Gollapalle Lakshminarayanshastry Viswanatha | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Gollapalle Lakshminarayanshastry Viswanatha | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE, Manipal, India

Dr. Gollapalle L. Viswanatha is a distinguished pharmacologist and toxicologist with over 17 years of expertise in pharmaceutical R&D, regulatory toxicology, and preclinical research. Currently serving as a Manager at ClinChoice Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, he has held pivotal roles in organizations like IQVIA, The Himalaya Drug Company, and Connexios Life Sciences. A prolific academic and industry contributor, Dr. Viswanatha has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles and delivered more than 20 expert talks in global forums. As a DABT-certified and European Registered Toxicologist (ERT), his work bridges cutting-edge science with regulatory excellence. He also serves as adjunct faculty at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, mentoring postgraduate students and contributing to academic research. His pioneering efforts in herbal drug evaluation, regulatory documentation, and systematic reviews make him a leading voice in toxicology and pharmacology. With several novel animal models to his credit, he actively influences drug discovery and translational medicine.

Professional Profile

Educational 

Dr. Viswanatha holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2019) from JNTU Anantapur, with a dissertation focused on indigenous medicinal plants against stroke and epilepsy. He is board-certified by the American Board of Toxicology (DABT, 2023) and recognized as a European Registered Toxicologist (ERT, 2022). He completed a PG Diploma in Statistical Quality Control and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt from the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Bengaluru in 2017, both with Grade ‘A’. He holds an M. Pharm in Pharmacology (2008) from RGUHS, Bengaluru, graduating with 77% and was honored as the Best Outgoing Student. Additionally, he is a GATE and GPAT qualifier. His academic foundation is marked by a multidisciplinary understanding of pharmacology, quality systems, and toxicology. Throughout his academic journey, he has demonstrated a commitment to both practical research and methodological rigor, blending statistical competence with clinical relevance in drug discovery and safety sciences.

Professional Experience

Dr. Viswanatha has a robust professional background spanning regulatory toxicology, preclinical pharmacology, and data surveillance. Currently, he leads the toxicology division at ClinChoice Pvt. Ltd. (2021–present), overseeing cosmetic ingredient safety, CTD preparation, biocompatibility risk assessments, and toxicological risk evaluations. He formerly worked at IQVIA India Pvt. Ltd. (2014–2021) as a Senior Medical Data Reviewer, specializing in clinical trial surveillance and protocol compliance for myocardial infarction studies. Prior to that, he served as a Research Associate at The Himalaya Drug Company (2010–2014), standardizing herbal drug models, and as a Scientist at Connexios Life Sciences (2008–2010), handling PK, safety pharmacology, and toxicological assessments of NCEs. His interdisciplinary approach combines GLP compliance, regulatory documentation, safety evaluations, and project leadership. With broad expertise across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics, he has contributed to product development from discovery to regulatory submission while mentoring cross-functional teams and managing end-to-end project execution.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Viswanatha has received numerous accolades throughout his academic and professional journey. He was honored with the prestigious Joe-Mae International Young Scientist Award by the AMS Society in Hong Kong (2016) and was a nominee for the Dr. Achari Award at IPSCON 2012 for his work on a novel pharyngitis animal model. He earned the title of Best Outgoing Student during his M. Pharm (2006–2008) and successfully qualified in GATE 2007, GPAT 2010 & 2011. His innovative contributions include the development of novel animal models for non-infectious pharyngitis and hemorrhoids. He has been invited for over 10 expert talks, delivered 5 hands-on workshops, and reviewed articles for over 35 high-impact journals, reflecting his standing as a respected thought leader. These honors underscore his commitment to translational pharmacology, scientific innovation, and academic mentorship, bridging traditional medicine with modern pharmacological practices.

