Kholoud Alwosaibai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award | Director | King Fahad Specialist Hospital | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai is a highly accomplished biomedical scientist, cancer geneticist, and immunotherapy specialist with over fifteen years of progressive experience in translational oncology, molecular medicine, and clinical genomics. She currently serves as the Director of the Biomedical Research Department at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, where she leads multiple funded national research programs in cancer genetics and immuno-oncology. Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai earned her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from the University of Ottawa, Canada, focusing on cancer therapeutics, and completed advanced postdoctoral training in immuno-oncology at the same institution. Her educational background also includes a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and a Bachelor’s degree with honors in Biology, complemented by postgraduate certifications from the University of Manchester, Harvard Medical School, and the University of California, San Diego, in bioinformatics, cancer omics, and genomics. Professionally, Dr. Alwosaibai has held various leadership positions, including Head of the Research, Development, and Innovation Unit, Program Manager at the Saudi Genome Satellite Center, and Founder and Vice President of the DAEM Society for Oncology Research. Her research interests span cancer genetics, molecular diagnostics, CAR-T cell therapy, and CRISPR-based genome editing, with a strong focus on precision medicine and the clinical translation of genomic data. Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai possesses an advanced skill set in next-generation sequencing, cancer variant interpretation, bioinformatics, cellular therapy development, and stem cell research, making her a recognized expert in translational and clinical biomedical research. She has published extensively in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, contributing to global advancements in cancer biology and immunotherapy. Her collaborative work has been featured in leading journals such as Scientific Reports, BMC Cancer, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, and Oncotarget. Among her notable recognitions are national research grant awards from the Saudi National Institutes of Health and Sanad Society, as well as an award of excellence from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau in Canada for her outstanding doctoral research performance. Throughout her career, Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship, scientific integrity, and capacity building in Saudi Arabia’s biomedical research landscape. Her visionary leadership, innovative research initiatives, and dedication to developing genomic medicine infrastructure position her as an influential figure in advancing cancer research and personalized therapeutics. In conclusion, Dr. Kholoud Alwosaibai’s professional journey reflects a rare blend of scientific excellence, leadership, and global collaboration, making her an inspiring model for emerging scientists and a driving force for the future of precision oncology and genomic innovation.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications 

  1. Alwosaibai, K., Abedini, A., Al-Hujaily, E. M., Tang, Y., Garson, K., Collins, O., & Vanderhyden, B. C. (2017). PAX2 maintains the differentiation of oviductal epithelium and inhibits the transition to a stem cell-like state. Oncotarget. Citations: 85

  2. Gharaibeh, L., Elmadany, N., Alwosaibai, K., & Alshaer, W. (2020). Notch 1 in cancer therapy: Possible clinical implications and challenges. Molecular Pharmacology. Citations: 64

  3. Ghandorah, S., & Alwosaibai, K. (2021). Post-liver transplantation GVHD: Time to consider histocompatibility testing. Journal of Liver Transplantation. Citations: 22

  4. Alwosaibai, K., Al-Hujaily, E. M., Alamri, S., Ghandorah, S., Garson, K., & Vanderhyden, B. C. (2022). PAX2 induces vascular-like structures in normal ovarian cells and ovarian cancer. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 23(6), 412. Citations: 37

  5. Alwosaibai, K., Aalmri, S., Mashhour, M., Ghandorah, S., Alshangiti, A., Azam, F., Selwi, W., Gharaibeh, L., Alatawi, Y., Alruwaii, Z., & Alsaab, H. O. (2023). PD-L1 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer and associated with cancer stem cells populations expressing CD44 and other stem cell markers. BMC Cancer, 23(1), 13. Citations: 41

  6. Alessy, S. A., Almotlak, A. A., Alattas, M., Alshareef, A., Alwosaibai, K., Alghamdi, M. A., Razack, H. I. A., & Alqahtani, S. A. (2024). Cancer research challenges and potential solutions in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative discussion group study. JCO Global Oncology, 10, e2300189. Citations: 18

