Dia Aldeen Alfaki | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dia Aldeen Alfaki | Immunology Cellular Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Dia Aldeen Alfaki , Alzaiem Alazhari University , Sudan

Dia Alfaki is a Sudanese biomedical scientist with a Master of Biomedical Sciences and extensive experience in haematology, molecular biology, and immunology. His research focuses on the complexities of disease mechanisms and therapeutic solutions, particularly within immunology. As a junior researcher and PG Member of the British Society of Immunology, Dia has contributed significantly to studies on malaria and immune responses. His academic background includes a Master’s degree from Alzaiem Alazhari University and a Bachelor’s degree from Omdurman Islamic University. Diaโ€™s dedication to understanding disease complexities through research is reflected in his growing academic presence and expertise in clinical laboratory techniques. He is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare solutions through his research endeavors.

Publication Profile:ย 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dia Alfaki has a remarkable blend of educational qualifications, practical experience, and academic research, making him highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work spans critical areas in biomedical sciences, with a special focus on immunology, haematology, and molecular biology, especially in relation to infectious diseases like malaria. His Masterโ€™s research on immune responses to Plasmodium falciparum infection stands out, demonstrating his ability to identify novel immunological markers. His published work in well-regarded journals like Microbiologia Medica and Immunology & Cell Biology further showcases his expertise. He has actively contributed to the scientific community through various international conferences, highlighting his commitment to advancing research. His work at G42 Healthcare underscores his technical skills in molecular diagnostics and cutting-edge biomedical research. His collaborative nature, critical thinking, and proven leadership in research make him a strong contender for this award.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dia Alfaki has a solid foundation in immunology and biomedical research, further expansion of his research portfolio into diverse therapeutic fields could enhance his profile. Gaining more experience in clinical settings beyond molecular labs could provide him with a broader perspective in healthcare applications. Additionally, his involvement in multi-disciplinary research collaborations across diverse disease areas such as oncology and genomics would elevate his impact on global biomedical challenges. Developing greater expertise in bioinformatics tools and integrating them into his molecular research would further refine his analytical skills and position him as an even more influential scientist in his field.

Education:

Dia Alfaki holds a Masterโ€™s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Alzaiem Alazhari University (2014-2016), where he specialized in Medical Laboratory Sciences with a focus on Haematology and Blood Transfusion, achieving a CGPA of 3.19/4.0. He completed his Bachelorโ€™s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Omdurman Islamic University (2007-2011), where he excelled in Hematology and Immunohematology. Additionally, Dia is pursuing certification as an International Medical Lab Technologist in Hematology (ASCPi) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (2022-2025). His academic and professional development demonstrates a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, preparing him to make significant contributions to immunology research and clinical diagnostics.

Experience:

Dia Alfaki has worked as a Molecular Lab Technologist at G42 Healthcare (Biogenix Molecular Labs) from 2020-2023, contributing to advanced molecular research and diagnostics. His expertise spans a wide range of laboratory techniques, particularly in immunology, molecular biology, and hematology. Throughout his career, Dia has been involved in various research projects, including his Masterโ€™s thesis focused on the immune response to Plasmodium falciparum infection. He has also contributed to several high-impact publications, collaborating with experts in the field of malaria, immune phagocytosis, and cancer immunology. His role in molecular diagnostics has allowed him to apply his research findings to real-world clinical settings, furthering the understanding of disease pathology and therapeutic interventions.

Awards and Honors:

Dia Alfaki has been recognized for his significant contributions to biomedical science, particularly in immunology research. He participated in prominent international conferences, including the 6th European Congress of Immunology (2022) and the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting (2021). His ongoing work in malaria immunology and cancer immunology is highly regarded in scientific communities. As a PG Member of the British Society of Immunology since 2021, Dia continues to gain recognition for his research on immune responses and inflammation. His work has also been highlighted in various prestigious journals, where his research on malaria and immune responses has earned accolades. These honors reflect his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare through rigorous research.

