Qasem Ramadan | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Qasem Ramadan | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Qasem Ramadan , Alfaisal University , Saudi Arabia

Dr. Qasem Ramadan is a distinguished researcher and educator, currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Research at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a strong academic background in biomedical engineering and a passion for advancing alternative technologies in health care, he has significantly contributed to the development of organ-on-a-chip systems. Dr. Ramadan’s work promotes the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in biomedical research, aiming to replace animal testing with advanced microphysiological models. With fluency in Arabic, English, and intermediate proficiency in French, Malay, and Mandarin, he brings a global perspective to his research. He is known for his dedication to mentoring students, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

Dr. Qasem Ramadan is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive expertise in bio-medical engineering, specifically in the development of advanced in vitro models such as organs-on-a-chip. His research contributions are pioneering in areas such as pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and disease modeling. Dr. Ramadan’s dedication to reducing animal testing through the application of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principles reflects his commitment to ethical scientific practices. His leadership in multidisciplinary research, combined with his commitment to mentoring students and fostering academic excellence, has had a profound impact on both academic and industry settings. Dr. Ramadan’s track record of high-impact publications, notable patents, and prestigious awards further supports his suitability for the award.

Areas for Improvement

While Dr. Ramadan’s accomplishments are commendable, there is room for enhancing the global visibility of his work. Engaging more actively in high-visibility international conferences and collaborations could further amplify the reach of his research. Expanding cross-disciplinary partnerships could also unlock new applications in biotechnology and healthcare, promoting more impactful translational research.

Education:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan holds a Ph.D. in Bio-Medical Microsystems from Nanyang Technological University (2006), Singapore. His doctoral research focused on the development of magnetic micro-devices for the separation and manipulation of biological components, which forms the foundation for his ongoing work in microfluidics and biomedical technology. He also earned an MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Science in Malaysia in 1999, further enhancing his expertise in the application of physics to medicine. Dr. Ramadan completed his undergraduate studies in Physics at Yarmouk University, Jordan, in 1991. His multidisciplinary educational background has enabled him to bridge the gap between physics, engineering, and medicine, contributing to significant advancements in biomedical research, particularly in organ-on-a-chip technology and biosensors.

Experience:

Dr. Ramadan’s academic career spans over two decades, with extensive experience in both research and education. Currently an Assistant Professor of Research at Alfaisal University, he leads innovative projects in biomedical engineering, particularly focusing on microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems. Prior to this, he has worked on numerous groundbreaking projects in biomedical devices and systems, especially in the areas of biosensors, organ-on-a-chip technology, and magnetic bead-based applications. He has collaborated with a variety of international institutions, including Nanyang Technological University, where he completed his Ph.D. His experience in academia is complemented by his leadership in mentoring students and researchers, as well as his involvement in various international committees. Through his research and leadership, Dr. Ramadan has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing biomedical technologies and improving healthcare applications, particularly in drug development, disease modeling, and toxicology.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan has been recognized for his contributions to the field of biomedical engineering through numerous prestigious awards. He received the Alfaisal University Faculty Award for Research Excellence in 2024, underscoring his impact on the research community. In 2023, he was honored with the Outstanding Reviewer Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for his work in the Journal of Lab-on-a-Chip. His early career was marked by the 1st Prize Research Award for his first-author publication at the Institute of Microelectronics, Singapore, in 2006. These awards reflect his exceptional contributions to advancing microfluidics and biomedical devices. Dr. Ramadan’s recognition also extends to his editorial work, with significant contributions to high-impact journals in the field. These honors highlight his continuous dedication to advancing biomedical research and his efforts to inspire innovation in both academic and industrial contexts.

