ROSA MOURAO | Neuropharmacology | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. ROSA MOURAO | Neuropharmacology | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. ROSA MOURAO, UNIVERSIDADES FEDERAL DO OESTE DO PARÁ, Brazil.

Prof. Dr. Rosa Helena Veras Mourão is a distinguished Brazilian biochemist and full professor at UFOPA, with a strong academic foundation in Biological Sciences and Plant Biochemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco, including a research fellowship at UNICAMP under Prof. Dr. Mário Saad. Her research centers on the biochemical properties of Amazonian medicinal plants, focusing on diabetes, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, essential oils, and the effects of Bothrops atrox venom.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Rosa Helena Veras Mourão embarked on her scientific journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Ceará in 1993. Her early academic choices reflected a deep curiosity about the natural world, especially the biochemical aspects of plant life. She soon pursued a Master’s degree in Plant Biochemistry at the same institution, which she completed in 1996. Her growing interest in health-related plant biochemistry led her to a doctoral program in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Pernambuco, awarded in 2006. During her Ph.D., she was selected for a prestigious sandwich fellowship at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), where she conducted research under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Mário Saad, further sharpening her expertise in metabolic disorders like diabetes.

🧪 Professional Endeavors in Biochemistry

Currently a Full Professor at the Institute of Collective Health at the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), Prof. Mourão has built a solid career blending academic research with community outreach. Her expertise lies in Biochemistry, particularly medicinal plants and their applications in treating chronic diseases. Her work consistently merges scientific rigor with social relevance, focusing on diabetes, antimicrobial resistance, anti-inflammatory responses, and the effects of Bothrops atrox venom. She has mentored numerous Master’s students through UFOPA’s Health Sciences and Natural Resources programs and also advises Ph.D. candidates under the REDE BIONORTE initiative, reflecting her pivotal role in academic mentorship and capacity building in the Amazon region.

🌿 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Mourão’s research delves into the pharmacological potential of Amazonian flora, particularly essential oils and plant extracts with therapeutic effects. Her contributions include advancing the standardization of bioactive extracts, evaluating their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and assessing their applicability in the treatment of diabetes. Her scientific investigations into Bothrops atrox venom have added critical insights to toxinology. Furthermore, her interdisciplinary approach bridges biochemistry with ethnopharmacology, respecting traditional knowledge systems while applying rigorous scientific methods to validate their efficacy.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Her commitment to research excellence earned her the prestigious CNPq Research Productivity Fellowship (PQ2), which she held until 2023. This national recognition highlighted her sustained contributions to Brazilian science, particularly in the fields of medicinal chemistry and natural products. In academic circles, her name appears under various bibliographic formats such as MOURÃO, R.H.V. and Rosa H. Mourão, indicating her prolific and diverse scholarly output. She is also active on national platforms such as the Lattes Curriculum system and holds an ORCID iD, further ensuring her work’s visibility and impact within global research communities.

🌎 Impact and Social Innovation

Beyond academia, Prof. Mourão is deeply involved in projects that fuse scientific knowledge with social innovation. She co-founded Deveras Amazônia, a startup that transforms Amazonian biodiversity into culinary experiences, and Xibé Oficial, a fashion-focused enterprise using natural dyes extracted from Amazonian plants. Her technological extension projects with local communities in Western Pará demonstrate her commitment to applying scientific research for social impact, focusing on sustainable development and strengthening regional production chains. Her work empowers Amazonian communities by integrating traditional knowledge with entrepreneurial strategies.

🔬 Legacy in Scientific Mentorship

Throughout her academic career, Prof. Mourão has mentored a generation of scientists who now contribute to fields as diverse as biochemistry, pharmacognosy, and public health. As a Master’s and Ph.D. advisor, she fosters critical thinking, innovation, and social responsibility in her students. Her guidance helps shape professionals capable of addressing both local health challenges and broader scientific questions. Her legacy lies not only in her publications and projects but also in the human capital she has developed over decades of service.

🌱 Future Contributions and Vision

Looking ahead, Prof. Rosa Helena Veras Mourão remains a beacon of interdisciplinary research in the Amazon. Her vision includes expanding collaborations that promote bioeconomic development rooted in sustainability, enhancing the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream science, and scaling up social-impact projects. With her strong academic foundation and unwavering dedication to public health and biodiversity, she continues to serve as an inspiring force in Brazilian science, forging a future where innovation, ecology, and equity go hand in hand.

