Mehdi Zarei | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mehdi Zarei | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz | Iran

Professor Mehdi Zarei is a distinguished academic and researcher in the Department of Food Hygiene at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, where he has made significant contributions to the fields of food safety, quality assurance, and food microbiology. His research primarily focuses on the detection, control, and prevention of microbial contamination in food products, ensuring public health protection through scientific innovation and applied microbiological techniques. With extensive experience in foodborne pathogen analysis, microbial ecology, and the development of advanced methodologies for food quality assessment, Professor Zarei’s work bridges the gap between laboratory research and practical applications in the food industry. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, advancing knowledge in areas such as microbial resistance, spoilage mechanisms, and novel preservation technologies. His teaching excellence and mentorship have inspired many students and young researchers to pursue careers in food hygiene and microbiological research. Professor Zarei has also actively collaborated with governmental and industrial sectors to improve food safety standards and implement quality management systems that comply with global regulations. His dedication to interdisciplinary research and continuous innovation has earned him recognition as a leading expert in his field. Through his academic leadership, Professor Zarei continues to promote the integration of science, technology, and policy to ensure the production of safe and high-quality food, contributing to the advancement of food safety culture and sustainable development in the agri-food sector.

Featured Publications

  • Ramezani, Z., Zarei, M., & Raminnejad, N. (2015). Comparing the effectiveness of chitosan and nanochitosan coatings on the quality of refrigerated silver carp fillets. Food Control, 51, 43–48.

  • Zarei, M., Jamnejad, A., & Khajehali, E. (2014). Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles against four foodborne pathogens. Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 7(1), e8720.

  • Mashhadi, N. S., Zakerkish, M., Mohammadiasl, J., Zarei, M., et al. (2018). Astaxanthin improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 27(2), 341–346.

  • Farsi, F., Mohammadshahi, M., Alavinejad, P., Rezazadeh, A., Zarei, M., et al. (2016). Functions of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on liver enzymes, markers of systemic inflammation, and adipokines in patients affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 35(4), 346–353.

  • Zarei, M., Maktabi, S., & Ghorbanpour, M. (2012). Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. in seafood products using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 9(2), 108–112.

  • Zarei, M., Fazlara, A., & Tulabifard, N. (2019). Effect of thermal treatment on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey. Heliyon, 5(6)

Ivana ŠKRLEC | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Ivana ŠKRLEC | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek | Croatia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivana Škrlec is an accomplished molecular biologist and academic at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health in Osijek, Croatia, where she teaches in the Department of Biophysics, Biology, and Chemistry. She earned her Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Zagreb, completed a postgraduate study in Molecular Diagnostics, and defended her PhD at the Faculty of Medicine in Osijek under the supervision of Prof. Borut Peterlin. Dedicated to higher education and research, she lectures in biology, genetics, laboratory technologies, and research methodology, and contributes to the interdisciplinary PhD program in Molecular Biosciences at J. J. Strossmayer University in Osijek, where she teaches courses on computational statistical methods and scientific writing. A strong mentor, she has supervised numerous theses and actively fosters research engagement among students. Her scholarly impact is reflected in her extensive publications, including scientific papers, technical papers, three book chapters, and conference abstracts, along with oral presentations at international conferences. She serves as a reviewer for medical journals and is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Clinical and Medical Research and Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine. Recognized internationally, she has received multiple awards, including the MDPI Award for a highly cited paper, the Distinguished Editorial Board Member Award, and the first prize for the most cited publication in the Journal of Fungi. She has also gained international experience as a visiting scientist in Serbia, Hungary, and Slovenia and has played an active role in organizing major international congresses. Her research spans mental health, cardiogenetics, population genetics, endocrine disorders, circadian rhythms, and molecular biology, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing science and education.

profile: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Milostić-Srb, A., Srb, N., Talapko, J., Meštrović, T., Žiger, T., Pačarić, S., Fureš, R., & … (2024). The effect of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on assisted human reproduction outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diseases, 12(9), 201.

Vasilj-Mihaljevic, M., Mihaljevic, I., Bekic, S., Zubcic, Z., Vasilj, A., & … (2024). Correlation of TPO antibody concentration with thyroid hormones as a predictor of clinical hypothyroidism/Korelacija koncentracije anti-TPO sa tireoidnim hormonima kao prediktor kliničkog hipotireoidizma. Acta Clinica Croatica, 63(3–4), 542–552.

Gorski, D. B., Vlainić, J., Škrlec, I., Novak, S., Novosel, Ž., Biloglav, Z., Plečko, V., & … (2024). Virulence factors and susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, triclosan, and chlorhexidine among Enterococci from clinical specimens, food, and wastewater. Microorganisms, 12(9), 1808.

Talapko, J., Erić, S., Meštrović, T., Stipetić, M. M., Juzbašić, M., Katalinić, D., & … (2024). The impact of oral microbiome dysbiosis on the aetiology, pathogenesis, and development of oral cancer. Cancers, 16(17), 2997.

Talapko, J., Juzbašić, M., Meštrović, T., Matijević, T., Mesarić, D., Katalinić, D., & … (2024). Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: From the oral cavity to the heart valves. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1451.