Dalia Saleh | Cancer Cell Biology | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof . Dalia Saleh | Cancer Cell Biology | Innovative Research Award

Prof . Dalia Saleh | National Research Centre | Egypt

Dr. Dalia Osama Abd El Fattah Saleh is a distinguished pharmacologist with over two decades of experience in experimental pharmacology and drug development. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Cairo University and currently serves as a Professor at the National Research Centre in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Saleh has contributed to numerous high-impact scientific journals and has led pioneering work in the areas of metabolic disorders, drug safety, and vascular pharmacology. Her multidisciplinary collaborations and continuous professional development from institutions like King’s College London demonstrate her dedication to excellence in research and education. She is also recognized for her commitment to academic instruction and quality assurance, having served as a Quality Assurance Director. Her work bridges scientific discovery and real-world therapeutic applications, making her a strong candidate for innovation-focused research awards.

publication profile:

scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Academic Background:
    Dr. Saleh holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Cairo University and has a long-standing academic and research career in pharmacology and drug development. Her doctoral and master’s theses reflect a strong foundation in vascular pharmacology, metabolic disorders, and endocrine influence—fields of enduring relevance.

  2. Consistent Research Productivity:
    Her recent publication record (2022–2024) is prolific and impactful, with studies published in high-visibility journals such as Scientific Reports, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Her work covers cutting-edge pharmacological topics, including:

    • AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways,

    • Neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory mechanisms,

    • Herbal and synthetic compounds in disease modulation,

    • Hepatic encephalopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and cystitis models.

  3. Interdisciplinary and Translational Approach:
    Dr. Saleh bridges basic pharmacological research with clinical relevance. Her investigations into molecular pathways (e.g., NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, SIRT-1) are grounded in disease models, thus demonstrating translational potential. Her inclusion of both natural and synthetic agents further adds diversity and innovation to her research.

  4. Capacity Building and International Exposure:
    She has participated in Continuing Professional Development modules at King’s College London, emphasizing drug safety, statistics, and ethics—key areas in modern drug development. This international engagement underscores her commitment to staying updated and aligned with global standards.

  5. Institutional Contribution and Leadership:
    As a Professor and former Quality Assurance Director at the National Research Centre (NRC), she has contributed to institutional excellence, including achieving ISO 9001/2008 certification. These roles reflect her leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Principal Investigator Leadership:
    While her name appears consistently in multi-author studies, further highlighting her role as the principal investigator (PI) or corresponding author could strengthen her case for innovation leadership.

  2. Patents or Product Development:
    There is no mention of patents or direct product development based on her findings. Translating research into tangible therapeutics or clinical trials would significantly elevate her eligibility for innovation-specific awards.

  3. Global Collaborations and Grants:
    Although she has participated in international seminars, active global collaborations or leading major international grants/projects would further establish her as a global innovator.

  4. Public/Industry Impact:
    While the academic impact is strong, showcasing industry partnerships or policy-level influence (e.g., contributions to clinical guidelines or regulatory science) would align more directly with innovation awards that emphasize practical application.

🎓 Education Summary :

Dr. Dalia Saleh completed her higher education at Cairo University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, where she earned her Master of Science in Pharmacology in 2009 and Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology in 2012. Her M.Sc. thesis focused on the vascular and biochemical effects of rosiglitazone in diabetic rats, reflecting early interests in metabolic pharmacology. Her Ph.D. expanded on this foundation by exploring estrogen’s potential role in managing vascular changes related to insulin resistance. Both theses demonstrated robust experimental designs and contributed new insights into the interplay between hormonal and metabolic pathways in disease models. Dr. Saleh has since built on this academic background with advanced training in clinical drug development, safety, and biostatistics at King’s College London in 2023, indicating a continued commitment to integrating modern pharmaceutical science and translational research into her academic portfolio. This rich educational foundation underpins her success as a researcher and educator.

