Toquier Azam – Environmental Biophotonics Research – Best Researcher Award

Toquier Azam - Environmental Biophotonics Research - Best Researcher Award

Southwest University of Science and Techonology - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

🎓 SUMMARY

Dr. Toquier Azam is a Pakistani microbiologist and biotechnologist with over 15 years of experience spanning academia, pharmaceutical industries, and advanced laboratory research. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Southwest University of Science & Technology, China, and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Baluchistan, his work bridges the realms of microbiology, bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, and pharmacological quality control. His contributions encompass groundbreaking studies on halophilic fungi for heavy metal and radionuclide bioremediation, protein biochemistry, and structural characterization of biomolecules. He is also proficient in implementing international standards of laboratory quality management systems including GMP, GLP, and ISO 17025.

✨ EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Toquier Azam's academic path began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Zoology, and Botany, progressing to an M.Sc. in Biochemistry. His early research at NORI (Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiology Institute) focused on protein biophysics and medical applications of structural biology. With a strong interest in biotechnology, he enrolled at Southwest University of Science & Technology for his Ph.D., where he specialized in environmental biotechnology and transcriptomics. His doctoral work focused on the bioremediation potential of extremophilic fungi in radioactive and heavy metal-contaminated environments. His research training spanned multiple disciplines including microbiology, molecular biology, cryo-EM, and PCR diagnostics, laying the foundation for his cross-disciplinary expertise.

💼 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Over his extensive career, Dr. Azam has served in pivotal roles across academic and industrial settings. He worked as a senior microbiologist and quality control officer at BF Biosciences and Medipak Pharmaceuticals, where he led compliance-based diagnostics, microbial assays, HPLC, and biocompatibility testing of drugs. His role expanded to overseeing quality assurance and ERP-based inventory in pharmaceutical production environments. Prior to this, he worked as a biochemist in pathology labs and conducted molecular assays using ELISA, LFTs, and CBC panels. These experiences honed his ability to manage diagnostic laboratories and integrate biotechnology into clinical and manufacturing workflows.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Azam has developed a robust research portfolio in bioremediation, transcriptomics, and microbiological diagnostics. His landmark study demonstrated how halophilic fungi can remediate radioactive contaminants where bacteria fail. He led projects on dual-zone enzyme networks and cadmium/strontium tolerance in extremophilic fungi. His work on biosorption, fungal gene expression, and sustainable environmental practices has led to multiple high-impact publications in Environmental Pollution, Scientific Reports, and Biology. He has also explored the intersection of plant-microbe interactions, investigating garlic-based interplanting effects on heavy metal uptake. His research continues to push the boundaries of bio-based environmental remediation.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Azam received a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from SWUST, China, recognizing his academic excellence and research potential. His publication record includes SCI-indexed articles with a growing number of citations. He has presented at international biotechnology conferences and serves as a reviewer for journals such as Ambio and Journal of Food Quality. He holds certifications in GMP, GLP, ISO 17025, and has completed specialized training in chromatography, real-time monitoring systems, and microbial analysis, further validating his role as a leader in quality assurance and biotechnology.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

With multilingual communication skills and international research experience, Dr. Azam has made significant contributions to biotechnology in South Asia and China. His work has influenced environmental safety protocols, especially in the context of pharmaceutical waste and radioactive pollution. As a mentor and trainer, he imparts technical knowledge to students and professionals, promoting safe laboratory practices. His contributions to policy through microbial diagnostics and environmental monitoring place him at the forefront of sustainable biotechnology in resource-constrained settings.

🚀 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Azam aims to expand his research on extremophiles for industrial bioprocesses and environmental restoration. He plans to collaborate globally on sustainable biotechnology solutions addressing water purification, heavy metal detoxification, and ecological balance. As an aspiring postdoctoral researcher and biology educator, he seeks to merge teaching with high-impact scientific inquiry. His legacy lies in the innovative application of microbiology to solve global environmental and health challenges, and in mentoring the next generation of researchers dedicated to sustainable science.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Bacterial Diversity at Himalayan Pink Salt Extraction Site
Authors: Yasmeen Malik, Imran Ali, Ashif Sajjad, Toquier Azam, Xiaoming Chen
Journal: Biology, 2025

