ALI MEKKI | Microbiology | Excellence in Research

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Prof. Dr. ALI MEKKI | Microbiology | Excellence in Research 

Full Professor/Senior Researcher,at Sfax University, Tunisia.

Dr. Ali Mekki is a Full Professor and Senior Researcher specializing in Biological Engineering and Environmental Bioprocesses. 🌱 With over two decades of academic and research experience, he is a leading figure at the Laboratory of Environmental Bioprocesses, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), Tunisia. His work focuses on soil biochemistry, biowaste treatment, and valorization techniques that contribute to sustainable environmental management. 🌍 Dr. Mekki has authored more than 80 scientific articles and serves as a certified reviewer for over 9 international journals. He is also on the editorial board of the Journal of Biotechnology and Phytochemistry. A respected mentor and innovator, Dr. Mekki actively collaborates on multidisciplinary projects addressing ecological resilience and agricultural biotechnology.

Professional Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Ali Mekki’s academic journey is rooted in biological and environmental sciences. 📚 He earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Biological Engineering, specializing in Soil Biochemistry and Environmental Bioprocesses. His postgraduate education equipped him with deep expertise in biotechnological applications, waste valorization, and sustainable soil management. 🌾 Over the years, Dr. Mekki has pursued advanced training in biowaste transformation technologies, environmental risk assessment, and eco-toxicological evaluation. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for a prolific career that bridges scientific innovation with real-world environmental solutions. 💡 Through continuous learning and international collaboration, he has contributed to developing educational frameworks that enhance student engagement in environmental research and sustainable agriculture.

👨‍🏫 Experience

Dr. Mekki boasts over 20 years of teaching and research experience at leading Tunisian universities. 🏛️ As a Full Professor at CBS Tunisia, he mentors graduate and doctoral students in biological engineering and bioprocess design. He has led several multidisciplinary research projects aimed at optimizing biowaste valorization systems, including anaerobic digestion, composting, and phyto-remediation. 🔬 Beyond academia, Dr. Mekki has worked closely with governmental and environmental organizations to implement green technologies for soil remediation and organic waste recycling. His collaborative approach extends to supervising international research partnerships and participating in capacity-building programs. 🤝 He regularly contributes to curriculum development, academic policy planning, and scientific dissemination.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Ali Mekki’s research is anchored in environmental biotechnology, with a focus on:

  • 🌿 Biowaste treatment & valorization

  • 🧪 Soil biochemistry and microbial dynamics

  • 🌾 Eco-friendly bioprocesses for waste recycling

  • 💧 Pollutant biodegradation and soil health restoration
    He explores innovative methods to transform agricultural and industrial waste into valuable bio-resources, enhancing environmental sustainability. ♻️ His work on soil enzymatic activities, microbial community structure, and biodegradability assessment has earned recognition for offering eco-efficient solutions. Dr. Mekki is also deeply invested in studying bio-indicators of soil health under organic waste amendments and developing technologies for improving soil fertility and carbon sequestration. 🌍

🏅 Awards

Dr. Mekki has received numerous honors for his outstanding contributions to environmental science and biotechnology. 🏆 He has been nominated for Best Researcher in Environmental Bioprocesses multiple times and has earned recognition from national and international agencies for innovation in biowaste valorization. His dedication to academic excellence has earned him research grants, conference awards, and editorial distinctions. 📜 Additionally, he has been honored for his mentorship of young researchers and his pioneering work on sustainable soil technologies. As a respected reviewer and editorial board member, he continues to shape scientific literature and uphold high standards in peer review. ✨

📚Top Noted Publications

Dr. Mekki has authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Waste Management, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, and Environmental Technology. 🔗 A few selected publications include:

1. Mekki A. et al. (2022)

Title: Biodegradation of olive mill waste using fungal strains
Journal: Waste Management
Summary:
This study investigates the potential of specific fungal strains for the biodegradation of olive mill waste (OMW), which is known for its high phytotoxicity and environmental burden. The researchers isolated and screened fungi for their ability to break down organic matter and reduce the toxicity of OMW. Enzymatic activity (like laccase and peroxidase) and the breakdown of phenolic compounds were central indicators of effectiveness.

Key Points:

  • Several fungal strains (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma) showed significant degradation potential.

  • OMW treated with fungi showed reduced toxicity and better suitability for land application.

  • The study supports the integration of fungal treatment in waste valorization processes.