Research Interests 

Dr. Viswanatha’s research interests span preclinical pharmacology, regulatory toxicology, herbal medicine, and evidence-based drug evaluation. His work focuses on stroke, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, nephroprotection, pharyngitis, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular pharmacology, often using rodent models. He has a strong inclination toward toxicological risk assessment (TRA), biocompatibility studies, and regulatory documentation for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. His current pursuits involve systematic reviews and meta-analyses on both clinical and preclinical data, particularly emphasizing GABAergic modulation, anti-inflammatory agents, and flavonoids like naringin. He also contributes to safety pharmacology and real-world evidence generation. Beyond therapeutic investigations, he’s deeply involved in OECD-compliant toxicology, SCCS cosmetic safety dossiers, and ISO 10993-based device safety evaluations. His dual strength in bench science and regulatory frameworks makes his research both impactful and implementation-ready, aligning traditional pharmacological principles with global safety standards.

Research Skills

Dr. Viswanatha possesses advanced skills in in vivo and in vitro pharmacological/toxicological experimentation, including GLP-compliant animal models using rats, mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs. He is proficient in conducting acute, repeated dose, and genotoxicity studies, and safety pharmacology evaluations per ICH guidelines. He excels in meta-analysis and systematic reviews using RevMan, RoB-2, G-Power, and Newcastle-Ottawa scales, alongside regulatory documentation (CTD modules 2.4 & 2.6, CPSR, ADE/PDE/OEL assessments). He has expertise in SCCS guidelines, QSAR & AOT software tools, and data analysis using GraphPad Prism, SPSS, and Minitab. He’s also skilled in toxicological literature mining using PubMed, ECHA, PubChem, and other databases. A Six Sigma Green Belt and SQC professional, his approach blends quality systems with analytical rigor. His research strengths lie in project management, protocol development, real-world evidence integration, and regulatory toxicology strategy, making him an asset across life sciences domains.

Conclusion

Dr. Viswanatha exemplifies a rare blend of rigorous experimental pharmacology and robust regulatory toxicology. His multidisciplinary education and certifications, from PhD to international toxicology credentials, underpin his leadership in both academic and industry domains. With a strong track record in innovative animal model development, systematic reviews, and regulatory documentation, he drives preclinical-to-clinical translation effectively. His prolific publication record, awards, and advisory roles highlight a distinguished career that continues to influence global life sciences.

 Publication Top Notes

  • 🧠 Clinical study on cisplatin‑induced nephrotoxicity in humans – PA Arunkumar et al. (2012)

  • 🌿 Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium sativum Linn: A review – D Manohar et al. (2012)

  • 🍃 Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory activity of Mangifera indica leaf extracts – CG Mohan et al. (2013)

  • 🍊 Naringin’s neuroprotective neurobehavioral review/meta-analysis – GL Viswanatha et al. (2017)

  • 🍎 Isolation of antidiabetic principle from Punica granatum rinds – V Jain et al. (2012)

  • 🌳 POG‑glucose inhibits 11β‑HSD‑1 & ameliorates diet-induced diabetes – CG Mohan et al. (2013)

  • 🍋 Lemongrass oil for dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia – VRS Kumar et al. (2011)

  • 💊 Hepatoprotective activity of Hepax polyherbal formulation – VC Devaraj et al. (2011)

  • 🌿 Antioxidant & antimutagenic activities of Terminalia arjuna bark – GL Viswanatha et al. (2013)

  • 🩸 Rat model of hemorrhoids: anti‑hemorrhoidal study – M Azeemuddin et al. (2014)

  • 💧 LC‑MS/MS quantification of flavonoids in Moringa & Raphinus – VC Devaraj et al. (2011)

  • 🧠 Animal models of chemotherapy‑induced cognitive decline – J John et al. (2021)

  • 💡 Bacopa monnieri + rivastigmine memory reversal in rats – AHM Thippeswamy et al. (2016)

  • 🍊 Hesperidin’s neuroprotective & mitochondrial benefits – GL Viswanatha et al. (2012)

  • ⚡ Anti‑epileptic activity of Punica granatum leaf extracts – GL Viswanatha et al. (2016)

  • 🌲 Anxiolytic & anticonvulsant activity of Cedrus deodara – GL Viswanatha et al. (2009)

  • 🧠 POG‑glucose alleviates ischemia/reperfusion brain injury – GL Viswanatha et al. (2013)

  • 🧪 Anti‑ulcer effect of Raphinus sativus leaves – VC Devaraj et al. (2011)

