Mihaela Georieva | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mihaela Georieva | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Sofia | Bulgaria

Dr. Mihaela Georgieva is an accomplished Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia), Bulgaria. With over 18 years of research experience in the fields of electroless and electrochemical metallization, corrosion protection, and nanocomposite materials, she has established herself as a leading scientist in applied electrochemistry. Dr. Georgieva began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, specializing in Electrochemistry and Corrosion Protection. She earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with a dissertation on the electroless deposition of copper composite coatings on polymer substrates. Her scientific output includes 31 peer-reviewed publications, co-authorship of 2 patents, and participation in 13 research projects, three of which she has led as a principal investigator. Her work has received 122 citations across 77 documents, and she holds an h-index of 7 (Scopus), reflecting the impact and visibility of her research in the scientific community. Dr. Georgieva is actively involved in national and European research collaborations and has presented her findings at numerous international conferences. She has also contributed as a reviewer for more than 10 academic journals. Her dedication to both teaching and research continues to inspire innovation in materials science and electrochemistry.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Petrova, S., Lazarova, D., Georgieva, M., Petrova, M., Dobrev, D., & Ditchev, D. (2025). Metallization of 3D-printed PET and PETG samples with different filling densities of the inner layers. Materials, 18(14), 3401.

  • Petrova, M., Lazarova, D., Dobrev, D., Georgieva, M., & Petrova, S. (2025). Development of an environmentally friendly pre-treatment for electroless metallisation of glasses. Transactions of the IMF, 103(1), 1–8.

  • Georgieva, M., Lazarova, D., Petrova, M., & Dobreva, E. (2023). Selection of a suitable environmentally friendly (non-toxic) etching solution in the electroless metallisation of ABS polymers. Transactions of the IMF, 101(6), 321–329.

  • Georgieva, M., Lazarova, D., Petrova, M., Tzaneva, B., & Dobreva, E. (2023). Modification of the surface of ABS polymer by swelling operation and its influence on some properties of electroless deposited metal coatings. Transactions of the IMF, 101(1), 18–26.

  • Georgieva, M. G. (2022). Study of a system for creating a statistical model of the electroless plating of Cu-Ni-P alloys. Transactions of the IMF, 100(6), 345–351.

 

Dongdong Xie | Food Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Dongdong Xie | Food Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Henan University of Technology | China

Dr. Xie Dongdong is an accomplished researcher and educator in the field of food science and technology, currently serving at Henan University of Technology. He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, following his Bachelor’s degree from Henan Normal University. Dr. Xie’s research focuses primarily on the interrelationship between microbial fermentation and food quality, with particular emphasis on yeast metabolism under stress, oxidative stress, and the role of active substances in improving yeast physiological status. His innovative use of yeast as a model for cell aging and stress response has contributed significantly to both fundamental and applied food science. He has successfully led multiple research projects funded at provincial and institutional levels, including studies on sugar source regulation in dough fermentation, mitochondrial function in yeast, and improvement of dough quality through microbial modulation. Dr. Xie has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, primarily in high-impact journals such as the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, International Journal of Food Science and Technology, and Food Science and Technology International. His research has been cited 138 times by 122 documents, and he currently holds an h-index of 8 (Scopus). In addition to his research, Dr. Xie is a dedicated teacher, offering courses in Food and Nutrition Science, Physiology of Nutrition, and Food Inspection Technology, contributing to the academic development of future food scientists. With his growing international recognition and commitment to research excellence, Dr. Xie continues to make impactful contributions to food fermentation and nutritional science.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Xie, D., Zheng, J., Sun, Y., Li, X., & Ren, S. (2024). Effects of Ca²⁺ signal on the activities of key enzymes and expression of related genes in yeast ethanol metabolism and mitochondrial function during high sugar fermentation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

  • Xie, D., Sun, Y., Li, X., Zheng, J., & Ren, S. (2024). Study on the effect of calcium signal participating in the antioxidant mechanism of yeast under high sugar environment. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

  • Xie, D., Lei, Y., & Sun, Y. (2022). Effect of glucose levels on carbon flow rate, antioxidant status and enzyme activity of yeast during fermentation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 102(12), 5333–5347.

