Divya Sharma | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Divya Sharma | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Amity University, Punjab | India

Dr. Divya Sharma is an accomplished researcher and academic in Computer Science and Engineering, specializing in information security, cyber vulnerabilities, and electronic medical image protection. She completed her B.Tech. in CSE from Shaheed Udham Singh College of Engineering & Technology, Mohali, followed by an M.Tech. in CSE from Rayat & Bahra Institute of Engineering & Biotechnology, Kharar, and earned her Ph.D. from Chitkara University in 2025 with a CGPA of 9.15. Over her career, she has contributed significantly to the field of cybersecurity, publishing research on electronic medical image security and hybrid edge-based steganography with three-layered cryptography, presented at conferences including ICOECA-2024, CUDC-2023, and ADSSS-2023. She has actively engaged in faculty development, attending programs on cyber vulnerabilities, emerging engineering trends, and ICT-based classroom communication. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Information Technology at Panjab University SSG Regional Center, Hoshiarpur. Dr. Sharma’s work has been recognized for its impact, with multiple papers cited in peer-reviewed venues, reflecting her growing scholarly influence. She has also participated in numerous short-term courses and industry training programs, enhancing her expertise in relational databases, VB.NET, and applied data science, contributing to both teaching excellence and research innovation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications:

Sharma, D. (2024, April 18–19). Electronic medical images security and privacy techniques. In 4th International Conference on Expert Clouds and Applications (ICOECA-2024), RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India.

Sharma, D. (2024). Hybrid security of EMI using edge-based steganography and three-layered cryptography. In Applied Data Science and Smart Systems (pp. 278–290). CRC Press.

Sharma, D., & Prabha, C. (2023, May 5–6). Security and privacy aspects of electronic health records: A review. In 2023 International Conference on Advancement in Computation & Computer Technologies (ICACCT). IEEE.

Sharma, D., & Kawatra, R. (2022, July 29–30). Security techniques implementation on big data using steganography and cryptography. In ICT Analysis and Applications (pp. 279–302). Springer Nature Singapore.

Sharma, D. (2015, Sept 4–5). Implementing chi-square method and even mirroring for cryptography of speech signal using MATLAB. In 1st International Conference on Next Generation Computing Technologies (NGCT-2015) (pp. 394–397). IEEE.

Sharma, D. (2015, Dec 21–22). Steganography of speech signal into an image. In 2nd International Conference on Recent Advances in Engineering and Computational Sciences (RAECS-2015) (pp. 1–4). IEEE.

Ranran Li | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ranran Li | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Researcher Award

Ranran Li , Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , China

Dr. Ranran Li is an associate researcher at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China. She earned her Ph.D. from the University Medical Center of Groningen, Netherlands, in 2015, before returning to Shanghai to focus on critical care medicine. Her research centers on sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Over the years, Dr. Li’s work has provided valuable insights into the role of metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications in regulating endothelial inflammation and coagulation during sepsis. She has published extensively in reputable journals and holds several patents. Her recent findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis and related complications, including endothelial dysfunction and organ injury.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Ranran Li is a distinguished researcher with notable expertise in the mechanisms of sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction. Her work in identifying the role of metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications in sepsis has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of vascular inflammation and coagulation during critical illness. Her research has led to several high-impact publications and patents, showcasing her contributions to the field. Furthermore, Dr. Li’s interdisciplinary approach, combining metabolic biology, cell signaling, and translational medicine, has provided valuable therapeutic targets for the treatment of sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. Her collaborations with international experts enhance her work’s impact and broaden the scope of her research.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Li’s research has been extensive and groundbreaking, future improvements could include increased collaborations with industry partners to accelerate the translation of her findings into clinical therapies. Expanding her professional network through international collaborations in other areas of critical care medicine could also provide new perspectives and avenues for innovation. Additionally, engaging in larger-scale clinical studies might help further validate her findings in human models.

Education

Dr. Ranran Li obtained her Ph.D. in Medical Sciences from the University Medical Center of Groningen, Netherlands, from 2011 to 2015. During her doctoral studies, she focused on the molecular mechanisms of sepsis and its impact on vascular endothelial dysfunction. Her Ph.D. research laid the foundation for her ongoing investigations into the pathophysiology of sepsis and endothelial injury. Following her Ph.D., she joined Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in 2016 as an associate researcher in the Department of Critical Care Medicine. Here, Dr. Li furthered her research into sepsis, vascular inflammation, and metabolic disorders. She has developed an expertise in endothelial dysfunction and coagulation, specifically in the context of sepsis-induced organ injuries. Dr. Li’s comprehensive academic training, both in Europe and China, has significantly contributed to her innovative research work and international collaborations.

Experience:

Dr. Ranran Li has been serving as an associate researcher at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, since 2016. Prior to this, she earned her Ph.D. from the University Medical Center of Groningen in the Netherlands, where she focused on sepsis and endothelial dysfunction. In her current position, Dr. Li has worked extensively on understanding the mechanisms underlying sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction, with a particular focus on metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications. Her work has provided critical insights into the role of fatty acid metabolism, insulin resistance, and histone modifications in regulating endothelial inflammation and coagulation activation in sepsis. Dr. Li’s research has led to multiple publications in high-impact journals and the filing of patents for innovative therapeutic approaches. She collaborates with leading researchers in the Netherlands and has contributed significantly to the understanding of vascular injury and its therapeutic targets in sepsis.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ranran Li’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of sepsis-associated endothelial dysfunction, with a particular emphasis on metabolic disorders and post-translational modifications. She has been exploring how fatty acid metabolism, glucose-lipid metabolism, and protein acetylation influence endothelial cells during sepsis, leading to organ injury. Her research has highlighted the role of metabolic shifts, including the activation of pathways like AMPK/PKA, in endothelial inflammation and coagulation activation. Dr. Li has also studied the role of histone modifications, including lactylation, in promoting endothelial ferroptosis and dysfunction during sepsis-induced lung injury. She has been pioneering the exploration of metabolic signaling pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets for managing sepsis-related endothelial damage. Her work aims to identify novel strategies to prevent or mitigate vascular injury in septic patients. Dr. Li’s findings have led to both patents and high-impact publications in critical care and translational medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Shiyuan He et al., Fatty acid synthesis promotes mtDNA release via ETS1-mediated oligomerization of VDAC1 facilitating endothelial dysfunction in sepsis-induced lung injury 🧬🫁 Cell Death and Differentiation, 2025
  2. Ranran Li et al., ATP-citrate lyase controls endothelial gluco-lipogenic metabolism and vascular inflammation in sepsis-associated organ injury 💉🧪 Cell Death and Disease, 2023
  3. Jie Liu et al., Designed microchannel-based lipid nanoparticles encapsulated siRNA targeting gasdermin D for sepsis management via pulmonary delivery 🧬💉 Nano Today, 2025
  4. Fangchen Gong et al., H3K14la drives endothelial dysfunction in sepsis-induced ARDS by promoting SLC40A1/transferrin-mediated ferroptosis 🧬🔥 MedComm, 2025
  5. Jiayin Cui et al., Herbal-based Xuebijing injection ameliorated vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting ACLY/MYB/RIG-I axis in sepsis-associated lung injury 🌱💊 Phytomedicine, 2025
  6. Shasha Lu et al., GDF15 ameliorates sepsis-induced lung injury via AMPK-mediated inhibition of glycolysis in alveolar macrophage 💨🧪 Respiratory Research, 2024
  7. Rui Tian et al., Shenfu injection ameliorates endotoxemia-associated endothelial dysfunction and organ injury via inhibiting PI3K/Akt-mediated glycolysis 💉🫀 Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2024
  8. Yupeng Zhao et al., H3K18 lactylation-mediated VCAM1 expression promotes gastric cancer progression and metastasis via AKT-mTOR-CXCL1 axis 🎗️🧬 Biochemical Pharmacology, 2024
  9. Rui Tian et al., Metformin ameliorates endotoxemia-induced endothelial pro-inflammatory responses via AMPK-dependent mediation of HDAC5 and KLF2 💊💉 BBA-Molecular basis of disease, 2019
  10. Lei Pei et al., MSCs-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate sepsis-associated liver dysfunction by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis-mediated inflammatory response 🧬🩸 International Immunopharmacology, 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Ranran Li is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis-related endothelial dysfunction. Her innovative research has not only provided deep insights into the pathophysiology of sepsis but has also uncovered potential therapeutic targets for treating this devastating condition. Her exceptional track record of high-quality publications, patents, and collaborative research, combined with her dedication to advancing critical care medicine, makes her an excellent candidate for this prestigious award.

Qasem Ramadan | Cell-Cell Communication | Best Researcher Award

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 🧬🔬
  2. Hepatic Spheroid-on-a-Chip for Drug Screening 💊🧫
  3. NIR-FRET Imaging of MMP-2 in ALI/ARDS 📸🩺
  4. Emerging Tools Shaping Drug Discovery & Development 🔧💉
  5. Biosensing Platform for Biomarkers in ALI/ARDS 🧪🩸
  6. Innovative Approaches in Drug Discovery 💡💊
  7. Detection of Exosomal miR210 Using Carbon Nanomaterial-Coated Magnetic Beads 🧬⚙️
  8. Immunity-on-a-Chip: Integration of Immune Components 🛡️🔬
  9. Pre-concentration and Detection of Colorectal Cancer Exosomes 🧬🦠
  10. 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.