🔬 Research Focus :

Dr. Saleh’s research focuses on experimental pharmacology, with a special interest in metabolic diseases, drug-induced toxicities, inflammation, and vascular pharmacology. Her studies frequently involve animal models to investigate the mechanisms of drug action and to evaluate the protective or therapeutic roles of natural products and synthetic compounds. A recurring theme in her work is exploring the modulation of signaling pathways like AMPK, NF-κB, PI3K/mTOR, and Nrf2 in the context of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular apoptosis. She has also studied the role of hormonal influences in disease models, such as estrogen’s effect on insulin resistance. Her research employs modern analytical techniques and integrates molecular biology with pharmacodynamics to derive mechanistic insights. This strong focus on mechanistic pharmacology enhances her work’s relevance in drug development, particularly for conditions such as diabetic complications, hepatic encephalopathy, nephropathy, and chemotherapy-induced toxicities.

📚 Publications Top Note:

  1. 🧪 Eugenol alleviates acrylamide-induced testicular toxicity via AMPK/pAKT/mTOR modulation – Scientific Reports, 2024

  2. 🧠 Trimetazidine prevents cisplatin neuropathy through AMPK, Nrf2, and NF-κB pathways – Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 2023

  3. 🔬 Novel chromone-thiazolopyrimidines as TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE2 inhibitors – Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, 2023

  4. 🚽 Chrysin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis via anti-inflammatory signaling – Chemico-Biological Interactions, 2023

  5. 🧃 Linagliptin & L-arginine synergy in gastric hyperacidity via EP4 receptor upregulation – Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 2023

  6. 🧠 L-arginine reduces thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy via NF-κB downregulation – Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2023

  7. 🌿 Calotropis procera seed oil shows anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic activity – Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2022

  8. 🛡️ Olmesartan mitigates diabetic nephropathy via AGE/PKC and TLR4/SIRT-1 pathways – European Journal of Pharmacology, 2022

  9. 🍃 Plumbago species show anti-fibrotic effects in liver fibrosis rat models – Scientific Reports, 2022

  10. 🫀 Omega-3 combats doxorubicin-induced liver toxicity via Nrf2/PI3K/Akt signaling – Pending Publication

Conclusion:

Dr. Dalia O. Saleh presents a strong candidacy for the Research for Innovative Research Award, particularly due to her sustained publication record, mechanistic depth in pharmacology, and commitment to professional development and institutional excellence. Her work spans innovative mechanistic explorations and novel therapeutic evaluations, showing real promise in addressing current pharmacological challenges.

Ana Figueiras | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Figueiras | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ana Figueiras , Faculty of Pharmacy/University of Coimbra , Portugal

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, and a researcher at REQUIMTE/LAQV, focusing on Pharmaceutical Technology. She earned her PhD in Pharmaceutics from the University of Coimbra in 2009, specializing in drug delivery systems, particularly for cancer treatments. Throughout her career, Ana has worked on advancing the development of block copolymers and micellar systems for targeted drug delivery. With a strong academic background and international exposure, she has contributed significantly to the fields of pharmaceutics, drug formulation, and pharmaceutical sciences. Ana’s work has been recognized through various publications in top journals, and she is deeply involved in mentoring post-doctoral researchers. Her expertise and leadership in pharmaceutical research continue to influence the development of innovative therapies in the pharmaceutical field.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras is a highly accomplished researcher in pharmaceutical sciences, with extensive contributions to drug delivery systems, particularly focusing on micellar systems and polymeric micelles for cancer therapy. Her interdisciplinary work bridges pharmaceutics, chemistry, and biomedicine, showcasing her ability to innovate within drug delivery mechanisms for complex diseases. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Coimbra and an integrated member of the REQUIMTE/LAQV research group, she brings a wealth of academic and research leadership to her field.

Her innovative contributions have been recognized with various academic awards, including distinctions for oral communications and publications. Additionally, she has made substantial contributions to numerous collaborative research projects, focusing on the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drug delivery systems that target poorly soluble drugs, cancer therapies, and chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Areas for Improvement:

While Figueiras is a leading figure in the scientific community, expanding her outreach to a broader range of international research collaborations could further amplify her impact. Although her work on drug delivery systems has significant potential for clinical applications, there could be further focus on translating her findings from bench to bedside by collaborating with clinical researchers for clinical trials and regulatory studies. A stronger emphasis on commercialization of her research could also be beneficial for broader societal impact.

