Pratap Chand Mali | Zoology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Pratap Chand Mali | Zoology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Pratap Chand Mali | University of Rajasthan Jaipur | India

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali  is a seasoned Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. With over three decades of research experience in reproductive physiology, his scientific work centers on the antifertility effects of traditional medicinal plants. Known for his meticulous approach and ethical experimentation, Dr. Mali has contributed significantly to contraceptive research using animal models, particularly male albino rats. His pioneering studies explore plant-based alternatives to synthetic contraceptives, showcasing his deep interest in eco-friendly and indigenous healthcare solutions. Dr. Mali has actively participated in national and international scientific platforms, delivering invited talks and contributing to numerous peer-reviewed journals. A member of esteemed organizations like the Indian Science Congress Association and ISSRF, his academic and research journey reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in biological sciences.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali holds an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Rajasthan. His doctoral thesis, titled “Antifertility Studies of Certain Xerophytic Plants in Male Albino Rats”, focused on exploring the contraceptive potential of native plant extracts on male reproductive systems. His specialization in reproductive biology and physiology has equipped him with a strong foundation in experimental design, pharmacological testing, and histopathological analysis. His research is notable for blending traditional botanical knowledge with modern pharmacology, aiming to develop safe, natural contraceptive agents. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Mali has demonstrated a keen interest in understanding plant bioactives and their systemic effects. He has trained several postgraduate and doctoral students and remains an inspiration in his field due to his in-depth academic training and practical experience.

Experience:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali serves as a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Rajasthan, with extensive teaching and research experience spanning over 30 years. His academic involvement includes undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, student mentorship, and curriculum development. He has supervised several Ph.D. scholars and has actively contributed to departmental research initiatives, particularly in reproductive toxicology and phytopharmacology. His research has been widely presented in national symposia and international conferences, including an invited speaker session in Dubai in 2021. Dr. Mali has been instrumental in bridging traditional plant medicine with reproductive physiology, establishing himself as a leading voice in antifertility research. His collaborative projects with Indian and international scientists reflect a global recognition of his expertise. His teaching philosophy emphasizes scientific curiosity and ethical research, making him a respected academic leader in his institution and the broader scientific community.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mali’s work has earned him several prestigious honors. He received the Asia-Pacific Council on Contraception (APCOC) Talents Encouragement Award in 2008 for his poster on the contraceptive activity of Withania somnifera at a conference held in Macau, China. In 2010, he was honored with the Best Citizen of India Award, acknowledging his contributions to science and education. He was also an Invited Speaker at the Pharmacology 2021 international conference in Dubai, where he delivered a lecture on traditional medicinal plants in modern pharmacopeia. A Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association and the Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility (ISSRF), his consistent academic contributions are highly valued. These awards and affiliations reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in reproductive biology and his impactful role in both national and international scientific communities.

Research Focus:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali’s research centers on the antifertility potential of traditional medicinal plants, particularly in male reproductive physiology. His experimental work involves phytochemical screening, hormonal analysis, and histological studies using male albino rats to assess the impact of various xerophytic plant extracts. His aim is to develop natural, reversible, and safe contraceptives by leveraging indigenous botanical knowledge. Dr. Mali’s investigations into plants such as Martynia annua, Euphorbia neriifolia, and Citrullus colocynthis have significantly contributed to understanding non-toxic alternatives to synthetic reproductive inhibitors. He is also interested in the mechanisms of spermatogenesis inhibition, lipid metabolism, and endocrine disruption by phytocompounds. His work is published in reputed journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biology, with several papers receiving international citations. Through his interdisciplinary research, he continues to address global fertility challenges using eco-conscious solutions grounded in Indian traditional medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Antifertility studies of root extract of Martynia annua Linn in male albino rats – Indian Science Congress, 1994

