Oluwatobi Otun | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Dr. Oluwatobi Otun | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher AwardΒ 

Postdoctoral Reseacher, at University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa.

Dr. Oluwatobi Sarah Otun is a distinguished postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Protein Structure-Function Research Unit in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a robust academic foundation, she holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the University of South Africa (2020), an M.Sc. in Life Sciences (2015), and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Lagos State University, Nigeria (2007). Her research spans microbiology, plant science, and molecular biology, focusing on protein biochemistry and omics technologies. Dr. Otun has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications and has several articles in review. She actively mentors postgraduate students and contributes to various scientific journals as a reviewer. Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to scientific advancement have established her as a prominent figure in her field. πŸŒ±πŸ”¬πŸ“šweblogoa.com+1scitcentralconferences.com+1

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Dr. Otun’s academic journey commenced with a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Lagos State University, Nigeria, where she investigated the survival of pathogens in traditional beverages. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Life Sciences at the University of South Africa, focusing on the microbiological and nutritional qualities of leafy vegetables. Her doctoral research delved into the transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a phytopathogenic fungus, earning her a Ph.D. in Life Sciences in 2020. Her educational background laid a solid foundation for her interdisciplinary research endeavors. πŸŽ“πŸ“˜πŸ§¬weblogoa.com

Experience

Dr. Otun’s professional trajectory includes significant roles in research and clinical settings. She currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on protein structure-function analysis and omics applications in pathogen studies. Previously, she worked as a microbiology researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa, contributing to various scientific projects. Additionally, she gained clinical experience as a medical laboratory technician at Ayodele Medical Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. These positions have enriched her research perspective, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. πŸ”¬πŸ§ͺπŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬

Research Interests

Dr. Otun’s research interests encompass several key areas:

  • Protein structure-function analysis of microbial and plant proteins.

  • Application of omics technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in pathogen studies.

  • Cancer research, focusing on therapeutic targets and natural compounds.

  • Investigation of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in ESKAPE pathogens.

  • Utilization of 3D cell culture models for cancer and drug response studies.

  • Engineering natural product biosynthesis for pharmaceutical applications.

  • Structure-based drug design using molecular docking and simulation tools.

  • Biotechnology-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and food safety.
    Her interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge gaps between microbiology, biotechnology, and medicine. 🧬πŸ§ͺ🌿weblogoa.com+1scitcentralconferences.com+1

Awards

Dr. Otun’s exceptional contributions to science have been recognized through several prestigious awards:

  • 2023: Asia’s Outstanding Researcher Award by the Asia Research Awards, in association with Times of Research and the World Research Council, at ASTRA 2023.

  • 2025: Provisional Selection for Best Researcher Award by the International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award, recognizing her recent publication on muscadine grape extracts in cancer treatment.

  • 2025: UCL-Wits Preclinical 3D Modeling Team Science Award, awarded by the UCL-Wits University Strategic Partnership Platform for a meritorious project.
    These accolades underscore her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. πŸ†πŸŒπŸ”¬

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Otun has an extensive publication record in renowned scientific journals

  1. Otun, S., & Ntushelo, K. (2020).
    Proteomic analysis of the phytogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
    Journal of Chromatography B, 1144, 122053.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122053

  • Published in volume 1144 of Journal of Chromatography B.

  • Article number: 122053 (often journals use article numbers instead of page ranges).

2. Mbovane, M.M.S., Gangireddygari, V.S.R., Otun, O.S., & Ntushelo, K. (2021).
Phylogenetic Analysis of Selected Genes of Pectobacterium carotovorum Subsp. Brasiliense.
SSRN (preprint server).
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3992372

  • This is a preprint hosted on SSRN (Social Science Research Network).

  • No volume or issue because it’s a preprint.

3. Otun, S.O., Achilonu, I., & Ntushelo, K. (2022).
Proteomics analysis of the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a narrative review.
Journal of Bio-XResearch, 5(3), 112–117.
DOI: 10.1097/JBR.0000000000000130

  • Volume 5, Issue 3, pages 112 to 117.

4. Pooe, K., Thulo, M., Makumbe, H., Akumadu, B., Otun, O., Aloke, C., & Achilonu, I. (2022).
Biophysical description of Bromosulfophthalein interaction with the 28-kDa glutathione transferase from Schistosoma japonicum.
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, 252, 111524.
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111524

  • Volume 252, article number 111524.

5. Otun, S.O., & Ntushelo, K. (2024).
A data catalogue of alcohol dehydrogenases in the genome of a tissue macerating Pectobacterium brasiliense isolated from potato in South Africa.
Data in Brief, 52, 109918.
DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109918 (likely based on journal’s DOI pattern)

  • Volume 52, article number 109918.

Conclusion

Dr. Oluwatobi Sarah Otun exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her strong academic foundation, impressive research output, innovative work with societal relevance, and active professional engagement position her as a leading candidate. While minor enhancements in international collaboration and impact metrics reporting could further bolster her profile, her contributions to molecular biology, biotechnology, and cancer research clearly demonstrate her excellence and significant impact in her field.

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 πŸ”¬πŸ§ . 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 πŸŽ“πŸ₯. 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 πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³πŸŒŸ. 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 πŸ€πŸ“š. Dr. Zhou exemplifies excellence in research and stands as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award πŸ†βœ¨.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Binhui Zhou’s educational journey reflects his strong commitment to bioscience and innovation πŸ“˜πŸ§ͺ. He began his academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University (2005–2009) πŸŽ“πŸ”. 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 πŸ”πŸ“–πŸ§ .

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 πŸ“šπŸ”¬. 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 πŸŒπŸ“Š. In parallel, Dr. Zhou has served as a mentor to young scientists, shaping the next generation of researchers πŸ‘¨β€πŸ«πŸŒ±. 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 πŸ’‘πŸ§ . 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 πŸ“ˆπŸŒ. 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 πŸ“˜πŸ§ͺ. Moreover, Dr. Zhou was appointed as a reviewer for the NSFC Youth Program, a mark of his standing in China’s scientific elite πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³πŸ“œ. These accolades affirm his merit for the Best Researcher Award πŸ…πŸ‘.

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 πŸ§ͺ🧠. He focuses on zDHHC family palmitoyltransferases, particularly zDHHC1, zDHHC2, and zDHHC6, and their roles in modulating protein function in hepatocellular carcinoma and inflammatory responses πŸ”¬πŸ§¬. His investigations have revealed mechanisms by which these enzymes control immune cell behavior and cancer cell proliferation, contributing to therapeutic target discovery πŸ’ŠπŸ”. 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 πŸ«€πŸ“Š. 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 πŸš€πŸ§«.

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 VΞ³6 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