  • 🌱 Gymnema sylvestre extract improves glucose uptake – PM Kumar et al. (2016)

  • 🍇 Phytochemical standardization of Punica granatum – V Jain et al. (2011)

  • 🌸 Anti‑fertility activity of Tabernaemontana divaricata flowers – MA Mukhram et al. (2012)

  • 🧊 Anti‑urolithiatic effect of Cedrus deodara extract – N Krishnadas et al. (2010)

  • 💩 Antidiarrheal activity of Thespesia populnea bark fractions – GL Viswanatha et al. (2011)

  • 🦴 Anti‑osteoporotic effect of herbal formula NR/CAL/06 – P Srikanta et al. (2011)

  • 🌿 Antidiarrheal activity of Lepidium sativum seed extract – D Manohar et al. (2011)

  • 🧠 Acteoside from Colebrookea – anti‑epileptic effects – GL Viswanatha et al. (2016)

  • 💊 Thienotriazines: synthesis & antihistaminic activity – GL Viswanatha et al. (2012)

  • 🧠 Punica granatum extract protects against I/R brain injury – GL Viswanatha et al. (2014)

  • 🌱 Colebrookea oppositifolia root for stroke – cerebroprotective effect – GL Viswanatha et al. (2019)

  • 💥 Anticonvulsant activity of POG‑glucose from Mangifera indica – GL Viswanatha et al. (2018)

  • 💊 Mechanisms of biochanin‑A: a pharmacological review – PV Anuranjana et al. (2010)

  • 🧬 Diabetic wound healing: update – R Keni et al. (2012)

  • 🛡️ Cardioprotective preclinical systematic review on naringin – GL Viswanatha et al. (2023)

  • 🌿 Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium sativum Linn. review – M Divanji et al. (2022)

  • 🧠 Erythrina variegata bark extract: anxiolytic & anticonvulsant – G Pitchaiah et al. (2023)

 

Justine Badee | Drug Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Justine Badee | Drug Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

Scientist from Novartis, Switzerland

Dr. Justine Badée is a distinguished pharmacokinetics researcher with over eight years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily focusing on physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Currently serving as a Principal Scientist II at Novartis in Basel, Switzerland, she leads modeling efforts to support drug development from First-in-Human studies to regulatory submissions. Dr. Badée holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism from the University of Manchester and has a strong foundation as a pharmacist and researcher. Her work encompasses a wide range of applications including drug-drug interactions, pediatric dosing, lactation modeling, and biopharmaceutic assessments. In addition to her scientific contributions, she has mentored Ph.D. students, driven external collaborations with international organizations such as Simcyp and the IQ Consortium, and delivered presentations at leading global conferences. Her multi-disciplinary approach and applied modeling expertise have led to significant advancements in PBPK methodologies and their regulatory application. Dr. Badée has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications and contributed actively to the development of industry best practices in pharmacokinetics. She is recognized not only for her technical excellence but also for her leadership, mentoring, and collaborative spirit, making her a key contributor to the field of clinical pharmacology and drug metabolism.

Professional Profile

Education

Justine Badée possesses a comprehensive and rigorous academic background in pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical sciences. She completed her Ph.D. in Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism at the Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research (CAPkR), University of Manchester, UK, where she focused on hepatic uptake clearance and its in vitro to in vivo translation. Her research was supported by joint funding from AstraZeneca and the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master’s degree in Pharmacokinetics from the Faculty of Pharmacy at University René Descartes V in Paris, France. Additionally, she holds a pharmacy degree from the same institution, completing her training as a licensed pharmacist. Her academic foundation was further strengthened by a scientific high school diploma with a physics major from Saint-Erembert High School in France. Dr. Badée’s academic journey has not only equipped her with a solid theoretical and experimental knowledge base but also cultivated a robust understanding of pharmacological principles and translational research. Her diverse educational pathway—spanning pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism—has played a critical role in her ability to engage in complex modeling tasks and collaborative international research efforts in drug development.

Professional Experience

Dr. Justine Badée’s professional experience reflects a dynamic and upward trajectory in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors. Since 2019, she has been a Clinical PBPK Modeler and Principal Scientist II at Novartis in Basel, where she applies PBPK modeling to a range of clinical drug development scenarios, including DDI predictions, population-specific dosing, and regulatory submissions. She also completed a three-month managerial rotation as a Project Team Manager in oncology, supporting protocol design and pharmacokinetic analysis. Her prior postdoctoral work was jointly conducted at the Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, University of Florida, and at Hoffmann-La Roche, where she advanced pediatric dose selection by investigating UGT enzyme ontogeny. As a Ph.D. student at the University of Manchester, she led projects on hepatic uptake clearance and nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Earlier in her career, she held internships at Novartis and INSERM and served as an extern pharmacist at Beaujon Hospital in Paris. Across roles, she has integrated bench research, computational modeling, and clinical applications, resulting in a comprehensive skill set. Her trajectory from laboratory-based research to high-level modeling in an industrial setting exemplifies her adaptability, technical expertise, and commitment to translating pharmacokinetic theory into practice.

Research Interests

Dr. Badée’s research interests lie at the intersection of pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, and translational modeling. A key focus of her work is the development and application of physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to optimize drug dosing, predict drug-drug interactions, and inform regulatory decisions. She is particularly interested in special populations—pediatrics, lactating women, and patients with hepatic or renal impairment—where traditional pharmacokinetic approaches often fall short. Her research extends into enzyme ontogeny, especially hepatic UGT isoforms, and how their developmental profiles affect drug metabolism across life stages. Dr. Badée is also engaged in refining in vitro methodologies to better predict in vivo drug behavior, with a focus on improving the reliability of automated glucuronidation assays. Her interest in translational research is evident through her active involvement in industry consortia and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving PBPK workflows and regulatory confidence. Furthermore, she explores innovative model-based approaches to address complex drug development challenges, such as enzyme induction and transporter-mediated drug disposition. Through these pursuits, she contributes to bridging gaps between laboratory findings, clinical implementation, and regulatory science, demonstrating a keen interest in both theoretical development and real-world application of pharmacokinetic modeling.

Research Skills

Dr. Justine Badée possesses a robust portfolio of research skills spanning pharmacokinetic modeling, laboratory techniques, and collaborative project execution. Her core technical competencies include physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling using tools such as Simcyp, GastroPlus, and PK-Sim, as well as nonlinear mixed-effect (NLME) modeling with NONMEM. She is adept at both population pharmacokinetics and PK/PD modeling, utilizing software such as WinNonlin/Phoenix, GraphPad Prism, and R. In laboratory settings, she has conducted molecular biology experiments, bioanalytical quantification using LC-MS/MS, protein assays, and hepatocyte isolation, among others. Her experience includes designing and optimizing in vitro uptake and glucuronidation assays to model hepatic metabolism accurately. Dr. Badée’s skills extend beyond the bench and computational tasks—she is also a skilled scientific communicator and collaborator. She has mentored Ph.D. students, led cross-functional teams, and actively participated in international scientific workshops and training programs. Her ability to integrate laboratory findings into advanced modeling platforms reflects her interdisciplinary expertise. Collectively, these skills position her as a valuable contributor to both the academic and industry research ecosystems, ensuring she can translate complex scientific questions into actionable insights for drug development and regulatory strategy.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Justine Badée has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions for her scientific excellence and research impact. These include the IQ Recognition Award (2021), the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) Wayne A. Colburn Memorial Award (2018), and the ACCP Student Award. Her poster presentations have consistently garnered top honors, winning first-place awards at the Drug Metabolism Discussion Group (DMDG) and Group of Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (GMP) meetings in 2013 and 2014. In 2023, she received a poster award at the Marbach Drug-Drug Interaction Workshop, further underscoring her contributions to advancing PBPK modeling. In addition to these accolades, she received a certificate of outstanding reviewer for the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2018, recognizing her critical evaluation and contribution to scientific literature. These awards reflect both the scientific rigor and practical relevance of her research. Her consistent recognition by professional bodies and conference committees highlights her leadership in modeling-based drug development and her commitment to excellence in pharmacological science. Dr. Badée’s accolades not only mark her individual achievements but also affirm her role in shaping current and future best practices in pharmacokinetic research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Justine Badée represents a rare combination of scientific depth, practical impact, and collaborative leadership in the field of pharmacokinetics. Her contributions span the full spectrum of drug development—from mechanistic in vitro studies to sophisticated PBPK modeling and regulatory submissions. She has successfully bridged academia and industry, delivering actionable solutions to complex pharmacokinetic challenges. Her numerous peer-reviewed publications, awards, and leadership in international collaborations reflect a researcher deeply engaged in advancing the field and mentoring the next generation. With her ability to innovate, communicate, and translate science into therapeutic outcomes, Dr. Badée has established herself as a leading figure in modeling and simulation. Her work not only informs clinical and regulatory decisions but also contributes to safer and more effective drug use in vulnerable populations. As she continues to build on this strong foundation, her career promises further innovations in model-informed drug development. Dr. Badée is an ideal candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award, and her work exemplifies the highest standards of scientific inquiry and professional dedication.

Publications Top Notes

  • Predicting Drug Transfer into Human Milk with the Simcyp Simulator: A contribution from the ConcePTION Project
    Macente J, Nauwelaerts N, Badée J, Huang MC, Hernandes Bonan R, Van Neste M, Smits A, Allegaert K, Severino Martins F, Annaert P.
    2025

  • Building Confidence in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of CYP3A Induction Mediated by Rifampin: An Industry Perspective
    Reddy MB, Cabalu TD, de Zwart L, Ramsden D, Dowty ME, Taskar KS, Badée J, Bolleddula J, Boulu L, Fu Q, Kotsuma M, Leblanc AF, Lewis G, Liang G, Parrott N, Pilla Reddy V, Prakash C, Shah K, Umehara K, Mupkherjee D, Rehmel J, Hariparsad N.
    2025

  • Generic workflow to predict medicine concentrations in human milk using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling – A contribution from the concePTION project
    Nauwelaerts N, Macente J, Hernandes Bonan R, Huang MC, Van Neste M, Bibi D, Badée J, Martins FS, Smiths A, Allegaert K, Bouillon T, Annaert P.
    2023

  • Current Practices, Gap Analysis, and Proposed Workflows for PBPK Modeling of Cytochrome P450 Induction: An Industry Perspective
    Hariparsad N, Ramsden D, Taskar K, Badée J, Venkatakrishnan K, Reddy MB, Cabalu T, Mukherjee D, Rehmel J, Bolleddula J, Emani Riedmaier A, Prakash C, Chanteux H, Mao J, Umehara K, Shah K, De Zwart L, Dowty M, Kotsuma M, Li M, Pilla Reddy V, McGinnity DF, Parrott N.
    2021

  • Characterization of Hepatic UDP-Glucuronosyl Transferase Enzymes Abundance – Activity Correlations and Population Variability using a Proteomics Approach and Comparison with Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
    Takahashi RH, Forrest W, Smith AD, Badée J, Qiu N, Schmidt S, Collier CA, Parrott N, Fowler S.
    2021

  • Ontogeny of Hepatic Transporters and Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in Humans and in Nonclinical Species
    van Groen BD, Nicolaï J, Kuik AC, van Cruchten S, van Peer E, Schmidt S, de Wildt SN, Allegaert K, de Schaepdrijver L, Annaert P, Badée J.
    2021

  • Paediatric pharmacokinetics and dose predictions: a report of a satellite meeting to the 10th Juvenile Toxicity Symposium
    van Groen BD, Pilla Reddy V, Badée J, Olivares-Morales A, Johnson TN, Nicolaï J, Annaert P, Smits A, de Wildt SN, Knibbe CAJ, de Zwart L.
    2021

  • Co-expression of human hepatic uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) proteins: Implications for ontogenetic mechanisms and isoform co-regulation
    Liu Y, Badée J, Takahashi RH, Schmidt S, Parrott N, Fowler S, Mackenzie PI, Coughtrie MWH, Collier AC.
    2020

  • Use of Phenotypically Poor Metaboliser Individual Donor Human Liver Microsomes to Identify Selective Substrates of UGT2B10
    Milani N, Qiu N, Molitor B, Badée J, Cruciani G, Fowler S.
    2020

  • Characterization of the Ontogeny of Hepatic UDP-Glucuronosyl Transferase Enzymes Based on Glucuronidation Activity Measured in Human Liver Microsomes
    Badée J, Qiu N, Collier CA, Takahashi RH, Forrest W, Parrott N, Schmidt S, Fowler S.
    2019

Itamar Willner | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Itamar Willner | Medicinal Chemistry | Excellence in Research Award

Professor from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Professor Itamar Willner is a distinguished Israeli chemist renowned for his pioneering contributions to supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and nanobiotechnology. Born in January 1947, he has been a faculty member at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem since 1981 and was appointed as a full professor in 1986. His research has significantly advanced the understanding and application of molecular self-assembly, DNA nanotechnology, and bio-hybrid systems. With over 890 scientific publications and more than 100,000 citations, Professor Willner is among the most cited chemists globally, reflecting the profound impact of his work on the scientific community. His innovative approaches have led to the development of DNA-based molecular machines, logic gates, and dynamic networks, bridging the gap between chemistry, biology, and materials science. Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Israel Prize in Chemistry, the Rothschild Prize, and the EMET Prize, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to science. Professor Willner’s leadership extends beyond research; he has played pivotal roles in various scientific committees and editorial boards, fostering international collaborations and mentoring the next generation of scientists. His work continues to influence diverse fields, from artificial photosynthesis to smart materials, underscoring his status as a leading figure in contemporary chemistry.

Professional Profile

Education

Professor Willner’s academic journey commenced with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, completed with distinction. He further pursued an M.Sc. in Chemistry at the same institution, again graduating with distinction. In 1978, he earned his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from the Hebrew University, presenting a thesis titled “Novel Series of Polycyclic Aromatic Ions: Aromaticity Structure Relationships,” which was approved summa cum laude. Following his doctoral studies, Professor Willner undertook postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1978 to 1980, working under the mentorship of Professor Melvin Calvin. This period was instrumental in shaping his future research directions, particularly in the realms of photochemistry and molecular electronics. His comprehensive educational background laid a robust foundation for his subsequent groundbreaking work in chemistry, enabling him to integrate principles from various sub-disciplines and pioneer interdisciplinary research approaches. The rigorous training and diverse academic experiences he acquired during his formative years have been pivotal in his development as a leading scientist in the field.

Professional Experience

Professor Willner’s professional career is marked by a series of esteemed academic and research positions. After completing his postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley, he served as a Staff Scientist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the same institution from 1980 to 1981. In 1981, he returned to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as a Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Chemistry. His academic progression continued with his promotion to Associate Professor in 1983 and subsequently to Full Professor in 1986, a position he holds to this day. Beyond his teaching and research responsibilities, Professor Willner has held several significant administrative roles, including Head of the Institute of Chemistry and Chairman of the Natural Sciences Division of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. He has also been an active member of numerous scientific advisory boards and editorial committees, contributing to the advancement of chemical sciences globally. His professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to scientific excellence, education, and leadership within the academic community.

Research Interests

Professor Willner’s research interests are deeply rooted in the exploration of supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomolecular systems. His work focuses on the design and synthesis of functional nanostructures, particularly those involving DNA nanotechnology, nanoenzymes, and stimuli-responsive materials. He has been instrumental in developing DNA-based molecular machines and logic gates, contributing to the field of molecular computing. His research extends to the construction of bio-nano hybrid systems, integrating biomacromolecules with inorganic nanoparticles to create novel catalytic and sensing platforms. Additionally, Professor Willner has investigated artificial photosynthesis, aiming to mimic natural energy conversion processes for sustainable applications. His interdisciplinary approach combines principles from chemistry, biology, and materials science, leading to innovations in drug delivery systems, biosensors, and smart materials. Through his extensive research, he continues to push the boundaries of molecular design and functional material development.

Research Skills

Professor Willner possesses a diverse set of research skills that have enabled him to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry. His expertise includes the synthesis and characterization of supramolecular assemblies, development of DNA-based nanostructures, and fabrication of bio-nano hybrid systems. He is proficient in employing various spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques to analyze the properties and behaviors of complex molecular systems. His skills extend to the design of molecular machines and logic devices, leveraging the unique properties of nucleic acids and proteins. Furthermore, Professor Willner is adept at integrating biological components with inorganic materials to create functional interfaces for sensing and catalytic applications. His ability to navigate and combine multiple scientific disciplines has been crucial in advancing research in nanobiotechnology and molecular electronics. These competencies have not only facilitated his own research endeavors but have also positioned him as a mentor and leader in the scientific community.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Willner has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his outstanding contributions to science. Notably, he was awarded the Israel Prize in Chemistry in 2002, one of the country’s highest honors. His accolades also include the Rothschild Prize in Chemistry (2008), the EMET Prize in Chemistry (2008), and the Max Planck Research Award for International Cooperation (1998). He has been elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1996) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (2009). His membership in prestigious academies includes the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2002), the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2004), and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2009). These honors reflect his significant impact on the scientific community and his role in advancing chemical research on a global scale.

Conclusion

Professor Itamar Willner’s career embodies the pinnacle of scientific achievement and innovation. His extensive research in supramolecular chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomolecular systems has not only expanded the frontiers of chemical science but has also paved the way for practical applications in medicine, energy, and materials science. His interdisciplinary approach and ability to integrate complex systems have resulted in groundbreaking developments, such as DNA-based molecular machines and artificial photosynthetic systems. Beyond his research, Professor Willner’s commitment to education and mentorship has cultivated a new generation of scientists, further amplifying his impact. His numerous awards and memberships in esteemed scientific academies underscore the global recognition of his contributions. As a leading figure in contemporary chemistry, Professor Willner continues to inspire and drive innovation, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer and visionary in the scientific community.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Integrated nanoparticle–biomolecule hybrid systems: synthesis, properties, and applications
    Authors: E. Katz, I. Willner
    Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition 43(45), 6042–6108
    Citations: 3189
    Year: 2004

  • Title: Nanoparticle arrays on surfaces for electronic, optical, and sensor applications
    Authors: A.N. Shipway, E. Katz, I. Willner
    Journal: ChemPhysChem 1(1), 18–52
    Citations: 3175
    Year: 2000

  • Title: Probing biomolecular interactions at conductive and semiconductive surfaces by impedance spectroscopy: routes to impedimetric immunosensors, DNA‐sensors, and enzyme biosensors
    Authors: E. Katz, I. Willner
    Journal: Electroanalysis
    Citations: 1648
    Year: 2003

  • Title: “Plugging into enzymes”: Nanowiring of redox enzymes by a gold nanoparticle
    Authors: Y. Xiao, F. Patolsky, E. Katz, J.F. Hainfeld, I. Willner
    Journal: Science 299(5614), 1877–1881
    Citations: 1520
    Year: 2003

  • Title: Diverse applications of nanomedicine
    Authors: B. Pelaz, C. Alexiou, R.A. Alvarez-Puebla, F. Alves, A.M. Andrews, S. Ashraf, …
    Journal: ACS Nano 11(3), 2313–2381
    Citations: 1381
    Year: 2017

  • Title: Integration of layered redox proteins and conductive supports for bioelectronic applications
    Authors: I. Willner, E. Katz
    Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition 39(7), 1180–1218
    Citations: 1309
    Year: 2000

  • Title: Biomolecule‐functionalized carbon nanotubes: applications in nanobioelectronics
    Authors: E. Katz, I. Willner
    Journal: ChemPhysChem 5(8), 1084–1104
    Citations: 1089
    Year: 2004

  • Title: Semiconductor quantum dots for bioanalysis
    Authors: R. Gill, M. Zayats, I. Willner
    Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition 47(40), 7602–7625
    Citations: 1026
    Year: 2008

  • Title: Electronic aptamer‐based sensors
    Authors: I. Willner, M. Zayats
    Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition 46(34), 6408–6418
    Citations: 912
    Year: 2007

  • Title: Electroanalytical and bioelectroanalytical systems based on metal and semiconductor nanoparticles
    Authors: E. Katz, I. Willner, J. Wang
    Journal: Electroanalysis
    Citations: 912
    Year: 2004