Bulti Kumera | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bulti Kumera | Medical Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Injibara University, Ethiopia

Mr. Bulti Kumera Fufa is an Assistant Professor and dedicated researcher in the field of Microbiology and Biological Sciences at Injibara University, Ethiopia. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has made significant contributions to applied microbiology, environmental biology, and public health. His work primarily focuses on microbial quality assessment, antibacterial activity of natural products, food safety, waste management, and ethnobotanical studies that bridge traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry. Mr. Fufa has authored and co-authored four peer-reviewed scientific publications, which have collectively received 10 citations and reflect an h-index of 1, underscoring a growing research presence in his field. His studies on the in vitro antibacterial activity of raw honey, the microbial quality of fruit juices, and the cultivation of edible mushrooms from agricultural waste demonstrate his strong orientation toward sustainable and community-relevant science. Beyond research, Mr. Fufa has played an active role in academic leadership as a research and community service coordinator and as a reviewer for institutional research proposals, contributing to the advancement of scientific culture and innovation within his university. His commitment to continuous learning is evident from his multiple professional certifications, including training in SPSS, SAS, sustainable waste management, and scientific presentation. Through collaborative works with national and regional scholars, he has contributed to addressing public health and environmental challenges, particularly in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Mr. Fufa’s scientific endeavors aim to improve food safety standards, promote responsible antibiotic usage, and enhance environmental sustainability—fields that hold global importance in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a growing academic footprint and a clear vision for integrating microbiology with community well-being, Mr. Fufa represents a new generation of Ethiopian researchers driving science-based development and fostering a healthier, more sustainable society through research, innovation, and education.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Kumera, B., Gebreamanule, B., Atnkut, B., Merid, M., Tilahun, T., Tsega, A., Fassil, A., Dessie, Y., & Kassie, B. (2025, October). In vitro antibacterial activity of raw honey from Apis mellifera, Awi Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia. MicrobiologyOpen.

  2. Atnkut, B., Nigussie, A., Kumera, B., Tsega, A., Tiruneh, F., Minale, W. K., Anemut, F., Tazebew, E., Terefe, B., & Fassil, A. (2025, January). Factors influencing solid waste management practices and challenges in Awi Administrative Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia. BioMed Research International.

  3. Tilahun, T., Kumera, B., Kibret, M., & Cao, Y. (2025, January). Microbial quality and hygienic safety of avocado fruit juice sold in Merawi Town, Amhara, Ethiopia. Journal of Food Quality.

  4. Fassil, A., Mazengia, E., Gebreamanuel, B., Dessie, Y., Kumera, B., Atnkut, B., Mullualem, D., Tsega, A., & Van Damme, P. (2024, May 30). Harvesting nature’s bounty: Exploring the ethnobotanical landscape of wild edible plants in the Awi Agäw community, Northwestern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 20(1), Article 47.

  5. Kumera, B. F., Atnkut, B. T., Merid, M. T., & Serrano, M. (2021, December 11). Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus on agricultural wastes and their combination. International Journal of Agronomy, 2021, Article 1465597.

Mr. Bulti Kumera Fufa’s research advances scientific understanding in microbiology and environmental health by promoting sustainable solutions for food safety, waste management, and public health. His work bridges laboratory science with community well-being, contributing to global efforts toward sustainable development, resource efficiency, and healthier societies

Mostafa El-Amir | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

South Valley University Qena Egypt | Egypt

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir is a distinguished academic and researcher in microbiology and immunology at Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Egypt. His career combines extensive medical training, advanced laboratory research, and international collaboration. He has developed expertise in microbiology, immunogenetics, molecular biology, and infection control, with significant contributions to understanding autoimmune diseases and microbial resistance. His work emphasizes translational research, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications to address challenges such as neonatal sepsis, type 1 diabetes, and parasitic infections. Beyond research, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir has demonstrated strong leadership through his role as Manager of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit at South Valley University Hospitals, implementing strategies to reduce hospital-acquired infections and promote patient safety. He is also a committed educator, mentoring students and guiding young researchers in microbiology and immunology. With publications in internationally indexed journals and active participation in academic networks, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir has established himself as a respected researcher whose contributions extend from local healthcare improvements to international scientific collaborations. His dedication to advancing both medical science and community health reflects his dual commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir educational background reflects a steady advancement from general medical training to specialization in microbiology and immunology. He completed his undergraduate degree in Medicine and Surgery at South Valley University, followed by a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology at Assiut University. His master’s research focused on nosocomial infections, laying the foundation for his later interest in hospital infection control. Driven by a passion for advanced research, he pursued doctoral studies in microbiology and immunology at South Valley University. His doctoral thesis investigated genetic factors in autoimmune responses, particularly the role of type 1 diabetes-associated genes. During his studies, he joined the Immunogenetic Laboratory at Turku University in Finland, where he gained international research exposure and advanced technical training in molecular biology and immunogenetics. His academic path also included specialized training in leadership and teaching development, preparing him to serve both as a researcher and an educator. This blend of national and international training has shaped Dr. El-Amir into a well-rounded academic who integrates medical practice, laboratory research, and innovative teaching, making him a recognized scholar in his field.

