Alaka Sahoo | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Young Researcher Award

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Mrs. Alaka Sahoo | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Alaka Sahoo, Siksha’O’ Anusandhan University, India

Dr. Alaka Sahoo is a dedicated young researcher in the field of Biotechnology with a focus on translational and clinical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Odisha, with a CGPA of 8.90. With over 17 publications, including 11 research articles and 3 high-impact reviews, Dr. Sahoo has significantly contributed to oral disease therapeutics and antimicrobial studies. She demonstrates expertise in multi-omics analysis, drug discovery, and natural product-based therapy. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award (2024), she is also a life member of reputed organizations like the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Her innovative approach to disease management using phytochemicals and peptides sets her apart as a rising talent in biomedical research.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Publication Record:

    • 17 publications including 11 original research, 3 reviews, and 2 book chapters, showcasing depth and breadth.

    • 7 papers as first or corresponding author—indicating independent research capability.

    • Research in high-impact journals like Frontiers in Microbiology, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Nanomaterials, and Chemistry & Biodiversity.

  2. Innovative & Multidisciplinary Research:

    • Integrates multi-omics, computational modeling, clinical dermatology, and natural products.

    • Focus on oral inflammatory diseases, antimicrobial peptides, and drug delivery systems.

  3. Academic Excellence & Research Training:

    • Ph.D. with 8.90 CGPA, and M.Sc. with 87.07% marks.

    • Expertise in BSL-2+ lab work, PCR, ELISA, microbial culture, and molecular docking.

  4. Awards & Recognition:

    • Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award (2024).

    • MSME-Idea Hackathon Innovation Award, Govt. of India.

  5. Global and National Engagement:

    • Life member of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (UK).

    • Demonstrates leadership in science entrepreneurship and women in research.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Expanded International Collaboration:

    • Building long-term research partnerships with international labs could increase global visibility.

  2. Patent/Technology Transfer Efforts:

    • While publications are strong, translating research into patents or commercial products will further strengthen applied impact.

  3. Focused Project Leadership:

    • Leading large interdisciplinary projects or acquiring independent grants will showcase funding leadership.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo has pursued a progressive academic path in Biotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed University, Odisha, completing her research with a notable 8.90 CGPA. Her thesis focused on “Therapeutic Opportunities for Oral Lichen Planus: An Integrated Multi-Omics Approach to Drug Discovery” under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Maitreyee Panda. Prior to this, she completed her M.Sc. in Biotechnology (87.07%) from the College of Basic Science and Humanities, OUAT, Bhubaneswar in 2018 and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology with distinction (75%) from Ramadevi Women’s College, Utkal University in 2016. Her academic journey showcases a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of biosciences.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo brings rich hands-on research experience in clinical and experimental biotechnology. She is skilled in BSL-2+ lab practices, molecular techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, microbial culture, ELISA-based diagnostics, and bioinformatics. Her doctoral work integrated multi-omics and computational biology to study inflammatory oral diseases, and her postdoctoral research spans drug delivery and antimicrobial drug discovery. As first or corresponding author in 7 out of 17 publications, she has led collaborative studies with both national and international partners. Dr. Sahoo’s cross-disciplinary knowledge in microbiology, pharmacology, and nanomedicine enhances her problem-solving abilities, making her a versatile researcher. Her ability to bridge clinical dermatology with biotechnology research positions her as an impactful contributor in both healthcare and academic environments.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo has received notable accolades for her innovation and leadership in science. In 2024, she was awarded the Lalchand Women Entrepreneurs Award by the Odisha Corporate Foundation, recognizing her outstanding contributions in biotech innovation. She also earned the MSME-Idea Hackathon 3.0 (Women) Innovation Award by the Government of India, honoring her practical scientific advancements with societal impact. These awards reflect her dedication to translational research and her vision to develop cost-effective, natural therapies. Dr. Sahoo is also a life member of two esteemed organizations: the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (UK) and Bioclues Innovation, Research and Development (India). Her achievements signify her rising prominence in the field and her commitment to addressing public health challenges through integrative research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo’s research focuses on oral inflammatory diseases, natural product therapeutics, and insect-derived peptides as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. Her Ph.D. thesis explored multi-omics approaches for drug discovery in Oral Lichen Planus, integrating in vitro, in silico, and clinical data. Her work spans immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory drug screening, and nanodrug delivery systems, with cross-functional expertise in dermatology, pharmacology, and microbiology. She combines computational modeling, molecular docking, and wet-lab validation to develop target-specific therapies. Her studies on biofilm inhibition, antifungal peptides, and phytosteroids hold promise for tackling antimicrobial resistance. Through collaborations across academia and healthcare, she aims to translate her lab findings into clinically viable solutions. Her contributions to systematic reviews and molecular simulations further demonstrate her analytical rigor and commitment to evidence-based research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 📘 Experimental and clinical trial investigations of phytoextracts in Oral Lichen Planus: A systematic review – J Ethnopharmacol (2022)

