John Matsoukas | Chemistry | Excellence in Innovation Award

Published on 15/09/202515/09/2025 by Book of 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"

Shahbaz Khan | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 13/08/202513/08/2025 by Book of Award

Dr. Shahbaz Khan | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Pharmacy Academy, Institute of Foreign Trade and Management University | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shahbaz Khan’s academic journey reflects a strong commitment to pharmaceutical sciences, beginning with foundational studies in pharmacy and advancing through specialized postgraduate training in pharmacology. His scholarly dedication culminated in a doctoral degree in pharmaceutical sciences, where his research explored the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Betula alnoides bark extracts. These early academic achievements not only provided him with a robust understanding of pharmacological principles but also shaped his future research interests in neuropharmacology, neuroscience, and inflammation studies.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Khan’s professional career spans diverse academic and administrative roles in reputed institutions. He has served as a faculty member in both assistant and associate professor capacities, mentoring students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Alongside his teaching and research responsibilities, he has contributed significantly to institutional development through administrative positions such as hostel warden. His teaching philosophy combines rigorous academic training with practical exposure, ensuring that his students are well-prepared for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Khan’s research portfolio is extensive and multidisciplinary, with particular emphasis on neuropharmacology, phytochemistry, and inflammation-related pathologies. His studies delve into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, the development of advanced drug delivery systems, and the role of nutraceuticals in managing neurodegenerative and chronic diseases. His work also encompasses nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, and targeted therapies, leading to innovations in formulations and biomedical applications. By integrating modern pharmacological techniques with traditional medicinal knowledge, he has made meaningful contributions to both preclinical research and applied therapeutic strategies.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Khan has earned multiple national and international honors that recognize his academic excellence and research contributions. His achievements include prestigious travel grants for participating in global scientific programs organized by international brain research organizations, as well as awards for specialized training in molecular neuropharmacology. These recognitions underscore his role as a scholar of global repute and his ability to represent Indian pharmaceutical research on international platforms.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. Khan’s work extends beyond his own research, influencing students, collaborators, and the broader scientific community. His publications in high-impact journals have contributed to advancing knowledge in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical sciences. His patents and innovations in pharmaceutical formulations highlight his ability to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical healthcare solutions. Through book authorship and editorial contributions, he has also enriched the academic resources available to scholars worldwide.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Khan’s legacy lies in his ability to combine teaching, research, and innovation into a cohesive professional identity. His mentorship has guided many students toward successful careers in pharmacy and research. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his research in neurotherapeutics, nanomedicine, and herbal pharmacology, with a focus on developing novel, safe, and effective treatments for neurological and inflammatory disorders. His future contributions are expected to further strengthen the role of pharmaceutical sciences in addressing global health challenges.

Publications

Exploring Betula alnoides Bark: Insilico and Preclinical Insights into its Antioxidant and Lipid-Lowering Effects in Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Shahbaz Khan, Alka Lohani, Prashant Tiwari, Sunil Kumar Kadiri
Journal: Obesity Medicine
Year: 2025

Innovative nanomedicine for fungal infections: Advancing treatments through nanotechnology and mycological approaches
Authors: Alka Lohani, Ritika Saxena, Shahbaz Khan, Ana Figueiras, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Journal: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Year: 2025

Tailored polymeric hydrogels for regenerative medicine and drug delivery: From material design to clinical applications
Authors: Alka Lohani, Ritika Saxena, Joana Galvão Duarte, Shahbaz Khan, Ana Figueiras, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics
Year: 2025

pH-responsive IPN beads of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a controlled release carrier for ibuprofen
Authors: Alka Lohani, Ritika Saxena, Shahbaz Khan, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2024

An Insight Into Neuropathic Pain: A Systemic and Up-To-Date Review
Authors: Himanshu Sharma, Tanzeeb Rani, Shahbaz Khan
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Through unwavering dedication to research, teaching, and innovation, Dr. Shahbaz Khan has established himself as a respected authority in pharmaceutical sciences. His contributions continue to inspire students, peers, and the scientific community at large, ensuring his place as a pivotal contributor to advancements in healthcare and pharmacology.