  • Xie, D., Li, X., Sun, Y., & Ren, S. (2023). Effect of different producing methods on physicochemical and fermentation properties of refrigerated dough. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 119, 105268.

  • Xie, D., Lei, Y., & Li, X. (2023). Effect of sucrose levels on dynamic rheology properties of dough during fermentation process. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 58(3), 1326–1335.

 

Laila Jaragh-Alhadad | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assist. Prof. Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Kuwait University | Kuwait

Dr. Laila Jaragh-Alhadad is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Kuwait University, with extensive expertise in clinical bio-analytical chemistry and anticancer drug discovery. She earned her Ph.D. from Cleveland State University, USA, focusing on the in-vitro evaluation of HSP27 inhibitors through the HER2 pathway for ovarian cancer therapy. Prior to that, she received her M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Chemistry from Kuwait University, specializing in petroleum chemistry. Dr. Jaragh-Alhadad’s research centers on the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel anticancer agents that target key cancer-related proteins such as HSP27, HER2, and tubulin. Her work integrates both in silico and in vitro approaches to design dual-targeted therapies that aim to overcome drug resistance and enhance therapeutic efficacy in female cancers. She is also a pioneer in developing nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems using low-density lipoprotein (LDL), liposomes, and cholesterol conjugates to improve drug specificity and reduce systemic toxicity. She has led several competitive research grants supported by Kuwait University’s Research Sector, including projects on dual HSP27-HER2 inhibitors, triazole derivatives, and novel SIRT2 inhibitors. Her research output includes over 23 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus, with 303 total citations across 275 documents, and an H-index of 12, reflecting the scientific impact and relevance of her work in molecular oncology and nanotechnology-based therapeutics. In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Jaragh-Alhadad has received numerous honors, including Best Research Awards at international conferences in Oxford, the USA , and the International Chemistry Research Awards. She is also a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award from Kuwait University. Dr. Jaragh-Alhadad serves as a national and international editor for the Kuwait Journal of Science and Nanotechnology. She holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the Kuwait Chemical Society and the American Institute of Professional Studies.

Profiles : Scopus | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Saleh, M. M., El-Moselhy, T., El-Bastawissy, E., Ibrahim, M. A. A., Sayed, S. R. M., Hegazy, M.-E. F., Efferth, T., Jaragh-Alhadad, L. A., & Sidhom, P. A. (2023). The mystery of titan hunter: Rationalized striking of the MAPK pathway via newly synthesized 6‐Indolylpyridone‐3‐Carbonitrile derivatives. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 259, 115675.

Elkamhawy, A., Jaragh-Alhadad, L., Mekheimer, R. A., Abdullah, O., Abd-Elmonem, M., Moustafa, M. S., Abdel-Hameed, A., Mohamed, T. M., & Sadek, K. U. (2023). Visible-light-assisted base-catalyzed, one-pot synthesis of highly functionalized cinnolines. Green Processing and Synthesis, 12, 20230121.

Zaky, O. S., Hisham, M., Abd-Elmonem, M., Yahia, R., Jaragh-Alhadad, L. A., Mekheimer, R. A., Abuo-Rahma, G. E. A., Moustafa, M. S., Ebied, M. M., & Sadek, K. U. (2025). A novel one-pot microwave-assisted green synthesis of pyridinyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine hybrids as potent antimicrobial agents. BMC Chemistry, 19, 200.

Jaragh-Alhadad, L. A. (2025). Nano LDL drug delivery systems of triazole derivatives: Synthesis, characterization, anticancer evaluation and in silico investigation targeting HER2 and β-tubulin proteins. Andrology, 14(1), Article 1000351.

