Msizi Mhlongo | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Msizi Mhlongo | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at University of Johannesburg – Department Biochemistry, South Africa

Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo is a distinguished South African biochemist and metabolomics expert, currently serving as Head of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Johannesburg. With a PhD in Biochemistry and a consistent record of academic excellence, he has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and has achieved an impressive Scopus h-index of 16 and Google Scholar h-index of 17. His research spans plant-microbe interactions, LC-MS/GC-MS-based metabolomics, and phytochemical drug discovery, including recent work on COVID-19 therapeutic candidates and microbial communication in the rhizosphere. A mentor to students and a skilled user of advanced analytical tools, Dr. Mhlongo stands out for his contributions to both fundamental and applied biosciences. His growing leadership in academia, dedication to interdisciplinary research, and impactful scientific output position him as a strong contender for prestigious research awards.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo

Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in the life sciences, all earned from the University of Johannesburg. He began with a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Biochemistry in 2012, followed by a BSc Honours in Biochemistry in 2013. Demonstrating academic excellence, he completed his MSc in Biochemistry with distinction in 2015. His pursuit of advanced scientific inquiry culminated in a PhD in Biochemistry, awarded in May 2020. Further highlighting his commitment to leadership in academia, Dr. Mhlongo also completed an Emerging Leader Development Programme with distinction in December 2022. His educational path showcases a blend of scientific rigor and leadership preparation.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo

Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo has built a dynamic and progressive career in academia and research, primarily at the University of Johannesburg. He currently holds the position of Head of the Department of Biochemistry (as of August 2025) and serves as a Senior Lecturer since January 2022. His earlier roles include Lecturer (2020–2022), Assistant Lecturer (2018–2020), and Research Assistant (2018), showcasing a steady academic ascent. He also gained research experience as a Junior Researcher at the University of the Free State in 2015 and served as a Student Practical Demonstrator from 2013 to 2017. Throughout his career, Dr. Mhlongo has contributed to research, student mentorship, and departmental leadership, establishing himself as a committed educator and an influential researcher in biochemistry and metabolomics.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo

Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo’s research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, metabolomics, plant–microbe interactions, and phytochemical drug discovery. He specializes in using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to profile complex biological systems, particularly focusing on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), microbial signaling, and the biochemical mechanisms underlying plant defense. His work also extends to network pharmacology and molecular docking, identifying therapeutic potential in natural compounds—especially against diseases such as COVID-19 and malaria. Through integrative omics approaches and computational biology tools, Dr. Mhlongo aims to decode the chemical language of plant-microbe interactions and translate bioactive metabolite research into pharmaceutical and agricultural innovations.

🏆 Awards and Honors of Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo

Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo has been recognized for both his academic excellence and leadership potential. A notable achievement includes earning distinction in the prestigious Emerging Leader Development Programme at the University of Johannesburg in December 2022, underscoring his dedication to personal and professional growth in academic leadership. While his early career is still unfolding, his growing citation metrics, senior academic roles, and impactful research publications signal a trajectory marked by scholarly recognition. These accomplishments position him as a rising figure in biochemical and metabolomics research, with strong potential for future national and international honors.

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Msizi Innocent Mhlongo is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on his scientific productivity, methodological expertise, leadership, and thematic relevance. His scholarly journey shows depth in metabolomics and plant–microbe biochemistry, contributing valuable insights, especially in PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria), medicinal plants, and antimicrobial research.

Publications Top Noted📚

  1.  Title: Exploring the intricacies of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria interactions: an omics review
     Authors: Mmotla, K., Sibanyoni, N. R., Allie, F., Sitole, L., Mafuna, T., Mashabela, M. D., Mhlongo, M. I.
     Journal: Annals of Microbiology
     Year: 2025
     Citations: 4

        2. Title: Molecular docking and network pharmacology highlight salvianolic acids as potential inhibitors and therapeutic agents for COVID-19 treatment
            Authors: Msobo, A., Mashabela, M. D., Koorsen, G., Tsotetsi, T. N., Piater, L. A., Madala, N. E., Tshiwawa, T., Mhlongo, M. I.
            Journal: Phytochemistry Letters
           Year: 2025
           Citations: 0

David Nwikwe | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

David Nwikwe | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr David Nwikwe, Kings University, Nigeria, Nigeria

Dr. David Nwikwe 🎓 is a passionate biochemist specializing in toxicology, pharmacology, and antioxidant research. He earned his Ph.D. (2022), M.Sc. (2016), and B.Sc. (2013) in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin 🇳🇬. Currently a Lecturer at Kings University and a Volunteer Instructor at the University of the People 🌍, he has published extensively on hepatotoxicity, antimalarial activity, and oxidative stress. Dr. Nwikwe has received multiple excellence awards for research and peer reviewing 🏅. His NGO work focuses on health advocacy, disaster management, and youth development, reflecting his commitment to science and community well-being ❤️.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Excellence

Dr. David Nwikwe holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry 🎓, distinguished by the prestigious Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award 🏆. His academic journey reflects unwavering dedication, progressing from a B.Sc. to a Ph.D. at the University of Ilorin 📚. Driven by a passion for scientific excellence 🔬, Dr. Nwikwe has demonstrated exceptional commitment to research and academic growth 🌱. His achievements highlight not only his intellectual prowess but also his perseverance in the dynamic field of biochemistry ⚗️. With a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and innovation, he continues to inspire future scholars and contribute significantly to biochemical research 🌍.

Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. David Nwikwe is a dedicated academic, serving as a Lecturer at Kings University and an Instructor at the University of the People 🎓. He actively mentors undergraduates, fostering their academic growth while efficiently managing departmental affairs 📚. Dr. Nwikwe’s leadership shines through his pivotal role in coordinating NUC accreditation processes ✅ and supervising various academic activities. His commitment to excellence and mentorship reflects his passion for shaping future scholars 🌟. Through his dynamic roles, he contributes significantly to academic development, inspiring students and colleagues alike 🌍.

Global Impact and Community Engagement

Dr. David Nwikwe is dedicated to making a societal impact beyond academics 🌍📚. His active involvement in NGO projects funded by international bodies like the EU and Global Fund Canada highlights his commitment to global development 🤝🌐. Dr. Nwikwe has contributed to initiatives focused on malaria control 🦟🚫, gender-based issues ⚧️💪, and adolescent health 👩‍⚕️🧑‍⚕️, reflecting a holistic approach to research and community well-being. His work bridges the gap between scientific research and real-world challenges, promoting health, equality, and sustainable development 🌱❤️.

Honors and Awards

Dr. David Nwikwe, a distinguished scholar from the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, received the Award for Outstanding PhD Graduate in 2023 🏆. His leadership journey began early, serving as Class Monitor at Ade-Oshodi Memorial Baptist Primary School (1994-1999) 📚 and later as Senior Prefect and Class Monitor at Okesuna High School, Lagos (1999-2005) 🎓. He won the Best Student Award in the “Spelling Bee” (Zonal Secondary School Category) organized by New Era Foundation in 2005 🐝. David continued his leadership roles as Class Representative during his National Diploma at Kwara State Polytechnic (2007-2009) and M.Sc. Biochemistry program at the University of Ilorin (2014-2016) 🧪.

Research Focus

Dr. David Nwikwe’s research focuses on toxicology, pharmacology, and natural product studies 🧪🌿. His work explores the hepatotoxic effects of drugs like Synriam™ 🏥, the toxicological impact of nanoparticles in water systems 💧⚗️, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of plant extracts such as Syzygium aromaticum and Capsicum frutescens 🌱🩺. He also investigates antimalarial activities, oxidative stress reduction, and the modulatory effects of substances like ethanol with Nicotiana tabacum and Cannabis sativa 🧬🧠. His multidisciplinary approach blends in-vivo, in-silico, and molecular docking studies 🔬💻, contributing significantly to biomedical and environmental health sciences 🌍.

Publication Top Notes

Assessment of hepatotoxicity effects of long term administration of SynriamTM in rats

Toxicological assessment of ZnO-Vernonia amygdalina nanoparticle-treated Asa River water in albino rats

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIALS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM L. FLOWER BUDS ON FORMALIN-INDUCED PAW OEDEMA IN RATS

Study on Antimalarial Activity of Capsicum frutescens L. Fruit Extracts during Early and Established Plasmodium Infection in Mice

Evaluation of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta Stem Ethanol Extract in Animal Models

Assessing the Oxidative Stress Reducing Potential of Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach & Thonn) Ethyl-Acetate Sub-fractions on Plasmodium berghei Infected …

Effects of sprouting on the antioxidant potentials of garlic (Allium sativum L.) And onions (Allium cepa L.)

Modulatory Effects of Ethanol with Nicotiana Tabacum and Cannabis Sativa on Markers of Brain Function and Haematological Parameters: In-Vivo and In-Silico Approach

4-Nitrobenzoic Acid and Azaperone from Thaumatococcus daniellii Leaves as Potential Green Preservative Against Fungal Infestation of Cereals with Molecular Docking Studies