  2. 🐞 Insect-derived antimicrobial peptides as novel anti-biofilm agents: A systematic review – Front. Microbiol. (2021)

  3. 💊 Ultraflexible liposome nanocargo for dermal drug delivery – Nanomaterials (2021)

  4. 🌿 Phytochemicals for Oral Lichen Planus: A multi-omics and experimental study – Chem Biodivers (2025)

  5. ⚗️ Carbohydrate-derived N-benzyl aminocyclopentitols with anticancer properties – Carbohydr Res. (2025)

  6. 🧬 Target-specific screening of anti-inflammatory phytosteroids using molecular docking – Steroids (2025)

  7. 🧪 Insect-derived antifungal peptides in Candida management – Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2025)

  8. 🧫 Azo-coumarin-Co(II)-galangin hybrids for multipotential activities – J. Biomol. Struct. Dyn. (2024)

  9. 🧒 Pediatric dermatology case analysis in Eastern India – Indian J. Paediatr. Dermatol. (2024)

  10. 🔬 Schiff/Mannich coumarin derivatives: Antibacterial and anti-biofilm evaluation – RSC Adv. (2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Alaka Sahoo is highly suitable for the Research for Young Researcher Award. Her multi-disciplinary expertise, robust research record, and recognition through national awards highlight her as a promising early-career scientist. She combines academic rigor with innovation, and her work has meaningful implications for public health, especially in oral disease therapy, biofilm inhibition, and phytochemical-based drug development.

Balbino Alarcón | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Balbino Alarcón | Cancer Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Balbino Alarcón , Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas , Spain

Balbino Alarcón is a leading Spanish immunologist renowned for his contributions to T cell biology and immune signaling. Currently serving as Profesor de Investigación at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), he has been affiliated with the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa since 2002. His research has played a pivotal role in uncovering mechanisms of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and immune system regulation. Dr. Alarcón holds a PhD in Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where he began shaping his scientific journey in the early 1980s. Over the decades, he has authored numerous impactful publications, many in top-tier journals, and holds several patents licensed to biotech companies. His work bridges fundamental immunology with translational applications in autoimmunity and cancer. With a keen focus on molecular signaling, his research continues to influence both basic science and therapeutic innovation in immunology.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Research Contributions:
    Dr. Alarcón has made seminal contributions to immunology, especially in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, immune synapse formation, and immune cell communication. His work has appeared in top-tier journals like Cell, Immunity, Nature Communications, and Journal of Experimental Medicine.

  2. Impactful Publications & Citations:
    His research includes several highly cited papers (e.g., >500 citations), underlining the influence of his work on the broader scientific community.

  3. Translational Achievements:
    He holds multiple patents on immunomodulatory molecules (e.g., AX-024), which were licensed to biotech company Artax Biopharma, bridging basic science and clinical application.

  4. SARS-CoV-2 Research Leadership:
    He actively contributed to COVID-19 immunity research, developing flow cytometry-based antibody detection techniques and tracking longitudinal immune responses to infection and vaccination.

  5. Longevity and Commitment:
    Over 40 years of consistent research activity, with continuous affiliation to one of Spain’s most prestigious scientific institutions, CSIC.

  6. International Collaboration:
    He co-authored papers with leaders in immunology, showing global recognition and collaboration.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  • Public Engagement & Visibility:
    Despite scientific acclaim, more visibility in public science communication, conference keynote roles, or leadership in global immunology consortia would further support his candidacy.

  • Mentorship Highlighting:
    While his academic stature suggests mentorship, documentation or awards for training young scientists could enhance his profile for broader awards recognizing holistic impact.

