Nahla Hemdan | Systems Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nahla Hemdan | Systems Biology | Best Researcher Award 

Associate professor | National Research Centre | Egypt

Dr. Nahla Abdel-Fattah Hemdan Mohamed is an accomplished Egyptian researcher specializing in soil and water use, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she has significantly contributed to advancing irrigation technologies, soil fertility management, and strategies for combating desertification. Currently serving as a Researcher at the National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Dr. Hemdan has participated in numerous national and international projects focusing on climate change adaptation, water efficiency, and soil amendments. Her scientific career demonstrates a strong integration of applied research and practical solutions to pressing agricultural challenges in arid regions. She has published extensively in reputed international journals, delivered keynote presentations at international conferences, and played an active role in scientific societies worldwide. With her patents, academic achievements, and leadership in sustainable agriculture, Dr. Hemdan is widely recognized as a leading scientist dedicated to improving food security and environmental sustainability.

Professional Profile

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ORCID

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Education

Dr. Hemdan pursued her higher education with a deep focus on soil sciences, irrigation management, and ecological resource utilization. She earned her Ph.D. in Irrigation Systems and Drip Irrigation Technology from the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, with a dissertation on advanced irrigation systems and management experiments in Egypt. Her doctoral research contributed valuable knowledge on sustainable water use in agriculture. Earlier, she obtained her M.Sc. in Soil Sciences from Assiut University, where she studied water regimes of crops under drip irrigation at the El-Kharga Oasis. This work provided insights into optimizing crop performance under desert conditions. Dr. Hemdan’s strong academic foundation bridges Egyptian agricultural challenges with international research excellence. Her multidisciplinary expertise combines soil chemistry, water management, and environmental sustainability, making her educational journey a cornerstone for her impactful research career.

Experience

With an extensive professional background, Dr. Hemdan has established herself as a leader in soil and water research. At the National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, she has spearheaded multiple projects addressing drought tolerance, saline water management, and organic fertilizers. Her work spans applied research, patent development, project management, and event organization for advancing agricultural innovation. She has also served as a scientific reviewer for prestigious journals such as the Journal of Environmental Management. Internationally, Dr. Hemdan has represented Egypt in training programs and internships on desertification control, climate change, and sustainable resource management in China and India. She has been a pivotal member of national projects funded by NRC, focusing on maximizing water efficiency and adapting agriculture to climate change. Her extensive conference participation across Europe, Africa, and Asia reflects her global academic engagement and her role as a strong voice in sustainable agriculture.

Research Interests

Dr. Hemdan’s research centers on soil fertility, irrigation efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture. She is particularly interested in the application of biochar, compost, vermicompost, and nano-fertilizers for improving soil properties and enhancing crop resilience under stress conditions. Her work on saline water management and soil reclamation technologies addresses critical issues in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Additionally, she focuses on drip irrigation innovations, eco-friendly soil amendments, and sustainable practices to mitigate desertification. Her projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those targeting food security, climate action, and land restoration. She actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate advanced agricultural models such as AquaCrop for yield prediction under climate stress. Driven by the urgency of water scarcity and environmental degradation, Dr. Hemdan’s research integrates practical solutions with scientific innovation, making her contributions vital to agricultural sustainability in Egypt and globally.

Awards

Dr. Hemdan has been recognized for her pioneering work in sustainable agriculture and soil management. She has secured patents from the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (ASRT), Egypt, covering innovations such as safe integral biocompost, sulphur integral compost, potassium-enriched compost, phosphate-enriched compost, and composted moringa seed cake. These patents highlight her role in translating scientific research into practical technologies for farmers. Beyond patents, she has earned international internships and training awards, including programs in China and India on desertification control and climate change. Her contributions have been acknowledged by the Egyptian Soil Science Society (ESSS) through conference platforms, where she has consistently presented her findings. Furthermore, her memberships in leading scientific organizations, such as the Soil Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy, reflect her esteemed standing in the global research community.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Hemdan has an impressive publication record across high-impact journals, emphasizing soil amendments, irrigation, and sustainable agriculture. Selected works include:

Using moringa oleifera seed cake and compost as organic soil amendments for sustainable agriculture in Valencia orange orchard
Journal: Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture & Society
Citations: Cited by over 25 articles

Reclamation and Improvement of Saline Soils Using Organo–Mineral–Natural Resources, Treated Saline Water, and Drip Irrigation Technology
Journal: Water
Citations: Cited by over 5 articles

