Afolake Arowolo | Functional Genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Afolake Arowolo | Functional Genomics | Best Researcher Award

South African Medical Council and University of Cape Town | South Africa

Dr. Afolake Temitope Arowolo is a C2 NRF-rated Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council and Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town, with more than a decade of experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and functional genomics. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry from Rhodes University, and earlier degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University. Her research has spanned teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, honours and postgraduate levels, delivering courses in molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, enzyme and protein characterisation, as well as quality control and molecular techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 screening, PCR / qPCR, cloning, and electrophoresis. She has published over 20 peer-reviewed research articles, including a filed patent on novel inhibitors of human 5-alpha reductase for androgenetic alopecia, and has secured various international and local grants and fellowships. Her work has been cited in the scientific literature many times, reflecting a solid h-index (approximately mid- to high-teens) and citations in excess of one hundred. She is active in editorial and peer review duties, mentors, especially for scholars from under-represented backgrounds, and her current research interest is identifying novel therapeutic agents for diseases such as diabetes cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and fibrosing skin and hair disorders, applying functional genomics, nanobiotechnology, molecular biology and enzymology.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Tambwe, N., Sinkala, M., Oluwole, O., Khumalo, N., & Arowolo, A. (2025). An integrative genotyping and gene expression profiling of the mutated human FAM111B gene and fibrosis-associated pathway in the POIKTMP syndrome. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. (Article in Press).

Oluwole, O. G., Arowolo, A., Musa, E., Levitt, N., & Matjila, M. (2025). The identification of a novel missense variant in the ChAT gene in a patient with gestational diabetes denotes a plausible genetic association. Open Medicine, 20(1), 1225.

Johnson, R., Shabalala, S., Mabasa, L., Kotzé-Hörstmann, L., Sangweni, N., Ramharack, P., Sharma, J., Pheiffer, C., Arowolo, A., & Sadie-Van Gijsen, H. (2025). Integrated profiling of adiponectin and cytokine signaling pathways in high-fat diet-induced MASLD reveals early markers of disease progression. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1–5.

Naicker, D., Rhoda, C., Sunda, F., & Arowolo, A. (2024). Unravelling the intricate roles of FAM111A and FAM111B: From protease-mediated cellular processes to disease implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(5), 2845.

Ntshingila, S., Oputu, O., Arowolo, A. T., & Khumalo, N. P. (2023). Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International, 13, 150–158.

Musa, E., Salazar-Petres, E., Arowolo, A., Levitt, N., Matjila, M., & Sferruzzi-Perri, A. N. (2023). Obesity and gestational diabetes independently and collectively induce specific effects on placental structure, inflammation and endocrine function in a cohort of South African women. The Journal of Physiology, 601(7), 1287–1306.

Afef Najjari | Bioinformatics | Women Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Afef Najjari | Bioinformatics | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Afef Najjari | Faculty of sciences of Tunisia/University of Tunis el Manar | Tunisia

Dr. Afef Najjari is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. Her academic journey is marked by deep engagement in microbial genomics, with a particular focus on extremophilic microorganisms from the Tunisian desert. Dr. Najjari has authored over 17 peer-reviewed research papers and 2 book chapters, collaborating on international projects that explore genomics, environmental microbiology, and bioremediation. She has taught bioinformatics and genomics at institutions like ISBST and has mentored numerous master’s and PhD students. Her work contributes to understanding microbial diversity and biotechnological applications, particularly in arid ecosystems. With active involvement in teaching, supervision, and research, Dr. Najjari is a role model for young women entering STEM fields in Tunisia and beyond.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Najjari holds advanced degrees in Biological Sciences and Bioinformatics, culminating in a Ph.D. focused on microbial genomics and environmental microbiology. Her academic foundation combines traditional biology with computational and data-driven sciences. Though specific degree names or institutions aren’t listed, her roles in research and teaching suggest completion of doctoral training in a relevant biological discipline, followed by postdoctoral experience or academic training in genomics. Her integration into faculty positions at institutions such as the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis and ISBST further implies strong academic credentials, likely earned through nationally or internationally accredited programs. She effectively blends her biological background with technical bioinformatics applications, enabling interdisciplinary teaching and research.