  • Innovation Metrics:
    Increased emphasis on clinical translation or successful product development from his patents could strengthen claims to innovation-driven recognitions.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Balbino Alarcón completed his undergraduate degree (Licenciado en Biología) in 1982 and his PhD in Biology with a specialization in Biochemistry in 1985, both from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain. During his academic formation, he developed a deep interest in immunological signaling, particularly in how T cells communicate with their environment. His early education laid the foundation for a distinguished research career that has spanned more than three decades. His doctoral studies were focused on cellular and molecular immunology, equipping him with the tools to explore intricate signaling pathways. This robust educational background positioned him for leadership roles in immunological research, both nationally and internationally. Through rigorous academic training and continuous research contributions, Dr. Alarcón has become a key figure in advancing our understanding of T cell function and immune regulation.

👨‍🔬 Experience:

Dr. Balbino Alarcón has over 40 years of experience in immunological research, with a primary focus on T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and lymphocyte activation. Since July 27, 2002, he has held the position of Profesor de Investigación at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), working at the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa in Madrid, Spain. His academic and research career began with groundbreaking studies in T cell immunobiology, leading to discoveries such as the role of conformational changes in TCR activation. Dr. Alarcón has also been deeply involved in translational research, co-developing immunomodulatory drugs and securing patents that were licensed to Artax Biopharma. He regularly collaborates with leading immunologists and institutions worldwide, contributing to high-impact publications and international scientific reviews. His expertise and sustained contributions have made him a mentor and authority in molecular immunology and T cell biology.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Balbino Alarcón’s distinguished career is highlighted by several prestigious awards and intellectual property recognitions. He co-developed two patented immunosuppressive strategies based on TCR signaling inhibition: one disrupting the TCR-Nck interaction and another involving chromene derivatives. Both patents were licensed to Artax Biopharma, showcasing the real-world therapeutic relevance of his research. He has authored highly cited publications, including foundational work published in Cell, Immunity, and Annual Review of Immunology, with citations in the hundreds. These contributions have not only advanced the field of immunology but also positioned Dr. Alarcón as a thought leader in immune signal transduction. He has been recognized nationally and internationally for his scientific achievements, serving as an editorial contributor and co-author of influential immunological reviews. His work continues to shape both academic and pharmaceutical research, making him a strong candidate for Best Researcher Awards.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Alarcón’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms governing T cell receptor (TCR) activation and signal transduction. His work dissects how T cells recognize antigens and how intracellular signaling cascades translate these interactions into immune responses. A significant aspect of his research has involved understanding the conformational dynamics of the TCR/CD3 complex and how this affects T cell sensitivity and activation thresholds. He also explores the role of RRas2 in T and B cell function, including its relevance in lymphomagenesis and autoimmunity. Recently, he has contributed to understanding immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and methods to detect neutralizing antibodies. His interdisciplinary approach integrates cell biology, molecular immunology, and translational research, linking fundamental science to clinical applications such as vaccine development and immunotherapy. By targeting TCR-associated pathways, Dr. Alarcón’s research opens new avenues in the treatment of immune-related diseases and cancer.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧫 RRas2 is required for germinal center formation to aid B cells during energetically demanding processes (Sci Signal, 2018)

  2. 🧪 A window of opportunity for cooperativity in the T Cell Receptor (Nat Commun, 2018)

  3. 🧬 Antigen phagocytosis by B cells is required for a potent humoral response (EMBO Rep, 2018)

  4. ⚙️ RRAS2 shapes the TCR repertoire by setting the threshold for negative selection (J Exp Med, 2019)

  5. 💊 Small molecule AX-024 targets T cell receptor signaling by disrupting CD3ε-Nck interaction (J Biol Chem, 2020)

  6. 🧪 Flow cytometry multiplexed method for the detection of Neutralizing human antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (EMBO Mol Med, 2021)

  7. 🧬 Antigen presentation between T-cells drives Th17 polarization under limiting antigen (Cell Rep, 2021)

  8. 🧫 Detection of sustained humoral immune response (IgG + IgA) in SARS-CoV-2 infection (Sci Rep, 2021)

  9. 🧠 SFRP1 modulates astrocyte-to-microglia crosstalk in neuroinflammation (EMBO Rep, 2021)

  10. 💉 Longitudinal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity after infection or vaccination (PLoS Pathog, 2021)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Balbino Alarcón is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His pioneering studies in T cell signaling, impactful biomedical patents, and active role in immune response to infectious diseases demonstrate excellence in both basic and translational immunology. With decades of productive research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and consistent scientific leadership, he embodies the qualities celebrated by such an award.