Titus Luomba Ombori | Analytical Techniques | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Titus Luomba Ombori | Analytical Techniques
| Best Researcher Award

Dr. Titus Luomba Ombori | University of Dar es Salaam, Mkwawa University College of Education | Tanzania

Dr. Titus Luomba Ombori, PhD, is a Tanzanian Geoarchaeologist and Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Science at the University of Dar es Salaam, Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE),he has established a distinguished academic and research career with expertise in geoarchaeology, quaternary science, and cultural heritage management. He earned his PhD through the International Doctorate in Quaternary Science and Prehistory at the University of Ferrara, Italy, and previously obtained his MA and BA in Archaeology from the University of Dar es Salaam. His academic excellence is recognized by numerous awards, including the Erasmus Mundus PhD Scholarship, Sida/SAREC Fellowship, and government sponsorships. Dr. Ombori has broad professional memberships in prestigious organizations such as INQUA, SAfA, AFQUA, and EGU, reflecting his active participation in global scholarly communities. With extensive fieldwork experience across Tanzania and Italy, he has led and contributed to major archaeological and paleoenvironmental projects, including the Olduvai Gorge excavations, the DeepCHALLA drilling project, and the Mbuamaji site investigations. His research and consultancy work with UNESCO highlight his ability to bridge science, policy, and community impact. An accomplished scholar with influential publications and invited presentations worldwide, Dr. Ombori continues to shape archaeological knowledge and heritage conservation in Africa and beyond.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publication

  • Ombori, T. L., Pirrie, D., Power, M. R., Skilling, I., Gidna, A. O., Mabulla, A. Z. P., Bushozi, P. M., Prendergast, M. E., & Grillo, K. M. (2025). Automated SEM-EDS mineralogical characterisation of archaeological pottery from Luxmanda and Mumba Rockshelter, Tanzania. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 105, 105369.

 

Bruna Carbas | Spectroscopy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Bruna Carbas | Spectroscopy
| Best Researcher Award

Senior Technician | Mountain Research Center | Portugal

Dr. Bruna Carbas is a food scientist with a PhD in Agricultural Production Chains – from farm to fork, a Master’s in Food Safety, and a Bachelor’s in Food Science. Her career bridges advanced research and practical applications in food safety, nutrition, and cereal and legume science. She has worked with leading institutions such as the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, and the National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research. With expertise spanning nutritional and functional characterization, rheological profiling, and chromatographic analysis, she has contributed to innovation in food quality assessment. Bruna also brings consulting and teaching experience, supporting both academia and the agri-food industry.

Professional Profile

 Scopus | ORCID

Education

Dr. Bruna Carbas has a comprehensive academic background in food science and safety. She earned her PhD in Agricultural Production Chains – from farm to fork from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), where she specialized in phytochemical and nutritional analysis of legumes using innovative infrared spectroscopy methods. Prior to her doctorate, she completed a Master’s degree in Food Safety, gaining strong expertise in microbiology, hygiene, and food quality assurance. Her academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, which provided core training in chemistry, biochemistry, and food technology. This progressive academic journey, combining theoretical knowledge and advanced analytical skills, has equipped her to excel in research, consultancy, and teaching across the agri-food sector.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bruna Carbas has over a decade of professional experience across research, academia, and consultancy. She has served as a Senior Technician at ESA-IPB, supporting laboratory classes in biochemistry, chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences while participating in research and service analyses. As a Consultant at ADIVAT, she has guided agri-food companies in quality management and food safety compliance. Her research expertise was strengthened at INIAV, where she evaluated nutritional, rheological, and sensory properties of cereals and legumes, and at CITAB, where she analyzed phytochemicals and developed predictive models for food quality. She has also lectured at multiple polytechnic institutes, teaching food science, biotechnology, and safety. Her diverse experience reflects her leadership in both applied and academic food sciences.

