Bonewendé Mohamed Belemlilga | Drug Development | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Bonewendé Mohamed Belemlilga | Drug Development | Best Researcher Award

Reseacher at Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Burkina Faso

Bonewendé Mohamed BELEMLILGA is a distinguished Burkinabè research associate specializing in Animal Pharmacology and Physiology at the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS/CNRST). With a career marked by extensive contributions to ethnopharmacology, phytomedicine development, and preclinical drug evaluation, he has become a central figure in advancing traditional medicine through scientific validation in Burkina Faso and across West Africa. His leadership extends to key roles such as Head of the Research and Evaluation Department at IRSS and editorial board member for the Science de la Santé journal. He is also actively involved in national research strategy formulation, having served on committees crafting the CNRST’s 2025–2029 strategic research plan. Dr. BELEMLILGA’s expertise is further reflected in over 50 peer-reviewed publications focusing on pharmacological studies, toxicity assessments, and the pharmacodynamic properties of medicinal plants. His dedication to bridging traditional knowledge and modern science has led him to coordinate and participate in several national and international research projects, educational programs, and clinical investigations. With a solid background in both experimental research and academic supervision, he represents a dynamic blend of scholarly depth, technical skill, and visionary research leadership in African health science innovation.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Bonewendé Mohamed BELEMLILGA pursued his higher education at the University of Ouagadougou, where he demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence in health and biological sciences. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences in 2007, followed by a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Animal Biology and Physiology in 2008. He then advanced to complete a DEA (Diplôme d’Études Approfondies) in Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology from the UFR-SDS in 2011, achieving honors for his academic performance. His doctoral studies culminated in a Ph.D. in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a specialization in Applied Pharmacology, awarded by the Doctoral School of Health in 2019. His dissertation focused on the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of Saba senegalensis, a plant traditionally used to treat parasitic infections. This strong academic foundation equipped Dr. BELEMLILGA with the skills necessary for rigorous scientific research in pharmacology and ethnomedicine. In addition, his multilingual proficiency in French and English and his strong computer skills enhance his ability to operate effectively in both national and international academic settings. His academic path reflects a deep-seated dedication to public health through biomedical innovation.

Professional Experience

Dr. BELEMLILGA’s professional journey is marked by a rich tapestry of research, teaching, and leadership roles. Since 2020, he has served as a research associate in Animal Pharmacology-Physiology at IRSS/CNRST, while also heading the Research and Evaluation Department since January 2024. He has been instrumental in multiple strategic planning committees, including the Commission for Research and Innovation, the CNRST’s disciplinary board, and the drafting of national research strategies for 2025–2029. As a temporary lecturer at Université Saint Thomas d’Aquin, he has also been active in academic mentorship, supervising multiple master’s and doctoral theses. His expertise has been recognized internationally, exemplified by training certifications in Good Clinical Practice (ICH E6 R2), clinical research, and laboratory quality systems. Dr. BELEMLILGA has coordinated numerous clinical and pharmacological projects, notably on phytomedicines for gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. His fieldwork includes internships and collaborative research across France, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. He is a founding member of the Société de Pharmacologie et Toxicologie du Burkina (SOPHATOX-B) and a contributor to numerous workshops and training programs. Through these roles, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to evidence-based health science rooted in traditional knowledge.

Research Interest

Dr. BELEMLILGA’s research interests lie at the dynamic intersection of ethnopharmacology, parasitology, toxicology, and pharmacognosy. His central scientific pursuit focuses on validating traditional medicinal practices by elucidating the pharmacological properties of plant-based therapies used in Burkina Faso and West Africa. With a special emphasis on parasitic diseases and gastrointestinal infections, he has conducted extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anthelmintic activities of natural plant extracts. Plants like Saba senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, and Gomphrena serrata are frequently featured in his studies. His research also involves toxicological screening to ensure the safety of phytomedicines intended for human or veterinary use. In recent years, Dr. BELEMLILGA has expanded his interest into clinical trial design, especially in the context of plant-based antimalarial and anti-parasitic formulations. He is also actively engaged in capacity building and promoting best practices in traditional medicine production and usage. His research aims to bridge the gap between indigenous healing systems and modern biomedicine, contributing to global health initiatives through culturally grounded scientific innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. BELEMLILGA has cultivated a robust set of interdisciplinary research skills that underpin his expertise in ethnopharmacology and biomedical sciences. His core competencies include phytochemical screening, bioassay-guided fractionation, pharmacodynamic and toxicological testing of natural extracts, and the standardization of phytomedicines. He is well-versed in both qualitative and quantitative experimental techniques, ranging from in vivo efficacy trials to molecular analytical methods such as chemical profiling via molecular networking. His hands-on experience includes high-level laboratory procedures, animal experimentation, and clinical trial coordination adhering to international GCP standards. Dr. BELEMLILGA is proficient in project management, having led and contributed to multiple funded research initiatives across Africa and Europe. He is also skilled in academic writing and peer-review processes, serving as an excellent reviewer for several scientific journals. As a scientific trainer and lecturer, he has transferred knowledge to students and health professionals through numerous workshops, including those hosted by the WHO-TDR and local universities. His ability to design, implement, and evaluate complex biomedical studies places him at the forefront of research promoting safe and effective traditional medicine integration.

