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:
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:
- An Integrated and Modular Compartmentalized Microfluidic System for Organs-on-a-Chip 🧬🔬
- Hepatic Spheroid-on-a-Chip for Drug Screening 💊🧫
- NIR-FRET Imaging of MMP-2 in ALI/ARDS 📸🩺
- Emerging Tools Shaping Drug Discovery & Development 🔧💉
- Biosensing Platform for Biomarkers in ALI/ARDS 🧪🩸
- Innovative Approaches in Drug Discovery 💡💊
- Detection of Exosomal miR210 Using Carbon Nanomaterial-Coated Magnetic Beads 🧬⚙️
- Immunity-on-a-Chip: Integration of Immune Components 🛡️🔬
- Pre-concentration and Detection of Colorectal Cancer Exosomes 🧬🦠
- In Vitro Micro-Physiological Immune-Competent Model of the Human Skin 🌱🧪
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.