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.

Nives Jonjić | Cancer Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Nives Jonjić | Cancer Cell Biology | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nives Jonjić | Department of Pathology and Citology, CHC Rijeka | Croatia

Prof. Nives Jonjić, MD, is a Full Professor Emeritus at the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia. With a distinguished academic and clinical career spanning decades, Prof. Jonjić has made significant contributions to oncologic and molecular pathology. Her work focuses on understanding molecular markers in tumor progression and their diagnostic and prognostic relevance. As a prolific researcher and author, she has published extensively in high-impact international journals and collaborated with leading experts in pathology and oncology. Known for her diagnostic precision and dedication to academic mentorship, she has guided numerous medical students, residents, and doctoral candidates. Her legacy includes groundbreaking studies on biomarkers like Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 and rare pathologic entities. Prof. Jonjić’s leadership and scientific rigor make her a prominent figure in Croatian medical science and a respected name in international pathology circles.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic and Clinical Experience
    Prof. Nives Jonjić is a Full Professor Emeritus in pathology with decades of clinical, academic, and research experience, making her a veteran in her field.

  2. Strong Research Track Record

    • Multiple first and co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals such as Current Issues in Molecular Biology, Pathology Research and Practice, and Clinical Pathology.

    • A clear focus on oncologic pathology, including biomarkers (e.g., Nectin-2 and Nectin-4), angiogenesis, lymphomas, and myelomas.

  3. Mentorship and Academic Leadership
    She has played a key role in mentoring junior scientists, guiding doctoral research, and shaping curriculum and teaching in pathology at the University of Rijeka.

  4. Work on Rare and Challenging Diagnoses
    Her research includes diagnostic dilemmas and rare malignancies, showing depth and clinical relevance, such as CD20-negative B-cell lymphomas and extranodal Hodgkin lymphomas.

  5. Contribution to Women in Science
    As a senior female figure in medicine, her position as a full professor and mentor has made her a role model in advancing women’s participation in scientific leadership roles.

📉 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader International Visibility
    While her research is of high quality, greater engagement in global collaborative projects, EU-funded consortia, or as a keynote speaker in international forums could enhance her visibility outside Croatia.

  2. Higher Citation Metrics and Impact Index
    Although several of her publications are impactful, a few are recent and not yet widely cited. Participation in meta-analyses or review articles might help amplify her citation footprint.

  3. Digital and Social Research Presence
    A more proactive presence on platforms like ResearchGate, ORCID, or Google Scholar and involvement in open-access science movements could increase accessibility to her work.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Nives Jonjić completed her Medical Degree (MD) at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, where she also pursued her postgraduate education and specialization in pathology. Her academic excellence was evident early in her medical training, leading to her progression into research and teaching. She earned her doctoral degree (PhD) with a focus on tumor biology and pathology. Over the years, she attended various advanced courses and workshops in Europe related to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and oncologic diagnostics. Her commitment to continuous learning kept her updated with evolving trends in cancer research and molecular pathology. Through rigorous training and international collaborations, she established herself as a scholar deeply engaged with both clinical and experimental pathology. Her educational path reflects a deep integration of medical knowledge, critical inquiry, and a lifelong dedication to academic excellence.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Prof. Nives Jonjić has over 35 years of experience in academic medicine and pathology. Beginning as a junior lecturer and advancing through roles of Associate Professor and Full Professor, she served at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, where she also led the Department of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy. Her clinical practice included diagnostic histopathology with subspecialty interests in hematopathology, soft tissue tumors, and gynecologic oncology. She played a key role in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and postgraduate training. As an expert pathologist, she consulted on complex diagnostic cases nationally and internationally. Beyond clinical and teaching roles, she has been a principal investigator and co-investigator in multiple research projects and has evaluated numerous PhD theses. Her rich experience spans clinical excellence, research leadership, and educational mentorship, making her a pillar in Croatian medical academia.

🏆 Awards and Honors:

Prof. Nives Jonjić has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career for her contributions to medical research, education, and clinical pathology. Among her honors are institutional recognition for excellence in teaching from the University of Rijeka, national awards for research contributions, and commendations from Croatian medical societies. She has also been invited to deliver keynote lectures at international conferences and served as a peer reviewer for esteemed pathology journals. Her election as Full Professor Emeritus reflects the high regard in which she is held by her peers and institution. Prof. Jonjić has been actively involved in academic boards and ethical committees and received acknowledgments for advancing women’s leadership in medicine. Her work continues to inspire future generations of medical researchers and clinicians, and her accolades affirm her dedication to science, education, and healthcare.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Jonjić’s research primarily focuses on tumor pathology, with special emphasis on the expression and role of molecular biomarkers such as Nectin-2, Nectin-4, osteopontin, and NF-κB in cancer progression, diagnosis, and prognosis. Her studies span various malignancies including squamous cell carcinomas, glial tumors, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. She is also engaged in investigating rare and diagnostically challenging pathological conditions, contributing to more accurate clinical-pathologic correlations. Her recent research has emphasized angiogenesis, immune profiling, and the tumor microenvironment. She employs advanced histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques to support translational applications in pathology. Through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, her work bridges laboratory findings with clinical decision-making. Her research is widely cited, reflecting its importance in improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment stratification in oncology. Prof. Jonjić’s academic leadership and focus on innovative diagnostic markers make her a central figure in Croatian cancer research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🗣️ Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Characterized by a Stronger Expression of Nectin-4 Compared to Nectin-2

  2. 🧠 The Prognostic Significance of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 Expression in Glial Tumors

  3. 💉 Anti-angiogenic Effect of Bortezomib Treatment in Multiple Myeloma Associated with Lower NF-κB and OPN Expression

  4. 🔬 Primary Nodal Unclassifiable CD20 Negative Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma With Dual IgK and TCR Gene Rearrangement

  5. 🦴 Angiogenesis and Osteopontin Expression in Paraskeletal Myeloma With Plasmablastic Morphology

  6. 🧪 Diagnostic Challenge of Soft Tissue Extranodal Hodgkin Lymphoma in Core-Needle Biopsy

  7. 💊 Lichen Planus Pigmentosus-like Reaction to Pirfenidone in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

  8. 🦷 Recurrent Adamantinoma With Fibrous Dysplasia-like Feature

  9. 💉 Adalimumab as a Risk Factor for Development of Melanocytic Lesions

  10. 🧬 Expression Profiles of Metallothionein-I/II and Megalin/LRP-2 in Uterine Cervical Lesions

🏁 Conclusion:

Prof. Nives Jonjić is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her scholarly contributions in pathology, especially tumor diagnostics and molecular markers, are significant and clinically relevant. Her work is anchored in academic integrity and mentorship, fostering the next generation of medical scientists. While global visibility could be enhanced, her regional impact, sustained productivity, and role as a senior academic make her a strong and deserving nominee.