  2. Inhibition of spermatogenesis by Euphorbia neriifolia extract in male rats – ISSRF Symposium, 1994

  3. Antifertility study of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract in male rats – ISSRF, 1994

  4. Antifertility effects of Echinops echinatus roots in male rats – J. Environ and Pollu., 1995

  5. Fertility regulation using Echinops echinatus root extract in rats – J. Phytol. Res., 1995

  6. Hypolipidemic effect of Convolvulus microphyllus in cholesterol-fed gerbils – J. Phytol. Res., 1995

  7. Antispermatogenic activity of Solanum xanthocarpum root extract in rats – J. Phytol. Res., 1996

  8. Antifertility effects of Euphorbia neriifolia root in male albino rats – Indian J. Environ. Sci., 1999

  9. Antispermatogenic effect of Citrullus colocynthis root extract – Pharmaceutical Biology, 2001

  10.  Effects of Martynia annua root extract on male rats – J. Ethnopharm., 2002

Conclusion:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali is a deserving candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award based on the originality, depth, and societal relevance of his work. His pioneering studies on plant-based male contraceptives not only address a critical public health need but also contribute to sustainable and accessible healthcare innovation. His combination of academic leadership, consistent publication record, and international recognition through awards and invited talks makes him a valuable asset to the scientific community. With further strategic efforts to amplify his research’s reach and impact, he is well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions to science and society. The award would serve as a well-earned recognition of his lifelong dedication to scientific inquiry and translational research in reproductive physiology.

 

 

 

Xia Li | Diabetes | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xia Li | Diabetes | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Xia Li, Depart. of Metabolism & Endocrinology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China

Dr. Xia Li is a prominent physician-scientist and academic leader in the field of endocrinology and metabolism. She serves as Professor and Director of the Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology at the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice-director at the National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases and Vice-chairman of the China Type 1 Diabetes Alliance. Dr. Li is a prolific contributor to global diabetes research, particularly in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), with over 100 publications in leading journals including Nature Communications, Diabetologia, and Diabetes Care. As an editor for the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and Journal of the Endocrine Society, she contributes significantly to scholarly discourse. Her pioneering work includes establishing a T1D cohort in China, exploring immunological aging, and driving improvements in personalized diabetes management.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Leadership in Clinical and Research Roles

    • Director of Metabolism & Endocrinology at the prestigious Second Xiangya Hospital.

    • Vice-director of a national-level research center for metabolic diseases.

    • Vice-chairman of the China Type 1 Diabetes Alliance.

  2. High-Impact Research and Publications

    • Over 100 peer-reviewed publications in top journals like Nature Communications, Diabetologia, Diabetes Care, and Sleep Medicine.

    • Research addresses critical issues in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), including disease progression, glycemic variability, AI applications, and long-term complications.

  3. Innovative Contributions

    • Established a national T1D follow-up cohort focused on clinical, immunological, and genetic characteristics—critical for personalized medicine.

    • Pioneered research on immunological aging in GDM offspring, indicating intergenerational effects of diabetes.

  4. Academic Service & Influence

    • Serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and Journal of The Endocrine Society.

    • Involved in large-scale international efforts (e.g., T1D Index, IDF Atlas 2025).

  5. Interdisciplinary Expertise

    • Combines endocrinology, immunology, AI (e.g., neural Turing machines), and epidemiology to tackle diabetes holistically.

🔧 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Recognition Expansion

    • While highly respected in China, global visibility (especially in Western institutions and conferences) could be enhanced further.

    • Publishing in more open-access and globally visible platforms may improve reach.

  2. Cross-disciplinary Collaborations

    • Further collaboration with AI labs and data science teams outside the medical field can help accelerate predictive modeling in diabetes.

  3. Translation to Policy and Practice

    • Although the research is strong, structured efforts to influence national diabetes policy or produce public health guidelines would elevate her societal impact.

🎓 Education:

