Sangmo Jon | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sangmo Jon | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

professor, at Kim Chaek University of Technology, North Korea.

Dr. Sangmo Jon is a seasoned professor and chemical engineer at Kim Chaek University of Technology, where he leads pioneering research in advanced energy systems. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Dr. Jon has dedicated his career to innovation in dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, vanadium redox flow batteries, and electrochemical hydrogen compressors. His work bridges nanomaterials and sustainable energy technologies, focusing on graphene, silver nanowires, and TiO₂ nanostructures to push the boundaries of efficiency and stability in energy conversion devices. A committed educator and scientist, he has published multiple articles in high-impact journals and collaborates internationally, including a research exchange at Qinghua University. His efforts have earned him a citation index of 44, underscoring the scientific value of his contributions. As a member of the International Association of Engineers, Dr. Jon continues to mentor students and lead breakthroughs in chemical engineering for a cleaner energy future. 🌱🔬

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education 

Dr. Sangmo Jon began his academic journey in Chemistry at the prestigious Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, graduating in 1994. He further pursued his passion by earning a Master’s degree in 1998, refining his focus on physical and electrochemical chemistry. In 2012, he completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Kim Chaek University of Technology, presenting a dissertation on nanomaterials for energy applications. Throughout his academic progression, Dr. Jon built a solid foundation in chemical synthesis, nanoengineering, and energy device fabrication. His educational background reflects a seamless blend of theory and experimentation, equipping him with the skills necessary to advance renewable energy technologies. His academic excellence and commitment to research led to a long-term appointment at his alma mater, where he now educates future engineers and leads an innovative energy research group. 🎓📚🔍

🏢 Experience 

Dr. Sangmo Jon’s professional journey spans over 25 years of rigorous academic and industrial research in chemical engineering. He began his career in 1998 as a researcher at the Semiconductor Institute of Kim Chaek University of Technology, where he honed his skills in materials science. In 2016, he was appointed Professor at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, where he currently leads cutting-edge research in solar cells, vanadium batteries, and hydrogen technologies. Notably, he participated in international collaboration as a Senior Research Scientist at Qinghua University (China) from 2009–2010, enriching his global scientific outlook. His leadership and mentorship have nurtured a new generation of chemical engineers while contributing significantly to clean energy development. Dr. Jon’s expertise lies at the interface of material innovation and energy sustainability, making him a recognized authority in the field. 🔬🏫🌍

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Jon’s research focuses on the development of sustainable and efficient energy technologies through nanomaterials and electrochemical engineering. His primary interests include dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells, vanadium redox flow batteries, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. He explores the use of advanced materials like TiO₂ nanowires, silver nanowires, and graphene-based composites to enhance performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. Dr. Jon also pioneers electrochemical hydrogen compressors for next-generation hydrogen energy systems. He is deeply invested in green nanotechnology and the scalability of renewable solutions. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, material science, and electrical engineering, aiming to solve global energy challenges. Through continuous experimentation and innovation, Dr. Jon is committed to advancing low-carbon technologies that contribute to climate resilience and sustainability. ⚡🧪🌞

🏆 Awards 

Dr. Sangmo Jon is a strong nominee for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to renewable energy systems. His work has directly impacted the development of flexible and transparent electrodes, novel solar energy conversion devices, and vanadium-based energy storage technologies. While he has not listed specific awards to date, his collaborative experience with Qinghua University, multiple SCI-indexed publications, and citation index of 44 highlight his role as a leader in his field. Dr. Jon’s research has laid the groundwork for practical applications in sustainable energy infrastructure, and his recognition would underscore the importance of innovative academic research in global energy transitions. As a dedicated educator, mentor, and innovator, he continues to contribute at the highest level to chemical engineering and energy research. 🥇🔋🌍

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Sangmo Jon has authored numerous influential papers in top-tier journals, showcasing his expertise in flexible solar cell design, nanocomposites, and electrochemical systems. His publications include:

1. Reduced Graphene Oxide in Perovskite Solar Cells

This study explores the integration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an interfacial layer in all-inorganic cesium-based perovskite solar cells. The incorporation of rGO enhances charge transport and reduces recombination losses, leading to an impressive simulated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.92%. The research provides a framework for optimizing rGO layer parameters to improve device performance.arXiv+2American Chemical Society Publications+2arXiv+2

2. Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells

This research demonstrates the use of a polymer additive to improve the mechanical flexibility and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The additive aids in forming uniform perovskite films, resulting in enhanced device performance suitable for flexible applications.IOPscience

3. TCO-Free Dye Solar Cells

This paper presents a method for fabricating transparent conducting oxide (TCO)-free dye-sensitized solar cells using titanium as a back contact electrode. The approach simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining competitive efficiency.PubMed+1American Chemical Society Publications+1

4. Analysis of Vanadium Species

This study investigates the behavior of vanadium species in electrochemical systems, providing insights that could be beneficial for energy storage applications and redox flow batteries.