Zaky, O. S., Hisham, M., Abd Elmonem, M., Yahia, R., Jaragh-Alhadad, L. A., Mekheimer, R. A., Abuo Rahma, G. E. A., Moustafa, M. S., Ebied, M. M., & Sadek, K. U. (2025). A novel one-pot microwave-assisted green synthesis of pyridinyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine hybrids as potent antimicrobial agents. BMC Chemistry, 19, 200.

John Reynolds | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. John Reynolds | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory | United States

Dr. John G. Reynolds, PhD is a Senior Science Advisor for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Explosives Programs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where he supports the Energetic Materials Center and the Forensics Science Center. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Reynolds is a recognized authority in nuclear weapons safety, energetic materials, and chemical weapons countermeasures. His subject matter expertise spans non-shock initiated reactions, thermal aging of energetic components, improvised explosives, and detection technologies. Dr. Reynolds earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Stanford University, following a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and an A.A. in Chemical Technology from Merritt College. He conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard and Caltech before entering industry at Chevron Research Company. Since joining LLNL, he has led major national security programs, including NEXESS and the Integrated Data Collection and Analysis Program, coordinating multi-laboratory collaborations across the DOE and DoD. He has authored over 250 publications and patents, with more than 4,257 citations on Google Scholar and 3,233 citations on Scopus. His h-index is 33 on both platforms, reflecting a sustained and impactful research career. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the ACS Petroleum Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award, multiple R&D 100 Awards, and the DOE Excellence Award. He also founded the LLNL OPCW verification laboratory, contributing to global chemical weapons monitoring. Dr. Reynolds’ work has significantly influenced homeland security, chemical detection, and explosives safety worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar 

Featured Publications

  • Gash, A. E., Anderson, N. F., Montgomery, J. L., Hsu, P. C., Coffee, K. R., Guillen, G. J., Hernandez, P. A., Clarke, S. M., Zaka, F., & Reynolds, J. G. (2025). Properties of different LLM-105 preparations. Journal of Energetic Materials, 1–21.

  • Hoffman, D. M., Robertson, E. L., Zaka, F., DeHope, A. J., Harwood, V. L., Panasci-Nott, A. F., McClelland, M. A., & Reynolds, J. G. (2025). Development of parameters for the particle size distribution of TATB. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 50(1), e70007.

  • Moore, J. S., Morrison, K. D., Burnham, A. K., Racoveanu, A., Reynolds, J. G., & Coffee, K. R. (2024). TATB thermal decomposition: An improved kinetic model for explosive safety analysis. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300237.

  • Morrison, K. D., Moore, J. S., Coffee, K. R., Koroglu, B., Burnham, A. K., & Reynolds, J. G. (2024). TATB thermal decomposition: Expanding the molecular profile with cryo-focused pyrolysis GC-MS. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300268.

  • Burnham, A. K., Coffee, K. R., Klunder, G. L., Panasci-Nott, A. F., & Reynolds, J. G. (2024). Towards a heat- and mass-balanced kinetic model of TATB decomposition. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 49(2), e202300121.

Weisheng Liu | Inorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Weisheng Liu | Inorganic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Lanzhou University | China

Dr. Weisheng Liu is a distinguished professor of chemistry at Lanzhou University, China, with over three decades of academic, research, and leadership experience in the field of lanthanide coordination chemistry. He received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Lanzhou University and his B.S. from Shandong University. Dr. Liu has served in multiple prominent academic leadership roles, including Dean of the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Director of the Academic Affairs Office, and currently, Director of the Green Materials Research and Development Center at Lanzhou University. Dr. Liu’s research focuses on the synthesis, structure, and photophysical properties of lanthanide complexes and functional materials. He has pioneered work on supramolecular nanoreactors, photoluminescent MOFs, and room-temperature phosphorescent materials. His scholarly output includes over 388 scientific publications, many in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, JACS, Angewandte Chemie, and Chemical Engineering Journal. His work has received international recognition, reflected in 14,286 citations across 11,929 documents and a Scopus h-index of 63, highlighting both his productivity and the significant impact of his research. Dr. Liu has been honored with multiple First Prizes for Excellence in Science and Technology from the Gansu Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education, China. With his strong academic record, international collaborations, and influential research contributions, Dr. Liu stands as a leading figure in coordination chemistry and materials science in China and globally.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Li, J., Kou, M., Zhou, S., Dong, F., Huang, X., Tang, X., Tang, Y., & Liu, W. (2025). Regulation of lanthanide supramolecular nanoreactors via a bimetallic cluster cutting strategy to boost aza-Darzens reactions. Nature Communications, 16, 2169.

