Bong-Gyu Mun | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Bong-Gyu Mun | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant professor, at Chungbuk National University, South Korea.

Dr. Bong-Gyu Mun is an accomplished plant biologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental and Biological Chemistry at Chungbuk National University, South Korea. With a strong background in plant functional genomics and applied life sciences, he has extensively contributed to plant stress physiology, nanoparticle-based plant enhancement, and microbial interactions. Dr. Mun has held several prestigious research roles, including Postdoctoral and Research Professorship positions at Kyungpook National University and the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory. His research is recognized internationally through numerous publications in top-tier journals, focusing on improving crop resilience through innovative biotechnological and biochemical strategies. Dr. Mun’s work bridges plant molecular biology with sustainable agriculture, aiming to address pressing global food security issues under climate stress. He remains deeply committed to mentoring students, promoting collaborative science, and translating his findings into practical applications in agriculture and crop biotechnology.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education 

Dr. Mun’s academic journey showcases a strong progression in the field of plant sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Applied Life Science from GyeongSang National University in 2010 and 2012, respectively. His master’s research focused on stress signaling pathways in plants. He further deepened his expertise with a Ph.D. in Plant Functional Genomics from Kyungpook National University in August 2017, where he specialized in understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate plant responses to abiotic stresses. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his current investigations into nanoparticle applications and microbial interactions in enhancing plant resilience. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Mun has consistently demonstrated excellence, participating in research programs that emphasize cutting-edge plant biotechnology and environmental stress adaptation.

 Experience 

Dr. Mun has gained extensive experience in plant molecular biology and biotechnology through a series of progressively advanced academic roles. He began as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University (2017–2018, 2020–2021), and further contributed to the BK21 Plus Project at the same university (2018–2019). He also expanded his global exposure by working at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in Singapore (2019–2020), engaging in collaborative research on stress-resistant crops. From 2021 to 2023, he served as a Research Professor at Kyungpook National University. In 2023, Dr. Mun was appointed Assistant Professor at Chungbuk National University, where he now leads research and teaching activities focused on environmental and biological chemistry. His experience spans physiological, biochemical, and genetic approaches in plant science, underscoring his interdisciplinary expertise and leadership in plant stress adaptation.

Research Interest 

Dr. Mun’s research interests revolve around plant stress physiology, nanobiotechnology, and plant–microbe interactions. He explores how plants respond to abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals, focusing on developing stress-resilient crops through biochemical modulators like nitric oxide, melatonin, and chitosan-based nanoparticles. His work investigates the molecular crosstalk between signaling pathways and the synergistic effects of bioformulations like fulvic acid, GSNO, and microbial biostimulants (e.g., PGPR). Recently, he has pioneered research in using nanocarriers for targeted delivery of stress-alleviating compounds, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Dr. Mun is also intrigued by the role of rhizospheric bacteria and how they modulate hormonal and antioxidant responses in plants. Through integrative molecular and physiological approaches, he aims to bridge basic plant science with practical crop management techniques that can help combat the effects of climate change and ensure food security.

 Award 

Although specific individual awards are not listed in the given data, Dr. Bong-Gyu Mun’s track record of publication in high-impact journals and appointments at leading research institutions is evidence of his recognition in the academic and scientific community. His appointment as an Assistant Professor at Chungbuk National University in 2023 and his previous Research Professorship highlight the trust placed in his academic leadership. His work has also been published multiple times in prestigious international journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Physiologia Plantarum, Frontiers in Plant Science, and BMC Plant Biology, reflecting both the novelty and impact of his research. These achievements stand as strong indicators of his contributions to advancing plant biotechnology and stress physiology. Dr. Mun’s growing citation record and involvement in global collaborations underscore his potential for future awards in plant science and agricultural innovation.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Bong-Gyu Mun has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications focused on plant tolerance mechanisms against environmental stress. His recent works include:

1. Enhancing Soybean Salt Tolerance with GSNO and Silicon

  • Authors: Meshari Winledy Msarie, Nusrat Jahan Methela, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, et al.

