Assist. Prof. Dr. Hanane Boutaj | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hanane Boutaj | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hanane Boutaj, Abdelmaled Essaadi University, Morocco

Hanane Boutaj is an Assistant Professor of Plant Biology at Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Tangier, Morocco. With a PhD in Biotechnology and Plant Pathology, her research centers on the use of medicinal plants and endomycorrhizal fungi to treat human fungal diseases and improve crop resistance. Notably, her work on olive tree resistance to Verticillium wilt has earned her multiple accolades, including first prize at international conferences in Morocco and Turkey. Passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture, she collaborates with national and international teams on innovative plant-based treatments. Hanane is also a Climate Ambassador and actively involved in research promoting environmental health.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Hanane Boutaj is highly suited for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to her innovative research contributions in medicinal plants and plant pathology. Her work demonstrates a strong focus on impactful research with tangible applications in biotechnology and plant-based treatments, earning recognition in various international conferences. While further publications or patents may strengthen her profile, her current academic and research excellence merits consideration for the award.

🎓 Education 

Hanane Boutaj holds a PhD in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioengineering from Cadi Ayyad University, where her thesis explored the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing olive tree resistance to Verticillium wilt. She completed her Master’s degree in Natural Resources Valorization at Mohammed V University, where she researched the safety and chemical quality of Moroccan spearmint under different drying methods. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology Applied to Vegetal Productions from Cadi Ayyad University. Additionally, she has a specialized degree in the teaching profession from Cadi Ayyad University’s Ecole Normale Supérieure. Her academic background lays the foundation for her current research, where she applies biotechnology to solve critical agricultural challenges, particularly in the context of plant pathology and medicinal plants.

💼 Experience 

Currently, Hanane Boutaj serves as an Assistant Professor of Plant Biology at Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier. Her professional journey began with research on the medicinal properties of plants, particularly their use in treating fungal diseases. With expertise in plant biology and biotechnology, she has led various collaborative research projects at both national and international levels. Hanane is actively involved in two research laboratories, located in Tangier and Marrakech, focusing on plant pathology and biological treatments. She also collaborates with French and Swiss research teams, investigating the therapeutic potential of natural remedies for managing health conditions such as diabetes. As a recognized expert in biotechnology, she has been invited to present her findings at multiple international conferences, garnering recognition for her innovative work in plant-based solutions for sustainable agriculture.

🏅Awards and Honors

Hanane Boutaj has been honored with several prestigious awards for her research in biotechnology and plant pathology. In 2020, she received the first award for best oral communication at the 21st International Conference on Agricultural Biotechnology and Agricultural Forestry in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2019, she won the best workshop award at Cadi Ayyad University’s Student Week for her presentation on the importance of biofertilizers for health and the environment. Additionally, she was awarded the first prize for her communication on food biotechnology at the “Biotechnologies at the Service of Society” conference held at the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques in Fez. These accolades reflect her commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and her expertise in the field of plant biotechnology.

🌍 Research Focus 

Hanane Boutaj’s research focuses on the use of biotechnology to develop sustainable solutions for agricultural and environmental challenges. Her primary area of study is medicinal plants and their potential to combat human fungal diseases. Additionally, she is investigating the role of endomycorrhizal fungi in improving plant resistance to pathogens, with a particular emphasis on olive trees and their defense against Verticillium wilt. By leveraging plant biology and biotechnology, Hanane aims to create biological treatments that reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides and enhance crop resilience. Her ongoing research projects include collaborations with international teams from France and Switzerland, exploring the pharmacological potential of natural remedies for diabetes and other diseases. Through her work, Hanane seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices that promote environmental health.

📖 Publications Top Notes

  • Publication: “Unraveling arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi interaction in rice for plant growth development and enhancing phosphorus use efficiency through recent development of regulatory genes”
  • Citations: 13
  • Publication: “Effect of beneficial indigenous microorganisms on tomato growth performance, productivity, and protection against Verticillium dahliae
  • Citations: 4
  • Publication: “The effects of mycorrhizal fungi on vascular wilt diseases”
  • Citations: 13
  • Publication: “Actinobacteria-enhanced plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and crop protection: Advances in soil, plant, and microbial multifactorial interactions”
  • Citations: 73
  • Publication: “Effectiveness of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal consortium on the growth and mineral nutrition of Argania spinosa (L.) skeels”
  • Citations: 6