Awards and Honors

Dr. BELEMLILGA’s contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards, certifications, and prestigious appointments. In 2022 and 2023, he was recognized with the Certificate of Excellence for his role as a peer reviewer in leading scientific journals. His leadership in the IRSS/CNRST has earned him positions on key national committees, such as the Commission for Research and Innovation and the Editorial Board of Sciences et Technique. He has received multiple certifications from renowned organizations like WHO-TDR and the Global Health Network, reflecting international recognition of his expertise in clinical research and pharmacological evaluation. As a founding member of SOPHATOX-B and a certified trainer in ethnopharmacology, Dr. BELEMLILGA has significantly contributed to capacity-building initiatives across West Africa. His scientific publications have garnered citations and respect within the fields of traditional medicine and drug development. His work has not only influenced policy frameworks in Burkina Faso but has also enhanced the global visibility of African medicinal plant research. These accolades underscore his commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in public health research and education.

Conclusion

Dr. Bonewendé Mohamed BELEMLILGA exemplifies a new generation of African researchers bridging traditional medicine with modern pharmacological science. With a career grounded in rigorous education and enriched by international collaborations, he continues to push the boundaries of phytomedicine research in West Africa. His work has had a tangible impact on both policy and practice, particularly in the validation and clinical assessment of indigenous medicinal formulations. As a research associate, academic mentor, strategic planner, and scientific communicator, he has made enduring contributions to the biomedical landscape in Burkina Faso and beyond. His dedication to interdisciplinary research, ethical scientific practice, and public health empowerment demonstrates a holistic vision for African health innovation. Through an impressive portfolio of publications, funded projects, and leadership roles, Dr. BELEMLILGA is shaping the future of pharmacological research rooted in cultural relevance and scientific integrity. His continued efforts promise to yield new therapies, foster research capacity, and inspire the next generation of scholars committed to sustainable, evidence-based healthcare solutions in Africa and globally.

Publications Top Notes

  1. chemical analysis by molecular networking methods on extracts of saba senegalensis and its anthelmintic activity on caenorhabditis elegans
    Authors: Mohamed B. Belemlilga, Hazrina Hazni, Aristide Traore, Indira Dennemont, Sébastien Pomel, Sandrine Cojean, Mehdi A. Beniddir, Sylvin Ouedraogo, Christian Bories, Philippe M. Loiseau
    Year: 2025

  2. evaluation of anti-inflammatory activities and acute toxicity of the leaves aqueous macerate of boscia senegalensis
    Authors: Mohamed B. Belemlilga, Mathieu Nitiema, Aristide Traore, Eric Nanema, Souleymane Compaore, G. Geoffroy Ouedraogo, Sylvain Ilboudo, Lazare Belemnaba, Noufou Ouedraogo, Félix B. Kini
    Year: 2025

  3. toxicity assessment of a phytomedicine based on an almond extract from the fruit of balanites aegyptiaca intended for helminthiases care in burkina faso
    Authors: G. G. Ouedraogo, M. B. Belemlilga, T. Kouguilima, G. D. Somda, S. Ilboudo, S. Ouedraogo, A. Traore, L. Belemnaba, F. B. Kini, S. Ouedraogo
    Year: 2025

  4. acute toxicity and anthelmintic effects of gomphrena serrata extracts on adult worms and eggs of haemonchus contortus
    Authors: H. Ouedraogo, M. B. Belemlilga, A. Traore, G. A. L. Boly, F. Moyenga, G. G. Ouedraogo, S. Ilboudo, L. Belemnaba, S. Ouedraogo
    Year: 2024

  5. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of an acazy herbal formula used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections
    Authors: M. B. Belemlilga, B. Bayala, G. A. L. Boly, M. A. Ouédraogo, A. R. Boina, B. Yaro, F. Badea, C. Diguti, M. Koala, D. P. Ilboudo, et al.
    Year: 2024

  6. optimization and standardization of the extraction method of balanites aegyptiaca seeds used in the formulation of an antiparasitic phytomedicine
    Authors: M. B. Belemlilga, S. Ouedraogo, G. A. L. Boly, D. H. Dao, J. T. Coulibaly, J. C. R. P. Ouedraogo, S. Compaoré, S. Traore, M. Koala, E. N. H. Youl
    Year: 2024

