Marta Fiołka | Microbiology | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Marta Fiołka | Microbiology | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Marta Fiołka, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Poland.

Dr. Marta Fiołka is a professor at UMCS specializing in invertebrate immunology and biomedical research. She is renowned for her work on antimicrobial and anticancer compounds derived from earthworms 🪱. With 12 patented inventions, numerous national awards 🏆, and active international collaborations, she combines scientific innovation with public science outreach 📢. As a mentor, lecturer, and science promoter, Dr. Fiołka inspires future researchers through her passion, creativity, and groundbreaking discoveries.

Profile

Scopus Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Marta Fiołka began her academic journey with a Master’s degree in Biology from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin on June 17, 1993. Her thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Jan Jarosz, explored the “Effect of hydrocortisone on the defensive reactions of larvae Galleria mellonella.” She earned her PhD in Biological Sciences (specialty: Invertebrate Immunology) on April 12, 2006, with a dissertation titled “Lysozymes of selected invertebrate species as natural immune defence factors,” supervised by Prof. Teresa Jakubowicz. On June 24, 2016, she was awarded the title of habilitated doctor for her research on “Antimicrobial and anti-tumor substances from isolated bacteria and tissues of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta.” 🧬📚

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Fiołka’s professional journey reflects her dedication to biological sciences. She began as a specialist in the Department of Animal and Environment Hygiene at the Agricultural University in Lublin (1993–1998), before becoming an assistant at UMCS in the Department of Insect Pathology (1998–2006). She continued her career at UMCS as an adjunct and later as a professor in the Department of Immunobiology, where she now serves as a full professor since 2019. Her international fellowships include training at the Medical University of Lublin and a research project in Japan at Chiba University under Prof. Nozomu Takeuchi. 🌍🔬

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Microbiology 

Dr. Fiołka’s core research explores bioactive compounds from earthworms, focusing on their antimicrobial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, cell biology, and biotechnology. She has pioneered work on the coelomic fluid of Dendrobaena veneta, identifying key protein-polysaccharide complexes and metabolites with therapeutic potential. Her studies have resulted in 12 patented inventions and numerous peer-reviewed publications. She also leads a national research network involving several top Polish institutions. 🐛🧫💊

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Fiołka has significantly advanced the field of invertebrate immunology and biomedicine. Her research has fostered collaborations across Poland and Japan, and she has served as reviewer of multiple doctoral theses and high-impact journal articles. She has mentored numerous students, promoted intellectual property awareness, and organized microbiology and flow cytometry laboratories. Her public outreach efforts, including lectures, exhibitions, and media appearances, highlight her commitment to science popularization and education. 🧑‍🏫📢

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Fiołka demonstrates proficiency in cell culture techniques, antimicrobial screening, immunoblotting, microscopic imaging, flow cytometry, and molecular biology. She skillfully integrates interdisciplinary methods to identify, isolate, and characterize bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. She’s a versatile researcher, equally adept at experimental design, patent development, and cross-institutional collaborations. 🔍🧫🧪

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Fiołka has received numerous accolades, including:

  • Scientific Award of the Minister of Science (2024) 🏆

  • Marie Curie Research Award (2020)

  • Rector’s Awards (2015–2023)

  • Silver Medal for Long-Term Work (2018)

  • National Education Committee Medal (2015)

  • Prime Minister’s Badge of Merit for Inventiveness (2015)

These honors underscore her excellence in scientific innovation, academic leadership, and public service. 🎖️🎓

🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leading authority on the medical applications of earthworms, Dr. Fiołka’s legacy lies in bridging traditional biology with innovative medical biotechnology. She envisions expanding her research into nanomedicine and personalized therapies, continuing her collaboration with Chiba University and Polish medical institutions. As a founder and mentor of a thriving student research club, she is nurturing the next generation of scientists while advocating for intellectual property awareness in academia. Her work is setting a precedent for eco-friendly biomedical discovery. 🌍🧑‍🎓🔬

Publications Top Notes

📘 1. Preliminary proteomic analysis of mouse lung tissue treated with cyclophosphamide and Venetin-1

  • 👩‍🔬 Authors: P. Czaplewska, M. Muller, N. Musiał, B. Tokarz-Deptuła, M.J. Fiołka

  • 📰 Journal: Scientific Reports

  • 📅 Year: 2024

  • 🧪 Focus: Investigating protein-level changes in mouse lung tissue exposed to Venetin-1, a compound derived from earthworms.

  • 🔍 Keywords: Proteomics, lung tissue, cancer treatment, Venetin-1

📘 2. Prospects of earthworm coelomic fluid as a potential therapeutic agent to treat cancer

  • 👩‍🔬 Authors: S. Haque, A. Hussain, A.H. Almalki, M.K. Srivastava, M.J. Fiołka

  • 📰 Journal: [Name not specified] (likely a peer-reviewed open access journal)

  • 📅 Year: Not specified (but likely 2023–2024 based on listing)

  • 🌱 Focus: Reviews the therapeutic potential of earthworm coelomic fluid for oncological applications.
  • 💊 Keywords: Earthworm-derived compounds, anticancer agents, coelomic fluid

📘 3. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity

  • 👩‍🔬 Authors: S. Wójcik-Mieszawska, K. Lewtak, E. Skwarek, J. Pawelec, M.J. Fiołka

  • 📰 Journal: Scientific Reports

  • 📅 Year: 2023

  • 🧫 Focus: Explores how Venetin-1 nanoparticles derived from earthworms induce autophagy in Candida albicans fungi.