  7. Alwosaibai, K., Alruwaii, Z. I., Mashhour, M., Almsned, F. M., Asraf, R., Alrsheedy, W., Alessa, A., Almohanna, H., Selwi, W., & Azam, F. (2024). Dysgerminomas: Germ cell tumors exhibit high expression of PD-L1 and are associated with high TILs and good prognosis. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 24191. Citations: 12

 

Muhammad Bilal Afridi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award | Pharmaceutical | Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist and clinical pharmacist recognized for his expertise in drug synthesis, pharmacological modeling, and computational chemistry. With a profound academic background and more than a decade of professional experience, Dr. Afridi has established himself as a leading researcher in the domain of synthetic and therapeutic drug development. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, where his doctoral research focused on the synthesis, characterization, computational studies, and pharmacological potential of synthetic curcumin derivatives aimed at addressing diabetes and amnesia-related disorders. His earlier academic milestones include an M.Phil in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Abdul Wali Khan University and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) from Kohat University of Science and Technology. Professionally, Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi has served as a pharmacist at the Institute of Kidney Diseases (IKD), Peshawar, where he managed hospital pharmacy operations, clinical pharmacy services, and patient safety programs. His leadership extended to training junior pharmacists, supervising pharmacy interns, and participating in institutional Drug and Therapeutic Committees. His previous tenures at Rehman Medical Institute and D. Watson Chemist allowed him to develop robust skills in patient counseling, prescription review, pharmacovigilance, and rational drug use. Dr. Afridi’s research interests encompass computational drug design, molecular docking, pharmacodynamics, and synthesis of bioactive compounds, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that bridges chemistry, pharmacology, and computational biology. His published works in highly regarded journals, including Computational Biology and Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Communications, and Current Molecular Pharmacology, contribute significantly to advancing medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical innovation. He has demonstrated strong analytical and technical skills in density functional theory (DFT) modeling, ADMET prediction, and spectral analysis. Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi’s professional competencies include teaching, mentoring, research supervision, and scientific writing, backed by proficiency in tools like EndNote and MS Office. His contributions have been acknowledged through multiple peer-reviewed publications, collaborations with international researchers from Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, and recognition in academic circles for his commitment to scientific excellence. He continues to serve as a role model for young researchers in Pakistan through his dedication to patient-centered research and academic mentorship. His unwavering commitment to bridging pharmaceutical sciences and clinical applications makes him a strong candidate for recognition in global research excellence. Dr. Muhammad Bilal Afridi stands as an emerging leader with a promising future in international pharmaceutical research, committed to innovation, integrity, and impactful contributions to human health and medicine.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., Serdaroğlu, G., Shah, S. W. A., Alsharif, K. F., & Khan, H. (2024). SwissADME studies and density functional theory (DFT) approaches of methyl substituted curcumin derivatives. Computational Biology and Chemistry, 112, 108153. (Cited by 8)

  2. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., Serdaroğlu, G., Shah, S. W. A., Alsharif, K. F., & Khan, H. (2024). In silico ADMET and DFT analysis of methoxy substituted curcumin derivatives. Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 168, 112943. (Cited by 6)

  3. Afridi, M. B., Khan, H., Ali Shah, S. W., Zafar, M., Almalki, A. S., Ghias, M., & Rahman, N. (2022). In-vivo anti-nociceptive activities of Schiff bases aldehyde derivatives of 4-aminoantipyrine and their molecular docking studies. Main Group Chemistry, 21(2), 373–386. (Cited by 10)

  4. Afridi, M. B., Khan, H., Akkol, E. K., & Aschner, M. (2021). Pain perception and management: Where do we stand? Current Molecular Pharmacology, 14(5), 678–688. (Cited by 25)

  5. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., Shah, S. W. A., Serdaroğlu, G., & Khan, H. (2025). Exploring anticholinergic and anti-amnesic potential of methyl substituted monocarbonyl curcumin derivatives. European Journal of Pharmacology, 950, 182653. (Cited by 2)

  6. Afridi, M. B., Khan, H., & Shah, S. W. A. (2023). Computational evaluation of synthetic curcumin analogs for neuroprotective potential using molecular docking approaches. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1287, 135623. (Cited by 4)

