Emmanuelle Van Erck-Westergren | Equine microbiota | Outstanding Contribution Award

Posted on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Dr. Emmanuelle Van Erck-Westergren | Equine microbiota | Outstanding Contribution Award

Prof. Dr. Emmanuelle Van Erck-Westergren, Equine Sports Medicine Practice, Belgium

Dr. Emmanuelle van Erck-Westergren is a renowned veterinarian specializing in equine internal medicine and sports medicine. She is a diplomate of both the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR). Dr. van Erck-Westergren earned her DVM and PhD at the University of Liège, focusing on equine respiratory diseases. She founded the Equine Sports Medicine Practice (ESMP) in Belgium, where she leads a team dedicated to elite equine performance diagnostics. A trusted expert for the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), she also serves as president of the Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS). Her prolific academic output includes scientific publications, lectures at international conferences, and editorial contributions, notably co-editing the third edition of Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery. Her work bridges clinical expertise with high-impact research, benefitting elite equine athletes worldwide.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Dual Specialization & Diplomate Status

    • Certified by both the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR)—a rare and highly prestigious achievement demonstrating clinical and research excellence.

  2. Academic Contributions

    • Over 10 high-impact publications and book chapters (2024–2025 alone), including contributions to the gold-standard veterinary textbook Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery (3rd Edition), in which she is co-editor.

  3. Foundational Research

    • PhD in equine respiratory diseases—her foundational work has real-world implications for the health and athletic longevity of sport horses.

  4. Global Impact and Leadership

    • Founder of the Equine Sports Medicine Practice (ESMP), servicing elite sport horses globally.

    • President of the Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS) and expert for the FEI, influencing international veterinary policy.

  5. Interdisciplinary & Translational Work

    • Her research spans virology, exercise physiology, gastroenterology, and equine biomechanics, showcasing her ability to integrate science with applied veterinary sports medicine.

⚖️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Wider Interdisciplinary Collaboration

    • While her work is strong in traditional veterinary fields, collaboration with emerging tech (e.g., AI/biomechanical sensors) could expand the scope and impact of her research.

  2. Public Outreach and Knowledge Translation

    • Increased visibility through public science communication, open-access publications, or educational content for non-academic stakeholders (e.g., horse owners, trainers) would enhance the societal reach of her findings.

  3. Mentorship Record (Unstated)

    • No information was provided on her mentorship or training of the next generation of veterinary researchers—although this may exist, it should be highlighted if available.

🎓 Education:

Dr. van Erck-Westergren graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Liège in Belgium. Pursuing her passion for equine health, she completed a PhD at the same university, with a research focus on equine respiratory diseases—an area central to athletic performance in horses. Her postgraduate training led to board certification from two prestigious veterinary colleges: the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and the European College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ECVSMR). These dual diplomate titles mark her as one of a select group of veterinarians with exceptional expertise in both internal medicine and athletic performance of horses. Her education is not only grounded in clinical excellence but also in scientific rigor, making her a key academic and practical contributor in the veterinary field.

👩‍⚕️ Experience:

Dr. van Erck-Westergren has over two decades of experience in equine veterinary medicine, specializing in the health and performance of sport horses. She founded the Equine Sports Medicine Practice (ESMP) in Belgium, where she provides advanced diagnostic and rehabilitation services for elite equine athletes. Her clientele includes top-level international competitors across disciplines such as dressage, eventing, and racing. She has served as an expert advisor to the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), lending her insight to regulatory and clinical frameworks for equestrian sports. As the president of the Belgian Equine Practitioners Society (BEPS), she actively shapes veterinary policy and continuing education. In academia, she contributes extensively through authorship of peer-reviewed papers, textbook chapters, and international lectures, reinforcing her reputation as both a clinician and a thought leader.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. van Erck-Westergren’s research centers on equine sports medicine, with a strong focus on respiratory function, cardiovascular fitness, exercise physiology, and performance diagnostics. Her PhD on equine respiratory disease laid the foundation for a prolific research career that integrates field-based diagnostics with clinical intervention. She is particularly interested in how subclinical conditions—such as mild respiratory infections or gastric issues—impact performance in elite horses. Recent studies include predictive modeling of racehorse performance, the physiological impacts of diet on gastric health and behavior, and the use of advanced endoscopy in diagnostics. Her approach bridges science and sport, often conducting studies directly on high-performance horses during training or competition. She also contributes to veterinary education as a chapter author and editor of the seminal textbook Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, ensuring her research continues to influence the field globally.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  • 🦠 Respiratory viruses affecting health and performance in equine athletes (Virology, 2025)

