Hermona Soreq – molecular neuroscience – Outstanding Scientist Award

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Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Hermona Soreq's academic journey began with a solid foundation in biochemistry and microbiology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in 1967. She further pursued her Master’s degree at Tel Aviv University, focusing on biochemistry and chemistry teaching, which she completed in 1970. Her academic rigor and passion for molecular studies led her to The Weizmann Institute of Science, where she obtained her PhD in Biochemistry in 1976. Soreq's early career was marked by a prestigious Fogarty Fellowship at Rockefeller University, allowing her to delve into molecular cell biology from 1977 to 1979.

Professional Endeavors

Prof. Hermona Soreq's professional career is distinguished by her long-term association with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She joined the faculty in 1986 as the Slesinger Chair of Molecular Neuroscience, a position she has held with distinction. Her roles have included serving as the elected Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences from 2005 to 2008, and she is a founding member of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC). Additionally, Soreq has held prominent positions at the Weizmann Institute and Arizona State University’s Bio-Design Institute, reflecting her international influence and collaborative approach to scientific research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Hermona Soreq’s research primarily focuses on the complex role of non-coding RNA controllers, particularly microRNAs (miRs) and transfer RNA fragments (tRFs), in brain-to-body functioning. Her groundbreaking work on acetylcholine-related pathways has combined advanced computational neuroscience with cutting-edge technologies such as sequencing, transgenic engineering, and microscopy. This multidisciplinary approach has enabled significant discoveries, including the identification of "CholinomiR" silencers that regulate anxiety, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Her research has also highlighted the impact of these non-coding RNAs on conditions like stroke, epilepsy, and metabolic disorders.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Hermona Soreq's contributions to molecular neuroscience have earned her numerous accolades and honors. She has received Honorary PhDs from prestigious institutions including the University of Stockholm, Ben-Gurion University, and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg. Other notable awards include the Teva Founders’ Award, the Lise Meitner Alexander von Humboldt Award, and the Rappaport Prize for Biomedical Research. In 2022, she was awarded the Israeli Prime Minister’s EMET prize in Neuroscience, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the field. Soreq has also been a keynote speaker at major international conferences, further solidifying her status as a leading voice in neuroscience.

Impact and Influence

Throughout her career, Hermona Soreq has had a profound impact on the scientific community, both through her research and her mentorship. She has trained 26 faculty members who have gone on to contribute to various universities worldwide, including institutions in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, the Galilee, Beer Sheva, and internationally in Berkeley, Maryland, Halifax, Ann Arbor, Paris, Tours, Jena, and London. Her research on the cholinergic system’s involvement in stress, neurodegeneration, and metabolic regulation has opened new avenues for understanding and potentially treating these conditions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Hermona Soreq’s legacy is characterized by her innovative approach to neuroscience, integrating computational and experimental methods to explore the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs. Her work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also has significant implications for therapeutic strategies in treating neurodegenerative and stress-related diseases. As she continues her research, Soreq is poised to make further groundbreaking discoveries that will influence the field for years to come. Her ongoing involvement in academic and scientific advisory boards, including those at Neuro-Cure Center Berlin and the ImmunoSensation Center Bonn, ensures that her expertise will continue to guide and inspire future generations of neuroscientists.

Citations

A total of 34743 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

  • Citations  34743
  • h-index       98
  • i10-index    370

Notable Publication

 

Asri Wulandari – Genomic Data Analytics – Best Researcher Award 

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Mrs. Asri Wulandari - Genomic Data Analytics - Best Researcher Award 

Padjadjaran University - Indonesia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Asri Peni Wulandari, M.Sc., Ph.D., was born on August 13, 1965, in Bandung. Her academic journey began at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a specialization in Microbiology in 1989. Driven by a passion for the life sciences and biotechnology, she pursued her Master's degree at the prestigious Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan, graduating in 1998 with a focus on Bioscience and Biotechnology. Dr. Wulandari further advanced her expertise by obtaining a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from The University of Tokyo in 2003, cementing her foundation in the field of biosciences.

Professional Endeavors

Mrs. Wulandari's professional career is deeply rooted in academia and research. She is a distinguished professor at Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), where she leads the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA). Her research interests span a broad range of topics within biology, including microbiology, biotechnology, and bioprospecting. Over the past five years, Dr. Wulandari has spearheaded numerous research projects, often focusing on the sustainable utilization of rami (Boehmeria nivea), a plant with significant industrial and medicinal potential.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mrs. Wulandari's research contributions are extensive and impactful. She has led various projects funded by prominent national bodies such as BRIN (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (KemendikbudRistekdikti). Her recent projects include:

  • Peningkatan Skala Produksi Serat dan Produk Turunan dari Biomassa Rami (2022-2024): This project aims to enhance the production scale of rami fiber and its derivatives, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices and industrial applications.
  • Pencarian Kandidat Obat Baru Berbasis Metabolomik dari Rami dengan Pendekatan Machine Learning (2023): This innovative project explores new drug candidates derived from rami using metabolomics and machine learning techniques.
  • Mikrobioma dan Metabolomik Silase Daun Rami dengan Penambahan Probiotik (2023): Investigating the microbiome and metabolomics of rami silage with probiotic additives, this research focuses on improving feed quality and storage stability.

Mrs. Wulandari's work on rami has also led to advancements in biodegradable packaging materials, fire-resistant textiles, and ballistic protection materials, showcasing her dedication to creating practical and environmentally friendly solutions.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her illustrious career, Mrs. Wulandari has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science and technology. Her publications in high-impact journals, such as "Toxins," "Materials," and "Applied Food Biotechnology," reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. Her research on the cytotoxic activity of fungal steroids, tensile strength improvements of rami fiber, and the bioactive compounds of endophytic fungi are particularly notable.

Impact and Influence

Mrs. Wulandari's influence extends beyond her research. As a mentor and leader, she has played a pivotal role in developing academic programs, such as the curriculum for the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative at UNPAD. Her efforts in standardizing and enhancing educational frameworks have significantly impacted the quality of biological sciences education in Indonesia.

Her collaborative approach, often involving interdisciplinary teams and partnerships with other institutions, has fostered a robust research environment at UNPAD. Dr. Wulandari's leadership in projects funded by national and international bodies underscores her ability to attract and manage significant research investments.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Mrs. Wulandari aims to continue her pioneering work in biotechnology and sustainable materials. Her ongoing projects, including the development of biodegradable composites and the exploration of rami's medicinal properties, promise to yield innovative solutions to global challenges. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists ensures that her legacy will endure, inspiring future research and innovation in biological sciences.

In conclusion, Mrs. Asri Peni Wulandari, M.Sc., Ph.D., stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of biology and biotechnology. Her academic and professional journey, marked by significant research contributions and impactful leadership, has left an indelible mark on scientific research and education. As she continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, her work promises to shape the future of sustainable technology and bioprospecting, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in her field.

Notable Publication