Sharmin Sultana | Life Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sharmin Sultana | Life Science | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student | Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun | Poland

Sharmin Sultana is a dynamic researcher specializing in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational biotechnology, with a focus on integrating wet-lab and computational approaches for genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic investigations. Her research primarily explores hepatoprotective molecular mechanisms of medicinal herb extracts against aflatoxin B1-induced liver toxicity using both in-vivo and in-vitro models. She has expertise in high-throughput sequencing, small RNA library preparation, miRNA and mRNA data analysis, and functional genomics, employing advanced R/Bioconductor pipelines for differential expression, target prediction, and enrichment analyses. Her recent contributions include studies on microRNA modules in liver transcriptomes, aflatoxin detection and mitigation strategies, and SARS-CoV-2 variant diagnostics using liquid array technology. Sharmin has presented her work at several international conferences in Poland, Germany, and Spain, earning recognition for excellence in research presentation. Her interdisciplinary collaborations span molecular biology, animal biotechnology, and computational genomics, contributing to projects funded under international research consortia. She is proficient in tools such as Cytoscape, MEGA, CLC Genomics Workbench, and BLAST, and skilled in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and primary hepatocyte culture. Sharmin’s growing publication record in high-impact journals and conference proceedings reflects her commitment to advancing molecular diagnostics, toxicogenomics, and bioinformatics-driven therapeutic development, bridging experimental and computational biology toward innovative biomedical solutions.

Profiles:  Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kępka-Borkowska, K., Chałaśkiewicz, K., Ogłuszka, M., Borkowski, M., Lepczyński, A., Pareek, C. S., Starzyński, R. R., Lichwiarska, E., Sultana, S., Kalra, G., Purohit, N., Gralak, B., Poławska, E., & Pierzchała, M. (2025). Current approaches to aflatoxin B1 control in food and feed safety: Detection, inhibition, and mitigation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(13), 6534.

Chałaśkiewicz, K., Kępka-Borkowska, K., Starzyński, R. R., Ogłuszka, M., Borkowski, M., Pierzchała, M., Lepczyński, A., Sultana, S., Kalra, G., Purohit, N., Pareek, C. S., & Poławska, E. (2025). Impact of aflatoxins on the digestive, immune, and nervous systems: The role of microbiota and probiotics in toxicity protection. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(17), 8258.

Sharma, P., Asediya, V., Kalra, G., Sultana, S., Purohit, N., Kibitlewska, K., Pareek, C. S., & Wimmers, K. (2025). Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin herb in prevention of liver dysfunction using pig as animal model. Nutrients, 17(20), 3278.

Pareek, C. S., Sachajko, M., Kalra, G., Sultana, S., Szostak, A., Chałaśkiewicz, K., Kępka-Borkowska, K., Poławska, E., Ogłuszka, M., Pierzchała, M., Starzyński, R. R., Taniguchi, H., Juszczuk-Kubiak, E., Lepczyński, A., Ślaska, B., Kozera, W., Czarnik, U., Kadarmideen, H. N., Te Pas, M. F. W., … Szyda, J. (2025). Identification of trait-associated microRNA modules in liver transcriptome of pig fed with PUFAs-enriched supplementary diet. Journal of Applied Genetics, 66(2), 389–407.

Sultana, S. (2024). Liquid array diagnostics technology for SARS-CoV-2 variant detection. Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences.

Ajay Thakur| Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award


Dr. Ajay Thakur| Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Principal Scientist,ICAR-Central Potato research Institute,India

Profile:
Publication : 
  • Genetic engineering strategies for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and quality enhancement in horticultural crops: a comprehensive review
    Authors: N Parmar, KH Singh, D Sharma, L Singh, P Kumar, J Nanjundan, YJ Khan, AK Thakur, et al.
    Journal: 3 Biotech 7, 1–35
    Cited by: 248
    Year: 2017

  • SSR marker variations in Brassica species provide insight into the origin and evolution of Brassica amphidiploids
    Authors: AK Thakur, KH Singh, L Singh, J Nanjundan, YJ Khan, D Singh
    Journal: Hereditas 155, 1–11
    Cited by: 67
    Year: 2018

  • Current achievements and future prospects of genetic engineering in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)
    Authors: AK Thakur, N Parmar, KH Singh, J Nanjundan
    Journal: Planta 252, 1–20
    Cited by: 51
    Year: 2020

  • Plant regeneration and genetic transformation studies in petiole tissue of Himalayan poplar (Populus ciliata Wall.)
    Authors: AK Thakur, S Sharma, DK Srivastava
    Journal: Current Science, 664–668
    Cited by: 48
    Year: 2005

  • Molecular characterization and genetic diversity assessment in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties using SSR markers
    Authors: DK Chauhan, JA Bhat, AK Thakur, S Kumari, et al.
    Journal: Indian Journal of Biotechnology 14, 504–510
    Cited by: 36
    Year: 2015

  • Achievements and prospects of genetic engineering in poplar: a review
    Authors: AK Thakur, P Kumar, N Parmar, RK Shandil, A Aggarwal, G Gaur, et al.
    Journal: New Forests
    Cited by: 35
    Year: 2021

  • Genetic diversity in leafy mustard (Brassica juncea var. rugosa) as revealed by agro-morphological traits and SSR markers
    Authors: D Sharma, J Nanjundan, L Singh, SP Singh, N Parmar, MS Sujith Kumar, et al.
    Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants 26, 2005–2018
    Cited by: 33
    Year: 2020

  • Breeding and genomics interventions in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) improvement – A mini review
    Authors: AK Thakur, KH Singh, D Sharma, N Parmar, J Nanjundan
    Journal: South African Journal of Botany 125, 457–465
    Cited by: 30
    Year: 2019

  • Genetic diversity in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson] as revealed by agronomic traits and RAPD markers
    Authors: KH Singh, R Shakya, AK Thakur, DK Chauhan, JS Chauhan
    Journal: National Academy Science Letters 36(4), 419–427
    Cited by: 28
    Year: 2013

  • In vitro plant regeneration through direct organogenesis in Populus deltoides clone G48 from petiole explants
    Authors: AK Thakur, A Saraswat, DK Srivastava
    Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 21, 23–29
    Cited by: 28
    Year: 2012

conclusion:

Dr. Ajay Kumar Thakur is highly suitable for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award, particularly given his significant contributions in agricultural biotechnology, leadership of cutting-edge genome editing projects, and alignment with national food security priorities