Zanyar Pirkani | Translational medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zanyar Pirkani | Translational medicine | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Tehran university, Iran

Dr. Zanyar Pirkani is a dedicated veterinarian and biomedical researcher with significant contributions to large animal medicine and regenerative therapies. With extensive clinical, teaching, and research experience, he has steadily advanced in the field of veterinary science, currently contributing to cutting-edge biomedical investigations at the University of Tehran. His expertise lies in internal medicine, stem cell therapy, and respiratory disease control, all directed toward improving animal health outcomes and developing innovative treatment modalities.

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Education

Dr. Pirkani began his academic journey at the Islamic Azad University of Urmia, earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from 2012 to 2019. His passion for large animal health led him to pursue a specialized residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Tehran, which he commenced in 2019 and is set to complete in 2025. This rigorous educational pathway has allowed him to blend clinical excellence with academic inquiry.

Experience

Dr. Pirkani’s professional career spans veterinary practice, pharmaceutical services, clinical teaching, and research. He initially served at Dr. Parvini Hospital (2017–2019), performing surgeries and clinical care. From 2019 to 2020, he worked at Dr. Asadi Pharmacy, where he was responsible for dispensing medications and overseeing veterinary pharmaceutical operations. He later joined the Large Animal Veterinary Research and Teaching Hospital at the University of Tehran (2020–2022), performing diagnostics, imaging interpretation, and supervising internal medicine cases. Since 2022, he has been a researcher at the Biomedical Research Institute of the University of Tehran, focusing on the therapeutic use of extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells.

Research Interest

Dr. Pirkani’s research interests are multidisciplinary, emphasizing regenerative veterinary medicine, livestock health optimization, and infectious disease epidemiology. He investigates the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), particularly for treating acute respiratory disorders. His work also extends to practical issues in dairy herd management, focusing on nutrition, disease prevention, and animal welfare. He actively contributes to understanding disease spread and preventive strategies through his studies in epidemiology.

Awards

Dr. Pirkani has been invited to present at prestigious national conferences and has contributed to award-winning collaborative projects. His work has gained recognition in veterinary neonatology and theriogenology circles, especially for his clinical insights into foal health and maternal behavior in equines. His dedication to veterinary education has also earned him acclaim as a teaching assistant in clinical examination.

Publications

Dr. Pirkani has authored and co-authored several impactful journal articles:

Pirkani, Zanyar et al. “Study of Trichinella spp. Seroprevalence in Horse Population of West Azerbaijan, Northwestern Iran.” Iranian Journal of Parasitology, 2025. [Cited by 2 articles]

Mohammadpour, Omid et al. “Zinc Deficiency in Sheep Flock in Kerman Suburb-Iran.” Journal of Basic and Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 2022. [Cited by 5 articles]

Ghanidel, Mohammad et al. “Survey on Respiratory Parasites Infection of Sheep in Naqade Province.” Journal of Veterinary Laboratory Research, 2021. [Cited by 3 articles]

Abdollahi Boraei, S. B. et al. “Control of Bone Metastasis Caused by Breast Cancer Using Nanocomposite Scaffolds.” Multidisciplinary Cancer Investigation, 2023. [Cited by 4 articles]

Khalili, Nafiseh Rahmani et al. “Double-shelled COF for Multi-Drug Cancer Therapy.” Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2024. [Cited by 6 articles]

Conclusion

Dr. Zanyar Pirkani exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through his blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and visionary inquiry. His contributions to regenerative veterinary medicine and livestock health research stand out in both national and international contexts. With a growing portfolio of publications and active mentorship, Dr. Pirkani is well-positioned for the Best Researcher Award, symbolizing a career rooted in innovation, service, and scientific advancement.

Fani Pantouli | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fani Pantouli | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Post-Doctoral Fellow at Cleveland Clinic, United States

Dr. Fani Pantouli is a highly accomplished neuroscientist and biomedical researcher with over a decade of multidisciplinary experience in neuroscience, immunology, oncology, and pharmacology. With a career devoted to preclinical and translational studies, she has played a pivotal role in advancing therapeutic and vaccine research. Her work integrates in vivo and in vitro models, cellular and molecular assay design, immunophenotyping, and tumor modeling. Adept in laboratory innovation and scientific collaboration, Dr. Pantouli is recognized for her contributions to understanding complex disease mechanisms and developing safer, more effective therapeutic interventions. Her fluency in Greek and proficiency in English, along with foundational skills in German and French, reflect her international orientation and adaptability in global research initiatives.

