Rebecca Muhunuza Nalule | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rebecca Muhunuza Nalule | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Lecturer | Busitema University | Uganda

Dr. Rebecca Muhumuza Nalule is an accomplished Ugandan academic and senior lecturer in Mathematics with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing applied statistics, stochastic processes, and mathematical modeling in research and education. Her scholarly contributions span areas of Bayesian inference, spatio-temporal analysis, and meta-analytic methodologies, reflecting a deep commitment to using mathematical frameworks to interpret complex data structures and support evidence-based decision-making across multidisciplinary domains. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals, often collaborating with renowned statisticians and researchers from global institutions such as Örebro University in Sweden and Makerere University, Uganda. Her academic journey demonstrates a continuous pursuit of excellence, integrating mathematical rigor with practical applications that inform both the scientific community and policy-oriented research. Dr. Nalule has actively participated in international conferences and workshops across Europe and Africa, enhancing collaborative research networks and contributing to the global discourse on the role of mathematics in societal development. Beyond research, she has shown strong leadership in advancing women’s participation in science through her roles in regional and international organizations such as the Uganda Women Mathematicians and the Eastern Africa Network for Women in Basic Sciences. Her teaching portfolio encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and research-driven pedagogy. Through her mentorship and outreach, Dr. Nalule continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and educators. Her work bridges theory and application, reflecting an enduring vision of mathematics as a transformative tool for innovation, problem-solving, and sustainable development within academia and society at large.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Publications

1. Skiadas, C. H., & Skiadas, C. (2020). Demography of population health, aging and health expenditures. Springer International Publishing.

2. Batiibwe, M. S. K., Nannyonga, B. K., Taliba, C., Nalule, R., & Puglia, C. (2020). Investigating math self-efficacy and math anxiety regarding gender, A-level math entry grade and mathematics achievement. Journal of Education and Practice

3. Bodnar, O., Muhumuza, R. N., & Possolo, A. (2020). Bayesian inference for heterogeneity in meta-analysis. Metrologia

4. Mbabazi, F. K., Osman, S., Kweyunga, E. H., Abubakar, M., Keikara, M. A., & others. (2023). An optimal control for Ebola virus disease with a convex incidence rate: Imputing from the outbreak in Uganda. Qeios.

5. Muhumuza, A. K., Mbabazi, F. K., Nalule, R. M., Mwasa, A., & others. (n.d.). Enhancing research output in higher institutions of learning: A case study of Busitema University research model. The Uganda Higher Education Review.

Sulymon Saka | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sulymon Saka | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Resident doctor | Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital | Nigeria

Dr. Sulýmon Ayobami Saka is an emerging Nigerian physician-scientist whose research bridges clinical medicine, audiology, infectious disease epidemiology, and the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Trained at Ambrose Alli University with first-class honours equivalent in Medicine and Surgery, he has established a distinguished record of multidisciplinary research that spans global health, otolaryngology, and data-driven clinical innovation. His academic contributions include multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as BMC Infectious Diseases, BMC Public Health, and the Journal of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based advancement in medicine. Dr. Saka’s research experience extends across several international collaborations, including the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and Sleep & Cradle® Solutions in the United States, where he contributes to studies on Lassa fever vaccine development, digital maternal and paediatric health, and long-term sequelae of infectious diseases. His scientific works emphasize the intersection of technology and clinical care—exploring how artificial intelligence, digital health platforms, and precision diagnostics can improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income settings. Recognized with multiple awards, including the ECOWAS Lassa Fever International Conference Scholarship and the Newcastle University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Dr. Saka exemplifies a new generation of African medical researchers advancing global scientific dialogue. Through his leadership in research and mentorship, he continues to contribute to projects that not only enhance disease surveillance and clinical epidemiology but also foster equitable access to healthcare innovations. His work underscores a vision for a future where interdisciplinary science, cross-border collaboration, and artificial intelligence converge to transform patient care and strengthen health systems across the developing world. He has 9 citations from 9 documents with an h-index of 2.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Sibomana, O., Saka, S. A., Grace Uwizeyimana, M., Mwangi Kihunyu, A., Obianke, A., Oluwo Damilare, S., Bueh, L. T., Agbelemoge, B. O. G., & Omoefe Oveh, R. (2025). Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Endoscopy in Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Tumors: A Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Gastro Hep Advances.

2. Blackie, F. F., Saka, S. A., Ikhifa, C. E., Okechukwu, E. J., & Agbonifo, M. (2025). Aural Myiasis in a Retroviral-Positive Nigerian Child: A Rare Case of Extensive Ear Infestation. Research Square.

