Judith Röske | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Research Award

Mrs. Judith Röske | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Research Award

University of Luebeck | Germany

Mrs. Judith Röske is a dedicated researcher with a strong focus on molecular virology, antiviral drug discovery, and protease-targeted therapeutic development, contributing to 13 scientific publications across high-impact journals. Her work explores the binding behavior of small-molecule inhibitors to viral 3C proteases, including SARS-CoV-2, EV-D68, EV-A71, and HAV, as well as host proteases such as cathepsins and calpain-1. With expertise in photometry, nanoDSF, MST, and SPR, she has optimized methods for determining key biochemical parameters such as IC₅₀, Tm, and Kᴅ, enabling the effective screening of lead compounds for broad-spectrum antivirals. Her research further investigates RNA-binding mechanisms in HAV 3C protease, shedding light on dual-targeting strategies that may advance anti-picornaviral drug development. She has contributed to influential studies on SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors, including work on novel warhead chemistries, α-ketoamide derivatives, and diastereomeric optimization, reinforcing her impact in antiviral medicinal chemistry. Additionally, earlier contributions in transplant biology and liver preservation highlight her versatility in biochemical and molecular research. Through rigorous structural, kinetic, and biophysical analyses, her body of work adds valuable insight into protease inhibition and therapeutic innovation, supported by a growing citation record within the scientific community.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Theodoropoulou, M. A., El Kilani, H., Mantzourani, C., Jochmans, D., Neyts, J., Zhang, K., Röske, J., Kokotou, M. G., Hilgenfeld, R., & Kokotos, G. (2025). Thiazolyl 4-carboxylate ketone as a new warhead for a highly potent SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 25(11), 118436.

Akula, R. K., El Kilani, H., Metzen, A., Röske, J., Zhang, K., Göhl, M., Arisetti, N., Marsh, G. P., Maple, H. J., Cooper, M. S., et al. (2025). Structure-based optimization of pyridone α-ketoamides as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 68(1).

Cooper, M. S., Zhang, L., Ibrahim, M., Zhang, K., Sun, X., Röske, J., Göhl, M., Brönstrup, M., Cowell, J. K., Sauerhering, L., et al. (2022). Diastereomeric resolution yields highly potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Bernard, V., Gebauer, N., Dinh, T., Stegemann, J., Feller, A. C., & Merz, H. (2014). Applicability of next-generation sequencing to decalcified formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia samples. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology.

Le Minh, K., Berger, A., Eipel, C., Kuhla, A., Minor, T., Stegemann, J., & Vollmar, B. (2011). Uncoupling protein-2 deficient mice are not protected against warm ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver. Journal of Surgical Research, 167.

Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., Rauen, U., & Minor, T. (2010). Use of a new modified HTK solution for machine preservation of marginal liver grafts. Journal of Surgical Research.

Koetting, M., Stegemann, J., & Minor, T. (2010). Dopamine as additive to cold preservation solution improves postischemic integrity of the liver. Transplant International, 23.

Minor, T., Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., & Koetting, M. (2009). Impaired autophagic clearance after cold preservation of fatty livers correlates with tissue necrosis upon reperfusion and is reversed by hypothermic reconditioning. Liver Transplantation.

Stegemann, J., & Minor, T. (2009). Energy charge restoration, mitochondrial protection and reversal of preservation-induced liver injury by hypothermic oxygenation prior to reperfusion. Cryobiology.

Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., Rauen, U., & Minor, T. (2009). Gaseous oxygen persufflation or oxygenated machine perfusion with Custodiol-N for long-term preservation of ischemic rat livers? Cryobiology.

Le Minh, K., Kuhla, A., Abshagen, K., Minor, T., Stegemann, J., Ibrahim, S., Eipel, C., & Vollmar, B. (2009). Uncoupling protein-2 deficiency provides protection in a murine model of endotoxemic acute liver failure. Critical Care Medicine.

Manekeller, S., Seinsche, A., Stegemann, J., & Hirner, A. (2008). Optimising post-conditioning time of marginal donor livers. Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery.

Manekeller, S., Schuppius, A., Stegemann, J., Hirner, A., & Minor, T. (2007). Role of perfusion medium, oxygen and rheology for endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death after hypothermic machine preservation of the liver. Transplant International.

John Matsoukas | Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Prof. John Matsoukas | Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

University of Patras | Greece

Professor John Matsoukas is a distinguished scholar in the field of chemistry and drug discovery, with over four decades of academic and research contributions spanning peptide chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and rational drug design. He has served as Professor of Chemistry at the University of Patras since 1995 and has held multiple visiting and adjunct appointments internationally, reflecting his global academic influence. His pioneering work in the design of non-peptide mimetics for peptide hormones and immune-related targets has significantly advanced research in hypertension, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and antiviral therapeutics. A prolific author, he has published 189 peer-reviewed papers, 50 book chapters, and numerous conference proceedings, bringing his total scholarly outputs to more than 600. His research has been widely recognized, accumulating over 5,500 citations and an h-index of 42, underscoring both productivity and impact within the scientific community. In addition, his innovative contributions are reflected in multiple patents, editorial roles, and his leadership in founding the Graduate Program in Medicinal Chemistry: Drug Discovery and Design, the first Euromaster-awarded program in Greece. Beyond academia, he has also established spin-offs and startups, securing over €15 million in grants, and continues to shape international biomedical networks, cementing his legacy as a leading figure in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry.