  • Miao, X., Zhang, P., Wang, B., Bai, X., & Liu, W. (2024). Bidirectional heterojunctions photocatalyst engineered with separated dual reduction sites for hydrogen evolution. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental and Energy, 357, 124268.

  • Zhang, P., Xie, W., Miao, X., Lin, Z., Yang, Y., Liu, W., & Liu, W. (2024). Phase control and energy-trapping management for high quality X-ray afterglow imaging. Chemical Engineering Journal, 502, 158157.

  • Yang, Y., Zhang, P., Miao, X., Lin, Z., Li, S., & Liu, W. (2024). Color‐tunable emission via site‐selective occupation of Eu²⁺ activators in silicate phosphors. Laser & Photonics Reviews, 18(4), 2400982.

  • Lin, Z., Zhang, P., Song, F., Yang, Y., Miao, X., & Liu, W. (2024). Employing racemization strategies to simultaneously enhance the quantum yield, lifetime, and water stability of room-temperature phosphorescent materials. Chemical Science, 15, 8052–8061.

 

Abolfazl Olyaei | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abolfazl Olyaei | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Imam Khomeini International University | Iran

Dr. Abolfazl Olyaei is an associate professor at Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin. He earned his B.Sc. in Pure Chemistry from Tabriz University and completed his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry at Tehran University under Professor Mohammad Raouf Darvich. He continued his studies at Tehran University, receiving a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, supervised by Professor Mehdi Ghandi. Dr. Olyaei’s research focuses on organic synthesis, particularly the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, multicomponent reactions, green chemistry, catalysis, organocatalysis, and the application of materials and organomaterials across various scientific fields. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to scientific literature, authoring numerous research and review articles in reputable journals, highlighting his expertise and impact in organic and heterocyclic chemistry. He has authored 89 research documents with 908 citations recorded by Scopus and an h-index of 17, while Google Scholar reports over 1091 citations and an h-index of 19. His work integrates modern synthetic methods with environmentally friendly approaches, contributing to advancements in catalysis and material science. Dr. Olyaei’s academic dedication and prolific publication record make him a prominent figure in the field of organic chemistry in Iran and internationally.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar 

Featured Publications

Sajjadi, S. B., Olyaei, A., & Shalbafan, M. (2025). Novel naphtho[2,3-b]furan-2,4,9(3H)-trione derivatives as potent ERα inhibitors: Design, regioselective synthesis, HMBC-NMR characterization, in silico molecular docking and ADME studies. BMC Chemistry, 19(1), 253.

Shalbafan, M., Sadeghpour, M., & Olyaei, A. (2025). Study on the interaction of Olmesartan with human serum albumin (HSA) by spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. Chemical Review and Letters, 8(3), 509–516.

Olyaei, A., Zanjanchi, F., Farzogi, M., & Sadeghpour, M. (2025). Comparative study of electronic structure and photophysical properties of some new Lawsone dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells by DFT and TD-DFT. Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 19(2), 336–347.

Olyaei, A., Sadeghpour, M., & Sajjadi, S. B. (2025). A review on synthesis of furonaphthoquinones through Lawsone derivatives annulation reactions and their biological properties. RSC Advances, 15(5), 3515–3546.

Kayyal, M., Olyaei, A., Pourshamsian, K., & Sadeghpour, M. (2025). Molecular docking and prediction of ADME/drug-likeness properties of some benzochromenopyrimidine derivatives as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Chemical Review and Letters, 8(2), 300–308.