Experience:

Dr. Najjari has over a decade of experience in academia, research, and mentorship. Since 2014, she has taught Genomics and Bioinformatics at ISBST and currently at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. She has supervised 11 graduate students across master’s and PhD levels. Her research centers on microbial genomics, metataxonomics, pan-genomics, and bioremediation, particularly in extreme environments like saline and geothermal oases. As an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering, she skillfully integrates molecular biology with computational science. Beyond publishing in leading journals, she engages in collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects. Her dual role as educator and researcher allows her to train future bioinformaticians while advancing knowledge in microbial adaptation, iron uptake, and heavy metal remediation.

Research Focus:

Dr. Najjari’s research explores the genomic and functional diversity of extremophiles, focusing on halophilic archaea and bacteria from desert and saline ecosystems in Tunisia. She applies bioinformatics pipelines to understand microbial adaptation to harsh conditions, including iron uptake, oil degradation, and biopolymer production. Her projects use pan-genome analysis, 16S rRNA metataxonomics, and functional genomics to identify microbial traits valuable in bioremediation, such as flocculation of heavy metals and pesticides. Her work advances the understanding of environmental microbiomes and their industrial and ecological potential. Recently, she has extended her research to include the gut microbiome of honeybees and livestock genomics, contributing to biodiversity preservation. Her focus is timely and relevant, addressing global environmental challenges with sustainable biotechnological solutions.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Genome and pan-genome analysis of Psychrobacillus sp. – Front. Microbiol.,

  2. Physiological and genomic insights into halophilic archaeon Natrinema altunense – Genetica,

  3. 16S rRNA phylogenetic diversity of archaeal communities in Saharan halite salts – Biology (Basel),

  4. Metataxonomics of Tunisian phosphogypsum using five bioinformatics pipelines – Genomics,

  5. Flocculating heteropolysaccharide–protein from haloarchaea for heavy metals removal – Environmental Technology,

  6. Genome analysis of Halomonas desertis G11 for oil degradation and biosurfactant production – Genomes,

  7. Pseudomonas rhizophila S211 for pesticide bioremediation and plant growth – Front. Microbiol.,

  8. Microbiota of whitefly Bemisia tabaci via 16S rDNA sequencing – Microbiology Research,

  9. Genome-wide selection scans in fat- vs. thin-tailed North African sheep – Animal Genetics,

  10.  Metataxonomic analysis of halophiles in geothermal oases of southern Tunisia – FEMS Microbiol. Lett.,

Conclusion:

Dr. Afef Najjari is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her innovative research in bioinformatics and microbial genomics, particularly in extreme and underexplored ecosystems of Tunisia, not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses pressing environmental challenges. Her dedicated teaching and supervision record, combined with her technical expertise, exemplify academic excellence and leadership. While expanding her engagement in women-focused STEM initiatives and international research programs could further amplify her impact, her existing contributions already position her as a key figure in North African science. Recognizing Dr. Najjari with this award would celebrate her scientific achievements and inspire broader participation of women in high-impact research fields.

Irena Roterman | Protein structure | Best Researcher Award

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Irena Roterman | Protein structure | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Irena Roterman , Jagiellonian University – Medical College , Poland

Irena Roterman-Konieczna is a distinguished biochemist specializing in bioinformatics and protein structure. With a PhD in biochemistry from the Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy Krakow, she has held significant academic positions, including Professor of Medical Sciences at Jagiellonian University. Irena is recognized for her innovative contributions, particularly the fuzzy oil drop model, which emphasizes environmental influence on protein folding. She has published extensively, contributing to the understanding of protein dynamics and interactions. As a committed educator, she has guided numerous PhD students and served as the Chief Editor for the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems. Her work continues to impact the fields of protein folding, membrane proteins, and systems biology.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s extensive academic background and innovative contributions to the field of bioinformatics and protein structure make her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering work on the fuzzy oil drop model has provided critical insights into the environmental influences on protein folding. With a prolific publication record of 149 articles, she has consistently advanced the understanding of protein dynamics, particularly in membrane proteins and chaperonins. Additionally, her role as Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems demonstrates her leadership in the scientific community. Her commitment to mentoring future researchers is evident through her advisory work with 15 PhD students, ensuring the continued growth of the field.