3. Emekolom, O. N., Oladipupo, E. O., Saka, S. A., Ojo, D. O., Edhugo, S. E., Olayinka, A. J., & Aremu-Cole, A. H. (2025). Compliance with Universal Standard Precautions and Perceived Influencing Factors among Nurses in a Tertiary Institution in Edo State, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Research in Nursing and Health.

4. Akhigbe, M. E., Saka, S. A., Ighodaro, O., Ghouse, M. A., Emekolom, O. N., & Okoro, O. V. (2025). Doctors’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Prescription Practices on Antibiotic Use: A Study in a Suburban Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria. BMC Health Services Research.

5. Saka, S. A., Ojo, D. O., Mezu, N. M., Uzuegbu, C. O., Ighodaro, O., Illoh, O. O., Emekolom, O. N., Akpa, O. A., Obiora, E. A., & Muogbo, A. P. (2025). Knowledge, Perception and Preventive Practices of Lassa Fever Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in an Endemic Community in Edo State, Nigeria. Research Square.

Musa Mohammed Ali | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Musa Mohammed Ali | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Associate professor | Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Dr. Musa Mohammed Ali is a distinguished researcher and academic whose work exemplifies excellence in the interdisciplinary domains of microbiology, immunology, and molecular medicine. With an unwavering commitment to scientific innovation and global health advancement, he has contributed extensively to understanding pathogenic mechanisms, host–pathogen interactions, and the molecular determinants of infectious diseases. His scholarly output encompasses numerous high-quality publications in peer-reviewed international journals, reflecting both the depth of his expertise and the global recognition of his research contributions. Dr. Ali’s academic endeavors are complemented by successful collaborations with national and international research institutions, where he has actively participated in multidisciplinary projects addressing critical health challenges affecting communities worldwide. His research has not only enriched the scientific understanding of microbial pathogenesis but also informed the development of diagnostic tools, preventive strategies, and therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing disease burden in vulnerable populations. Through his commitment to mentoring young scientists and fostering collaborative research ecosystems, Dr. Ali has helped strengthen institutional research capacity and knowledge exchange across borders. His academic vision aligns with advancing translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries with public health outcomes, promoting innovation and sustainability in healthcare systems. Widely respected for his analytical rigor, leadership in scientific inquiry, and dedication to ethical research, Dr. Musa Mohammed Ali continues to make impactful contributions that resonate across academia, healthcare, and society, reinforcing the vital connection between scientific excellence and human wellbeing. He has 1615 citations from 57 documents with an h-index of 13.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Trends of neonatal sepsis and its etiology at Hawassa, Ethiopia: A five-year retrospective cross-sectional study. (2025). BMC Pediatrics.

2. Malaria and soil transmitted helminth infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending public health facilities in Dilla town, South Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study design. (2025). BMC Infectious Diseases.

3. Prevalence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its associated factors among tuberculosis patients attending Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. (2025). BMC Infectious Diseases.

4. Nasal colonizing vancomycin-resistant and intermediate Staphylococcus aureus among admitted patients: A hospital-based cross-sectional study. (2025). Health Science Reports.

5. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women and cord blood hepatitis B surface antigen positive newborns in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. (2025). Journal of Clinical Virology.

Ayesha Zainab Beg | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ayesha Zainab Beg | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Post Doctoral Scientist | Columbia University | United States

Dr. Ayesha Zainab Beg is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Department of Pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, where she investigates airway host–pathogen interactions with a focus on microbial pathogenesis and immunometabolism. She earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Aligarh Muslim University, India, where her doctoral research elucidated the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm components, particularly the functional amyloid Fap, in chronic airway infections and pathoadaptation, leading to seven peer-reviewed publications. She also holds an M.Sc. in Biotechnology and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biochemistry from the same institution. Dr. Beg’s current work explores how the cystic fibrosis airway environment drives adaptive genetic alterations in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and how airway immunometabolites regulate bacterial proteomes via post-translational modifications. Her research highlights include studies on Fap phosphorylation, multi-epitope vaccine design against functional amyloids, and the impact of bacterial metabolites on pulmonary infections, with recent publications in Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Nature Communications, and Microbiology Spectrum. She has presented her work at major conferences including ATS, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and ECCMID, and has been recognized with multiple fellowships and awards, including the Young Achiever Award  and Research Excellence Award. Her expertise spans molecular microbiology, proteomics, metabolomics, immunoinformatics, and murine models of infection, making her a leading early-career researcher at the interface of host–pathogen interactions and metabolic regulation. She has 153 citations from 10 documents with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Alam, P., Beg, A. Z., Siddiqi, M. K., Chaturvedi, S. K., Rajpoot, R. K., Ajmal, M. R., … (2017). Ascorbic acid inhibits human insulin aggregation and protects against amyloid-induced cytotoxicity. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

2. Beg, A. Z., Farhat, N., & Khan, A. U. (2021). Designing multi-epitope vaccine candidates against functional amyloids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa through immunoinformatic and structural bioinformatics approach. Infection, Genetics and Evolution.

