Buddhika Sampath Kumara Sinhasana PS Naidelage | Fluorescence Imaging Methods | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Buddhika Sampath Kumara Sinhasana PS Naidelage | Fluorescence Imaging Methods | Best Researcher Award

Queensland University of Technology | Australia

Mr. Buddhika Sampath Kumara Sinhasana PS Naidelage is a mechanical engineer and PhD researcher in Biomedical Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, supported by an Australian Research Council (ARC) scholarship. He specializes in developing nanostructured surfaces for biomedical implants to enhance biocompatibility and antimicrobial performance, working with Stryker and utilizing advanced cleanroom facilities at the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF). With extensive experience in production plant design, fabrication, piping and instrumentation, and project management, he has led Sri Lanka’s first graphene manufacturing facility at SLINTEC and contributed to TiO₂ production, industrial mixer fabrication, and mineral-based process development. He has also provided consultancy for industrial process optimization, plant layout, and equipment design for multiple government and commercial projects. Recognized with numerous awards, including faculty recognition at Sabaragamuwa University, national scholarships, and research grants from the Asian Development Bank, he is a professional member of Engineers Australia and holds memberships in IEEE, IESL, and the Engineering Council of Sri Lanka. His expertise spans nanofabrication, additive manufacturing, surface engineering, mechanical design, and multidisciplinary project leadership, with a strong focus on innovation, translational research, and stakeholder collaboration.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Ebenezer, P., Buddhika, S. P. S. N., Senevirathne, S. W. M. A. I., Bray, L. J., Wangchuk, P., Mathew, A., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2025). Advancements in antimicrobial surface coatings using metal/metal oxide nanoparticles, antibiotics, and phytochemicals. Nanomaterials.

Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Buddhika, S. P. S. N., & Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa. (2024). Design and development of a bowling machine for effective and efficient cricket batting training. Journal of Mechanical Engineering.

Samarathunga, A. I., Kulasooriya, W. G. C. M., Sewwandi, H. M. D. U., Vithanage, V., Induranga, A., Buddhika, S. P. S. N., & Koswattage, K. (2024). Experimental analysis of mechanical property enhancement of paper-pulp-based packaging materials using biodegradable additives. Sustainability.

Buddhika, S. P. S. N., Mirkhalaf, M., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2024). Nano-roughness modification of 3D printed poly(lactic acid) polymer via alkaline wet etching towards biomedical applications. Journal of Applied Science and Engineering.

Wijesinghe, I., Wimalachandra, S., Chathuranga, H., Marriam, I., Buddhika, S. P. S. N., Kondarage, Y., Ponnuru, H., Abdolazizi, A., Tebyetekerwa, M., Bai, R., et al. (2024). Recent advances in MXene/elastomer nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties and applications. European Polymer Journal.

Buddhika, S. P. S. N. (2023). Comparative study on the mechanical properties of concrete by substituting cement with sugarcane bagasse ash. IEEE MERCON 2023.

Buddhika, S. P. S. N., Senevirathne, S. W. M. A. I., Mathew, A., Bray, L., Mirkhalaf, M., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2023). Progress in nanostructured mechano-bactericidal polymeric surfaces for biomedical applications. Nanomaterials.

Eva Bartova | High-Resolution Imaging | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Eva Bartova | High-Resolution Imaging | Women Researcher Award

director and senior scientist at Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Acad.Sci, Czech Republic

Eva Bártová is a distinguished molecular biologist and professor at Masaryk University, specializing in epigenetics, DNA repair, and chromatin organization. As Director of the Institute of Biophysics at the Academy of Sciences in Brno, Czech Republic, she leads pioneering research efforts that have advanced understanding in genetics and molecular biology. With over 120 scientific publications and a robust record of international collaboration, Eva is recognized for her impactful work on the OCT4 protein in DNA repair processes and her leadership in the 3D genome project. Her contributions have significantly influenced the field, making her a prominent figure in molecular research and a valuable mentor in the scientific community.

Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award💪

Outstanding Research Contributions:

Eva Bártová has published over 120 scientific papers, and her research has had a significant impact on the understanding of chromatin structure, gene expression, and epigenetics. Her work in DNA repair, particularly the involvement of OCT4 and N4-acetylcytidine in RNA, represents ground-breaking discoveries in the field.

Leadership in Science:

Bártová has successfully led multiple research projects, including prestigious international collaborations. As the director of the Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, and head of the Department of Molecular Cytology and Cytometry, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in promoting scientific research and supporting young scientists.

Mentorship and Impact on Scientific Community:

With over 20 students having completed their dissertations under her supervision, including several doctoral candidates, Bártová has made a lasting impact on the training of the next generation of scientists. Her leadership extends beyond research, having also supported initiatives to balance work and family life, especially for women in science.

Recognition and Honors:

Bártová has been awarded numerous accolades, including the bronze medal from Masaryk University, and her election as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in 2020 further affirms her exceptional standing in the scientific community.

International Influence:

She has served as a member of various scientific committees and has been invited as a speaker at multiple prestigious international conferences. Her role as a reviewer for renowned journals, including Nucleic Acids Research and Epigenetics & Chromatin, underscores her influential position in the research community.