Oka Arjasa | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oka Arjasa | Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

BRIN | Indonesia

Assoc. Prof. Oka Pradipta Arjasa, Ph.D. is a leading researcher and Principal Investigator in Colloid and Nanoscience at the Fuel Cells System and Hydrogen Production Research Group, Energy Conversion and Conservation Research Centre (PR KKE), BRIN, Indonesia. With a strong focus on hydrogen technology and sustainable energy solutions, he has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge research and national policy frameworks for energy transition. Dr. Arjasa holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Manchester, UK, where he specialized in the magnetic properties of graphene using Electron Spin Resonance. He also earned a Master of Engineering from the University of Indonesia, a Master of Science from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Universitas Gadjah Mada. His professional journey includes over a decade of research at the Center for Material Technology (BPPT) and ongoing contributions to national and ASEAN-level scientific initiatives. He currently serves as a Technical Committee member for Indonesia’s Hydrogen Technology Standard (TC 27-11) and as the ASEAN COSTI focal point for Sustainable Energy Research. In Scopus, he has published 15 documents with 28 citations and an h-index of 3. Google Scholar reports 530 citations with an h-index of 10, reflecting his growing impact in sustainable energy research. In addition to his research, Dr. Arjasa is Vice President of Power Resilience at HAGI, a reviewer for international journals, and a dedicated member of multiple scientific consortia. His work in battery recycling, rare earth materials, and hydrogen fuel development reflects his commitment to advancing clean energy technologies in Indonesia and beyond.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar 

Featured Publications

Bhagaskara, A., Wijaya, K., Trisunaryanti, W., Saputra, D. A., Agustanhakri, A., Taqwatomo, G., Arjasa, O. P., Budiman, A. H., & Anggaravidya, M. (2025, October). Upcycling secondary nickel from spent nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries as a nanocatalyst on sulfated natural zeolite for converting LDPE plastic waste into jet-fuel hydrocarbons. Next Materials.

Hastuti, L. P., Budiman, A. H., Arjasa, O. P., Ristiana, D. D., Gumelar, M. D., Saputra, D. A., Rahayu, S., Husin, S., & Prasetyo, H. (2025, June 18). Synergistic NiS/CuO heterostructures as two-in-one catalysts for dye removal and bacterial inactivation. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry.

Hastuti, L. P., Budiman, A. H., Darsono, N., Timuda, G. E., Bakri, A., Darmawan, A., & Arjasa, O. P. (2025, May 4). Novel g-C₃N₄/rGO/NiS incorporated into GO free-standing membrane as a photocatalytic membrane for excellent dye photodegradation. Fullerenes, Nanotubes and Carbon Nanostructures.

Simamora, R. M. A., Setyadi, J. P., Pravitasari, R. D., Arjasa, O. P., Damisih, D., Hapsari, A. U., Raharjo, J., Indayaningsih, N., Subhan, A., Budiman, A. H., et al. (2025, January 13). Pt nanowire arrays on graphene-integrated cathode gas diffusion layer for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. ACS Applied Energy Materials.

Husin, S., Saudi, A. U., Taqwatomo, G., Gumelar, M. D., Raharjo, J., Rahayu, S., Prasetyo, H., Yuliani, H., Saputra, D. A., Arjasa, O. P., et al. (2024). Recovery of valuable metals from NMC-811 Li-ion battery waste with froth flotation and hydrometallurgical extraction. Engineering and Applied Science Research.

 

Beril Anilanmert | Analytical Chemistry | Outstanding Contribution Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Beril Anilanmert | Analytical Chemistry | Outstanding Contribution Award

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Institute of Forensic Sciences and Legal Medicine | Turkey

