Dr. Nour El Houda Bensiradj | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

University Of Science And Technology Houari Boumediene | Algeria

Dr. Nour El Houda Bensiradj, an Associate Professor at the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algeria, is an accomplished researcher specializing in theoretical and computational chemistry with applications in pharmaceutical sciences. She earned her Magister degree in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry from USTHB, both with high distinction. Over the years, Dr. Bensiradj has established a strong academic and research profile through her teaching expertise in quantum chemistry, molecular structure, and analytical chemistry. Her professional experience extends beyond teaching to leading and participating in several national and international research projects funded by PRFU and CNEPRU, with collaborations involving institutions in Spain, Jordan, and Egypt. Her research interests include density functional theory (DFT), time-dependent DFT (TDDFT), ab initio calculations, and their applications in molecular spectroscopy, organometallic chemistry, renewable energy, and drug development. Dr. Bensiradj’s research skills encompass advanced computational modeling, spectral analysis, and molecular reactivity prediction, which she effectively integrates to address complex problems in theoretical and pharmaceutical chemistry. She has published articles in reputable Scopus-indexed journals, including Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry Accounts, and Inorganica Chimica Acta. Additionally, she has presented her work at several international conferences, enhancing her visibility and impact in the global scientific community. Throughout her academic journey, she has supervised numerous postgraduate theses, reflecting her dedication to mentoring future researchers. Her contributions have been recognized through academic honors and invitations to collaborative research programs. In recognition of her academic excellence, innovative research, and global impact, Dr. Nour El Houda Bensiradj is rightfully honored with the Best Researcher Award for her outstanding achievements and dedication to advancing theoretical and pharmaceutical chemistry on an international scale.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Guermi, I. N. E. H., Bensiradj, N. E. H., Saal, A., Almi, M., & Nassar, M. (2024). Theoretical approach to the protonation of Anderson type polyoxometalate [XM₆O₂₄]ⁿ⁻ (X = I, Te, and Sb, M = Mo and W, and n = 5, 6, 7). Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, 1283, 114504.

Miles, F., Djellouli, F., Bensiradj, N., & Dahmani, A. (2023). Pharmaceutical cocrystal consisting of ascorbic acid with p-aminobenzoic acid and paracetamol. Physical Sciences Reviews, 8(3), Article 2021-0199.

Yousfi, H., Bensiradj, N. H., Khedidji, M., Saal, A., & Ouamerali, O. (2023). Theoretical investigation of the structure and spectroscopy of uranium oxide species. Theoretical Chemistry Accounts, 142(1), 14.

Ababneh, R., Smadi, M., Bensiradj, N. E. H., Al-Akhras, M. A., Al-Hiari, Y., Jum’h, I., Abu-Dahab, R., Al Bataineh, Q. M., & Telfah, A. (2023). UV–Vis, FTIR and DFT studies of the fluoroquinolone [pyrido pyrolo quinoxaline (PPQ)] tethered to gold nanoparticles as a novel anticancer. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 33(2), 754–766.

Bensiradj, N. E. H., Ouamerali, O., & Dekhira, A. (2022). Ab initio calculations of the ground and excited states of the ZnTe molecule and its ions ZnTe⁺ and ZnTe⁻. Research Square.

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Butantan Institute | Brazil

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira is a Brazilian biologist and internationally recognized immunologist whose pioneering work has significantly advanced the field of toxinology and peptide-based therapies. With over two decades of research dedicated to venomous fish, particularly Thalassophryne nattereri, she discovered the novel peptide TnP, which has become a central focus of her groundbreaking studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of São Paulo and pursued postdoctoral research in Biochemistry and Pharmacology at the Butantan Institute, one of the world’s leading centers for toxin research. Throughout her career, she has published more than peer-reviewed articles, authored academic books, and secured multiple international patents on anti-inflammatory and antiallergic cyclic peptides. Her research not only deepens the understanding of fish envenomation but also explores therapeutic solutions for inflammatory and retinal disorders, bridging basic science and medical innovation while making global contributions to immunology and biomedicine.

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Education:

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira academic foundation reflects a strong commitment to the life sciences and biomedical research. She completed her undergraduate training in Biology, followed by her doctoral studies in Immunology at the prestigious University of São Paulo, Brazil, where she gained expertise in immune system mechanisms and host responses to toxins. Her Ph.D. research equipped her with advanced knowledge of immunological pathways and laid the groundwork for her specialization in venom-induced pathophysiology. To expand her expertise further, she pursued postdoctoral training in Biochemistry and Pharmacology at the renowned Butantan Institute, a leading hub for venom and immunology research in Latin America. During this phase, she refined her focus on venom-derived molecules and bioactive peptides, applying biochemical and pharmacological approaches to uncover their therapeutic potential. This strong educational background provided the basis for her subsequent groundbreaking discoveries, international recognition, and sustained contributions to translational medicine and peptide-based drug innovation.

