Asma Rehman | General Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

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Ms. Asma Rehman | General Chemistry | Innovative Research Award

Researcher | University of Agriculture Fasilabad | Pakistan

Asma Rehman is an emerging chemist and researcher from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, with a strong academic foundation in green and sustainable chemistry. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Government College University, Faisalabad, and completed her M.Phil. at the University of Agriculture, focusing on organocatalysis, polymer degradation, and the application of artificial intelligence for process modeling and optimization. Her research integrates experimental chemistry with computational approaches to design environmentally benign catalytic systems for the degradation and upcycling of polystyrene, contributing to sustainable polymer chemistry and circular economy initiatives. Asma has co-authored three peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, including RSC Advances (“A green marriage: the union of theophylline’s catalytic activity and healing potential, “Nickel-photoredox catalysis: merging photons with metal catalysts for organic synthesis, and AI (“Artificial Intelligence-Guided Supervised Learning Models for Photocatalysis in Wastewater Treatment. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges chemistry and artificial intelligence, enabling innovative, data-driven insights into sustainable materials and environmental remediation. With an h-index of 2 and 3 indexed research documents, Asma’s scholarly contributions demonstrate her commitment to advancing green chemistry and smart catalysis. Her ongoing research aims to develop scalable catalytic processes that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing responsible production, clean technologies, and climate action for a more sustainable future.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Rehman, A., Ahad, A., Majeed, A., Zafar, A., Iqbal, M. A., Ali, S., Batool, M., & Manzoor, F. (2025). A green marriage: The union of theophylline’s catalytic activity and healing potential. RSC Advances.

2. Rehman, A., Manzoor, F., Majeed, A., Ibrahim, A. H., Iqbal, M. A., Aziz, S., Shahzadi, A., Fatima, S., Ejaz, S., & Zafar, M. S. (2025). Nickel-photoredox catalysis: Merging photons with metal catalysts for organic synthesis.

3. Rehman, A., Iqbal, M. A., Haider, M. T., & Majeed, A. (2025). Artificial intelligence-guided supervised learning models for photocatalysis in wastewater treatment. AI, 6(10), 258.

4. Rehman, A., & Majeed, A. (2024). Organocatalytic valorization of polymer waste: Sustainable approaches toward circular chemistry. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

5. Rehman, A., Iqbal, M. A., & Manzoor, F. (2025). AI-assisted modeling for predicting catalytic reaction kinetics in green polymer degradation. Computational Chemistry Letters. (In preparation)

David Karnak | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. David Karnak | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Specialist | University of Michigan | United States

Dr. David M. Karnak, Ph.D., is the Managing Director of the Experimental Radiation Shared Resource and Senior Research Specialist in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry concentration) from the University of Dayton and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan, where his doctoral work elucidated structural mechanisms of L27 domain-mediated protein interactions critical to cell polarity. Over his two-decade research career, Dr. Karnak has advanced the understanding of radiation sensitization, DNA damage response modulation, and the integration of conformal and FLASH radiotherapy in preclinical oncology models. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges biochemistry, molecular oncology, and translational radiation biology, contributing to numerous collaborative studies published in leading journals including Molecular Cancer Research, Clinical Cancer Research, Cell Reports, and Molecular Cell. With 29 peer-reviewed publications, 1,871 citations from 29 documents, and an h-index of 20, Dr. Karnak’s research has significantly influenced experimental radiation oncology and precision cancer therapy development. Beyond research, he leads efforts to enhance small-animal radiobiology platforms (SARRP) for translational cancer studies and mentors undergraduate and graduate trainees in experimental therapeutics. His current work focuses on integrating immunoradiotherapy paradigms and DNA repair pathway inhibitors to improve treatment outcomes in pancreatic and hepatic malignancies. Dr. Karnak’s leadership and innovative contributions continue to support the University of Michigan’s role as a global leader in cancer biology and radiation research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Karnak D, Engelke C.G., Parsels L.A., Kausar T., Wei D., Robertson J.R., Marsh K.B., Davis M.A., Zhao L., Maybaum J., Lawrence T.S., Morgan M.A. (2014). Combined inhibition of Wee1 and PARP1/2 for radiosensitization in pancreatic cancer. Clinical Cancer Research, 20(19): 5085–5096.

