Makwena Justice Moloto | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Makwena Justice Moloto | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Prof. Makwena Justice Moloto is a distinguished South African academic and researcher specializing in nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry, and sustainable water solutions. With a career spanning teaching, research, and leadership roles, he has contributed significantly to advancing scientific knowledge and training future generations of chemists. His professional journey has taken him across leading institutions, where he has held positions from lecturer to full professor, engaging in curriculum development, departmental leadership, and international collaborations. Prof. Moloto has led and participated in various research groups focusing on nanotechnology, catalysis, adsorption, and phytochemistry, producing impactful research outcomes. His work extends beyond national borders through collaborations with universities in Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has also served on multiple institutional and national committees, shaping research directions and policies. A prolific researcher and mentor, he continues to drive innovations in nanostructured materials and their applications in health, environment, and sustainability.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Prof. Moloto began his academic journey at the University of Limpopo, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Zoology, followed by a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry. His passion for research led him to the University of the Western Cape, where he pursued a Master of Science in Chemistry, focusing on organometallic chemistry. He then advanced his studies at the University of Zululand, where he earned his PhD in Inorganic and Nanomaterials Chemistry, a milestone that laid the foundation for his expertise in nanotechnology. His doctoral research was enriched by international research visits to the University of Manchester, where he collaborated under the Royal Society and NRF program, and Jackson State University, where he trained in molecular modelling. Additionally, he complemented his academic achievements with a certificate in Leading and Managing People from Wits Business School, equipping him with leadership skills vital for academic and research management.

Experience

Prof. Moloto’s academic career reflects progressive growth in teaching, research, and leadership across renowned South African universities. He began as a lecturer at the University of Zululand, later serving as Senior Lecturer at institutions such as the University of Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg, where he taught inorganic, physical, and materials chemistry. His career advanced at the Vaal University of Technology, where he rose to Associate Professor, led departmental research activities, and twice acted as Head of the Chemistry Department. He later served as a Full Professor at the University of South Africa and University of Limpopo, contributing to curriculum development and postgraduate mentorship. Currently, he is a Full Professor at Durban University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, where he supervises postgraduate students, coordinates research, and teaches various chemistry modules. His experience also includes organizing international conferences, serving on research committees, and acting as a reviewer and moderator for multiple institutions.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Moloto’s career is distinguished by numerous awards, honors, and recognitions that highlight his impact on science and education. He has been a recipient of multiple research grants from the National Research Foundation, including Thuthuka and CSUR grants, which supported his pioneering work in nanotechnology and postgraduate supervision. His international collaborations have been facilitated through prestigious programs such as the Royal Society and NRF fellowship, enabling research at the University of Manchester and Jackson State University. He has hosted and mentored several postdoctoral fellows, supported through national and international funding. His leadership in organizing conferences such as NanoAfrica and SACI reflects his role in advancing the global scientific community. Additionally, he has been appointed Chairperson of NRF panels, shaping research funding directions in natural sciences. His contributions to committees, innovation platforms, and academic leadership showcase his commitment to fostering scientific advancement, mentorship, and sustainable innovation in nanotechnology.

Research Focus

Prof. Moloto’s research centers on nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry, and sustainable applications of nanostructured materials. His work involves the synthesis and characterization of semiconductor nanoparticles and their incorporation into polymer fibers and composite materials. These innovations are applied in diverse areas, including antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, photocatalysis, water treatment, and the development of advanced wound dressings. His research also explores polymer fiber composites for wastewater treatment and pest repellency, highlighting the societal relevance of his work. Under his leadership, multidisciplinary research groups have investigated catalysis, adsorption, and phytochemistry, fostering innovation through collaborative projects across Africa and beyond. He has established research partnerships with universities in Kenya, contributing to knowledge exchange, student mobility, and postdoctoral mentorship. By bridging fundamental chemistry with applied science, Prof. Moloto’s research advances both theoretical understanding and real-world solutions, contributing to health, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation in nanotechnology and materials science.

 

Publications

 

Title: Visible Light Enhanced Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole by Beta Zeolite/TiO2 Photocatalyst
Year: 2025

Title: Effect of Cellulose Acetate on the Physicochemical Properties of PVP Blended Nanofibers
Year: 2025

Title: Pelargonium alchemilloides (L). L’herit Extract–loaded Electrospun Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Cellulose Acetate Blended Nanofibers and their Antimicrobial Activity
Year: 2025

Title: Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Co-precipitation Synthesized Fe3O4/ZnO Nanocomposites for Rhodamine B Degradation
Year: 2025

Title: Optimizing influential phase separation parameters on polyethersulfone/Fe3O4/ZnO membranes for environmental wastewater
Year: 202

Conclusion

Prof. Makwena Justice Moloto is a visionary scholar whose dedication to nanotechnology, chemistry, and sustainable innovation has made him a leader in scientific research, academic leadership, and international collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on education, industry, and society.

Mruganxi Harshad Sharma | Food Science and Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Mruganxi Harshad Sharma | Food Science and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Prince of Songkla University | Thailand.

