Barbara De Filippis | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barbara De Filippis | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of G. d’Annunzio Chieti and Pescara | Italy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Barbara De Filippis is an accomplished scholar in pharmaceutical chemistry whose career reflects sustained excellence in research, teaching, and scientific leadership. With a rigorous academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences supported by advanced research qualifications, she has cultivated deep expertise in the design, synthesis, and evaluation of bioactive molecules. Her professional trajectory includes extensive experience in academic research environments, where she has contributed to and coordinated laboratory activities, guided research teams, and played a central role in advancing innovative scientific projects. Her work spans molecular design, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical analysis, contributing to the development of compounds with potential therapeutic relevance. She has been an active participant in national and international research collaborations, integrating multidisciplinary approaches that strengthen the impact and visibility of her scientific contributions. Her publication record, comprising numerous peer-reviewed articles indexed in leading scientific databases, is supported by a robust citation profile and a significant h-index, underscoring both productivity and influence within the research community. She has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality scholarship through ongoing contributions to the scientific literature, active engagement in research networks, and participation in scholarly dissemination. Her career is further distinguished by professional recognitions and academic qualifications that affirm her disciplinary expertise and long-standing dedication to pharmaceutical chemistry. Through her combined strengths in research innovation, academic service, and collaborative leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr Barbara De Filippis exemplifies the profile of an outstanding researcher whose continued work promises further advancements in medicinal chemistry and related scientific fields.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Kazimierczak, P., Balaha, M., Palka, K., Wessely-Szponder, J., Wojcik, M., di Giacomo, V., De Filippis, B., & Przekora, A. (2025). Macroporous hydroxyapatite-based bone scaffolds loaded with CAPE derivatives: A strategy to reduce oxidative stress and biofilm formation. Materials, 18.

2. De Filippis, B., Agamennone, M., Ammazzalorso, A., Amoroso, R., Giampietro, L., Maccallini, C., Sağlık, B. N., De Simone, C., Zuccarini, M., Kaplancıklı, Z. A., et al. (2025). Discovery and evaluation of novel sulfonamide derivatives targeting aromatase in ER+ breast cancer. Pharmaceuticals, 18.

3. De Filippis, B., Della Valle, A., Ammazzalorso, A., Maccallini, C., Tesse, G., Amoroso, R., Mollica, A., & Giampietro, L. (2024). Azobenzene as multi-targeted scaffold in medicinal chemistry. Molecules, 29.

4. Tesse, G., Tolomeo, A., De Filippis, B., & Giampietro, L. (2024). Radiolabeled probes from derivatives of natural compounds used in nuclear medicine. Molecules, 29.

5. Maccallini, C., Budriesi, R., De Filippis, B., & Amoroso, R. (2024). Advancements in the research of new modulators of nitric oxide synthases activity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Barbara De Filippis advances scientific innovation through the design and development of novel pharmaceutical compounds that address critical therapeutic needs and strengthen translational research. Her contributions enhance drug discovery processes, support healthier societies, and foster meaningful progress in medicinal chemistry with potential global impact.

Gillian Mahumane | Pharmaceutical science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gillian Mahumane | Pharmaceutical science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Dr. Gillian D. Mahumane is a pharmaceutical scientist and lecturer whose research advances neural-targeted and vaginal drug delivery systems with a strong focus on translational pharmaceutics and global health impact. Her work spans innovative platforms such as antimicrobial cryogels, polymeric films, and nanofiber scaffolds for applications in neural repair and women’s health. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, contributed to book chapters, and presented at international conferences, establishing her as a thought leader in advanced drug delivery. Beyond research, she is deeply committed to mentorship, supervising postgraduate students, co-founding research support initiatives, and shaping biopharmaceutics curricula to bridge science and practice. Recognition through prestigious fellowships and membership in the Global Young Academy highlights her growing leadership in science communication, innovation management, and policy engagement. Combining scientific excellence, mentorship, and advocacy, Dr. Mahumane exemplifies a new generation of researchers dedicated to advancing biomedical innovation and societal health impact.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Gillian D. Mahumane has built a solid academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences through progressive qualifications at the University of the Witwatersrand. She completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy, where her early research explored drug delivery using polycaprolactone-based systems. Building on this, she earned her Master of Pharmacy with distinction, focusing on the antimicrobial activity and chemical analysis of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil, which deepened her expertise in natural products and pharmaceutical analysis. Her doctoral studies marked a significant step into advanced biomaterials and regenerative medicine, culminating in a PhD in which she designed and evaluated nano-reinforced hydro-filled 3D scaffolds for neural tissue engineering. This multidisciplinary training equipped her with expertise in pharmaceutics, biomaterials, and pharmacokinetics, forming the basis for her later research into neural-targeted and vaginal drug delivery platforms. Her academic journey reflects both depth in specialized research and breadth across pharmaceutical sciences, positioning her for leadership in translational pharmaceutics.

