Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr. Ulises Durán | Environmental Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Full Professor at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana campus Iztapalapa, Mexico

Ulises Durán Hinojosa is a distinguished environmental biotechnology researcher with over fifteen years of dedicated academic and investigative contributions to the fields of anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment, and organic waste bioconversion. Currently serving as a Full Professor at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, campus Iztapalapa, he has earned national recognition as a leading scholar and innovator in microbial-driven environmental technologies. His work stands at the interface of applied microbiology and sustainable environmental engineering, focusing on the microbial, biochemical, and technological dynamics of organic waste treatment and resource recovery systems. He is consistently sought out as a principal investigator and collaborator in national and international projects that advance scientific understanding and address critical challenges in energy recovery and pollution reduction.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Durán’s academic journey is deeply rooted in the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, where he completed his BSc in Biochemical Engineering, MSc in Biotechnology, and PhD in Environmental Engineering. This academic continuity reflects his commitment to institutional growth and knowledge development. His training encompasses a multidisciplinary approach that bridges engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science, allowing him to develop a strong foundation for tackling complex environmental challenges through biological and chemical innovation.

Experience

Professionally, Durán has developed a robust research portfolio that integrates experimental science with practical environmental applications. He has led or collaborated in eight funded research projects focusing on sludge valorization, decentralized biowaste treatment systems, and electrochemical treatment methods. His editorial involvement includes serving as a guest editor for a 2025 special issue on “Biotechnology and Materials for Wastewater Treatment” in Applied Sciences and reviewing for high-impact journals such as Bioresource Technology, Environmental Technology, and the Journal of Water Process Engineering. His professional standing is further reinforced by his designation as a National Researcher, an acknowledgment of excellence in scientific output and impact in Mexico.

Research

Durán’s research interests are centered on anaerobic digestion and methanogenesis, with particular emphasis on hybrid biological reactor systems and the use of electrochemical pretreatments for enhanced sludge degradation. He is also known for his work on microbial community dynamics using metagenomics tools, enabling deeper insights into how environmental stressors, such as antibiotics, influence microbial ecology and reactor performance. His contributions to wastewater biotechnology extend to the optimization of microbial consortia for improved methane yield and pollutant removal, reinforcing his status as a pioneer in sustainable waste management practices.

Awards

In recognition of his pioneering work, Ulises Durán was nominated in 2025 for the International Award in Environmental Biotechnology Research. This nomination highlights his leadership in developing technologies that contribute to circular economy principles, energy recovery, and environmental resilience. His capacity to integrate academic research with practical applications has led to meaningful outcomes in public health and environmental sustainability.

Publications

Durán has authored or co-authored 18 JCR-indexed publications, with 12 appearing in Q1 journals. He has served as first or corresponding author in eight of these, demonstrating both scientific leadership and originality. Selected key publications include:

  1. Durán U., et al. (2025). “Microbial community shifts by antibiotic exposure in swine wastewater,” Journal of Water Process Engineering, IF: 6.3 – cited by 5 articles.

  2. Mendoza-Tinoco T.P., Durán U., et al. (2024). “Water electrolysis in anaerobic digestion,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 12 articles.

  3. Ochoa-Hernández M.E., Durán U., et al. (2023). “Active microbiota in UASB and hybrid reactors,” Journal of Environmental Management, IF: 8.0 – cited by 10 articles.

  4. Durán U., et al. (2022). “Methanogenic inhibition by antibiotics,” Environmental Technology & Innovation, IF: 6.7 – cited by 8 articles.

  5. Durán U., et al. (2010). “Vinyl acetate in acetoclastic methanogenesis,” Bioresource Technology, IF: 9.7 – cited by 42 articles.

  6. Durán U., et al. (2019). “New technologies for emerging micropollutant removal,” in Topics on Water Contaminants and Pollution, Clave Editorial – cited by 7 articles.

  7. Durán U., et al. (2017). “Solid-State Fermentation for Lignocellulase Production,” in Fermentation Processes, InTech – cited by 15 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ulises Durán Hinojosa exemplifies the caliber of researcher deserving of international recognition for his sustained contributions to environmental biotechnology. His scientific rigor, editorial leadership, and commitment to sustainable innovation mark him as a key contributor to the global effort to address ecological challenges through microbial and bioprocess engineering.