Shahid Ullah Khan – Biomarker Imaging Approaches – Excellence in Innovation Award

Shahid Ullah Khan - Biomarker Imaging Approaches - Excellence in Innovation Award

Dubai Medical University - United Arab Emirates

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Shahid Ullah Khan’s academic journey began with a passion for biotechnology and nanomedicine, leading him to explore groundbreaking research in genome-wide association studies and plant tissue culture. His dedication to scientific excellence earned him prestigious scholarships and awards early in his career, setting the foundation for his future contributions to medical and health sciences.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Throughout his career, Shahid has been deeply involved in nanotechnology-driven medical advancements, particularly in plant transformation, genome studies, and the use of nanoparticles in medicine. His expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry has allowed him to develop innovative approaches to plant stress tolerance, environmental science, and disease prevention.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Shahid’s research spans across diverse fields, including the application of nanotechnology in medicine, plant genome modifications, and cardiovascular disease microbiomes. His recent work has shed light on the impact of silver nanoparticles on heart health, while his studies on genome-wide association mapping have contributed to plant biotechnology advancements. His research continues to bridge the gap between molecular biology and applied medical sciences.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

His outstanding contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Asia Top-100 Medical and Health Sciences Scientist Award (Rank #1) in both 2022 and 2023. He has also received the Young Scientist Award, Best Research Award, and the Best Spotlight Award, recognizing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

As a leader in academic publishing, Shahid serves as Editor-in-Chief for multiple journals, including the Journal of Ongoing Biosciences and the Journal of Women Medical and Dental College. His editorial contributions help shape the future of biosciences, while his role as a reviewer for numerous journals ensures the highest standards in research dissemination.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Shahid Ullah Khan’s legacy is defined by his groundbreaking research and leadership in scientific publishing. His future work aims to further explore the intersection of nanotechnology, medicine, and plant sciences, with a focus on sustainable solutions for healthcare and agriculture. His vision continues to inspire young researchers to innovate and contribute to global scientific progress.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Copper-induced oxidative stress, initiation of antioxidants and phytoremediation potential of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seedlings grown under the mixing of two …
Authors: M. H. Saleem, S. Fahad, S. U. Khan, M. Din, A. Ullah, A. E. L. Sabagh, A. Hossain, ...
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Title: Nanosilver: New ageless and versatile biomedical therapeutic scaffold
Authors: S. Ullah Khan, T. A. Saleh, A. Wahab, M. H. U. Khan, D. Khan, W. Ullah Khan, ...
Journal: International Journal of Nanomedicine

Title: Progress toward catalytic micro‐ and nanomotors for biomedical and environmental applications
Authors: M. Safdar, S. U. Khan, J. Jänis
Journal: Advanced Materials

Title: Honey: Single food stuff comprises many drugs
Authors: S. U. Khan, S. I. Anjum, K. Rahman, M. J. Ansari, W. U. Khan, S. Kamal, B. Khattak, ...
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

Title: Precise editing of CLAVATA genes in Brassica napus L. regulates multilocular silique development
Authors: Y. Yang, K. Zhu, H. Li, S. Han, Q. Meng, S. U. Khan, C. Fan, K. Xie, Y. Zhou
Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal

Title: Targeted mutagenesis of BnTT8 homologs controls yellow seed coat development for effective oil production in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Y. Zhai, K. Yu, S. Cai, L. Hu, O. Amoo, L. Xu, Y. Yang, B. Ma, Y. Jiao, C. Zhang, ...
Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal

Muneeb Ullah – Quantum Dots Applications – Young Scientist Award

Muneeb Ullah - Quantum Dots Applications - Young Scientist Award

Pusan National University - South Korea

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Muneeb Ullah's journey in pharmaceutical sciences began with a strong academic foundation in pharmacy at Kohat University. His passion for research and innovation led him to secure the prestigious HEC-Indigenous Scholarship, recognizing his academic excellence. Early on, he developed an interest in nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and wound healing, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to pharmaceutical technology.

