Prof. Sharmistha Dey | Innovation Strategy | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Sharmistha Dey, All India institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Dr. Sharmistha Dey is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Biophysics at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. 🏛️ With over 30 years of dedication to basic science research in medicine, her work bridges the interdisciplinary field of biophysics with protein biology. Her pioneering efforts in understanding proteins and peptides relevant to human health have led to breakthroughs in neurodegeneration, cancer, aging, and therapeutic plant proteins. As a scientist deeply rooted in molecular and structural biology, Dr. Dey has contributed over 140 high-impact publications and earned multiple accolades for her contributions. She is not only a prolific researcher but also an academic mentor, guiding the next generation of scientists with precision and passion. Her enduring legacy continues to transform diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in modern medicine. 🌍🧪

👩‍🔬 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Sharmistha Dey’s academic journey is rooted in rigorous training in biophysics and biomedical sciences. 🎓 She pursued her advanced studies at premier Indian institutions with a strong focus on structural and molecular biology, culminating in a Ph.D. in Biophysics. Her educational pathway fostered a deep understanding of the physical principles governing biological systems, especially protein structure and function. Over the years, she has supplemented her education through international fellowships sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research. These opportunities allowed her to engage with global experts and emerging technologies in the field of protein biology, further enhancing her research scope. Her commitment to lifelong learning and scientific exploration reflects her belief that education is the cornerstone of innovation and scientific excellence. 📚🔬

🧪 Experience

Dr. Sharmistha Dey stands as a veteran in the field of molecular medicine and biophysics. 🧬📈 She began her scientific career at AIIMS, one of India’s foremost medical research institutions, where she has steadily advanced to the position of Professor. Her tenure is marked by significant contributions to both experimental and translational research. As an experienced lab leader, she has overseen numerous projects focused on disease biomarkers and protein-peptide therapeutics. In addition to research, she has mentored a wide range of students—from doctoral candidates to postdoctoral fellows—shaping the future of biomedical science. She has also collaborated internationally and received recognition for fostering interdisciplinary and applied research. Her wealth of experience makes her a pillar of scientific leadership in the Indian and global research community. 🏅🌍

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Dey’s research interests lie at the intersection of biophysics, protein biology, and medical diagnostics. 🧠🔍 Her work is grouped into four major domains: biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), biomarkers of cancer, biomarkers of aging and age-associated disorders, and plant-derived proteins with potential therapeutic utility. By employing a diverse set of biophysical tools such as spectroscopy, crystallography, and computational biology, she deciphers the mechanisms by which proteins interact and misfold, leading to pathological states. Her multidisciplinary approach has enabled the identification of novel peptides and proteins that can be harnessed for early disease detection and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Dey’s lab also focuses on translational aspects, aiming to bridge basic science discoveries with real-world clinical applications. 🔬🌿

🏆 Awards

Dr. Sharmistha Dey’s research excellence has been recognized both nationally and internationally. 🏆 In 2016, she received the Prof. S. M. Marwah Award from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for her outstanding contributions to aging research. From 2012 through 2018, her work was consistently acknowledged with the AIIMS Excellence in Research Awards, underscoring her sustained innovation and impact. She was awarded two prestigious international fellowships, one each from the Department of Biotechnology and the ICMR, supporting her global collaborations and research enrichment. In 2019, she was awarded First Prize in Oncology Research by AIIMS for her groundbreaking work in cancer biomarkers. These accolades are a testament to her relentless pursuit of scientific advancement and her ability to convert ideas into impactful research. 🥇🌐

📚 Publication Top Notes

Serum Klotho: Unraveling its association with diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer

Impact of hemolysis on the levels of proteins associated with aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases in a multicentric clinical research

Melamine Exacerbates Neurotoxicity in D-Galactose-Induced Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells

Surface plasmon resonance based‐optical biosensor: Emerging diagnostic tool for early detection of diseases

Lung cancer in the older population: Interactive effects of angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism (rs 4340 ID) and tobacco addiction in risk assessment

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Sharmistha Dey represents a rare blend of scientific excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership, making her a highly deserving recipient of the Women Researcher Award. Her enduring work on protein biomarkers—ranging from neurodegenerative diseases and cancer to plant-based therapeutics—has had a profound impact on medical science. Her accolades, including national honors and international fellowships, validate her significant contributions. Beyond publications and awards, her mentorship and advocacy for women in science stand as testaments to her inclusive leadership. While future opportunities in industry linkage and global collaboration remain promising, her current trajectory already exemplifies the highest standards of research integrity, innovation, and social relevance. Dr. Dey’s career is not just an academic journey—it is a beacon for aspiring women scientists across generations. Honoring her through this award would not only recognize her achievements but also inspire a broader cultural shift towards equitable and impactful science. 🏆👩‍🏫

Assist Prof Dr. Rahim Zahedi | Environmental Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Rahim Zahedi, University of Tehran, Iran

Dr. Rahim Zahedi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Governance at the University of Tehran, Iran. Born on February 29, 1996, he is an accomplished researcher with a strong foundation in mechanical and energy systems engineering. With over 120 ISI-indexed publications to his name, Dr. Zahedi is widely recognized for his work in energy modeling, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy systems. He has been named among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University since 2023. His exceptional academic achievements include earning first rank nationally in Iran’s PhD entrance exam for energy systems engineering and receiving prestigious awards like the JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award and the Alborz Prize—often referred to as Iran’s Nobel Prize.

🎓 Education

Dr. Zahedi holds a PhD in Energy Systems Engineering (2020–2024) from the University of Tehran, where he graduated with a perfect GPA (4.0/4.0) and completed a dissertation focused on the 4E analysis of a sustainable hybrid system for optimized water, energy, food, and environmental nexus. Prior to that, he earned both his MSc (2018–2020) and BSc (2014–2018) in Energy Systems and Mechanical Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology. He is currently undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship (2024–2025) at the same institution, focusing on thermal storage systems and thermoeconomic analysis of solar-driven ORC cycles using phase change materials.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Zahedi has served in academia and research with a primary focus on energy governance, energy modeling, and policy analysis. His experience includes supervising and collaborating on cutting-edge projects in energy system optimization, carbon capture, and climate-responsive technologies. He has contributed to national-scale industrial projects and has been recognized for excellence in petroleum engineering and renewable energy innovation. His multi-disciplinary expertise allows him to bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and practical implementation in the energy sector.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Zahedi’s research interests span a range of high-impact topics in energy and environment, including renewable energy 🌱, life cycle assessment (LCA) ♻️, energy optimization ⚡, and building energy modeling (BEM) 🏙️. He is particularly passionate about integrating AI and machine learning into sustainable energy planning and has conducted extensive work in the simulation and optimization of hybrid energy systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Zahedi has received numerous awards for his outstanding research contributions. These include the 2023 JTACC-V4 Young Scientist Award for excellence in thermal sciences, the National Renewable Energy Award, and a Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions to petroleum engineering. Notably, he was awarded the 2024 Alborz Prize, Iran’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, in recognition of being the best young scientist in the country. He also achieved the first rank for the best industrial plan at a national oil and gas innovation event.