Citations: 18 (as of now)

2. Mekki A. et al. (2021)

Title: Soil enzymatic activities under compost application
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Summary:
This paper explores the impact of compost applications on soil health, particularly focusing on enzymatic activities which serve as bioindicators of microbial functioning. The study assessed the application of organic compost derived from agro-waste and its effect on enzymes like dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease.

Key Points:

  • Compost improved soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

  • Enzymatic activities were significantly higher in amended soils compared to controls.

  • Highlights compost’s role in improving soil quality while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.

Citations: 24

3. Mekki A. et al. (2019)

Title: Valorization of agricultural waste: A review
Journal: Environmental Technology
Summary:
A comprehensive review summarizing current methods for the valorization of agricultural waste, including composting, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and the use of microbial treatments. It emphasizes the environmental and economic benefits of turning waste into biofertilizers, biofuels, and bioplastics.

Key Points:

  • Focus on circular economy approaches in agro-waste management.

  • Evaluation of biological, chemical, and thermal conversion techniques.

  • Discussion on policy implications and future research directions.

Citations: 45

Conclusion

Dr. Ali Mekki is a highly suitable candidate for an Excellence in Research award. His long-standing academic tenure, robust publication record, and recognized expertise in bioprocessing and environmental biotechnology form a solid foundation of scholarly excellence. To further elevate his candidacy, a clearer demonstration of global impact, innovation, and mentorship outcomes is recommended.

Muhammad Abubakar Siddique | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Abubakar Siddique | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral Researcher, at Zhejiang University, China.

👩‍🎓 Dr. M. Abubakar Siddique is a distinguished microbiologist specializing in genomic epidemiology and molecular microbiology. Currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Zhejiang University, China, he has made significant contributions to understanding antibiotic resistance and microbial genomics. His expertise spans whole-genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and microbial resistance mechanisms. With a focus on zoonotic foodborne pathogens, Dr. Siddique investigates antimicrobial resistance in poultry and its impact on public health. He has authored numerous high-impact publications and actively collaborates on international research projects.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Siddique holds a PhD in Applied Biosciences (Microbiology) from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. His doctoral research, conducted in collaboration with Penn State University, focused on multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica and probiotic-based interventions. He also earned an MPhil in Microbiology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. His academic journey includes specialized training in whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial resistance surveillance from Denmark’s Technical University.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Siddique is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Zhejiang University, China. Previously, he served as a Research Assistant at NARC, Islamabad, working on agricultural breeding innovations. He also lectured at NUST Islamabad and worked as a Veterinarian in ASAB’s Lab Animal House. His industry experience includes managing poultry farms, emphasizing his practical expertise in microbiology and veterinary sciences.

Research Interests 🌍

Dr. Siddique’s research integrates bioinformatics, comparative genomics, and molecular microbiology to study antibiotic resistance at the animal-human-environment interface. His work focuses on understanding antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic pathogens, particularly non-typhoidal Salmonella, and exploring probiotics as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry. His research also extends to the gut microbiome’s role in health and disease, employing advanced genome sequencing techniques for bacterial characterization.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Dr. Siddique has received multiple awards for his contributions to microbiology and public health. He has been honored with research grants and travel awards for international conferences. His work has been recognized by esteemed scientific organizations for its impact on antimicrobial resistance and food safety. He has also completed prestigious training programs on metagenomics and AMR diagnostics at global institutions.

Top Noted Publications 📖

Dr. Siddique has published extensively in high-impact journals. Some of his notable works include:

  • Genomic Analysis and Resistome Profiling of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica – One Health (2025) [Cited by: 5]

    Authors: Not specified in the provided information.​

    Journal: One Health​

    Publication Year: 2025​

    Summary: This study focuses on the genomic characteristics and antibiotic resistance profiles of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica strains, emphasizing the implications for public health and the importance of a One Health approach.​

    Link: Not provided.​X-MOL

  • Global Epidemiology and Health Risks of Bacillus cereus Infections: Special Focus on Infant Foods – Food Research International (2025) [Cited by: 3]

    Authors: Na Li, Abubakar Siddique, Ningjun Liu, Lin Teng, Abdelaziz Ed-Dra, Min Yue, Yan Li​MDPI+2X-MOL+2PMC+2

    Journal: Food Research International​

    Publication Year: 2025​

    Summary: This paper provides an overview of the worldwide distribution and health risks associated with Bacillus cereus infections, with a particular emphasis on infant foods. The study highlights the need for improved food safety measures to protect vulnerable populations.​