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Education

Dr. Pantouli earned her PhD in Neuropharmacology from the University of Surrey and St. George’s University of London between 2014 and 2017. Her doctoral work focused on therapeutic approaches for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with groundbreaking investigations into oxytocin-based interventions. She holds a Master of Science in Molecular Neuroscience from the University of Bristol (2011) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biomedical Science from the University of Bedfordshire (2010). Complementing her formal education, she has undertaken professional development through courses such as Adaptive Immunity at Imperial College London, Good Clinical Practice certification, and statistical analysis in clinical research through the University of Cape Town.

Experience

Dr. Pantouli currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Vaccine Development at Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Research and Innovation Center. There, she investigates T-cell immunity, cytokine profiling, and vaccine efficacy using advanced in vitro models against SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and HMPV. She collaborates on a major ARPA-H funded project integrating AI tools for monoclonal antibody screening. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the same institute’s Cancer Research Lab, she developed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma mouse models to study p53-targeted therapies. Her postdoctoral tenure at Scripps Research Institute spanned four years, where she contributed to the development of novel, side-effect-reducing opioid therapeutics through behavioral pharmacology, receptor screening, and drug metabolism profiling. Earlier academic roles include doctoral research at St. George’s University, where she explored molecular and behavioral aspects of ASD, and research technician roles in cardiovascular research at the University of Birmingham and the Academy of Athens.

Research Interest

Dr. Pantouli’s research interests span a spectrum of critical areas in biomedical science. She is passionate about exploring the neuropharmacology of social behavior disorders, with a focus on translational models for ASD and addiction. Her oncology research is centered on molecular mechanisms of tumor suppression, particularly the role of p53 in head and neck cancers. In immunology and virology, she is engaged in advancing personalized vaccine responses by decoding ethnic and cellular variability in immune reactions to viral pathogens. Across all areas, her goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve clinical outcomes through precision medicine.

Award

While specific awards are not listed in her résumé, Dr. Pantouli’s consistent trajectory through prestigious research institutions, coupled with her leadership in high-impact projects funded by agencies like ARPA-H and her inclusion in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrates a sustained record of excellence and recognition by her scientific peers. Her nominations for publication in top-tier journals like Science and Biological Psychiatry further reflect her standing in the global research community.

Publications

Among Dr. Pantouli’s numerous contributions to scientific literature, the following are notable:

Pantouli, F., et al. (2025). COVID-19 Vaccination Enhances the Immunogenicity of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in the Elderly. Vaccines, 13(5), 531. Cited by 3.

Pantouli, F., et al. (2024). Acute, Chronic and Conditioned Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin in the Mu Opioid Receptor Knockout Mouse Model of Autism. Neuropsychopharmacology. Cited by 9.

Pantouli, F., et al. (2021). Comparison of Morphine, Oxycodone and the Biased MOR Agonist SR-17018 in Mouse Models of Pain. Neuropharmacology, 185. Cited by 17.

Grim, T. W., et al., incl. Pantouli, F. (2020). G Protein-Biased Agonist Reverses Morphine Tolerance. Neuropsychopharmacology, 45. Cited by 26.

Morel, C., et al., incl. Pantouli, F. (2018). Nicotinic Receptors and Dopamine Cell Activity in Stress-Nicotine Interplay. Molecular Psychiatry, 23(7), 1597–1605. Cited by 35.

Acevedo-Canabal, A., Pantouli, F., et al. (2021). Pharmacological Variety in Opioid Analgesics. Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences. Cited by 4.

Pantouli, F., et al. (Submitted). Generation of Antigen-Specific Paired Heavy-Light Chain Antibody Sequences Using LLMs. Science. Under review.

Conclusion

Dr. Fani Pantouli exemplifies scientific excellence with her multidisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. Her ability to deliver translational breakthroughs—whether in vaccine development, cancer modeling, or ASD treatment—makes her a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions are not only academically impactful but also pave the way for tangible clinical advancements, aligning perfectly with the award’s vision of honoring transformative biomedical innovation.

