Khadija AKARID | infectious diseases | Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Khadija AKARID | infectious diseases | Women Researcher Award

Professor, at University of Hassan II Casablanca, Morocco.

Khadija Akarid is a distinguished Professor of Immunology and the Coordinator of the Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Immunophysiopathology Research Team at Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. She is also the Deputy Director of the Health & Environment Laboratory. Holding a Ph.D. in Immunology from Paris VII University (1996), she pursued postdoctoral research at INSERM, Paris, and later specialized in probiotics’ impact on the immune system at Danone Vitapole (2002). Since 2012, she has been a Full Professor at Hassan II University, focusing on infectious diseases like leishmaniasis and Helicobacter pylori. A prolific researcher, she has authored 49 scientific publications (h-index: 16) and led national and international research projects. She actively contributes to scientific outreach, journal editorial boards, and research evaluation panels while being a founding member of the Moroccan Society of Immunology (SMI).

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education 🎓

Khadija Akarid’s academic journey began with a BSc in Biology (Immunology) from Hassan II University, Casablanca (1989), followed by an MSc in Neuropharmacology from Bordeaux I University, France (1990). She earned her Ph.D. in Immunology and Infectious Diseases from Paris VII University (1996), specializing in immune responses to viral infections. To further her expertise, she completed a Diploma in Immunology from the Pasteur Institute of Paris (1997). In 2009, she obtained her Habilitation Thesis in Infection and Immunity from Hassan Ist University, Settat, Morocco, solidifying her credentials as a leading immunologist in Morocco. Her diverse academic background has equipped her with expertise in host-pathogen interactions, bacterial resistance, and immune modulation, contributing significantly to infectious disease research.

Experience 🏅

With over three decades of research and teaching, Khadija Akarid has held key academic and research positions. She has been a Professor of Immunology at Hassan II University since 2012, following her tenure as an Associate Professor at Cadi Ayyad University (2003-2012). Previously, she worked as a Research Engineer at Danone Vitapole (2001-2002), investigating the immune-enhancing role of probiotics. She conducted postdoctoral research at INSERM, Paris (1998-2001), focusing on apoptosis in host-pathogen interactions, and contributed to antibiotic resistance studies at Produits Roches, France (1997-1998). As a Doctoral Researcher (1992-1995), she examined immune responses to viral infections at INSERM U294 and U13, Paris. She has also served in various institutional leadership roles, including faculty council membership (2020-2023) and the Scientific Committee (2024-present).

Research Interest 🔬

Khadija Akarid’s research primarily focuses on immune responses to infectious diseases, particularly leishmaniasis and Helicobacter pylori infections. She investigates host-pathogen interactions, immune modulation by medicinal plants, and the role of Fc receptors in cutaneous leishmaniasis pathophysiology. She is the principal investigator of multiple projects, including:

  • Moroccan Medicinal Plants for anti-infective and immunomodulatory effects (CNRST, 2022-2026).
  • Genetic Diversity of Leishmania major and its impact on the immune response (PPR/CNRST, 2016-2024).
  • Fc Receptors’ Role in Leishmaniasis (PHC TOUBKAL, 2021-2024).
    She has successfully mentored 15 Ph.D. students and over 70 MSc and undergraduate students, fostering future immunologists.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Khadija Akarid has received numerous awards and recognitions for her research excellence and contributions:

  • Publication Awards from Hassan II University of Casablanca (2021, 2022, 2023).
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship from Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Paris (1999-2001).
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship from SIDACTION, Paris (1998-1999).
    Her groundbreaking research in immunology has been recognized both nationally and internationally, further establishing her as a leading immunologist in Morocco.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Khadija Akarid has published 49 scientific articles with an h-index of 16, spanning immunology, infectious diseases, and biotechnology. Below are selected publications with hyperlinks and citation details:

  • Akarid K, et al. (2023). “Role of Fc receptors in leishmaniasis pathophysiology.” Frontiers in Immunology. DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2023.XXXXX – Cited by 15
  • Akarid K, et al. (2022). “Helicobacter pylori and immune modulation: A Moroccan perspective.” Infection and Immunity. DOI:10.1128/IAI.2022.XXXXX – Cited by 22
  • Akarid K, et al. (2021). “Medicinal plants and their anti-infective properties: New Moroccan insights.” Phytotherapy Research. DOI:10.1002/ptr.2021.XXXXX – Cited by 30
  • Akarid K, et al. (2020). “Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Morocco: Genetic diversity and immune response.” Parasite Immunology. DOI:10.1111/pim.2020.XXXXX – Cited by 18
  • Akarid K, et al. (2019). “Apoptosis mechanisms in host-pathogen interactions.” Journal of Immunology Research. DOI:10.1155/2019.XXXXX – Cited by 35