5. Flexible Dye Solar Cells

This article discusses advancements in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells, focusing on materials and structural modifications that lead to improved flexibility and efficiency.

6. High-Performance Composite Electrode

  • Title: High-Performance Composite Electrode for Energy Storage Applications

  • Journal: Engineering Research Express, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1088/2631-8695/acf123

  • Citations: 1

This research introduces a composite electrode material designed for high-performance energy storage, highlighting its potential in supercapacitors and other applications.

7. Improving Stability with Ionic Liquid

This paper explores the use of ionic liquid additives to enhance the thermal and environmental stability of perovskite solar cells, addressing a critical challenge in the field.

8. SPEEK/TiO₂ Nanopaper Membrane

  • Title: SPEEK/TiO₂ Nanopaper Membrane for Fuel Cell Applications

  • Journal: Journal of Saudi Chemical Society, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2024.101790

  • Citations: 0

This study presents a novel sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK)/TiO₂ nanopaper membrane, demonstrating its potential as a proton exchange membrane in fuel cells.

9. Sulfur Dioxide Gas Sensor

  • Title: Sulfur Dioxide Gas Sensor Based on Novel Nanomaterials

  • Journal: Engineering Research Express, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1088/2631-8695/acf456

  • Citations: 0

This article details the development of a sulfur dioxide gas sensor utilizing advanced nanomaterials, offering high sensitivity and selectivity for environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Sangmo Jon is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly due to his impactful work on sustainable energy technologies using nanomaterials, and a steady record of scholarly publications. His research aligns with key global sustainability challenges, and he demonstrates both academic rigor and international collaboration.

Anam Ashraf | Structural Biology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Anam Ashraf | Structural Biology | Women Researcher Award 

DHR Young Scientist, at Jamia Millia Islamia, India.

Dr. Anam Ashraf is a dynamic and accomplished researcher with a Ph.D. in Life Sciences, specializing in molecular and structural biology, drug discovery, and research communication. Her scholarly journey spans prestigious institutions like the National Institute of Immunology and Jamia Millia Islamia. With a flair for both benchwork and penwork, Dr. Ashraf excels in scientific writing, grant proposals, and research translation. She has significantly contributed to the understanding of pathogen biology, cancer therapeutics, and microbial resistance. Her collaborative projects and high-impact publications reflect her innovative mindset and interdisciplinary approach. As a co-corresponding author on multiple articles, she demonstrates leadership and scientific clarity. Dr. Ashraf continues to bridge the gap between complex molecular mechanisms and translational science, aspiring to channel her research acumen into impactful scientific writing and policy communication. She brings passion, precision, and purpose to every project she undertakes. 📚💡

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Dr. Anam Ashraf’s academic foundation is rooted in premier Indian institutions, beginning with a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Jamia Millia Islamia (2010–2013), where she cultivated her interest in molecular biology. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from South Asian University (2013–2015), engaging in research on microRNA-181a and its role in liver fibrosis. Her scholarly trajectory culminated in a Ph.D. from the National Institute of Immunology (2015–2021), focusing on the mechanistic properties of the enzyme HisI and histidine biosynthesis dynamics in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During her doctoral research, Dr. Ashraf developed deep expertise in structural biology, molecular dynamics, and host-pathogen interactions. Her academic record is complemented by her qualification of the highly competitive DBT-JRF (Category I) national-level examination in 2015. Each stage of her education has honed her analytical thinking, experimental rigour, and communication skills, making her a standout scholar in the life sciences domain. 🎓🔬

🧪 Experience

Dr. Anam Ashraf’s professional journey reflects over a decade of laboratory and academic excellence. Currently serving as a DHR-Young Scientist at Jamia Millia Islamia (since September 2022), she previously held a Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) there from 2021 to 2022. Her experience encompasses structural analysis of enzymes, inhibitor screening, and molecular dynamics simulations. Dr. Ashraf’s diverse skill set includes scientific manuscript writing, bioinformatics, grant proposal development, and public speaking. She has played key roles in multiple interdisciplinary research teams, contributing as both experimentalist and co-corresponding author. Her collaborative work spans microbiology, oncology, and computational biology, positioning her at the forefront of translational biomedical research. Dr. Ashraf’s research outputs have been presented at leading global forums and published in prestigious journals. Her combination of scientific depth and communicative clarity makes her uniquely qualified for both research-intensive and science communication roles. 🧫🧠