Areas for Improvement

While Irena’s contributions to theoretical models are significant, there may be opportunities to further integrate experimental validation into her research. Collaborating with experimentalists could enhance the practical applications of her models, particularly in understanding real-world protein behavior. Additionally, increasing outreach to interdisciplinary fields could broaden the impact of her research on medicine and biotechnology.

Education

Irena Roterman-Konieczna completed her basic education in theoretical chemistry at Jagiellonian University in 1974. She earned her PhD in biochemistry in 1984, focusing on the structure of the recombinant IgG hinge region at the Nicolaus Copernicus Medical Academy in Krakow. Following her doctoral studies, Irena undertook postdoctoral research at Cornell University from 1987 to 1989 in Harold A. Scheraga’s group, where she analyzed force fields in molecular modeling programs like Amber and Charmm. In 1994, she achieved habilitation in biochemistry at Jagiellonian University’s Faculty of Biotechnology and later attained the title of Professor of Medical Sciences in 2004. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive research and contributions to the field of biochemistry and bioinformatics.

Experience

Irena Roterman-Konieczna has a robust academic and research background spanning several decades. She has held key academic positions at Jagiellonian University, where she is currently a Professor of Medical Sciences. Irena’s postdoctoral research at Cornell University deepened her expertise in molecular modeling and protein interactions. Throughout her career, she has authored numerous publications and books, significantly advancing the understanding of protein folding and structure. As Chief Editor of the journal Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems from 2005 to 2020, she played a vital role in disseminating research in the field. Additionally, she has supervised 15 PhD students, fostering the next generation of researchers. Irena’s collaborative efforts and advisory roles in various projects highlight her commitment to scientific advancement and education in biochemistry and bioinformatics.

Research Focus

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s research centers on bioinformatics, particularly in understanding protein structure and dynamics. Her innovative fuzzy oil drop model explores the role of environmental factors in protein folding, proposing that external force fields influence hydrophobic core formation and overall structure. Irena investigates the effects of membrane environments on protein behavior, examining how hydrophobic factors can alter folding dynamics. Her work also delves into chaperonins and their role in facilitating proper protein folding under varying conditions. Additionally, she explores domain-swapping structures and their implications for complex formation in proteins. Irena’s research emphasizes the necessity of simulating external force fields in computational protein folding, integrating both internal and external interactions. Her contributions to systems biology and the development of quantitative models for protein behavior continue to advance the field, making significant impacts in both theoretical and practical applications.

Publications Top Notes

  • Chameleon Sequences─Structural Effects in Proteins Characterized by Hydrophobicity Disorder 🌊
  • Transmembrane proteins—Different anchoring systems ⚓
  • External Force Field for Protein Folding in Chaperonins─Potential Application in In Silico Protein Folding 💻
  • Structural features of Prussian Blue-related iron complex FeT of activity to peroxidate unsaturated fatty acids 🔬
  • Domain swapping: a mathematical model for quantitative assessment of structural effects 📊
  • Editorial: Structure and function of trans-membrane proteins 🧬
  • Model of the external force field for the protein folding process—the role of prefoldin 🌐
  • Role of environmental specificity in CASP results 📈
  • Ab initio protein structure prediction: the necessary presence of external force field as it is delivered by Hsp40 chaperone 🔍
  • Secondary structure in polymorphic forms of alpha-synuclein amyloids 🧪

Conclusion

Irena Roterman-Konieczna’s innovative research, leadership in academia, and dedication to mentorship position her as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in bioinformatics not only advances scientific understanding but also lays the groundwork for future discoveries in protein dynamics and interactions. Recognizing her contributions would not only honor her achievements but also inspire ongoing research in the field.