Baran SEVEN | Heavy metal toxicity | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Baran SEVEN | Heavy metal toxicity | Young Scientist Award

R&D SPECİALİST at TST ORTHOPEDICS, India

Dr. Samadrita Sengupta is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Nutrition at West Bengal State University, Barasat, Kolkata, India. With a strong foundation in food science and nutrition, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of food processing technologies and non-dairy food innovations. Her work primarily focuses on the development of soy-based functional foods and the exploration of bioactive compounds for health promotion. She is recognized for her interdisciplinary research that bridges food science with human health, making notable strides in areas such as hypercholesterolemia management through fortified foods.

Profile

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Sengupta pursued her education in food and nutrition with a dedicated focus on integrating biotechnology and food processing innovations. Her academic journey was shaped by a passion for advancing nutritional science through research and development. She has continuously expanded her expertise by engaging in thesis-based research that involved the processing technologies of fruits, dairy, and non-dairy products, along with the functional evaluation of oilseeds.

Experience:

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at West Bengal State University, Dr. Sengupta has accumulated considerable experience in teaching and research in food science. Her professional endeavors include guiding students, leading independent research projects, and presenting her findings at prestigious national and international conferences. She has spearheaded research projects examining the functional and nutritional properties of innovative food products and has contributed to academic discussions through numerous publications in reputed journals.

Research Interest:

Dr. Sengupta’s research interests lie at the intersection of food processing, nutrition science, and functional food development. Her major areas of focus include non-dairy product innovation, such as the creation of soy yogurt, soy cheese, and soy rasgulla, and the health benefits of bioactive food components. Particularly, she is investigating the cholesterol-lowering effects of bitter gourd seed oil, rich in α-Eleostearic acid, when incorporated into soy yogurt. Additionally, she has explored the application of nano-micronutrients in promoting health and preventing diseases, opening new frontiers in functional food research.

Award:

Given her outstanding contributions to food science and nutrition, Dr. Samadrita Sengupta is a strong nominee for the Biotechnology Scientist Award. Her innovative development of non-dairy functional foods, coupled with her research on bioactive components such as α-Eleostearic acid for managing hypercholesterolemia, exemplifies her eligibility for this honor. Her impactful research and continuous efforts to advance nutritional science underscore her significant role in the biotechnology and food science community.

Publication:

Dr. Sengupta has an impressive publication record with 15 journal papers, a citation index of 472, an h-index of 11, and an i10 index of 11, according to Google Scholar. A selection of her key publications includes:

  • Sengupta, S. (2021). Development and characterization of soy-based probiotic yogurt: An alternative non-dairy functional food. Journal of Food Science and Technology (Cited by 45).

  • Sengupta, S. (2020). Cholesterol-lowering effects of α-Eleostearic acid fortified soy yogurt in hypercholesterolemic models. Food Research International (Cited by 38).

  • Sengupta, S. (2019). Impact of nano micronutrients on metabolic health: A food science perspective. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Cited by 52).

  • Sengupta, S. (2018). Functional and nutritional properties of soy-based dairy alternatives. LWT – Food Science and Technology (Cited by 60).

  • Sengupta, S. (2017). Processing and evaluation of fruit-based non-dairy desserts. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation (Cited by 31).

  • Sengupta, S. (2016). Evaluation of oilseed fortification on nutritional profile of functional foods. Journal of Functional Foods (Cited by 42).

  • Sengupta, S. (2015). Emerging trends in non-dairy food processing technologies. Food Technology and Biotechnology (Cited by 32).

Conclusion:

Dr. Samadrita Sengupta exemplifies academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful contributions to the fields of food science and nutrition. Her pioneering work in developing functional, non-dairy food products, and exploring bioactive compounds’ health benefits demonstrates her commitment to bridging food technology with human wellness. With a robust publication record, leadership in research projects, and ongoing investigations into functional foods and micronutrients, Dr. Sengupta is an outstanding candidate for the Biotechnology Scientist Award. Her work continues to inspire advancements in nutrition and food processing technologies both nationally and internationally.