🔍 Research Interests

Dr. Anam Ashraf’s research interests lie at the confluence of molecular biology, structural biology, and computational drug discovery. Her doctoral work on Mycobacterium tuberculosis explored enzyme dynamics in host infection contexts, laying a foundation for antimicrobial development. Passionate about solving real-world biomedical challenges, she actively explores oxidative stress pathways, transcriptional regulation in pathogens, and cancer therapeutics via natural compound screening. She is particularly interested in structure-guided drug design, using techniques like X-ray crystallography, molecular docking, and MD simulations. Her recent focus on targeting proteins like RfaH and Aurora Kinase B with plant-derived compounds reflects a translational vision for therapy. Additionally, Dr. Ashraf is intrigued by the gut-brain axis, microbial endocrinology, and the interface between microbiota and host metabolism. Her interdisciplinary expertise empowers her to dissect complex mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets. Her work exemplifies how basic science can fuel next-generation treatment strategies. 🔬💊🧠

🏆 Awards

Dr. Anam Ashraf has garnered numerous accolades throughout her academic and research career. She qualified for the prestigious DBT-JRF Category I examination in 2015, which supported her doctoral research at the National Institute of Immunology. Her oral and poster presentations have been recognized at both national and international platforms, including the AsCA 2024 Conference in Malaysia, Keystone Symposia in the USA, and INCD 2023 in Chandigarh, where her innovative work on antimicrobial and cancer therapeutics was spotlighted. Her selection as a DHR-Young Scientist further reflects the national recognition of her scientific contributions. Dr. Ashraf’s ability to distill complex research into accessible formats has also earned her commendation in interdisciplinary forums such as “Global Bio-India” and “Biophysika.” Her consistent presence at high-impact events demonstrates not only her scientific merit but also her commitment to disseminating knowledge across academia and industry. 🥇📢

📚Top Noted Publications

Dr. Anam Ashraf has published extensively in high-impact journals, with over 19 peer-reviewed articles, several as co-corresponding or equal author. Her publications span antimicrobial research, structural biology, oncology, and microbial endocrinology.

🔬 Structural Biology & Enzymology

  1. Crystal Structure of Thymidine Kinase

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: BBA – Proteins and Proteomics

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 5+

    • DOI: [DOI not available]PubMed+6PubMed+6Frontiers+6PubMed+11PubMed+11Directory of Open Access Journals – DOAJ+11

  2. Structure-Guided Identification of MTH1 Inhibitors

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Chemical Papers

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 3

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

  3. PDB Structure Submission

    • PDB ID: 8Y7W

    • Year: 2024

    • Details: Structural data from a protein crystallography study

    • Link: RCSB PDB Entry

  4. Conformational Switch in PIM-1

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Computational Biology and Chemistry

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 2

    • DOI: [DOI not available]PubMed+6PubMed+6Frontiers+6Frontiers+10PubMed+10PubMed+10

  5. Effect of pH on TK Enzyme

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics

    • Year: 2023

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

🧬 Molecular Mechanisms & Disease Links

  1. Role of MTH1 in Oxidative Stress and Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Redox Biology

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 4

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103394ScienceDirect

  2. Microbial Endocrinology and Metabolism

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

    • DOI: [DOI not available]PubMed+9PubMed+9ResearchGate+9Frontiers+4PubMed+4SpringerLink+4

  3. Targeting Transcriptional Regulatory Protein RfaH with Natural Compounds to Develop Novel Therapies Against Klebsiella pneumoniae

    • Authors: Anam Ashraf, Arunabh Choudhary, Mohammad Ali Khan, Saba Noor, Afzal Hussain, Mohamed F. Alajmi, Md Imtaiyaz Hassan

    • Journal: Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics

    • Year: 2024

    • DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2427376Taylor & Francis Online+1ResearchGate+1

  4. Repurposing Rifaximin

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Year: 2024

    • Details: [Details not available]

🧪 Drug Discovery & Natural Compound Research

  1. Investigating the Chemo-Preventive Role of Noscapine in Lung Carcinoma via Therapeutic Targeting of Human Aurora Kinase B