Mruganxi Harshad Sharma is a dedicated and skilled microbiologist and food science researcher currently pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Technology at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. With a strong academic foundation in microbiology, she brings hands-on expertise in molecular diagnostics, food safety, and environmental microbiology. She has contributed to cutting-edge research on the antimicrobial effects of natural compounds and non-thermal processing techniques in seafood safety. Previously, she worked as a microbiologist at the Environmental Audit Cell of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and as a lab technician at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. Mruganxi is known for her precision in lab techniques, data analysis, and her proactive participation in scientific events. She has received recognition for her oral presentations and has published multiple research articles in international journals. With a keen interest in sustainable food safety solutions, she is poised to make impactful contributions to global food quality and public health.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Mruganxi Sharma’s educational journey reflects a progressive specialization in microbiology and food science. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Technology at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, focusing on sustainable seafood preservation using natural antimicrobials and non-thermal technologies. She holds an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, with a dissertation on the functional metagenomics of poultry respiratory tracts. Her undergraduate degree, a B.Sc. in Microbiology, was obtained from Shree Ramkrishna Institute of Computer Education and Applied Sciences, Surat. She also completed her H.S.Eat Jay Ambe Vidhyabhavan ( and her S.S.E  from Divine Child High School (CBSE). Throughout her education, she has actively engaged in conferences, training programs, and technical courses that have enhanced her lab, data analysis, and research communication skills. Her academic record illustrates a solid foundation in microbiological principles and environmental health.

Experience

Mruganxi has acquired valuable professional experience through roles that integrate laboratory diagnostics, environmental science, and food microbiology. As a microbiologist with the Environmental Audit Cell under the Gujarat Pollution Control Board , she conducted standardized microbiological analyses on water and air quality, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Before that, she worked as a Lab Technician at the RT-PCR Laboratory of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, where she performed PCR-based molecular testing for viral markers, DNA/RNA extraction, and reagent preparation. These roles equipped her with strong technical abilities in microbial analysis, laboratory maintenance, environmental audits, and molecular diagnostics. Her skills extend to bioinformatics, data handling, and quality control procedures. Her professional journey highlights her commitment to precision, sustainability, and innovation, making her well-suited for advanced scientific research in microbiological and food technology domains.

Awards and Honors

Mruganxi Sharma has received notable recognition for her academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Most prominently, she was awarded the Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation Award at the International Symposium on Natural Product Innovation and Commercialization (NPIC) in Satun, Thailand (November 2024). During her academic journey, she participated in various national and international scientific conferences and webinars, showcasing her engagement with cutting-edge research. She has been actively involved in competitions such as the Quiz Competition organized by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board on World Water Day and multiple inter-college biology and microbiology events organized by UGAM, where she won a 3rd prize for a biology model presentation and participated in drama and quiz competitions. Additionally, she earned sports honors in school for skating, karate, darts, and dance, demonstrating her well-rounded personality and leadership spirit in academic and co-curricular platforms.

Research Focus

Mruganxi’s research centers on sustainable food preservation through the application of natural antimicrobials and non-thermal processing technologies. Her PhD thesis investigates the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in bivalve mollusks and evaluates the synergistic effects of chitooligosaccharides (COS) and COS-epigallocatechin gallate conjugates, along with high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma, to inhibit bacterial activity in seafood. This innovative approach addresses critical food safety concerns while promoting eco-friendly preservation strategies. She has co-authored multiple research articles published in reputed journals, exploring topics like multidrug-resistant Vibrio strains, the fortification of meat products using Maillard reaction products, and in vitro antibacterial mechanisms of bioactive compounds. Her Master’s dissertation on the metagenomics of poultry respiratory tracts reflects her early focus on functional microbial communities. Her work integrates microbiology, food technology, and environmental health, contributing to safer, more sustainable food systems and aligning with global goals for public health and food innovation.

Publications

Physical, textural, microbiological, and sensorial properties and oxidative stability of chicken patty fortified with Maillard reaction products derived from salmon frame (Salmo salar) protein hydrolysate
Year: 2025

Impact of Chitooligosaccharide Conjugated Epigallocatechin Gallate and Non-Thermal High-Voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma on Vibrio parahaemolyticus: An In Vitro Study and the Use in Blood Clam Meat
Year: 2025

Multidrug-Resistance of Vibrio Species in Bivalve Mollusks from Southern Thailand: Isolation, Identification, Pathogenicity, and Their Sensitivity toward Chitooligosaccharide-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Conjugate
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Mruganxi Harshad Sharma is an emerging researcher in microbiology and food science whose expertise in natural antimicrobials, molecular diagnostics, and environmental microbiology positions her to make meaningful contributions to global food safety, sustainable processing technologies, and public health through interdisciplinary research and innovation.