3. Beg, A. Z., Rashid, F., Talat, A., Haseen, M. A., Raza, N., Akhtar, K., Dueholm, M. K. D., … (2023). Functional amyloids in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are essential for the proteome modulation that leads to pathoadaptation in pulmonary niches. Microbiology Spectrum.

4. Beg, A. Z., & Khan, A. U. (2018). Genome analyses of blaNDM-4 carrying ST 315 Escherichia coli isolate from sewage water of one of the Indian hospitals. Gut Pathogens.

5. Beg, A. Z., & Khan, A. U. (2019). Exploring bacterial resistome and resistance dissemination: An approach of whole genome sequencing. Future Medicinal Chemistry.

Veena Kumari HB | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Veena Kumari HB | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences | India

Dr. Veena Kumari HB is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Neuromicrobiology at NIMHANS, Bangalore, with extensive expertise in the diagnosis, management, and research of central nervous system (CNS) infections. She completed her Doctorate in Microbiology and has since established herself as a leading clinician-scientist, combining rigorous laboratory research with translational clinical studies. Her key research areas encompass bacterial and fungal brain infections, ventriculitis, meningitis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Cryptococcus species, and COVID-19-associated neurological complications, with a strong focus on molecular characterization, epidemiology, and infection control strategies. Dr. Veena Kumari has an impressive publication record, including high-impact contributions such as her multivariate biomarker study in ventriculitis (Scientific Reports, 2025), investigations into device-associated meningitis and linezolid-resistant pathogens, and extensive analyses of CNS cryptococcosis across pre- and post-HIV eras. She has also led and contributed to several major research projects funded by ICMR, SERB, and institutional grants, exploring diagnostic innovations, antifungal susceptibility, and microbial population dynamics. In recognition of her scientific excellence, she has received numerous honors for her contributions to medical microbiology and neurology, and she actively serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for prominent journals in infectious diseases and microbiology. Dr. Veena Kumari HB’s career reflects a rare integration of clinical acumen, research rigor, and mentorship, positioning her as a transformative leader in the field of neuromicrobiology and infectious disease research in India and globally.

Profile: Google Scholar

Publications

1. Kumari, H. B. V., Nagarathna, S., & Chandramuki, A. (2007). Antimicrobial resistance pattern among aerobic gram-negative bacilli of lower respiratory tract specimens of intensive care unit patients in a neurocentre.

2. Srinivas, D., HB, V. K., Somanna, S., Bhagavatula, I., & Anandappa, C. B. (2011). The incidence of postoperative meningitis in neurosurgery: An institutional experience. Neurology India.

3. Chandramuki, A., Lyashchenko, K., Kumari, H. B. V., Khanna, N., Brusasca, P. N., … (2002). Detection of antibody to Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein antigens in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with tuberculous meningitis.

4. Kulkarni, G. B., Pal, P. K., Kumari, H. B. V., Goyal, M., Kovoor, J. M. E., Nadig, S., … (2009). Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pyomyositis with myelitis: A rare occurrence with diverse presentation.

5. Dhandapani, S., Rajshekar, D., Priyadarshi, K., Krishnamoorthi, S., … (2023). Comparison of hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers in intensive care units and wards of COVID-19: A large-scale multicentric study in India.

Eze Ajaegbu | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Eze Ajaegbu | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Lecturer | David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences | Nigeria

Dr. Eze Elijah Ajaegbue is a distinguished researcher currently serving as a Researcher on Vector Control and Cancer at David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Nigeria. He earned his B.Sc. in Clinical Medicine from Anambra State University, Uli, and has further enhanced his expertise with a six-month Data Science course at PORA Academy, Nigeria, complementing his strong foundation in biomedical research. Dr. Ajaegbue’s research primarily focuses on vector-borne disease control, cancer biology, and diabetes-related studies, integrating epidemiology, nutrition, and translational health sciences. Over the years, he has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications exploring the mechanisms of disease transmission, preventive interventions, and innovative strategies to improve patient outcomes. His dedication to scientific excellence has earned him multiple awards and recognitions for research innovation and community impact, reflecting his commitment to both academic and public health advancement. Beyond his research, Dr. Ajaegbue plays an active role in editorial and peer-review capacities for several scientific journals, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research in his field. His work is further distinguished by extensive community engagement, where he has led programs in schools, hospitals, and local organizations to promote academic development, nutrition awareness, and health education. With a unique blend of rigorous scientific inquiry, data-driven research approaches, and strong mentorship, Dr. Ajaegbue continues to make significant contributions to health research, vector control, and community well-being, positioning himself as a leading figure in advancing public health initiatives in Nigeria and beyond. He has 54 citations from 13 documents with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Publications

1. Ajaegbu, E. E., Danga, S. P. Y., Chijoke, I. U., & Okoye, F. B. C. (2016). Mosquito adulticidal activity of the leaf extracts of Spondias mombin L. against Aedes aegypti L. and isolation of active principles. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.

