Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Drosos Kourounis | Hellenic Pasteur Institute| Greece

Drosos Kourounis is a seasoned biomedical scientist based at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, his career has spanned from research on parasitic protozoa to developing air purification technologies for public health. His journey began with a BSc and MSc in Biology from the University of Athens, focusing on Leishmania molecular mechanisms. He progressively transitioned into applied research and pharmaceutical quality control, currently serving as the QA/QC Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. Alongside his scientific duties, he has actively participated in several national seminars and certifications in ISO standards and laboratory quality systems. His contributions to publications, including work on UV-C air disinfection and pathogen bioaerosols, show his commitment to translational science and public health safety. Kourounis’s multidisciplinary skills, research impact, and quality-driven mindset make him a standout figure in the field of biomedical research.

Publication Profile:

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✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Diverse Research Portfolio: Dr. Kourounis combines basic molecular biology research (e.g., Leishmania donovani protein characterization) with applied public health innovations, such as UVC air filtration devices.

  2. Peer-Reviewed Publications: Multiple first- and co-author publications in reputable journals like International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Clinical Research and Reviews highlight his consistent research productivity.

  3. Quality & Regulatory Expertise: His role as QA/QC Manager and extensive ISO training show strong competence in scientific quality assurance, a rare but highly valuable skill in biomedical research.

  4. Public Health Impact: His work on airborne microbial bioaerosols reduction is highly relevant to healthcare, particularly in post-pandemic times.

  5. Academic Excellence: Achieved a 10/10 thesis grade for MSc research and has shown continued academic engagement and scientific rigor.

🛠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. More International Collaborations: While his current network is strong locally, expanding his collaborations globally would increase visibility and cross-disciplinary impact.

  2. Greater Research Specialization: A more narrowly defined focus could strengthen academic identity and make his profile stand out further among specialized researchers.

  3. Funding and Grants: No mention of securing independent grants or fellowships, which are key indicators of research independence and innovation leadership.

🎓 Education:

Drosos Kourounis holds both a Bachelor of Science (2013) and Master of Science (2017) in Biology from the University of Athens, Greece. His MSc focused on molecular parasitology, specifically the cloning and characterization of a secreted nexin-like protein from Leishmania donovani, which earned him a perfect thesis score (10/10). Complementing his formal education, Kourounis has pursued multiple professional certifications in laboratory quality systems, including ISO 17025 and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation seminars, conducted by institutions like TUV HELLAS and HellasLab. In 2021, he also completed certified training in laboratory animal science at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, showing his commitment to ethical and regulatory compliance in biomedical research. His training portfolio demonstrates a keen interest in continuous education and the application of scientific standards in both academic and industrial environments. His educational journey reflects a balance between foundational science and regulatory excellence.

💼 Experience:

Drosos Kourounis has over 7 years of cumulative experience in biomedical research and quality control. He is currently the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute (since January 2023), where he oversees pharmaceutical QC processes. Previously, he served as Senior QC Analyst (2022) and QC Analyst (2019–2021) at the same institution. His earlier roles include Scientific Collaborator at MEGALAB S.A. and Research Assistant at the Intracellular Parasitism group in the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. During his research tenure, he contributed to molecular studies on Leishmania donovani and the development of innovative air disinfection systems. He is recognized for his dual role as a scientist and regulatory professional, combining rigorous lab work with compliance to ISO standards. His professional trajectory showcases a steady progression toward leadership in quality control, along with consistent scientific contributions to public health and infectious disease research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Drosos Kourounis’s research lies at the intersection of molecular parasitology, bioaerosol control, and public health technology. His academic work began with the cloning and analysis of Leishmania donovani proteins, contributing to the understanding of host-parasite interactions. Transitioning from pure biology, his focus expanded to the development of innovative air disinfection technologies, including UV-C integrated filtration systems aimed at mitigating microbial exposure in clinical and public environments. This shift highlights a commitment to translational research that addresses real-world problems, such as hospital-acquired infections and airborne pathogen control. His contributions are evident in publications across molecular sciences and applied electromagnetics. Moreover, he incorporates quality assurance principles into his scientific work, ensuring research reproducibility and compliance with international standards.

📚 Publication Top Notes: 

  • 🧬 Cloning and molecular characterization of the secreted nexin-like protein LdPIBPnex, from the protozoon Leishmania donovani

  • 🌬️ Substantial Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols by Using a Novel Combination of Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology in Areas of Public Interest

  • 🧫 Characterization of the First Secreted Sorting Nexin Identified in the Leishmania Protists

  • 🏥 A Study on the Reduction of Airborne Microbial Bioaerosols at Indoor Air of Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit by Using Novel Air Filtration and UV Irradiation Technology

  • 😷 Design and Analysis of a Protecting Breathing Device (VITER) Disinfecting Air with an Integrated UVC Radiation Mechanism

 

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Drosos Kourounis demonstrates exceptional dedication to biomedical research, quality assurance, and innovation in public health safety. His dual focus on molecular parasitology and technological solutions for microbial air control showcases both scientific depth and societal impact. With a growing publication record and leadership role in a premier research institute, he is well-positioned for recognition. Enhancing global visibility and grant acquisition could elevate his profile further. Overall, he is highly suitable and deserving of serious consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Amal Zaher | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Amal Zaher | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Amal Zaher | Beni-suef University | Egypt

Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad is a distinguished researcher in the field of Microbial Cell Biology, affiliated with the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences at Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Her research primarily focuses on sustainable energy solutions, environmental remediation, and the application of nanomaterials in biotechnological processes. Dr. Shehata has co-authored several impactful publications, including studies on the repurposing of Co-Fe LDH and Co-Fe LDH/cellulose micro-adsorbents for sustainable energy generation in direct methanol fuel cells. Her work has been recognized for its innovative approach to recycling waste materials into high-value applications, contributing significantly to the advancement of green technologies

Publication Profile:

scopus

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad is a seasoned and highly productive researcher in the fields of microbial cell biology, nanomaterials, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation. Her multidisciplinary research intersects applied chemistry, sustainable environmental practices, and biotechnology, making substantial contributions to both academic knowledge and societal needs.

Her publication record is impressive, with dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference presentations in internationally indexed outlets such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Nanomaterials, and Journal of Molecular Liquids. These works highlight her proficiency in synthesizing and characterizing advanced nanomaterials, particularly layered double hydroxides (LDHs), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and electrocatalysts, applied to energy generation and water purification.

Dr. Zaher has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to address real-world environmental challenges through academic rigor. Her investigations into antibiotic and heavy metal removal, green synthesis techniques, and renewable energy solutions underline a commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs).

She is also a collaborator on various multidisciplinary projects, working alongside chemists, biotechnologists, and engineers, indicating strong team science experience. Furthermore, she has contributed to the academic development of her institution and country through teaching, mentoring, and scholarly engagement.

Education :

Dr. Shehata completed her undergraduate studies at Minia University, Egypt, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. She further pursued her academic ambitions by obtaining a Master’s degree, followed by a Ph.D. in a specialized area of Microbial Cell Biology. Her doctoral research focused on the application of nanomaterials in environmental and energy-related biotechnological processes. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Shehata has demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, which is evident in her extensive publication record and contributions to the field.

Research Skills :

Dr. Shehata possesses a diverse skill set in microbial cell biology and environmental biotechnology. Her research expertise includes the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, particularly Co-Fe LDH and Co-Fe LDH/cellulose composites, for applications in environmental remediation and energy generation. She is proficient in various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and zeta potential analyses, which she employs to assess the properties and effectiveness of synthesized materials. Furthermore, Dr. Shehata has experience in designing and conducting experiments to evaluate the adsorption capacities and catalytic activities of these materials, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment and energy production. Her interdisciplinary approach and technical proficiency make her a valuable asset to the field of microbial cell biology

Publications Top Note:

  • 📘 Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Sensing of Heavy Metals in Wastewater Streams

    • Book: Handbook of Nanosensors

    • Authors: Rehab Mahmoud, E. E. Abdel-Hady, Hamdy F. M. Mohammed, Mohamed Ibrahim, Gehad Abd El-Fatah, Amal Zaher, Yasser Gadelhak

    • Year: 2024

  • 🧪 Iron-trimesic metal organic frameworks as nano-adsorbents for tetracycline and Ceftriaxone contaminated wastewater effluents

    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Chemistry

    • Authors: Amal Zaher, Hossam Nassar, Alzahraa Shaban, Taha Abdelmonein, Esaraa Salama, Yasser Gaber, Nabila Shehata, Reda Abdelhameed, Rehab Mahmoud

    • Year: 2022

  • 🏭 Application of Quality Control Tools in Carpet Industry: A Case Study

    • Journal: Trends in Sciences

    • Authors: Amal Zaher, Said Ahmed, Hamada Mohamed, Abdel Hakeem EL Minhawy

    • Year: 2022

  • 🦠 Antibacterial activities of layer double hydroxide nanocubes based on Zeolite templates

    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Chemistry

    • Author: Amal Zaher

    • Year: 2022

  • 🧲 LDH nanocubes synthesized with zeolite templates and their high performance as adsorbents

    • Journal: Nanomaterials

    • Authors: Elkartehi M.E., Mahmoud R., Shehata N., Farghali A., Gamil S., Zaher A.

    • Year: 2021

Conclusion:

Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad exhibits all qualities worthy of the Best Researcher Award: an extensive and impactful publication record, demonstrated interdisciplinary collaboration, contribution to solving urgent environmental issues, and an ongoing commitment to scientific excellence.

Her body of work is not only significant in terms of innovation and academic depth but also reflects real-world applicability and societal relevance—key benchmarks for any researcher considered for high-level recognition. As such, she is eminently qualified and deserving of consideration for this prestigious honor.