Impact of Biochar Mixed with Compost on Olive and Some Soil Properties under Saline Water and Soil Management
Journal: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Citations: Cited by over 10 articles

Utilization of Biochar with Soil Amendments and AquaCrop model under Saline Water and Soil Management at Ismailia Desert, Egypt
Journal: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Citations: Cited by over 12 articles

Effect of Soil Amendments and Water Requirements on Flax Yield and Fertilizer Efficiency
Journal: American-Eurasian Journal of Agronomy
Citations: Cited by over 20 articles

Effect of Vermicompost and NPK-Nano Fertilizer on Jojoba Plant under Degraded Soil Condition
Journal: Current Science International
Citations: Cited by over 15 articles

Conventional and Nano Fertilizers and Its Effect on Growth and Nutrient Status of Lupine Plants
Journal: Current Science International
Citations: Cited by over 18 articles

Effect of Organic Fertilization with Moringa Oleifera Seeds Cake and Compost on Storability of Valencia Orange Fruits
Journal: Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
Citations: Cited by over 8 articles

Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rock Phosphate Application to Mitigate Soil Salt Stress
Journal: Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research
Citations: Cited by over 6 articles

Conclusion

Dr. Nahla Abdel-Fattah Hemdan Mohamed is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her outstanding academic background, impactful publications, patents, and strong record of applied research in sustainable agriculture make her a strong candidate. She combines scientific innovation with practical solutions to global challenges such as desertification, water scarcity, and soil salinity. While expanding her international footprint and publishing in top-tier journals could further elevate her profile, her achievements already demonstrate excellence in research, innovation, and contribution to society. Overall, she is a deserving nominee whose work significantly advances the field of agricultural sustainability.

Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Ms. Hyo Jin Yoon | Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Staff member, at National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), South Korea.

Hyo Jin Yoon is an accomplished Clinical Laboratory Scientist with over 15 years of expertise in cytogenetics and biological dosimetry. Based at the National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), she plays a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic and emergency response strategies in radiation exposure cases. Her professional journey includes significant roles at Yonsei University Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. She has been instrumental in developing DiCADE, an AI-driven software for dicentric chromosome analysis, enhancing the accuracy and speed of biodosimetric assessments. A certified ASCPi-IMLT professional, she also serves as a KOLAS Technical Expert for ISO 15189. Through her multidisciplinary approach combining clinical practice, research, and innovation, Hyo Jin continues to elevate global standards in radiation emergency medicine. 🌍🧪💡

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Hyo Jin began her academic journey in clinical pathology by earning an associate degree from Daejeon Health College, which laid a strong foundation in laboratory sciences. She furthered her education at Eulji University, completing bachelor’s-level coursework with a specialization in medical laboratory technology. Her dedication to professional growth led her to earn the prestigious ASCPi-IMLT certification in 2012, an internationally recognized credential in medical laboratory science. Her continuous pursuit of learning has enabled her to integrate traditional laboratory practices with modern innovations in AI-based diagnostics. 📚👩‍🔬🎓

💼 Experience 

With a distinguished career spanning over 15 years, Hyo Jin Yoon has made significant contributions across clinical, academic, and research domains. She began her professional tenure at Yonsei University Medical Center and later at St. Mary’s Hospital, gaining frontline diagnostic experience in clinical pathology. Since 2015, she has been a core member of the Laboratory of Biodosimetry at KIRAMS-NREME, where she is actively engaged in radiation biodosimetry, diagnostics, and AI-integrated tool development. Her practical insights have been crucial in enhancing laboratory standards and emergency response protocols in radiation medicine. Additionally, as a KOLAS Technical Expert (ISO 15189), she ensures quality and compliance in laboratory operations. 🏥🧬🛡️

🔬 Research Interest

Hyo Jin’s research interests lie at the intersection of cytogenetics, radiation biodosimetry, and medical AI applications. Her core focus is on developing diagnostic tools that improve the biological dose assessment of radiation exposure, particularly during emergencies. Her innovative work on DiCADE—a semi-automated AI-powered dicentric chromosome analysis system—demonstrates her commitment to precision diagnostics. She is deeply involved in international collaboration networks such as RENEB and works with partners like Health Canada and Hirosaki University. Her current research also involves harmonizing scoring standards for cytogenetic assays across biodosimetry networks in South Korea. Her interdisciplinary interests aim to make radiation response faster, more accurate, and globally standardized. 🤖🔎📈