Education:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras pursued her academic journey in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences, beginning at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She graduated with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2002, followed by a PhD in Pharmaceutics at the same university in 2009. Her doctoral research was focused on enhancing drug solubility and permeability, with a specific focus on cyclodextrins and mucoadhesive polymers for buccal drug delivery. During her PhD, she gained international exposure by collaborating with the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and the University of Innsbruck, Austria. She is also registered as a member of the Ordem dos Farmacêuticos in Portugal since 2003. Ana’s educational foundation, combined with her interdisciplinary collaborations, has provided her with a robust understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and technologies, forming the cornerstone of her impactful career in academia and research.

Experience:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras has been an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, since September 2014, where she is an integrated Ph.D. member in the Pharmaceutical Technology group of REQUIMTE/LAQV. Prior to this, she was an Invited Assistant Professor from 2013 to 2014, working closely with the Center of Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC/UC) and contributing as a collaborator in the Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS/UBI). Her academic roles involve teaching, mentoring students and postdoctoral fellows, and leading research projects on advanced drug delivery systems. She has also been involved in supervising several postdoctoral researchers, focusing on developing and characterizing polymeric micellar systems and controlled delivery systems for drugs like pilocarpine. Throughout her career, Ana has participated in various scientific projects, bringing valuable insights into the design of innovative drug delivery platforms with applications in cancer therapy and other medical conditions.

Awards and Honors:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras has received several accolades for her research excellence and contributions to the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences. In 2004, she was awarded a prestigious PhD fellowship by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), which enabled her to pursue her doctoral studies. In 2011, she received the Best Short Communication Award at the VI Annual CICS Symposium for her work on new therapeutic strategies for siRNA delivery. In 2012, she was honored with the Best Oral Communication Award for her research on Poloxamine-α-cyclodextrin supramolecular gels promoting osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. These awards underscore her commitment to scientific advancement, as she continues to lead innovative research in drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, and cancer therapy. Ana’s dedication to advancing pharmaceutics has also led her to mentor future generations of researchers, further solidifying her reputation as a leading academic in her field.

Research Focus:

Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras focuses her research on developing advanced drug delivery systems, specifically in the context of cancer therapies. Her primary research interest lies in utilizing block copolymers and micellar systems for targeted and controlled drug release. This includes the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs, improving their bioavailability, and creating novel pharmaceutical formulations for effective treatment. Ana is particularly interested in the development of polymeric micelles for the delivery of therapeutic agents, including drugs and genes, to treat various diseases, with a strong emphasis on oncology. Additionally, her research investigates the use of mucoadhesive polymers for drug delivery to mucosal surfaces. With a commitment to improving drug efficacy and reducing side effects, her work aims to enhance patient outcomes through innovative drug formulations. Ana is also involved in several projects that explore natural compounds and their potential for pharmaceutical applications, further contributing to advancements in the drug delivery and pharmaceutical fields.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Unraveling Rosmarinic Acid Anticancer Mechanisms in Oral Cancer Malignant Transformation” 🎗️🦷
  2. “Regulation and Safety of Cosmetics: Pre- and Post-Market Considerations for Adverse Events and Environmental Impacts” 💄⚖️
  3. “The Many Faces of Cyclodextrins within Self-Assembling Polymer Nanovehicles: From Inclusion Complexes to Valuable Structural and Functional Elements” 🔬🧪
  4. “Development and Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded TPGS/F127/P123 Polymeric Micelles as a Potential Therapy for Colorectal Cancer” 🍂⚕️
  5. “Pulmonary Delivery of Bacterial Lysates Mediated by Locust Bean Gum Microparticles” 🌬️🦠
  6. “Non-Toxic Mucoadhesive Locust Bean Gum Microparticles for Delivery of Bacterial Lysates to Prevent Respiratory Diseases” 🌱🫁
  7. “Polymersomes as the Next Attractive Generation of Drug Delivery Systems: Definition, Synthesis and Applications” 🧫💊
  8. “Nanotheranostics: The Afterglow for Cancer Immunotherapy” 💡💉
  9. “Acanthus Mollis Formulations for Transdermal Delivery: From Hydrogels to Emulsions” 🌿💧
  10. “A Review of the Application of Ganoderma Lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. in Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Cancer” 🍄💻

Conclusion:

Ana Figueiras’ expertise in pharmaceutical technology, particularly in the development of polymeric micelles for drug delivery, marks her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She is an exemplary figure in the realm of pharmaceutics with a strong research focus on improving drug therapies for cancer and other severe diseases. Her work continues to advance drug delivery systems, paving the way for future medical breakthroughs. Figueiras demonstrates a strong foundation in academic excellence, research innovation, and collaboration, positioning her as a leader in her field.

