Vignesh Arumugam | Biology and Life Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Vignesh Arumugam | Biology and Life Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Assistant Professor of Botany at NGM College (Autonomous) Pollachi | India

Dr. Vignesh Arumugam, M.Sc., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor (Temporary) in the Department of Botany at NGM College (Autonomous), affiliated with Bharathiar University in Tamil Nadu, India. With a Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, his research spans phytochemistry, food biotechnology, pharmacology, microbiology, and nanotechnology. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles in Q1 and Q2 SCIE/Scopus-indexed journals and serves on the editorial boards and as a reviewer for numerous international journals. His work has earned him accolades such as the Best Researcher Award (2024) and the Innovative Project Proposal Award (2021). Dr. Vignesh is actively engaged in student mentorship, curriculum development, and research proposal writing. His interdisciplinary research focuses on the bioactive potential of medicinal plants, green synthesis of nanoparticles, and the health impact of functional foods. With an H-index of 10 (Google Scholar), his growing academic footprint and dedication to scientific advancement make him a promising contributor to the fields of plant science and biotechnology.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Vignesh Arumugam holds a strong academic background in the biological sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, completing his doctoral research between 2015 and 2022 with a focus on phytochemical analysis, ethnobotany, and plant-based nanotechnology. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his M.Sc. in Botany at Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, from 2012 to 2014, where he gained advanced knowledge in plant biology and related laboratory techniques. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from JJ College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai, between 2009 and 2012, laying a strong interdisciplinary foundation that supports his current research in pharmacognosy, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Vignesh Arumugam has accumulated diverse professional experience in both teaching and research within the field of plant sciences. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Temporary) in the Department of Botany at NGM College (Autonomous), Pollachi, where he teaches microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and bioinformatics, while also supervising Ph.D. and undergraduate research students. Prior to this role, he worked as a Project Assistant at Bharathiar University from 2014 to 2016, contributing to projects funded by TNSCST, focusing on plant conservation, phytochemical screening, and cryopreservation techniques. His professional contributions extend beyond the classroom through his roles as Placement and Scholarship Coordinator, curriculum developer, and organizer of seminars and workshops, reflecting his commitment to academic mentorship, student development, and interdisciplinary research.

Research Interest

Dr. Vignesh Arumugam’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant science, biotechnology, and pharmacology, with a strong focus on the discovery and application of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. He specializes in phytochemistry, ethnobotany, food biotechnology, and nanotechnology, exploring the therapeutic potential of plant extracts and green-synthesized nanoparticles. His work includes in vitro and in silico investigations into antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, along with studies on functional foods and nutraceuticals for chronic disease prevention. Additionally, he is keenly interested in the environmental impact of nanopollution, the gut microbiota’s role in health, and the sustainable utilization of plant resources from biodiversity-rich regions like the Western Ghats. His interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific techniques to address pressing health and environmental challenges.

Award and Honor

Dr. Vignesh Arumugam has been recognized for his innovative and impactful contributions to scientific research through several prestigious awards and honors. In 2024, he received the Best Researcher Award for his excellence in phytochemical analysis from the International Academic Awards organized by ScienceFather. Earlier, during 2020–2021, he was honored with the Innovative Project Proposal Award by the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at Bharathiar University, acknowledging his ability to conceptualize forward-thinking research proposals. Additionally, he was supported by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) as a Project Assistant between 2014 and 2016, which provided him with a foundation to advance in plant biotechnology and conservation research. These recognitions reflect his dedication to high-quality research, innovation, and his growing influence in the scientific community.

Publications Top Noted

Title: A review on the influence of nutraceuticals and functional foods on health
Year: 2024
Citations: 73

Title: Comparative LC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds, antioxidants and antibacterial activity from leaf and callus extracts of Saraca asoca
Year: 2022
Citations: 53

Title: Food contaminants: Impact of food processing, challenges and mitigation strategies for food security
Year: 2024
Citations: 29

Title: Nutritional assessment, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic potential of traditionally used wild plant, Berberis tinctoria Lesch.
Year: 2021
Citations: 29

Title: Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Berberis tinctoria Lesch. leaves and fruits extract of multi-biological applications
Year: 2021
Citations: 28

Title: Unraveling the role of medicinal plants and Gut microbiota in colon cancer: Towards microbiota-based strategies for prevention and treatment
Year: 2023
Citations: 27

Title: A review on ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological potential of traditionally wild and endemic plant Berberis tinctoria Lesch.
Year: 2022
Citations: 19

Conclusion

Dr. Vignesh Arumugam is a highly qualified and promising candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. His interdisciplinary research, strong publication record, and academic service make him well-suited for recognition. Although there is room to broaden his international collaboration and innovation impact, his current profile reflects research excellence, institutional contribution, and scientific integrity.

Zhefeng Meng | Evolutionary Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhefeng Meng | Evolutionary Biology | Best Researcher Award

Diretor at Fudan University, China

Dr. Zhefeng Meng (PhD, MD) is an accomplished Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Department at Minhang Hospital, Fudan University. With over two decades of research experience, his work spans HIV molecular evolution, viral-host interactions, cancer biomarker discovery, and tumor immunology. He has published extensively in leading journals such as J Hepatol, J Infect Dis, Front Immunol, and Cell Death & Disease, contributing significantly to both basic and translational biomedical sciences. Dr. Meng has secured multiple competitive research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Shanghai Science and Technology Commission, and various postdoctoral programs. His scientific excellence has earned him numerous honors, including the Leading Talent Award of Minhang District and prestigious international travel and scholarship grants. His current research focuses on improving early cancer diagnostics and advancing immunotherapeutic strategies, positioning him as a key contributor to global efforts in infectious disease control and cancer research.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education Background of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng has built a strong and multidisciplinary academic foundation in medical sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Medical Molecular Virology from the National Center for AIDS and STD Control and Prevention (China CDC) between 2005 and 2008, focusing on HIV gene variation and evolution. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Medical Molecular Biology at Wenzhou Medical College from 2001 to 2004, where he conducted research on fusion proteins and gene expression. His academic journey began with a College Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Medicine at Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 1996 to 1999. This diverse educational background laid a solid foundation for his future contributions in virology, oncology, and immunology.

💼 Professional Experience of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng has amassed extensive professional experience across leading medical and research institutions. Since 2015, he has served as an Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Department at Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, where he leads cutting-edge studies on HIV recombination, syphilis and influenza evolution, and cancer biomarkers. Prior to this, from 2010 to 2015, he worked as an Associate Professor at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, also affiliated with Fudan University, focusing on HIV-host protein interactions and viral replication mechanisms. From 2008 to 2010, Dr. Meng undertook postdoctoral research under Prof. Yumei Wen at Fudan University’s Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, where he studied therapeutic vaccines and HIV gene mutations. His earlier roles include Ph.D. research at China CDC, research assistantship at Taizhou Hospital, and work in the biotech industry, all of which contributed to his development as a versatile and impactful researcher in infectious diseases and oncology.

🔬 Research Interests of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng’s research interests lie at the intersection of virology, immunology, and oncology, with a strong focus on infectious disease pathogenesis and tumor biology. He is particularly interested in the genetic evolution, recombination, and functional mutations of HIV, as well as their impact on viral infectivity, immune evasion, and host interactions. His work extends to studying early diagnostic biomarkers for liver and colorectal cancers, aiming to improve cancer detection and treatment strategies. Additionally, Dr. Meng explores the immune regulatory roles of viral proteins and develops novel immunotherapeutic approaches, such as peptide-based vaccines and fusion proteins. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, clinical research, and translational science to address pressing global health challenges.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Dr. Zhefeng Meng

Dr. Zhefeng Meng has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to biomedical research through numerous national and international awards. He was honored as one of the Leading Talents of Minhang District in 2018 and received the First Rank Zhejiang Provincial Award for Medical and Health Technology Innovation in 2012. His excellence as a young scientist was acknowledged with Young Investigator Scholarships at both AIDS 2012 and AIDS Vaccine 2012, and he earned travel grants for global virology symposiums. Earlier in his career, he was named a Top PhD Student at China CDC and received multiple provincial awards for science and technology innovations. His consistent academic excellence was also marked by honors such as the Kwang-Hua Scholarship, Top Graduate Student distinction from Wenzhou Medical College, and leadership awards during his undergraduate years. These accolades reflect Dr. Meng’s sustained impact, innovation, and leadership in the fields of virology and medical science.

✅ Conclusion 

Dr. Zhefeng Meng is a highly accomplished biomedical researcher with a sustained and impactful contribution to infectious disease research, oncology, and molecular medicine. His work is scientifically rigorous, clinically relevant, and nationally recognized. With high-quality publications, funded research projects, and strong institutional leadership, he exemplifies the criteria for the Best Researcher Award.

📄 Publication Top Noted

  1. Title: TLR10 expression in unswitched memory B associates with the disease activity of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
    Authors: Lumin Zhang, Linchang Yu, Quanfu Li, Meiping Ni, Qiongzhu Dong, Yufang Bao, Jinguan Zhang, Danping Ruan, Zhefeng Meng*, Nannan Lai
    Journal: Clinical Rheumatology
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 3

  2. Title: Nesfatin-1 regulates the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation and its effects on the random skin flap survival in rats
    Authors: [Not fully visible]
    Journal: International Immunopharmacology
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

  3. Title: Roxadustat promotes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signalling to enhance random skin flap survival in rats
    Authors: [Not fully visible]
    Journal: International Wound Journal
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 9

  4. Title: Saxagliptin promotes random skin flap survival
    Authors: [Not fully visible]
    Journal: International Immunopharmacology
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10

  5. Title: Evidence of Residual Ongoing Viral Replication in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Successfully Treated With Nucleos(t)ide Analogues
    Authors: Yu T, Zhang M, Zhang H, Zheng J, Shen C, Jiang N, Zou L, Wang J, Yu Y, Zhang Q, Yu S, Huang Y, Huang Y, Zhang J, Qiu C*, Zhang W*, Meng Z*.
    Journal: Journal of Infectious Diseases
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

 

Mar Villamiel | Biology and Life Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Mar Villamiel | Biology and Life Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr Mar Villamiel, CIAL, CSIC-UAM, Spain

Dr. Mar Villamiel is the Director of CIAL (Institute of Food Science Research, CSIC-UAM) in Spain and leads the PREBIOIN research group focused on carbohydrate functionality and food bioactivity. With a PhD in Pharmacy from Complutense University of Madrid, she specializes in food technology, bioactive carbohydrates, and sustainable food preservation. Her innovative research centers on extracting and characterizing pectin and other functional ingredients from agri-food by-products. Dr. Villamiel has coordinated over 70 research projects and contracts, published 173 JCR articles (h-index: 46 WoS), co-authored 20 book chapters, and holds 7 patents. Her work has earned her national and international recognition, including being named among the Top 2% of Scientists worldwide by Stanford University. Passionate about science communication, she has presented at over 150 conferences and supervised more than 50 academic theses and internships globally. Her commitment to sustainability and technological advancement defines her as a leading force in food science research.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Mar Villamiel completed her undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at Complutense University of Madrid in 1991 and earned her PhD in Pharmacy from the same institution in 1995. Her doctoral studies laid the groundwork for a highly interdisciplinary research career, incorporating analytical chemistry, food technology, and functional foods. Postdoctoral work in the Netherlands and professional exchanges in the UK expanded her knowledge in sustainable food preservation and the development of bioactive food compounds. Her deep educational foundation has supported her leadership in developing advanced methodologies in food science. Through ongoing academic collaborations and international stays, she continues to enhance her expertise and contribute to global education, mentoring students and researchers across Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Her academic path reflects a consistent trajectory of excellence, innovation, and dedication to research in food bioactivity and sustainable processing technologies. 🎓🔍📘🌍

Experience

Dr. Villamiel has over two decades of experience in food science research, beginning her career as a Tenured Scientist at CSIC (2000–2009). She later served as Deputy Director (2017–2019) and is currently the Director of CIAL since March 2021. She leads the PREBIOIN group, which explores carbohydrate functionality, pectin extraction, and sustainable food technologies. She has led 8 international projects, 34 industry contracts, and 72 total projects, often as Principal Investigator. She has published widely, mentored numerous PhDs (including international awardees), and edited prestigious scientific journals. Her collaborations span across institutions in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. She actively participates in EU regulatory panels and scientific committees and has received 10 research awards. Her interdisciplinary approach and leadership have made significant impacts in agri-food revalorization, food preservation, and nutritional functionality.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mar Villamiel’s outstanding contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including 10 research awards and inclusion in the Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists list in 2024. She has received five positive evaluations for six-year research periods, attesting to the sustained quality and impact of her work. Her research achievements include 7 patents (2 international), 173 JCR-indexed publications, and leadership of multi-million-euro research projects. She has served as an editor for major scientific journals and been an invited speaker at 17 international conferences. Her innovative methodologies in pectin extraction and bioactive compound analysis have been recognized with top conference awards, including First Prize at the Food Chemistry Conference (2023). She represents CSIC on platforms like the Biobased Industries Consortium and Food for Life. Her awards reflect her global influence, scientific leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable food research.

Research Focus

Dr. Villamiel’s research focuses on the chemistry and functionality of carbohydrates, particularly pectins derived from agri-food by-products. She pioneers green extraction technologies such as ultrasound and subcritical water methods to obtain high-value bioactive compounds. Her work contributes significantly to sustainable food systems, enabling revalorization of food waste and enhancing nutritional profiles of food products. She leads multiple international collaborations and has developed in vitro digestion models to study carbohydrate behavior in the human gut. Her research addresses pressing challenges in food preservation, functional ingredient development, and biorefinery approaches for the food industry. With 173 publications, a high h-index (47 Scopus), and leadership in EU and Latin American projects, she is at the forefront of innovation in food science. Her contributions support public health, environmental sustainability, and industrial competitiveness through novel bioactive food solutions.

Publication Top Notes

Flours from popped grains: Physicochemical, thermal, rheological, and techno-functional properties

Use of natural low‐methoxyl pectin from sunflower by‐products for the formulation of low‐sucrose strawberry jams

Integral use of pectin-rich by-products in a biorefinery context: A holistic approach

Apple pomaces derived from mono-varietal Asturian ciders production are potential source of pectins with appealing functional properties

Application of sunflower pectin gels with low glycemic index in the coating of fresh strawberries stored in modified atmospheres

Behaviour of citrus pectin and modified citrus pectin in an azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis model

Aditi Bhargava | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Aditi Bhargava | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Aditi Bhargava, University of California San Francisco, United States

Prof. Aditi Bhargava is a distinguished researcher and academician specializing in molecular biology, physiology, and endocrinology. She has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of stress responses, aging, and cardiovascular disease. Throughout her career, she has held prestigious positions, including Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Prof. Bhargava’s research integrates hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors to uncover their roles in disease progression. With an extensive publication record and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, she has played a crucial role in advancing biomedical research. Her expertise extends to hormonal signaling pathways, genomics, and translational medicine. Recognized globally for her contributions, Prof. Bhargava has received numerous awards for her pioneering research. She continues to lead significant projects in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics, shaping the future of medical science. 🏆📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

🎓 Prof. Aditi Bhargava has an outstanding academic background in molecular biology and physiology. She earned her PhD in Zoology (Molecular Biology) from the University of Pune, India (1995), where she focused on genetic and molecular mechanisms of disease progression. Prior to that, she completed her MSc in Zoology (Specialization: Molecular Biology) from the University of Pune (1988), laying a strong foundation in biotechnology and genomic studies. Her undergraduate journey began at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (1986), where she earned a BSc in Zoology (Honors), excelling in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biochemistry. Throughout her academic career, Prof. Bhargava has demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and research expertise, contributing to numerous scientific discoveries. She has also attended specialized training programs and workshops worldwide, enhancing her knowledge in gene regulation, bioinformatics, and cellular signaling. Her educational background has been instrumental in shaping her impactful research career. 🧬📖

Experience

👩‍🏫 Prof. Aditi Bhargava has held prestigious academic and research positions at world-renowned institutions. She served as a Professor Emeritus at UCSF, where she mentored numerous PhD scholars and postdoctoral researchers. Prior to that, she was a Professor and Associate Professor at UCSF, contributing significantly to research in molecular endocrinology and stress physiology. She also worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at UCSF and New York Medical College, where she gained extensive experience in molecular signaling pathways and translational medicine. Throughout her career, she has led multiple NIH-funded projects, supervised clinical trials, and collaborated with leading scientists to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Her expertise spans gene expression analysis, pharmacogenomics, and precision medicine. As a distinguished educator, Prof. Bhargava has designed and taught advanced molecular biology courses, influencing the next generation of biomedical scientists. Her global research collaborations continue to make significant scientific advancements. 🌍🔍

Awards and Honors

Prof. Aditi Bhargava has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her groundbreaking research contributions. She was honored with the UNESCO/TWAS Human Genome Fellowship, acknowledging her significant work in genomics and molecular biology. She also received the Senior Research Fellowship from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), highlighting her excellence in biomedical sciences. Additionally, she was awarded the Quest Diagnostic Young Investigator Award, recognizing her innovative approach to molecular diagnostics and disease modeling. Prof. Bhargava is a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF), a testament to her pioneering work in endocrinology and gastrointestinal research. Her numerous NIH research grants and global collaborations underscore her leadership in precision medicine and therapeutic research. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences, sharing her expertise in molecular signaling and translational medicine. Her dedication to scientific excellence continues to inspire future generations. 🏆📜

Research Focus

Prof. Aditi Bhargava specializes in molecular endocrinology, stress physiology, and precision medicine. Her research explores the intricate interactions between hormones, genes, and environmental factors to understand their impact on aging, cardiovascular diseases, and stress responses. A major focus of her work is the regulation of gene expression in response to stress and hormonal fluctuations, which has implications for mental health, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. She has extensively studied serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinases (SGK1), revealing their role in sodium transport and cellular homeostasis. Her work has also contributed to developing novel biomarkers for early disease detection. Prof. Bhargava integrates genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular diagnostics to advance therapeutic strategies for complex diseases. Her research has broad clinical applications, contributing to the development of targeted therapies for endocrine disorders, hypertension, and neurodegeneration. She remains at the forefront of biomedical innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Epithelial sodium channel regulated by aldosterone-induced protein sgk

Chronic stress promotes palatable feeding, which reduces signs of stress: feedforward and feedback effects of chronic stress

SGK integrates insulin and mineralocorticoid regulation of epithelial sodium transport

Gliopathic pain: when satellite glial cells go bad

The serum-and glucocorticoid-induced kinase is a physiological mediator of aldosterone action

Silencing the Kir4. 1 potassium channel subunit in satellite glial cells of the rat trigeminal ganglion results in pain-like behavior in the absence of nerve injury

Evidence for a role of connexin 43 in trigeminal pain using RNA interference in vivo