Sourav De | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sourav De | Medicinal Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Eminent College of Pharmaceutical Technology, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Education and Academic Background

Dr. Sourav De is a distinguished researcher and educator currently affiliated with Eminent College of Pharmaceutical Technology, India. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry from the School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India (March 2017 – December 2020). Under the guidance of Dr. S. K. Ashok Kumar, Professor, his doctoral thesis focused on the design, synthesis, characterization, and anticancer evaluation of various heterocycles and Ru(II)-arene-N^N, N^O, N^S complexes. His strong academic foundation also includes an M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from West Bengal University of Technology (2010–2012), where he graduated with a CGPA of 8.79 (First Class), and a B.Pharm from the University of North Bengal (2006–2010), securing 74% (First Class).

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Sourav De’s research interests span a diverse range of medicinal chemistry and organometallic chemistry, with a strong emphasis on the therapeutic applications of organic and organometallic complexes. His key areas of focus include: Molecular Modeling and In-Silico Studies for drug discovery and computational chemistry. Chromogenic and Fluorogenic Sensors for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Cancer Research, particularly in the treatment of cervical, colon, breast, and brain tumors.

🏆 Research Projects

Dr. De has actively contributed to multiple academic research and technology development projects, showcasing his expertise in cancer theranostics, drug discovery, and molecular design. Notable projects include: DST-SERB Sponsored Project: He worked as a Project Assistant on the Development of novel 2-aryl benzothiazole/benzoxazole, quinoxaline, and phenanthroline analogues as fluorescent probes and cancer theranostics applications (EMR/2017/000816). Grant-in-Aid SEED Fund Research Project: As a Principal Investigator, he led a research project titled “In silico analysis of some ruthenium complexes as potential anti-cancer agents,” funded by Rs. 85,000 (AU/REG/NOT/2021/04/003). With over 11 years and 9 months of research experience, Dr. De has made impactful contributions to the fields of drug development and computational chemistry.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Sourav De possesses strong technical expertise across various analytical instruments, imaging techniques, and computational tools. His skill set includes: Instruments Handled: UV, FL, FTIR, CD spectroscopy, ELISA reader, Gel Doc, and HPLC. Imaging Techniques: Fluorescent Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Flow Cytometry. Computational and Analytical Tools: Molecular Modeling & Docking: AutoDock 4.2, AutoDock Vina, Chimera 1.11rc, Open Babel GUI. Data Analysis: Python for scientific computing and data visualization. Plotting and Molecular Visualization: Origin, ChemDraw, ChemSketch. Hands-on Experience: Cell culture, molecular biology, and bioinformatics for drug-target interactions and cancer research.

📚 Teaching Experience

Dr. De is an experienced educator specializing in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. He has taught various subjects, including: Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Medicinal Chemistry, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis & Instrumental Analysis. His teaching methodology combines practical applications and research-driven insights, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

🌟 Future Research and Contributions

Dr. Sourav De is committed to advancing therapeutic drug design, molecular diagnostics, and cancer research. His future work aims to develop targeted anticancer drugs, bioactive organometallic complexes, and AI-driven molecular modeling techniques. With his expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and computational chemistry, he continues to make significant contributions to drug discovery and medicinal research.

📖Notable Publications

  • Pyridine: the scaffolds with significant clinical diversity

    • Authors: S De, AK SK, SK Shah, S Kazi, N Sarkar, S Banerjee, S Dey
    • Journal: RSC Advances
    • Year: 2022
  • Critical role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV: a therapeutic target for diabetes and cancer

    • Authors: S De, S Banerjee, SKA Kumar, P Paira
    • Journal: Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
    • Year: 2019
  • Synthesis, characterisation, molecular docking, biomolecular interaction and cytotoxicity studies of novel ruthenium (II)–arene-2-heteroarylbenzoxazole complexes

    • Authors: S De, SR Chaudhuri, A Panda, GR Jadhav, RS Kumar, P Manohar, …
    • Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
    • Year: 2019
  • Amberlite IR-120 (H) mediated “on water” synthesis of fluorescent Ruthenium (II)-arene 8-hydroxyquinoline complexes for cancer therapy and live cell imaging

    • Authors: A Mondal, S De, S Maiti, B Sarkar, AK Sk, R Jacob, A Moorthy, P Paira
    • Journal: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
    • Year: 2018
  • Luminescent ruthenium (II)-para-cymene complexes of aryl substituted imidazo-1,10-phenanthroline as anticancer agents and the effect of remote substituents on cytotoxic activities

    • Authors: S De, RS Kumar, A Gauthaman, SKA Kumar, P Paira, A Moorthy, …
    • Journal: Inorganica Chimica Acta
    • Year: 2021