Experience

Dr. Gillian Mahumane is a lecturer in biopharmaceutics and a researcher with the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform, where she combines teaching, mentorship, and cutting-edge research. Her role encompasses supervising postgraduate projects, integrating research into curriculum design, and driving institutional research support strategies. She has gained valuable international experience through fellowships with the Population Council’s Centre for Biomedical Research in New York, focusing on vaginal drug delivery innovation, and the UCL-Wits Public Voices Fellowship, which enhances her leadership in science communication. In addition to her academic contributions, she has engaged in policy-linked research initiatives and co-founded a research support group that mentors over thirty postgraduate students. Her professional journey is defined by a balance of laboratory innovation, translational research, and capacity building. Through these roles, she has cultivated expertise not only as a scientist but also as an educator, mentor, and emerging leader in pharmaceutical innovation and global health.

Research Focus

Dr. Gillian Mahumane’s research is anchored in translational pharmaceutics, particularly neural-targeted and vaginal drug delivery systems designed to address unmet clinical needs. She has explored advanced biomaterials, including nanofiber scaffolds, polymeric films, and antimicrobial cryogels, with applications ranging from brain tissue regeneration to intravaginal microbicide delivery. Her doctoral research pioneered nano-reinforced hydro-filled 3D scaffolds for neural repair, addressing challenges in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. More recently, she has advanced vaginal platforms for multipurpose prevention technologies, integrating biopharmaceutics and global health perspectives. Complementing these laboratory innovations, she contributes to pharmacokinetics research, designing teaching models and patient-centered dosage regimens. Her focus extends beyond discovery to translation, aiming to move research outputs into real-world applications that improve health outcomes. By integrating pharmaceutical sciences, biomaterials engineering, and policy engagement, her research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also supports broader societal impact in women’s health and neurotherapeutics.

Award and Honor

Dr. Gillian Mahumane has been recognized with multiple awards and fellowships that underscore both her scientific excellence and her emerging leadership in global health research. She is a member of the Global Young Academy, an honor that acknowledges her as a voice for African biomedical innovation and positions her within an influential international network of scientists. Her selection as a CBR/Jeiven Fellow at the Population Council in New York highlighted her contributions to vaginal drug delivery innovation, while her UCL-Wits Public Voices Fellowship reflects her strength in science communication and policy engagement. She has also been featured in initiatives promoting women in science, innovation in pharmaceutical education, and capacity building in Africa. Beyond formal fellowships, her research and teaching have been showcased through institutional awards, invited talks, and international conference presentations. These recognitions emphasize not only her scholarly achievements but also her commitment to mentorship, innovation, and societal health impact.

Publication Top Notes

Title: 3D scaffolds for brain tissue regeneration: architectural challenges
Authors: GD Mahumane, P Kumar, LC du Toit, YE Choonara, V Pillay
Year: 2018
Citations: 90

Title: Repositioning N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC-Loaded Electrospun Drug Delivery Scaffolding for Potential Neural Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: GD Mahumane, P Kumar, V Pillay, YE Choonara
Year: 2020
Citations: 29

Title: Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus radiata leaf essential oil, sampled over a year
Authors: GD Mahumane, SF van Vuuren, G Kamatou, M Sandasi, AM Viljoen
Year: 2016
Citations: 13

Title: Impact of illegible prescriptions on dispensing practice: a Pilot Study of South African Pharmacy Personnel
Authors: T Modi, N Khumalo, R Shaikh, Z Booth, S Leigh-de Rapper, GD Mahumane
Year: 2022
Citations: 9

Title: Antimicrobial activity and chemical analysis of Eucalyptus radiata leaf essential oil
Author: GD Mahumane
Year: 2016
Citations: 5

Title: A review of bigels for neurotrauma therapeutics: Structural insights for tissue microenvironment alignment
Authors: YC Botle Moswatsi, GD Mahumane, Pradeep Kumar
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Title: The potential for Eucalyptus radiata leaf essential oil use as a commercial antimicrobial
Authors: GD Mahumane, SF van Vuuren, AM Viljoen, G Kamatou
Year: 2015
Citations: 1

Title: A Dual-Template Molecularly Imprinted Polymer to Inhibit Quorum Sensing Molecules: Theoretical Design, Optimized Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and Preliminary Analysis
Authors: PL Khonzisizwe Somandi, TS Mwale, M Sobiech, D Klejn, GD Mahumane, YE Choonara, J Giebułtowicz, P Luliński
Year: 2025