Research Focus:

Dia Alfakiโ€™s research is primarily focused on immunity, inflammation, cancer immunology, and molecular oncology. His work emphasizes understanding disease mechanisms, particularly the immune responses involved in infections like malaria and the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer. Dia is particularly interested in the role of immune mediators, phagocytosis, and molecular interactions in disease progression and therapy. His research aims to explore therapeutic perspectives in immunology, using molecular and cellular approaches to better understand disease complexities and improve treatment options. His publications highlight these areas, especially in the context of malaria and inflammatory immune responses. Dia is also committed to utilizing molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools to contribute to new therapeutic strategies for immunological diseases.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Patterns of Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) responses to Plasmodium falciparum infections in hyperendemic settings ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ
  2. Inflammatory immune mediators and Plasmodium falciparum infection: a cross-sectional study among Sudanese patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฆ 
  3. Monocytes to lymphocytes ratio in peripheral blood and immunoglobulin IgE levels as indicators to Plasmodium falciparum infection in Sudan ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ”ฌ
  4. The colorectal cancer microenvironment: Preclinical progress in identifying targets for cancer therapy ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ”ฌ
  5. Plasmodium falciparum and immune phagocytosis: characterization of the process ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ’‰

Conclusion:

Dia Alfaki is an outstanding researcher with a well-rounded background in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, and immunology. His research accomplishments, publications, and contributions to international conferences highlight his drive for advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the area of disease mechanisms and immune responses. His strong academic foundation, coupled with his practical lab experience and active engagement with the scientific community, positions him as an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With a few areas of growth in clinical practice and cross-disciplinary collaborations, he has the potential to become a leader in global biomedical research.

Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan , College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University , China

Dr. Huiying Fan is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, specializing in veterinary virology and immunology. As a core member of the Key Laboratory for Veterinary Vaccine Development, his expertise includes creating genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses. Dr. Fan has published over 40 research papers in leading journals, including Journal of Virology and Emerging Microbes & Infections, and holds 11 invention patents. His career has been marked by significant contributions to animal virus research and vaccine development, with extensive involvement in national research programs. He has been recognized with several provincial and ministerial-level awards and is actively involved in scientific development and industry collaboration in China.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Huiying Fan has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of veterinary virology and immunology, particularly in the development of vaccines for animal viruses. He is a recognized leader in the creation of genetically engineered vaccines, with over 40 SCI papers published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Virology, Emerging Microbes & Infection, and Vaccines. His involvement in groundbreaking research on the pathogenic mechanisms of viruses like avian influenza, porcine epidemic diarrhea, and African swine fever underscores his expertise. Furthermore, Dr. Fan has been granted 11 invention patents and is an influential figure in national research programs, such as the National Key Research and Development Program. His leadership as a professor and mentor, coupled with his ongoing innovations in virus detection and vaccine development, showcases his remarkable impact in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Fan’s scientific research has been groundbreaking, expanding his focus on broader global collaborations could enhance the scope of his work. In particular, his work could benefit from incorporating more interdisciplinary approaches, combining cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or big data analytics, which are becoming increasingly crucial in disease surveillance and vaccine development. Moreover, his research could further address the application of his vaccine technologies in low-resource settings, to maximize global health impact. Engaging more actively in science communication could also help translate his findings into policies or programs that benefit larger populations, both within China and internationally.

Education:

Dr. Fan completed his Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, in June 2007. During his doctoral research, he focused on the study of veterinary diseases and virus-host interactions, laying a strong foundation for his future work in vaccine development. His commitment to advancing veterinary science continued through postdoctoral training, followed by his establishment as a professor at South China Agricultural University. His education reflects his dedication to merging academic research with practical applications for the improvement of animal health and disease prevention.