  7. Afridi, M. B., Sardar, H., & Khan, H. (2023). Pharmacological insights into curcumin derivatives: A computational and experimental perspective. Bioorganic Chemistry, 137, 106707. (Cited by 3)

 

Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Cross-disciplinary Excellence Award

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi | Medicine and Health Sciences | Research assistant | University of the Western Cape | South Africa

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a dedicated researcher and nurse educator whose work lies at the critical intersection of climate change and health, with a particular focus on the role of nurses in advancing sustainability and climate justice. With academic qualifications spanning general nursing, midwifery, and advanced nursing science, she is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of the Western Cape, where she also serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant. Her research and professional contributions include publications in reputable journals, active participation in international conferences, and reviewer roles for scholarly publications. Beyond academia, she has developed curricula, drafted policy briefs, coordinated multi-stakeholder engagements, and delivered guest lectures internationally, underscoring her commitment to bridging research with practice. Through her expertise in eco-nursing and health systems resilience, Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is making a meaningful impact on both healthcare and global sustainability.

Professional Profile 

Education  

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has built a solid academic foundation in nursing and health sciences, progressively advancing her expertise through diverse qualifications. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape, focusing her research on the intersection of climate change and health, particularly the role of nurses in addressing these challenges. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Science with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health from the University of Zimbabwe, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science (Nurse Education) from the Zimbabwe Open University. Her earlier professional training includes a Diploma in Midwifery from Mpilo School of Midwifery and a Diploma in General Nursing from Mpilo School of Nursing, Zimbabwe. This strong educational background has equipped her with both clinical and academic expertise, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to nursing education, healthcare policy, and climate-health research.

Professional Experience

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has extensive professional experience spanning clinical practice, education, and research, with a strong focus on the integration of health and climate change. She currently serves as a Graduate Lecturer Assistant at the University of the Western Cape, where she supports teaching, assessment, and student guidance while contributing to curriculum delivery and academic development. Previously, she worked as a Research Assistant in the same institution’s School of Nursing, where she conducted literature reviews, designed and implemented studies on eco-nursing practices, analyzed data, and contributed to policy briefs and academic publications. Earlier in her career, she served as a Nurse Educator at United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital in Zimbabwe, where she developed and delivered nursing curricula, mentored students, and emphasized environmental sustainability in healthcare education. Her professional journey reflects a unique blend of teaching, research, and policy engagement, positioning her as a valuable contributor to both academia and the healthcare sector.

Research Interest

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, health, and nursing, with a strong emphasis on advancing sustainable healthcare practices. She is particularly focused on eco-nursing competencies, exploring how nurses can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate-related health risks and promoting climate justice within healthcare systems. Her work also extends to the integration of climate change into nursing education and policy, aiming to prepare future healthcare professionals to respond effectively to environmental challenges. By bridging nursing science, public health, and environmental sustainability, her research seeks to generate innovative approaches that strengthen health systems’ resilience and contribute to global efforts in addressing the climate crisis.

Award and Honor

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi has been recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to advancing nursing and health sciences through notable awards and honors. Early in her career, she was awarded Best Student in Health Assessment at Mpilo School of Nursing, a testament to her strong clinical and academic abilities. She was later selected as a NORHED Scholar at the College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, an honor that highlighted her research potential and dedication to advancing healthcare education and practice. These achievements reflect her consistent pursuit of excellence and her capacity to contribute meaningfully to both nursing scholarship and the broader health sector.

Publications Top Noted

Use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in South Africa: A scoping review
Year: 2025

Eco-nursing competencies for nurses: A scoping review
Year: 2024

Poverty: What is it and what it is not? A concept analysis
Year: 2017

Adherence to exclusive breastfeeding: A concept analysis
Year: 2016

Conclusion

Mrs. Thandazile Sibindi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with clear evidence of scholarly contributions, thought leadership, and societal impact. Her dedication to integrating climate change with healthcare—especially through nursing education and policy—positions her as an innovator in an emerging research field. With continued emphasis on expanding her publication record, securing research funding, and amplifying her international leadership roles, she is not only suitable for this award but also poised to make an even greater global impact in the future.