  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

  • Date/Volume: 2025 Jan 13; 26(2):609

  • DOI / PMID: DOI: 10.3390/ijms26020609; PubMed PMID available Kyungpook National University(KNU)+9PubMed+9Kyungpook National University(KNU)+9

  • Summary: The study explores how S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) combined with silicon enhances salinity tolerance in soybean through improved physiological, biochemical, and genetic responses. ScienceDirect+15PubMed+15MDPI+15

2. Illite Alleviates Cadmium Stress in Glycine max

  • Title: Deciphering Whether Illite, a Natural Clay Mineral, Alleviates Cadmium Stress in Glycine max Plants …

  • Journal: Sustainability

  • Year: 2024

  • Details: Illite reduces cadmium uptake and boosts antioxidant enzymes, phytohormonal balance, phenolics, flavonoids, while increasing Si absorption in soybean under Cd stress MDPI+12MDPI+12Scilit+12OUCI+1ResearchGate+1

3. Brown Garlic in Asthma Treatment

  • Title: Brown garlic: A nutritionally improved garlic with therapeutic value in asthma treatment via modulation of S‑nitrosothiols

  • Authors: Geun‑Mo Lee, Bong‑Gyu Mun, Adil Hussain, Eungyung Kim, Da‑Sol Lee, Myoung Ok Kim, Byung‑Wook Yun

  • Journal: Heliyon

  • Date: 2024 Aug 28; Volume 10(17): e36976

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36976 PMC+15OUCI+15Kyungpook National University(KNU)+15

4. Melatonin–NO Crosstalk in Plants

  • Title: Melatonin–Nitric Oxide Crosstalk in Plants and the Prospects of NOMela as a Nitric Oxide Donor

  • Authors: Adil Hussain, Brekhna Faheem, Hyung Seok Jang, et al.

  • Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

  • Date: 2024; Volume 25(15):8535 MDPI+6Kyungpook National University(KNU)+6MDPI+6

5. Chitosan‑fulvic Acid Nanoparticles in Maize

  • Title: Chitosan‑fulvic acid nanoparticles enhance drought tolerance in maize via antioxidant defense and transcriptional reprogramming

  • Authors: Alexander Brown, Tiba Nazar Ibrahim Al‑Azawi, Nusrat Jahan Methela, et al.

  • Journal: Physiologia Plantarum

  • Date: 2024; Volume 176(4): e14455 ResearchGate+7Wiley Online Library+7Kyungpook National University(KNU)+7Google Scholar+8ResearchGate+8Academia+8

6. Fulvic Acid Nanoparticles for Rice Growth

  • Title: Fulvic Acid-releasing Chitosan Nanoparticles Promote the Growth and Drought Stress Tolerance of Rice Plants

  • Authors: Mwondha Faluku, Tiba Nazar Ibrahim Al-Azawi, Nusrat Jahan Methela, et al.

  • Journal: Journal of Crop Health

  • Date: 2024; Volume 76(3): 739‑751

  • DOI: 10.1007/s10343‑024‑00979‑9 ResearchGate+15Kyungpook National University(KNU)+15ResearchGate+15

7. Pseudomonas koreensis in Arabidopsis

  • Title: Halotolerant Pseudomonas koreensis S4T10 mitigate salt and drought stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

  • Journal: Physiologia Plantarum

  • Year: 2024; DOI exists: 10.1111/ppl.14258

  • Details: The strain P. koreensis S4T10 was shown to improve Arabidopsis tolerance to salt (100 mM NaCl) and drought by modulating stress-responsive gene expression Bohrium+10ResearchGate+10arabidopsis.org+10Google Scholar+3Wiley Online Library+3arabidopsis.org+3PubMed+1ResearchGate+1

8. Bacillus aryabhattai Promotes Soybean Growth

  • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science

  • Year: 2024

  • Details: Bacillus aryabhattai, a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium, enhances soybean growth by maintaining chlorophyll, nutrient status, and producing butanoic acid link.springer.com+6ResearchGate+6Frontiers+6

9. Melatonin’s Multifaceted Role in Plants

  • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science (Review)

  • Year: 2024

  • Details: Discusses melatonin as a multifunctional signaling molecule mediating development and stress responses, supporting use in crop resilience strategies Frontiers

10. Chitosan‑GSNO Nanoparticles in Soybean

  • Journal: BMC Plant Biology

  • Year: 2023

  • Details: Describes chitosan nanoparticles loaded with GSNO to enhance soybean drought and salinity tolerance, increasing photosynthesis and antioxidant defenses (details inferred from context; paper not fetched directly) Kyungpook National University(KNU)+3Kyungpook National University(KNU)+3MDPI+3

Conclusion 

Dr. Bong-Gyu Mun stands out as a highly promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research output is not only prolific but also impactful in addressing modern agricultural challenges through innovative approaches such as bio-nanotechnology, nitric oxide signaling, and rhizobacteria-mediated stress alleviation. Given his rapid academic advancement, focus on environmental sustainability, and ability to integrate molecular tools with applied sciences, Dr. Mun is well-deserving of this recognition. With ongoing support and increased visibility, he is poised to become a leading global voice in plant biotechnology and agricultural resilience.

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.