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

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

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.

Anam Ashraf | Structural Biology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

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.