  • 🐎 Cardiovascular Fitness and Stride Acceleration in Race-Pace Workouts for the Prediction of Performance in Thoroughbreds (Animals, 2024)

  • 🔍 Endoscopic examination of the respiratory tract (Equine Respiratory Endoscopy, 2024)

  • 🧾 Endoscopy in pre-purchase examinations (Equine Respiratory Endoscopy, 2024)

  • 📘 Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery: Basic and Clinical Sciences of the Equine Athlete, Third Edition (2024)

  • 🏃‍♂️ Exercise Testing in the Field (Chapter in Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, 2024)

  • 🍽️ Improvement of gastric disease and ridden horse pain ethogram scores with diet adaptation in sport horses (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2024)

  • 📝 Preface (Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, 2024)

  • 🌐 The Connected Horse (Chapter in Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, 2024)

  • 🏇 Veterinary Aspects of Conditioning, Training, and Competing Dressage Horses (Chapter in Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery, 2024)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Emmanuelle van Erck-Westergren exemplifies the criteria of the Research for Outstanding Contribution Award through her blend of scholarly excellence, clinical leadership, and translational impact on equine health and performance. Her dual-board certification, editorship of a seminal textbook, and active participation in shaping global veterinary policies place her in the top tier of veterinary researchers.

Madeha Awad | Intracellular Transport Systems | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Madeha Awad | Intracellular Transport Systems | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Madeha Awad, Sohag university, Egypt

Dr. Madeha Ahmed Aboelfadl Awad is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University, Egypt. Born on January 27, 1979, she has established herself as a leading researcher in the field of nanomaterials physics, with a focus on the synthesis and characterization of metal, metal oxide, and oxysulfide nanostructures. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Awad has contributed extensively to sustainable material applications, including photocatalysis, photodetectors, and smart coatings. Her passion for scientific inquiry and dedication to environmental and energy-related innovations have positioned her as a significant academic voice in Egypt and internationally. Married and residing in Sohag, she continues to inspire through both her teaching and prolific research publications, contributing to over 10 international journal articles and conference presentations. Dr. Awad’s interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science with real-world industrial and environmental applications.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research Focus:
    Dr. Awad has demonstrated consistent innovation in synthesizing and characterizing advanced nanostructured systems (metal oxides, oxysulfides, and thin films), with real-world applications in environmental remediation, energy conversion, and optoelectronics.

  2. Publication Record:
    She has published 10+ articles in reputable international journals such as Physica Scripta and Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics. Many of these works address pressing global challenges, including pollution control, clean energy, and smart coatings.

  3. Multidisciplinary Impact:
    Her work intersects physics, materials science, and environmental engineering, creating sustainable technologies like photocatalysts, hydrogen generation systems, and photodetectors.

  4. Active Conference Participation:
    Dr. Awad has presented at national and international scientific conferences, sharing her findings on SnO₂ thin films and transparent conductors, reflecting leadership in academic dissemination.

  5. Academic Development:
    She has completed multiple training courses in competitive research, digital transformation, and teaching methodologies, ensuring continuous growth and contribution to higher education quality.

🧩 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Collaborations:
    While Dr. Awad is actively publishing, there is potential for expanding collaborations with global research institutes and industrial sectors to enhance the scope and visibility of her work.

  2. Research Funding Diversification:
    Engaging in international grant applications or large-scale collaborative projects would further strengthen her research sustainability and resource access.