Dr. Stela Dragomanova | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova| Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova, Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria

Dr. Stela Dragomanova is a distinguished researcher and educator at the Medical University of Varna. She earned her master’s degree in Pharmacy from the Medical University of Sofia in 2004 and later specialized in Clinical Pharmacy. In 2020, she completed her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Dr. Dragomanova’s research centers on neuropharmacology, particularly neurodegenerative diseases. She is a member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union and serves as Chairlady of the Ethics Committee for the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium in Varna. Dr. Dragomanova has published 30+ peer-reviewed papers, contributing significantly to pharmacology and neuroscience. She has also served as Assistant Professor from 2010 to 2021 and is currently Chief Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical University of Varna.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stela Dragomanova demonstrates a strong profile as a candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and a focus on neuropharmacology, her research is centered around neurodegenerative diseases, a critical area of biomedical research. Her expertise in in vivo preclinical models and behavioral tests positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community, particularly in neuropharmacology and toxicology.Her academic career includes over a decade of teaching and research at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria, where she has steadily advanced from Assistant Professor to Chief Assistant Professor. Dr. Dragomanova has also made substantial contributions to the scientific literature, with 30+ publications, including articles in high-impact journals such as Antioxidants and Molecules, with topics addressing neuroprotective strategies and experimental pharmacology.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Stela Dragomanova began her academic journey at the Medical University of Sofia, where she obtained her master’s degree in Pharmacy in 2004. She further specialized in Clinical Pharmacy, enhancing her expertise in pharmacological interventions. Driven by her passion for neuropharmacology, Dr. Dragomanova pursued her Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Neurobiology, completing it in 2020. Her doctoral research provided significant insights into neurodegenerative diseases and related pharmacotherapies. With a strong foundation in experimental pharmacology and toxicology, Dr. Dragomanova is equipped with advanced skills in preclinical in vivo models and behavioral testing. Her academic qualifications, coupled with her research experience, reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in the pharmaceutical and neuropharmacological fields.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Stela Dragomanova has been an integral part of the Medical University of Varna since 2010, starting as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacotherapy. She transitioned into the role of Chief Assistant Professor in 2021, where she continues to lead and mentor young scientists in neuropharmacology. In her academic career, she has overseen numerous research projects focusing on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly in exploring neuroprotective agents and pharmacological treatments. She has extensive expertise in in vivo preclinical models and behavioral testing in experimental pharmacology. Dr. Dragomanova is also deeply involved in regulatory and ethical aspects of pharmacology research, serving as the Chairlady of the Ethics Committee for the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium in Varna and being an active member of several scientific and pharmaceutical associations.

🏅Awards and Honors 

Dr. Stela Dragomanova has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacology and her dedication to healthcare and education. In 2018, she was named “Pharmacist of the Year” for the Varna region by the Regional Pharmaceutical Collegium. This prestigious award highlights her commitment to the pharmaceutical profession and the positive impact of her work in the healthcare sector. In addition to her regional recognition, Dr. Dragomanova is an esteemed member of the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union, which is part of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU). She also holds leadership roles in several academic and professional organizations, including the Bulgarian Association of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Therapeutics. Her extensive experience in both research and education further solidifies her as a prominent figure in the pharmacological sciences.

🌍 Research Focus 

Dr. Stela Dragomanova’s research is primarily focused on neuropharmacology, particularly in understanding the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Her work aims to discover potential therapeutic agents that can mitigate the progression of disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She has developed expertise in using in vivo preclinical models to evaluate neuroprotective compounds and conduct behavioral tests. Her research explores the role of antioxidants and polyphenols, studying their neuroprotective effects and potential applications in pharmacotherapy. Additionally, Dr. Dragomanova is interested in the therapeutic potential of lipid emulsions in treating convulsions and other toxicological conditions. Her investigations have led to a deeper understanding of the molecular and biochemical processes that drive neurodegeneration, with a strong focus on developing novel interventions for these challenging medical conditions.

📖 Publications Top Notes

  • Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Anticonvulsants’ Toxicity
  • Trehalose: Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms—An Updated Review
  • Intravenous Lipid Emulsions in Anticonvulsants’ Toxicity
  • Neuropharmacological investigation of myrtenal conjugates with aminoadamantane
  • Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Geranium sanguineum L. in Viral Infections, Including SARS-CoV-2