Research Focus:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan’s research focuses on developing cutting-edge in vitro micro-physiological models for human organs, specifically organ-on-a-chip technology. His research interests include in vitro disease modeling, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and the development of biosensors and medical devices. One of his key projects involves creating a micro-physiological model to explore the role of immune-metabolic interactions in insulin resistance and Type II diabetes. He is also pioneering advancements in creating immune-competent models of human skin to study chemical and skin sensitizers and their impact on immune activation. Dr. Ramadan’s work spans several areas, including magnetic bead-based applications, microfluidics, and the development of 3D bioprinting techniques for regenerative medicine. His research aims to replace animal testing with alternative technologies, promoting the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). His work has significant implications for advancing drug discovery, personalized medicine, and disease modeling.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. An Integrated and Modular Compartmentalized Microfluidic System for Organs-on-a-Chip πŸ§¬πŸ”¬
  2. Hepatic Spheroid-on-a-Chip for Drug Screening πŸ’ŠπŸ§«
  3. NIR-FRET Imaging of MMP-2 in ALI/ARDS πŸ“ΈπŸ©Ί
  4. Emerging Tools Shaping Drug Discovery & Development πŸ”§πŸ’‰
  5. Biosensing Platform for Biomarkers in ALI/ARDS πŸ§ͺ🩸
  6. Innovative Approaches in Drug Discovery πŸ’‘πŸ’Š
  7. Detection of Exosomal miR210 Using Carbon Nanomaterial-Coated Magnetic Beads πŸ§¬βš™οΈ
  8. Immunity-on-a-Chip: Integration of Immune Components πŸ›‘οΈπŸ”¬
  9. Pre-concentration and Detection of Colorectal Cancer Exosomes 🧬🦠
  10. In Vitro Micro-Physiological Immune-Competent Model of the Human Skin 🌱πŸ§ͺ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Qasem Ramadan’s extensive research in bio-medical microsystems, particularly his contributions to organ-on-a-chip technologies, his leadership in promoting ethical research alternatives, and his impressive academic and professional accomplishments make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to shape the future of biomedical research and healthcare technologies, and his dedication to advancing alternative methods in drug discovery and disease modeling is both innovative and invaluable.

Ting LI | Cellular Microenvironment Interactions | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ting LI | Cellular Microenvironment Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. prof. Dr. Ting Li , College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University , China

Dr. Ting Li is a Vice Dean, Associate Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at the College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, China. She earned her Ph.D. from Hong Kong Baptist University in 2017, fully supported by a scholarship. Over the past 5 years, she has focused on dietary nutrition and gut health, contributing significantly to these fields. Dr. Li has authored over 40 SCI papers, including a high-impact publication in Cell Metabolism. Her academic achievements also include publishing an academic monograph and leading 14 research projects, with eight at provincial or national levels. She has been awarded the Shaanxi Youth Science Star and participated in projects receiving the Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Award. As a researcher, she has made notable strides in uncovering novel mechanisms in nutrition and gut microbiome interactions.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Exceptional Research Contributions:
    Dr. Ting Li has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of food nutrition and gut microbiota. Notably, her research on stachyose’s novel function in regulating exosomal miRNAs in the gut has been published in top-tier journals such as Cell Metabolism. This is a highly innovative finding, challenging previous assumptions about oligosaccharides and opening new avenues in gut health research.
  2. Impressive Publication Record:
    With over 40 peer-reviewed publications in SCI journals, Dr. Li demonstrates not only a consistent output of high-quality research but also a strong ability to address pressing scientific questions related to diet, gut microbiota, and metabolic disorders. Her work is widely recognized in the academic community, as evidenced by the significant citations of her papers.
  3. Leadership in Research:
    Dr. Li is leading 14 research projects, many of which are provincial or national in scope. She has also been recognized with prestigious honors like the Shaanxi Youth Science Star award, showcasing her leadership role in advancing scientific knowledge in her field.
  4. Recognition and Impact:
    Her research has direct implications for improving human health, such as her work on dietary interventions for metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. Her contributions are not only academically significant but also have the potential to influence public health policy and industry practices.
  5. International Collaboration and Editorial Role:
    As a young editorial board member of the Journal of Food Science and Technology and efood, Dr. Li is actively involved in shaping the future of food science research. Her collaborations further extend the global impact of her work.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Industry Engagement:
    While Dr. Li has an extensive academic portfolio, expanding her work into direct industry applications (such as consulting, product development, or partnerships with food or health industries) could further enhance the practical impact of her research.
  2. Wider Outreach and Advocacy:
    While Dr. Li’s academic contributions are commendable, increasing her involvement in public engagement, such as in public health education, could raise awareness about the importance of dietary nutrition and gut health. This could involve outreach programs, public talks, or educational campaigns targeting broader audiences.
  3. Building Mentorship Programs:
    As a doctoral supervisor, Dr. Li has the opportunity to expand her mentoring role, guiding more students and early-career researchers, particularly women in science, and creating a more inclusive research environment.\

Education:

Dr. Ting Li’s educational journey began with a scholarship from Hong Kong to pursue a Ph.D. at Hong Kong Baptist University, where she obtained her degree in 2017. This opportunity marked a pivotal point in her academic development, fostering her deep interest in food science and nutrition. Her Ph.D. research focused on the complex relationships between food, gut microbiota, and metabolic health, laying the foundation for her future work. Since completing her doctorate, Dr. Li has joined Shaanxi Normal University, where she has continued her studies in food engineering, specifically within the fields of dietary nutrition and gut health. Her academic success, including publishing more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, reflects her dedication to advancing the understanding of nutrition’s role in promoting health, and her ongoing research focuses on innovative ways to improve gut microbiome health.