Title: Bio-inspired nanofibres: Weaving biological tissue with nanomedicine to repair brains
Authors: GD Mahumane, YE Choonara
Year: 2022

Title: Nano-enabled systems for neural tissue regenerative applications
Authors: GD Mahumane, P Kumar, YE Choonara
Year: 2022

Title: Nano-reinforced hydro-filled 3D scaffold for neural tissue engineering (PhD Thesis)
Author: GD Mahumane
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Gillian D. Mahumane has established a strong and growing research portfolio in pharmaceutical sciences, with particular strengths in neural tissue engineering, vaginal drug delivery platforms, and biomaterials innovation. Her most-cited works, such as those on 3D scaffolds for brain tissue regeneration and electrospun drug delivery systems, highlight her contributions to advancing regenerative medicine and translational pharmaceutics. In addition, her studies on natural products and antimicrobial applications demonstrate her versatility across pharmaceutical research domains. While some of her most recent publications are still in the early stages of gaining citations, they reflect cutting-edge directions in drug delivery and biomedical innovation. Taken together, her body of work illustrates both academic impact and practical relevance, positioning her as a promising and influential researcher. With continued advancement of her translational outputs and expanded global collaborations, Dr. Mahumane is well-placed to make sustained contributions worthy of recognition through research excellence awards.

Vuanghao Lim | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Vuanghao Lim | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

University Lecturer, USM, Malaysia

👨‍🔬 Lim Vuanghao is an Associate Professor at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). His extensive work in nanodrug delivery and green nano-synthesis has made him a recognized figure in the fields of pharmaceutical technology and metabolomics. He has held various leadership roles, including Head of the Integrative Medicine Cluster at USM. Lim’s research focuses on cutting-edge therapeutic strategies, emphasizing targeted drug delivery and the application of metabolomics in medical sciences.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Lim Vuanghao has a rich background in nanodrug delivery, green nano-synthesis, and metabolomics/chemometrics. His research contributions are well-documented across multiple platforms, including Web of Science, ORCID, Scopus, and Google Scholar.

Diverse Educational Background: Dr. Lim’s academic qualifications are impressive, with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology, an M.Sc. in Pharmacy, a B.Sc. in Chemical Sciences, and additional qualifications in Acupuncture and Energy Medicine. This multidisciplinary education underpins his innovative research in nanotechnology and drug delivery systems.

Successful Grant Acquisition: Dr. Lim has secured significant research funding both internationally and nationally, demonstrating his capability to attract and manage research projects. These grants, such as those for breast cancer research and nanocomposite drug delivery systems, highlight his focus on high-impact research areas.

Graduate Supervision and Mentorship: He has successfully supervised several Ph.D. and Master’s students, which speaks to his role in developing the next generation of researchers. His supervision has led to the completion of innovative theses on topics such as green synthesis of nanoparticles and drug delivery systems.

Professional Recognition and Impact: Dr. Lim has been invited as a keynote speaker and research consultant on numerous occasions, indicating his expertise is well-recognized globally. His visiting fellowships and academic appointments in various countries further emphasize his international standing.

Professional and Community Service: His involvement in professional associations, such as the American Chemical Society and the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry, and his community service, particularly in environmental education and herbal medicine exploration, demonstrate a commitment to applying his expertise beyond academia.

Areas for Improvement

Publication Impact: While Dr. Lim’s research is broad and multidisciplinary, a focus on increasing the impact factor of his publications could strengthen his candidacy. Targeting top-tier journals and increasing citation metrics might further solidify his reputation as a leading researcher.

Research Diversity: Although Dr. Lim has a strong focus on nanotechnology and drug delivery, expanding his research into newer or emerging areas within pharmaceutical sciences could broaden his influence. Engaging in collaborative projects across different disciplines might also bring new perspectives and innovation.

Industry Collaboration: While Dr. Lim has some experience in consulting and contract research, increasing partnerships with the industry could enhance the practical application of his research. Establishing stronger ties with pharmaceutical companies or biotech firms could lead to commercialization opportunities.

Global Presence: Despite his international fellowships and visiting positions, further enhancing his global presence by leading international research consortia or hosting global conferences could elevate his profile further. Participation in global initiatives and publishing in international collaborations could be beneficial.

Education

🎓 Lim Vuanghao holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology (2010) and an MSc in Pharmacy (2005) from Universiti Sains Malaysia. He also earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemical Sciences from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2002. Further enhancing his medical expertise, Lim completed a Doctor of Medicine in Acupuncture from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines and a Diploma in Clinical Acupuncture and Energy Medicine from Xiamen University, China.

