Wageha AWad | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Wageha AWad | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Wageha AWad , University of Veterinary Medicine , Austria

Ass. Prof. Dr. Wageha Awad is a renowned Austrian scientist specializing in poultry and intestinal physiology. Based at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, she brings decades of hands-on experience in veterinary sciences, with a sharp focus on poultry gut health, host-pathogen interactions, and mycotoxin research. Her academic journey spans multiple prestigious institutions across Europe, including postdoctoral work at the Free University of Berlin under the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Dr. Awad’s prolific career includes numerous publications in high-impact journals and memberships in key scientific societies. She actively reviews for over 25 journals and several international funding agencies, reflecting her global recognition. As a mentor and academic advisor, she supports PhD candidates worldwide. Her research is highly cited, indicating a strong impact in animal physiology and nutrition. Dr. Awad exemplifies excellence in scientific research and academic leadership, making her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic and Research Experience
    Dr. Awad brings over two decades of high-level experience in veterinary sciences, specifically focused on poultry gut health, intestinal physiology, and mycotoxin research. Her academic journey through top-tier institutions such as Vetmeduni Vienna and the Free University of Berlin reflects strong international credentials.

  2. Highly Cited Publications
    With numerous peer-reviewed articles, several with citation counts exceeding 300, her work demonstrates a significant scientific impact. Topics such as tight junction modulation, probiotic effects, and mycotoxin detoxification are not only highly relevant but also influential in advancing animal health science.

  3. Research Leadership & Recognition
    Awarded multiple prestigious fellowships and international research prizes, including Alexander von Humboldt Awards and the Honorary Professorship (2024) at the University of Lahore, she is globally recognized as a leader in her field.

  4. Global Engagement & Peer Review Contributions
    She is an editorial board member of four international journals, reviewer for 25+ journals and international grant agencies (EU, Hong Kong, Poland, etc.), showcasing her authority and trustworthiness in evaluating high-impact research.

  5. Educational Mentorship
    Serving on PhD advisory boards across institutions in Pakistan and Austria, she actively contributes to nurturing the next generation of scientists.

⚖️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Wider Dissemination in Interdisciplinary Forums
    While her publications are strong within veterinary and animal science domains, expanding outreach to interdisciplinary audiences (e.g., One Health, bioinformatics) could further increase her visibility and cross-field impact.

  2. Leadership in International Consortia or Projects
    While she participates extensively in research, leading or coordinating large-scale EU/international consortia could further establish her as a strategic scientific leader.

  3. Enhanced Media/Science Communication
    With such influential research, increasing her presence in public science communication platforms, webinars, or educational series could boost her visibility in public and policymaking arenas.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Wageha Awad began her scientific career with a PhD fellowship from the Österreichische Orient-Gesellschaft (2004–2007), undertaking doctoral studies at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna. Her research focused on animal nutrition, leading to significant insights into feed safety and poultry gut health. During her academic development, she pursued advanced postdoctoral studies at the Free University of Berlin, supported by the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, where she deepened her expertise in veterinary physiology. She further contributed to the field through a postdoctoral stint at the Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Biophysics in Vienna. Dr. Awad’s educational background is grounded in rigorous training in both basic and applied sciences, especially in gastrointestinal physiology, feed toxicology, and animal welfare. Her strong academic foundation across leading European institutions has played a pivotal role in shaping her multifaceted research approach in veterinary science.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Awad currently holds the position of Assistant Professor at the Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Vetmeduni Vienna (since 2019). Prior to this, she served as a Senior Postdoctoral Associate at the same clinic for nearly a decade. Her earlier roles include a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Physiology and as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the Free University of Berlin. Her academic journey began as a Scientific Assistant at the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Vetmeduni Vienna. Dr. Awad has actively participated in international research collaborations and has held advisory roles on PhD committees in Pakistan. Her dynamic career reflects a blend of research, teaching, and international academic engagement. Her work has contributed to understanding gut microbiota, dietary toxins, and poultry nutrition, earning her high regard in veterinary circles. Her scientific output and mentorship continue to influence veterinary physiology and animal health globally.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Wageha Awad has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her scientific excellence. In 2024, she was appointed Honorary Professor at the University of Lahore, Pakistan. She has earned multiple research awards, including the Armin Tschermak von Seysenegg Award (2018), Science Award for Third-party Funds (2017), and two Alexander von Humboldt Research Awards (2007–2009, 2014). Her early research achievements were recognized by the Brigitte Gedek Award for Mycotoxin Research (2008), and she received the H. Wilhelm Schaumann Stiftung Promotion Award in 2013. She was also honored with the Best Poster Award at the 8th International Conference of the European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition in 2004. These accolades underscore her impactful contributions to veterinary medicine, particularly in gut health, feed additives, and toxicology. Her international recognition and consistent track record of scientific excellence make her a strong nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Awad’s research centers on intestinal physiology and gut health in poultry, with a particular focus on the structure and function of the epithelial barrier and host-pathogen interactions. Her studies explore the effects of enteric pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli on gut integrity and immune responses. She investigates the influence of feed additives, mycotoxins, probiotics, and synbiotics on animal health and performance. Her work also examines microbiota modulation and the physiological mechanisms behind nutrient absorption and barrier function. With over a decade of laboratory and field experience, her innovative studies have led to new strategies for enhancing gut health and preventing disease in poultry through nutrition-based approaches. Her multidisciplinary research integrates veterinary physiology, microbiology, immunology, and nutrition—contributing to the development of safer, more effective feeding practices. Dr. Awad’s contributions are widely cited, making her a leading voice in animal health and poultry science research.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