Awards 

Dr. Bruna Carbas has been recognized with competitive research fellowships and academic appointments that highlight her scientific excellence. She was awarded a doctoral fellowship at CITAB (UTAD), where her work on legumes and infrared spectroscopy was highly regarded. She has also held long-term research fellowships at INIAV, contributing significantly to national projects on food quality and safety. Her selection as a guest lecturer at prestigious Portuguese polytechnic institutes further reflects recognition of her academic and professional merit. Additionally, her consultancy work with agri-food companies demonstrates her standing as a trusted expert in food safety. These honors collectively demonstrate her sustained impact on research, education, and industry, positioning her as a leader in food science.

Research Interests 

Dr. Bruna Carbas’s research focuses on the nutritional, functional, and rheological characterization of cereals and legumes, addressing both fundamental science and industrial applications. She has developed and implemented advanced analytical methodologies, including liquid chromatography, spectrophotometry, and infrared spectroscopy, to assess food quality parameters. Her work also emphasizes the construction of predictive models to evaluate nutritional value, anti-nutritional factors, and phytochemical composition, supporting innovation in food safety and product development. In addition to laboratory research, she has contributed to food safety assurance and hygiene practices, ensuring that findings benefit real-world agri-food systems. Her interdisciplinary research bridges chemistry, food technology, and nutrition, ultimately supporting healthier, safer, and more sustainable food production chains.

Publication Top Notes

    • Comparative Analysis of Maize Physico-Chemical Parameters and Mycotoxin Levels in Dual Environments .

    • Year: 2024

    • Development of Prediction Models for the Pasting Parameters of Rice Based on Near-Infrared and Machine Learning Tools .

    • Year: 2023

    • Assessment of Agricultural Practices for Controlling Fusarium and Mycotoxins Contamination on Maize Grains: Exploratory Study in Maize Farms .

    • Year: 2023

    • Potential of Legumes: Nutritional Value, Bioactive Properties, Innovative Food Products, and Application of Eco-friendly Tools for Their Assessment .

    • Year: 2023

    • Evaluation of Biobased Solutions for Mycotoxin Mitigation on Stored Maize.

    • Year: 2022

    • Assessment of Regulated Mycotoxins in Maize Harvested in Portugal .

    • Year: 2021

Conclusion 

Dr. Bruna Carbas is a highly qualified researcher whose academic achievements, practical innovations, and contributions to food safety and quality position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work reflects a meaningful balance between fundamental research and industrial application, particularly in food quality and safety critical areas in today’s global food system. With further emphasis on expanding international collaborations and increasing her research visibility, she has the potential to achieve even greater recognition as a leader in agricultural and food science research.

Larissa MagalhĂŁes de Almeida Melo | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Larissa MagalhĂŁes de Almeida Melo | Analytical Chemistry | Women Researcher Award

Pos doctor at Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys | Brazil

Larissa MagalhĂŁes de Almeida Melo is a Brazilian researcher specializing in analytical and forensic chemistry, with an emphasis on electrochemical detection methods for drugs of abuse. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM) under Prof. Dr. Wallans Torres Pio dos Santos. Her doctoral research focuses on developing portable, field-deployable methods for drug screening. In 2024, she undertook a Sandwich Ph.D. program at Manchester Metropolitan University with Prof. Craig Banks, further advancing her work in colorimetric and electrochemical sensors. With over 160 citations and an H-index of 9, Larissa has contributed significantly to high-impact journals in analytical chemistry. She combines her expertise in electrochemical sensing, device fabrication, and forensic toxicology to innovate rapid and cost-effective screening technologies. Her international collaborations and technical contributions highlight her growing influence in modern forensic science and public health monitoring.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 

Larissa Melo’s academic journey demonstrates a progressive dedication to chemistry and engineering. She is currently a Ph.D. fellow (2021–2025) at UFVJM in Brazil, where her research involves the development of portable methods for forensic drug detection. In 2024, she participated in a Sandwich Ph.D. at Manchester Metropolitan University under Prof. Craig Banks. Prior to her doctorate, she earned a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry (2019–2021) from UFVJM, where she developed a screening method for synthetic tryptamines. She also completed a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering (2018–2023) and another in Science and Technology (2014–2018) at UFVJM. Her foundational education includes a technical course in Electrical Technology (2010–2013) from the Federal Institute of EspĂ­rito Santo. This solid multidisciplinary background has equipped her with strong skills in analytical instrumentation, electrochemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering, all of which support her advanced research in forensic applications.

