Ioan Tomuta | Genetic Material | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Ioan Tomuta | Genetic Material | Research Excellence Award

University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu Cluj-Napoca | Romania

Ioan Tomuță is a leading researcher in pharmaceutical technology with extensive expertise in the design, development, and optimization of modern dosage forms. His work focuses on understanding the physicochemical and mechanical properties of active substances and excipients, their processing behavior, and their influence on drug release kinetics and bioavailability. He has made significant contributions to advanced drug delivery systems, including liposomes, nanoparticles, polymeric films, and gastroretentive drug delivery platforms produced through 3D printing. His research also advances the use of NIR spectroscopy, chemometrics, and Quality-by-Design principles for pharmaceutical development and process analytical control. He has played key roles in national and European research projects involving process engineering, tissue regeneration technologies, and artificial intelligence–based prediction tools for 3D-printable medicines. His work spans formulation science, process optimization, GMP-oriented industrial applications, and innovation in personalized medicine manufacturing technologies.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications: 

Savencu, I., Iurian, S., Porfire, A., Bogdan, C., & Tomuță, I. (2021). Review of advances in polymeric wound dressing films. Reactive and Functional Polymers, 168, 105059.

Ilyés, K., Kovács, N. K., Balogh, A., Borbás, E., Farkas, B., Casian, T., Marosi, G., … & Tomuță, I. (2019). The applicability of pharmaceutical polymeric blends for the fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D technique: Material considerations, printability, process modulation, with particular interest in additive manufacturing applications. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 129, 110–123.

Tefas, L. R., Sylvester, B., Tomuță, I., Sesarman, A., Licarete, E., Banciu, M., … & Porfire, A. (2017). Development of antiproliferative long-circulating liposomes co-encapsulating doxorubicin and curcumin through the use of a quality-by-design approach. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 1605–1621.

Tefas, L. R., Tomuță, I., Achim, M., & Vlase, L. (2015). Development and optimization of quercetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by experimental design. Clujul Medical, 88(2), 214.

Barbalata, C. I., Tefas, L. R., Achim, M., Tomuță, I., & Porfire, A. S. (2020). Statins in risk-reduction and treatment of cancer. World Journal of Clinical Oncology, 11(8), 573.

Bogdan, C., Iurian, S., Tomuță, I., & Moldovan, M. (2017). Improvement of skin condition in striae distensae: Development, characterization and clinical efficacy of a cosmetic product containing Punica granatum seed oil and Croton lechleri resin extract. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 521–531.

Rusu, M. E., Gheldiu, A. M., Mocan, A., Moldovan, C., Popa, D. S., Tomuță, I., … & Vlase, L. (2018). Process optimization for improved phenolic compounds recovery from walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum: Phytochemical profile and biological activities. Molecules, 23(11), 2814.

Colobatiu, L., Gavan, A., Potarniche, A. V., Rus, V., Diaconeasa, Z., Mocan, A., … & Tomuță, I. (2019). Evaluation of bioactive compounds-loaded chitosan films as a novel and potential diabetic wound dressing material. Reactive and Functional Polymers, 145, 104369.

Rusu, M. E., Fizeșan, I., Pop, A., Gheldiu, A. M., Mocan, A., Crișan, G., Vlase, L., … & Tomuță, I. (2019). Enhanced recovery of antioxidant compounds from hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) involucre based on extraction optimization: Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity. Antioxidants, 8(10), 460

Afolake Arowolo | Functional Genomics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Afolake Arowolo | Functional Genomics | Best Researcher Award

South African Medical Council and University of Cape Town | South Africa

Dr. Afolake Temitope Arowolo is a C2 NRF-rated Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council and Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town, with more than a decade of experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, and functional genomics. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry from Rhodes University, and earlier degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University. Her research has spanned teaching and supervising students at undergraduate, honours and postgraduate levels, delivering courses in molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, enzyme and protein characterisation, as well as quality control and molecular techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 screening, PCR / qPCR, cloning, and electrophoresis. She has published over 20 peer-reviewed research articles, including a filed patent on novel inhibitors of human 5-alpha reductase for androgenetic alopecia, and has secured various international and local grants and fellowships. Her work has been cited in the scientific literature many times, reflecting a solid h-index (approximately mid- to high-teens) and citations in excess of one hundred. She is active in editorial and peer review duties, mentors, especially for scholars from under-represented backgrounds, and her current research interest is identifying novel therapeutic agents for diseases such as diabetes cardiomyopathy, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and fibrosing skin and hair disorders, applying functional genomics, nanobiotechnology, molecular biology and enzymology.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Tambwe, N., Sinkala, M., Oluwole, O., Khumalo, N., & Arowolo, A. (2025). An integrative genotyping and gene expression profiling of the mutated human FAM111B gene and fibrosis-associated pathway in the POIKTMP syndrome. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. (Article in Press).

Oluwole, O. G., Arowolo, A., Musa, E., Levitt, N., & Matjila, M. (2025). The identification of a novel missense variant in the ChAT gene in a patient with gestational diabetes denotes a plausible genetic association. Open Medicine, 20(1), 1225.

Johnson, R., Shabalala, S., Mabasa, L., Kotzé-Hörstmann, L., Sangweni, N., Ramharack, P., Sharma, J., Pheiffer, C., Arowolo, A., & Sadie-Van Gijsen, H. (2025). Integrated profiling of adiponectin and cytokine signaling pathways in high-fat diet-induced MASLD reveals early markers of disease progression. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1–5.