📖 Effects of dietary inclusion of probiotic and synbiotic on broiler growth and intestinal histomorphology
📖 Indigenous bacteria and bacterial metabolic products in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers
📖 Enteric pathogens and their disruption of the intestinal barrier via tight junction alteration in chickens
📖 Probiotic addition to broiler diets contaminated with deoxynivalenol: performance and villi histology
📖 Intestinal structure and function in broilers fed synbiotics (Enterococcus faecium & oligosaccharides)
📖 Impacts of feed contaminant deoxynivalenol on poultry and swine intestines
📖 Strategies for detoxifying deoxynivalenol in animal feed via microbial biodegradation
📖 Efficacy of an avian-specific probiotic in reducing Campylobacter jejuni colonization in broilers
📖 Age-related gut microbiome shifts in broilers and effects of Campylobacter jejuni infection
📖 Campylobacter infection modulates intestinal barrier function in chickens

📝 Conclusion:

Ass. Prof. Dr. Wageha Awad is an exceptional and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic excellence, publication impact, and global collaborations reflect an accomplished researcher who has made significant contributions to poultry physiology, gut health, and food safety. She has built a sustainable and far-reaching research portfolio, inspiring peers and young researchers alike. With continued focus on global leadership roles and interdisciplinary collaborations, she is poised to further elevate her impact in veterinary sciences and beyond.

Dana Hassouneh | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dana Hassouneh | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dana Hassouneh , King Hussein Cancer Center , Jordan

Dana Hassouneh is a dedicated Clinical Pharmacist from Amman, Jordan, with extensive experience working in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies. Passionate about patient-centered care, Dana is committed to enhancing medication therapies while continuously expanding her medical knowledge. Dana’s professional expertise includes inpatient pharmacy, chemotherapy, patient counseling, and drug interactions. As a co-investigator in research, she is also deeply involved in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in oncology. Dana’s strong communication, organizational, and counseling skills have made her a valuable asset in the healthcare field. She is an advocate for educating patients and healthcare professionals to ensure proper medication use and adherence to prescribed therapies.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award 💪

Dana Hassouneh exhibits a strong commitment to patient-centered care and advanced research in the field of clinical pharmacy, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases. Her contributions as a co-investigator in high-impact research, such as the study on microbiological profiles and resistance patterns in pediatric cancer patients, reflect her deep analytical skills and her dedication to improving patient outcomes. Dana’s ability to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research is a standout feature, making her an invaluable asset to the medical community. Her research at the King Hussein Cancer Center, which includes investigating community-acquired pneumonia in cancer patients, demonstrates her ability to approach complex medical problems with a scientific mindset and her willingness to engage in meaningful work to advance healthcare.

Areas for Improvements 🌱

While Dana’s expertise is remarkable, there is always room to expand her research focus and broaden her collaborative network. Increasing her involvement in multi-center, international research collaborations could offer her exposure to a wider variety of data and perspectives, further strengthening her research abilities. Moreover, refining advanced statistical analysis skills and gaining additional training in emerging research methodologies could contribute to more robust and innovative findings. Dana could also consider focusing on improving interdisciplinary collaborations, especially between clinical pharmacy, microbiology, and oncology to enhance her ability to address multifaceted medical challenges.

