Rethabile Frangenie Motloung | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Rethabile Frangenie Motloung |Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at UNISA, South Africa

Rethabile Frangenie Motloung is a dedicated biodiversity scientist with over nine years of experience in species information systems, conservation policy, and stakeholder coordination. She currently serves as Scientist II at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), where she contributes to compiling and maintaining vital data on South Africa’s animal species. Her career spans roles in government and research institutions, where she has demonstrated expertise in biodiversity planning, environmental policy analysis, and project leadership. With a strong foundation in zoology, Rethabile’s academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. She has presented her work at major scientific conferences and published in reputable journals. Passionate about advancing biodiversity knowledge and its integration into policy, she plays a crucial role in shaping conservation strategies in Southern Africa. Rethabile’s technical, analytical, and communication skills position her as a key advocate for ecological resilience and informed environmental governance.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar |  ORCID Profile

Education

Rethabile holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Pretoria , where she researched the distribution of Australian Acacias in Southern Africa under the guidance of Dr. John Wilson, Prof. Mark Robertson, and Prof. Mathieu Rouget. Prior to this, she earned her Honours and Bachelor’s degrees in Zoology and Botany from the University of the Free State. Her Honours thesis focused on molecular detection techniques for Anaplasma marginale in cattle, and she achieved distinctions in both her undergraduate and Honours studies. Rethabile completed her secondary education at Phofung Senior Secondary School. Her academic path laid a robust scientific foundation and exposed her to interdisciplinary environmental challenges, especially those related to invasive species and conservation biology. Her education not only shaped her research interests but also empowered her with advanced analytical and GIS skills, which she continues to apply in her professional work at SANBI and in national conservation policy contexts.

 Experience

Rethabile Motloung has built a solid career in biodiversity and environmental management. At SANBI, where she has served as Scientist II since, she leads animal species information projects and supports national conservation policy through data cleaning, species-level analysis, and research. Prior to this, she worked as a Biodiversity Officer and Environmental Officer in the Western Cape Government, developing environmental policies, coordinating workshops, and mainstreaming biodiversity into governance structures. She also contributed to research on sustainability in education departments and conducted energy efficiency projects. Rethabile began her professional journey at SANBI as a Technical Assistant and Intern, focusing on spatial data for endemic plants. Her experience spans database management, project planning, policy consultation, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Through these roles, she has contributed to strategic biodiversity frameworks while enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of ecological data across South Africa. Her contributions have had both scientific and policy-level impacts.

Award and Honor

Rethabile’s commitment to excellence in environmental science has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the South African National Biodiversity Institute Postgraduate Bursary for her Master’s degree, supporting her research on invasive species modeling. Additionally, she was granted the National Research Foundation (NRF) Innovation Award and NRF Honours Postgraduate Bursary, underscoring her academic merit and research potential. Her leadership and emerging influence in biodiversity conservation earned her the esteemed WWF Nedbank Green Trust Emerging Leaders Fellowship, administered by GreenMatter. These accolades reflect her contributions to ecological sustainability and her capability as a rising leader in natural sciences. Rethabile’s professional achievements are further amplified through affiliations with the South African Association of Botanists and her registration as a Candidate Scientist with the Southern African Council of Natural Science Professionals. Her award history highlights her dual strengths in rigorous scientific research and impactful environmental leadership.

Research Focus

Rethabile Frangenie Motloung’s research focuses on biodiversity data systems, species distribution modeling, and conservation planning. Her MSc research explored how climate-based species distribution models can predict the invasive potential of Australian Acacias, contributing valuable insights into managing ecological threats. At SANBI, her work emphasizes compiling species-level data for South Africa’s animal taxa, aligning conservation priorities with national biodiversity strategies. She is particularly interested in the biogeographical patterns of narrow-range endemic species, using spatial data and GIS tools to inform policy and prioritize conservation actions. Her work contributes to the foundational biodiversity knowledge base that supports legislation, planning frameworks, and the sustainable management of threatened ecosystems. Rethabile has presented on the role of bioclimatic modeling and endemic species conservation at national symposia, showcasing her ability to bridge scientific research with practical conservation needs. Her focus remains on integrating robust data into governance frameworks to support biodiversity protection in rapidly changing environments.

Research Skill

Rethabile possesses a versatile skill set that bridges research, policy, and project implementation. She excels in biodiversity policy development, environmental governance, and scientific data analysis. Her GIS proficiency supports spatial data mapping and species modeling, while her research background enables rigorous analysis of ecological data. With strong communication and facilitation skills, she effectively engages with governmental departments, NGOs, and scientific communities to promote sustainable practices. She is adept at organizing stakeholder workshops, writing technical reports, and developing legislative inputs. Rethabile is trained in project management, leadership for environmental sustainability, and sustainable development through programs from the Sustainability Institute and GreenMatter. Her ability to translate scientific evidence into practical policy recommendations enhances her impact in conservation planning. She thrives in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings and demonstrates high organizational competence in coordinating complex environmental projects. Her knowledge of civil society engagement and policy mainstreaming makes her a valuable contributor to biodiversity-focused initiatives in South Africa.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Rethabile Frangenie Motloung is a well-rounded researcher and environmental leader with deep expertise in biodiversity science, policy integration, and ecological data management. Her contributions to national biodiversity assessments, species conservation strategies, and mainstreaming efforts have had measurable impacts on environmental governance in South Africa. She is not only a strong scientist but also a strategic thinker and mentor who fosters community engagement and capacity building.