2. Parsels L.A., Karnak D., Parsels J.D., Zhang Q., Vélez-Padilla J., Reichert Z.R., Wahl D.R., Maybaum J., O’Connor M.J., Lawrence T.S., Morgan M.A. (2018). PARP1 trapping and DNA replication stress enhance radiosensitization with combined WEE1 and PARP inhibitors. Molecular Cancer Research, 16(2): 222–232.

3. Wang W., McMillan M.T., Zhao X., Wang Z., Jiang L., Karnak D., Lima F., Parsels J.D., Parsels L.A., Lawrence T.S., Frankel T.L., Morgan M.A., Green M.D., Zhang Q. (2022). DNA-PK inhibition and radiation promote antitumoral immunity through RNA Polymerase III in pancreatic cancer. Molecular Cancer Research, 20(7): 1137–1150.

4. Chefetz I., Grimley E., Yang K., Hong L., Vinogradova E.V., Suciu R., Kovalenko I., Karnak D., Morgan C.A., et al. (2019). A pan-ALDH1A inhibitor induces necroptosis in ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Cell Reports, 26(11): 3061–3075.

5. Valvo V.M., Zhang Q., Jiang L., Holcomb E.A., Pearson A.N., Edmunds A.G., Faulkner H.G., James J.G., Tate A., Huber A., Wang Z., Guo Y., Karnak D., et al. (2025). Olaparib and radiotherapy induce type I interferon and CD8+ T cell-dependent sensitization to immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 24(6): 843–858.

Boris Chichkov | Biochemistry | Best Research Article Award

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Prof. Dr. Boris Chichkov | Biochemistry | Best Research Article Award

Professor of Physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany

Professor Boris Chichkov is an eminent physicist recognized globally for his pioneering contributions in laser physics, nanoengineering, and biophotonics. He currently serves as a W3 Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Leibniz University Hannover. As a trailblazer in femtosecond laser material processing and laser-based nano- and biomanufacturing, his work bridges fundamental research and innovative real-world applications, particularly in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. With decades of interdisciplinary research experience and numerous leadership roles in academic and industrial settings, Professor Chichkov continues to influence the frontiers of laser-based technologies that shape both the scientific community and practical healthcare solutions.

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Education

Professor Chichkov’s academic journey commenced at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of physics. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies there, culminating in a PhD in Physics in 1981. He further deepened his research skills during his postdoctoral period at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow. His later academic qualification, the Habilitation in Physics (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), earned in 1997 from Leibniz Universität Hannover, positioned him as a thought leader in European physics and optical engineering circles.

Experience

Spanning over four decades, Professor Chichkov’s professional career reflects an exceptional breadth of academic, research, and innovation-driven roles. He began as a scientific researcher at the P.N. Lebedev Institute of Physics in Moscow before moving into international collaborative roles, including fellowships in Germany and Japan. He later became the Head of the Strategy Group and subsequently the Nanotechnology Department at Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., where he directed numerous groundbreaking projects. Since 2009, he has held a professorship at Leibniz University Hannover, and in 2017 he co-founded Laser nanoFab GmbH, bridging academia and industry in nanophotonics and laser fabrication technologies.

Research Interests

Professor Chichkov’s research interests cover a diverse and advanced range of topics, including laser physics, quantum and nonlinear optics, nano- and biophotonics, and regenerative medicine. He is particularly renowned for advancing femtosecond laser material processing and inventing techniques such as two-photon polymerization for 3D nanomanufacturing. His interdisciplinary approach has also led to innovative developments in laser-based generation and printing of nanoparticles, living cells, and tissues. His long-term vision focuses on using laser technology to engineer functional human tissues and organs from patient-specific cells, a potentially transformative step in healthcare and personalized medicine.

Awards

Professor Chichkov’s scientific excellence has been recognized with prestigious international fellowships and awards. He was honored with the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics in Germany and received a fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Osaka University. Most notably, in 2024, he was awarded the Julius Springer Prize for Applied Physics, a recognition of his outstanding work at the intersection of applied laser physics and biomedical innovation. These accolades reflect both the scientific impact and societal relevance of his research contributions.

Selected Publications

Chichkov, B.N., et al. (1996). “Femtosecond, picosecond and nanosecond laser ablation of solids.” Applied Physics A, cited by over 2,000 articles.

Malinauskas, M., et al. (2013). “Ultrafast laser processing of materials: from science to industry.” Light: Science & Applications, cited by over 1,300 articles.

Hopp, B., et al. (2010). “Laser printing of cells and tissue constructs.” Biofabrication, cited by over 800 articles.

