Naveed Ahmed | Infectious Diseases | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed | Infectious Diseases | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Naveed Ahmed | University of Tabuk | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Naveed Ahmed, PhD, is a Registered Scientist (UK) and Professional Technologist (Malaysia) specializing in Medical Microbiology. With a robust academic background and diverse research expertise, he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ahmed has contributed extensively to infectious disease diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance, nanomedicine, and vaccine development. His prolific output includes over 40 Q1/Q2 publications and numerous presentations at international conferences. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Sanggar Sanjung and Young Investigator Award, Dr. Ahmed is deeply engaged in translational research, academic mentorship, and global health initiatives.

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Education

Dr. Naveed Ahmed holds a PhD in Medical Microbiology from Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he completed significant research on Epstein-Barr virus and cancer immunotherapy. He earned a Master of Science in Microbiology from the University of Central Punjab and a BS (Hons) in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of the Punjab, Lahore. His education has been enriched by merit scholarships, certifications, and awards that reflect his dedication to academic excellence and scientific innovation. His interdisciplinary background has equipped him with strong foundations in diagnostics, molecular biology, immunology, and public health microbiology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ahmed currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he teaches and contributes to curriculum development and quality assurance. His experience spans academia, research, and hospital-based microbiology, including roles at Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute, and Chughtai Lab. His responsibilities have ranged from managing research grants, publishing in indexed journals, and supervising teams, to laboratory quality control and training staff. Dr. Ahmed has also served as a visiting lecturer at several institutions, highlighting his dedication to education, professional growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed’s research centers on medical microbiology, infectious diseases, nanomedicine, cancer immunotherapy, and antimicrobial resistance. He has led and contributed to projects involving in-vitro diagnostics for mosquito-borne diseases, rapid COVID-19 test evaluations, and computational vaccine design targeting pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus and Enterobacter cloacae. His work often bridges molecular biology, immunoinformatics, and translational medicine, with the goal of developing practical health interventions. Dr. Ahmed also explores the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds, nanoparticles, and host-pathogen interactions, striving to advance diagnostics and treatment strategies for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Naveed Ahmed has been recognized with numerous accolades for his research excellence and academic performance. These include the Graduate on Time Award (2024), nominations for Best PhD Thesis, and multiple Sanggar Sanjung Awards for publication excellence at Universiti Sains Malaysia. He secured second place in oral presentations at RCMM/NCCR 2023 and received the Best Poster Presentation at MMIDSP 2020. He is also the recipient of departmental awards for journal club presentations and a merit-based Research Assistance Scheme. His contributions reflect consistent excellence, dedication to scientific advancement, and leadership in academic and clinical microbiology.

Publications Top Notes

Title: Application of Artificial Intelligence in Combating High Antimicrobial Resistance Rates
Citations: 112 (2022)
Journal: Antibiotics, Volume 11, Issue 6, Article 784

Title: Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Extracts of Wild Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) with Antibacterial Activity Against Selective Multidrug Resistant Oral Bacteria
Citations: 77 (2022)
Journal: Molecules, Volume 27, Issue 6, Article 2007

Title: High-Dose Vitamin C for Cancer Therapy
Citations: 75 (2022)
Journal: Pharmaceuticals, Volume 15, Issue 6, Article 711

Title: Self-Medication as an Important Risk Factor for Antibiotic Resistance: A Multi-Institutional Survey Among Students
Citations: 68 (2022)
Journal: Antibiotics, Volume 11, Issue 7, Article 842

Title: The Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Selective Oral Microbes, Antioxidant Activity and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Zingiber officinale
Citations: 66 (2022)
Journal: Infection and Drug Resistance, Pages 2773–2785

Title: Clinical Manifestation, Transmission, Pathogenesis, and Diagnosis of Monkeypox Virus: A Comprehensive Review
Citations: 56 (2023)
Journal: Life, Volume 13, Issue 2, Article 522

Title: The Usage of Antibiotics by COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities: The Risk of Increased Antimicrobial Resistance
Citations: 53 (2021)
Journal: Antibiotics, Volume 11, Issue 1, Article 35

Title: Smoking – A Dangerous Addiction: A Systematic Review on an Underrated Risk Factor for Oral Diseases
Citations: 50 (2021)
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 18, Issue 21, Article 11003

Title: Evaluation of Bi-Lateral Co-Infections and Antibiotic Resistance Rates Among COVID-19 Patients
Citations: 46 (2022)
Journal: Antibiotics, Volume 11, Issue 2, Article 276

Title: Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Bacillus subtilis-Derived Silver Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Citations: 46 (2020)
Journal: Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, Volume 13, Issue 5, Pages 1–7

Title: An Overview on Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Citations: 45 (2022)
Journal: Medicina, Volume 58, Issue 11, Article 1675

Title: Applications of Alginate-Based Nanomaterials in Enhancing the Therapeutic Effects of Bee Products
Citations: 43 (2022)
Journal: Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, Volume 9, Article 865833

Title: Antibiotic Resistance Profile in Relation to Virulence Genes fimH, hlyA and usp of Uropathogenic E. coli Isolates in Lahore, Pakistan
Citations: 42 (2019)
Journal: Tropical Biomedicine, Volume 36, Pages 559–568

Conclusion

Dr. Naveed Ahmed exemplifies the qualities of a committed researcher, skilled educator, and dedicated scientist in the field of medical microbiology. His strong academic background, multifaceted research portfolio, and international collaborations make him a valuable asset to the global health community. Through his impactful publications, patents, and teaching roles, he continues to drive innovation in infectious disease diagnostics and treatment. Dr. Ahmed’s journey reflects excellence, integrity, and a forward-looking vision—ideals that position him for continued success in academia, clinical research, and health policy on both national and international levels.

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

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🎓 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