Gillian Mahumane | Pharmaceutical science | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary | Regenerative Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor of Regenerative Medicine,University of Ha’il, Collage of Public Health and Health Informatics,Saudi Arabia

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary is a renowned academic and researcher in Regenerative Medicine, specializing in Stem Cell Biology. She obtained the first PhD in Regenerative Medicine by a Saudi researcher from Odense University, Denmark. Dr. Al-Shammary is currently an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics at the University of Hail, Saudi Arabia. She has held prominent roles in scientific review and medical consultation, focusing on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their clinical applications. Fluent in Arabic, English, Danish, and beginner-level French, Dr. Al-Shammary has been an active contributor to the development of public health strategies in Saudi Arabia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work bridges scientific research, health policy, and community impact.

Profile

Strengths for the Award

  1. Expertise in Regenerative Medicine: Dr. Al-Shammary holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Denmark, which makes her one of the first Saudi researchers in this field. Her research has been focused on human stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and human embryonic stem cells, both crucial for advancing regenerative medicine.
  2. Strong Academic Background: Her academic qualifications, including a Master’s degree in Tissue and Cell Embryology from King Faisal University and a Bachelor’s in Biology, demonstrate a solid foundation in the biological sciences. Her work in stem cell biology, specifically regarding MSCs, is of great importance in the current landscape of medical research.
  3. Research Impact: Dr. Al-Shammary’s work has led to multiple research publications in high-impact journals and conferences, contributing significantly to the scientific community. For instance, her studies on COVID-19 dynamics in Saudi Arabia and the promotion of health behaviors during the pandemic show her responsiveness to current global health challenges.
  4. Active Involvement in Cutting-Edge Projects: She has led and contributed to several highly relevant projects such as stem cell research in Saudi Arabia, the development of nano-formulated antibiotics for ocular infections, and lung cancer detection using biosensors. These projects have the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches and improve quality of life.
  5. Leadership Roles: As an Associate Professor and Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics, Dr. Al-Shammary has demonstrated leadership, not only in research but also in academic administration. She has overseen multiple projects and has held influential roles in scientific societies like INHWE and ECTS.
  6. Awards and Recognition: She has received notable awards, including an Award of Excellence from the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany. Furthermore, her leadership in various projects and her work in public health behavior promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic have earned her recognition.
  7. Commitment to Volunteer Work: Dr. Al-Shammary has engaged in significant volunteer work related to health and science education, from serving as a trainer in scientific research methods to participating in charity work. This shows her commitment to the broader community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Public Visibility: While Dr. Al-Shammary has had notable success in research and academic leadership, enhancing her public visibility in the global scientific community through more frequent international collaborations and public speaking at major conferences could further elevate her profile.
  2. Further Collaboration in Interdisciplinary Fields: Although she is highly regarded in regenerative medicine, expanding her research and collaborations into interdisciplinary fields, such as bioengineering, could lead to more innovative outcomes, particularly in medical device development or genetic therapies.
  3. Expanding Research into Clinical Trials: While her work in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology is impressive, a further focus on translating her research into clinical trials and real-world applications would be beneficial. This would enhance the direct impact of her work on patient care and treatment.

Education

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary holds a PhD in Regenerative Medicine from Odense University, Denmark (2015), where her research focused on bone marrow skeletal stem cells and their markers. Prior to that, she earned a Master’s degree in Tissue and Cell Embryology from King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, in 2009, with research on embryonic stem cells from albino mice. In 2002, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Science College, Saudi Arabia. Her academic journey has been enriched by a series of specialized courses, including Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology at Karolinska Institute and Matrix Biology at the University of Copenhagen. These qualifications have laid the foundation for her expertise in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology.

Experience

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary has extensive academic experience. Currently, she serves as Associate Professor in the College of Public Health & Health Informatics at University of Hail, where she was also Vice Dean from 2019 to 2023. Before this, she worked as an Assistant Professor in Biology at the same institution. Dr. Al-Shammary’s career began as a Lecturer at the University of Ha’il, followed by roles at King Faisal University. She has also held administrative positions, including Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Informatics (since 2023) and Head of Consulting Firm specializing in Stem Cells and Epidemic Crisis Management. Her involvement in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SLLE exam) as a Head of Laboratory Operations further underscores her leadership in health sciences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary has received several notable awards and honors throughout her career. She was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany (2015). Her contributions to stem cell research and COVID-19 health initiatives in Saudi Arabia have earned her recognition, including a research award for her MSC and chemotherapy project from the National Center for Radiation Research & Technology (2020-2023). Dr. Al-Shammary has been a key figure in projects such as nano-formulation of antibiotics and lung cancer detection with biosensors. Her innovative leadership in public health behavior during COVID-19 has also been highly praised. Her work continues to influence both scientific and medical communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary’s primary research focus is in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, particularly the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in regenerative therapies. She has also contributed to COVID-19 modeling and public health behavior research in Saudi Arabia. Her research aims to bridge laboratory science with real-world applications, improving therapeutic approaches for chronic diseases and cancer. Dr. Al-Shammary’s work includes pioneering research on embryonic stem cells, cell differentiation, and therapeutic applications of stem cells in disease treatment. Additionally, she has led projects focused on quality of life improvements, nano-formulated therapies, and biomedical devices like lung cancer detection using biosensors. Her broad range of research topics highlights her contribution to medical science, public health, and the development of modern healthcare solutions.

Publications

  1. Identification of Putative Plant-Based ALR-2 Inhibitors to Treat Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy 🌿🩺
  2. Computational Analysis of PTP-1B Site-Directed Mutations and Their Structural Binding to Potential Inhibitors 💻🔬
  3. Role of Community-Based Measures in Adherence to Self-Protective Behaviors During First Wave of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia 🦠🤝
  4. Generalized Richards Model for Predicting COVID-19 Dynamics in Saudi Arabia 📊🌍

Conclusion

Dr. Asma Ayyed Hamad Al-Shammary is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated exceptional strength in regenerative medicine, particularly in stem cell biology, and has actively contributed to scientific and public health improvements. Her academic and administrative leadership, along with her significant research contributions and involvement in cutting-edge projects, makes her a standout figure in the field. By enhancing her visibility in international collaborations and further advancing her research to clinical stages, she would continue to have a profound impact on the scientific and medical communities.Her commitment to community health, evident in both her research and volunteer activities, further underscores her candidacy for the award.