications with global institutions (e.g., NIH, Oxford, Karolinska) could further enhance international research influence.

  2. Patent and Commercial Output Reporting
    As former CEO/CTO of JW Creagene, elaborating on patented innovations or therapeutic products brought to market would strengthen the case for translational impact.

  3. Formal Recognition or Awards
    Inclusion of formal honors (e.g., national science medals, international society awards) would help quantify his recognition outside Korea.

  4. Consistent Author Disambiguation
    In some publications, author names appear as “Y.S. Bae” or “Yong-soo Bae.” Consistent use of a standardized author name across indexing platforms would help centralize his citation metrics and scholarly footprint.

 

🎓 Education:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Microbiology from Seoul National University in 1981 and 1983, respectively. His foundational training in microbiology laid the groundwork for his research trajectory in infectious disease and immunology. He earned his Ph.D. in 1990 from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in the Virology Division of the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine. His doctoral research was crucial in shaping his interest in host-pathogen interactions and immune regulation. Dr. Bae’s international education experience has enabled him to blend Western and Eastern biomedical research paradigms, contributing to his ability to lead collaborative global projects and initiatives in immunotherapy and vaccine innovation.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae’s professional career spans academia, research, and biotech leadership. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School (1991–1993), which enriched his expertise in cancer immunology. He held professorial roles at Hannam University (1993–2003) before joining Sungkyunkwan University in 2004, where he later became Department Chair and Distinguished Professor. Dr. Bae also served as Director of CIRNOS (2017–2024) and led JW Creagene Inc. as CEO/CTO (1998–2015), bridging science and industry. His editorial and leadership roles include Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Bacteriology and Virology, President of the Korean Society of Virology, and Vice President of the Korean Vaccine Society. His diverse roles demonstrate a unique blend of academic excellence, organizational leadership, and translational research expertise.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae’s research focuses on innate and adaptive immune regulation, tumor immunology, mucosal immunotherapy, and vaccine delivery. He investigates cellular interactions in the immune microenvironment, with particular attention to innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), neutrophils, and dendritic cells. His translational work includes novel vaccine platforms, epitranscriptomics, immune checkpoint modulation (e.g., CISH, PD-1), and cell therapy for diseases such as asthma, leukemia, and cancer. He also explores microbiome-immune crosstalk and inflammation-related organ damage (e.g., renal fibrosis, lung inflammation). His group has published extensively on m6A modifiers, microRNAs, and innovative delivery systems like gel-to-nanovaccines. His latest studies dive into immunometabolism and the interplay between immune cells and tissue repair, offering groundbreaking insights for future immunotherapies. Dr. Bae’s work is highly cited and remains at the forefront of immune system-based therapeutic innovation.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Therapeutic Potential of microRNA Against Th2-associated Immune Disorders – Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry (2021)

  2. 💉 COVID-19 Vaccines and Oral-Mucosal Vector System as a Potential Vaccine Platform – Vaccines (2021)

  3. 🧬 Immunotherapeutic Potential of m6A-Modifiers and microRNAs in AML – Biomedicines (2021)

  4. 🎯 Epitranscriptomic Approach to Improve ICB Therapy by Targeting CISH – Cells (2021)

  5. 🧫 TFH-B-TRM Dysregulation and Anti-PD-1 Responses in EGFR-mutant Lung Cancer – Nature Communications (2021)

  6. 🧪 Adenoviral CD200R-Ig Enhances Antitumor Immunity via M2 Macrophage Inhibition – Molecular Therapy

  7. 🌫 Air Pollutant-induced Neutrophils Worsen Airway Inflammation – JACI (2021)

  8. 🦠 NCR+ILC3s and the Microbiome in Asthma Severity – Immune Network (2021)

  9. 📖 Advances in Personalized Therapy for AML by Targeting Intracellular Checkpoints – eBook Chapter (2021)

  10. 🧵 Siglec-F Neutrophils Drive Fibrosis in Renal Disease – JCI (2022)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Yong-Soo Bae is an exceptional and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions over four decades span foundational research, translational innovation, academic leadership, and scientific diplomacy. The depth of his scientific output, particularly in immunology, epigenetics, and vaccine development, is matched by his long-term commitment to mentoring, editorial work, and building research institutions in Korea.While enhancing his global recognition and expanding international collaborative outputs could further elevate his status, Dr. Bae’s consistent high-impact contributions, research leadership, and policy involvement clearly position him as a top-tier researcher in the life sciences.

Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fani Pantouli | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fani Pantouli, Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, United States

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a passionate and results-driven research scientist with deep expertise in neuroscience, pharmacology, immunology, and oncology. A USA permanent resident, she currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center. Her work bridges cutting-edge vaccine development and cancer therapeutics, contributing significantly to preclinical and translational research. Dr. Pantouli’s scientific approach blends in vivo and in vitro techniques to uncover therapeutic pathways, particularly in head and neck cancer and viral immunology. Her interdisciplinary knowledge is reflected in a growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications addressing pressing biomedical challenges, from COVID-19 immunity to neuropsychiatric disorders. She is known for her innovative methodologies, collaborative mindset, and unwavering dedication to advancing human health. Dr. Pantouli’s work is making a meaningful impact on personalized medicine and translational therapeutics, positioning her as a rising leader in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Multidisciplinary Expertise
    Dr. Pantouli integrates neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and oncology into her research, making her contributions uniquely cross-disciplinary and impactful.

  2. High-Impact Research in Vaccine Development
    Her postdoctoral work on COVID-19 and respiratory viruses, particularly her development of T-cell profiling and viral neutralization assays, directly informs global efforts in personalized vaccine design.

  3. Innovative Cancer Models
    She developed a novel in vivo murine model for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, advancing drug screening for p53-related targets. This is vital in understanding and treating cancers with p53 mutations.

  4. Robust Publication Record
    Dr. Pantouli has authored or co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (e.g., Vaccines, Neuropsychopharmacology), with several under review in top-tier outlets like Science and Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

  5. Focus on Health Equity
    Her research into ethnic differences in immune response underscores a strong commitment to inclusive and equitable healthcare.

  6. Experience in Preclinical & Translational Research
    Her hands-on experience building disease models and testing therapeutic strategies bridges basic science and clinical application—core to translational medicine.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Independent Research Leadership
    While she has made significant contributions as a postdoctoral fellow, moving toward independent investigator roles (e.g., PI on grants) would strengthen her candidacy.

  2. Visibility and Recognition
    Increased presence in international symposia, keynote talks, or award recognitions would help boost her visibility within the scientific community.

  3. Mentorship and Community Involvement
    Involvement in mentoring junior researchers or leading educational outreach initiatives could further showcase her leadership potential.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Pantouli holds a Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology from the University of Surrey and St. George’s University of London, awarded between 2014 and 2017. Her doctoral studies explored neural mechanisms underpinning pharmacological and behavioral outcomes, laying a solid foundation for her current work in translational medicine. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed an MSc in Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Bristol in 2011, where she specialized in neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Bedfordshire in 2010, where she earned a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science. Dr. Pantouli’s academic trajectory reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and a focus on brain and immune system interactions. Her education combines rigorous training in molecular biology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, empowering her to address complex biomedical questions with a systems-level perspective.

🧪 Experience:

Dr. Pantouli is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in Vaccine Development Research at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center (June 2023 – Present), where she investigates T cell immune responses and develops viral neutralization assays for respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Cancer Research Lab at the same institute (January 2022 – June 2023), where she created innovative murine models of head and neck cancer to evaluate therapeutic efficacy targeting mutant p53. Her research integrates advanced in vivo systems and immune profiling to enhance drug discovery and vaccine evaluation. With a decade-long track record across academia and clinical research centers, Dr. Pantouli has developed robust platforms for translational research, immunotherapeutics, and precision medicine. Her skills span experimental design, animal modeling, immunoassays, and bioanalysis, equipping her to tackle critical gaps in infectious disease and oncology treatment strategies.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Pantouli’s research is centered on translational medicine, focusing on vaccine development, immunotherapy, and molecular pharmacology. Her current projects address immune modulation in viral infections, especially COVID-19, and the development of preclinical assays for vaccine and drug evaluation. She also leads research in oncology, particularly targeting p53 mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using in vivo models. Her earlier academic work examined the neural and behavioral effects of neuropeptides and receptor modulators in models of autism and Fragile X Syndrome, showing a consistent interest in neuroimmune interactions. She employs a multidisciplinary approach—blending pharmacological, molecular, and immunological tools—to explore how targeted therapies can be optimized for diverse populations. Her work is vital for advancing personalized medicine, especially for aging populations and ethnically diverse cohorts, where vaccine efficacy and immune response can differ significantly.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧫 Ethnic differences in COVID-19 T cell immunity responses across variants from Wuhan to Omicron – Accepted in Vaccines

  • 🧠 Evaluation of SR-17018 and oxycodone in the conditioned place preference paradigm using peanut butter chip vehicle – In preparation, Neuropharmacology

  • 🧬 Generation of antigen-specific paired heavy-light chain antibody sequences using large language models – Submitted to Science

  • 💉 COVID-19 Vaccination Enhances the Immunogenicity of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly – Vaccines (2025)

  • 🧩 Tilted striatofugal balance and mGluR4 modulation in the Fmr1 mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome – Under review, Journal of Biological Psychiatry

  • 👃 Acute, chronic and conditioned effects of intranasal oxytocin in mu opioid receptor knockout mice: social context matters – Neuropsychopharmacology (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a highly promising and impactful scientist whose research spans some of the most critical health challenges of our time—infectious diseases, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her technical expertise, innovative model development, and deep understanding of immune and neural systems make her an excellent nominee for the Best Researcher Award.