Lopamudra Parida | Biotechnology | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Ms. Lopamudra Parida | Biotechnology | Best Scholar Award

ICAR-Central Institute Of Freshwater Aquaculture | India

Lopamudra Parida is a dedicated young researcher at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, working on fish immunology and molecular disease mechanisms with a focused interest in cytoskeletal proteins and their role in disease regulation in aquatic organisms. She is pursuing her doctoral research at Utkal University with a thesis on cloning and functional characterization of septin genes in rohu under the mentorship of Dr. P. K. Sahoo, after completing her master’s degree in biotechnology with distinction from Khallikote University and her bachelor’s degree in botany from Khallikote Autonomous College. Her professional journey includes roles as a DST-INSPIRE Fellow, Junior Research Fellow, Young Professional and trainee at renowned institutes, contributing to national fish disease surveillance, molecular studies on banana fruit ripening and cytoskeletal protein purification. Her research interests span molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, host–pathogen interaction, protein characterization, immunomodulation and development of experimental disease models in fish. She possesses extensive skills in molecular biology, proteomics, immunology, histopathology, virology, microbiology, parasitology, bioinformatics and animal handling, along with experience in CRISPR-based gene editing and diagnostics. She has received the DST-INSPIRE award and earned honors for best oral presentations at scientific events. Overall, she stands as a promising aquaculture scientist contributing novel insights into fish immunity and molecular disease control.

Profile: Googlescholar

Featured Publications

Parida, L., Paul, A., Mohanty, J., & Sahoo, P. K. (2025). Molecular insights into septin 2 protein in rohu (Labeo rohita): revealing expression dynamics, antimicrobial activity and functional characteristics. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 293, 139353.

Parida, L., Paul, A., Mohanty, S., & Sahoo, P. K. (2025). Molecular and functional characterization of septin 6 in rohu (Labeo rohita) reveals a strong immunopotentiating role and involvement in broad-spectrum disease protection. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 148821.

Guilherme Vinicius Gonçalves de Pádua | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof. Dr. Guilherme Vinicius Gonçalves de Pádua | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas | Brazil

Dr. Guilherme Vinicius Gonçalves de Pádua is a Brazilian agronomist and researcher whose academic foundation spans agronomy, forestry sciences, and sustainable management of semi-arid ecosystems. He earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, followed by a specialization in Sustainable Management of the Semi-Arid Region and a master’s degree in Forest Sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, culminating with a doctorate in Agronomy from the Federal University of Paraíba. His professional experience includes teaching at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Amazonas, where he contributes to agricultural education in the areas of phytosanitary practices, irrigation, and agroforestry systems. Dr. Pádua’s research interests focus on seed physiology, forest restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable seed technologies, emphasizing native species such as Hymenaea martiana. Skilled in experimental design, seed quality analysis, and image-based biometric evaluation, he integrates ecological principles with technological innovation. His work has been published in leading journals, and he has served as a peer reviewer for several scientific periodicals. Recognized for his dedication to environmental sustainability and education, Dr. Pádua exemplifies a commitment to advancing agricultural sciences through research, teaching, and ecological stewardship.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Buyani Ndlovu | Molecular and Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Mr. Buyani Ndlovu | Molecular and Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Buyani Ndlovu is a South African research scientist specializing in molecular biology, biotechnology, and microbiology. With a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town, his groundbreaking doctoral work focused on developing plant-produced mRNA vaccines and novel expression vectors against avian viral diseases. Over the past decade, Buyani has honed a robust repertoire of molecular techniques and contributed significantly to academic research, teaching, and mentorship. He has held roles ranging from Research Scientist at Roche DIA to academic tutor and seminar organiser at UCT. His passion for scientific innovation is matched by his commitment to student development and community leadership. Through multiple scholarships and peer-reviewed publications, Buyani has demonstrated his academic excellence and research prowess. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences, highlighting his impact in both academia and applied science. A dedicated professional, he continues to push boundaries in vaccine research and recombinant protein expression technologies.

Profile

🎓 Education

Buyani Ndlovu holds a Ph.D. in Molecular & Cell Biology from the University of Cape Town, where he developed novel plant expression vectors and a plant-produced mRNA vaccine candidate against beak and feather disease virus. His MSc in Wine Biotechnology from Stellenbosch University focused on the identification and characterization of bacteriocins produced by wine-isolated LAB strains. He also completed a BSc Honours in Cell Biology and a BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his undergraduate research investigated seed desiccation sensitivity and shell deformities in abalone. He has consistently secured competitive scholarships throughout his academic journey, including the CSIR-IBS, PRF, and NRF Doctoral Innovation Scholarships. Buyani’s academic background reflects a consistent trajectory of scientific curiosity, methodical investigation, and a multidisciplinary approach to molecular sciences. His academic excellence is further supported by his attendance at international workshops, such as the Oomycete Bioinformatic Training Workshop at Virginia Tech, enhancing his global research perspective.

🧪 Experience

Buyani Ndlovu currently serves as Scientist II at Roche DIA’s Reagent Research and Design department in Cape Town, contributing to enzyme engineering within the MethylSeq 2025 Project. From 2019 to 2024, he worked at the University of Cape Town as a tutor and laboratory demonstrator in molecular and cell biology, guiding students across various academic levels. His professional journey also includes chairing postgraduate seminars and extensive leadership in residence management at multiple universities. His doctoral research involved cloning, sequencing, and gene expression analysis for vaccine development. He has previously worked with Genestwister Africa as a molecular biology intern and served as a laboratory demonstrator at UKZN. His roles have combined scientific innovation with administrative coordination, mentorship, and public speaking. Notably, he also engaged in field research at Kruger National Park and has consistently been involved in organisational roles within academic residences, showcasing strong leadership and interpersonal skills across his career.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Buyani Ndlovu is the recipient of numerous prestigious academic awards and research scholarships. These include the CSIR-IBS Doctoral Scholarship (ZAR 140,000/year), PRF Doctoral Scholarship (ZAR 55,000/year), and UCT Doctoral Scholarship (ZAR 20,000/year) from 2019 to 2022. He was also awarded the NRF Doctoral Innovation Scholarship (ZAR 110,000/year) in 2015–2016. His early academic promise was recognized through the Technology Innovation Agency Scholarship (ZAR 70,000/year) in 2011–2012 and the Cape Biotech Scholarship (ZAR 50,000) in 2010. He received the USDA Travel Award Fellowship and the WhiteSci Travel Award Scheme to present his research internationally. In addition to financial accolades, his leadership has been recognized through elected roles in academic and student governance. His continuous recognition by multiple institutions underlines both his scholarly achievements and potential for continued excellence in bioscience innovation. These honors have significantly supported his academic trajectory and helped position him as a leader in molecular research.

🔬 Research Focus

Buyani Ndlovu’s research focus lies at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, and microbiology, particularly in the development of plant-based vaccines and novel gene expression systems. His doctoral research introduced innovative replicating plant virus vectors and a plant-derived mRNA vaccine candidate to combat beak and feather disease virus in parrots. He is experienced in DNA/RNA manipulation, recombinant protein expression in plants, bacteria, and mammalian cells, and molecular assay techniques including PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. His research has broader implications for low-cost vaccine development and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing using plant systems. Buyani has also contributed to plant-pathogen interaction studies, notably with Phytophthora cinnamomi, and is interested in functional genomics and synthetic biology. Currently, his work at Roche DIA involves enzyme engineering for diagnostic technologies. With his foundation in grant writing and research communication, he is well-placed to lead interdisciplinary projects that fuse molecular innovation with public health solutions.

✅ Conclusion

Buyani Ndlovu is a highly skilled research scientist with a rich background in molecular biology and biotechnology, marked by academic excellence, impactful research, and leadership. His contributions to plant-based vaccine development and molecular diagnostics highlight his scientific rigor and innovation. Combining technical proficiency with organizational and mentorship skills, he remains dedicated to advancing health sciences through cutting-edge research and collaborative engagement. With a vision to bridge academic knowledge and societal needs, Buyani aspires to transform lives through science. He stands out as a dynamic professional committed to excellence in research, teaching, and scientific leadership.

Publications

  • Immunogenicity of DNA, mRNA and Subunit Vaccines Against Beak and Feather Disease Virus

    2025-07-17 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Buyani Ndlovu; Albertha R. van Zyl; Dirk Verwoerd; Edward P. Rybicki; Inga I. Hitzerot

  • Generation of composite Persea americana (Mill.) (avocado) plants: A proof-of-concept-study

    PLOS ONE
    2017-10-20 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185896
    Part ofISSN: 1932-6203
    CONTRIBUTORS: S. Ashok Prabhu; Buyani Ndlovu; Juanita Engelbrecht; Noelani van den Berg

  • Screening, identification and characterization of bacteriocins produced by wine-isolated LAB strains

    Journal of Applied Microbiology
    2015-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1111/jam.12752
    Part of ISSN: 1364-5072
    CONTRIBUTORS: B. Ndlovu; H. Schoeman; C.M.A.P. Franz; M. du Toit

Shilpa Kumari | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Ms.Shilpa Kumari | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

 

Sharda University, India

Profile

Education

She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Sharda University since 2020, having completed her coursework with an impressive 84.5%. She holds an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Chandigarh University, where she secured 79.6% in 2019. Prior to that, she earned her B.Sc. from HNB Garhwal Central University, Srinagar, in 2017 with a score of 66.7%. She completed her 12th grade in the Medical stream under CBSE in 2014 with 74.4% and her 10th grade in General Science in 2012, securing 75.5%.

 

Awards

She has been awarded the Sharda University Research Scholarship (SURS) by Sharda University since February 2021. She received a Silver Medal at the 8th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Zoologists and the 5th International Conference on Recent Trends in Life Sciences and Biotechnology held at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Haryana, in December 2024. Additionally, she was granted International Travel Support from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to present her research at the University Malay, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, in August 2024. She secured 2nd Prize at the Anveshan International Convention 2023-2024 (North Zone), organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in January 2024. Furthermore, she won the Best Oral Presentation Award at the National Conference on Disease Diagnosis and Drug Development Against Human Pathogens, sponsored by DBT and organized by Muthyammal College of Arts and Science in November 2023.

Book chapters

1. Shilpa Kumari, Neha Verma, Anil Kumar, Sunita Dalal, and Kanu Priya. “Functional
overrepresentation analysis and their application in microbial pathogenesis.” In Systems Biology
Approaches for Host-Pathogen Interaction Analysis, pp. 171-179. Academic Press, 2024.
2. Neha Verma, Shilpa Kumari, Anil Kumar, and Kanu Priya. “Advancements in systems biologybased analysis of microbial pathogenesis.” In Systems Biology Approaches for Host-Pathogen
Interaction Analysis, pp. 181-190. Academic Press, 2024

Publication

NORMA SILVA | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr.Norma Silva | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

 

The university of Arizona, United States

Profile

Education

She holds a Biotechnology Engineering degree from the Technological Institute of Sonora (1991-1996) and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (2001-2004). She later earned a Ph.D. in Sciences with a Specialization in Biotechnology through the National Program (PNPC) of Biological Sciences of the Northwest, CONACYT, at the Technological Institute of Sonora (2010-2014). Additionally, she has obtained diplomas in teaching, generic competencies, and nutrition

Work experience

She worked as a Laboratory Technician at SABRITAS, S.A. de C.V. (1994-1998), where she was responsible for quality control of physicochemical parameters in raw materials, processes, and packaging lines. From 2001 to 2004, she served as a Professor at Colegio Sinaloa in Culiacán, teaching chemistry, biology, and food analysis. She then worked as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Architecture and Environmental Engineering at the Technological Institute of Cajeme (ITESCA) from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, she held a dual role as a Professor and Academic Administrator in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at the Technological Institute of Sonora (ITSON) between 2001 and 2014. In 2011, she was an Adjunct Professor at Tecnológico de Monterrey, teaching Organic Chemistry in English. She later joined the University of Sonora (UNISON) as an Adjunct Professor from 2013 to 2016 and again in 2024. From 2017 to 2022, she worked as a Determined Research Professor at UNISON, focusing on biological sciences, particularly in the agri-food field and its connections to public health and the environment. Expanding her research internationally, she became an Associate Researcher at the University of Arizona’s Department of Environmental Sciences from 2021 to 2022. She continued her work there as a Visiting Professor with a Research Scholar position from 2023 to 2024 and is currently an Associate Researcher (2024-2025). Her research at the University of Arizona focuses on the innovation and development of biotechnological products using natural products.

Awards

She has received several distinctions throughout her career, including being recognized as a Distinguished Teacher at the Technological Institute of Sonora in 2006 and 2007. In 2017, she was honored as a Distinguished Citizen in CAJEME by the Interamerican University for Development in Cd. Obregón, Sonora. Her research excellence has been acknowledged by CONACYT’s National System of Researchers, where she was awarded the title of National Researcher Level C from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. She advanced to National Researcher Level 1 in the area of Agricultural, Livestock, Forestry, and Ecosystem Sciences from 2019 to 2021 and continued at Level 1 in the area of Biotechnology and Agricultural Sciences for the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2026.

Research Experience

She has extensive experience in research and development, demonstrating expertise in implementing technologies and innovative practices to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and environmental sustainability. Her work focuses on utilizing scientific and technological tools to address complex challenges in the agri-food sector.

She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Laboratory for Research in Food Safety (LANNIA), CONACYT, at the Center for Research in Food and Development (CIAD) (2016-2017), where she worked on the chemical and biological characterization of agro-industry products. Her research experience includes multiple research stays at CIAD: in 2004 at the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (Culiacán Unit, Sinaloa), where she developed her master’s thesis on disinfection applications in mango products; in 2012 at the Antioxidant Laboratory (Hermosillo Unit, Sonora), where she evaluated the antioxidant capacities of agro-industrial products; and in 2013 at the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory (Culiacán Unit, Sinaloa), where she conducted her doctoral research on the characterization of antiviral studies of agro-industrial products.

Additionally, in 2016, she conducted a research stay at the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), working at the Center for Genomic Sciences (CCG) in Cuernavaca, Morelos, focusing on the genomic characterization of bacteriophages isolated from agricultural valleys in Southern Sonora, Mexico.

Publication