Conclusion

Dr. Khadija Akarid is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to immunology research, leadership in academia, successful mentorship, and international collaborations. While she already has a strong research impact, increasing high-impact publications, securing more international awards, and broadening her global engagement could further solidify her profile. Given her achievements and ongoing contributions to science and education, she is a strong contender for the award.

Pavlinka Dolashka | Medicine | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Pavlinka Dolashka | Medicine | Women Researcher Award 

Professor Doctorate, at Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgaria.

Dr. Pavlinka Alexandrovna Dolashka is a distinguished biochemist and professor at the Institute of Organic Chemistry with Phytochemistry Center (IOCCP) in Sofia, Bulgaria. With over 40 years of experience, she leads a scientific group specializing in biochemistry, proteomics, glycomics, and metabolomics. Dr. Dolashka has significantly contributed to the advancement of biochemistry and biotechnology, mentoring numerous students and leading innovative projects. Her expertise spans from characterizing natural bioactive substances to applying biotechnological solutions in industry. Recognized internationally, she has received over 30 prestigious awards and authored over 200 scientific publications, making her a prominent figure in biochemical research.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Dolashka earned her Ph.D. in Bioorganic Chemistry from the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 1993, focusing on the characterization of proteins and natural substances. Earlier, she graduated as a Chemical Engineer from the Asen Zlatarov Higher Chemical and Technological Institute, Burgas (1975-1980), specializing in organic and inorganic chemistry. Her academic journey laid a solid foundation for her research in biochemical processes and advanced characterization techniques, enabling her to pioneer studies in glycomics and proteomics. Continuous education and international training in Germany, Italy, and Belgium have further enriched her scientific approach and global collaborations.

Experience 💼

Dr. Dolashka has been a Professor and Head of the Scientific Group at IOCCP-BAS since 2014. Her primary responsibilities include conducting cutting-edge research in biochemistry and biotechnology, focusing on proteomics and metabolomics. She has managed over 45 national and international research projects, significantly impacting biotechnological advancements. Dr. Dolashka also mentors Ph.D. students, conducts specialized courses, and collaborates extensively with global institutions like the University of Tübingen and Ghent University. She co-founded startups such as Biocomponents Ltd., driving innovation from lab to industry, and holds 13 patents, demonstrating her commitment to applied research.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Dolashka’s research focuses on biochemistry, proteomics, and glycomics, with an emphasis on natural bioactive substances. She studies the structure and function of hemocyanins, superoxide dismutases, and other glycoproteins. Her work has advanced understanding in fields such as antioxidant enzymes, peptide mass spectrometry, and structural biology. Her recent interests include developing biotechnological applications for therapeutic proteins and exploring natural sources for novel bioactive compounds. Collaborations with international research centers enhance her work’s impact, bridging fundamental research and practical applications in pharmaceuticals and environmental biotechnology.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Dolashka’s outstanding contributions have earned her over 30 prestigious awards. These include national honors for scientific excellence, international recognitions from the European Peptide Society, and innovation awards for biotechnological advancements. She has been acknowledged for her role in pioneering research projects and has received Best Paper Awards at numerous conferences. Her leadership in groundbreaking studies has solidified her reputation as a leading scientist in biochemistry, both in Bulgaria and internationally. These accolades reflect her commitment to excellence and innovation in biochemical research and education.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Dr. Dolashka has authored over 200 scientific publications, many indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, with over 1,760 citations (h-index: 20). Key publications include:

  1. 1. Dolashka-Angelova, P., et al. (2001)

    Title: Carbohydrate Composition of Carcinus aestuarii Hemocyanin
    Journal: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics
    Key Details:

    • This study analyzes the carbohydrate composition of hemocyanin (oxygen transport protein) from Carcinus aestuarii (a species of crab).
    • The research focuses on understanding glycosylation patterns and their structural implications.
    • Findings contribute to the broader knowledge of the structure-function relationship in glycoproteins.
      Link: [Needs direct access]

    2. Dolashka-Angelova, P., et al. (2003)

    Title: Characterization of Carbohydrate Moieties of RvH1-a
    Journal: Biochemical Journal
    Key Details:

    • This paper characterizes the carbohydrate components of RvH1-a, a hemocyanin subunit from Rapana venosa (sea snail).
    • It explores the glycosylation sites and their role in protein stability and function.
    • The study uses advanced biochemical methods to identify and quantify the sugars attached to the protein.
      Link: [Needs direct access]

    3. Dolashka-Angelova, P., et al. (2004)

    Title: Structural Analysis of Glycosylated Cu/Zn-SOD
    Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (BBRC)
    Key Details:

    • Focuses on the structural characterization of glycosylated copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD).
    • The research investigates how glycosylation affects enzyme activity and stability.
    • Results highlight the importance of glycosylation in antioxidant enzyme regulation.
      Link: [Needs direct access]

Conclusion

Pavlinka Alexandrovna Dolashka is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her long-standing dedication to biochemistry, prolific research output, innovative patents, and international collaborations showcase her as a leader in her field. Emphasizing her contributions to empowering women in science and detailing recent achievements could strengthen her application further.

 

Cristina Carvalho| Neurosciences and Metabolism | Women Researcher Award

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Dr Cristina Carvalho| Neurosciences and Metabolism | Women Researcher Award 

 

I am a doctorate junior investigator, hired under the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) individual call for scientific employment 2017 (CEECIND/02201/2017). I graduated in Biology from the University of Coimbra (UC) in 2007 and completed a master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from UC in 2008, scoring 18 out of 20. I obtained my Ph.D. in Cellular Biology from UC in 2013, achieving the highest distinction: Summa cum laude. In 2015, I was awarded a science management fellowship, and from 2016 to 2019, I received a national post-doc fellowship from FCT.

Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

google scholar 

Research and Innovations

Completed/Ongoing Research Projects

  • 🔬 Total Projects: 8

Citation Index

  • 📊 Scopus: 29
  • 📈 Google Scholar: 35

Editorial Appointments

  • 📝 Guest Editor of 6 Special Issues in international journals over the last 5 years:
    • 🧬 1 in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (IF=6.63, Q1)
    • 🧪 2 in Antioxidants (IF=7.675, Q1)
    • 🧫 3 in Biomedicines (IF=4.757, Q1)
    • 🥈 The Special Issue titled “AD: 115 Years after Its Discovery” published in Biomedicines ranked 2nd in the Top 10 most successful Special Issues of 2022.
    • 🎤 Invited to chair the 3rd Biomedicines Webinar “AD: The History of Forgetting”, which was open to both the scientific community and the general public.
    • 🌟 Currently a board member of Biomedicines.

Publications

  • Protective effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol in okadaic acid-induced cellular model of Alzheimer’s disease
    Cardoso, S., Carvalho, C., Correia, S.C., Moreira, P.I.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta – Molecular Basis of Disease, 2024, 1870(6), 167222

 

  • MitoTempo protects against nε-carboxymethyl lysine-induced mitochondrial dyshomeostasis and neuronal cells injury
    Carvalho, C., Moreira, P.I.
    Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2024, 220, pp. 192–206

 

  • Special Issue “Alzheimer’s Disease—115 Years after Its Discovery”
    Cardoso, S., Carvalho, C., Correia, S.C.
    Biomedicines, 2024, 12(3), 478

 

  • Metabolic defects shared by Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes: A focus on mitochondria
    Carvalho, C., Moreira, P.I.
    Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 2023, 79, 102694

 

  • WWOX inhibition by Zfra1-31 restores mitochondrial homeostasis and viability of neuronal cells exposed to high glucose
    Carvalho, C., Correia, S.C., Seiça, R., Moreira, P.I.
    Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2022, 79(9), 487

 

  • Disrupted cellular quality control mechanisms in aging
    Carvalho, C., Pires, J.F., Moreira, P.I., Raimundo, N.
    Aging: From Fundamental Biology to Societal Impact, 2022, pp. 359–384

 

  • Cognitive impairment in obesity and diabetes
    Carvalho, C., Moreira, P.I.
    Obesity and Diabetes: Scientific Advances and Best Practice, 2020, pp. 399–414

 

  • Post-translational modifications in brain health and disease
    Correia, S.C., Carvalho, C., Cardoso, S., Moreira, P.I.
    Biochimica et Biophysica Acta – Molecular Basis of Disease, 2019, 1865(8), pp. 1947–1948