Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonia Ben Younes | Biochemistry | Women Researcher Award
Ibn Jazzar Faculty of Medicine of Sousse | Tunisia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonia Ben Younes, a distinguished Tunisian scholar in biochemistry, has built an impactful academic and research career that reflects both depth and innovation. She earned her Bachelor of Science , followed by a License in Life Sciences from the University of Sfax, a Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology , and an International Master in Microbial Biodiversity and Continuous Development from Aix-Marseille I University . She completed her Ph.D. in Biology at the Environmental Bioprocess Laboratory, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, and later received her Habilitation to Supervise Research from the Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa. Professionally, she serves at the Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, where she has taught courses in molecular biology, environmental biochemistry, enzymology, and biotechnology while mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her research interests span microbial enzymology, environmental biotechnology, plant-based therapeutic extracts, and wastewater treatment, with a specific focus on fungal laccases for bioremediation and detoxification of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and industrial effluents. Her research skills include microbial isolation and characterization, enzymatic purification and kinetics, molecular biology techniques (PCR, DNA sequencing, electrophoresis), toxicity assays, and advanced bioprocess applications, including membrane technologies and enzyme optimization methodologies. She has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Catalysis Letters, and Journal of Water Process Engineering, while actively contributing as a reviewer for international journals like Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and Food and Chemical Toxicology. Dr. Ben Younes has received recognition for her contributions to biochemistry and environmental sciences through her publications, conference presentations, and collaborations with international research groups. In recognition of her outstanding research achievements, leadership in science, and contributions to both environmental sustainability and biomedical innovation, she is a highly deserving recipient of the Women Researcher Award, underscoring her potential to advance biochemistry research at a global scale.
Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar
Featured Publications
Ben Younes, S., Mechichi, T., & Sayadi, S. (2007). Purification and characterization of the laccase secreted by the white rot fungus Perenniporia tephropora and its role in the decolourization of synthetic dyes. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 102(4), 1033–1042.
Rigane, G., Ben Younes, S., Ghazghazi, H., & Salem, R. B. (2013). Investigation into the biological activities and chemical composition of Calendula officinalis L. growing in Tunisia. International Food Research Journal, 20(6), 3001–3007.
Eddouaouda, K., Mnif, S., Badis, A., Ben Younes, S., Cherif, S., Ferhat, S., Mhiri, N., & Sayadi, S. (2012). Characterization of a novel biosurfactant produced by Staphylococcus sp. strain 1E with potential application on hydrocarbon bioremediation. Journal of Basic Microbiology, 52(4), 408–418.
Ben Younes, S., & Sayadi, S. (2011). Purification and characterization of a novel trimeric and thermotolerant laccase produced from the ascomycete Scytalidium thermophilum strain. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 73(1–4), 35–42.
Ben Younes, S., Bouallagui, Z., & Sayadi, S. (2012). Catalytic behavior and detoxifying ability of an atypical homotrimeric laccase from the thermophilic strain Scytalidium thermophilum on selected azo and triarylmethane dyes. Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic, 79, 41–48.