Heuisoo Kim | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Heuisoo Kim | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Biological Sciences at Pusan National University | South Korea

Prof. Heuisoo Kim is a prominent academic leader and influential researcher in the biological sciences, widely recognized for his significant contributions to genomics, molecular genetics, phylogeny, marine biology, and bioinformatics. He completed his Ph.D. in Genomics from Kyoto University, where he developed expertise in molecular analyses related to primate genetics, followed by an M.S. and B.S. in Biology from Pusan National University. His early postdoctoral work at leading institutes, including the Weizmann Institute of Science and the University of Oxford, provided a strong foundation for his long-standing academic career. Since joining Pusan National University as a professor, he has played key roles in advancing both research and academic leadership, including serving as Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and as President of the Genetics Society of Korea. His research portfolio is diverse and impactful, spanning the study of transposable elements, microRNA evolution, regulatory non-coding RNAs, endogenous retroviruses, host–pathogen interactions, and genome structure variations. He has published extensively on topics such as viral infection mechanisms in aquatic organisms, alternative splicing events induced by genomic integrations, enhancer functions of retroelement-derived microRNAs, and biomolecular dynamics associated with cancer progression. His work appears in high-impact journals across molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, aquaculture biotechnology, and immunology. With 4,659 citations by 3,884 documents, 299 published works, and an h-index of 36, his scholarly output reflects sustained excellence and global influence. Beyond research, he has contributed to national scientific development through roles such as Director of the Division of Life Sciences at the National Research Foundation of Korea and has been recognized with multiple prestigious national and international awards for outstanding research and academic service. His ongoing work continues to push the boundaries of molecular and genomic science, offering new insights into biological complexity and applied biotechnology. Prof. Heuisoo Kim’s career exemplifies dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering collaborative research environments, and shaping the next generation of innovation in agricultural and biological sciences.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Kim H-S.,Hsa-miR-422a Originated from Short Interspersed Nuclear Element Increases ARID5B Expression by Collaborating with NF-E2. Molecules and Cells, 45(7), 465–478, 2022.

  • Kim H-S.,Z-DNA–Containing Long Terminal Repeats of Human Endogenous Retrovirus Families Provide Alternative Promoters for Human Functional Genes. Molecules and Cells, 45(8), 522–530, 2022.

  • Kim H-S.,Human Endogenous Retrovirus-H-Derived miR-4454 Inhibits the Expression of DNAJB4 and SASH1 in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Genes, 14, 1410–1422, 2023.

  • Kim H-S.,,Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV)-K env Gene Knockout Affects Tumorigenic Characteristics of nupr1 Gene in DLD-1 Colorectal Cancer Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(8), 3941, 2021.

  • Kim H-S.,A Study of Transposable Element–Associated Structural Variations (TASVs) Using a De Novo Assembled Korean Genome. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 53, 615–630, 2021.

  • Kim H-S.,Disposable microRNA biosensors based on dual-role polymer-dispersed silver nanowires for diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus infection in olive flounder. Aquaculture, 580, 740287–780294, 2024.

  • Kim H-S.,Exploring the Key Signaling Pathways and ncRNAs in Colorectal Cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25, 4548–4577, 2024.

Mr.Mulat Erkihun | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Scholar Award

Mr.  Mulat Erkihun | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Scholar Award

lecturer at Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia.

Mulat Erkihun Agaje is a distinguished Ethiopian medical microbiologist, educator, and clinical researcher with a strong commitment to combating infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. With a dual role as a lecturer at Debre Tabor University and a clinical microbiologist at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, he bridges academic research with real-world healthcare solutions. His career reflects a passion for medical science, community impact, and advancing diagnostic microbiology.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

Mulat holds a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology (2019) from Bahir Dar University, where he graduated with Very Great Distinction. His M.Sc. coursework focused on advanced virology, bacteriology, immunology, microbial genetics, and hospital infection control. His thesis investigated the antimicrobial resistance profile of Helicobacter pylori in patients with gastric diseases. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (2016) from Haramaya University, again graduating with Very Great Distinction. Both programs were conducted in English and included research components.

