Mar Villamiel | Biology and Life Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Published on 03/05/202503/05/2025 by Research Hypothesis

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

Hiranmoy Das | Biology and Life Sciences | Lifetime achievement Award

Published on 17/01/202517/01/2025 by Research Hypothesis

Hiranmoy Das | Biology and Life Sciences | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof Hiranmoy Das, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, United States

Prof. Hiranmoy Das, MSc, PhD, FAHA, is a renowned biochemist and pharmacologist with a distinguished career. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Calcutta and has postdoctoral training from prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School and the Hyogo Institute of Clinical Research. Currently a Professor at Texas Tech University, his research focuses on cardiovascular stem cell therapies, regenerative medicine, and immunology. He has received numerous awards, including induction into the National Academy of Inventors and the American Heart Association. Prof. Das has authored several publications and holds multiple patents. 🌟📚💉🔬🧬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Hiranmoy Das holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta (1995) and has extensive academic training in zoology, advanced cytogenetics, immunology, and biology. He completed postdoctoral fellowships at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Medical School (1999-2002) and Hyogo Institute of Clinical Research, Japan (1996-1999). Prof. Das has held prominent roles, such as Professor at Texas Tech University (2016-present) and Associate Professor at The Ohio State University (2008-2016). He also directed cardiovascular stem cell research laboratories. His remarkable career spans over decades, focusing on innovative research in the fields of biochemistry and immunology. 📚💉🔬

Honors and Awards

Prof. Hiranmoy Das, a distinguished researcher and educator, has received numerous accolades for his groundbreaking contributions. In 2024, he was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He was inducted into the prestigious Sigma Xi in 2023 and awarded the President’s Excellence in Research Award in 2022. As a tenured professor at Texas Tech University, he earned the Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Research Award in 2021. His honors also include the American Heart Association Fellowship (2021) and a Keynote Speaker role at an International Conference in 2018. Earlier awards include the NIH K01 Award and National Merit Scholarship. 🏆🔬🎓

Experiences

Prof. Hiranmoy Das has taught a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses at TTUHSC, including leadership roles in Pharmaceutical Sciences Research (G) in Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions from 2021 to 2024 📚. He led courses like Clinical Correlation-6 and Integrated Therapy and Practice VII, as well as Experimental Design and Biostatistics 🧪. Prof. Das has mentored students in clinical and research settings, contributing significantly to pharmaceutical education 💡. His commitment to fostering academic growth is reflected in his continued leadership in research-focused courses, impacting future professionals in the field of pharmaceutical sciences 🎓.

PhD Thesis

Prof. Hiranmoy Das appears to be heavily involved in mentoring and advising graduate students, particularly in the fields related to pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and health sciences. His research likely focuses on advanced pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and therapeutics. With his role in advising students pursuing PhD and MS theses, his research could be centered around pharmaceutical applications, medicinal chemistry, or pharmacology. Given his involvement in both veterinary and pharmacy programs, his research may also bridge the gap between human and veterinary health, focusing on biomedical sciences, drug formulations, and therapeutics for both sectors. 📚💊🐾👩‍🔬👨‍🔬

Research Focus

Hiranmoy Das focuses on molecular and cellular biology, particularly related to vascular biology, immunology, and inflammation. His research delves into the roles of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in endothelial cells, immune responses, and its regulatory functions in cardiovascular health. He also investigates autophagy, cell death, and ischemic stroke therapies, emphasizing the use of assays for monitoring these processes. His work highlights the role of phytochemicals in cancer prevention and the immune system’s effector functions. Das has made significant contributions to understanding cellular signaling and disease mechanisms, with implications for therapeutic development. 🔬💉🧬🫀

Publication Profile

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)¹

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy in higher eukaryotes

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring cell death in higher eukaryotes

Current advances in ischemic stroke research and therapies

MICA engagement by human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells enhances their antigen-dependent effector function

Kruppel-like factor 2 as a novel mediator of statin effects in endothelial cells

Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) regulates proinflammatory activation of monocytes

CD1-mediated γ/δ T cell maturation of dendritic cells

Shirley Silva | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 08/07/202408/07/2024 by Research Hypothesis

Shirley Silva | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shirley Silva, Unioeste, Brazil

Dr. Shirley Martins Silva is a dedicated botanist and professor at the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UFPE, a Master’s in Plant Biology from UFPE, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Plant Biology) from UNESP. Her research focuses on plant anatomy, particularly in Cyperaceae, including Kranz anatomy, C4 photosynthesis, and xeromorphology. At UNIOESTE, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses and contributes to the Herbário UNOP. Dr. Silva is recognized for her work in plant taxonomy and ultra-structural studies. 🌿📚🧬

Publication profile

Orcid

Academic

🌿 Dr. Shirley Martins Silva, a dedicated botanist and professor at Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), specializes in plant anatomy. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Plant Biology) from UNESP in 2012, studying the anatomy of Cyperaceae with a focus on Kranz anatomy. Dr. Silva holds a Master’s in Plant Biology and a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from UFPE. Her research areas include plant anatomy, ontogeny, ultra-structure, and taxonomy, particularly in Cyperaceae. She teaches in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, contributing significantly to the field of plant science. 📚🌱📊

Research line

🌿🔬 O objetivo é compreender e relacionar a morfologia e anatomia de plantas nativas com aspectos taxonômicos e ecológicos, além de potencializar a produção vegetal a partir de estudos morfológicos e anatômicos. Esta pesquisa se insere na grande área das Ciências Biológicas, especificamente na Botânica, com foco em Taxonomia Vegetal e Morfologia Vegetal, destacando-se em Citologia Vegetal. As atividades são voltadas para o setor de outras atividades profissionais, científicas e técnicas, promovendo uma valorização e entendimento profundo dos ambientes naturais. 🍃🔍

Research project

Since 2021, the research team led by Elisete Maria de Freitas has been investigating the development of bioherbicides from Ilex paraguariensis and Hesperozygis ringens extracts as alternatives to chemical herbicides 🌿🔬. These studies focus on assessing the efficacy of these natural extracts against agricultural weeds like Echium plantagineum, Bidens pilosa, and Conyza bonariensis 🌱🚜. The research also examines the potential toxicity of these extracts on native plants, cultivated crops, soil microorganisms, and bees 🐝🌾. The ultimate goal is to develop environmentally friendly herbicidal products that promote sustainable agricultural practices 🌎🌱.

Awards

🎓🏆 In 2022, received the Prêmio Professor Aduc 3ª Edição from the Associação dos Docentes da Unioeste Cascavel. 🌟 In 2019, earned an honorable mention in the Grande área de Ciências Biológicas at the 5º Encontro Anual de Iniciação Científica, Tecnológicas e Inovação. 🌿 In 2017, received an honorable mention at the 3º Encontro Anual de Iniciação Científica, Tecnológicas e Inovação – 3º EAICTI, UNIOESTE. 🌱 Back in 2004, awarded an honorable mention for the work presented at the Sociedade Botânica do Brasil’s Prêmio Verde. 🏅

Research focus

Based on the provided publications, Shirley Martins Silva’s research focuses on plant morphology and anatomy, particularly emphasizing ecological adaptations and functional traits in various plant species. Her work spans across different biomes and ecosystems, including studies on leaf structure, seed germination, and the effects of environmental factors on plant growth. Silva’s research contributes to understanding plant biodiversity and conservation strategies, with a particular interest in Brazilian flora. 🌿 Her interdisciplinary approach integrates ecological insights with anatomical details, aiming to elucidate how plants adapt to their environments and respond to anthropogenic and natural changes.