Professor Xia Li earned her MD and completed her medical training in internal medicine and endocrinology from Central South University, one of China’s leading medical institutions. She later pursued advanced academic and clinical training in metabolic diseases and immunology, contributing to the global understanding of diabetes pathogenesis. With a strong foundation in clinical sciences, she combined this with extensive research exposure to endocrinology, particularly Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), autoimmune mechanisms, and metabolic complications. Her education provided her with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating genomics, immunology, and endocrinology to innovate treatment strategies and diagnostic models. Through her education, Dr. Li laid the groundwork for a career that bridges cutting-edge research and transformative clinical practice.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Xia Li has over two decades of experience in clinical endocrinology, metabolic disease research, and academic leadership. As the Director of the Department of Metabolism & Endocrinology at Second Xiangya Hospital and Vice-director of the National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, she leads critical national-level initiatives. She also plays a key leadership role as Vice-chairman of the China Type 1 Diabetes Alliance. In research, she has been instrumental in establishing a longitudinal T1D cohort to study disease progression and remission phases. As an editorial board member for leading endocrine journals, she supports high-impact scientific publishing. Her expertise spans clinical trials, biomarker discovery, AI in metabolic diseases, and population health. With a vast international network and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Li has also mentored numerous students and clinicians, reinforcing her influence in both clinical and academic endocrinology.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Xia Li’s research focuses primarily on Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), including its immunological, genetic, and clinical characteristics. She established a nationwide T1D follow-up cohort to explore disease remission and progression stages, offering new insights into pathophysiology. Her studies examine monocyte aging, autoimmunity, sleep’s role in glucose regulation, and the efficacy of AI and automated insulin delivery systems. She is also engaged in research on gestational diabetes’ intergenerational effects, insulin resistance, and executive dysfunction in diabetic populations. Furthermore, Dr. Li explores AI-driven prognostics and the impact of cumulative glycemic exposure. Her work aims to personalize diabetes treatment, improve early diagnosis, and prevent complications. Her integrative approach includes systems biology, time-series analysis, and national public health frameworks, positioning her as a leading investigator bridging laboratory research with real-world clinical practice.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🧬 Immunological age prediction of monocytes in GDM offspring – Immunity and Ageing, 2025

  2. 🛌 The effect of sleep quality on glucose variability in T1D adolescents in China – Sleep Medicine, 2025

  3. 🌍 Global T1D prevalence, incidence & mortality estimates – IDF Atlas 2025 – Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2025

  4. 🧠 Executive function deficits in adults with childhood-onset T1D – Journal of Diabetes Investigation, 2025

  5. 🤖 Efficacy and safety of automated insulin delivery systems: A meta-analysis – Diabetes Metabolism Journal, 2025

  6. 🩸 HbA1c and insulin dose roles in insulin resistance-related disorders – Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine, 2025

  7. 🏥 Practice insights of the National Diabetes Prevention Center (DPCC) in Hunan – Journal of Chinese Physician, 2025

  8. 🧪 Differential diagnosis among T1DM, T2DM, and monogenic diabetes – Chinese Journal of Diabetes Mellitus, 2025

  9. 👩‍⚕️ Tribute to Prof. Wu Hanwen, pioneer of metabolism in China – Chinese Journal of Diabetes Mellitus, 2025

  10. 🧠🧮 Interpretable neural Turing machine for T2DM prognosis – International Journal of Medical Informatics, 2025

🏁 Conclusion:

Professor Xia Li is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking work in Type 1 Diabetes, leadership roles in both clinical and research institutions, and her commitment to advancing personalized medicine through multi-center studies and AI-driven analytics, position her as a transformative figure in global endocrinology.

Naoki Harada | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Naoki Harada | Molecular Mechanisms Signaling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Naoki Harada, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan

Naoki Harada is an Associate Professor at Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan, with extensive expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, endocrinology, and nutrition. He earned his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Osaka Prefecture University in 2007. Over the past two decades, Harada has made significant contributions to understanding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underpinning metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes. His research, characterized by high citation impact (H-index of 25), centers on pancreatic β-cell function and metabolic regulation. He has published 77 peer-reviewed articles and holds a patent related to therapeutic interventions. Harada has collaborated with leading scientists like Professors Hiroshi Inui and Ryoichi Yamaji, strengthening his academic footprint in both national and international circles. A member of multiple scientific societies, Harada continues to influence the field through impactful research, industry collaboration, and educational leadership.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Consistent Research Output

    • 77 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals (SCI, Scopus).

    • Recent high-impact studies published in Journal of Biological Chemistry, Scientific Reports, and FASEB BioAdvances.

    • Active research profile with an H-index of 25 and over 1,785 citations.

  2. Innovative Scientific Contributions

    • Identified REDD2 as a novel therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes—bridging basic research with translational medicine.

    • Works across disciplines such as molecular biology, endocrinology, and nutritional biochemistry.

  3. Project Leadership & Industry Engagement

    • Led or participated in 14 major research projects.

    • 5 consultancy/industry-based projects, reflecting application-oriented research.

  4. Academic and Collaborative Network

    • Strong academic collaborations with Professors Hiroshi Inui and Ryoichi Yamaji.

    • Member of prestigious scientific societies (e.g., Japanese Biochemical Society, Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science).