    Link: Global Epidemiology and Health Risks of Bacillus cereus Infections​X-MOL

  • Isolation, Characterization, and Genome Sequencing Analysis of a Novel Phage HBW-1 of Salmonella – Microbial Pathogenesis (2025) [Cited by: 2]

    Authors: Not specified in the provided information.​

    Journal: Microbial Pathogenesis​

    Publication Year: 2025​PubMed

    Summary: This research reports the isolation and characterization of a new bacteriophage, HBW-1, which exhibits lytic activity against Salmonella strains. The study suggests its potential as an alternative to antibiotics in controlling Salmonella infections.​

    Link: Isolation and Genome Sequencing Analysis of a Novel Phage HBW-1 of Salmonella​

  • The Evolution of Vaccines Development across Salmonella Serovars among Animal Hosts: A Systematic Review – Vaccines (2024) [Cited by: 4]

    Authors: Abubakar Siddique, Zining Wang, Haiyang Zhou, Linlin Huang, Chenghao Jia, Baikui Wang, Abdelaziz Ed-Dra, Lin Teng, Yan Li, Min Yue​X-MOL+2MDPI+2PMC+2

    Journal: Vaccines​PMC

    Publication Year: 2024​MDPI+1X-MOL+1

    Summary: This systematic review examines the progression of vaccine development targeting various Salmonella serovars in animal hosts. It discusses the efficacy of different vaccine strategies and highlights the need for innovative approaches in combating Salmonella infections.​

    Link: The Evolution of Vaccines Development across Salmonella Serovars among Animal Hosts: A Systematic Review​MDPI+1PMC+1

  • Impact of COVID-19 on Zoonotic Salmonella Prevalence – hLife (2024) [Cited by: 6]

    Authors: Not specified in the provided information.​

    Journal: hLife​

    Publication Year: 2024​

    Summary: This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the prevalence of zoonotic Salmonella infections, considering factors such as changes in human behavior, animal interactions, and public health policies.​

    Link: Not provided.

Conclusion

Dr. M. Abubakar Siddique is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his cutting-edge contributions to antimicrobial resistance, foodborne pathogens, and comparative genomics. His international collaborations, diverse technical expertise, and high-impact publications make him a standout researcher in microbiology and epidemiology.

Mansour Sedighi | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mansour Sedighi | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Author, at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

✨ Dr. Mansour Sedighi is a distinguished microbiologist specializing in medical bacteriology. With a Ph.D. from Iran University of Medical Sciences, his research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, foodborne pathogens, and molecular diagnostics. He possesses extensive experience in diagnostic microbiology, bacterial DNA sequencing, and immunoassay development. Dr. Sedighi has contributed significantly to understanding drug-resistant bacteria, with numerous publications in reputed journals. His expertise spans advanced molecular techniques, including PCR, qPCR, and various chromatographic methods. Passionate about microbial research, he continues to make significant strides in infectious disease control and bacterial genomics.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Sedighi completed his Ph.D. in Medical Bacteriology from Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2017. Prior to that, he earned his M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2014. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Veterinary Laboratory Sciences from the University of Hamadan in 2011, followed by an Associate degree in Veterinary from the University of Zabol in 2009. His diverse educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in microbiology, molecular biology, and infectious disease research.

Experience 👨‍🎓

Dr. Sedighi has extensive experience in diagnostic and clinical microbiology, with expertise in antimicrobial resistance and bacterial genomics. He has worked with various molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, sequencing, and electrophoresis. His technical proficiency also includes protein purification, enterotoxin production, and chromatographic techniques like HPLC and FPLC. Dr. Sedighi has played a crucial role in developing immunoassays such as ELISA and RIA. His research has significantly contributed to understanding and combating bacterial resistance in clinical settings, making him a respected expert in the field.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Sedighi’s research focuses on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, foodborne pathogens, and molecular diagnostics. He is particularly interested in developing rapid diagnostic techniques for drug-resistant bacteria and investigating new antimicrobial strategies. His work on metallo-β-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been instrumental in understanding resistance patterns in clinical isolates. Additionally, he explores nutritional studies and defined media development for bacterial growth and toxin production. His research aims to improve public health by addressing global microbial threats.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Sedighi has received numerous accolades for his contributions to microbiology and infectious disease research. His work on antimicrobial resistance has been recognized in both national and international scientific communities. His dedication to bacterial genomics and innovative diagnostic methods has earned him research grants and awards from esteemed medical and scientific organizations. He continues to push the boundaries of microbiological research with his groundbreaking studies.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Dr. Sedighi has authored numerous research papers in high-impact journals. His work spans antimicrobial resistance, bacterial genomics, and molecular diagnostics. Here are some notable publications:

  • Identification of Metallo-β-Lactamase and Drug Resistance Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains

    • Journal: Global Journal of Medicine Researches and Studies

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: Cited by multiple studies

    • Focus: Investigates the presence of metallo-β-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.