Vaibhav Rajoriya | Cancer Cell Biology | Cell Biology Research Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Mr. Vaibhav Rajoriya | Cancer Cell Biology | Cell Biology Research Award

Mr. Vaibhav Rajoriya , Oriental University, Indore , India

Vaibhav Rajoriya is a dedicated and accomplished researcher and pharmacist based in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India. With a strong academic background, he has earned his B.Pharm and M.Pharm from renowned institutions. He is a registered pharmacist with the MP State Pharmacy Council and holds memberships in various professional organizations, including the Association of Pharmacy Professionals. As a passionate researcher, Vaibhav has contributed to numerous studies, particularly focusing on nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and cancer therapies. He has received prestigious fellowships such as ICMR-SRF and CSIR-SRF, contributing significantly to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., Vaibhav’s work continues to push boundaries in pharmaceutical research and development. His drive for excellence is further reflected in his active participation in various national and international conferences and research collaborations.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Diverse and Strong Research Background:
    • Vaibhav Rajoriya has a robust academic and research profile, with an established history of contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the areas of drug delivery, nanotechnology, and cancer therapies.
    • He has authored multiple publications in high-impact journals, such as International Journal of Pharmaceutics and Current Nanomedicine, which demonstrate his expertise in nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and the pharmaceutical applications of lipid nanoparticles and nanogels.
    • His focus on cutting-edge research areas, such as lung cancer targeting with folate-conjugated nanoparticles and novel drug delivery systems using solid lipid nanoparticles, shows a clear alignment with important biological research themes, including targeted therapy and cellular uptake.
  2. Research Achievements and Awards:
    • He has received prestigious recognitions, such as the MPCST Young Scientist Award and Best Poster Awards from institutions like AIIMS, Rishikesh, and IIT-BHU. These accolades reflect the high quality and relevance of his work in the biomedical field.
    • His successful completion of ICMR-SRF and CSIR-SRF fellowships exemplifies his ability to lead significant research projects. Moreover, he has actively contributed to a variety of projects in pharmaceutical science, indicating a deep understanding of the complexities of drug formulations, targeting mechanisms, and therapeutic applications.
  3. Ph.D. Candidacy and Future Potential:
    • Vaibhav Rajoriya is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Oriental University, Indore, demonstrating his commitment to further advancing his research capabilities and contributing to cutting-edge research in cell biology and drug development.
    • His experience and involvement in multi-disciplinary projects, along with his fellowship positions, position him to be a strong contender for advanced research awards, including in the field of cell biology.
  4. Collaborative and Multi-dimensional Approach:
    • His involvement in collaborative research is evident through co-authorship in studies that blend different scientific approaches (nanotechnology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry). Such collaborations show his adaptability and the potential for cross-pollination of ideas between different scientific domains, an important characteristic in cell biology research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Focus on Cell Biology-Specific Research:
    • While Vaibhav’s work in nanomedicine and drug delivery systems has implications for cell biology, the research could benefit from a more explicit focus on cell biology topics such as cell signaling, cell-matrix interactions, or cell morphology, particularly at the molecular level.
    • His research could further explore in vivo and ex vivo models to study the cellular response in the context of drug delivery, providing a direct link to cellular behavior and biological mechanisms.
  2. Publication Expansion in Cell Biology Journals:
    • While his work is widely published in pharmaceutically inclined journals, increasing the number of publications directly in cell biology and molecular biology journals would provide a stronger case for this specific award. It could enhance his visibility and establish his position as a leading researcher in this field.
  3. Broader Approach to Targeted Drug Delivery in Cell Biology:
    • The research could be expanded by investigating multi-targeted delivery systems that engage specific cell types or signaling pathways, thereby providing deeper insights into cellular responses to treatment, as well as optimizing efficacy in various disease models, particularly cancer and genetic disorders.