Professional Experience:

With over eight years of clinical and academic experience, Mulat began his journey as a medical laboratory technologist and then a clinical microbiologist at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Since 2022, he has served as a lecturer and researcher at Debre Tabor University, where he teaches medical students, supervises research, develops curricula, and provides microbiological services in the affiliated hospital. He has also led quality assurance, community outreach, and strategic laboratory improvements using Lean and Six Sigma approaches.

Research Interests:

Mulat’s research spans a broad spectrum of medical microbiology. His core interests include pathogenesis of infectious diseases, molecular diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, microbial genetics, and the use of nanomaterials in medical applications. He also explores biofilm formation, quorum sensing, vaccine development, and molecular etiology of diseases using PCR and microarray technologies. His multidisciplinary focus contributes to both fundamental science and clinical application.

Awards & Recognition:

Mulat is a recipient of multiple Best Researcher Awards from reputable international platforms in the fields of nanobiotechnology, immunology, and medical microbiology. These awards recognize his outstanding contribution to science, impactful publications, and innovative research on infectious disease management and antimicrobial resistance.

Editorial Activities:

Mulat is an active peer reviewer for leading journals including PLoS ONE, Scientific Reports, and Heliyon. His expertise is sought for evaluating manuscripts on infectious diseases, tuberculosis, and bacterial pathogenesis. His reviewing role showcases his standing in the global microbiological research community.

Professional Memberships:

He is a proud member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Ethiopian Medical Laboratory Association, Health Professionals Association, and Ethiopian Teachers Association. These affiliations support his commitment to continuous learning and global collaboration.

Publications:

  • Erkihun, M., Asmare, Z., Endalamaw, K., Getie, B., Kiros, T., & Berhan, A. (2024). Medical scope of biofilm and quorum sensing during biofilm formation: Systematic review. Bacteria, 3(3), 118–135.
    [Cited by: 19]

  • Asmare, Z., & Erkihun, M. (2023). Recent application of DNA microarray techniques to diagnose infectious disease. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine International, 77–82.
    [Cited by: 10]

  • Erkihun, M., Ayele, B., Asmare, Z., & Endalamaw, K. (2024). Current Updates on Variants of SARS‐CoV‐2: Systematic Review. Health Science Reports, 7(11), e70166.
    [Cited by: 9]

  • Asmare, Z., Erkihun, M., Abebe, W., Ashagre, A., Misganaw, T., & Feleke, S. F. (2024). Catheter-associated urinary tract infections in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Infection, Disease & Health, 29(3), 172–179.
    [Cited by: 9]

  • Berhan, A., Almaw, A., Solomon, Y., Legese, B., Damtie, S., Erkihun, M., et al. (2023). Tuberculosis treatment outcome and associated factors among tuberculosis patients linked to tuberculosis treatment clinics in Ethiopia, 2023: A multi-center retrospective study. Infection and Drug Resistance, 3367–3378.
    [Cited by: 9]

  • Asmare, Z., Erkihun, M., Abebe, W., & Tamrat, E. (2024). Antimicrobial resistance and ESBL production in uropathogenic Escherichia coli: A systematic review and meta-analysis in Ethiopia. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, 6(3), dlae068.
    [Cited by: 5]

  • Kiros, T., Erkihun, M., Wondmagegn, M., Almaw, A., Assefa, A., Berhan, A., et al. (2025). Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors of Mpox Among Healthcare Professionals at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024: A cross-sectional study. Health Science Reports, 8(1), e70371.
    [Cited by: 3]

  • Berhan, A., Damtie, S., Almaw, A., Legese, B., Sharew, B., Getie, B., Erkihun, M., et al. (2024). The role of extracorporeal photopheresis in the management of graft versus host disease: Narrative review. ImmunoTargets and Therapy, 235–246.
    [Cited by: 3]

  • Endalamaw, K., Tadesse, S., Asmare, Z., Kebede, D., Erkihun, M., & Abera, B. (2024). Antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria from hospital wastewater at two specialized hospitals in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. BMC Microbiology, 24(1), 525.
    [Cited by: 3]

  • Erkihun, M., Chanie, D. N., & Siraj, Y. A. (2023). Antimicrobial‐Resistance Profile of Helicobacter pylori, Obtained from Endoscopic Patients in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia. Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, 2023, Article ID 3615843.
    [Cited by: 3]