🏥 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

With a deep commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences, Muneeb has contributed to various domains, including nanotechnology-based drug delivery, wound healing, and cancer therapeutics. His expertise in pharmaceutical formulation and nanomedicine has allowed him to work on innovative therapeutic strategies, focusing on conditions like diabetes-associated wounds, biofilm infections, and colorectal cancer.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Muneeb’s research is centered on nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes in chronic diseases. His work on self-healing hydrogels and nitric oxide-releasing wound dressings has opened new avenues for effective wound management. His contributions to cancer treatment through dietary interventions and nano-based therapies further highlight his multidisciplinary expertise.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Throughout his academic and professional career, Muneeb has received numerous awards, including the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme award and the Best Teacher Award in 2020. His research excellence is reflected in his publications in high-impact journals, contributing to the scientific community with an impressive h-index of 8 and over 296 citations.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

His research in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and biomaterials has significantly influenced modern drug delivery approaches. By addressing major healthcare challenges such as diabetic wound healing and cancer treatment, Muneeb’s work has the potential to improve patient care globally. His contributions to self-healing hydrogels and biofilm-targeting therapies have set new benchmarks in pharmaceutics.

🚀 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Muneeb Ullah’s legacy is built on innovation, scientific curiosity, and a commitment to improving healthcare through nanomedicine. His future research aims to refine advanced biomaterials for precision medicine, optimizing drug delivery systems for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. As he continues to explore novel pharmaceutical technologies, his work will undoubtedly shape the future of medicine.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Cancer nanomedicine: Smart arsenal in the war against cancer
Authors: M. Ullah, Muneeb; U. A. Awan, Uzma Azeem; A. Muhaymin, Abdul; A. Haider, Adnan; F. U. Din, Fakhar Ud
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications

Title: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for Oral Cancer: Mechanism, challenges, and therapeutic potential
Authors: H. Nurhasni, Hasan; M. Aftab, Maryam; M. Ullah, Muneeb; T. A. Tockary, Theofilus Agrios; S. Uchida, Satoshi
Journal: Results in Chemistry

Haigang Ma – Optical Bioimaging Research – Best Researcher Award

Haigang Ma - Optical Bioimaging Research - Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University of Science and Technology - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🏆 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Haigang Ma embarked on his academic journey at the MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, earning his Ph.D. from South China Normal University. His research was rooted in laser life sciences, setting the foundation for his pioneering contributions to biomedical imaging. His doctoral studies fueled his passion for innovative imaging techniques, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the field.

🔬 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Optical Engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology, he has dedicated his career to developing next-generation biomedical imaging systems. His work extends across optical holography, photoacoustic microscopy, and ultrasound imaging, striving to enhance diagnostic accuracy and medical imaging applications.

📡 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

His research primarily focuses on novel biomedical imaging techniques, particularly in multifunctional photoacoustic microscopy. Over the years, he has introduced innovative detection methods and advanced imaging systems, expanding the scope of clinical and experimental applications of photoacoustic technology. His contributions are shaping the future of non-invasive medical diagnostics.

📄 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Haigang Ma has authored more than 30 scientific papers in esteemed journals, demonstrating his expertise in photoacoustic imaging systems. His innovative work has led to 27 national invention patents in China, marking a significant impact in the field. His pioneering efforts also resulted in the development of China's first clinical photoacoustic microscopic imaging instrument for skin detection.

🚀 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Beyond academia, he has played a crucial role in translating research into practical medical applications. His contributions have directly influenced the medical imaging industry, improving clinical diagnostic tools and advancing non-invasive imaging methods for healthcare professionals. His research continues to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world medical applications.

🔍 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As an innovator in biomedical imaging, he remains committed to refining and expanding the capabilities of photoacoustic imaging. His goal is to further enhance medical diagnostics, ensuring more accurate, efficient, and accessible imaging technologies. With ongoing research and continuous advancements, he is set to leave a lasting legacy in optical and biomedical engineering.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Monitoring of microvascular calcification by time-resolved photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: H. Ma, Haigang; Y. Yu, Yinshi; Y. Zhu, Yahui; Q. Chen, Qian; C. Zuo, Chao
Journal: Photoacoustics

Title: Adaptively spatial PSF removal enables contrast enhancement for multi-layer image fusion in photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: T. Feng, Ting; H. Li, Hang; H. Ma, Haigang
Journal: Optics Letters