Education 🎓

Eva Bártová completed her undergraduate studies in Experimental Biology at Masaryk University, Brno, in 1991. She then pursued her Ph.D. in Animal Physiology (1992-1995), conducting research at the Institute of Biophysics in Brno. Her academic accomplishments include obtaining the title of Associate Professor in Genetics and Molecular Biology in 2010 and a full professorship in Molecular Biology and Genetics in 2024. Eva’s educational journey reflects her lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge in molecular biology.

Experience 💼

Eva’s career began as an assistant professor at Masaryk University’s Faculty of Medicine, where she quickly established her expertise. In 1997, she joined the Institute of Biophysics, where she founded the Laboratory of Molecular Cytology and Cytometry. By 2017, she became the Director of the Institute, where she leads various initiatives to support young scientists and foster family-friendly policies in research. Eva has also been an active member of international collaborations, including the prestigious EU 3D genome project.

Research Interests 🔬

Eva’s research focuses on epigenetics, DNA repair mechanisms, and 3D chromatin organization. She is especially known for her work on the OCT4 protein’s role in DNA repair in embryonic stem cells and the function of N4-acetylcytidine in RNA related to cellular responses to UVA-irradiation. Eva’s innovative research methods, such as advanced confocal microscopy and high-resolution cytometry, have enabled significant advances in understanding chromatin dynamics in both tumor and stem cells.

Awards 🏆

Eva Bártová’s achievements have earned her numerous honors. Notably, she received the Bronze Medal from Masaryk University in 2018, awarded to the 100 best graduates over the university’s century-long history. Her election as a European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) member in 2020 marked her as a leading figure in molecular biology. As the Director of the Institute of Biophysics, she has implemented programs supporting women in science, such as part-time work options for parents and a children’s play corner.

Publications 📚

RNA-related DNA damage and repair: The role of N7-methylguanosine in the cell nucleus exposed to UV light

  • Authors: Stixová, L., Tichý, V., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Heliyon (2024), 10(4), e25599
  • Citations: 2

Epigenetic and gene therapy in human and veterinary medicine

  • Author: Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Environmental Epigenetics (2024), 10(1), dvae006
  • Citations: 2

PARP-dependent and NAT10-independent acetylation of N4-cytidine in RNA appears in UV-damaged chromatin

  • Authors: Svobodová Kovaříková, A., Stixová, L., Kovařík, A., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Epigenetics and Chromatin (2023), 16(1), 26
  • Citations: 7

Cell Differentiation and Aging Lead To Up-Regulation of FTO, While the ALKBH5 Protein Level Was Stable During Aging but Up-Regulated During in vitro-Induced Cardiomyogenesis

  • Authors: Krejčí, J., Arcidiacono, O.A., Čegan, R., Fila, P., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Physiological Research (2023), 72(4), pp. 425–444
  • Citations: 0

Irradiation potentiates p53 phosphorylation and p53 binding to the promoter and coding region of the TP53 gene

  • Authors: Legartová, S., Fagherazzi, P., Goswami, P., Koutná, I., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Biochimie (2023), 204, pp. 154–168
  • Citations: 2

The Highest Density of Phosphorylated Histone H1 Appeared in Prophase and Prometaphase in Parallel with Reduced H3K9me3, and HDAC1 Depletion Increased H1.2/H1.3 and H1.4 Serine 38 Phosphorylation

  • Authors: Legartová, S., Lochmanová, G., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Life (2022), 12(6), 798
  • Citations: 2

Early recruitment of PARP-dependent m8A RNA methylation at DNA lesions is subsequently accompanied by active DNA demethylation

  • Authors: Legartová, S., Svobodová Kovaříková, A., Běhalová Suchánková, J., Polášek-Sedláčková, H., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: RNA Biology (2022), 19(1), pp. 1153–1171
  • Citations: 2

Localization of mettl16 at the nuclear periphery and the nucleolus is cell cycle-specific and mettl16 interacts with several nucleolar proteins

  • Authors: Stixová, L., Komůrková, D., Kovaříková, A.S., Fagherazzi, P., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Life (2021), 11(7), 669
  • Citations: 6

G‐quadruplex structures colocalize with transcription factories and nuclear speckles surrounded by acetylated and dimethylated histones H3

  • Authors: Komůrková, D., Kovaříková, A.S., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021), 22(4), pp. 1–18, 1995
  • Citations: 13

The sc‐35 splicing factor interacts with RNA pol II and A-type lamin depletion weakens this interaction

  • Authors: Legartová, S., Fagherazzi, P., Stixová, L., Raška, I., Bártová, E.
  • Journal: Cells (2021), 10(2), pp. 1–22, 297
  • Citations: 2

Conclusion 🌍

Eva Bártová is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her extensive contributions to the fields of epigenetics, DNA repair, and molecular cytology, her leadership in scientific research, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists make her a role model in the scientific community. While there are opportunities for broader public engagement and the expansion of collaborative networks, her achievements and influence are undeniably outstanding. Bártová’s exceptional scientific output and leadership position her as one of the leading researchers in her field.