Olfat Mahdy | Diseases | Best Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Olfat Mahdy | Diseases | Best Innovation Award

Parasitology Department at Faculty of veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

Dr. Olfat Anter Mahdy Ahmed Auob is a renowned Professor of Parasitology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. With decades of academic, research, and leadership experience, she has significantly advanced the fields of helminthology, protozoology, and fish parasitic diseases. Her contributions have shaped veterinary parasitology education and public health policies across Egypt and the wider Middle East. She has led pioneering research projects in zoonotic parasites, fish health, and nanotechnology-based diagnostics. Through active mentorship and scientific leadership, Dr. Olfat has trained numerous professionals and researchers. Her work continues to have lasting impact on veterinary science, disease control, and ecosystem health.

Professional Profiles

 Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Olfat holds all her academic degrees in veterinary parasitology from Cairo University. Her early training focused on parasite identification and disease transmission in birds and aquatic species. She pursued advanced studies that incorporated morphological and biological analysis of helminths and protozoa, laying the foundation for her later specialization in zoonotic diseases and environmental parasitology. Throughout her academic path, she has maintained a strong integration of traditional microscopy with modern diagnostics, enabling her to bridge classical techniques and current innovations in parasitic disease research.

Experience

Dr. Olfat has served in multiple academic ranks at Cairo University, currently holding a professorship in parasitology. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in helminthology, protozoology, and entomology. In addition to classroom teaching, she leads laboratory training, supervises theses, and mentors researchers. She has provided technical training to veterinarians and health professionals from neighboring countries and conducted numerous national workshops. She is also active in academic promotion and assessment committees in various countries. Her practical work includes collaborations on fish parasitic diseases, zoonoses, and environmental parasitology with government and research institutions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Olfat has been honored repeatedly for her contributions to research and education. She has received multiple awards for internationally published work in peer-reviewed journals. Her research in fish parasitology, zoonotic infections, and diagnostic innovation has been widely recognized by academic institutions and scientific committees. She has been invited to serve on faculty promotion panels and advisory boards in several countries and is often consulted for national research evaluation. Her career is marked by consistent acknowledgment of her scientific excellence, leadership, and dedication to parasitology and public health.

Research Focus

Her research interests span helminthic and protozoal diseases affecting domestic and wild animals, particularly those with public health relevance. A major emphasis of her work lies in the diagnosis and control of parasitic infections in fish, using advanced tools such as scanning electron microscopy and molecular markers. She has contributed to the development of nanotechnology applications in parasite management, particularly in aquaculture. Her projects address parasite biodiversity, zoonotic risks, and the ecological impacts of environmental pollutants on aquatic life. Her interdisciplinary research strengthens sustainable veterinary practices and food safety initiatives.

Research Skill

Dr. Olfat is skilled in morphological and molecular parasite identification, scanning electron microscopy, and the integration of nanotechnology in disease control. She designs and conducts laboratory experiments, manages multi-disciplinary research teams, and delivers expert training to students and professionals. Her teaching capabilities include course design, academic advising, and evaluation. She plays a key role in national academic promotion and research quality assurance. Her technical and communication skills have made her a leader in diagnostic parasitology, curriculum development, and cross-border knowledge exchange in veterinary science.

Publication Top Notes

Title: An Innovative Approach to Control Fish-Borne Zoonotic Metacercarial Infections in Aquaculture by Utilizing Nanoparticles
Published: Scientific Reports
Year: 2024
Citations: 4

Title: Evaluation of Praziquantel Effectiveness in Treating Nile Tilapia Clinostomid Infections and Its Relationships to Fish Health and Water Quality
Published: BMC Veterinary Research
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Innovative Molecular and Immunological Approaches of Heterophyiasis Infecting Some Egyptian Marketed Fishes
Published: BMC Veterinary Research
Year: 2024
Citations: 9

Conclusion

Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Brazil

Beatriz Pires da Silva is a passionate biomedical scientist and Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Brazil 🧪. From her undergraduate days, she has worked closely with the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a reference center in the extra-Amazon region 🇧🇷. Beatriz’s early scientific contributions focus on zoonotic malaria transmission and molecular diagnostic markers for Plasmodium falciparum. Her first-author publication has contributed to raising awareness of lesser-known transmission pathways of malaria in Brazil, with implications for public health policies. She has collaborated with respected international scientists such as Didier Menard and George Snounou 🌍. Though at the beginning of her career, Beatriz exhibits exceptional dedication to research, public health, and scientific development. Her goal is to continue building knowledge that supports malaria control, elimination, and innovation through evidence-based molecular research and collaborative science 🤝.

