Nuris Ledon-Naranjo| Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nuris Ledon-Naranjo | Biotechnology
| Best Researcher Award

Senior PhD. Professor at Center for Molecular Immunology, Cuba.

 

Dr. Nuris Ledón-Naranjo is a Senior PhD Professor at the Center for Molecular Immunology, distinguished for her impactful contributions to biomedical sciences. With a biology degree earned with a Gold Medal, she advanced her expertise through MSc degrees in Biomedicine and Business Administration, and a Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She has dedicated over three decades to groundbreaking research in immunosenescence, cancer, and inflammation. Dr. Ledón-Naranjo has led major national and international projects, authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and holds three patents. Her work has influenced both clinical applications and pharmaceutical innovation. She has received prestigious awards, including the National Health Award and the Carlos J. Finlay Order. Her extensive academic, scientific, and leadership record makes her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🌍 Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award

 

Dr. Nuris Ledón-Naranjo exemplifies excellence in biomedical research, making her a prime candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a distinguished academic background and over three decades of professional experience, she has significantly advanced the fields of immunology, oncology, and inflammation research. Her leadership in developing biological drugs, coordinating clinical trials, and technology transfer projects has greatly impacted healthcare innovation. Dr. Ledón-Naranjo’s contributions include over 50 international publications, several patents, and acclaimed projects on biopharmaceuticals and immunosenescence. Recognized nationally and internationally with awards such as the National Health Award and the Carlos J. Finlay Order, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and translational medicine, inspiring the next generation of researchers through her mentorship and pioneering work.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Nuris Ledón-Naranjo pursued her academic journey with excellence, earning her degree in Biology with a Gold Medal in 1992. She subsequently completed her Master’s degree in Biomedicine in 1996, demonstrating a strong commitment to biomedical research. Recognizing the importance of integrating science with management, she earned an MSc in Business Administration in 2016. Her highest academic achievement came with the Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2000. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Ledón-Naranjo has combined rigorous scientific study with leadership and innovation, equipping herself with interdisciplinary skills crucial for scientific advancement. Her education has laid a robust foundation for her contributions to molecular immunology, drug development, and translational medicine.

🏢 Work Experience 

Dr. Nuris Ledón-Naranjo has accumulated over 30 years of professional experience in biomedical research and education. She began her scientific career at CNIC (1992–2002), working on key projects related to immunology and toxicology. Since 2003, she has served at the Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM), specializing in drug development for cancer and inflammatory diseases. She also contributed academically as an adjunct professor at ISPEJV University (2000–2009) and the University of Havana (2017–present). Her work spans directing clinical trials, coordinating drug registration efforts, and transferring technologies nationally and internationally. Dr. Ledón-Naranjo’s experience blends laboratory excellence, project leadership, and educational mentorship, contributing significantly to the advancement of molecular and clinical immunology.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Nuris Ledón-Naranjo’s outstanding contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She received the National Health Award and the Academy of Sciences Award for her innovative biomedical research. Her exceptional achievements in science and public health were crowned by the prestigious Carlos J. Finlay Order, a national honor awarded to eminent scientists. Beyond these, she has been acknowledged at both national and international levels for her work in drug development, clinical research, and scientific innovation. These awards reflect not only her scientific excellence but also her societal impact through medical advancements. Her recognition underscores her enduring commitment to research excellence and her influential role in the field of immunology and pharmaceutical sciences.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Nuris Ledón-Naranjo’s research focus spans immunosenescence, cancer, and inflammation, aiming to develop innovative therapeutic approaches. Her projects include the biochemical and pharmacological characterization of natural products for inflammatory diseases and cancer, emphasizing mechanisms of action and clinical application. She has led studies on recombinant biotechnological products like erythropoietin and monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2, CD20, PD-1, and IL-6. Her work also covers antioxidant and hypolipidemic drug development, immunological markers, and aging-related inflammation. Furthermore, she has directed technology transfers for drug potency assays to national and international institutions. Through her integrated approach, Dr. Ledón-Naranjo bridges laboratory research and clinical practice, pushing the boundaries of molecular immunology and therapeutic innovation.

📊 Publication Top Notes:

Claro I., González C., Domínguez C., Hernández C., Illistegui P., Alvarez A., Ledón N. (1994). Efecto de la Ciclosporina sobre el páncreas endocrino: Aspectos morfológicos y funcionales. Bioquimia, XIX, 80–90.

• Ledón N., Claro A., Domínguez C. (1996). Efectos combinados de la CsA y el verapamilo en las células pancreáticas. Revista Cubana de Farmacia, 2, 95–99.

• Ledón N., Casacó A., González R., Merino N., González A., Tolón Z. (1996). Efectos farmacológicos de un extracto de propóleo rojo cubano. Revista Cubana de Farmacia, 1, 36–42.

• Ledón N., Casacó A., González R., Merino N., González A., Tolón Z. (1997). Antipsoriatic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of propolis collected in Cuba. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 18, 274–276.

• Romay C., Armesto J., Remirez D., González R., Ledón N., García I. (1998). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of C-phycocyanin from blue-green algae. Inflammation Research, 47(1), 36–41.

• Romay C., Ledón N., González R. (1998). Further studies on anti-inflammatory activity of phycocyanin in some animal models of inflammation. Inflammation Research, 47(8), 334–338.

• Casacó A., Ledón N., González A., Merino N., Pérez R. (1999). Topical anti-inflammatory activity of human recombinant epidermal growth factor. Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 12(1-2), 79–84.

