Sofia Pacheco | Polymer Matrix Composites | Research Excellence Award
Ms. Sofia Pacheco at Faculty of Engineering – University of Porto | Portugal
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Authors: Sofia Pacheco et al.
Fofana Issouf, affiliated with Nangui Abrogoua University, focuses on computational drug design, molecular modeling, and pharmacokinetics-oriented inhibitor development against infectious and non-communicable diseases. His research encompasses structure-based and virtual screening approaches to identify and optimize small-molecule inhibitors targeting key enzymes of pathogens and human disease-relevant proteins. Notably, he has contributed to the development of inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including thymidylate kinase and enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase, emphasizing favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for enhanced drug-likeness. His work extends to anticancer and antiviral applications, designing molecules targeting E6 papillomavirus proteins and SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, employing in silico optimization and pharmacophore-based virtual screening strategies. Additionally, Fofana has explored the inhibition of human histone deacetylase 8 and acetylcholinesterase, contributing to potential therapeutic interventions for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. His integrative approach combines computational chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking to accelerate the discovery of bioactive compounds with improved efficacy and safety. Overall, his research demonstrates a consistent commitment to applying in silico methodologies for rational drug design, aiming to translate computational insights into effective therapeutic candidates against infectious, neurodegenerative, and oncological targets.
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Ahmed M. Hashem is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, specializing in the development of advanced materials for energy storage applications. His research focuses on lithium-ion batteries, exploring both anode and cathode materials, including Co-free Ni-rich layered oxides, ilmenite, and molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles. He has extensively investigated the electrochemical behavior, structural properties, and enhanced capacity mechanisms of transition metal oxide electrodes. Hashem also works on green synthesis approaches for metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and their composites, targeting high-performance supercapacitors and sustainable energy storage solutions. His studies integrate material modification, doping strategies, and nanostructuring to improve energy density, stability, and environmental compatibility. Overall, his work bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry and applied electrochemical energy research, contributing significantly to next-generation battery technologies.