  • Antimicrobial Resistant Pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains

    • Journal: Global Journal of Medicine Researches and Studies

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: Widely referenced

    • Focus: Examines resistance patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa against different antimicrobial agents.

  • Identification of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria by PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis

    • Journal: Journal of Isfahan Medical School

    • Year: 2014

    • Focus: Uses PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis for detecting non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

  • Prevalence and Antibacterial Resistance of Coagulase Negative Staphylococci

    • Journal: Journal of Isfahan Medical School

    • Year: 2014

    • Focus: Studies the occurrence and resistance patterns of coagulase-negative Staphylococci.

  • Molecular Detection of blaSPM-1 Gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

    • Journal: Biological Journal of Microorganism

    • Year: 2015

    • Focus: Identifies the blaSPM-1 resistance gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.

  • Serological Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection

    • Journal: Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases (Arch Clin Infect Dis)

    • Year: 2015

    • Focus: Investigates serological methods for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection.

Conclusion

Dr. Mansour Sedighi is a highly qualified researcher in medical bacteriology with extensive publications and technical expertise. His work on antimicrobial resistance and clinical microbiology makes a significant contribution to the field. While he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, further international collaborations, research diversification, and leadership roles could further solidify his candidacy for top-tier recognition.

Athanasios Tsakris | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Athanasios Tsakris | Clinical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor of Microbiology, at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.

Athanasios Tsakris is a Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at the Medical School, University of Athens, Greece. He is a renowned expert in clinical microbiology, having graduated as an MD from the University of Athens in 1985 and holding a PhD in Clinical Microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases, University of London. Prof. Tsakris has made significant contributions to the fields of antimicrobial resistance, infection control, and microbial outbreak investigations, with over 470 peer-reviewed publications and an impressive h-index of 58.

Profile

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ORCID

Education

Medical Degree: University of Athens, Greece (1985)
PhD in Clinical Microbiology: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases, University of London (1993)
Fellow in Medical Microbiology & Virology: Royal College of Pathologists, London

Experience

Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology: Medical School, University of Athens
Prof. Tsakris teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has held visiting professorships at prestigious institutions, including the Division of Infectious Diseases at Harvard Medical School. He has also worked at North Middlesex Hospital and the Central Public Health Laboratory in London. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance in the EU and evaluates grant applications for global organizations.

Research Interests

Prof. Tsakris’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, infection control strategies, and the investigation of microbial and viral outbreaks. His work is pivotal in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance, a growing global health challenge.

Awards

Prof. Tsakris has received numerous accolades for his contributions to clinical microbiology and infectious disease research. He is widely recognized for his expertise and serves as an editor for several top-tier microbiology and infectious diseases journals.

Publications

Prof. Tsakris has authored more than 470 peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited over 14,200 times (Scopus, Jan 2024). Below are selected publications:

  • Tsakris, A. (2020). Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacterial Pathogens. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 222(5), 345-356. DOI Link (Cited by 250 articles)
    • This paper focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving resistance to antibiotics in bacterial pathogens, highlighting the importance of targeted antimicrobial therapies to combat resistant strains.
  • Tsakris, A. (2019). The Role of Infection Control in Preventing Microbial Outbreaks in Hospital Settings. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 33(4), 789-804. DOI Link (Cited by 180 articles)
    • In this comprehensive review, Prof. Tsakris delves into the effectiveness of infection control measures in healthcare environments, evaluating protocols for limiting microbial outbreaks, especially multidrug-resistant organisms.
  • Tsakris, A. (2018). Novel Approaches to Combatting Viral Outbreaks: From Vaccines to Antivirals. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 62(9), 124-138. DOI Link (Cited by 210 articles)
    • This article explores innovative strategies to combat viral outbreaks, with a focus on new antiviral therapies and the development of vaccines as essential tools in global public health efforts.

Conclusion

Prof. Athanasios Tsakris is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to the field of microbiology, particularly in antimicrobial resistance and infection control, have had a significant global impact. With his robust publication record, high citation count, and editorial leadership, he stands as a key figure in his field. Expanding into interdisciplinary and policy-oriented research would elevate his already impressive academic portfolio. Based on his achievements and current standing, he is highly suitable for the award.