Roberto Berni Canani | Molecular Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Roberto Berni Canani | Molecular Medicine | Best Researcher Award 

Full Professor of Pediatrics, at University of Naples Federico II, Italy.

Prof. Dr. Roberto Berni Canani is a globally esteemed expert in pediatric allergy, gastroenterology, and nutrition. He holds the position of Full Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Naples “Federico II” and leads multiple pivotal programs, including the Pediatric Allergy Gastroenterology and Nutrition Program, ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, and NutriTechLab. His interdisciplinary approach integrates clinical practice with cutting-edge research, focusing on food-induced diseases, gut microbiome, and immunonutrition. With over 400 scientific publications and an H-index of 94, his work has significantly influenced pediatric healthcare. Prof. Canani is also an active member of several international scientific societies and has been recognized among the Top 100 Italian Scientists by VIA-Academy since 2013. Biocodex Microbiota Institute

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Prof. Canani earned his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Naples “Federico II”. His doctoral research delved into the pathophysiology of acute and chronic intestinal diseases, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. He further specialized in Pediatrics, obtaining board certification, and pursued advanced training through research fellowships and visiting professorships at esteemed institutions such as Harvard Medical School, University of Chicago, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. These experiences enriched his expertise, particularly in the areas of pediatric digestive diseases and nutrition, and facilitated collaborations that have been instrumental in his research on food-induced diseases and the gut microbiome. ResearchGate

💼 Experience

With a career spanning over three decades, Prof. Canani has been at the forefront of pediatric healthcare and research. He founded and currently leads the Pediatric Allergy Gastroenterology and Nutrition Program at the University of Naples “Federico II”, one of Europe’s largest centers dedicated to pediatric allergy and nutrition. Under his leadership, the program has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the World Allergy Organization. He also established the ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, focusing on translating research findings into clinical applications. His roles extend to directing the Master’s Degree Course in Human Nutrition and participating in various task forces addressing microbiome studies, nutraceuticals, and T2 diseases.

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Canani’s research is deeply rooted in understanding the interplay between nutrition, the immune system, and the gut microbiome in pediatric populations. His work explores the pathogenesis of food-induced diseases, aiming to develop innovative strategies for prevention and treatment. Key areas of interest include immunonutrition, the role of probiotics and postbiotics, epigenetic regulation of immune responses, and the impact of environmental factors on gut health. His interdisciplinary research team employs advanced methodologies, from organoid cultures to artificial gut systems, to unravel complex biological mechanisms and translate them into clinical interventions. ceinge.unina.it

🏆 Awards

Prof. Canani’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He has received several scientific prizes for his research activities and has been a member of the Expert Panel and the Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies Panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Since 2013, he has been listed among the Top 100 Italian Scientists by VIA-Academy. In 2019, he was included in the PLOS Biology list of the most influential international scientists. His expertise has also been acknowledged by Expertscape, placing him in the top 1% of scholars writing about food allergy over the past decade.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Prof. Canani has authored over 400 scientific publications, contributing significantly to the fields of pediatric allergy, gastroenterology, and nutrition. His work is widely cited, with more than 44,000 citations and an H-index of 94. Below are some of his notable publications:

1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-supplemented formula expands butyrate-producing bacterial strains in food allergic infants

  • Journal: ISME Journal, 2016; 10(3):742–750

  • Citations: 200+

  • Key Insight: Supplementation with L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) increases butyrate-producing strains, indicating a protective microbiota profile in allergic infants.

2. Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula with LGG prevents additional allergic manifestations

  • Journal: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017; 139(6):1906–1913.e4

  • Citations: 150+

  • Key Insight: Long-term consumption of hydrolyzed casein formula with LGG reduces the risk of other allergic diseases (e.g., eczema, asthma).

3. Altered miR-193a-5p expression in children with cow’s milk allergy

  • Journal: Allergy, 2018; 73(2):379–386

  • Citations: 100+

  • Key Insight: Epigenetic dysregulation via altered microRNA expression may be involved in cow’s milk allergy pathogenesis.

4. EPICMA Study: Dietary intervention and epigenetic mechanisms in cow’s milk allergy

  • Journal: Scientific Reports, 2019; 9(1):2828

  • Citations: 80+

  • Key Insight: Diet influences immune-related epigenetic modifications in allergic children, reinforcing nutrition’s role in immune development.

5. Healthy infants harbor intestinal bacteria that protect against food allergy

  • Journal: Nature Medicine, 2019; 25(3):448–453

  • Citations: 300+

  • Key Insight: Early-life presence of specific gut microbes correlates with protection against food allergies, providing targets for microbiome-based interventions.

6. Targeting Food Allergy with Probiotics

  • Book Chapter: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2019

  • Citations: 50+

  • Key Insight: Reviews probiotic strategies for modulating immune responses and reducing food allergy incidence.

7. Synbiotic trial: L. paracasei B21060 + prebiotics in children with acute diarrhea

  • Journal: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2012

  • Citations: 70+

  • Key Insight: Demonstrates clinical efficacy of a synbiotic in reducing duration and severity of diarrhea in children.

8. Epigenetic Regulation of Early Nutrition on Immune System

  • Book Chapter: Handbook of Nutrition, Diet, and Epigenetics, 2017

  • Citations: 60+

  • Key Insight: Explores the interplay between early-life nutrition and immune system development via epigenetic pathways.

9. EAACI Position Paper: Diagnosis & Management of Food Allergy-Induced Constipation

  • Journal: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2024; 35(6)

  • Citations: 30+

  • Key Insight: Provides evidence-based recommendations for managing GI symptoms linked to food allergy in young children.

10. Italian Joint Position Paper: Pediatric Food Allergies and Intolerances Pathway

  • Journal: Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2022

  • Citations: 40+

  • Key Insight: Establishes an integrated clinical pathway for diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up in children with food allergies in Italy.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Roberto Berni Canani exhibits all the hallmarks of a world-class researcher: groundbreaking and interdisciplinary work, an enormous impact on both science and clinical practice, and a clear commitment to training future leaders and engaging with the public. His contributions have transformed the understanding and management of pediatric gastroenterology and food-induced diseases, making him eminently deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Anam Ashraf | Structural Biology | Women Researcher Award

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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.