Mandana Moshrefi | Molecular Biology | Best Paper Award

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Ms. Mandana Moshrefi | Molecular Biology | Best Paper Award 

Medical University of Kerman | Iran 

Ms. Mandana Moshrefi is an emerging researcher in agricultural entomology whose work integrates natural product chemistry, botanical insecticides, and environmentally sustainable pest-management strategies. Her scientific contributions span insect toxicology, green chemistry, bioorganic compounds, cytotoxicity assessment, and the development of plant-based alternatives to synthetic pesticides. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and international conference papers, contributing to a research profile that currently includes 16 citations by 16 documents, 4 indexed publications, and an h-index of 2, reflecting a growing scholarly influence in the fields of entomology and bio-pesticide development. Her studies have demonstrated the fumigant toxicity, repellency, and biochemical effects of essential oils, terpenoids, and plant-derived extracts against key agricultural pests such as Aphis fabae, Callosobruchus chinensis, Sitotroga cerealella, and Plutella xylostella. She has collaborated extensively with multidisciplinary teams working on medicinal plants, natural antioxidants, and bioactive phytochemicals, producing results published in recognized outlets such as the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmacognosy Communications, the Journal of Biopesticides, and presentations at prestigious platforms, including multiple American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meetings. Her research advances contribute to global efforts in reducing chemical pesticide dependency, enhancing postharvest protection, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices through plant-based and eco-friendly solutions. She has also been recognized internationally, including a silver medal at the World Exhibition of Invention, Research and Industrial Innovation in Brussels, and maintains scientific engagement through her membership in the American Chemical Society. Her work continues to support innovation at the interface of entomology, natural products chemistry, and sustainable crop protection.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Purhematy, A., Ahmadi, K., & Moshrefi, M. (2013). Toxicity of thiacloprid and fenvalerate on the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae, and biosafety against its parasitoid, Lysiphlebus fabarum. Journal of Biopesticides, 6(2), 207.
    Citations: 29.

  2. Saheli, K. M., Moshrefi, M., Baghalishahi, M., Mohkami, A., Firouzi, Y., Suzuki, K., & … (2024). Cognitive fitness: Harnessing the strength of exerkines for aging and metabolic challenges. Sports, 12(2), 57. Citations: 5.

  3. Moshrefi, M., Pourrahimi, A. M., Abbasnejad, M., Farjoo, M. H., & … (2022). Alpha-pinene preserves human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced toxicity through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties and gamma-aminobutyric effects. Biomedical and Biotechnology Research Journal (BBRJ), 6(2), 255–260. Citations: 3.

  4. Dugaheh, M. A., Sharififar, F., Ahmadi, N., Khanuki, A. A., Purhemati, A., & Moshrefi, M. (2013). Antityrosinase effect of major fractions of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruits. Inventi Impact: Cosmeceuticals. Citations: 1.

  5. Moshrefi, M., Ahmadi, K., Purhematy, A., Jajarmi, M., & Sarve, A. Y. (2020). Detection of antibacterial properties of Musca domestica, Drosophila melanogaster, and Sarcophaga nodosa using resazurin as a growth indicator in bacterial cells. Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology.

Andrea Gobbo | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by The Scientist

Andrea Gobbo | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Research scientist | Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics | Belgium

Ms. Andrea Gobbo, is a molecular biologist and research scientist specializing in molecular biology, genomics, and food safety within the framework of One Health. His expertise lies in the development and validation of advanced molecular detection methods, including qPCR and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), for the identification and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMO/GMM), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and microbial contaminants across diverse biological and environmental matrices. At Sciensano, he has contributed to numerous multidisciplinary national and international projects such as NAP-AMR, CoVWWSurv, ENSURED, METAMORPHOSE, and DARWIN, focusing on food safety, microbial contamination, and environmental health surveillance. His research supports global efforts to strengthen food authenticity, ensure product safety, and enhance AMR monitoring in environmental systems. He is also actively involved in mentoring university students, laboratory coordination, and scientific communication through peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations. Andrea Gobbo’s scholarly achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to scientific innovation and public health protection. His contributions include the development of reliable molecular assays for environmental biosurveillance and genomic characterization of microorganisms relevant to food and health safety. His publications, appearing in respected international journals such as Food Research International, Frontiers in Microbiology, Water Environment Research, and Heliyon, highlight his role in bridging molecular biology with applied public health research. Andrea Gobbo’s academic impact is evidenced by 34 citations by 27 documents, 10 publications, and an h-index of 3, underscoring his growing influence in molecular diagnostics and genomic surveillance. His collaborative work continues to advance the integration of molecular tools in One Health initiatives, promoting sustainable and science-driven solutions for global biosecurity and environmental safety.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

  1. Fraiture, M.-A., Gobbo, A., Marchesi, U., Verginelli, D., Papazova, N., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2021). Development of a real-time PCR marker targeting a new unauthorized genetically modified microorganism producing protease identified by DNA walking. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 354, 109330. Citations: 13

  2. Fraiture, M.-A., Gobbo, A., Papazova, N., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2022). Development of a taxon-specific real-time PCR method targeting the Bacillus subtilis group to strengthen the control of genetically modified bacteria in fermentation products. Fermentation, 8(2), 78. Citations: 8

  3. Van Poelvoorde, L. A. E., Picalausa, C., Gobbo, A., Verhaegen, B., Lesenfants, M., Herman, P., Van Hoorde, K., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2023). Development of a droplet digital PCR to monitor SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant BA.2 in wastewater samples. Microorganisms, 11(3), 729. Citations: 7

  4. Gobbo, A., Fraiture, M.-A., Van Poelvoorde, L. A. E., De Keersmaecker, S. C. J., Garcia-Graells, C., Van Hoorde, K., Verhaegen, B., Huwaert, A., Maloux, H., Hutse, V., Ceyssens, P.-J., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2024). Strategy to develop and validate digital droplet PCR methods for global antimicrobial resistance wastewater surveillance. Water Environment Research, 96(11), e11145. Citations: 4

  5. Fraiture, M.-A., Gobbo, A., Guillitte, C., Marchesi, U., Verginelli, D., De Greve, J., D’aes, J., Vanneste, K., Papazova, N., & Roosens, N. H. C. (2024). Pilot market surveillance of GMM contaminations in alpha-amylase food enzyme products: A detection strategy strengthened by a newly developed qPCR method targeting a GM Bacillus licheniformis producing alpha-amylase. Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, 8, 100186. Citations: 3