Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh | Nanoencapsulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh | Nanoencapsulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh at Study and research center of Djibouti (CERD), Djibouti

Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh is a distinguished researcher in phytochemistry and pharmacochemistry, currently serving at the Institut des Recherches Médicinales (IRM) under the Centre d’Études et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD). He holds a Ph.D. in phytochemical sciences, earned through a joint doctoral program between the University of Lorraine (France) and CERD, with research focused on Djiboutian medicinal plants and their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Dr. Fourreh has a strong academic foundation in process chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis from Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble. Since 2011, he has led research on natural bioactive compounds, conducted international missions in France and Malaysia, and actively contributed to scientific literature and laboratory management. He was selected as Djibouti’s Ambassador for the Next Einstein Forum (2022–2024) and received the prestigious NAPI-UNESCO/TWAS research grant (2024–2026). Fluent in French, Arabic, Somali, and scientific English, Dr. Fourreh is a leading advocate for advancing medicinal plant research in Africa.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh

Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With over a decade of dedicated research at the Institut des Recherches Médicinales (IRM) under the Centre d’Études et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD), his work has contributed significantly to the fields of phytochemistry, pharmacochemistry, and the valorization of Djiboutian medicinal plants with proven antimicrobial and anticancer properties. He holds a robust academic background with dual research training (co-tutelle Ph.D.) between France and Djibouti, and has participated in various international research missions and training programs in leading institutions. His hands-on expertise includes advanced analytical techniques (LC-MS, NMR, GC-MS, HPTLC), drug quality control, and biotechnological applications. In addition, his leadership in laboratory management, project execution, and student mentorship reflects a strong commitment to research excellence and capacity building.

🎓 Education Background

  • 2015–2018: Ph.D. in Phytochemistry and Pharmacochemistry (Co-tutelle)
    🏫 Université de Lorraine, France & CERD, Djibouti

  • 2008–2009: Master II in Process Chemistry – Pharmaceutical Formulation, Analysis & Quality Control
    🏫 Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble

  • 2007–2008: Master I in Process Chemistry

  • 2004–2007: Bachelor’s in Physics-Chemistry

  • 2004: Scientific Baccalaureate 🎓 – Djibouti

💼 Professional Experience

  • Since Dec 2011: Researcher 🔬 at Phytochemistry-Pharmacochemistry Lab, IRM-CERD, Djibouti

  • 2009–2011: Physics & Chemistry Teacher 🧪 at State High School, Djibouti

  • Extensive research missions across France (Nancy, Grenoble, Brest) and Djibouti 🌍

  • Conducted analytical and structural studies on medicinal plants, essential oils, and pharmaceutical compounds

🏅 Awards & Honors

  • 🧪 NAPI-SG Grant (UNESCO-TWAS, 2024–2026)
    Project: Physicochemical study and anticancer activity of microemulsion essential oils from Cymbopogon species

  • ✈️ Travel Grant (ICGEB, 2023) – Attended a training course on Molecular Microbiology in Malaysia

  • 🌍 Ambassador of DjiboutiNext Einstein Forum (NEF), 2022–2024

  • 🧬 Recognized Principal Investigator under the New African Principal Investigator (NAPI) program

🌟 Key Achievements

  • 10+ research internships and collaborative missions in Europe and Africa

  • Authored multiple scientific communications 🗒️ (4 oral presentations, 8 posters)

  • Strong expertise in extraction & purification, LC-MS, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, and antioxidant evaluation

  • Mentored undergraduate and master’s students 📚

  • Multilingual: Fluent in French 🇫🇷, Arabic 🇸🇦, English 🇬🇧 (scientific), and Somali 🇸🇴

Publication Top Notes:

Essential Oils of Tagetes minuta and Lavandula coronopifolia from Djibouti: Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxic Activity against Various …

Cited: 51

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities, Cytotoxicity of Acacia seyal Del Bark Extracts and Isolated Compounds

Cited: 50

Evaluation of microbiological quality of raw milk from farmers and dairy producers in six districts of Djibouti

Cited: 26

Rapid screening for bioactive natural compounds in Indigofera caerulea Rox fruits

Cited: 25

Essential Oils of Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum americanum L. from Djibouti: Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Evaluations

Cited: 22

Prof Dr Stefano Leporatti | Nanocarriers | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr Stefano Leporatti | Nanocarriers | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr Stefano Leporatti , Dirigente di Ricerca CNR, CNR Nanotec, Lecce, Italy

Stefano Leporatti is a pioneering figure in Italy’s Scanning Force Microscopy (SFM) field, having been among the first users of Digital Instruments (now Veeco Instruments) SFM as early as April 1993, at a time when commercial SFM was still nascent in Italy. His groundbreaking work extends to the development of the polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of micro- and nanocapsules, a nanotechnology method that has since found widespread industrial applications in areas like drug delivery, sustained release, and cancer drug nanocarriers. Leporatti’s extensive contributions are reflected in his publication record, which includes over 270 publications, comprising 135+ peer-reviewed papers and 4 book chapters. He is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered over 40 invited talks, and is deeply engaged in the scientific community, having participated in more than 130 conferences and workshops. His influential work has garnered over 5,500 citations, with an impressive h-index of 36 (ISI Web of Science, update October 2023). In addition to his academic achievements, Leporatti has played key roles in coordinating significant bilateral and international research projects, collaborating with esteemed institutions such as Porto University in Portugal and the IDBELL in Madrid, Spain, on initiatives like the Marie Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN) “Strategy to Inhibit TGF-β1 in liver disease (IT-Liver).”