  5. Scientific Versatility

    • Contributions span fundamental mechanisms (e.g., oxidative stress, insulin signaling) to dietary interventions (e.g., mogrol, oleamide).

    • Demonstrates ability to bridge molecular insights with systemic physiological outcomes.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Visibility and Engagement

    • Expanding participation in international conferences and editorial boards could elevate his global scientific standing.

    • Pursuing cross-border collaborations would further enrich the translational value of his work.

  2. Commercialization and Patent Activity

    • While one patent is noted, increased focus on intellectual property development and biomedical commercialization could further validate his applied research strength.

  3. Outreach and Communication

    • More active public science communication (e.g., webinars, policy advocacy, media coverage) would amplify the societal impact of his research.

🎓 Education:

Naoki Harada received his Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan, in September 2007. His doctoral studies laid the foundation for his interdisciplinary research in molecular biology, biochemistry, and endocrinology. Harada’s academic path was driven by a keen interest in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation, particularly in relation to glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function. His education provided him with a solid grounding in experimental techniques, critical thinking, and scientific communication, which have become hallmarks of his later work. The institution, known for excellence in biosciences, enabled Harada to cultivate a strong research acumen. His academic training was complemented by exposure to applied research, linking basic science with clinical and nutritional applications—an approach that he has continued to emphasize throughout his career. His strong educational background plays a pivotal role in his current research endeavors and professional development.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Naoki Harada began his academic career in 2008 as an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University. He was promoted to Lecturer in 2015, and subsequently to Associate Professor in 2019. Since 2022, he has served as Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Agriculture, Osaka Metropolitan University. Harada has consistently combined teaching with intensive research, mentoring graduate students while advancing his lab’s focus on metabolic diseases and endocrine physiology. His experience includes leading 14 research projects, consulting on 5 industry-linked nutrition initiatives, and co-authoring over 75 scientific papers. His experience reflects a blend of academic leadership, scientific innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Notably, Harada’s role in identifying REDD2 as a therapeutic target exemplifies his contribution to translational science. He maintains strong academic partnerships and actively contributes to several professional societies, making him a respected figure in Japan’s scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Naoki Harada’s research is at the intersection of molecular biology, endocrinology, and nutrition science, with a particular focus on pancreatic β-cell physiology and glucose metabolism. He investigates how oxidative stress, hormonal signals, and metabolic regulators influence insulin secretion and β-cell viability. One of his pivotal contributions is identifying the REDD2 gene as a negative regulator of β-cell function, offering novel therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus. His studies also explore nutrient-sensing pathways, G-protein-coupled receptors, and hormonal modulation of energy metabolism. Harada’s recent work delves into the effects of dietary compounds like mogrol and oleamide on metabolic health, linking molecular mechanisms to real-world dietary interventions. His ability to bridge bench science with clinical and nutritional applications sets his research apart. Through collaborations with leading experts and high-impact publications, Harada continues to advance knowledge in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧬 REDD2 confers pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in high-fat diet-fed mice – Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2025

  • 🦷 Androgens suppress ST3GAL1/4, modulating mucin glycosylation and microbiota in mice – Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2025

  • 🍟 CRTC1 in MC4R cells regulates dietary fat intake – FASEB BioAdvances, 2024

  • 💉 Insulin reduces ER stress-induced apoptosis in INS-1 β-cells – Physiological Reports, 2024

  • 🍬 Mogrol activates GPBAR1 and insulin secretion, alleviates hyperglycemia – Scientific Reports, 2024

  • 🔥 Androgen receptor suppresses β-adrenoceptor-mediated thermogenesis – Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2022

  • 🏥 Age-dependent sex differences in NAFLD in TSOD and db/db mice – PLOS ONE, 2022

  • 🐭 Dietary oleamide attenuates obesity in caged mice – Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 2022

  • 🌿 Curcumin targets GPR55 receptor – npj Science of Food, 2022

  • 💪 Oleamide rescues muscle atrophy in small-caged mice – British Journal of Nutrition, 2021

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Naoki Harada demonstrates a clear trajectory of research excellence, grounded in scientific rigor and driven by impactful biomedical questions. His ability to identify molecular mechanisms (e.g., REDD2’s role in β-cell dysfunction) and propose therapeutic directions sets him apart as a leading academic in metabolic disease research. His publication record, industry collaborations, and professional memberships underscore a mature and influential academic career.