Experience:

Dr. Ting Li has extensive experience as an academic and researcher. After earning her Ph.D. in 2017, she joined Shaanxi Normal University, where she quickly established herself as a leader in the fields of food science, nutrition, and gut microbiome research. She is currently a Vice Dean and Associate Professor at the College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, also supervising doctoral students. Dr. Li has led 14 research projects, eight of which are at the provincial or national levels. She has authored over 40 research articles, with notable publications in Cell Metabolism and other high-impact journals. In addition, Dr. Li has published an academic monograph and contributed significantly to understanding dietary influences on gut health. Her work has been recognized with several accolades, including the Shaanxi Youth Science Star award. As a professional member of the Shaanxi Food Science and Technology Society and other nutrition-related organizations, she plays an active role in promoting scientific research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ting Li’s primary research focuses on the relationship between dietary nutrition, gut health, and microbiome dynamics. Specifically, her work explores how various dietary components, including functional oligosaccharides and polyphenols, interact with gut microbiota and influence metabolic health. Dr. Li has uncovered new functions of indigestible stachyose, which alters exosomal miRNA profiles in small intestinal epithelial cells to reshape the gut microbiota. This finding challenges the conventional view of oligosaccharides as simple pass-through agents in the digestive system. Her research also delves into how food-derived nanoparticles, such as exosome-like particles from broccoli and garlic, can alleviate gut-related disorders. Additionally, her work extends into the therapeutic potential of food compounds to treat conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and colitis. Dr. Li’s research offers valuable insights into the nutritional properties of functional foods and their potential for enhancing gut health.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Nondigestible stachyose binds membranous HSP90Ξ² on small intestinal epithelium to regulate the exosomal miRNAs: A new function and mechanism. πŸ§¬πŸ“– (Cell Metabolism, 2024)
  2. Peu-MIR2916-p3-enriched garlic exosomes ameliorate murine colitis by reshaping gut microbiota, especially by boosting the anti-colitic Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. πŸ§„πŸ”¬ (Pharmacological Research, 2024)
  3. Broccoli-derived exosome-like nanoparticles alleviate loperamide induced constipation, in correlation with regulation on gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism. πŸ₯¦πŸ’© (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2023) (Cover)
  4. Roundup-induced gut dysbiosis, irrelevant to aromatic amino acid deficiency, impairs the gut function in rats. 🚜πŸ’₯ (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2024) (Cover)
  5. Extracellular vesicle miRNAs as key mediators in diet-gut microbiome-host interplay. 🧬🌱 (Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2023)
  6. Effects of Fu brick tea polysaccharides on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites of HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetes rats. πŸ΅πŸ’Š (Food & Function, 2023)
  7. Polyphenols and pectin enriched golden kiwifruit alleviates high fructose-induced glucolipid disorders and hepatic oxidative damage in rats. πŸ₯πŸ‡ (Food Science and Human Wellness, 2023)
  8. Heimao tea polysaccharides ameliorate obesity by enhancing gut microbiota-dependent adipocytes thermogenesis in mice fed with high fat diet. πŸƒπŸ”₯ (Food & Function, 2022)
  9. Protective effect of coriander on high-fructose and high-salt diet-induced hypertension: relevant to improvement of renal and intestinal function. 🌿πŸ’ͺ (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2022)
  10. Luteolin binds Src, promotes STAT3 protein ubiquitination and exerts anti-melanoma effects in cell and mouse models. 🍊🦠 (Biochemical Pharmacology, 2022)

Conclusion:

Dr. Ting Li is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her outstanding contributions to food science and nutrition, combined with her leadership in research and publication, make her an exemplary figure in her field. The novelty and potential impact of her work, particularly in understanding the role of dietary components on gut health and microbiota, distinguish her as an innovator. Her academic success and recognition underscore her role as a rising star in the global scientific community, and the award would further empower her to continue her impactful research.