Congguang Shi | Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. Congguang Shi | Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

associate researcher at Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, China

Dr. Congguang Shi currently serves as an associate researcher at the Zhejiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, where he has significantly contributed to the genetic improvement of forest trees and the protection of extremely small populations. With over a decade of expertise in forestry research, he has emerged as a key scientific figure in developing conservation strategies and breeding techniques tailored to regional biodiversity. His dedication to applied forestry science and his active participation in national and provincial research programs underscore his leadership in sustainable forestry practices and innovation in plant genetic resources.

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Education

Dr. Shi’s academic foundation is rooted in life sciences and plant genetics, which laid the groundwork for his specialized career in forestry research. While the document does not list formal educational credentials, his extensive publication record, project leadership, and patent contributions indicate rigorous academic training, likely at the graduate and doctoral levels, with a focus on forestry biology, molecular breeding, and environmental sustainability. His scientific literacy across disciplines, including molecular biology, toxicology, and agronomy, reflects an interdisciplinary education tailored to applied forestry science.

Experience

Dr. Shi has presided over two public welfare research projects funded by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology. Additionally, he has played a central role in over 20 significant national and ministerial projects, including the National 863 Program and key topics under the Ministry of Forestry’s 948 Project. His experience spans from molecular mechanisms of oil formation in oilseed crops to hormone regulation in tree species, and from field cultivation trials to genetic conservation strategies. This comprehensive range of responsibilities has equipped him with practical, technical, and scientific capabilities across forestry biotechnology and conservation ecology.

Research Interests

Dr. Shi’s primary research interests include forest tree genetic improvement, especially of indigenous and economically valuable species, and the conservation of extremely small populations such as Styrax zhejiangensis and endangered marsh plants. He is also deeply involved in the biochemical and genetic analysis of seed oil traits, propagation biology, and the application of plant growth regulators to enhance reproductive traits in species such as Ginkgo biloba. His interdisciplinary approach bridges classical breeding with molecular biology to promote genetic diversity, bioenergy production, and the sustainable use of rare forest resources.

Awards

Dr. Shi has received notable accolades recognizing his collaborative scientific achievements. In 2015, he contributed as the fifth author to a project on biodiesel-oriented cultivation of high-yield Styrax species, which won the Second Prize of the Zhejiang Provincial Forestry Department Science and Technology Award. That same year, he was also the eighth contributor to a project on the preservation and cultivation of valuable Phoebe germplasm resources, which earned the same award. In 2016, he was recognized as the ninth contributor to a project on the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid formation in cruciferous oilseeds, receiving the second prize in Natural Science from the Ministry of Education.

Publications

Dr. Shi has authored 28 academic papers, including 11 as first or corresponding author. Selected key publications include:

Shi, C. et al. (2013). Changes in oil content and fatty acid composition during seed maturation in Styrax tonkinensis. Journal of Zhejiang A&F University, 30(3):372–378. [Cited by multiple studies on seed biochemistry]

Shi, C. et al. (2014). Refinement and toxicological evaluation of Styrax seed oil. Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology, 14(5):192–201.

Shi, C. et al. (2017). Karyotype analysis of root tips from three Styrax species. Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology, 37(3):23–27.

Shi, C. et al. (2019). Effects of root pruning and fertilization on Ginkgo biloba growth. Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology, 39(2):69–74.

Shi, C. et al. (2020). Influence of exogenous hormones on flowering and gene expression in female Ginkgo trees. Zhejiang Forestry Science and Technology, 40(2):1–8.

Shi, C. et al. (2021). Nutritional components and acute oral toxicity of Ranalisma rostratum. Journal of Zhejiang A&F University, 38(X):1–8.

Yang, J., Shi, C., et al. (2021). Efficient in-vitro propagation of endangered Ranalisma rostratum. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 53(3):1037–1043.

Conclusion

Dr. Congguang Shi exemplifies the spirit of the “Excellence in Research Award” through his commitment to high-impact research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and conservation of botanical diversity. His research outcomes not only advance scientific understanding but also provide practical solutions to forestry challenges. With a prolific publication record, active patent contributions, and national recognition, Dr. Shi stands as a deserving candidate for this distinguished honor.