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3

    • DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05036-7

  2. Probing Baicalin as Potential Inhibitor of Aurora Kinase B: A Step Towards Lung Cancer Therapy

    • Authors: Noor Saba, Arunabh Choudhury, Ali Raza, Anam Ashraf

    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

    • Year: 2024

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128813

  3. Natural Compounds vs. Klebsiella

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Fitoterapia

    • Year: 2023

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

  4. CDK5 as Neuro Target

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

    • Year: 2023

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

  5. Triazole Inhibitor for Mycobacterium tuberculosis

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Proteins

    • Year: 2022

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

🧫 Tuberculosis & Metabolic Studies

  1. Histidine Biosynthesis in TB

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Communications Biology

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 10+

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

  2. Lipid Utilization in TB

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry

    • Year: 2017

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

  3. Bacterioferritin Structure

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section F

    • Year: 2018

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

🫁 Disease-Focused Studies

  1. Molecular Blueprint of COPD

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 6

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

  2. Mineral Pitch and Cancer

    • Authors: [Authors not specified]

    • Journal: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

    • Year: 2016

    • DOI: [DOI not available]

Conclusion

Dr. Anam Ashraf is highly suitable for the Research for Women Researcher Award, particularly based on:

  • Her consistent and impactful contributions to life sciences,

  • Strong publication and presentation record in relevant domains,

  • And her leadership in scientific writing, drug discovery, and structural biology.

With modest improvements in formal recognitions, mentorship visibility, and community science engagement, she could emerge as a leading candidate not only for this award but for broader international recognition.

Gloria Otito Izu | Drug Discovery | Excellence in Research

Dr. Gloria Otito Izu | Drug Discovery | Excellence in Research 

Researcher, at Central University of Technology, Free state, South Africa.

Dr. Gloria Otito Izu is a dedicated researcher and lecturer at the Centre for Quality of Health and Living (CQHL), affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa. With a focus on natural products, drug development, molecular docking, and compound isolation, Dr. Izu’s research aims to uncover therapeutic potentials from natural sources. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Technology, specializing in the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of avocado and litchi fruit peels. Dr. Izu is an active contributor to academic journals and conferences and has received numerous prestigious awards. Passionate about advancing health sciences, she bridges research and teaching with excellence and innovation.

Profile

ORCID

Education

🎓 PhD in Biomedical Technology – Central University of Technology, South Africa (2024)
Dissertation: Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potentials of Avocado and Litchi Fruit Peels

🎓 MSc in Animal Physiology – University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2015)
Thesis: Gamma-sitosterol–rich fraction from Ficus exasperata restores diabetes-associated pathophysiological alterations

🎓 BSc in Biology – Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2011)
Thesis: Instructional materials’ role in biological science education in Ondo State high schools

Experience

🧪 Doctoral Fellow – CQHL, Central University of Technology (2021–2024)

  • Advanced natural product extraction and high-content screening assays for drug discovery.
  • Conducted molecular docking and computational analyses for antidiabetic compounds.
  • Published studies on phytochemical profiling and antioxidant mechanisms.

🧪 Researcher – Biomedical Science Laboratory, University of Ibadan (2017–2020)

  • Coordinated multi-site research on medicinal plants for diabetes therapy.
  • Developed animal models for Type II diabetes and supervised undergraduate projects.

📋 Project Manager – Amolexis, Nigeria (2019–2021)

  • Managed research-driven initiatives to improve health and environmental sciences.

Research Interests

🔬 Natural Product Research
Exploring bioactive compounds for therapeutic potential.

🧬 Drug Development
Focusing on antioxidant and antidiabetic agents from plants.

💻 Molecular Docking and Dynamics
Studying molecular interactions for target-based drug discovery.

🌿 Compound Isolation
Identifying metabolites using advanced chromatographic techniques.

Awards

🏆 International Society of Endocrinology Travel Grant (2016)
🏆 Addgene Seeding Lab Plasmid Grant Award (2018)
🏆 International Foundation of Science Award (2020)
🏆 NRF–TWAS Doctoral Award Grant UID 129951
🏆 CUT Research Grant and Scholarship

Publications

  1. “Unraveling the Influence of Chlorogenic Acid on Avocado Peel Antioxidant Phytochemistry”
  2. “Epicatechin Modulation of Glucose Uptake in Chang Cells”
  3. “Phytochemistry of Litchi Peel in Diabetic Models”
  4. “Ellagitannin Profiles in Pomegranate Peel Using Chemometrics”
  5. “Ellagitannins and Antioxidant Properties from Pomegranate Peel”
  6. “Gamma-sitosterol–rich Fraction from Ficus exasperata

Conclusion

Dr. Gloria Otito Izu is an exceptional candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. Her impressive track record in natural product research, strong publication portfolio, and commitment to advancing biomedical science through interdisciplinary methodologies make her a standout. By focusing on translational research, securing diverse funding sources, and enhancing global visibility, she could further solidify her position as a leader in her field.