Professional Experience 

Larissa Melo brings strong academic and research experience, particularly in forensic electrochemistry. Her doctoral work (2021–2025) at UFVJM focuses on creating portable devices for the electrochemical detection of synthetic drugs. In 2024, she joined Manchester Metropolitan University under a Sandwich Ph.D. program, working with Prof. Craig Banks on hybrid sensor systems. During her Master’s (2019–2021), she developed a fast electrochemical method for tryptamine detection. She has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in top journals, often collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on drug screening innovations using screen-printed electrodes, colorimetric methods, and 3D-printed analytical tools. Larissa has also contributed to critical reviews and sensor fabrication methods. Her experience includes technical work with disposable electrodes, boron-doped diamond sensors, and voltammetry. Additionally, she’s actively involved in developing environmentally friendly, field-portable diagnostic tools. Larissa’s practical and collaborative work underscores her capability in applying chemistry to real-world forensic and public health challenges.

Awards and Honors 

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Larissa Melo’s research impact and international engagements reflect significant academic recognition. She was competitively selected for a Sandwich Ph.D. fellowship at Manchester Metropolitan University (2024), a testament to her research excellence and international collaboration skills. Her publication record includes articles in top-tier journals such as Electrochimica Acta, Talanta, TrAC, and Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, often as the first or lead author. She has amassed over 165 citations and holds an H-index of 9, highlighting her work’s influence in analytical and forensic chemistry. Larissa’s interdisciplinary research on electrochemical and colorimetric methods for drug detection showcases her contribution to forensic science innovation. Her rapid rise as a productive early-career researcher, mentorship by globally recognized experts like Prof. Wallans dos Santos and Prof. Craig Banks, and verified academic credentials on the Lattes platform further confirm her growing stature in scientific communities.

Research Interests 

Larissa Melo’s research interests center around analytical chemistry, electrochemical sensing, and forensic science. Her work focuses on the development of rapid, portable, and cost-effective electrochemical and colorimetric detection methods for drugs of abuse. She is particularly interested in screen-printed electrodes, boron-doped diamond sensors, and 3D-printed electrochemical cells to detect substances such as synthetic cathinones, cannabinoids, tryptamines, amphetamines, and hallucinogens. Her interdisciplinary approach combines chemical engineering principles, material science, and electroanalysis to improve point-of-care diagnostics. Larissa also explores hybrid detection platforms combining colorimetric and electrochemical signals, enhancing sensitivity and specificity for field-based forensic analysis. She contributes to critical reviews and technical innovations in clinical toxicology, pharmaceutical analysis, and biosensors. Her goal is to make analytical methods more accessible, environmentally friendly, and applicable in real-time settings, such as customs, crime scenes, and emergency rooms.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Portable analytical methods for detecting synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: a critical review

  2. A dual colorimetric-electrochemical platform based on bromocresol green for the selective detection of atropine

  3. Selective screening of synthetic cathinones, amphetamines, piperazines, and phenethylamines using voltammetry

  4. Electrochemistry of the synthetic tryptamine 5-MeO-MiPT at glassy carbon and screen-printed electrodes

  5. Novel colorimetric-electrochemical methods for selective identification and quantification of Scopolamine

  6. Use of a lab-made disposable screen-printed sensor with boron-doped diamond for N-ethylpentylone detection

  7. Combined colorimetric and electrochemical screening method for selective detection of MDMA

  8. Electrochemical methods for determination of acetaminophen in biological matrices: a critical review

  9. Selective screening of NBOHs, NBOMes, and LSD using a 3D-Printed electrochemical double cell

  10. Electrochemical detection of mephedrone using a graphene screen-printed electrode

  11. Electrochemical method for detecting synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette and biological samples