Professional Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir professional journey reflects a strong balance of medical service, academic teaching, and institutional leadership. He began his career as a House Officer at Sohag University Hospitals, gaining practical experience in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, ENT, obstetrics, and emergency care. Following this, he served as a Resident in Internal Medicine before moving into academia as a Demonstrator of Microbiology and Immunology at South Valley University. His teaching roles expanded as he became Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, and later Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Qena Faculty of Medicine. Alongside his teaching and research duties, Dr. El-Amir has played important administrative roles, most notably as the Manager of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit at South Valley University Hospitals, where he developed infection control protocols and oversaw their implementation. His international experience includes several research missions and a postdoctoral fellowship at Turku University in Finland, where he specialized in immunogenetics and molecular biology techniques. These experiences have enriched his career by combining local healthcare leadership with global scientific exposure. Today, he continues to integrate teaching, research, and community service, contributing significantly to medical education and healthcare improvement in Egypt.

Research Interests

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir research interests span microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics, and infection control. He has a particular focus on the genetic and immunological mechanisms of type 1 diabetes, exploring how HLA polymorphisms and other genetic factors influence disease susceptibility and autoimmune responses. His collaboration with the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register enabled him to contribute to groundbreaking studies on genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases in different populations. He also has a strong interest in rapid diagnostic techniques for infectious diseases, having investigated PCR-based detection methods for neonatal sepsis and other microbial infections. Another significant area of his research lies in antimicrobial resistance and nosocomial infections, where he has studied resistant strains and developed strategies for hospital infection control. Additionally, he has explored the immunological impact of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms, the immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells, and the genetic diversity of parasites such as Schistosoma haematobium. His research integrates molecular biology with applied clinical solutions, emphasizing translational outcomes that can improve diagnostics, treatment, and preventive strategies. Through this multidisciplinary approach, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir addresses both fundamental questions in immunology and urgent health concerns affecting communities worldwide.

Research Skills

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir is equipped with a comprehensive set of research and laboratory skills that enable him to conduct advanced investigations in microbiology and immunology. His foundational expertise includes microbial culture, biochemical testing, and antibiotic sensitivity analysis, which provide essential diagnostic and teaching skills. Building on this foundation, he has acquired advanced molecular biology capabilities such as plasmid profiling, ELISA assays, HLA typing, PCR optimization, and real-time PCR for analyzing single nucleotide polymorphisms. These techniques have been applied extensively in his studies on type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and infectious disease diagnostics. He has also gained experience in applying bioinformatics tools for literature review, data analysis, and molecular epidemiology, supporting the design and interpretation of complex studies. In addition, he has leadership experience in infection prevention and control, having managed institutional programs to reduce nosocomial infections. His skills extend beyond the laboratory to include computer proficiency with ICDL certification and fluency in English, which enables him to collaborate internationally and publish in leading journals. The combination of classical microbiological techniques, advanced genetic methodologies, and institutional leadership demonstrates his versatility and strength as a medical researcher and educator.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir has been recognized for his academic achievements, leadership roles, and contributions to research. His international recognition includes scientific missions and a postdoctoral fellowship at Turku University in Finland, where he contributed to immunogenetic studies and enhanced his expertise in molecular biology. These fellowships reflect international trust in his research capacity and mark significant milestones in his career development. Within South Valley University, he has been honored with appointments to key roles, including his promotion to Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and his leadership as Manager of the Infection Prevention and Control Unit. These responsibilities acknowledge his ability to lead both academically and institutionally. His research has also earned recognition through publication in respected journals indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, affirming the international reach of his work. Furthermore, his commitment to medical education has been recognized through his involvement in faculty development and teaching training programs. While his contributions are already widely acknowledged, his career trajectory positions him for further international honors, awards, and leadership recognition in the field of microbiology and immunology.