Publication

1. Antifungal chemosensitization through induction of oxidative stress: A model for control of candidiasis based on the Lippia origanoides essential oil
Authors: Sandra Layse F. Sarrazin, Jean-Paul Bourdineaud, José Guilherme S. Maia, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Ricardo B. Oliveira
Year: 2024

2. Lip balm made from butter extracted from bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) Amazonian fruit seeds: Development and characterization
Authors: Bruna Carvalho Cantal de Souza, Walberson da Silva Reatgui, Junior Avelino de Araújo, Rosa Helena Veras Mourão, Leopoldo C. Baratto, Gabriela B. dos Santos, Kariane M. Nunes
Year: 2024

3. Volatile Constituents of Some Myrtaceous Edible and Medicinal Fruits from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Adenilson S. Barroso, Lais T. Massing, Chieno Suemitsu, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo, José Guilherme S. Maia
Year: 2024

4. Molecular modelling and anticholinesterase activity of the essential oil from three chemotypes of Lippia alba (Mill.)
Authors: Antônio Q. Silva Júnior, Gabriela dos Santos Rodrigues, Karina A. de Sousa, Leoneide E. M. Bouillet, Gabriela B. dos Santos, Adenilson S. Barroso, Rosa Helena Veras Mourão
Year: 2024

5. Seasonal Variation in Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Aniba canelilla
Authors: Ellen de Nazaré S. da Cruz, Luana de Sousa P. Barros, Bruna de Araújo Guimarães, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, José Guilherme S. Maia, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly da Silva, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo
Year: 2023

6. Distribution of Carapa Guianensis Associated to Topoclimatic Variables Indicating Potential Clusters for Cultivation in the State of Pará
Authors: Denison Lima Correa, Lucieta G. Martorano, Leila Sheila S. Lisboa, Carlos T. dos S. Dias, Alberdan S. Santos, Rosa Helena V. Mourão
Year: 2023

7. Seasonal Influence on Volatile Composition of Psidium friedrichsthalianum Leaves, Sampled in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Paulo V. L. Santos, Ellen de N. S. da Cruz, Jennifer de A. Nunes, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Walnice M. O. do Nascimento, José Guilherme S. Maia, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo
Year: 2023

8. Seasonal Variability of a Caryophyllane Chemotype Essential Oil of Eugenia patrisii Vahl Occurring in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Ellen de N. S. da Cruz, Luana de S. Peixoto, Jamile S. da Costa, Rosa Helena V. Mourão, Walnice M. O. do Nascimento, José Guilherme S. Maia, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly da Silva, Pablo L. B. Figueiredo
Year: 2022

9. Atividade antioxidante de extratos de Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu)
Authors: Carlena Sinara M. da Silva, Rosa Helena Veras Mourão
Year: 2022

10. Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh (Myrtales: Myrtaceae): análise dos produtos elaborados a partir do seu fruto
Authors: Carlena Sinara M. da Silva, Rosa Helena Veras
Year: 2021

🧾 Conclusion

Prof. Rosa Helena Veras Mourão exemplifies a modern scientist whose work harmonizes rigorous biochemical research with social and environmental impact. Her commitment to advancing science in the Amazon, empowering communities, and nurturing future scholars positions her as a transformative figure in Brazilian research. Her legacy is defined not only by academic excellence but also by her visionary efforts to blend innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that science serves both nature and society.

Jagadeesh Rao | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jagadeesh Rao | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jagadeesh Rao,  IGC Pharma LLC, United States.

Dr. Jagadeesh S. Rao is a distinguished neuroscientist and clinical researcher with over 15 years of experience in neuroscience, psychiatry, neuropharmacology, and drug development. His career is marked by significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease. With a strong academic foundation in molecular biology and biochemistry, Dr. Rao has led groundbreaking work in clinical trial design, preclinical toxicology, and regulatory submissions, including IND and CMC documentation for FDA approvals. He currently serves as Principal Scientist at IGC Pharma Inc., where he leads teams in Phase I and II clinical trials, manages CROs and budgets, and has developed both OTC and investigational drug products.