  12. Chemically deposited boron-doped diamond screen-printed electrodes for manganese detection

  13. Colorimetric-Electrochemical Combined Method for Detection of Drugs in Blotter Papers

  14. SMART 3D-printed electrochemical cell for on-site and forensic analysis

  15. Oxygen plasma-treated graphite sheet electrodes for methamphetamines

  16. Fast screening of MDEA using carbon screen-printed electrode and voltammetry

  17. Electrochemical detection of 1-benzylpiperazine on carbon screen-printed electrode

  18. Screening method for detection of 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine in forensic samples

  19. Selective screening method for MDPT using carbon nanofiber screen-printed electrodes

  20. Detection of LSD in forensic samples using carbon nanotube screen-printed electrodes

  21. Detection of 2C-B using environmentally friendly screen-printed electrodes

  22. Professional biography of Dorothy Hodgkin – Contributions to Chemistry, Biology, and Biochemistry

Conclusion

Larissa MagalhĂŁes de Almeida Melo exemplifies the next generation of analytical chemists committed to real-world impact in forensic science. Her research bridges engineering and chemistry to develop innovative, portable, and sustainable methods for drug detection. With international experience, strong academic output, and cross-disciplinary skills, she is well-positioned for leadership in global forensic chemistry research.

 

Prof. Reine NEHME | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Reine NEHME | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Reine NEHME, Analytical Chemistry , Head of analytical team at University of Orléans, ICOA UMR7311, France

Prof. Reine Nehmé is a renowned French scientist and Professor of Analytical Sciences at the University of Orléans, where she leads the “Analytical Strategies, Affinities and Bioactives” team at ICOA. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she specializes in advanced separation techniques, bioanalysis, and microfluidics. She is deeply involved in both teaching and scientific governance—serving on multiple university and national scientific committees. Prof. Nehmé also contributes to scientific advancement as a supervisor of numerous Ph.D. and post-doctoral researchers and by coordinating key national research projects funded by ANR and regional bodies. Her prolific contributions to analytical chemistry are reflected in her numerous publications, particularly in the areas of enzymatic assays, capillary electrophoresis, and bioactive compound analysis. With a strong leadership role in Afsep and her involvement in high-level academic administration, she is recognized as a leading figure in analytical chemistry in France and Europe.

Professional Profile : 

Orcid

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. NehmĂ© holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Montpellier (2008) and an HDR (Accreditation toSupervise Research) from the University of OrlĂ©ans (2016). Her academic background demonstrates deep expertise and a commitment to high-level scientific scholarship. As a professor and group leader at ICOA, University of OrlĂ©ans, she leads the “Analytical Strategies, Affinities and Bioactives” team, driving impactful research in analytical sciences, especially in bioanalysis, separative techniques, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, and mass spectrometry. Prof. NehmĂ© is deputy treasurer and a management committee member of the Capillary Electrophoresis Group of Afsep. She holds leadership roles at her university and is actively engaged in curriculum design, evaluation panels, and scientific committees. Prof. Reine NehmĂ© exemplifies the ideal profile for a “Best Researcher Award”: a high-impact scientist, strategic research leader, dedicated educator, and committed scientific community member. Her strong publication record, funded projects, mentoring, and institutional service collectively highlight her as a trailblazer in analytical chemistry. She fully deserves recognition through such a prestigious award.