Publication Top Notes

  • Diagnosis of onychomycosis clinically by nail dermoscopy versus microbiological diagnosis — 2020

  • Rapid diagnosis of neonatal sepsis by PCR for detection of 16S rRNA gene, while blood culture and PCR results were similar in E. coli-predominant EOS cases — 2019

  • HLA-B08 Carry a Risk for Type 1 Diabetes among Cow’s Milk Exposed Egyptian Infants and Unmarked Linkage Disequilibrium with DR3-DQA105-DQB1*02 Haplotype — 2019

  • Vitamin D receptor rs7975232, rs731236 and rs1544410 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in Egyptian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus: effect of vitamin D co-therapy — 2019

  • Immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells: Cell origin and cell quality variations — 2019

  • The association of the HLA-A24:02, B39:01 and B*39:06 alleles with type 1 diabetes is restricted to specific HLA-DR/DQ haplotypes in Finns — 2017

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mostafa El-Amir stands out as a highly accomplished researcher, educator, and leader in microbiology and immunology. His career reflects a unique combination of advanced scientific research, practical healthcare leadership, and dedicated teaching. His studies on type 1 diabetes genetics, autoimmune responses, microbial resistance, and parasitic infections contribute significantly to both scientific knowledge and public health solutions. With international training in Finland and collaborative research spanning Europe and Egypt, he has demonstrated his capacity to operate in global research environments while addressing pressing local health issues. His leadership in infection control at South Valley University Hospitals directly improved healthcare quality, while his mentorship of students continues to shape the next generation of medical professionals. Dr. El-Amir’s research is widely recognized through publications in high-impact journals, enhancing his academic profile and visibility. Looking forward, he is well-positioned to expand his international collaborations, increase his contributions to top-tier journals, and assume broader leadership roles in scientific networks. His outstanding academic contributions, leadership, and potential for future innovation make him a deserving candidate for international recognition and awards in the medical sciences.

De-Wei Lai | Microbiology | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. De-Wei Lai | Microbiology | Best Scholar Award

Associate Researcher at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan

Dr. De-Wei Lai is an accomplished Associate Researcher at the Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. With a strong foundation in applied chemistry and immunology, he has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of regulatory T cells in diverse pathological conditions. Dr. Lai’s research spans autoimmunity, regenerative medicine, and the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. His expertise integrates modern molecular techniques with natural extracts and traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. With over 19 SCI/SCIE-indexed publications, 27 editorial appointments, and 16 awards, Dr. Lai has established himself as a leading voice in immunological research. His work, characterized by precision and translational potential, continues to shape the future of immunotherapy.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. De-Wei Lai completed his undergraduate studies in Applied Chemistry at National Pingtung University, where he developed a deep interest in cellular metabolism and biochemical signaling pathways. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Immunology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic retinopathy, which culminated in a groundbreaking publication in Circulation Research. His academic journey is marked by excellence in understanding complex immunological pathways and leveraging this knowledge for practical medical applications.

Professional Experience

Dr. Lai began his research career in 2019 at Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, where he studied the isolation, cultivation, and functional analysis of regulatory T cells (Tregs). His work laid the foundation for significant advancements in immunotherapy. In 2024, he joined Taichung Veterans General Hospital, where he expanded his focus to include molecular mechanisms of Tregs in autoimmune diseases, regenerative medicine, and tumor microenvironments. Throughout his career, Dr. Lai has consistently contributed to high-impact research, addressing critical gaps in clinical immunology and advancing innovative therapeutic strategies.

Research Interests

Dr. Lai’s research interests lie at the intersection of immunotherapy, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine. His laboratory explores the molecular mechanisms of regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases, age-related degenerative conditions, and cancer. Recently, Dr. Lai has extended his work to study the potential of natural extracts, traditional Chinese medicine, and metal-organic nanoparticles as modulators of the immune system. By integrating experimental models with clinical big data, his research aims to develop novel diagnostic tools and immunotherapeutic strategies that address pressing medical challenges.

Research Skills

Dr. Lai possesses a robust skill set in immunological research and molecular biology. His expertise includes regulatory T cell isolation and expansion, animal model development for autoimmune diseases, and the study of tumor microenvironments. He is proficient in advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular signaling analysis. His interdisciplinary approach also incorporates the evaluation of natural compounds and nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. With strong analytical skills and an eye for innovation, Dr. Lai excels in bridging basic research with translational medicine.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Lai’s contributions to immunological research have been widely recognized. He has received 16 awards and recognitions, highlighting his impact in both academic and clinical settings. These honors reflect his groundbreaking discoveries in T cell biology, innovative therapeutic approaches, and commitment to advancing immunotherapy. His editorial appointments in 27 journals and conferences further underscore his standing in the scientific community as a trusted authority in immunological research. Dr. Lai’s dedication to addressing clinical challenges continues to earn him accolades and inspire future research efforts.

Conclusion

Dr. De-Wei Lai is an excellent candidate for the Best Scholar Award due to his exceptional research achievements, dedication to addressing clinical challenges, and innovative approach to immunotherapy. While he excels in academic publication and editorial roles, areas like project leadership, patents, and international collaborations offer room for growth. Overall, his contributions to immunology and translational medicine make him a strong contender for this recognition.

Publications Top Notes

  • Melatonin set out to ER stress signaling thwarts epithelial mesenchymal transition and peritoneal dissemination via calpain‐mediated C/EBP β and NF κ B cleavage
    • Authors: SM Wu, WY Lin, CC Shen, HC Pan, W Keh‐Bin, YC Chen, YJ Jan, DW Lai, …
    • Journal: Journal of Pineal Research, 60 (2), 142-154
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 98
  • Honokiol confers immunogenicity by dictating calreticulin exposure, activating ER stress, and inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
    • Authors: SH Liu, WJ Lee, DW Lai, SM Wu, CY Liu, HR Tien, CS Chiu, YC Peng, …
    • Journal: Molecular Oncology, 9 (4), 834-849
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 64
  • Honokiol thwarts gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination by inhibiting Tpl2 in an orthotopic model
    • Authors: HC Pan, DW Lai, KH Lan, CC Shen, SM Wu, CS Chiu, KB Wang, …
    • Journal: Carcinogenesis, 34 (11), 2568-2579
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 45
  • Aryl hydrocarbon receptor deficiency attenuates oxidative stress-related mesangial cell activation and macrophage infiltration and extracellular matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy
    • Authors: WJ Lee, SH Liu, CK Chiang, SY Lin, KW Liang, CH Chen, HR Tien, …
    • Journal: Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 24 (4), 217-231
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 44
  • The novel Aryl hydrocarbon receptor inhibitor biseugenol inhibits gastric tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination
    • Authors: DW Lai, SH Liu, AI Karlsson, WJ Lee, KB Wang, YC Chen, CC Shen, …
    • Journal: Oncotarget, 5 (17), 7788
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 43
  • Exploiting Honokiol-induced ER stress CHOP activation inhibits the growth and metastasis of melanoma by suppressing the MITF and β-catenin pathways
    • Authors: CS Chiu, CH Tsai, MS Hsieh, SC Tsai, YJ Jan, WY Lin, DW Lai, SM Wu, …
    • Journal: Cancer Letters, 442, 113-125
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 42
  • TPL2 (therapeutic targeting tumor progression locus-2)/ATF4 (activating transcription factor-4)/SDF1α (chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-α) axis suppresses diabetic retinopathy
    • Authors: DW Lai, KH Lin, WHH Sheu, MR Lee, CY Chen, WJ Lee, YW Hung, …
    • Journal: Circulation Research, 121 (6), e37-e52
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 37
  • Attenuation of in vitro and in vivo melanin synthesis using a Chinese herbal medicine through the inhibition of tyrosinase activity
    • Authors: SC Liu, ML Sheu, YC Tsai, YC Lin, CW Chang, DW Lai
    • Journal: Phytomedicine, 95, 153876
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 22
  • Melatonin protects retinal integrity through mediated immune homeostasis in the sodium iodate-induced mouse model of age-related macular degeneration
    • Authors: LC Ku, ML Sheu, HH Cheng, CY Lee, YC Tsai, CY Tsai, KH Lin, LC Lai, …
    • Journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 161, 114476
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 10
  • AHR/TET2/NT5E axis downregulation is associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and its progression
    • Authors: HH Cheng, L Hung‐Ke, ML Sheu, CY Lee, YC Tsai, DW Lai
    • Journal: Immunology, 168 (4), 654-670
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 8