Shinya Watanabe | Neuroscience | Best Research Award

Published on 20/11/202420/11/2024 by Book of Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Shinya Watanabe | Neuroscience | Best Research Award

University of Tsukuba | Japan

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Shinya Watanabe’s academic journey began at Chiba University’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. However, driven by a passion for medicine, he transitioned to the University of Tsukuba, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine in 2005 and later a Ph.D. in Medicine in 2015. His diverse educational pursuits also include a specialized program in Medical Innovation Strategy at Chiba University, reflecting his commitment to integrating clinical expertise with innovative healthcare solutions.

Professional Endeavors 🩺

Dr. Watanabe’s illustrious medical career spans over two decades, marked by extensive hands-on experience across several leading hospitals in Japan. Starting as a resident at Tsukuba University Hospital, he later specialized as a neurosurgeon in institutions like Hitachi General Hospital and Tsukuba Medical Center. His tenure with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) between 2017 and 2020 saw him influencing drug, device, and regenerative medicine reviews, underscoring his role as a key figure in Japan’s medical regulatory landscape. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer at the University of Tsukuba’s Faculty of Medicine, contributing to both clinical practice and medical education.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Watanabe’s research spans a variety of critical areas, including neurotrauma, cancer treatment, and dementia. His expertise has been certified by prestigious bodies such as the Japan Neurosurgical Society and the Japanese Society of Dementia. A thought leader in his field, Dr. Watanabe has actively developed innovative treatments, such as headache management techniques, and remains a sought-after expert in advancing medical technology and therapeutic strategies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Watanabe’s exceptional contributions have been celebrated with numerous awards, such as the 12th Nose Award and the Research Encouragement Award from the Japanese Society for Diencephalo-Pituitary Tumors. In 2020, his groundbreaking interdisciplinary work earned him the Joyo Bank Award, highlighting his ability to bridge clinical practice with innovative technologies.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through his extensive clinical and academic roles, Dr. Watanabe has shaped the practice of neurosurgery and medical device innovation in Japan. His contributions to the PMDA and ARO Council have had far-reaching effects, ensuring that healthcare products meet rigorous safety and efficacy standards. He has also inspired future generations of medical professionals through his dedication to education at the University of Tsukuba.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Dr. Watanabe’s legacy lies in his ability to blend clinical precision with innovation. As a pioneer in interdisciplinary research, he continues to push the boundaries of medical science, ensuring a brighter future for patients worldwide. His ongoing contributions to neuroscience, cancer treatment, and dementia care are set to redefine the standards of modern medicine, establishing him as a beacon of excellence in healthcare. With a career characterized by unwavering dedication and transformative achievements, Assist. Prof. Dr. Shinya Watanabe embodies the spirit of medical innovation and compassion.

Publications

📄"A Case of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Complicated with both Infratentorial and Supratentorial Cortical Superficial Siderosis: Novel Imaging Findings on Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Offering Clues to Pathophysiology"

Author: Watanabe, S.; Shibata, Y.; Ishikawa, E.
Journal: Neurology International
Year: 2024

📄"A Retrospective Cohort Study of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannomas: Comparison of Two Age Groups (75 Years or Older vs. 65–74 Years)"

Author: Watanabe, S.; Yamamoto, M.; Aiyama, H.; Akutsu, H.; Ishikawa, E.
Journal: Surgical Neurology International
Year: 2024

📄"Recent Status of Phase I Clinical Trials for Brain Tumors: A Regulatory Science Study of Exploratory Efficacy Endpoints"

Author: Watanabe, S.; Nonaka, T.; Maeda, M.; Arakawa, Y.; Ishikawa, E.
Journal: Therapeutic Innovation and Regulatory Science
Year: 2024

📄"Empirical Myoelectric Feature Extraction and Pattern Recognition in Hemiplegic Distal Movement Decoding"

Author: Anastasiev, A.; Kadone, H.; Marushima, A.; Matsumaru, Y.; Ishikawa, E.
Journal: Bioengineering
Year: 2023

📄"Efficacy Endpoints in Phase II Clinical Trials for Meningioma: An Analysis of Recent Clinical Trials"

Author: Watanabe, S.; Nonaka, T.; Maeda, M.; Arakawa, Y.; Ishikawa, E.
Journal: Therapeutic Innovation and Regulatory Science
Year: 2023

Kumar Abhishek | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on 19/02/202419/02/2024 by Book of Award

Mr. Kumar Abhishek | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Jawaharlal Nehru University | India

Author profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Kumar Abhishek embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Anugrah Narayan College, Patna. He further pursued a Master's degree in Biotechnology from the Central University of South Bihar, where he delved into research on the effects of arsenic on Notch-4 signaling in lung cancer. Subsequently, he pursued a Ph.D. in Life Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University, focusing on studying the influence of social and environmental factors on sleep using zebrafish as a model.

Professional Endeavors

During his academic journey, Mr. Abhishek engaged in various research projects and internships, including a research training program on the cloning and overexpression of a putative phosphatase gene from Plasmodium falciparum. He also worked as a Junior Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, contributing to projects focused on molecular modeling and screening of phytochemicals reservoir from tea as lead immuno-stimulatory agents.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Abhishek's research primarily revolves around the fields of biotechnology and life sciences. His doctoral thesis explored the intricate relationship between social and environmental factors and sleep patterns using zebrafish. He has also conducted research on the effects of arsenic on Notch-4 signaling in lung cancer. His contributions include publications in reputed journals, such as Neuropharmacology and Letters in Drug Design & Discovery.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Mr. Abhishek has received several accolades and awards, including the prestigious Joint CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SRF fellowship examination in Life Sciences and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) fellowship examination in Biotechnology. He was also awarded the 'Second prize' in an oral presentation competition during his Master's program.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Abhishek's research has made significant contributions to the understanding of sleep patterns and their underlying mechanisms using zebrafish as a model organism. His work on the effects of arsenic on Notch-4 signaling in lung cancer has also contributed to the field of cancer research. Through his publications and presentations, he has disseminated valuable insights to the scientific community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Abhishek's legacy lies in his dedication to advancing knowledge in biotechnology and life sciences through rigorous research and scholarly contributions. His future contributions are expected to further enrich these fields, addressing pressing challenges and uncovering novel insights that could potentially impact human health and well-being.

Notable Publications

Virtual Screening, Molecular Modelling and Biochemical Studies to Exploit PF14_0660 as a Target to Identify Novel Anti-malarials 2018 (1)

Assoc Prof Dr. Nicola Micale | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Research Award

Published on 05/01/202405/01/2024 by Book of Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Nicola Micale | Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science | Best Research Award

University of Messina | Italy

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Associate Professor Dr. Nicola Micale commenced his academic journey with an exceptional focus on Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, culminating in an honored degree from the University of Messina. This foundation laid the groundwork for his specialization in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Micale's career trajectory has been marked by a series of esteemed positions, from pivotal research roles to impactful lectureships across Europe. His academic pursuits have extended globally, emphasizing collaborative research ventures and immersive academic experiences.

Contributions and Research Focus

Central to Micale's contributions is his intensive focus on neurodegenerative disorders and innovative drug design. His research spans diverse areas, ranging from peptidomimetics to targeted drug development, showcasing a commitment to combatting microbial infections and malignancies.

Accolades and Recognition

Micale's exemplary research earned him notable recognition, including the Farmindustria Award for Pharmaceutical Research and invitations to deliver lectures at prestigious international conferences. These accolades affirm his expertise and contributions to the field.

Impact and Influence

Beyond his research contributions, Micale's influence is evident through his pivotal roles on the editorial boards of multiple international scientific journals. His role as a reviewer for esteemed publications underscores his commitment to shaping scholarly dialogue and validating scientific research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Associate Professor Dr. Nicola Micale's legacy is rooted in his multidisciplinary approach to pharmaceutical sciences and his dedication to fostering global scientific collaborations. His ongoing contributions are poised to drive advancements in pharmaceutical research, leaving a lasting imprint on the field's progression and innovation.

Notable Publications

Discovery of a Novel Trifluoromethyl Diazirine Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 M pro 2023 (5)

Computational Design, Synthesis, and Biophysical Evaluation of β-Amido Boronic Acids as SARS-CoV-2 M pro Inhibitors 2023 (3)