Education:

Vaibhav Rajoriya’s educational journey is marked by a focus on pharmaceutical sciences and research. He completed his Standard X and XII from Jain Higher Secondary School, Sagar, achieving 69% and 68%, respectively. Vaibhav pursued his B.Pharm from Sagar Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, securing 70.4% and completed his M.Pharm at Adina Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences with an impressive 79.9%. In addition to his pharmaceutical qualifications, Vaibhav obtained a PGDCA (Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications) from Agrabhan Institute of Excellence. His pursuit of knowledge led him to enroll in a Ph.D. program at Oriental University, Indore, in 2022, to further his expertise in pharmaceutical research. Throughout his academic career, he has demonstrated a strong foundation in various fields, including drug delivery systems and nanotechnology, which continues to shape his innovative research.

Experience”

Vaibhav Rajoriya has extensive experience in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, with a career that spans various research positions and projects. He was a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in the DST-SERB-sponsored project from May 2016 to June 2018, followed by a Project Fellow position in the MPCST-sponsored research project from 2014 to 2016. These roles allowed him to gain hands-on experience in scientific research, contributing to the advancement of drug delivery systems and nanomedicine. Vaibhav has been awarded prestigious fellowships, including the ICMR-SRF (2018–2021), which further honed his skills in biomedical research. He has worked on numerous research topics, particularly focused on targeted drug delivery for cancer and other diseases, which resulted in multiple publications in high-impact journals. Vaibhav’s expertise spans the development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, nano-lipid carriers, and the formulation of pharmaceutical compounds with specific targeting properties.

Awards and Honors:

Vaibhav Rajoriya’s exceptional contributions to pharmaceutical sciences have earned him several prestigious awards and honors. Notably, he was the recipient of the MPCST Young Scientist Award in 2018, recognizing his contributions to innovative research in nanomedicine. He has also earned accolades for his research presentations, including the Best Poster Award at AIIMS, Rishikesh, in 2018, for his work on folate-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles for cancer treatment. In addition, Vaibhav won the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award in the Life Sciences category at the 1st National Biomedical Research Competition in 2018. His work at the 3rd SPIRIT 2019 conference earned him the 3rd position in the poster presentation, further highlighting his research prowess. These accolades reflect Vaibhav’s deep commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research, particularly in targeted drug delivery systems and cancer therapies, as well as his ability to effectively communicate his findings on national and international platforms.

Research Focus:

Vaibhav Rajoriya’s research focus lies primarily in the development of novel drug delivery systems, particularly for cancer treatment and other chronic diseases. His work explores the use of nanomedicine, including the formulation of solid lipid nanoparticles, nano-lipid carriers, and targeted drug delivery systems. Vaibhav’s research aims to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of drugs, particularly in targeted therapies for lung carcinoma and other cancers. He is particularly interested in the design and optimization of nanoparticles conjugated with targeting moieties such as folate and mannosylation to improve cellular uptake and reduce side effects. Through his research, Vaibhav has contributed to the advancement of nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery, studying their physicochemical properties, drug release profiles, cytotoxicity, and in vivo behavior. His focus is on using cutting-edge nanotechnology to create more effective and precise drug therapies for patients, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. “Lactosaminated-Nsuccinyl Chitosan Nanoparticle for Hepatocyte-Targeted Delivery of Acyclovir” 🧬
  2. “Glycyrrhizin Conjugated Chitosan Nanoparticles for Hepatocyte-Targeted Delivery of Lamivudine” 💊
  3. “Mannosylated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Lung Targeted Delivery of Paclitaxel” 🌱
  4. “Folate-Conjugated Albumin Nanoparticles for Rheumatoid Arthritis-Targeted Delivery of Etoricoxib” 🦴
  5. “Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for Theophylline and Motelukast Estimation” 🔬
  6. “Evaluation of Ethanolic Extract of Zizyphus Xylopyrus on Wound Healing Activity” 🩹
  7. “Formulation Development and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Tablet of Ramipril” 💊
  8. “UV-Spectrophotometric and Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Amlodipine and Indapamide” 📊
  9. “Folate-Conjugated Nano-Lipid Construct of Paclitaxel for Site-Specific Lung Squamous Carcinoma Targeting” 🫁
  10. “Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Lung Cancer Targeting” 💥

Conclusion:

Vaibhav Rajoriya is a highly capable and promising researcher with strong achievements in pharmaceutical sciences, nanomedicine, and drug delivery systems. His research in the area of targeted drug delivery to specific cell types (e.g., cancer cells) already touches on key aspects of cell biology. His extensive background in various fellowships and awards underscores his dedication and success in research.