Professional Profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Beatriz Pires da Silva is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute / Fiocruz in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 📘. Her educational journey began during her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences, where she engaged in research at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a leading center for malaria studies in the Brazilian extra-Amazon region 🔬. During this time, she was actively involved in molecular diagnostic activities, gaining hands-on training in techniques crucial to infectious disease analysis. Her graduation thesis focused on zoonotic malaria transmission and has since evolved into a published scientific article 📝. Through her academic path, Beatriz has demonstrated a commitment to mastering the molecular aspects of parasitology and developing research that bridges field data with laboratory science. She continues to expand her academic skills in genetics, epidemiology, and malaria diagnosis, setting a strong foundation for a career in tropical disease research 🌿.

Work Experience💼

Beatriz’s research experience began at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), where she worked during her undergraduate years as a student researcher 👩‍🔬. She actively participated in the molecular diagnosis routine at CPD-Mal (Malaria Research, Diagnosis, and Training Center), gaining valuable practical exposure to real-time diagnostics, PCR, and gene analysis 🧬. Her main contribution during this time was compiling and analyzing data related to zoonotic malaria transmission in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region — a project that led to her first scientific publication. Currently, she is researching deletions and mutations in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes in Plasmodium falciparum, which are vital for improving rapid diagnostic tests in Brazil ⚕️. Although early in her career, Beatriz has already formed international collaborations and contributed meaningfully to understanding malaria transmission patterns. Her experience reflects a blend of laboratory precision, scientific writing, data interpretation, and an evolving understanding of global parasitic diseases 🌎.

Awards and Honors 🏆

As a rising early-career researcher, Beatriz Pires da Silva is now entering the stage of her academic journey where formal recognitions are beginning to emerge 🌟. While she has not yet received major individual awards, her recent first-author publication and active research involvement at one of Brazil’s premier public health institutions (Fiocruz) are testaments to her growing impact 🧬. Her collaborations with leading global malaria experts such as Didier Menard and George Snounou are prestigious achievements that reflect her research potential. Beatriz’s current nomination for the Best Researcher Award stands as her first significant external recognition — highlighting her commitment to science, molecular innovation, and public health improvement. As her publication count grows and her research reaches broader audiences, she is poised to earn academic and scientific honors in the near future for her efforts in neglected tropical diseases and molecular parasitology 🏆.

Skills💡

Beatriz Pires da Silva brings a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular diagnostics 🧪. She is skilled in scientific literature review, data analysis, and academic writing, as demonstrated by her first-author publication in the area of zoonotic malaria 📖. Her analytical thinking, precision in lab work, and structured approach to scientific inquiries allow her to handle complex datasets and molecular evidence efficiently. Beatriz is also adept at collaborating across disciplines and engaging with international research teams 🤝. Her experience at CPD-Mal equipped her with practical knowledge in real-time diagnostics and laboratory routines for parasitic diseases. Additionally, she is developing competencies in bioinformatics and gene analysis tools, specifically in studying genetic deletions in Plasmodium falciparum. Bilingual communication (Portuguese and English) adds to her strengths, enabling global academic collaboration. She continues to expand her skill set to support research excellence and innovation 🌐.

Research Focus 🔬

Beatriz Pires da Silva’s research is centered on the molecular biology of malaria, with particular attention to zoonotic transmission and gene deletions affecting diagnostic tools 🔍. Her first major contribution involved a review of zoonotic malaria in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region, where she synthesized ecological, entomological, and molecular data to clarify underreported transmission pathways 🦟. This work addresses a gap in malaria control strategies and has implications for Brazil’s elimination goals. Currently, Beatriz is investigating deletions in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes of Plasmodium falciparum, which can impair the accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) — a key issue in malaria diagnosis and treatment 📊. Her research bridges molecular genetics, epidemiology, and diagnostic innovation, reflecting a multidisciplinary and impactful approach to parasitic disease management. With strong analytical skills and a commitment to applied science, Beatriz is contributing to more effective public health interventions through molecular-level insights 🧫.

Conclusion✅

Beatriz Pires da Silva, although at the beginning of her academic career, demonstrates remarkable promise, rigor, and a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges in malaria research. Her work already contributes to an underrepresented but vital domain — zoonotic malaria — and has implications for national health strategies. While not yet seasoned enough to compete with established senior researchers for the “Best Researcher Award,” she stands out as an exceptional candidate for an early-career or emerging researcher category. Her profile suggests a bright future marked by meaningful contributions to parasitology and global health.

Publications Top Notes📚

Publication Title: Autochthonous malaria in Brazil outside the Amazon: Emergence, zoonotic transmission and implications for disease control

Journal: One Health

Publication Date: December 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100928