Bio
Dr. Marina Soković is a Scientific Advisor at the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade. Her research focuses on natural products, particularly the biological activity of metabolites derived from medicinal plants and fungi, with emphasis on antimicrobial and antifungal compounds. She obtained her BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, and completed postdoctoral training at Wageningen University & Research. Dr. Soković has published more than 450 scientific papers and over 140 conference contributions, with more than 17,400 citations and an H-index of 63. According to Stanford University rankings, she is among the top 2% most cited scientists worldwide. In addition to her scientific achievements, she has extensive experience in science management and policy, including service as Acting Assistant Minister for Science of the Republic of Serbia (2019–2025). Her work is dedicated to the application of natural bioactive compounds for improving human health, food safety, and environmental protection.

Bio
Dr. Dejan Stojković is an Associate Research Professor at the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade. His research focuses on natural products, ethnopharmacology, food science, and the biological activity of plant and fungal metabolites, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. His work integrates advanced metabolomic profiling, bioactivity evaluation, and the development of innovative delivery systems and functional formulations derived from medicinal plants and agro-industrial by-products. Dr. Stojković has authored numerous scientific publications in international journals and actively participates in international collaborative and Horizon Europe projects related to bioactive natural products and circular bioeconomy approaches.

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Green Synthesis of MnO2/MgO Nanoparticles via Sword Fern Extract for Pharmaceutical Applications

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Dr. Eman Zahran is a specialist in Natural Products and the Executive Director of the Pharma-SCB Center. Her research expertise lies in phytochemistry and the green synthesis of nanoparticles for sustainable pharmaceutical innovation. Dr. Zahran is a dedicated advocate for community health and inclusive development; she currently serves as a member of a specialized United Nations stakeholder group focused on demographic advocacy for people of African descent. Her diverse portfolio includes mentoring with the Egypt Scholars Community and participating in the Anna Lindh Foundation's Euromed trainers program, and undergoing the CIPhER Summer Institute on evidence-based teaching and course design, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. By integrating laboratory research with global health policy and social justice, Dr. Zahran works to create impactful, nature-based solutions for contemporary global challenges.

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Recent Advancements on Enzyme Inhibitors

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Gökhan Zengin is a Professor at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selçuk University. His research is focused on natural products, phytochemistry, medicinal plants, and the biological evaluation of plant-derived compounds, particularly their antioxidant, antimicrobial, enzyme inhibitory, and pharmacological properties. He is internationally recognized for his extensive contributions to natural product and ethnopharmacological research, with numerous highly cited publications in the fields of phytochemistry and bioactivity of medicinal plants. His work integrates advanced analytical techniques with biological assays to explore the therapeutic potential of natural compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

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Flavonoid Composition and Molecular Basis of the Potential Sexual-Enhancing Properties of a Turnera diffusa Extract (Liboost®)

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Biochemist and R&D Project Leader with a strong background in biotechnology, nutraceutical innovation, and scientific research. Currently leading R&D projects at Pharmactive Biotech Products while pursuing an industrial PhD focused on the development and validation of plant-based bioactive ingredients with health applications. Experienced in product development, scientific communication, analytical techniques, and translational research, with multiple peer-reviewed publications in food science and nutraceuticals. Passionate about bridging science and industry through evidence-based innovation, functional ingredients, and strategic scientific support.

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Unlocking Nature’s Pharmacy: Preclinical and Ethnopharmacological Studies on Medicinal Plants

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Prof. Dr. İpek SÜNTAR has been serving as a Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy at Gazi University. Her research focuses on the investigation of plant-derived drug candidates through bioactivity and phytochemical studies on medicinal plants. Within this scope, her work includes the preclinical evaluation of the biological activities of plants growing in the Turkish flora, the identification, isolation, and structural elucidation of active compounds, as well as the exploration of their mechanisms of action. Her ongoing projects involve the elucidation of the activity pathways and gene-level effects of plant-derived secondary metabolites. Prof. SÜNTAR has participated in a total of 35 research projects, including 11 as the principal investigator and the remainder as a researcher or consultant. These include projects supported by TÜBİTAK, TÜSEB, TÜBA, and universities. She received the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association Incentive Award in 2014, the TÜBA-GEBİP (Outstanding Young Scientist Award) in 2021 and TÜBİTAK Encouragement Award in Health Sciences in 2024. As a result of her research in the field of Pharmacognosy, she has published 110 research and review articles in SCI-indexed journals, 12 papers in national peer-reviewed journals, and 2 papers in other internationally indexed journals. Her scholarly contributions also include 2 international book editorships, 1 national book authorship, 5 chapters in national books, and 18 chapters in international books, as well as one international patent obtained in collaboration with the University of Milan. As of May 2026, her publications have received 4,767 citations in the Web of Science database, with an h-index of 39.

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Cell-Based Assays as Tools for Evaluating the Bioactive Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds

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Filipa Mandim holds a PhD in Pharmacy and Health from the University of Salamanca and is currently a researcher at the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. Her research focuses on the valorization of natural resources, with a particular emphasis on cell-based assays to explore and elucidate the bioactive potential of natural compounds. She has published several articles in international journals and actively contributes to the scientific community as editor and reviewer.