Beril Anılanmert is an accomplished Turkish forensic scientist and analytical chemist, with dual doctorates: one in forensic sciences from Istanbul University, and another in analytical chemistry from Marmara University. She also holds an MSc and a BPharm from Marmara, with specialization in pharmacy and analytical methods. She is an Associate Professor at Istanbul University‑Cerrahpaşa in the Institute of Forensic Sciences, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences. Prior positions include associate professorship at Istanbul University, medical research positions in forensic medicine, assistant professorship in pharmacy, and earlier work as a research assistant. Her research has centered on development and validation of sensitive analytical techniques (especially LC‑MS/MS, HPLC, etc.) for detecting psychoactive substances, designer drugs, date‑rape drugs, explosive residues, and related toxicants in biological and environmental matrices. She has led multiple funded projects, published over 100 peer‑reviewed articles in high‑impact and SCI/SSCI journals, authored several book chapters, and contributed to laboratory accreditation and capacity building. Her work combines methodological rigor with strong applicability to forensic, public health, and legal challenges. She has published 107 items, with 167 citations in Web of Science (WoS), 182 in Scopus, and a WoS and Scopus h‑index of 7. These reflect modest citation counts relative to publication volume, but indicate a solid presence in her fields.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Rayimoğlu, G., Yonar, F. C., & Anılanmert, B. (2025). From one strand dyed/undyed hair with/without root to fast and successful STR profiling and evaluation with principle component analysis. Electrophoresis.

  • Anılanmert, B., Çağlar-Andac, S., & Narin, İ. (2023). Urgent first‑step screening method for ketamine, phenobarbital, zopiclone, zolpidem, phenytoin and thiopental in adulterated soft drink. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 36(5), 1407‑1414.

  • Cavus Yonar, F., Anılanmert, B., & Acikkol, M. (2024). Short‑cut route validated for monitoring fentanyl and its metabolite in urine using LC–MS/MS, in a wide concentration range. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 10, Article 82.

  • Anılanmert, B., & Yonar, F. C. (2023). Speedy Gonzales analysis method in one drop of beverage, for crimes committed with drugs from three different groups. Analytical Sciences, 39(6), 843‑849.

  • Şener, H., Anılanmert, B., Mavis, M. E., Goksu Gursu, G., & Cengiz, S. (2022). LC‑MS/MS monitoring for explosives residues and OGSR with diverse ionization temperatures in soil & hands: 30 minutes for extraction + elution. Acta Chromatographica, 34(3), 304‑314.

 

Rosaria Saletti | Chemical Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Prof. Rosaria Saletti | Chemical Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Catania | Italy

Prof. Rosaria Saletti is an Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Catania, where she leads the Organic Mass Spectrometry Laboratory within the Department of Chemical Sciences. Graduating cum laude in Chemistry from the same university, Prof. Saletti has established herself as an expert in mass spectrometry, proteomics, and protein structural characterization. Her research is centered on the application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques for the analysis of proteins in various biological and food matrices. Her investigations have contributed significantly to the comparative proteomics of cereal kernels, characterization of milk proteins, and the study of VDAC (Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel) proteins. Notably, her work has helped clarify the molecular underpinnings of allergenicity in milk and advanced the understanding of disulfide bonding and post-translational modifications in mitochondrial proteins. Prof. Saletti has participated in numerous national and European research projects, including the Italian Human ProteomeNet (FIRB), SAMOTHRACE, and multiple PRIN projects (2006, 2022). She also contributes to international networks such as the European Network CHRX CT94-0425 and FAIR CT96-1170. Her industry collaborations include partnerships with SIFI SpA, Wyeth-Lederle, and Zoetis Manufacturing Italia. She is the author of over 100 publications indexed in Scopus, with 2,008 citations and an h-index of 29 (Scopus) and 2,650 citations with an h-index of 31 on Google Scholar. Prof. Saletti has also co-authored several book chapters on mass spectrometry and proteomics and holds editorial roles in journals like Foods and Current Clinical Pharmacology. Her international collaborations span renowned institutions such as the University of Mainz, Technical University of Denmark, and Rothamsted Research, UK. She is an active member of the Italian Chemical Society, Italian Proteomic Association, and European Proteomics Association. Prof. Saletti’s scientific rigor and contributions to analytical chemistry have made her a respected figure in proteomic research worldwide.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar

Featured Publications

Pittalà, M. G. G., Cucina, A., Conti-Nibali, S., Cunsolo, V., Di Francesco, A., Saletti, R., & Reina, S. (2025). Structural characterization of intra- and intermolecular disulfide bonds in voltage-dependent anion channel 3 (VDAC3) protein from Rattus norvegicus by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 1–16.

Di Francesco, A., Lanzoni, A., De Santis, M. A., Pittalà, M. G. G., Saletti, R., Cunsolo, V., & Righetti, P. G. (2025). In-depth shotgun proteomic characterization of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A case study on the genotype Pascià grown using two water regimes. ACS Agricultural Science & Technology.

Pittalà, M. G. G., Reina, S., Cucina, A., Cunsolo, V., Guarino, F., Di Francesco, A., Saletti, R., & De Pinto, V. (2024). Intramolecular disulfide bridges in voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2) protein from Rattus norvegicus revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 35(7), 1422–1433.

Di Francesco, A., De Santis, M. A., Lanzoni, A., Pittalà, M. G. G., Saletti, R., & Cunsolo, V. (2024). Mass spectrometry characterization of the SDS-PAGE protein profile of legumins and vicilins from chickpea seed. Foods, 13(6), 887.

Pittalà, M. G. G., Di Francesco, A., Cucina, A., Saletti, R., Zilberstein, G., Zilberstein, S., Cappellini, E., & Righetti, P. G. (2023). Count Dracula resurrected: Proteomic analysis of Vlad III the Impaler’s documents by EVA technology and mass spectrometry. Analytical Chemistry, 95(34), 12732–12744.

Punginelli, D., Catania, V., Vazzana, M., Mauro, M., Spinello, A., Barone, G., Cunsolo, V., Saletti, R., Di Francesco, A., Arizza, V., & Schillaci, D. (2022). A novel peptide with antifungal activity from red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Antibiotics, 11(12), 1792.

 

Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Mokgadi Mphahlele | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Tshwane University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Mokgadi Precious Mphahlele is an emerging South African chemist specializing in natural product chemistry, drug discovery, and analytical techniques. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg, where her research focused on isolating and synthesizing bioactive compounds from traditional medicinal plants (Tabernaemontana contorta, Sclerocarya birrea, and Senna italica) for use against resistant bacterial and cancerous cells. Her MSc in Chemistry involved developing a sustained delivery system for Curcuma longa extracts using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. Dr. Mphahlele is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology, conducting chemometric analysis and metabolomics on South African medicinal plants. She previously served as a Senior Laboratory Technician at the University of Johannesburg and a Quality Control Lab Assistant at Idwala Industrial Minerals. She has contributed to over ten peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, focusing on phytochemical profiling, structure elucidation, antibacterial and anticancer assays, and natural compound synthesis. Dr. Mphahlele has completed international programs such as the Lancaster University Career Writing Program, and training in Drug Discovery (UC San Diego) and Scientific Writing (Nature Masterclass). Her research interests lie in natural products chemistry, chromatographic method development, molecular networking, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. She is an active member of the Golden Key Honour Society, a Black Women in Science 2024 Fellow, and a reviewer for Taylor & Francis. Dr. Mphahlele’s work bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific innovation, contributing to sustainable health solutions.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google scholar

Featured Publications

  • “Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Sugar from the Inner Bark of Sclerocarya birrea: Insights into Antibiotic and Anticancer Activity”

  • “Antimicrobial Activity of Triterpenoid and Steroidal Cinnamates from Vitellaria paradoxa”

  • “Crystal structure of Staudtienic acid, a diterpenoid from Staudtia kamerunensis Warb.(Myristicaceae)”

  • “Chemical profiling, bio-guided purification, and cytotoxic effect of two African spices: Hypodaphnis zenkeri Engl. Stapf (Lauraceae) and Staudtia kamerunensis warb (Myristicaceae) on human prostate cancer cell lines”

  • “Antibacterial activity and GC-MS profiling of DCM/MeOH extracts of Tabernaemontana contorta Stapf’s leaves, and stem bark from the central region of Cameroon”