Muhammad Zulfiqar | Biomedical Instrumentation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammad Zulfiqar | Biomedical Instrumentation | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar at National University of Science and Technology NUST, Islamabad, Pakistan

Engr. Muhammad Zulfiqar is a passionate and driven mechanical engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. With a strong academic foundation, multiple published works, and extensive teaching experience, he has demonstrated consistent excellence in both technical and pedagogical domains. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to research, education, and innovation, positioning him as a rising contributor in Pakistan’s engineering landscape. A dynamic individual, he excels in both collaborative and independent environments, effectively combining academic rigor with practical applications across renewable energy, microfluidics, and sustainable development sectors.

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Education

Muhammad Zulfiqar has pursued a rigorous academic path beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from HITEC University Taxila, followed by a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from NUST, Islamabad. Currently, he is enrolled in the Ph.D. program at NUST, maintaining a perfect 4.0 CGPA. His formal education is supplemented by his early scholastic achievements, consistently earning first division distinctions in intermediate and matriculation levels. Throughout his academic journey, he has shown a continuous thirst for knowledge and an ability to engage deeply with complex engineering concepts.

Experience

Zulfiqar’s academic career spans several respected institutions across Pakistan. He currently serves as a lecturer at Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST), Islamabad, a position he has held since March 2020. Prior to this, he contributed as a lecturer at the University of Lahore, University of Management and Technology (UMT) Sialkot, and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Taxila. His earlier engagements include roles as a lab demonstrator and teaching assistant at NUST, where he provided course support in fluid mechanics and undertook responsibilities in grading and assessments. In addition to academia, he briefly worked as a mechanical engineer in the Provincial Maintenance Machinery Division in Rawalpindi, further diversifying his professional exposure.

Research Interest

Muhammad Zulfiqar’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of microfluidics, renewable energy, and heat transfer. His current doctoral research delves into the simulation and experimental validation of microfluidic devices for biological applications. He is equally invested in the advancement of sustainable energy technologies, particularly in the context of Pakistan’s evolving energy infrastructure. His passion for microfluidics bridges theoretical modeling with experimental applications, offering promising insights for innovations in biomedical and environmental engineering.

Awards

Muhammad Zulfiqar’s dedication and talent have been recognized in various academic and extracurricular platforms. He secured first place in an essay writing competition at UET Taxila and second position in a bridge structure competition at NUST Islamabad. Notably, he achieved an outstanding 98% student feedback score in his course evaluations and scored in the 95.08 percentile in the GAT Subject Test for Mechanical Engineering conducted in 2019. These accolades reflect both his academic proficiency and his ability to inspire and engage students effectively.

Publications

Muhammad Zulfiqar has contributed extensively to scholarly research, publishing multiple articles in reputable journals and conference proceedings. Selected publications include:

“Simulation and Experimental Validation of Microfluidic Device for Cell Focusing and Sorting Based on Inertial Microfluidics Technique”, Materials Proceedings MDPI, 2025 – cited in studies on microfluidic bio-sorting.

“Experimental Study on Multi-Cell Counting Using an Inertial Microfluidic Device”, Journal of Applied Science MDPI, 2025 – influencing biomedical engineering methods.

“Experimental Investigation of Particle Sorting in Y-Channels with Variable Bifurcation Angles for Microfluidic Applications”, Journal of Applied Science and Engineering, 2024 – referenced in micro-scale fluid dynamics research.

“Pakistan’s Transport Sector Modeling Using AIM/Enduse”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – cited in policy-oriented modeling.

“Women Empowerment through Clean Energy Transition in Pakistan”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – referenced in gender-energy policy studies.

“Pakistan’s Electric Vehicles Market: Challenges and Opportunities”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – cited in environmental technology papers.

“Accelerating Green Energy Transition Under CPEC 2.0”, Engineering Proceedings MDPI, 2024 – supporting literature in regional energy policy discourse.

Conclusion

Engr. Muhammad Zulfiqar exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—intellectually rigorous, prolific in publication, interdisciplinary in approach, and dedicated to educational excellence. His contributions to microfluidics and renewable energy, combined with impactful academic service and leadership, make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work would not only honor individual excellence but also highlight the importance of research-driven development in engineering and sustainability.