• Romay C., Ledón N., González R. (1999). Phycocyanin extract reduces leukotriene B4 levels in arachidonic acid-induced mouse-ear inflammation test. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 51(5), 641–642.

• Romay C., Ledón N., González R. (2000). Effects of phycocyanin extract on prostaglandin E2 levels in mouse ear inflammation test. Arzneimittelforschung, 50(12), 1106–1109.

Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Turkey

 Profiles👨‍🎓

 Early Academic Pursuits🎓

Prof. Dr. Sengul Alpay Karaoglu's academic foundation is grounded in Microbial Physiology, earning her MSc in 2015-2016 from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Her early focus included critical areas such as General Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics. Over time, she has expanded her expertise into Biotechnology, Biodiversity Conservation, Pharmacology, and Mycology. Her solid academic background laid the groundwork for her substantial contributions in microbial and environmental sciences.

 Professional Endeavors💼

She has held multiple influential academic roles at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, including Faculty Board Member (2015–2022) and Head of the Biology Department (2016–present). She was also appointed Professor at Gümüşhane University in 2022. Her academic career spans two decades of service, where she has actively contributed to curriculum development and academic leadership in Biology, Microbiology, and Mycology. Beyond administrative roles, she is a patent holder and has led numerous research projects, showcasing her multidisciplinary talents in both teaching and research.

 Contributions and Research Focus🔬

Her research portfolio is rich with innovative work across microbiology, pharmacology, and biotechnology. Her research has notably contributed to understanding antimicrobial drugs and microbial biodiversity. Major highlights include: Antimicrobial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from honeybees (Apis mellifera), Characterization of Bacillus species and their bioactive metabolites, including antifungal and antibacterial activities, Studies on antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains and molecular identification of Trichoderma species for biological control.

Her research contributions are reflected in several peer-reviewed publications and patents, such as her invention on an anti-helicobacter effective azo dye and urease enzyme inhibitor. Her work on synthesizing Penicillin-, Cephalosporin-, and Norfloxacin-Azole hybrid molecules demonstrates her role in advancing antimicrobial drug design.

 Impact and Influence🌍

Her impact on the scientific community is wide-reaching, particularly in microbiology and biotechnology. Her TÜBİTAK projects and work with higher education institutions underscore her leadership in addressing critical environmental and agricultural challenges. The innovative nature of her research has implications for antimicrobial therapies, environmental microbiology, and pharmacology, helping shape global understanding in these fields.

 Academic Cites and Recognition📚

Her research output has been widely cited in scientific journals and conferences, contributing to her reputation as a leading academic in Turkey and beyond. Her studies have enhanced the scientific understanding of antibiotic resistance and biological control mechanisms.

Technical Skills🛠️

Prof. Karaoglu’s technical expertise spans advanced microbiological techniques, including microbial culturing, genetic sequencing, molecular biology assays, and biotechnological applications. Her ability to blend laboratory research with real-world environmental applications is a hallmark of her technical acumen.

Teaching Experience👩‍🏫

She has an extensive teaching career, offering courses across several key fields, including: Molecular Cell Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Food Microbiology, Virology. Antimicrobial Drugs and Their Mechanisms of Action Her commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through her management of multiple graduate theses, mentoring students in cutting-edge microbiological research.

Legacy and Future Contributions🏆

Her legacy is one of scientific innovation and educational leadership. As a professor and researcher, she has not only contributed to critical advancements in microbiology and pharmacology but also nurtured the next generation of scientists. Moving forward, her work in biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental microbiology will continue to be pivotal in addressing global scientific challenges. Prof. Karaoglu’s extensive portfolio ensures her lasting influence on both academia and the scientific community.

Notable Publications📖

"Characterization of chitin and description of its antimicrobial properties obtained from Cydalima perspectalis adults"

Authors: Kılcı, L., Altun, N., Karaoğlu, Ş.A., Karaduman Yeşildal, T.

JournalPolymer Bulletin

Year: 2024

"Prevalence and Phylogenetic Network Analysis of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae Isolates from Honeybee Colonies in Türkiye"

Authors: Akpınar, R.K., Gürler, A.T., Bölükbaş, C.S., Küçükoğlu, B., Kurt, M.

JournalActa Parasitologica

Year: 2024

"Prevalence and molecular analysis of some important viruses in honey bee colonies in Türkiye: the status of multiple infections"

Authors: Akpinar, R., Ozan, E., Celik, S., Yaldiz, M., Karaoglu, S.A.

JournalArchives of Virology

Year: 2024

"Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities, and Molecular Modeling Studies of Agents for the Sortase A Enzyme"

Authors: Tatar Yilmaz, G., Yayli, N., Tüzüner, T., Bozdeveci, A., Alpay Karaoğlu, Ş.

JournalChemistry and Biodiversity

Year: 2024

"Determination of plant growth promoting properties and bioremediation potentials of Bacillus mycoides Flügge and B. thuringiensis Berliner"

Authors: Üreyen Esertaş, Ü.Z., Bozdeveci, A., Uzunalioğlu, E., Alpay Karaoğlu, Ş.

JournalTrakya University Journal of Natural Sciences

Year: 2024

"Some Schiff Bases Containing Eugenol and Guaiacol: Comparison of Urease Inhibition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activities with Its Azo Analogs"

Authors: Kantar, C., Baltaş, N., Karaoğlu, Ş.A., Şaşmaz, S.

JournalPharmaceutical Chemistry Journal

Year: 2024