 

Vanesa Sánchez-Martín | Ciencia de los Alimentos | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vanesa Sánchez-Martín | Ciencia de los Alimentos | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vanesa Sánchez Martín is a Spanish biologist and pharmacologist specializing in food science, pharmacognosy, and nutraceuticals. She earned her PhD in Pharmacy from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2020. Currently, she works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Food Bioscience Group (CIAL, UAM-CSIC), focusing on the health benefits and sustainability of novel foods. Her academic background is reinforced by a Master’s in Therapeutic Targets and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Universidad de Alcalá. With substantial teaching experience at both UCM and Universidad Europea de Madrid, she also contributes to thesis supervision and academic panels. She actively participates in scientific communication, congresses, and public outreach, such as Science Week. Dr. Sánchez Martín has authored peer-reviewed articles and engages in research on functional foods, immunomodulation, and metabolic health. Her multidisciplinary work bridges pharmacology, nutrition, and cellular signaling for sustainable healthcare innovations.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Sánchez Martín holds a PhD in Pharmacy (2017–2020) from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she studied the molecular basis of antitumoral activity from hispanolone derivatives. She achieved the highest academic distinction: Summa Cum Laude. Prior to that, she completed a Master’s degree in “Therapeutic Targets in Cellular Signaling: Research and Development” (2014–2015) at Universidad de Alcalá, providing her with strong expertise in biomedical signaling pathways. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Biology (2010–2014), also from Universidad de Alcalá. She has taken over 15 specialized training courses, including bioinformatics, animal experimentation, pedagogy, and fluorescence imaging. Additionally, she has actively attended seminars in oncology, immunology, and molecular medicine at top Spanish institutions such as Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Her continuous training underlines her multidisciplinary foundation and strong alignment with the rapidly evolving fields of pharmacology, food science, and research methodology.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Sánchez Martín’s professional experience spans academic research, university-level teaching, and scientific communication. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (CIAL), working under Dr. Dolores del Castillo on food bioactivity and novel sustainable foods. From 2021–2022, she was a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, UCM. Earlier, she served as an Associate Professor at Universidad Europea de Madrid, where she also coordinated the Human Genetics course. She has collaborated in practical teaching and seminars at UCM’s Veterinary Faculty. Beyond teaching, she has evaluated bachelor’s theses and supervised student research, including Erasmus+ interns. She has contributed to public outreach via Science Week and CSIC media and participated in international conferences like Food4Future and SEDCA. Her experience highlights a balance between research, education, and public engagement in biomedical and nutritional sciences.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Sánchez Martín has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her academic and professional career. Her PhD was awarded Summa Cum Laude, a distinction reserved for top-performing doctoral researchers. She has been selected as an evaluator for undergraduate thesis defenses at prestigious institutions like the Basque Culinary Center, underscoring her academic leadership. Her work on sustainable food innovations has been featured by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), notably the widely cited report on anti-inflammatory compounds from coffee husk pulp. She has also actively contributed to high-level scientific outreach activities, including Science Week and seminars at the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. In addition, her research group has been recognized in leading journals, and she has presented at major international conferences, including the Spanish Society of Nutrition (SEÑ). These accolades reflect her multidisciplinary impact across pharmacology, food science, and public health.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Vanesa Sánchez Martín’s research bridges pharmacology, nutrition, and biotechnology, with a focus on the development of novel bioactive compounds for therapeutic and nutraceutical applications. Her doctoral work investigated the molecular mechanisms of antitumor agents derived from hispanolone. As a postdoctoral researcher, her studies center on food sustainability and metabolic health, particularly through the valorization of agri-food by-products like coffee leaves and cocoa pods. She co-authored research under review exploring the immunomodulatory properties of honey-propolis mixtures. Additionally, she investigates dietary impacts on inflammation and microbiota through natural compounds. Her expertise encompasses fluorescence imaging, cellular signaling, and high-throughput screening. Recent publications and conference presentations emphasize the pharmaceutical potential of functional foods. By combining pharmacological precision with nutritional applications, her research aims to address public health challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Vanesa Sánchez Martín is a dedicated and multidisciplinary scientist whose research in pharmacology, food bioactivity, and sustainable nutrition bridges scientific innovation and public health, underscored by academic excellence, teaching contributions, international collaborations, and impactful outreach.

Publications

  • Bee products as an alternative for the preservation of nitrate and nitrite-reduced dry fermented sausages

    Food Bioscience
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104048

  • Coffee leaves: a natural source of compounds for reducing body fat accumulation

    The 5th International Electronic Conference On Foods
    2024 | Conference paper | Author
    SOURCE-WORK-ID:

  • Effect of in vitro human colonic fermented coffee melanoidins on colon cancer cell proliferation

    The 5th International Electronic Conference On Foods
    2024 | Conference paper | Author
    SOURCE-WORK-ID:

  • Novel foods for a sustainable health. Abstracts of the XXXIII Congress of the Spanish Society of Nutrition / Sociedad Española de Nutrición (SEÑ) and X Meeting of Young Researchers.

    Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry
    2024 | Conference paper | Author
    DOI: 10.1007/s13105-024-01031-0
    SOURCE-WORK-ID: