Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Hellenic Pasteur Institute| Greece

Drosos Kourounis is a seasoned biomedical scientist based at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, his career has spanned from research on parasitic protozoa to developing air purification technologies for public health. His journey began with a BSc and MSc in Biology from the University of Athens, focusing on Leishmania molecular mechanisms. He progressively transitioned into applied research and pharmaceutical quality control, currently serving as the QA/QC Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. Alongside his scientific duties, he has actively participated in several national seminars and certifications in ISO standards and laboratory quality systems. His contributions to publications, including work on UV-C air disinfection and pathogen bioaerosols, show his commitment to translational science and public health safety. Kourounis’s multidisciplinary skills, research impact, and quality-driven mindset make him a standout figure in the field of biomedical research.

Publication Profile:

Ocrid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Diverse Research Portfolio: Dr. Kourounis combines basic molecular biology research (e.g., Leishmania donovani protein characterization) with applied public health innovations, such as UVC air filtration devices.

  2. Peer-Reviewed Publications: Multiple first- and co-author publications in reputable journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Clinical Research and Reviews highlight his consistent research productivity.

  3. Quality & Regulatory Expertise: His role as QA/QC Manager and extensive ISO training show strong competence in scientific quality assurance, a rare but highly valuable skill in biomedical research.

  4. Public Health Impact: His work on airborne microbial bioaerosols reduction is highly relevant to healthcare, particularly in post-pandemic times.

  5. Academic Excellence: Achieved a 10/10 thesis grade for MSc research and has shown continued academic engagement and scientific rigor.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More International Collaborations: While his current network is strong locally, expanding his collaborations globally would increase visibility and cross-disciplinary impact.

  2. Greater Research Specialization: A more narrowly defined focus could strengthen academic identity and make his profile stand out further among specialized researchers.

  3. Funding and Grants: No mention of securing independent grants or fellowships, which are key indicators of research independence and innovation leadership.

🎓 Education:

Drosos Kourounis holds both a Bachelor of Science (2013) and Master of Science (2017) in Biology from the University of Athens, Greece. His MSc focused on molecular parasitology, specifically the cloning and characterization of a secreted nexin-like protein from Leishmania donovani, which earned him a perfect thesis score (10/10). Complementing his formal education, Kourounis has pursued multiple professional certifications in laboratory quality systems, including ISO 17025 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation seminars, conducted by institutions like TUV HELLAS and HellasLab. In 2021, he also completed certified training in laboratory animal science at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, showing his commitment to ethical and regulatory compliance in biomedical research. His training portfolio demonstrates a keen interest in continuous education and the application of scientific standards in both academic and industrial environments. His educational journey reflects a balance between foundational science and regulatory excellence.

💼 Experience:

Drosos Kourounis has over 7 years of cumulative experience in biomedical research and quality control. He is currently the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute (since January 2023), where he oversees pharmaceutical QC processes. Previously, he served as Senior QC Analyst (2022) and QC Analyst (2019–2021) at the same institution. His earlier roles include Scientific Collaborator at MEGALAB S.A. and Research Assistant at the Intracellular Parasitism group in the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. During his research tenure, he contributed to molecular studies on Leishmania donovani and the development of innovative air disinfection systems. He is recognized for his dual role as a scientist and regulatory professional, combining rigorous lab work with compliance to ISO standards. His professional trajectory showcases a steady progression toward leadership in quality control, along with consistent scientific contributions to public health and infectious disease research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Drosos Kourounis’s research lies at the intersection of molecular parasitology, bioaerosol control, and public health technology. His academic work began with the cloning and analysis of Leishmania donovani proteins, contributing to the understanding of host-parasite interactions. Transitioning from pure biology, his focus expanded to the development of innovative air disinfection technologies, including UV-C integrated filtration systems aimed at mitigating microbial exposure in clinical and public environments. This shift highlights a commitment to translational research that addresses real-world problems, such as hospital-acquired infections and airborne pathogen control. His contributions are evident in publications across molecular sciences and applied electromagnetics. Moreover, he incorporates quality assurance principles into his scientific work, ensuring research reproducibility and compliance with international standards.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  • 🧬 Cloning and molecular characterization of the secreted nexin-like protein LdPIBPnex, from the protozoon Leishmania donovani

  • 🌬️ Substantial Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols by Using a Novel Combination of Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology in Areas of Public Interest

  • 🧫 Characterization of the First Secreted Sorting Nexin Identified in the Leishmania Protists

  • 🏥 A Study on the Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols at Indoor Air of Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit by Using Novel Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology

  • 😷 Design and Analysis of a Protecting Breathing Device (VITER) Disinfecting Air with an Integrated UVC Radiation Mechanism

 

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Drosos Kourounis demonstrates exceptional dedication to biomedical research, quality assurance, and innovation in public health safety. His dual focus on molecular parasitology and technological solutions for microbial air control showcases both scientific depth and societal impact. With a growing publication record and leadership role in a premier research institute, he is well-positioned for recognition. Enhancing global visibility and grant acquisition could elevate his profile further. Overall, he is highly suitable and deserving of serious consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

Hadji Djebar | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Paper Award

Prof. Hadji Djebar | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Paper Award