Profile : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

"Docking Simulations of G-Protein Coupled Receptors Uncover Crossover Binding Patterns of Diverse Ligands to Angiotensin, Alpha-Adrenergic and Opioid Receptors: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease and Addiction"

"Gating Mechanism for Biased Agonism at Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptors"

"Semi-Supervised Learning for Predicting Multiple Sclerosis"

"Computational Evidence for Bisartan Arginine Blockers as Next-Generation Pan-Antiviral Therapeutics Targeting SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses"

"A methamphetamine vaccine using short monoamine and diamine peptide linkers and poly-mannose"

"Density functional theory and enzyme studies support interactions between angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme-2: Relevance to coronavirus 2019"

"Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG)35–55 Mannan Conjugate Induces Human T-Cell Tolerance and Can Be Used as a Personalized Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis"

"Structural Features Influencing the Bioactive Conformation of Angiotensin II and Angiotensin A: Relationship between Receptor Desensitization, Addiction, and the Blood–Brain Barrier"

Mamta Tripathi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mamta Tripathi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Swami Atmanand Government English Medium School | India

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Mamta Tripathi's journey in academia began with a strong foundation in the sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Chemistry, Botany, and Biotechnology from G.D. Rungta College of Science & Technology, Bhilai, achieving a notable 70.88% in 2010. Her academic excellence continued with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry from Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, where she graduated with a gold medal in 2012, scoring 74.38%. Dr. Tripathi's passion for research was evident early on, leading her to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the same university, focusing on the study of Hydroxamic Acid-Metal complexes and their biological properties, which she completed in 2018 under the mentorship of Prof. Rama Pande.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Tripathi's professional career is marked by a blend of teaching and research roles. From 2013 to 2018, she was an active INSPIRE Research Scholar at Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, where she worked on her doctoral degree while also engaging in teaching. Following her doctoral studies, she served as a guest lecturer at the same university from 2019 to 2020. Currently, she is a Postgraduate Teacher (PGT) in Chemistry at D.A.V. ISPAT School, Bhilai. In addition to her teaching roles, she has also served as a C.B.S.E. observer in two schools, highlighting her commitment to educational excellence.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tripathi's research is primarily centered around Chemical Biology, with a particular focus on the interaction of Hydroxamic Acid-Metal complexes with nucleic acids and enzymes. Her thesis, titled “Studies on Hydroxamic Acid Metal Complexes as Nucleic Acid Binder and Enzymatic Inhibitors,” involved pioneering studies on the binding properties of these complexes using various spectroscopic and computational techniques. Her work demonstrated significant findings, such as the minor and major groove binding modes of these complexes with DNA/RNA and their inhibitory effects on enzymes like HDAC 8. Furthermore, she explored the cytotoxicity of these complexes against breast cancer cells, contributing valuable insights to the field of chemical biology and potential therapeutic applications.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Tripathi's contributions to science have been recognized through several awards and honors. She was an INSPIRE Fellow, receiving financial assistance from the Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi. She topped the M.Sc. merit list in 2012, earning four gold medals in 2013. Her outstanding research has also earned her the National Young Scientist Award from the Indian Council of Chemists in 2016 and the State Young Scientist Award at the Chhattisgarh Young Scientist Awards in 2017. These accolades reflect her dedication and impact in her field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Tripathi has made significant contributions to the scientific community through her research publications and conference presentations. She has co-authored numerous research papers published in prestigious journals, covering topics such as DNA binding studies, molecular docking, and the cytotoxicity of metal complexes. Her work has provided valuable insights into the interaction of metal complexes with biological molecules, potentially influencing future research and therapeutic developments.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tripathi's legacy in the field of chemical biology is marked by her innovative research and dedication to education. Her findings on Hydroxamic Acid-Metal complexes have paved the way for further studies in nucleic acid binding and enzyme inhibition. As she continues her career, Dr. Tripathi aims to expand her research into new areas and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic agents. Her commitment to education ensures that she will continue to inspire and mentor future generations of scientists.

 

Notable Publications

In-vitro and in-silico analysis and antitumor studies of novel Cu(II) and V(V) complexes of N-p-Tolylbenzohydroxamic acid 2024

Copper(ii) complexes supported by modified azo-based ligands: Nucleic acid binding and molecular docking studies 2022 (1)

N-hydroxypyrazine-2-carboxamide as a new and green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic medium: experimental, surface morphological and theoretical approach 2022 (16)

In‐vitro investigation of biophysical interactions between Ag(I) complexes of bis (methyl)(thia/selena) salen and ct‐DNA via multi‐spectroscopic, physicochemical and molecular docking methods along with cytotoxicity study 2021 (3)

Spatiotemporal variability and source apportionment of the ionic components of groundwater of a mineral-rich tribal belt in Bastar, India 2020 (21)