  7. evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity and sedative effect of feretia apodanthera leaves
    Authors: A. S. Silue, S. Ilboudo, T. A. Djadji, G. Ouedraogo, M. B. Belemlilga, G. Kouakou-Siransy, R. Semdé
    Year: 2024

  8. phytochemical profile, acute toxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic extracts from odontonema strictum root and stem
    Authors: M. Nitiema, L. Belemnaba, C. W. R. Ouedraogo, M. B. Belemlilga, S. Ouedraogo, M. Koala, A. Traore, J. F. Aïkpe, N. Ouedraogo, F. B. Kini
    Year: 2024

  9. phytochemical and in vitro anthelmintic properties of mesocarp of fruit extracts from balanites aegyptiaca
    Author: Mohamed Bonewendé Belemlilga
    Year: 2024

Nisha Amarnath Jonniya | Biotechnology Awards | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya | Biotechnology Awards | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya is a dynamic and accomplished academician and researcher, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at NIT Andhra Pradesh. With a profound expertise in computational biophysics and drug discovery, she has built a commendable research career focused on unraveling the conformational dynamics of biomolecules, particularly protein kinases implicated in various diseases. Dr. Jonniya obtained her Ph.D. from IIT Indore, where she investigated molecular modeling and simulation approaches for discovering inhibitors against hypertension-related kinases. Her professional journey spans prestigious institutions, including a current postdoctoral tenure at the University of California, San Diego under NIH funding. Her collaborative projects have addressed critical topics such as dengue virus inhibition and protein kinase regulation in Cushing’s syndrome. With over 30 high-impact publications and significant mentoring experience, Dr. Jonniya continues to contribute meaningfully to the fields of structural biology and computational drug design. Her dedication to translational research, coupled with active involvement in academic development programs and scientific outreach, underscores her commitment to both science and education.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya’s academic journey exemplifies excellence and dedication. She completed her Ph.D. in Computational Biophysics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore, with a stellar CPI of 8.88. Her research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Parimal Kar, focused on the conformational dynamics of kinases implicated in hypertension and involved molecular modeling and simulations to identify potent inhibitors. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned an M.Tech in Bioinformatics from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal. Her M.Tech dissertation revolved around the application of support vector machine models for genotype classification in Hepatitis C Virus. Dr. Jonniya laid the foundation of her academic career with a B.Tech in Biotechnology from NIT Raipur, where she graduated with honors and departmental rank I. Her strong academic performance throughout her educational tenure, including top ranks at Kendriya Vidyalaya Kusmunda, reflects her consistent commitment to academic excellence and sets the groundwork for her future in high-impact research and teaching.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya’s professional experience spans prestigious institutions across India and the United States. Currently, she is serving as a Postdoctoral Employee at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she is funded by the NIH to explore how disease-associated mutations affect the structure and function of Protein Kinase A. Under the mentorship of Prof. Susan Taylor, she is applying advanced computational techniques to elucidate allosteric regulations in kinases. Prior to this, Dr. Jonniya worked as a Research Associate at IIT Indore, focusing on antibody redesign and inhibitor identification against the dengue virus using in silico methods under a DST-funded project. She also served as a Lecturer at NIT Raipur from 2010 to 2015, where she taught undergraduate courses in biotechnology. Additionally, she held a teaching assistantship at IIT Indore during her Ph.D. studies. Her professional journey reflects a seamless integration of teaching, mentoring, and advanced research. Across these roles, she has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary biomedical research, mentored budding scientists, and fostered an academic environment conducive to collaborative innovation and scientific inquiry.

Research Interest

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya’s research interests lie at the intersection of structural biology, computational biophysics, and molecular drug design. Her work focuses on understanding the structural and thermodynamic properties of biomolecular systems, particularly proteins and glycans. She explores conformational dynamics using enhanced sampling molecular dynamics methods, providing insight into protein flexibility and function. A key emphasis of her research is on computational modeling of biomolecular recognition processes, including protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, which are crucial for elucidating disease mechanisms and identifying therapeutic targets. Her projects have addressed critical biological problems, such as kinase regulation in hypertension and structural alterations in dengue virus proteins. Through structure-based drug discovery approaches, she has contributed to the identification of novel inhibitors and antibody enhancements. Dr. Jonniya’s ability to bridge theoretical modeling with translational biomedical applications underscores her long-term goal to contribute to precision medicine. Her research remains driven by the motivation to harness computational power for decoding complex biological phenomena and translating them into clinically relevant solutions.