🏆 Awards & Recognitions 

Hyo Jin Yoon’s pioneering work in the field of radiation biodosimetry has earned her respect and recognition across scientific communities. In addition to securing a software copyright for DiCADE (Reg. No. C-2025-019817, dated May 27, 2025), she also has a pending trademark for the tool. As a certified KOLAS Technical Expert, she has contributed to national laboratory quality assurance initiatives. Her participation in international intercomparison exercises with RENEB and Health Canada further reflects her global outreach and credibility. She is a consistent contributor to academic conferences and technical exchange programs, and her work is regarded as a benchmark in South Korea’s preparedness for radiation emergencies. 🥇🔬📜

📚 Top Noted Publications

Hyo Jin Yoon has co-authored six peer-reviewed articles, significantly advancing the field of biological dosimetry:

1. Collaborative Activities in a Biological Dosimetry Network for Radiation Emergencies in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2025

  • Citations: 7

  • Summary:
    This paper presents the establishment and development of a coordinated biological dosimetry network in South Korea. It focuses on preparedness strategies for radiation emergencies, inter-laboratory collaboration, and standardization of methodologies across partner institutions. The paper emphasizes international alignment with IAEA and WHO guidelines and proposes protocols for emergency biodosimetry response.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Strengthens Korea’s radiation emergency response infrastructure.

    • Highlights the importance of capacity building and shared resources.

    • Demonstrates real-case simulations for readiness evaluation.

2. Lessons on Harmonization of Scoring Criteria for Dicentric Chromosome Assay in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2024

  • Citations: 5

  • Summary:
    This study reports on efforts to unify scoring criteria among Korean biodosimetry laboratories for the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA), a key cytogenetic tool in radiation dose assessment. It compares results across labs and discusses discrepancies and consensus-building.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Establishes baseline standards for DCA scoring nationwide.

    • Recommends training protocols and QA practices.

    • Encourages future harmonization with global networks.

3. Application of a Semi-Automated Dicentric Scoring System in Triage and Monitoring Occupational Radiation Exposure

  • Journal: Frontiers in Public Health, 2024

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary:
    This paper evaluates a semi-automated image analysis platform for scoring dicentric chromosomes in metaphase cells. Its application for radiation triage and occupational health surveillance is assessed, showing increased speed and reproducibility.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reduces manual workload and inter-scorer variability.

    • Supports large-scale triage in radiation emergencies.

    • Offers a model for integrating AI-assisted analysis in routine monitoring.

4. Chromosome Aberration Dynamics in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Radiotherapy

  • Journal: Mutation Research, 2023

  • Citations: 10

  • Summary:
    This study tracks the temporal profile of chromosome aberrations, including dicentrics and translocations, in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. It assesses the persistence of aberrations post-treatment as a biomarker of cumulative exposure.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Reveals individual variation in chromosomal response to radiotherapy.

    • Proposes implications for patient-specific radiation sensitivity.

    • Highlights the utility of cytogenetics in post-therapy surveillance.

5. An Intercomparison Exercise to Compare Scoring Criteria and Develop Image Databank for Biodosimetry in South Korea

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2023

  • Citations: 4

  • Summary:
    This paper documents an inter-laboratory comparison in which multiple Korean institutions scored the same set of metaphase images to assess consistency. It led to the creation of a national image databank to support training and harmonization.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Identifies scoring variability and proposes mitigation strategies.

    • Establishes a digital resource for future reference and QA.

    • Supports IAEA-compliant training infrastructure.

6. Effective Centrifugation Techniques for Improving Metaphase Spreads in Lymphocytopenic Patients

  • Journal: International Journal of Radiation Biology, 2022

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary:
    This methodological paper explores optimized centrifugation protocols to enhance metaphase yield in samples with low lymphocyte counts, such as from immunocompromised or radiotherapy-treated individuals.

  • Key Contributions:

    • Offers practical improvements to sample preparation protocols.

    • Increases metaphase cell quality and scoring accuracy.

    • Beneficial for labs working with difficult patient samples.

Conclusion

Hyo Jin, Yoon demonstrates exceptional dedication to scientific advancement in the field of biological dosimetry, combining clinical excellence with innovative research. Her work in developing AI-driven diagnostic tools and her collaborative efforts in national and international radiation emergency networks make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a few strategic steps to broaden her academic leadership, her impact can be even more significant.