Koch, L., et al. (2012). “Laser printing of skin cells and biomaterials for skin tissue engineering.” Acta Biomaterialia, cited by over 500 articles.

Doraiswamy, A., et al. (2006). “Two photon polymerization of nanostructures.” Journal of Applied Physics, cited by over 900 articles.

Gattass, R.R., Chichkov, B.N. (2008). “Femtosecond laser micromachining in transparent materials.” Nature Photonics, cited by over 1,000 articles.

Chichkov, B.N., et al. (2015). “Laser-generated nanoparticles for biomedical applications.” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, cited by over 400 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Boris Chichkov exemplifies the ideal recipient of the Best Research Article Award, especially for his transformative publications in laser-assisted cell printing and biofabrication. His research articles are not only scientifically rigorous but also widely cited, illustrating global recognition and influence. The direct translational potential of his findings—especially in the domain of regenerative medicine—has shaped the future of medical technology. His lifelong dedication to merging photonic science with biomedicine marks him as a visionary leader and an outstanding candidate for this award.

Anthia Govender | Medical Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Anthia Govender | Medical Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

PhD student at University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa

Anthia Camara Govender is an emerging scientist currently pursuing her PhD in Medical Biochemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. With a strong academic background and early research contributions in toxicology and epigenetics, she has quickly established herself as a promising researcher in the biomedical field. Anthia’s work primarily investigates the cellular and molecular effects of environmental toxins such as mycotoxins, with a specific focus on their impact on lung tissue and genetic regulation. Her dedication to uncovering new insights in medical biochemistry reflects a clear commitment to advancing translational science and therapeutic strategies.

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Education

Anthia’s academic journey began with her matriculation from Sathya Sai School, Chatsworth, in 2019. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science (Physiology) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2022. Her strong academic performance continued as she graduated cum laude in both her Honours in Medical Science (Medical Biochemistry) in 2023 and her Master’s degree in Medical Science (Medical Biochemistry) in 2024. Currently, she is enrolled in a PhD program at the same university, focusing her doctoral research on the toxicological effects of fumonisins on pulmonary epigenetics and cellular dysfunction.

Experience

Although at the early stage of her professional career, Anthia has already undertaken significant research responsibilities through her postgraduate projects. Her Master’s study focused on the impact of Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a harmful mycotoxin, on oxidative stress and DNA methylation in mice lung tissue. The study required detailed laboratory work involving mitochondrial function assays, methylation analysis, and the interpretation of oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, she has been involved in one consultancy-related research project and continues to refine her expertise in toxicology and biochemical pathways relevant to human disease.

Research Interest

Anthia’s research interests are deeply rooted in medical biochemistry, with a focus on toxicology, mycotoxins, epigenetics, and oxidative stress. Her academic progression into PhD-level work demonstrates a growing interest in exploring how environmental toxins disrupt biological systems at a molecular level. She is particularly fascinated by the mechanisms of mitophagy, DNA hypermethylation, and how these contribute to disease pathogenesis. Through her studies, she aims to bridge gaps in current understanding and contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions for toxin-induced diseases.

Award

Anthia has applied for the Best Researcher Award to acknowledge her early but impactful contributions to biomedical research. Her focus on a globally significant issue—mycotoxin exposure—and her successful completion of high-impact research in a short span illustrate her capability and dedication. She has already achieved cum laude status in two advanced degrees, which attests to her academic excellence and potential as a leading scientist in her field.

Publication

Despite being at the beginning of her research career, Anthia has already published one peer-reviewed journal article.

  • Govender AC (2024). “Fumonisin B1-induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Hypermethylation in C57BL6 Mice Lung Tissue.” Journal of Toxicologic Pathology, 37(2): 145–155. [Cited by 2 articles].

This publication investigates the role of FB1 in mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic regulation, providing novel insights into toxin-induced lung pathology. The paper has started receiving citations, indicating its relevance in the toxicology research community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anthia Camara Govender is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her trajectory from undergraduate excellence to emerging PhD researcher has been marked by outstanding academic performance and a research focus with real-world biomedical implications. Her work delves into unexplored aspects of toxicology and epigenetics, providing critical insights into how environmental toxins affect human health. Though at the beginning of her scientific journey, Anthia’s diligence, intellectual curiosity, and research impact underscore her potential as one of the next generation’s leading scientists. Her nomination for this award is both timely and well-deserved.