Research Skills

Dr. Jonniya possesses a robust and versatile skill set in computational and bioinformatics tools essential for modern biomedical research. She is proficient in programming languages like Python, R, and shell scripting, and has advanced experience with molecular dynamics software such as AMBER and GROMACS. She routinely employs simulation and modeling tools like Schrodinger-Suite, Autodock, AlphaFold, UCSF Chimera, and PyMOL for structure-based drug design and protein analysis. Her skill set also includes visualization tools (VMD), plotting libraries (Matplotlib, Gnuplot), and LaTeX for scientific documentation. She has expertise in techniques such as sequence alignment, molecular docking, phylogenetic analysis, network analysis, virtual screening, and homology modeling. Dr. Jonniya is well-versed in both Windows and Linux operating systems, enhancing her adaptability across computational environments. Her command over enhanced sampling techniques, free energy calculations, and allosteric network mapping uniquely positions her for high-resolution insights into protein dynamics. These technical competencies, combined with a deep understanding of biomolecular interactions, empower her to lead impactful projects in structural biology and rational drug discovery.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya has earned several notable accolades. She secured first rank in both her undergraduate (B.Tech in Biotechnology) and postgraduate (M.Tech in Bioinformatics) programs at NIT Raipur and MANIT Bhopal respectively, reflecting her exceptional academic abilities. She qualified the prestigious Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in 2007 and was a consistent top performer from school through higher education. Dr. Jonniya received the Best Oral Presentation award at IIT Indore’s Symposium on Advances in Biosciences and Bioengineering in 2019. She has delivered invited talks and presented her research at renowned national and international platforms, including the Gordan Research Conference (USA) and Max Planck Institute (Germany). Her scientific contributions have been published in prestigious journals such as PNAS, eLife, and the Journal of Physical Chemistry B. In recognition of her expertise, she has served as a reviewer for reputed journals including ACS Omega and the Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. These honors underscore her academic excellence, leadership in research, and ongoing contributions to the scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Nisha Amarnath Jonniya represents the epitome of dedication, innovation, and academic brilliance in the field of computational biology. Her multidisciplinary background, encompassing biotechnology, bioinformatics, and biophysics, has enabled her to address pressing biomedical challenges through in silico approaches. From top academic ranks to international collaborations and high-impact publications, her journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for scientific inquiry. As an educator, she has not only taught and mentored students at premier institutions but also organized and participated in numerous scientific workshops and conferences, contributing to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Her research continues to break new ground in understanding molecular mechanisms of diseases and designing targeted therapeutics. Moving forward, Dr. Jonniya is well-positioned to make transformative contributions to personalized medicine, drug development, and molecular therapeutics. Her career serves as a model for aspiring researchers aiming to blend computational skills with biological insight to tackle complex healthcare problems of the 21st century.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Current and novel therapeutic molecules and targets in Alzheimer’s disease
    Authors: A. Kumar, C.M. Nisha, C. Silakari, I. Sharma, K. Anusha, N. Gupta, P. Nair, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 191

  • Title: Molecular Docking and In Silico ADMET Study Reveals Acylguanidine 7a as a Potential Inhibitor of β‐Secretase
    Authors: C.M. Nisha, A. Kumar, P. Nair, N. Gupta, C. Silakari, T. Tripathi, A. Kumar
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 166

  • Title: Docking and ADMET prediction of few GSK-3 inhibitors divulges 6-bromoindirubin-3-oxime as a potential inhibitor
    Authors: C.M. Nisha, A. Kumar, A. Vimal, B.M. Bai, D. Pal, A. Kumar
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 119

  • Title: Elucidating biophysical basis of binding of inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 main protease by using molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations
    Authors: M.F. Sk, R. Roy, N.A. Jonniya, S. Poddar, P. Kar
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 86

  • Title: Investigating phosphorylation-induced conformational changes in WNK1 kinase by molecular dynamics simulations
    Authors: N.A. Jonniya, M.F. Sk, P. Kar
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 51

  • Title: Computational investigation of structural dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 methyltransferase-stimulatory factor heterodimer nsp16/nsp10 bound to the cofactor SAM
    Authors: M.F. Sk, N.A. Jonniya, R. Roy, S. Poddar, P. Kar
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 44

  • Title: Identification of potential inhibitors against Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1): An insight from docking and molecular dynamic simulations
    Authors: S. Jakhmola, N.A. Jonniya, M.F. Sk, A. Rani, P. Kar, H.C. Jha
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Immunoinformatics approach to design multi-epitope-subunit vaccine against bovine ephemeral fever disease
    Authors: S. Pyasi, V. Sharma, K. Dipti, N.A. Jonniya, D. Nayak
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35*

  • Title: Investigating specificity of the anti-hypertensive inhibitor WNK463 against With-No-Lysine kinase family isoforms via multiscale simulations
    Authors: N.A. Jonniya, P. Kar
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 30

  • Title: Finding potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease through virtual screening, ADMET, and molecular dynamics simulation studies
    Authors: R. Roy, M.F. Sk, N.A. Jonniya, S. Poddar, P. Kar
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 23