  • 🦠 Keywords: Antifungal therapy, Venetin-1, protease inhibitors, autophagy

Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, NAST, Nepal.

Mr. Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai 🇳🇵 is a dedicated microbiologist and agriculture officer with a passion for research and community empowerment. He holds an M.Sc. in Food and Industrial Microbiology from St. Xavier’s College. His published research and award-winning work focus on food safety, lactic culture, and public health 🧪. A recipient of the Fathers Locke and Stiller Research Award 🏅, he blends science with social outreach through Leo Club leadership and rural development projects. 🌱📖

👨‍🎓Profile

ORCID 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Bishwa Bandhu Pachhai, a diligent academician from Gulmi, Nepal, laid his educational foundation at Namuna English Boarding School, excelling in Science and Mathematics. His keen interest in the sciences led him to pursue +2 Science at Takshashila Academy and later a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus. Currently, he is completing his M.Sc. in Food and Industrial Microbiology at St. Xavier’s College under Tribhuvan University, with a specialization in food fermentation, biotechnology, and microbiological safety. His academic journey is marked by consistency, curiosity, and commitment. 📚🔬

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Bishwa’s professional experiences are broad and dynamic. He began as a Lower Secondary Teacher and went on to become a Content Writer and Tutor at B.R. Educational Foundation. He served as an Enumerator for NACEUN, conducted quality assurance as an Intern at Dairy Development Corporation, and delved into advanced microbiological research at NAST. Currently, he is serving as an Agriculture Officer at ISARD, where he is contributing to curriculum development, sustainable farming practices, and policy advocacy. His professional journey reflects versatility and community-centered growth. 🌱💼

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus On Microbiology 

Bishwa’s research is grounded in public health, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture. He has worked on bacteriological analysis of commercial drinking water in Kathmandu and developed lactic cultures for dairy-based fermentation—a project that has been successfully published. His work at NAST includes the phytochemical and nutritional analysis of wild edibles and screening of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, demonstrating his depth in molecular and applied microbiological techniques. His research bridges traditional knowledge with modern science. 🧫🧪

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Bishwa’s involvement in leadership and public service is noteworthy. As a former President of Leo Club of Kathmandu Ashapureshwor and current District Administrative Officer, he has shown a strong commitment to youth empowerment and civic responsibility. He has organized workshops, contributed to public safety awareness, and participated in global events like the Guinness World Record flag event. His impact lies in blending science, leadership, and community development. 🤝🌐

🧠 Research Skills

Bishwa is well-equipped with a comprehensive set of research skills including proposal writing, SPSS-based statistical analysis, molecular techniques (PCR, electrophoresis, gene extraction), and bioinformatics tools. He is proficient in literature review, experimental design, and data collection techniques, alongside soft skills in leadership, communication, and team collaboration. His ability to integrate these skills into practical applications is exemplary. 💡📊

🏅 Awards and Honors

He was honored with the “Fathers Locke and Stiller Research Award, Cycle-4”, a prestigious recognition for promising researchers at Tribhuvan University. This accolade reflects his scientific rigor, innovation, and commitment to excellence in research. 🎖️🏅

📈 Academic cites

Bishwa’s research on curd culture from dairy samples has been published, contributing to food microbiology literature. His dissertation work and continued participation in seminars like the Microbiology Research Seminar 2022 signify a growing scholarly presence, especially in applied microbiology. He also contributes through journal presentations and collaborative initiatives in agricultural and environmental microbiology. 📝📊

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Bishwa aspires to advance sustainable food systems, improve public health through microbiological safety, and empower local communities through agricultural development. His current work with ISARD and his vision for policy-driven, science-backed rural innovation position him as a future leader in Nepal’s scientific landscape. With continued research, academic publication, and community service, Bishwa is poised to leave a lasting legacy in food safety and rural development. 🚀🌾

Publications Top Notes

📘 1. Physicochemical, nutritional, antinutritional and antioxidant properties of juice and wines from Rhododendron arboreum Sm. petals
📅 Year: 2025
📰 Journal: Applied Food Research
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.afres.2025.100929
🧪🍷 Focus on nutritional and antioxidant properties of Rhododendron juice and wine.

🍊 2. Evaluating Citrus Juice: A Comparative Study of Physicochemical, Nutraceutical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Citrus Juices from Nepal
📅 Year: 2024
📰 Journal: Heliyon
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40773
🧃🦠 In-depth analysis of various citrus juices from Nepal.

🥛 3. Preparation of Lactic Culture from Dairy Sample for Yogurt Production
📅 Year: 2022
📰 Journal: Research Annals of Xavier’s Nepal
📚 ISSN: 2705-456X
🧫🧃 Focus on yogurt production using lactic culture isolated from dairy samples.

🚰 4. Bacteriological Analysis of Commercial Drinking Water Sold in Kathmandu Valley
📅 Year: Not Specified
📄 Type: Dissertation/Thesis
🏞️🦠 Examined the microbiological quality of bottled water in the Kathmandu region.