Neeraj Thakur | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Neeraj Thakur | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, United States

Dr. Neeraj S. Thakur, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), is a highly motivated researcher specializing in drug delivery systems, theranostic platforms, and AI-based approaches for developing novel diagnostics and treatments. With over a decade of international research experience spanning the USA, Europe, and Asia, Dr. Thakur has led multiple projects related to nanomaterial design, formulation development, and the synthesis of advanced drug delivery systems for treating diseases like cancer and infections. His expertise extends to both small molecules and large biomolecules, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. He has an extensive publication record with 29 papers, five patents, six book chapters, and significant contributions to the field.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Thakur earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology) from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, India, where his research focused on the development of nanoparticle-based fluorescent probes for biomedical applications. He also holds an M.Tech in Pharmaceutical Technology (Biotechnology) from NIPER, Mohali, where he was the class topper, and a B.Pharm degree from Shri G.S. Institute of Technology and Science, Indore. Additionally, he is pursuing a Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Experience

Dr. Thakur has held significant roles in various research institutions. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at OUHSC, he established research laboratories and led projects on nanomaterial development for drug delivery systems targeting multiple applications, including inner ear and ocular delivery. Prior to this, he worked at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, where he developed hybrid micelle formulations for transdermal delivery and designed iontophoretic devices. He also contributed to the Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), India, where he led the development of topical drug delivery systems and was involved in several patent filings. These experiences have honed his skills in formulation and analytical development, laboratory management, and industrial collaboration.

Research Interests

Dr. Thakur’s research interests focus on the development of advanced drug delivery systems, particularly using nanomaterials such as polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. His work aims to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs by enhancing their delivery to specific sites in the body, such as the inner ear, ocular tissues, and tumors. He is also dedicated to the integration of AI-based approaches for optimizing drug delivery design, ensuring more precise treatments for conditions like cancer and ototoxicity. His passion extends to the creation of theranostic platforms for early disease diagnosis and personalized medicine.

Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Thakur has received numerous accolades for his contributions to pharmaceutical sciences. Notable among them are the John B. Bruce Scholarship Award (2024), the Best Abstract Award at AAPS Pharm360 (2023), and the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (2020-2021). His earlier achievements include the DST-INSPIRE and CSIR Research Fellowships, which are awarded to the top 1% of students in India. These recognitions underscore his impact on the scientific community and his leadership in advancing pharmaceutical research.

Publications

Dr. Thakur has authored 29 peer-reviewed papers, with some of his recent work focused on innovative drug delivery systems. Key publications include:

Thakur, N.S., et al., “Crosslinked Hybrid Nanoparticle Embedded in Thermogel For Sustained Co-Delivery to Inner Ear,” Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2024.

Thakur, N.S., et al., “Progress and Promise of Photoresponsive Nanocarriers for Precision Drug Delivery in Cancer,” Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews, 2024.

Thakur, N.S., et al., “Dual Stimuli-Responsive and Sustained Drug Delivery Nanosensogel for Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity,” Journal of Controlled Release, 2024.

Paul, S., et al., “Co-Administration of Chemo-Phototherapeutic Loaded Lignin Nanoarchitecture for Skin Cancer and Bacterial Infections,” ACS Applied Nano Materials, 2024.

Kumar, S., et al., “Bioengineered Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based Biosensors and Applications,” Sensors and Diagnostics, 2023. These works, which cover nanomedicine, drug delivery, and nanomaterial innovation, have significantly contributed to the field of pharmaceutical sciences and have been widely cited.

Conclusion

Dr. Neeraj S. Thakur’s multifaceted career highlights his dedication to advancing pharmaceutical research through innovation in nanotechnology and drug delivery systems. His profound knowledge in both academic and industrial settings, along with his leadership in driving collaborative research projects, continues to position him as a key figure in his field. With a focus on precision medicine, AI-based design, and the development of targeted therapies, Dr. Thakur is making remarkable strides toward improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of drug delivery and diagnostics.