Experience:

Dr. Fan’s career began in 2007 as a professor at South China Agricultural University, where he became a leading figure in veterinary medicine. He has also contributed significantly to international research, evidenced by his six-month research visit to City University of Hong Kong in 2016. As a core member of several high-impact research initiatives, including the National Key Research and Development Program, he has played a vital role in advancing veterinary virology and vaccine development. Dr. Fanโ€™s extensive expertise has led to collaborations across national projects and scientific endeavors, particularly in the realm of infectious diseases and immune responses in animals.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Fan has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, including 8 provincial and ministerial-level honors. Notably, he was named a “Pearl River Science and Technology Star” in Guangzhou and recognized as a “Science and Technology Commissioner” by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. His contributions to veterinary science have garnered recognition both within China and internationally, highlighting his commitment to scientific excellence and industry collaboration. These accolades underscore his leadership in veterinary vaccine research and his influence on public health initiatives concerning animal diseases.

Research Focus:

Dr. Fanโ€™s primary research interests lie in the molecular design of genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses, including those affecting poultry and swine. His studies explore the immune mechanisms and pathogenesis of viruses such as avian influenza and porcine viral diarrhea. In addition to his work on vaccine development, he investigates the use of innovative techniques, including CRISPR/Cas12a and proteomics, to better understand virus-host interactions and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for animal diseases. His focus on veterinary virology aims to enhance both animal and public health outcomes.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “A single immunization with H5N1 virus-like particle vaccine protects chickens against divergent H5N1 influenza viruses” ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿฆ 
  2. “Influenza H7N9 Virus Hemagglutinin with T169A Mutation Possesses Enhanced Thermostability” ๐Ÿฆ โ„๏ธ
  3. “Immune Escape Mechanism and Vaccine Research Progress of African Swine Fever Virus” ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿฆ 
  4. “Supplementation of H7N9 Virus-Like Particle Vaccine With Recombinant Epitope Antigen Confers Full Protection” ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ’‰
  5. “PEDV infection affects the expression of polyamine-related genes inhibiting viral proliferation” ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿงฌ
  6. “Proteome Analysis in PAM Cells Reveals That African Swine Fever Virus Can Regulate Intracellular Polyamines” ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ”ฌ
  7. “CRISPR/Cas12a Technology Combined with Immunochromatographic Strips for Portable Detection of ASF Virus” ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿฆ 
  8. “Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Changes in Vero Cells in Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus” ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿ”ฌ
  9. “Coimmunization with recombinant epitope-expressing baculovirus enhances protective effects of H5N1 vaccine” ๐Ÿ’‰๐Ÿฆ 
  10. “Either fadD1 or fadD2, Which Encode acyl-CoA Synthetase, Is Essential for the Survival of Haemophilus parasuis SC096” ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ”ฌ
  11. “Two Glycosyltransferase Genes of Haemophilus parasuis SC096 Implicated in Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis” ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿฆ 
  12. “Recombinant baculovirus vaccine containing multiple M2e and adjuvant LT induces T cell-dependent protection against H5N1” ๐Ÿ’‰๐Ÿฆ 
  13. “BacMam virus-based surface display of IBV S1 glycoprotein confers strong protection against virulent IBV challenge” ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿฆ 
  14. “Quantitative Proteomics by Amino Acid Labeling in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus-Infected Cells” ๐Ÿ„๐Ÿงฌ
  15. “Quantitative proteomics using SILAC reveals protein and pathway regulation in porcine circovirus type 2 infected PK-15 cells” ๐Ÿ–๐Ÿงฌ

Conclusion:

Dr. Huiying Fan is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding contributions to animal virus research, innovative vaccine design, and leadership in national research initiatives. His extensive publication record, patent portfolio, and recognition through prestigious awards highlight his scientific excellence. Although expanding his collaborative network and exploring interdisciplinary methodologies could elevate his impact further, Dr. Fanโ€™s work has already had a profound effect on veterinary medicine and public health, making him a well-deserved nominee for this award.