Experience

👨‍🏫 Lim Vuanghao has an extensive academic career, starting as a Research Assistant at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM, and later as a Lecturer at UCSI University. He has also served as the Head of the Integrative Medicine Cluster at USM, where he played a crucial role in advancing the institute’s research capabilities. Lim is also an active member of various grant evaluation panels and research committees.

Research Interest

🔬 Lim Vuanghao’s research interests revolve around nanodrug delivery systems, green nano-synthesis, and the application of metabolomics and chemometrics in medical research. His work aims to develop innovative therapeutic strategies, including targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment and the use of metabolomics to understand disease mechanisms better.

Awards

🏆 Lim Vuanghao has received numerous accolades, including an Academic Fellow Scheme (2023) at Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, and a Senior Visiting Fellowship at Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences, Bhutan. His contributions to research have also been recognized through Visiting Professorships and Research Scholarships at various international institutions.

Publications Top Notes

📝 Selected Publications:

“Development of Quercetin PEGylated Nanodiamonds for Colon Cancer Inhibition” (2021, Universitas Airlangga). Link to Publication – Cited by 10 articles.

“Medicinal Herb of Clinacanthus Nutans for Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Biological Activity and Mechanism” (2021, Xinxiang Medical University). Link to Publication – Cited by 15 articles.

“Thiolated Alginate-PLGA Nanoparticles for Multi-Drug Resistant Breast Cancer” (2019, USM). Link to Publication – Cited by 20 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Lim Vuanghao is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive research contributions, successful mentorship, and professional recognition. His work in nanodrug delivery and metabolomics is highly impactful, and his dedication to both academia and community service underscores his holistic approach to science. While there is room for growth in publication impact, research diversity, and industry collaboration, his current achievements position him as a leading figure in his field. His recognition as a global expert and his ability to secure substantial research funding further support his candidacy for this prestigious award.

Ramadan Al Shdefat | Pharmaceutical Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ramadan Al Shdefat | Pharmaceutical Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Dean,  Jadara University, Jordan

Professor Dr. Ramadan Al Shdefat, renowned in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has been honored with the prestigious Best Researcher Award. As the Dean of Jadara University in Jordan 🏅, his dedication to advancing pharmaceutical research has earned him widespread recognition. Dr. Al Shdefat’s groundbreaking contributions have significantly enriched the academic landscape, paving the way for innovative discoveries and advancements in pharmaceutical sciences. His leadership at Jadara University continues to inspire and empower future generations of researchers, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in academia. This award underscores his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Ramadan Al Shdefat embarked on his academic journey at the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1997. Building upon this foundation, he pursued a Ph.D. of Science in Pharmacy, specializing in Pharmaceutics, and successfully graduated in 2002 from Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan 🎓. These formative years of rigorous study and research laid the groundwork for his illustrious career in pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Al Shdefat’s academic achievements reflect his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence in the field.

Experience

Dr. Ramadan Al Shdefat has held numerous esteemed positions in academia, contributing significantly to the field of pharmaceutics. Notably, he served as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics at the College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia 🏫. His journey also includes roles as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor in various prestigious institutions in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Dr. Al Shdefat’s rich experience spans from teaching and research to administrative leadership, reflecting his versatility and dedication to advancing pharmaceutical education and research. His extensive tenure in academia underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals.

Areas of Research Interest

Dr. Ramadan Al Shdefat’s expertise extends to the realms of Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery Systems, where he has made significant contributions to advancing pharmaceutical technology 🌐. His research focus encompasses the innovative applications of nanotechnology in drug delivery, exploring novel methods to enhance drug efficacy and target-specific delivery systems. Through his scholarly work, Dr. Al Shdefat has illuminated new avenues for drug development and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, his profound knowledge in pharmaceutical technology underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific innovation in the field. His contributions in these areas have garnered widespread recognition, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in pharmaceutical sciences.

Publictions Top Notes

“Nanotechnology Applications in Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review” (2018) Citation: Al Shdefat, R. et al. (2018). Nanotechnology Applications in Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 25(3), 145-162. 📚

“Advancements in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems” (2020) Citation: Al Shdefat, R. et al. (2020). Advancements in Targeted Drug Delivery Systems. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 38(2), 201-215. 📖

“Nanoformulations for Improved Drug Bioavailability” (2019) Citation: Al Shdefat, R. et al. (2019). Nanoformulations for Improved Drug Bioavailability. Drug Delivery Letters, 12(4), 321-335. 📝