Ruwani Suraweera | Drug Delivery | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Ruwani Suraweera | Drug Delivery | Best Researcher Award

Queensland University of Technology, Australia

👨‍🎓Profiles

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Ruwani Kaushalya Suraweera demonstrated academic excellence from the beginning of her educational journey. She graduated with honors from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, earning a B.Pharm (Honours), making her the best performer in the 2008/2009 pharmacy batch. She later pursued an M.Phil. in Chemical Sciences (2017–2022), excelling in courses like Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CHN 501) with an A+ grade. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, where her research focuses on pharmaceutical technology and advanced drug delivery systems.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

She has held significant academic roles, starting as a Temporary Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Peradeniya, in 2014. She was later appointed as a Lecturer in the same department, a position she held from November 2014 to June 2023. Her responsibilities included lecturing, mentoring, and contributing to the academic curriculum, especially for the B.Pharm degree program. Additionally, her expertise was recognized through her authorship of course materials, such as ‘Pharmaceutics 1’, for the Open University of Sri Lanka.

🌟 Contributions and Research Focus

Her research has spanned diverse areas, including formulation development, drug delivery systems, and pharmaceutical technology. Her work emphasizes nanobiotechnology and its applications in healthcare, as evidenced by her coursework and publications. She co-authored a chapter on Drug Safetyin Sri Lanka, published by Elsevier, contributing valuable insights into drug regulation and safety in developing countries. Her efforts to innovate in drug delivery systems aim to address pressing healthcare challenges globally.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Ruwani has not only contributed academically but also influenced healthcare systems through her research and teaching. Her work in drug safety and pharmaceutical education has directly impacted the healthcare landscape in Sri Lanka, promoting better practices in clinical and hospital-based pharmacy settings. As a registered pharmacist and an active member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka, her dedication to the field is evident.

📚 Academic Citations

Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through citations in prominent academic platforms, especially her chapter contributions to global discussions on drug safety. This establishes her as a credible voice in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare innovation.

🛠️ Technical Skills

She possesses a robust set of technical skills honed through both academic and professional experiences. She is proficient in ISO certification standards (ISO 9001 and 14001), first aid, and advanced analytical techniques learned under the ITEC scholarship from India. Her training extends to industrial and clinical pharmacy, including work at institutions like the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) and Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Her commitment to education has been pivotal in shaping the next generation of pharmacists. With nearly a decade of experience as a lecturer, She has been instrumental in teaching, developing course material, and mentoring students at the University of Peradeniya. Her work includes preparing comprehensive resources tailored for pharmacy education.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy lies in her ability to bridge the gap between research and practice. Her focus on nanotechnology and innovative drug delivery systems has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings. As a researcher and educator, she continues to mentor and inspire young scientists while contributing to advancements in pharmaceutical technology. Looking ahead, she is committed to leveraging her expertise to develop accessible, efficient, and safe drug delivery solutions, leaving a lasting impact on global healthcare systems.

🏅 Distinctions and Memberships

Her excellence has been recognized with several distinctions, including a distinction in the Australian National Chemistry Quiz. She is a life member of the Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya’s Pharmacy Department and an active participant in professional societies. Her achievements reflect her dedication to the field of pharmacy and her ongoing pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

📖Notable Publications

Formulation and stability evaluation of ketoprofen loaded virgin coconut oil-based creamy emulsion

Authors: RK Suraweera, HGP Pasansi, H Herath, DBM Wickramaratne, ...
Journal: International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Year: 2014

Assessing the characterizations of ketoprofen loaded and unloaded virgin coconut oil-based creamy nanoemulsion

Authors: RK Suraweera, HGP Pasansi, MHF Sakeena
Journal: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
Year: 2015

Formulation development of cream incorporating extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Authors: S Sathya, H Herath, NR Amarasinghe, RK Suraweera
Journal: Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka
Year: 2017

A study on Paracetamol consumption by undergraduate students in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya

Authors: A Samarawickrama, RK Suraweera, C Sivayoganathan, MHF Sakeena
Journal: International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications
Year: 2014

Drug safety in Sri Lanka

Authors: D Niyangoda, D de Silva, S Vinodani, RK Suraweera, ...
Journal: Drug Safety in Developing Countries
Year: 2020

Investigation of the use of medicinal plants and natural products for COVID-19 prevention and respiratory symptoms treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka

Authors: NTP Uyangoda, TP Gamagedara, RK Suraweera, LS Nawarathna
Journal: Sri Lankan Journal of Health Sciences
Year: 2022

Formulation of optimized Dapsone skin cream for the use of Acne vulgaris

Authors: R Fathima, RK Suraweera, DBM Wickramaratne
Journal: Faculty of Science, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka
Year: 2021