📚 Education:

Stefano Leporatti has an impressive academic journey, culminating in a Laurea (M.Sc. equivalent) in Physics from the University of Genova (Italy) at Genoa University. His thesis in Biophysics, titled “Polymeric Separated Phase in Monomolecular Films revealed by Scanning Force Microscopy,” supervised by Prof. Ranieri Rolandi and refereed by Prof. Martino Bolognesi, showcased his early research prowess. Following this, he ventured into tutoring and supervising various theses at the Dottorato and Laurea Specialistica levels, covering a diverse range of topics in Nanoscience, Physics, Nanotechnology, and Biotechnology. His mentorship has been instrumental in numerous impactful research projects, including those focusing on IFNα therapy in multiple sclerosis, functional micro/nano-materials for drug delivery, atomic force microscopy on living cells for studying human disease, and multifunctional bio-nano-engineered drug delivery systems for hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Moreover, Leporatti has contributed as a referee for the thesis of Mr. Jiaying Yu, which explored the functionalization of halloysite nanotubes for various applications.

👨‍🔬 Teaching Experience:

Dr. Khosla has a wealth of experience teaching Mathematics, Physics, Nanoscience, and Nanomedicine to undergraduate and graduate students. His teaching career spans several prestigious institutions, including Genoa University, Leipzig University, Salento University, University of Bari, and Kuwait University. Dr. Khosla’s expertise extends to delivering lectures, seminars, and practical experiences in Italian, German, and English languages. He has conducted workshops and training sessions focusing on nanotechnology, biomedical sciences, and research methodologies. Dr. Khosla’s teaching methods cover a broad spectrum of topics, including nanocarriers, drug delivery systems, microscopy techniques, and ethical considerations in nanomedicine. He has also adapted to virtual teaching environments, utilizing platforms like Microsoft Teams to deliver lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Work Experience:

Dr. Khosla has a distinguished career in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine, spanning over two decades. His expertise encompasses a wide range of research areas and projects, focusing on the development and characterization of nanocarriers and bioengineered materials for biomedical applications. His work includes morphostructural studies using advanced microscopy techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy to analyze the structural and mechanical properties of living and fixed cells. Additionally, he has conducted research on engineering microenvironments using biocomposite films and investigating the elasticity of various cell types, including cancer cells, neurons, and stem cells. Dr. Khosla’s contributions also extend to the development of nanocapsules and nanoparticles for drug delivery, with a specific focus on applications in cancer therapy. His collaborative projects have involved international partnerships with institutions such as the Institute of Micromanufacturing at Louisiana Tech University, the Department of Chemical Engineering at Porto University in Portugal, and the Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, Texas. Throughout his career, Dr. Khosla has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the field of nanobiotechnology through his research, teaching, and collaborations with leading institutions worldwide.

📚 Project:

Dr. Stefano Leporatti has been involved in a wide range of research projects and collaborations, focusing on nanocarriers for cancer therapy and related fields. His work has been recognized and supported by various organizations and institutions, including the Italian Ministero degli Esteri (MAE), the Regione Puglia, the Associazione Italiana Ricerca Cancro (AIRC), and more. His projects have covered diverse themes such as the development and characterization of nanocarriers for drug delivery, cytomechanics of cancer cells, fabrication of nano- and microcapsules for controlled drug delivery, and the targeting of specific pathways for personalized therapy in cancer. Dr. Leporatti has also collaborated with international partners, including the University of Porto in Portugal and the Institute of Micromanufacturing at Louisiana Tech University in the USA. His research has contributed to advancements in the understanding and application of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, with a focus on innovative approaches for drug delivery and therapy customization.

👨‍🏫 Scientific Activity:

Dr. Stefano Leporatti’s research expertise spans a wide range of nanophysics and nanotechnology applications, particularly focusing on interfaces and thin films. His work includes the characterization and manipulation of materials at interfaces, such as the air/water and air/substrate interfaces, using techniques like Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett mono- and multilayers. He has also been involved in the deposition of amphiphilic molecules on solid substrates, polymerization of Langmuir monolayers, and the characterization of organic thin films using Scanning Force Microscopy. Additionally, his research extends to the study of gold deposition and characterization, including the preparation and characterization of gold surfaces using Scanning Probe Microscopy. Dr. Leporatti has also explored various techniques for investigating biological nanostructures, such as Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Scanning Force Microscopy. His work extends to the development and characterization of nanocarriers, including layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte multilayers nanocapsules and their stability, elasticity, and morphology under different conditions. Furthermore, he has delved into the study of interaction forces between cellulose microspheres and ultrathin films, as well as the investigation of viscoelastic and mechanical properties of macrophages using Colloidal Probe Microscopy. Dr. Leporatti’s research has contributed significantly to the understanding and application of nanotechnology in various fields, including biomedical and materials science.

Award and Honor:

Dr. Stefano Leporatti has built a distinguished career in nanophysics and nanotechnology, marked by numerous accomplishments and awards. His research has delved into a wide array of topics, from the characterization of Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett mono- and multilayers to the investigation of polymer capsules and their properties. Notably, his work has been recognized by prestigious journals, such as Langmuir and the Journal of the American Chemical Society, with articles awarded for their significant contributions. Dr. Leporatti’s research has also extended to practical applications, including the development of nanocarriers for drug delivery and the study of various nanostructures’ interactions with biological systems. His commitment to advancing the field is evident through his participation in international conferences, where he has presented his work and received recognition for his contributions. Additionally, his dedication to scholarly peer review has been acknowledged through multiple certificates of recognition and awards, highlighting his impact in shaping the scientific discourse.

Professional Profiles:

The impact of her research is evident in citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar:

  • Cited by: All – 7947.
  • Citations – 3025
  • h-index – 68.
  • Documents – 102.

A prolific researcher making meaningful contributions to the academic world!