Adeeba Ali Hidayat Ullah | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Adeeba Ali Hidayat Ullah | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

University of Central Punjab, Pakistan

Adeeba Ali Hidayat Ullah (born 6 June 2002) is a passionate young biotechnologist from Lahore, Pakistan, currently pursuing a BS in Biotechnology at the University of Central Punjab. Her academic journey is marked by strong achievements, including a merit-based scholarship and multiple awards in scientific competitions.

Profile:

Academic Background:

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (2021–2025)
University of Central Punjab, Lahore
Awarded merit-based scholarship and consistently ranked among top-performing students.

Research and Publications:

Adeeba has authored several research publications in areas such as in-silico vaccine design, molecular docking, drug discovery using AI, and nanotechnology applications in food. Notable works include:

  • Computational design of a glycosylated multi-epitope vaccine against HAsV-1 and HAsV-2 astrovirus

  • Deep learning and artificial intelligence for drug discovery

  • Eco-Friendly Synthesis Methods of Gold Nanoparticles
    She has also published a 16S rRNA gene sequence in NCBI and presented multiple abstracts at national and international conferences.

Internships and Work Experience:

Food Safety Intern, Diversey Pvt Ltd (Feb–May 2025)
Worked on CIP validation and food storage assessments across companies like Pepsi, Nestlé, Coca-Cola.

Lab Intern, Horizon Hospital (Mar–Jun 2023)
Gained hands-on experience in phlebotomy, hematology, biochemistry, and microbiology.

Junior Scientist, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (Aug–Oct 2023)
Worked on PCR techniques, DNA extraction, contamination control, and data reporting.

Online Educator (Jan 2024–Present)
Conducts Zoom-based sessions on bioinformatics, article writing, and in-silico vaccine design for students.

Technical Skills:

Wet Lab Skills: DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, nanoparticle synthesis, microbiological culturing.
Dry Lab Skills: In-silico vaccine construction, molecular docking, vector cloning, primer design.
Software & IT: Microsoft Office, Canva, video conferencing platforms, basic graphic design.

Conferences and Presentations:

  • 12th International Conference on Biological and Computational Sciences (Islamabad, 2024)

  • 2nd International Conference on Emerging Horizons in Science and Technology (Lahore, 2024)
    Presented multiple abstracts on vaccine design, AI in cancer drug discovery, and biodegradation analysis.

Awards and Recognition:

  • 2nd Place – Model & Poster Competition (2023)

  • Merit-based Scholarship – University of Central Punjab (2021)

  • 3rd Place – Entrepreneurship Competition (2024)

  • Certificate of Participation – 9th Bioinformatics Poster Competition (2024)

Interpersonal Qualities:

  • Leadership and initiative in research environments

  • Strong communication and teaching skills

  • Highly motivated and research-oriented

  • Strong curiosity in computational biology

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Computational Design of a Glycosylated Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against HAsV-1 and HAsV-2 Astrovirus for Acute Gastroenteritis
    M. Naveed, A. Ali, T. Aziz, N. Ali, H.M. Rehman, A.A. Khan, T. ul Haq, et al.
    Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 13954, 2025.

  2. Development of a Novel Multiepitope Vaccine Against Menangle Virus (MenV) Using In-Silico Approaches by Targeting Its Transmembrane Proteins
    M. Naveed, A. Ali, T. Aziz, N. Fatima, S. Amjad, F. Fatima, A.A. Khan, M. Alharbi, et al.
    Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 13715, 2025.

  3. Comparative Analysis of the Degradation Potential of Enzymes Obtained from Escherichia coli Against Toxicity of VAT Dyes Through Molecular Docking
    M. Naveed, A. Arshad, T. Aziz, A. Ali, S. Ibrahim, A. Atta, M.S.U. Din, A. Sarwar, et al.
    Desalination and Water Treatment, 321, Article 101064, 2025.

Pedro Crugeira | Biotechnology | Innovator of the Year Achievement Award

Dr. Pedro Crugeira | Biotechnology | Innovator of the Year Achievement Award

Researcher Polytechnic Institute of Braganca Portugal

Pedro Jorge Louro Crugeira (b. 28 March 1972) is a seasoned biotechnologist with a rich academic and research trajectory spanning biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and photobiomodulation. With over two decades of experience in academia and industry, he has contributed significantly to sustainable bioprocesses for producing high-value bioactives using photostimulation techniques. He currently serves as a researcher at the Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, where he contributes to the OleaChain Project focused on innovation in the traditional olive grove value chain.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

Pedro holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2016) and a Master’s in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil, and completed a post-doctorate in Biotechnology focusing on photostimulation for bioactive production. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Instituto Superior de Humanidades e Tecnologia and a Degree in Biotechnological Engineering from Universidade Lusófona, Portugal. Additionally, he specialized in Innovation and Quality at the Portuguese Industrial Association.

🧪 Experience

Pedro has worked across Brazil and Portugal in academic and industrial capacities. He held teaching positions at Salvador University Center (UNICEUSA) and SALVADOR COLLEGE (FACSAL). He is currently a Polytechnic Teacher at both the School of Agriculture and the School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Braganca . His prior industrial roles include being Technical Director at ATOM Scientific and a consultant at GUIRRE Cosmetics Industry, Brazil. He led innovative projects funded by PETROGAL, FAPEX, and COMPETE2030.

🔬 Research Interest

His research spans industrial and environmental biotechnology, bioprocess microbiology, biophotonics, and bioactive production through photostimulation. He is particularly invested in sustainable strategies for utilizing industrial by-products and developing photostimulated microbial biopolymers. He is also engaged in bioremediation, medical biotechnology, and bioproduct engineering for health and environmental applications.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Pedro has been consistently recognized for his contributions to sustainable biotechnology innovation. He was appointed as the Principal Investigator for national and European-funded projects such as INOVOlive and RARISS, under COMPETE2030 and NORTE2020 programs, aimed at value-adding bioresources and improving traceability in agro-industrial systems.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

Pedro has authored multiple book chapters and journal articles that reflect his innovative contributions:

📘 Photostimulation Applied to the Production of Biopolymers (Exopolysaccharides), in Progress in Hydrogen Energy, Fuel Cells, Nano-Biotechnology and Advanced Bioactive Compounds, Springer, 2024.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-75984-0_16
Cited by: 2 articles

📘 Exploring Innovative Exogenous Green Stimulus Methods for Boosting Bioprocesses: Electric, Magnetic and Ultrasound Stimulation Techniques, in Trends and Innovations in Energetic Sources, Functional Compounds and Biotechnology, 2023.
Published in the United States
Cited by: 1 article

📘 Surfactant/Alkali Stress Effect in Exopolysaccharide Production by Xanthomonas and Enterobacter Strains, in Functional Properties of Advanced Engineering Materials and Biomolecules, Springer, 2021.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62226-8_24
Cited by: 3 articles

📘 Effect of Light Stimulation on a Thermo-Cellulolytic Bacterial Consortium Used for the Degradation of Cellulose of Green Coconut Shells, in Emerging Research in Science and Engineering Based on Advanced Experimental and Computational Strategies, Springer, 2020.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31403-2_8
Cited by: 4 articles

📘 Disclosing the potential of Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, and Melissa officinalis L. hydrosols as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents

📘 Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue: in vitro and in vivo studies

📘 Copper-induced exopolysaccharide production by Lelliottia amnigena strain LABEM

📘 Exploring Innovative Exogenous Green Stimulus Methods for Boosting Bioprocesses: Electric, Magnetic and Ultrasound Stimulation Techniques