  3. Visibility in High-Impact Conferences:
    Increasing participation in high-impact global conferences or symposiums (e.g., MRS, APS) could amplify her academic footprint and foster more research exchange.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Awad earned her B.Sc. in Physics with a very good degree from Sohag University in 2003. She pursued her M.Sc. in Solid State Physics (2008), focusing on the structural, electrical, and optical properties of Sn-Sb-Se compounds. In 2015, she received her Ph.D. in Nanomaterials Physics for her pioneering work on ZnO-based nanomaterials. Her Ph.D. research emphasized growth and characterization techniques vital for optoelectronic applications. In October 2020, she became an Associate Professor, having specialized in the synthesis and analysis of nanostructured systems, including metal oxides and oxysulfides, with targeted industrial uses. Her academic path reflects a deep commitment to solid-state physics, materials engineering, and nanotechnology. She has also enhanced her academic competencies with digital transformation, student assessment, and competitive research training, aligning her education with modern interdisciplinary needs and research innovations.

🧪 Professional Experience:

Dr. Awad began her academic journey as an Assistant Lecturer in 2013 at Sohag University’s Physics Department. Following the completion of her Ph.D. in 2015, she was promoted to Lecturer, contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate instruction while intensifying her research. In 2020, she was appointed Associate Professor in Materials Science. Over the years, Dr. Awad has participated in international conferences, served as a research mentor, and collaborated with national and international scholars. Her expertise in synthesizing thin films and evaluating their optical, structural, and electrical characteristics has enabled her to lead multiple applied research projects. In addition to teaching and supervision, she has completed various training programs on student assessment, digital transformation, and competitive research funding. Her holistic academic profile blends high-impact research with educational excellence, making her a valuable contributor to Egypt’s scientific and academic landscape.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Madeha Awad’s research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructured materials, particularly metal and metal oxide thin films. Her work addresses real-world challenges through environmentally friendly solutions such as photocatalysis for pollutant degradation, hydrogen generation from seawater, and smart coatings for self-cleaning surfaces. She is also active in developing photodetectors for environmental sensing. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates solid-state physics, material science, and environmental engineering. Her recent projects involve advanced nanocomposites like In2O3/CuO and TiO2-based systems, with optimized optoelectronic and wettability properties for diverse industrial applications. By modifying surface and structural properties of nano-films, Dr. Awad aims to enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental remediation technologies. She is a strong advocate for applied research and often collaborates on global research initiatives that promote clean energy and green technologies. Her vision merges innovation with impact.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🔬 Photocatalytic characteristics of indium oxide, copper oxide and indium oxide/copper oxide thin films on plastic waste substrates for organic pollutants degradation

  2. 🔍 Influence of oxygen flow rates on the optoelectronic properties SnO2 thin films

  3. 🌿 A comparison between the effect of zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the growth and metabolic processes of Cosmarium sp

  4. 🌞 Highly sensitive TiO2 based photodetector for environmental sensing applications

  5. 🔦 Optoelectronic characteristics of In2O3/CuO thin films for enhanced visible-light photodetector

  6. 🧼 Photocatalysis, wettability and optical properties of N-doped Cu2O/CuO thin films for smart coating applications

  7. 💧 Surface wettability and photocatalytic activities of ZrOxNy/Au/TeO2 trilayers for antifogging coatings

  8. ⚡ Some characteristics of Cu/Cu2O/CuO nanostructure heterojunctions and their applications in hydrogen generation from seawater

  9. 🌐 WNxOy prepared by oxidation of tungsten nitride as alternative photocatalyst to N-doped WO3

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Madeha Ahmed Aboelfadl Awad exemplifies the qualities of a modern researcher who blends academic rigor with real-world impact. Her research in nanomaterials for environmental and energy applications is both timely and significant. With a strong foundation in materials science and a clear trajectory of impactful publications, she is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

minghe luo | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cell Biologist

Mr. minghe luo | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. minghe luo , Chongqing University of Technology , China

Dr. Minghe Luo, born in April 1984, is an accomplished pharmaceutical scientist and Associate Professor at Chongqing University of Technology. Specializing in natural product biosynthesis, he has made significant contributions to the discovery of novel antibiotics and the mechanistic understanding of biosynthetic pathways from marine microorganisms. His academic journey has taken him through respected institutions including Wuhan University and Southwest University, with extensive research training at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology. Known for his collaborative spirit and deep expertise in medicinal chemistry, Dr. Luo has authored numerous impactful publications in journals like Angewandte Chemie and Organic Letters. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers practical implications for antibiotic development. A dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Luo continues to explore microbial biosynthetic machinery, aiming to discover new therapeutics for drug-resistant infections.