Profile

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🧠 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jagadeesh S. Rao began his scientific journey with a deep interest in the complexities of the human brain and molecular biology. From the early stages of his academic training, he demonstrated exceptional dedication to exploring the interplay between neurobiology, biochemistry, and psychiatric health. His pursuit of a Ph.D. laid a robust foundation in neuroscience and neuropharmacology, equipping him with a multidisciplinary understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. This strong academic grounding would later become the driving force behind his innovative contributions to research in pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and drug development.

🧪 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience and Drug Development

With over 15 years of professional experience, Dr. Rao has successfully navigated and led multiple domains including toxicology, psychiatry, and molecular biology. Currently serving as a Principal Scientist at IGC Pharma Inc., he has taken a prominent role in advancing clinical drug development, particularly in designing and executing Phase I and II trials. His expertise extends to critical regulatory processes such as Investigational New Drug (IND) submissions, clinical protocol design, and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC). He has actively led teams in drug formulation, batch production, validation, and compliance with FDA and ISO standards—demonstrating a blend of scientific acumen and regulatory insight.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus in Neuropharmacology

Dr. Rao’s research centers on developing therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions, especially Alzheimer’s disease. His contributions span the full spectrum of drug development: from preclinical toxicology and pharmacokinetics to clinical pharmacodynamics and regulatory documentation. He has designed preclinical studies adhering to GLP standards, involving mutagenesis assays, reproductive and general toxicity assessments, and immunogenicity tests. Moreover, he played a key role in the development of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief cream products, contributing both to academic research and commercial innovation. His insights into P450 enzyme polymorphisms and their effects on drug metabolism showcase a precision medicine approach to pharmacological care.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition in Clinical Research

While much of Dr. Rao’s work has been behind the scenes of scientific advancement and regulatory excellence, his leadership in preparing CMC documents and overseeing investigational drug submissions has earned him widespread respect among peers. His oversight of departmental budgets and his management of Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) reflect not only scientific brilliance but also strategic and financial stewardship in clinical drug development. The successful initiation of Phase I and II clinical trials under his guidance stands as a testament to his expertise and diligence in the field.

🌍 Impact and Influence in Translational Medicine

Dr. Rao’s work bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinical application. His projects have advanced the translational medicine field by offering therapeutic candidates that move seamlessly from preclinical safety assessments to human trials. His influence is felt not only through the innovative drugs developed under his watch but also in shaping protocols that align with FDA’s stringent regulatory frameworks. His understanding of the molecular intricacies of neuropsychiatric diseases allows him to propose and test interventions that directly respond to the unmet needs of patients and healthcare systems alike.

🔬 Legacy in Scientific Rigor and Innovation

One of Dr. Rao’s enduring legacies lies in his rigorous approach to clinical pharmacology and his commitment to quality and safety in every phase of drug development. His ability to interpret complex PK/PD data, assess drug-drug interactions, and foresee adverse events has significantly shaped safer and more effective drug protocols. He has also contributed to the creation of technical documentation and risk assessments that serve as gold standards in the field, ensuring compliance and reproducibility for future scientists and clinicians.

🚀 Future Contributions and Vision for Neurotherapeutics

Looking ahead, Dr. Rao continues to pave the way in neurotherapeutics with a focused ambition to develop treatments for cognitive and behavioral disorders rooted in neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. His vision includes refining clinical strategies using personalized medicine models and leveraging his expertise in biochemistry and molecular neuropharmacology. As the global demand for effective neurological therapies increases, Dr. Rao’s evolving research and leadership promise to yield transformative solutions that will benefit countless patients worldwide.

Publication

1. Title: Neurobiological alteration in agitation in Alzheimer’s disease and possible interventions
Author(s): Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Tangarife, Maria Alejandra; Mukunda, Ram
Year: 2024

2. Title: Effects of chronic clozapine administration on markers of arachidonic acid cascade and synaptic integrity in rat brain
Author(s): Kim, Hyung-Wook; Cheon, Yewon; Modi, Hiren R.; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Rao, Jagadeesh S.
Year: 2012

3. Title: Epigenetic modifications in frontal cortex from Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder patients
Author(s): Rao, J. S.; Keleshian, V. L.; Klein, S.; Rapoport, S. I.
Year: 2012

4. Title: Gabapentin’s minimal action on markers of rat brain arachidonic acid metabolism agrees with its inefficacy against bipolar disorder
Author(s): Reese, Edmund A.; Cheon, Yewon; Ramadan, Epolia; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Chang, Lisa; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Taha, Ameer Y.
Year: 2012

5. Title: Lamotrigine blocks NMDA receptor-initiated arachidonic acid signalling in rat brain: implications for its efficacy in bipolar disorder
Author(s): Ramadan, Epolia; Basselin, Mireille; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Chang, Lisa; Chen, Mei; Ma, Kaizong; Rapoport, Stanley I.
Year: 2012

6. Title: Altered Expression of G-protein subunits and GRKs in Alzheimer’s Disease
Author(s): Reese, Edmund A.; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Rao, Jagadeesh S.
Year: 2011

7. Title: Chronic olanzapine treatment decreases arachidonic acid turnover and prostaglandin E₂ concentration in rat brain
Author(s): Cheon, Yewon; Park, Jee-Young; Modi, Hiren R.; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Lee, Ho-Joo; Chang, Lisa; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.
Year: 2011

8. Title: Dietary n-6 PUFA deprivation downregulates arachidonate but upregulates docosahexaenoate metabolizing enzymes in rat brain
Author(s): Kim, Hyung-Wook; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Igarashi, Miki
Year: 2011

9. Title: Disturbed Choline Plasmalogen and Phospholipid Fatty Acid Concentrations in Alzheimer’s Disease Prefrontal Cortex
Author(s): Igarashi, Miki; Ma, Kaizong; Gao, Fei; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Rapoport, Stanley I.; Rao, Jagadeesh S.
Year: 2011

10. Title: Olanzapine Decreases Brain Arachidonic Acid (AA) Metabolism in Rats by Reducing Plasma Availability of AA
Author(s): Cheon, Yewon; Modi, Hiren R.; Park, Jee-Young; Kim, Hyung-Wook; Chang, Lisa; Rao, Jagadeesh S.; Rapoport, Stanley I.
Year: 2011

✅Conclusion

Dr. Rao’s career reflects a powerful blend of scientific innovation, regulatory excellence, and clinical insight. His dedication to developing safe and effective neurological therapeutics has significantly advanced the field of translational medicine. As a leader, mentor, and researcher, his ongoing work continues to influence modern approaches to treating complex brain disorders, setting a high standard for future neuropharmacological research and therapeutic innovation.

Rita Abi Rached | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rita Abi Rached | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rita Abi Rached, University of Cagliari, Italy.

Rita Joseph Abi Rached has built a remarkable career at the intersection of food chemistry, biochemistry, and sustainability. From her foundational academic journey to her current research in agri-food by-product valorization, she has continuously sought innovative solutions to environmental and health-related challenges. Her expertise spans industry collaborations, cutting-edge research, and impactful scientific contributions, making her a leading figure in sustainable food science.

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✨ Early Academic Pursuits – A Passion for Science ✨

From an early age, Rita Joseph Abi Rached demonstrated an innate curiosity for the sciences, particularly in the fields of biochemistry and food chemistry. She embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Saint Joseph University of Beirut in 2017, where she cultivated a strong foundation in molecular sciences. Her passion for the chemical intricacies of food systems led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Food Chemistry in 2019, further refining her expertise in the biochemical properties of agro-food products. This academic dedication ultimately culminated in a Double Ph.D. in Life, Environmental, and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Cagliari and Saint Joseph University of Beirut in 2024, marking a significant milestone in her scholarly endeavors.

🌱 Professional Endeavors – Bridging Academia and Industry 🌱

With an unwavering commitment to research, Rita transitioned from academia to professional scientific exploration. Her early training included hands-on experiences at Château Ksara, where she assessed grape phenolic maturity, and at Libby’s, where she gained insights into quality control and microbiological analyses. Further strengthening her industrial expertise, she worked as a lab researcher and research assistant at Saint Joseph University, refining her skills in polyphenol analysis and microbiological assessments. These experiences not only expanded her technical competencies but also paved the way for her role as a dedicated researcher at the University of Cagliari, where she currently investigates sustainable approaches to agri-food by-product valorization.