Haleh Ayatollahi | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member | Iran University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi is a distinguished professor in Medical Informatics at the Iran University of Medical Sciences, with a robust academic and professional background spanning over two decades. Her research and professional endeavors focus on leveraging health information technology to address global healthcare challenges, particularly in the areas of telemedicine, health data management, and disease-specific interventions. With a career encompassing significant leadership roles, extensive teaching experience, and a prolific research portfolio, Dr. Ayatollahi has emerged as a leading figure in health informatics, contributing significantly to evidence-based healthcare policies and innovative digital solutions.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Ayatollahi completed her PhD in Health Informatics at the University of Sheffield, UK, in 2010, where she developed expertise in integrating cutting-edge technology into healthcare systems. She previously obtained her M.Sc. in Medical Records Education (2002) and B.Sc. in Medical Records (1998) from the Iran University of Medical Sciences, solidifying her foundation in health information management. Her academic journey began with an Associate Degree in Medical Records in 1996, also at the same institution. These accomplishments have provided her with a multidimensional perspective on healthcare data management and informatics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ayatollahi has held numerous influential positions throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Deputy of Research and Technology at the School of Health Management and Information Sciences and the Health Management and Economics Research Centre at the Iran University of Medical Sciences. Additionally, she is a member of the Medical Informatics Evaluation and Examination Board. Her leadership roles also include her tenure as the Postgraduate and Education Office Administrator (2014–2016). With early career experiences as a lecturer and teaching assistant, Dr. Ayatollahi has been instrumental in mentoring future professionals in health informatics and medical records.

Research Interests

Dr. Ayatollahi’s research interests include the application of telemedicine technologies, health information systems, and data quality assessment in healthcare. She is deeply committed to advancing the use of digital tools for patient care, particularly in chronic disease management, pediatric healthcare, and emergency medical services. Her studies often emphasize the importance of user-centered approaches, policy development, and technological integration in resource-limited settings, contributing to both the theoretical and practical aspects of health informatics.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ayatollahi has been recognized for her contributions to health informatics and education through several prestigious awards and nominations. Her work has been pivotal in shaping health information technology policies, for which she has earned acknowledgment from academic and professional bodies. These accolades reflect her dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and leadership.

Selected Publications

Global, regional, and national stillbirths at 20 weeks’ gestation or longer in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2021. The Lancet, 2024; cited by 22 articles.

A fuzzy ontology-based case-based reasoning system for stomach dystemperament in Persian medicine. PLOS ONE, 2024; cited by 5 articles.

Acceptance and use of mobile health technology in post-abortion care. BMC Health Services Research, 2024; cited by 8 articles.

Challenges of using telemedicine for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology, 2024; cited by 10 articles.

Application of telemedicine technology for cardiovascular diseases management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2024; cited by 6 articles.

Machine Learning Techniques for Predicting Drug-Related Side Effects. Pharmaceuticals, 2024; cited by 3 articles.

Motivating and inhibiting factors influencing the application of mHealth technology in post-abortion care: A review study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024; cited by 4 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi’s extensive contributions to medical informatics are a testament to her dedication to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes through innovative technology. Her work in health information systems, telemedicine, and education continues to influence both national and global healthcare policies. As a leader, educator, and researcher, Dr. Ayatollahi remains committed to advancing the field of health informatics and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Abu Sarwar Zamani | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abu Sarwar Zamani | AI in Healthcare | Best Researcher Award 

Asst. Professor | Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abu Sarwar Zamani is a dedicated and disciplined academic and research professional with over 15 years of experience. Specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Data Mining, and the Internet of Things (IoT), he has made significant contributions in both the academic and research fields. His teaching focuses on core computer science subjects, with a particular interest in the integration of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. His professional journey reflects a passion for knowledge sharing and innovative research, contributing to scientific advancements in computer science and technology. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, while also working as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Zamani’s academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University, Udaipur, India, earned in 2019. Prior to his doctorate, he completed a Master of Philosophy in Computer Science (2009) from Vinayak Mission University, Chennai, and a Master of Science in Computer Science (2007) from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. His undergraduate studies were in Computer Applications at MCRP, Bhopal, India (2002). This extensive academic background, paired with his continuous pursuit of knowledge, has laid the foundation for his research contributions and teaching success.