Publication Profile:

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Depth of Expertise:
    Dr. Luo has solid academic foundations with a PhD in Pharmacy and a Master’s in Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products. His specialty in natural products biosynthesis—particularly from marine microorganisms—positions him uniquely in pharmaceutical research.

  2. Research Output & Impact:
    He has authored over 15 research papers in high-impact journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Organic Letters, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Journal of Natural Products. His work tackles urgent global needs, like antibiotic resistance, with research on compounds targeting MRSA and other drug-resistant pathogens.

  3. Innovation in Biosynthesis:
    His research on trans-AT polyketide synthases, novel biosynthetic pathways, and genome mining for cryptic natural products exemplifies forward-thinking, interdisciplinary science.

  4. Independent Research and Teaching:
    As an Associate Professor, he leads independent projects while teaching and mentoring students—demonstrating both leadership and academic service.

  5. Collaboration:
    His co-authored papers reflect strong collaborative ties, including with international researchers like Prof. Jeroen Dickschat (Germany), a mark of scientific credibility and connectivity.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Patent/Translational Outputs:
    While his publications are excellent, showcasing patents, industry collaborations, or drug development pipelines would better demonstrate translational relevance.

  2. Global Outreach:
    Participation in international conferences, scientific boards, or as an editorial reviewer could enhance his global visibility.

  3. Public Engagement:
    Greater involvement in public science communication or outreach could boost his societal impact profile.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Minghe Luo earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Wuhan University (2018–2021), under the supervision of Prof. Yuhui Sun, focusing on the biosynthesis of natural products. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry of Natural Products through a joint program between Southwest University and the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (2008–2011), guided by Professors Zichuan Bai and Jianhua Ju. His postgraduate training emphasized the chemical characterization and bioactivity of marine-derived fungal metabolites. This unique blend of pharmacy and chemistry, alongside rigorous experimental research, laid the foundation for his expertise in microbial natural product discovery and biosynthesis. Dr. Luo’s academic development reflects a deep commitment to both theoretical understanding and applied research, equipping him with the tools to lead investigations into novel bioactive compounds, particularly those from extreme marine environments.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Luo began his career as a research scientist at the Third Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (2011–2018), focusing on microbial natural product discovery. In 2021, he joined Chongqing University of Technology as an Associate Professor, where he leads independent projects on biosynthetic pathway elucidation and engineering of marine microbial metabolites. His role includes teaching pharmacy courses and mentoring graduate students. Dr. Luo’s experience spans isolation, structural elucidation, and genetic manipulation of microbial strains to unlock cryptic biosynthetic potential. His consistent publication record demonstrates both foundational research and innovative biosynthetic strategies. Over the years, he has cultivated a reputation for high-quality research and collaborative spirit, contributing significantly to antibiotic and anticancer compound discovery pipelines. He is particularly recognized for exploring deep-sea actinomycetes, making meaningful strides in developing novel antibacterial agents against drug-resistant pathogens.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Luo’s research centers on the biosynthesis of microbial natural products, particularly from marine-derived actinomycetes and fungi. His primary interests include identifying novel polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and hybrid metabolites with antibacterial or anticancer potential. He employs genome mining, biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) characterization, and pathway engineering to discover and optimize the production of bioactive compounds. A key theme in his work is understanding the mechanisms of tailoring enzymes (e.g., methyltransferases, P450s, dehydrating modules) that diversify natural product structures. Dr. Luo has also made major strides in elucidating biosynthetic pathways like those for hangtaimycin and streptovaricins. He is passionate about translating his findings into new drug leads, particularly targeting MRSA and multi-drug-resistant infections. His interdisciplinary approach bridges organic chemistry, synthetic biology, and pharmacology, contributing to the broader field of drug discovery from marine natural sources.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧪 The mechanism of dehydrating bimodules in trans-AT polyketide biosynthesis: hangtaimycin study – Angew. Chem. Int. Edit.

  2. 🧬 Methylation in hangtaimycin biosynthesis and its antibacterial activities – Synth. Syst. Biotechnol.

  3. 💊 Local delivery of deep marine equisetin via PVP nanofibers for anti-MRSA – Chem. Eng. J.

  4. 🌊 Natural siderophore acremonpeptides and their aluminum complex from Acremonium – J. Nat. Prod.