2. Osonwa, U. E., Ugochukwu, J. I., Ajaegbu, E. E., Chukwu, K. I., Azevedo, R. B., et al. (2017). Enhancement of antibacterial activity of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride by complexation with sodium cholate. Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University.

3. Eze, E. A., Danga, S. P. Y., & Okoye, F. B. C. (2014). Larvicidal activity of the leaf extracts of Spondias mombin Linn. (Anacardiaceae) from various solvents against malarial, dengue and filarial vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.

4. Lame, Y., Nukenine, E. N., Pierre, D. Y. S., Elijah, A. E., & Esimone, C. O. (2015). Laboratory evaluations of the fractions efficacy of Annona senegalensis (Annonaceae) leaf extract on immature stage development of malarial and filarial mosquito vectors. Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases.

5. Victor, C., Moses, O., Eze, A., Festus, O., & Charles, E. (2018). Isolation, identification, and evaluation of biological activities of Daldinia eschscholtzii, an endophytic fungus isolated from the leaves of Musa paradisiaca. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Suresh Arumugam | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Suresh Arumugam | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Scientist | Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute | India

Dr. A. Suresh is a distinguished microbiologist and currently serves as Scientist cum Research Coordinator at the Central Research Laboratory, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, with over 17 years of academic experience and 9 years of corporate expertise. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Madras, an M.Phil. in Biotechnology from Bharathidasan University, and an M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology from Sri Sankara Arts and Science College under the University of Madras. His primary research areas span infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, natural product-based drug discovery, and genome annotation, where he has significantly contributed through genomic data submissions, innovative patents, and translational studies. Dr. Suresh has authored and co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including the Journal of Medical Virology, Molecular Biology Reports, Drug Delivery Science and Technology, and Luminescence, highlighting his multidisciplinary expertise across microbiology, biotechnology, and clinical research. His scientific contributions have been recognized through several awards, including distinctions for innovation in natural product drug discovery and his leadership in antimicrobial stewardship. Beyond his research, Dr. Suresh has played a pivotal role as Ph.D. supervisor, doctoral committee member, and academic coordinator, mentoring young researchers and advancing scientific education. He also contributes to the wider scientific community as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for reputed international journals, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality research. Dr. Suresh’s career embodies a balance of scientific discovery, innovation, and academic mentorship, positioning him as a thought leader in microbiology and drug discovery research. He has 360 citations from 68 documents with an h-index of 8.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Mohan, K., Srinivasan, S., Selvaraj, S., Suresh, A., & Krishnamoorthy, A. (2025). A study on dengue infection, seroprevalence and its seasonal distribution among patients attending a tertiary care hospital, Kanchipuram, India. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.

2. Kaliaperumal, K., Aboobacker, J., Dhanapal, V., Gayathri, A., Subramanian, K., Suresh, A., Elumalai, S., Sampath, S., Devanesan, S., AlSalhi, M. S., et al. (2025). Bioremediation of malachite green dye using Sargassum wightii seaweed and its biological and physicochemical characterization. Open Chemistry.

3. Kamalanathan, J., Suresh, M. S., Rajendran, V., AlSalhi, M., Devanesan, S., Suresh, A., Joseph, J., & Sampath, S. (2025). Nuclear staining and fluorogenic probe–based evaluation of ROS-cytotoxic potential using AgNPs synthesized from Cajanus trinervius against A431 cell line. Luminescence.

4. Suresh, A., Muninathan, N., Sampath, S., Devanesan, S., AlSalhi, M. S., & Manoj, D. (2025). Role of traditional and new biomarkers in the assessment of chronic kidney diseases: A comprehensive analysis of the biochemical, molecular and clinical dimensions. Molecular Biology Reports.

5. Rajeswari, M. V., Suresh, A., Thirumalaikumar, E., Subramanian, K., Kaliaperumal, K., Sampath, S., Devanesan, S., & AlSalhi, M. S. (2025). Efficacy of chitosan conjugated bivalent vaccine on immune response and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas caviae in goldfish (Carassius auratus). Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.

6. Christina, B., Poongkuzhali, S., Muninathan, N., Bhaskaran, K., & Suresh, A. (2025). The mechanisms and therapeutic potential of the microbiome-immune interface in cancer. Discover Biotechnology.