Education 🎓

Dana graduated from the University of Jordan with a Clinical Pharmacist degree in 2021, achieving an impressive 3.69/4 GPA. Prior to this, she completed her IGCSE studies at Global International School, where she earned a remarkable score of 97.6/100. Throughout her academic journey, Dana has demonstrated exceptional skills in pharmacology and therapeutic practices, laying the foundation for her successful career as a clinical pharmacist. Her education has enabled her to integrate evidence-based medicine into her practice while developing the skills necessary for medication therapy management and patient education. Dana’s academic excellence continues to influence her ongoing professional growth, furthering her ability to contribute to the medical field and improve patient outcomes.

Experience 💼

Dana’s career began at Luqman Al-Hakeem Pharmacy, where she gained valuable patient interaction skills while dispensing medications and offering counseling. Later, as a clinical pharmacist at the King Hussein Cancer Center, Dana worked both in inpatient and chemotherapy pharmacies, ensuring safe medication therapy for cancer patients. Her role involved educating healthcare professionals about drug interactions and alternative therapies. Dana’s research experience as a co-investigator has also been significant, analyzing patient outcomes for those with community-acquired pneumonia. She has also trained at various healthcare settings such as Jordan University Hospital and Jordanian Royal Medical Services, enhancing her knowledge of patient medication management and adherence. This diverse experience has honed Dana’s clinical expertise and strengthened her passion for improving patient care and outcomes.

Research Focus 🔬

Dana’s research primarily focuses on improving patient outcomes through medication therapy management and investigating disease-specific therapies. Her recent work as a co-investigator at King Hussein Cancer Center involves studying the characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Dana is deeply engaged in the process of manuscript writing and data analysis, with a focus on oncology and infectious diseases. She has also contributed to research regarding microbiological profiles and resistance patterns in pediatric cancer patients. Her research aims to provide evidence-based solutions that can enhance treatment protocols, reduce medication errors, and optimize healthcare delivery for cancer patients. Dana’s work contributes to bridging the gap between clinical practice and research, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care based on up-to-date scientific evidence.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Microbiological Profiles and Resistance Patterns in Pediatrics With Cancer: An 8‐Year Study at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jordan – Cancer Reports (2025-03)

Conclusion 🎯

Dana Hassouneh’s blend of clinical practice and research expertise makes her an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her strengths in patient education, counseling, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams position her as an emerging leader in the field. As she continues to develop her research focus and expands her skill set, Dana is poised to contribute significantly to advancements in clinical pharmacy and oncology research. Her passion, diligence, and commitment to improving patient care are undeniable, making her a valuable asset to the healthcare field.

Donglin Ma | Microbial interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Donglin Ma | Microbial interaction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Donglin Ma , Guangdong ocean university , China

Dr. Donglin Ma is a distinguished lecturer and researcher at the College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University. With a focus on fermented food microorganisms and subtropical agro-processing, he has made significant contributions to the food bioengineering field. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Engineering from Shenyang Chemical University, followed by a Master’s degree from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology. He completed his Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University. Dr. Ma has led numerous research projects funded by prestigious bodies like the National Natural Science Foundation of China and participated in several key scientific endeavors, including the 863 Program. He has published over 15 academic papers, including 11 indexed in SCI journals, contributing valuable insights into food microbiology, fermentation, and bioengineering.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Donglin Ma is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his extensive contributions to the field of food bioengineering, particularly in fermented food microorganisms and subtropical agro-processing. He has a strong research portfolio with over 15 peer-reviewed publications, including 11 indexed in SCI journals, demonstrating his leadership in microbial fermentation and food quality enhancement. His interdisciplinary approach to the fermentation process, as seen in his studies on Huangjiu, fermented wheat, and microbial communities, has had a significant impact on both academic research and the food industry. His ability to secure prestigious research funding, including from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and his mentorship of master’s students further highlight his expertise and influence in the field. Dr. Ma’s dedication to advancing food science, particularly in fermentation technologies and their applications, positions him as a strong contender for this award.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Ma has demonstrated remarkable research and publication output, further expansion of his work to encompass global trends and international collaborations could enhance his influence and reach. Increasing his participation in high-impact international conferences and forging collaborative research networks could help further elevate his profile in the global scientific community. Additionally, a broader dissemination of his research findings through open-access platforms or popular science outlets might increase the visibility of his work, making it more accessible to both the academic and non-academic public. These steps could help position Dr. Ma as a more prominent global leader in his field.

Education:

Dr. Donglin Ma began his academic journey at Shenyang Chemical University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Engineering in 2016. Following this, he pursued a Master’s degree in Food Engineering from Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, completing it in 2018. He further advanced his education by obtaining a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University in 2022. His education has provided a strong foundation in food science, fermentation engineering, and bioengineering, equipping him with the knowledge and skills necessary for his research in food microbiology and agro-processing. His doctoral research and subsequent work have laid the groundwork for his innovative contributions to microbial fermentation, food quality improvement, and functional food development. Dr. Ma’s academic achievements reflect a deep commitment to the advancement of food science through interdisciplinary research and practical applications.

Experience:

Dr. Donglin Ma has accumulated substantial experience as both a researcher and educator in the field of food science. He has been a lecturer and researcher at Guangdong Ocean University since completing his Ph.D., where he is involved in teaching undergraduate courses in Fermentation Engineering, Bioassay Technology, and Functional Foods. Over the past five years, he has led multiple high-profile research projects, including one funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and several others related to the microbial communities and metabolic profiles in fermented foods. His work spans areas such as microbial community succession in biofortified wheat, the production of functional foods, and the enzymatic characterization of novel bioactive compounds. Dr. Ma has published over 15 peer-reviewed articles, contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of food microbiology and bioengineering. As a master’s supervisor, he has mentored students in advancing food science research.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Donglin Ma has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to food science and bioengineering. He has been the recipient of several prestigious grants and awards, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Guangdong Ocean University. These awards have enabled him to lead groundbreaking research in fermented food microorganisms, subtropical agro-processing, and fermentation technology. His work on improving the quality of Chinese alcoholic beverages, such as Huangjiu, and his contributions to the understanding of microbial community dynamics in fermentation processes, have earned him recognition in the scientific community. His research achievements have been published in top-tier journals, further cementing his reputation as a leading researcher in the field. Dr. Ma’s expertise and innovative approaches in food microbiology and bioengineering have made him a key figure in his field, and he continues to make impactful contributions to science and education.

Research Focus:

Dr. Donglin Ma’s research focuses on fermented food microorganisms and subtropical agro-processing, with an emphasis on microbial communities, fermentation engineering, and bioactive compounds. His work investigates how microbial succession in fermentation influences food quality and how to enhance these processes to produce functional foods. He has contributed significantly to the study of microbial interactions in traditional Chinese fermented foods, such as Huangjiu, and has explored ways to improve their quality through the optimization of fermentation conditions. His research also delves into the development of biofortified wheat, functional strains for brewing, and the enzymatic characteristics of novel microorganisms. A key area of his work is the development of microbial tools to improve the nutritional and sensory qualities of fermented products, benefiting both the food industry and consumers. Dr. Ma’s interdisciplinary approach combines microbiology, food science, and bioengineering, focusing on sustainable and health-promoting food innovations.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. L-arabinose isomerase from Lactobacillus fermentum C6: Enzymatic characteristics and its recombinant Bacillus subtilis whole cells achieving a significantly increased production of D-tagatose 🌱🧬
  2. Unraveling the correlations between microbial communities and metabolic profiles of strong-flavor Jinhui Daqu with different storage periods 🍶🔬
  3. Environmental factors drive microbial community succession in biofortified wheat Qu and its improvement on the quality of Chinese huangjiu 🌾🍶
  4. Structural and enzymatic characterization of a novel metallo-serine keratinase KerJY-23 🧪💡
  5. Developing an innovative raw wheat Qu inoculated with Saccharopolyspora and its application in Huangjiu 🍞🍶
  6. Stabilization of jiuyao quality for huangjiu brewing by fortifying functional strains based on core microbial community analysis 🍶🔍
  7. Complete genome sequence, metabolic model construction, and huangjiu application of Saccharopolyspora rosea A22 🌾🧬
  8. Assimilable nitrogen reduces the higher alcohols content of huangjiu 🍶⚗️

Conclusion:

Dr. Donglin Ma stands out as an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful research in food microbiology, fermentation engineering, and agro-processing. His innovative contributions to improving food quality, microbial applications in fermentation, and his strong academic record demonstrate his capability as a leading researcher. With ongoing research projects and his continuous mentorship of students, he is well-positioned to make lasting contributions to the advancement of food science. His combination of research productivity, teaching, and mentorship makes him highly deserving of recognition for his dedication and excellence in food bioengineering