  5. 🔬 Amino acid-conjugated anthraquinones from marine Penicillium sp. – J. Nat. Prod.

  6. 🌐 Halogenated anthraquinones from Aspergillus sp. – J. Nat. Prod.

  7. 🧫 Genome-based mining of carpatamides I–M and their biosynthetic gene cluster – Mar. Drugs

  8. 🌿 Antibacterial lobophorin L and M from marine Streptomyces sp. – Nat. Prod. Res.

  9. 🧪 Two new streptovaricin derivatives from Streptomyces spectabilis mutants – Nat. Prod. Res.

  10. ⚗️ Mycophenolic acid derivative from Penicillium sp. fermentation – Nat. Prod. Res.

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Minghe Luo clearly exhibits the scientific rigor, innovation, and productivity deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to the field of natural product chemistry and biosynthesis, especially in the context of antimicrobial resistance, are both timely and impactful. With minor improvements in translational output and international visibility, he is poised to become a leading figure globally in pharmaceutical biotechnology.

Mingyue Xu | Food Waste | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Cell Biologist

Dr Mingyue Xu | Food Waste |  Best Researcher Award

Student at  University of Science and Technology Beijing China

Dr. Mingyue Xu is currently a student at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, where he is deeply engaged in the field of organic solid waste resources. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Science and Technology Beijing and a doctorate from Tsinghua University. Dr. Xu has made significant contributions to his field, having published 16 papers in reputable journals such as Bioresource Technology and Industrial Crops and Products. His research focuses on composting, biodrying, and organic fertilizer.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

Mingyue Xu holds a master’s degree from the University of Science and Technology Beijing and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Tsinghua University.

🔬 Research Focus:

Mingyue specializes in the field of organic solid waste resources, with a keen interest in composting, biodrying, and organic fertilizers.

Conclusion:

Dr. Mingyue Xu appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his robust academic background, significant research contributions, involvement in national projects, and the practical impact of his work on organic solid waste resources. His research outputs and innovations in composting and biodrying technologies align well with the award criteria, making him a suitable contender for the Best Researcher Award.

📈 Metrics:

  • Citations: 176
  • Documents: 16
  • h-index: 7

Publication Top Notes:

  • In-situ Utilization of Nitrogen-Rich Wastewater Discharged from a Biotrickling Filter as a Moisture Conditioning Agent for Composting: Insights into Nitrogen Transformation Behavior and Microbial Mechanism
    Authors: Xie, D., Yang, M., Zhang, S., Wang, Q., Liu, S.
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    Year: 2023
    Volume: 369
    Article Number: 128362
    Citations: 5
  • Biodrying of Biogas Residue: Maturity and Microbial Diversity Assessment
    Authors: Xu, M., Yang, M., Song, N., Wang, Q., Wu, C.
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
    Year: 2022
    Volume: 10(6)
    Article Number: 108757
    Citations: 5
  • Bioconversion of Biowaste into Renewable Energy and Resources: A Sustainable Strategy
    Authors: Xu, M., Yang, M., Sun, H., Wang, Q., Wu, C.
    Journal: Environmental Research
    Year: 2022
    Volume: 214
    Article Number: 113929
    Citations: 27
  • In-situ Utilization of Nitrogen-Rich Wastewater Discharged from a Biotrickling Filter as a Moisture Conditioning Agent for Composting: Effect of Nitrogen Composition
    Authors: Xie, D., Yang, M., Xu, M., Wang, Q., Liu, S.
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    Year: 2022
    Volume: 362
    Article Number: 127828
    Citations: 6
  • Role of Multistage Inoculation on the Co-Composting of Food Waste and Biogas Residue
    Authors: Xu, M., Yang, M., Sun, H., Wang, Q., Wu, C.
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    Year: 2022
    Volume: 361
    Article Number: 127681
    Citations: 27
  • Biodrying of Biogas Residue through a Thermophilic Bacterial Agent Inoculation: Insights into Dewatering Contribution and Microbial Mechanism
    Authors: Xu, M., Sun, H., Yang, M., Wang, Q., Wu, C.
    Journal: Bioresource Technology
    Year: 2022
    Volume: 355
    Article Number: 127256
    Citations: 29