🎓Education:

Prof. Reine Nehmé earned her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Montpellier in 2008, following her Master’s degree (Master 2) in the same field from the same institution in 2005. Demonstrating her continued academic excellence and expertise, she received her Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) from the University of Orléans in 2016. This qualification represents the highest academic degree in France and reflects her capacity to independently lead doctoral research and large-scale scientific projects. Her academic training laid a robust foundation in analytical methodologies, chromatographic techniques, and advanced spectroscopy. These qualifications have enabled her to contribute extensively to the development of innovative analytical tools and methods in environmental, biological, and pharmaceutical research. Her educational background not only established her scientific depth but also positioned her to take on leadership and mentoring roles across both academic and research platforms.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. NehmĂ© began her academic journey at the University of OrlĂ©ans in 2008 as a Temporary Teaching and Research Assistant (ATER). She advanced to Associate Professor in 2009 and was promoted to Professor in 2019. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Head of the Analytical Chemistry Department and Coordinator of the Professional License program in Chemistry at IUT Chimie d’OrlĂ©ans. She has been a member of the laboratory’s scientific council since 2017, and also serves on the Commission of Disciplinary Experts. As an active educator, she teaches a range of courses in analytical sciences including electrochemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and microfluidics. In research, she has successfully supervised 6 Ph.D. students (2 ongoing) and multiple post-doctoral and master’s interns. Her contributions extend to national committees such as Afsep’s CE group, where she has served as Deputy Treasurer since 2021.

🏅Awards: 

While specific awards are not explicitly listed, Prof. Reine NehmĂ©’s honors are evidenced by her numerous leadership and elected roles. She received the Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR), a distinguished recognition in France for scholarly excellence. Her long-standing position on the scientific council of the ICOA laboratory and as a Commission Expert in disciplinary affairs at the University of OrlĂ©ans speaks to her academic credibility. She was elected to the Management Committee of the CE group of Afsep in 2017 and appointed as Deputy Treasurer in 2021, underlining national recognition by her peers. She has consistently been entrusted with leadership in nationally funded research programs by ANR and regional agencies, confirming her scientific standing and project leadership ability. Her active role in supervising doctoral candidates and international collaborations further affirms her status as a respected figure in analytical sciences.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Nehmé’s research centers on analytical sciences, particularly in capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and microscale thermophoresis for studying molecular interactions. Her projects frequently explore bioanalysis, enzyme kinetics, and natural product evaluation. She leads or participates in numerous ANR-funded projects, including stapled peptide design, bioremediation via micromycetes, and enzyme behavior in crowded synthetic environments. A significant part of her work involves developing lab-on-a-chip (LoC) platforms for investigating target-ligand interactions at the single-cell level. She has also contributed to the miniaturization of enzymatic assays, passive sampling techniques for water analysis, and electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring. Prof. Nehmé integrates separation sciences with biology and materials chemistry, bridging analytical method development with real-world biological and environmental challenges. Her interdisciplinary research fosters innovations in diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and ecological risk assessment, marking her as a pioneer in translating analytical chemistry into functional tools for bioactive discovery and environmental stewardship.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Using CE to Confirm the Activity of Fluorescent miRFP670-LIMK1 Protein Produced for MST Assays Directly in Cell Lysate

2. The Antimicrobial Activity of ETD151 Defensin is Dictated by the Presence of Glycosphingolipids in the Targeted Organisms

3. Glycolipid and Lipopeptide Biosurfactants: Structural Classes and Characterization—Rhamnolipids as a Model

4. Nutraceutical and Cosmetic Applications of Bioactive Compounds of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) Stigmas and Its By-products

5. Antioxidant and Anti-lipase Capacities from the Extracts Obtained from Two Invasive Plants: Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago canadensis

6. Nutraceutical Capacities of Extracts from the Invasive Plants Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Solidago canadensis

7. Screening and Evaluation of Dermo-Cosmetic Activities of the Invasive Plant Species Polygonum cuspidatum

8. Biosurfactant-Producing Mucor Strains: Selection, Screening, and Chemical Characterization

9. Capillary Electrophoresis for Enzyme-Based Studies: Applications to Lipases and Kinases

10. Correction to: Reproducibility and Accuracy of Microscale Thermophoresis in the NanoTemper Monolith: A Multi Laboratory Benchmark Study

11. Design, Synthesis and SAR in 2,4,7-Trisubstituted Pyrido[3,2-d]Pyrimidine Series as Novel PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors