Ibrahim Eldaghayes | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ibrahim Eldaghayes | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award 

Professor | University of Tripoli | Libya

Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Eldaghayes is a Professor of Virology, Vaccinology, and Immunology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Libya, and a leading researcher in transboundary animal diseases, zoonotic infections, and viral immunopathology. His work integrates molecular virology, immunodiagnostics, and vaccinology to enhance disease surveillance and biosecurity in animal and public health sectors. As Head of the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology and Scientific Advisor to the Libyan National Center of Animal Health, he has played a pivotal role in national disease control strategies and the development of veterinary research infrastructure. Dr. Eldaghayes has collaborated extensively with international organizations including FAO, WHO, and EuFMD, contributing to projects on Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza, and Rift Valley Fever. He leads research teams investigating genetic authentication of bacterial isolates and serological surveillance of emerging pathogens in Libya. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Open Veterinary Journal, he has significantly advanced veterinary publishing and scientific communication in the region. His professional memberships include the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network and ERFAN, where he contributes to strengthening African–European scientific collaboration. Recognized for his leadership, training initiatives, and research excellence, Dr. Eldaghayes continues to advance veterinary virology through innovative approaches to disease control, biosafety, and public health preparedness.

Profiles : ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shosha, E. A. E., Abdelnaser, S., Zanaty, A. M., ElZanaty, A. E., Selim, K., & Eldaghayes, I. (n.d.). Successive efficacy evaluation of various commercial live-attenuated avian coronavirus vaccination schedules against a local GI-23.3 challenge in SPF broilers. Vaccines.

Sherif, J. A., Farag, S. A. A., Abureema, S. F., Azwai, A. M., Garbaj, A. M., Gammoudi, F. T., El Salabi, A. A., & Eldaghayes, I. M. (n.d.). Emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producer and colistin-resistant E. coli in animal-origin foods in Libya. World’s Veterinary Journal.

Bukha, K. K., Altayr, N. A., Shlayek, S. A., & Eldaghayes, I. M. (n.d.). The association between the global threat of ocean pollution and climate change on the distribution of antibiotic resistance: One Health strategy. World’s Veterinary Journal.

Mansour, A., Sharif, E., Hamhoom, A., Eldaghayes, I., Etayeb, K., Dayhum, A., & Kammon, A. (n.d.). Enterobacteriaceae antibiotic resistance identification in slender-billed gull species migrating to Libya. Journal of World’s Poultry Research.

Azwai, S. M., Lawila, A. F., Eshamah, H. L., Sherif, J. A., Farag, S. A., Naas, H. T., Garbaj, A. M., El Salabi, A. A., Gammoudi, F. T., & Eldaghayes, I. M. (n.d.). Antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from some dairy products in Libya as a foodborne pathogen. Veterinary World.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Eldaghayes’ work advances global veterinary and public health through innovative research on viral diseases, immunology, and vaccinology, strengthening disease surveillance and control systems across North Africa. His leadership in capacity building, scientific publishing, and international collaboration fosters sustainable health security and contributes to the global fight against transboundary and zoonotic diseases.

Thendo Mafuna | Genomics | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Thendo Mafuna | Genomics | Young Scientist Award

Senior Lecturer | University of Johannesburg | South Africa

Dr. Thendo Mafuna is a bioinformatics researcher whose work integrates antimicrobial resistance surveillance, pathogen genomics, and transcriptomics to address global health and food safety challenges. His academic foundation in bioinformatics, microbiology, and genomics underpins his expertise in developing computational pipelines, performing next-generation sequencing, and conducting large-scale genomic and metagenomic analyses. Dr. Mafuna’s research focuses on comparative genomics, microbial community profiling, and resistome characterization, contributing to understanding the evolution, virulence, and resistance mechanisms of bacterial pathogens across environmental and food-related systems. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Frontiers in Microbiology, Scientific Reports, Genomics, and Microorganisms, advancing knowledge in molecular epidemiology and microbial genomics. In addition to his active research, he mentors postgraduate students and contributes to scientific committees that promote innovation in bioinformatics and microbial genomics. His achievements include multiple research grants and fellowships from the National Research Foundation and recognition for advancing genomics-based surveillance frameworks in Africa. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and computational innovation, Dr. Mafuna continues to make significant contributions to bioinformatics and microbial genomics research aimed at improving public health outcomes. His scientific influence is reflected in his 135 citations, 14 published documents, and an h-index of 7, demonstrating his growing impact within the global research community.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID  

Mafuna, T., Matle, I., Magwedere, K., Pierneef, R. E., & Reva, O. N. (2021). Whole genome-based characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolates recovered from the food chain in South Africa. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12, 669287.

Matle, I., Mafuna, T., Madoroba, E., Mbatha, K. R., Magwedere, K., & Pierneef, R. (2020). Population structure of non-ST6 Listeria monocytogenes isolated in the red meat and poultry value chain in South Africa. Microorganisms, 8(8), 1152.

Mafuna, T., Matle, I., Magwedere, K., Pierneef, R. E., & Reva, O. N. (2022). Comparative genomics of Listeria species recovered from meat and food processing facilities. Microbiology Spectrum, 10(5), e01189-22.

Mafuna, T., Soma, P., Tsotetsi-Khambule, A. M., Hefer, C. A., Muchadeyi, F. C., & others. (2021). Bacterial profiling of Haemonchus contortus gut microbiome infecting Dohne Merino sheep in South Africa. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 5905.

Mmotla, K., Sibanyoni, N. R., Allie, F., Sitole, L., Mafuna, T., Mashabela, M. D., & others. (2025). Exploring the intricacies of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria interactions: An omics review. Annals of Microbiology, 75(1), 5.

Dr. Thendo Mafuna advances food safety and public health through genomic surveillance of foodborne pathogens. His research deciphers microbial evolution, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance within Africa’s food systems, providing critical insights into pathogen behavior and transmission. By integrating bioinformatics and comparative genomics, he drives innovation in microbial monitoring, outbreak prevention, and sustainable food security across the region.