Msizi Mhlongo | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

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

Binhui Zhou | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Binhui Zhou | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Binhui Zhou, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binhui Zhou is a leading researcher in molecular biology and neuroscience, renowned for his work in protein palmitoylation and its implications in cancer and immune disorders 🔬🧠. He earned his Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding from Hainan University and currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University 🎓🏥. With over a decade of research, Dr. Zhou has pioneered studies funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Henan Provincial Foreign Expert Project 🇨🇳🌟. His groundbreaking publications in top-tier journals have significantly advanced our understanding of cellular signaling in diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma and atherosclerosis 🧬🩸. A highly respected peer reviewer for prestigious journals, he continues to shape the scientific community through innovation and collaboration 🤝📚. Dr. Zhou exemplifies excellence in research and stands as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award 🏆✨.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Binhui Zhou’s educational journey reflects his strong commitment to bioscience and innovation 📘🧪. He began his academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University (2005–2009) 🎓🔍. His passion for molecular and developmental biology led him to complete a Master’s degree in Developmental Biology at Hainan University (2010–2013), where he gained key insights into cell and tissue growth processes 🌱🧫. He pursued his Ph.D. at the same university in Crop Genetics and Breeding (2013–2017), where his research laid the foundation for his later studies on genetic regulation and disease pathways 🌾🧬. Throughout his education, Dr. Zhou displayed academic excellence, research depth, and a clear focus on translating fundamental biology into clinical relevance. His multidisciplinary academic background supports his current role as a prominent scientist exploring intersections of genetics, immunology, and neuroscience 🔍📖🧠.

Experience

Dr. Zhou began his academic career in 2017 as a Lecturer at the Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University 🏫🧠. Over seven years, he demonstrated outstanding research and teaching capabilities, contributing significantly to the fields of molecular biology and neuroimmunology 📚🔬. In 2024, he was promoted to Associate Professor in recognition of his impactful work on palmitoylation mechanisms and their clinical relevance in hepatocellular carcinoma and immune regulation 🧬🩺. His leadership in major research projects, such as NSFC Youth Program and Henan Foreign Expert Project, highlights his ability to lead innovative studies with real-world implications 🌍📊. In parallel, Dr. Zhou has served as a mentor to young scientists, shaping the next generation of researchers 👨‍🏫🌱. His dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration and translational science continues to position him at the forefront of biomedical research.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Binhui Zhou has received national recognition for his exceptional contributions to biomedical science 🧬🌟. As a Principal Investigator, he secured prestigious research grants, including the NSFC Youth Program and the Henan Provincial Foreign Expert Project, reflecting his leadership and innovation in high-impact studies 💡🧠. His work has been published in top-tier journals such as Cell Molecular Immunology, Theranostics, and Journal of Advanced Research, each with high impact factors and broad influence in global science communities 📈🌐. As an expert reviewer for journals like Communications Biology and Cell Communication and Signaling, he has helped uphold the integrity and quality of scientific publishing 📘🧪. Moreover, Dr. Zhou was appointed as a reviewer for the NSFC Youth Program, a mark of his standing in China’s scientific elite 🇨🇳📜. These accolades affirm his merit for the Best Researcher Award 🏅👏.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhou’s research primarily explores protein palmitoylation, a lipid modification process critical in regulating cellular signaling pathways in diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and immune dysfunctions 🧪🧠. He focuses on zDHHC family palmitoyltransferases, particularly zDHHC1, zDHHC2, and zDHHC6, and their roles in modulating protein function in hepatocellular carcinoma and inflammatory responses 🔬🧬. His investigations have revealed mechanisms by which these enzymes control immune cell behavior and cancer cell proliferation, contributing to therapeutic target discovery 💊🔍. Notably, his studies on Foxp3 palmitoylation have uncovered novel immune regulatory pathways. Dr. Zhou also examines the PI3K-Akt-mTOR axis in relation to atherosclerosis, offering insights into cardiovascular disease treatment 🫀📊. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology, immunology, and neuroscience, pushing the boundaries of biomedical knowledge and guiding new treatment strategies across multiple health conditions 🤝🌍. His research stands at the forefront of cellular signaling and translational medicine 🚀🧫.

Publication Top Notes

Distinct palmitoylation of Foxp3 regulates the function of regulatory T cells via palmitoyltransferases

Protein palmitoylation in cancer: molecular functions and therapeutic potential

The palmitoylation of AEG-1 dynamically modulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

A Murine Point Mutation of Sgpl1 Skin Is Enriched With Vγ6 IL17-Producing Cell and Revealed With Hyperpigmentation After Imiquimod Treatment

Excessive immunosuppression by regulatory T cells antagonizes T cell response to schistosome infection in PD-1-deficient mice

sgRNA Knock-in Mouse Provides an Alternative Approach for In Vivo Genetic Modification