🤝 Contributions and Research Focus – Innovating for a Sustainable Future 🤝

Rita’s research is deeply rooted in sustainability and the innovative utilization of agricultural and industrial biomasses. Her current work revolves around the valorization of agro-industrial by-products, transforming waste into functional bioactive compounds for health and agriculture. She has actively contributed to groundbreaking projects such as BESTMEDGRAPE, which applied nanotechnological strategies to enhance Mediterranean grape derivatives, and MEDLENTISK, an Erasmus+ initiative that explored best practices for mastic tree fixed oil. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in TECNOCOVID, a project leveraging natural bioactives and nanotechnologies to combat COVID-19. Her most recent endeavor, NUTRINNOVA, focuses on utilizing nutriosomes derived from agro-industrial waste to mitigate dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and cognitive decline, further establishing her as a pioneer in sustainable food research.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition – A Scholar’s Journey 🏆

Throughout her career, Rita has garnered significant recognition for her impactful contributions to scientific research. Her work has been widely cited, with a citation index of 72 and an h-index of 4, reflecting her influence in the academic community. These achievements underscore the relevance of her studies in the fields of food science, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Her research outputs continue to inspire new approaches to the responsible and efficient use of natural resources, positioning her as a respected voice in her domain.

🔍 Impact and Influence – Shaping the Scientific Landscape 🔍

As an advocate for innovative and sustainable research, Rita’s work has transcended the boundaries of traditional food science, merging interdisciplinary methodologies to address global challenges. By focusing on agri-food waste valorization, she has provided meaningful insights into reducing environmental impact while enhancing the nutritional and therapeutic value of food by-products. Her collaborations with industry leaders and academic institutions have reinforced her reputation as a key contributor to cutting-edge scientific advancements.

 

Publication

  • Title: Entrapment of Citrus limon var. pompia Essential Oil or Pure Citral in Liposomes Tailored as Mouthwash for the Treatment of Oral Cavity Diseases
    Author(s): L Palmas, M Aroffu, GL Petretto, E Escribano-Ferrer, O Díez-Sales, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Extraction, Characterization and Incorporation of Hypericum scruglii Extract in Ad Hoc Formulated Phospholipid Vesicles Designed for the Treatment of Skin
    Author(s): M Allaw, M Manconi, M Aroffu, F Marongiu, M Porceddu, G Bacchetta, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Optimization of Polyphenols Extraction from Purple Corn Cobs Using ß-Cyclodextrin as a Green Solvent
    Author(s): HN Rajha, S Khabbaz, R Abi Rached, E Debs, RG Maroun, N Louka
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: From Grape By-Products to Enriched Yogurt Containing Pomace Extract Loaded in Nanotechnological Nutriosomes Tailored for Promoting Gastro-Intestinal Wellness
    Author(s): I Castangia, F Fulgheri, FJ Leyva-Jimenez, ME Alañón, ML Cádiz-Gurrea, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • Title: From Field to Waste Valorization: A Preliminary Study Exploring the Impact of the Wine Supply Chain on the Phenolic Profile of Three Sardinian Pomace Extracts
    Author(s): I Castangia, M Aroffu, F Fulgheri, R Abi Rached, F Corrias, G Sarais, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Innovation in Cannon Puffing Technology for the Homogenization of Bulk Treatment: Half‐Popped Purple Corn, a New Healthy Snack
    Author(s): HN Rajha, E Debs, R Abi Rached, K El Khoury, M Al‐Kazzi, R Mrad, …
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: Exploring the Efficacy and Industrial Potential of Polyphenol Products from Grapes and Their By-Products
    Author(s): R Abi Rached, M Perra, ML Manca, HN Rajha, N Louka, RG Maroun, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: A Preliminary Investigation on Hydrogel Disks Imbibed with Enriched Transfersomes as a Promising Tool to Promote the Cutaneous Deposition of Vaccine Antigens
    Author(s): M Aroffu, R Abi Rached, I Castangia, P Italiani, L D’Apice, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Preliminary Evaluation of the In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of a Novel Nanovesicle-Doped Nanoemulsion Co-Loading Artemisinin and Quercetin as a Promising Strategy to Improve …
    Author(s): F Fulgheri, M Ramírez, L Román-Álamo, P Gasco, M Manconi, M Aroffu, …
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Grape Seed Extract-Loaded Hyalurosomes on Skin Wellness
    Author(s): RA Rached, M Habre, Y Salem, J Khodeir, M Allaw, I Castangia, …
    Year: 2025

 

🔗 Conclusion 🔗

With an unwavering passion for science and an unrelenting drive for discovery, Rita Joseph Abi Rached stands as a beacon of innovation, inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability, research, and the transformative power of science. Her legacy in food science and biochemistry will continue to shape the future of sustainable research, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and industry.