Naicker, D., Rhoda, C., Sunda, F., & Arowolo, A. (2024). Unravelling the intricate roles of FAM111A and FAM111B: From protease-mediated cellular processes to disease implications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(5), 2845.

Ntshingila, S., Oputu, O., Arowolo, A. T., & Khumalo, N. P. (2023). Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD International, 13, 150–158.

Musa, E., Salazar-Petres, E., Arowolo, A., Levitt, N., Matjila, M., & Sferruzzi-Perri, A. N. (2023). Obesity and gestational diabetes independently and collectively induce specific effects on placental structure, inflammation and endocrine function in a cohort of South African women. The Journal of Physiology, 601(7), 1287–1306.

Mai Kadry | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mai Kadry | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mai Kadry  , NRC , Egypt

Dr. Mai Osman Mohamed Kadry is an Assistant Professor at the Therapeutic Chemistry Department of the National Research Centre in Egypt, specializing in molecular and biochemical research. With over two decades of experience, she has contributed significantly to the advancement of therapeutic chemistry. Dr. Kadry obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from Cairo University in 2016, focusing on oxidative injury mitigation through antioxidants. She has authored and co-authored multiple articles in prestigious journals. Her research is driven by a passion for finding therapeutic solutions to biochemical challenges, with a focus on molecular mechanisms and drug development.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Mai Osman Mohamed Kadry has made significant contributions to the field of therapeutic chemistry, particularly in molecular and biochemical research. As an Assistant Professor at the National Research Centre (NRC), her dedication to scientific advancement is evident in her research on oxidative stress, drug-induced toxicity, and the potential of nanotechnology to mitigate such effects. Her work has been published in high-impact journals, showcasing her expertise in areas like cancer research, biochemistry, and drug development. Additionally, her comprehensive teaching experience in academic settings has strengthened her ability to impart knowledge to the next generation of researchers.

Areas for Improvement:

Although Dr. Kadry’s work is impressive, her research could further benefit from exploring more collaborative projects across different research centers and incorporating a broader range of interdisciplinary approaches. Engaging with cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven drug discovery or multi-omics data analysis could significantly expand her impact on therapeutic chemistry.

Education:

Dr. Mai Kadry’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ain Shams University, graduating with honors in 2003. She later pursued an MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a focus on Biochemistry from Helwan University in 2008. Her doctoral research at Cairo University led to a PhD in Biochemistry in 2016, where she studied the amelioration of oxidative stress induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice. This educational foundation has equipped her with a robust understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, and drug therapy.

Experience:

Dr. Mai Kadry has a distinguished career at the National Research Centre (NRC) in Egypt, starting as an Assistant Researcher in 2004 and advancing to Assistant Professor in 2021. Over the years, she has contributed to groundbreaking research in therapeutic chemistry, particularly in the area of oxidative stress and drug toxicity. Dr. Kadry has also taught pharmacognosy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, 6 October University, and served on committees focusing on academic development. Her extensive teaching and research experience positions her as a leader in her field.

Research Focus:

Dr. Mai Kadry’s research focuses on therapeutic chemistry, exploring the molecular mechanisms of drug-induced toxicity, oxidative stress, and potential protective treatments. Her work investigates the impact of nanomaterials like titanium dioxide and their effects on cellular pathways. She also studies the synergistic potential of natural compounds to mitigate damage from toxins, using advanced biochemical methods to evaluate their efficacy. Additionally, Dr. Kadry has a keen interest in cancer research, focusing on autophagy signaling and the development of novel drug formulations.

Publications Top Notes:

  • “Titanium nanostructure mitigating doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in rats via regulating major autophagy signaling pathways” 🧬💉
  • “Inflammatory mediators-induced DNA damage in liver and brain injury: Therapeutic approach of 5-Methoy-N-acetyltryptamine” 🧠💊
  • “Necroptosis and autophagy in cisplatinum-triggered nephrotoxicity: Novel insights regarding their prognostic and diagnostic potential” 💊🩺
  • “Resveratrol-based nano-formulations as an emerging therapeutic strategy for ovarian carcinoma” 🎗️💡
  • “miR-122-IGF-1R signaling allied through the dysregulated lncRNA MALAT-1 expression in gastric carcinoma” 🧬🦠
  • “Reciprocal crosslink among MeCP2/BDNF/CREB signaling pinpointed in autism spectrum disorder” 🧠🔬
  • “CRISPR-Cas9 genome and long non-coding RNAs as a novel diagnostic index for prostate cancer therapy” 🧬🧬
  • “Collaboration of Hprt/K-RAS/c-Myc mutation in the oncogenesis of T-lymphocytic leukemia” 🩸⚗️
  • “Thioctic acid shield against lipopolysaccharide depression and endoplasmic reticulum stress: GR7M/Homer/ATF6 signaling” 🧬🛡️
  • “Titanium dioxide nanostructure-loaded Adriamycin surmounts resistance in breast cancer therapy” 🧬🎗️

Conclusion:

Dr. Mai Osman Mohamed Kadry stands out as an exemplary researcher in her field. Her focus on therapeutic chemistry, particularly in relation to oxidative stress, toxicity, and nanotechnology, positions her as a promising candidate for the Researcher of the Year Award. Through her continued contributions and potential for further interdisciplinary collaboration, she will likely continue to make pivotal advancements in the field of molecular and biochemical research.