Experience:

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira has more than years of professional experience in scientific research, academic leadership, and collaborative projects at the intersection of immunology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. As a senior researcher, she has led numerous funded projects, including participation in the Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers (CEPID) Program by FAPESP, Brazil’s leading scientific funding agency. She has published journal articles, supervised young scientists, and collaborated with pharmaceutical industries such as Cristália Pharma to translate laboratory findings into therapeutic applications. Her expertise extends to consultancy and technology transfer, especially in the field of venom-based peptides for drug development. Internationally, she has been recognized for her contributions to toxinology and peptide-based therapeutics, presenting her research in conferences and building global partnerships. Her experience embodies a rare blend of academic excellence, innovation, mentorship, and applied research, reinforcing her role as a leader in immunology, biotechnology, and translational medical science.

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira has received widespread recognition for her pioneering contributions to immunology, venom research, and peptide-based therapeutics. She has been honored through prestigious research grants and programs, including major support from FAPESP’s CEPID initiative, which underscores the impact and innovation of her work. Her publications, widely cited across international journals, reflect her academic influence, with more than citations and an H-index on the Web of Science. She is the recipient of multiple patents granted across Brazil, the United States, Europe, Asia, and other regions, affirming her contributions to translational medicine and biotechnology. Beyond patents and publications, she has authored influential books and contributed to landmark academic volumes in immunology and toxinology. Her recognition is further highlighted by industry collaborations, invitations to global conferences, and her contributions to advancing biomedicine, making her an internationally respected authority in venom research and therapeutic peptide innovation.

Research Focus:

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira research focus lies at the cutting edge of immunology, toxinology, and translational medicine, with a strong emphasis on venom-derived peptides as potential therapeutic agents. Her seminal work on Thalassophryne nattereri venom led to the discovery of TnP, a novel peptide that has since become central to her investigations. She explores its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties across diverse disease models, ranging from asthma and chronic wounds to neurodegeneration and retinal disorders. Her studies not only shed light on the molecular mechanisms of envenomation but also open innovative pathways for drug discovery and development. publications and several patents, she has contributed extensively to understanding inflammasome activation, peptide drug safety, and therapeutic efficacy. Her current research integrates zebrafish models, molecular biology, and pharmacological analysis to bridge laboratory discoveries with real-world medical applications, positioning her at the forefront of peptide-based drug innovation globally.

Publication:

Title: Severe impacts of the Brumadinho dam failure (Minas Gerais, Brazil) on the water quality of the Paraopeba River
Year: 2020
Citations: 228

Title: Zebrafish larvae behavior models as a tool for drug screenings and pre-clinical trials: a review
Year: 2022
Citations: 138

Title: Natterins, a new class of proteins with kininogenase activity characterized from Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom
Year: 2005
Citations: 128

Title: Acute-phase proteins during inflammatory reaction by bacterial infection: Fish-model
Year: 2019
Citations: 103

Title: Impact of pesticides on human health in the last six years in Brazil
Year: 2022
Citations: 100

Title: Biological and biochemical properties of the Brazilian Potamotrygon stingrays: Potamotrygon cf. scobina and Potamotrygon gr. orbignyi
Year: 2006
Citations: 96

Title: A comparative study of biological activities of crotoxin and CB fraction of venoms from Crotalus durissus terrificus, Crotalus durissus cascavella and Crotalus durissus …
Year: 2004
Citations: 90

Title: Transcriptome analysis of expressed sequence tags from the venom glands of the fish Thalassophryne nattereri
Year: 2006
Citations: 87

Title: Thalassophryne nattereri fish venom: biological and biochemical characterization and serum neutralization of its toxic activities
Year: 1998
Citations: 84

Title: Structural and biological characterization of Nattectin, a new C-type lectin from the venomous fish Thalassophryne nattereri
Year: 2011
Citations: 81

Title: BnP1, a novel PI metalloproteinase from Bothrops neuwiedi venom: biological effects benchmarking relatively to jararhagin, a P-III SVMP
Year: 2008
Citations: 77

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Monica Lopes Ferreira career exemplifies excellence in research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination. Her pioneering work on venom-derived peptides, coupled with her consistent academic output, industry collaborations, and translational vision, positions her as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With her proven ability to bridge fundamental science and therapeutic application, she stands out as a global leader advancing biomedicine and immunology.

Nour El Houda Bensiradj | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award