Prof. Hadji Djebar , saida university ,  Algeria

Dr. Djebar Hadji is a professor at Saida University, Algeria, specializing in nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, structural analysis, and theoretical quantum chemistry methods. With a deep passion for material science, his research focuses on the relationship between molecular structure and its photonic and NLO properties. Dr. Hadji has published numerous articles in top-tier scientific journals and is a recognized expert in computational chemistry, particularly within the field of nonlinear optics. His contributions extend to being an editor for BMC Chemistry, Springer, and a referee for several journals in his field. He has demonstrated significant expertise in the theoretical investigation of novel materials, combining both experimental and theoretical approaches. Dr. Hadji is continuously working on advancing the understanding of nonlinear optical properties in various molecular compounds and materials.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Djebar Hadji’s work is well-regarded in the field of Nonlinear Optical (NLO) properties, with a focus on theoretical quantum chemistry and structure-property relationships. His substantial body of work published in high-impact journals like Journal of Molecular Liquids, Journal of Electronic Materials, and Revue Roumaine de Chimie highlights his expertise in the synthesis, characterization, and theoretical study of NLO materials. Dr. Hadji’s research makes a notable contribution to understanding the photonic behavior and NLO properties of various chemical compounds, from organic to inorganic hybrids. His work on N-acyl glycine derivatives and thiosemicarbazides stands out for their novel approaches and interdisciplinary nature. Theoretical methodologies, alongside experimental validations, provide a well-rounded understanding of the materials under study. Furthermore, his continuous engagement as a reviewer and editor adds to his credibility in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Hadji’s research has covered a broad spectrum of NLO materials, there appears to be room to increase the scope of applications and practical validations of these materials in real-world scenarios. A more applied focus, such as exploring their use in specific devices or industry-related innovations, could be beneficial for the impact and commercial potential of his work. Additionally, expanding collaborative efforts with experimentalists in material fabrication could lead to more direct applications and enhance the relevance of the research.

Education:

Dr. Djebar Hadji completed his academic journey with distinction in the field of chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from a renowned Algerian institution, focusing on nonlinear optical properties and theoretical quantum chemistry methods. His academic endeavors have led him to explore various facets of computational chemistry, and he has continued to deepen his knowledge and expertise throughout his career. Dr. Hadji’s education has provided him with a robust foundation in both theoretical and experimental aspects of chemistry, which has fueled his research on understanding the complex relationships between molecular structures and their properties. His postgraduate education was complemented by ongoing professional development, where he has continuously engaged with the global scientific community through collaborations, conferences, and publications. This educational background, combined with years of teaching and research experience, has made Dr. Hadji a respected figure in his field.

Experience:

Dr. Djebar Hadji has extensive experience in academia and research. As a professor at Saida University, Dr. Hadji has mentored numerous students, guiding them through the complexities of chemistry and computational modeling. His teaching covers a wide range of topics, including theoretical quantum chemistry and nonlinear optics. Dr. Hadji is actively involved in collaborative research, having contributed to groundbreaking studies published in reputable journals such as Journal of Molecular Liquids, Journal of Electronic Materials, and Physical Chemistry Research. His research spans the theoretical and computational investigation of nonlinear optical properties, focusing on the structure-property relationships in various chemical compounds. Dr. Hadji also holds editorial roles in prominent journals and reviews papers for several renowned scientific publications. His multifaceted experience, including both theoretical and experimental work, positions him as a highly knowledgeable and influential figure in the field of chemistry, particularly in nonlinear optics and material science.

Research Focus:

Dr. Djebar Hadji’s research primarily focuses on nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, the interaction between molecular structures and photonic characteristics, and the application of theoretical quantum chemistry methods. His work investigates how molecular arrangements and electronic properties influence NLO responses, which has vast applications in areas like telecommunications, photonics, and material science. Dr. Hadji’s research explores novel molecular compounds, particularly those with potential for high-performance NLO behavior. He utilizes quantum chemical methods such as DFT (Density Functional Theory) and TD-DFT (Time-Dependent DFT) to predict and analyze molecular properties. Additionally, Dr. Hadji is dedicated to the synthesis and characterization of new materials, including hybrid inorganic-organic systems and azo derivatives. His goal is to design materials with enhanced NLO properties for various technological applications, focusing on optimizing the relationship between structure and function. This research contributes significantly to the development of advanced materials with improved nonlinear optical responses.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Nonlinear optical and antimicrobial activity of N-acyl glycine derivatives, Journal of Molecular Liquids, 2024 📖🧬
  2. Deeper Insights on the Nonlinear Optical Properties of O-acylated Pyrazoles, Journal of Electronic Materials, 2024 🔬💡
  3. Synthesis And Characterization Of Novel Thiosemicarbazide For Nonlinear Optical Applications: Combined Experimental And Theoretical Study, Revue Roumaine de Chimie, 2024 🔬⚗️
  4. NLO azo compounds with sulfonamide groups: A theoretical investigation, Journal of Indian Chem. Soc., 2023 🧪✨
  5. Synthesis and characterization of novel thiosemicarbazide for nonlinear optical applications, Rev. Roum. Chim., 2023 ⚗️🔍
  6. Efficient NLO Materials Based on Poly(ortho-anisidine) and Polyaniline: A Quantum Chemical Study, Journal of Electronic Materials, 2022 🧬💡
  7. Molecular Structure, Linear, and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Piperazine-1,4-Diium Bis 2,4,6-Trinitrophenolate, Physical Chemistry Research, 2022 ⚗️📚
  8. Theoretical insights into the nonlinear optical properties of cyclotriphosphazene, Journal of Materials Science, 2022 📊🔬
  9. Linear and nonlinear optical properties of anhydride derivatives: A theoretical investigation, December 2021 🧪💡
  10. Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, crystal structure, and linear/NLO properties of a new hybrid compound, Journal of Molecular Structure, 2021 🧪🔍

Conclusion:

Dr. Djebar Hadji’s extensive contribution to the understanding of nonlinear optical properties of various compounds places him as a strong candidate for the Research for Best Paper Award. His solid foundation in both experimental and theoretical aspects of material science and quantum chemistry, as well as his consistent publication record, are commendable. While his work is theoretically rich, adding practical application studies could further enhance his impact and lead to real-world implementation of his discoveries in the field of optics and photonics.