Experience

Dr. Zamani has held various academic positions throughout his career. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since August 2020. In addition to his teaching role, Dr. Zamani serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the International Islamic University Malaysia, where he has been engaged in advanced research since July 2022. Prior to these positions, he worked as a Senior Lecturer at Shaqra University in Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2016 and as a Lecturer at King Saud University in Riyadh (2009-2010). His academic career began as a Lecturer at Ibne Seena Pharmacy College in India (2007-2009). Over the years, Dr. Zamani has contributed significantly to both the academic and administrative frameworks of these institutions, including curriculum development and research committees.

Research Interests

Dr. Zamani’s research interests lie primarily in AI, ML, Deep Learning, Data Mining, IoT, and their applications in various domains. His work focuses on leveraging machine learning techniques to develop predictive models for healthcare, cybersecurity, and educational services. He has also researched IoT-based systems, contributing to advancements in real-time data analytics for improved decision-making and optimization of resources. His research has garnered attention in areas like automated disease detection, smart health monitoring, and the design of secure and efficient systems for IoT networks.

Awards

Dr. Zamani’s contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. He has been granted three international patents from India and Australia, further solidifying his standing as an innovator in the fields of machine learning and IoT-based systems. His patents cover key areas such as machine learning-based prediction systems for heart disease and systems for improving educational services. In addition to his patents, he has served as an academic reviewer for prestigious journals such as Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, and Taylor & Francis.

Publications

Dr. Zamani has published more than 100 papers in SCI, PubMed, and Scopus-indexed journals, as well as two conference papers. Some of his significant publications include:

Zamani, A. S., et al. “Implementation of machine learning techniques with big data and IoT to create effective prediction models for health informatics.” Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, 2024, Elsevier, DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2024.106247.

Zamani, A. S., et al. “The Prediction of Sleep Quality using Wearable-assisted Smart Health Monitoring System based on Statistical Data.” Journal of King Saud University-Science, 2023, Elsevier, DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102927.

Zamani, A. S., et al. “Machine Learning Techniques for Automated and Early Detection of Brain Tumor.” International Journal of Next-Generation Computing, 2022, Perpetual Innovation, DOI: 10.47164/ijngc.v13i3.711.

Zamani, A. S., et al. “Cloud Network Design and Requirements for the Virtualization System for IoT Networks.” International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, 2022, DOI: 10.22937/IJCSNS.2022.22.11.101.

Zamani, A. S., et al. “Towards Applicability of Information Communication Technologies in Automated Disease Detection.” International Journal of Next-Generation Computing, 2022, Perpetual Innovation, DOI: 10.47164/ijngc.v13i3.705.

Akhtar, M. M., Zamani, A. S., et al. “Stock Market Prediction Based on Statistical Data Using Machine Learning Algorithm.” Journal of King Saud University-Science, 2022, Elsevier, DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2022.101940.

Prasad, V. D. P., Zamani, A. S., et al. “Computational Technique Based on Machine Learning and Image Processing for Medical Image Analysis of Breast Cancer Diagnosis.” Security and Communication Networks, 2022, Hindawi, DOI: 10.1155/2022/1918379.

Conclusion

Dr. Abu Sarwar Zamani’s career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge in computer science, particularly in the domains of AI, ML, and IoT. His extensive experience in both teaching and research has made him a key figure in these fields, with numerous published works and patents to his name. As a dedicated educator and researcher, Dr. Zamani continues to make valuable contributions to the academic community and industry, with a focus on developing innovative solutions for healthcare, cybersecurity, and education. His work exemplifies the intersection of technology and human well-being, ensuring that his research has a lasting impact on society.