Dr. Ahmed Sobhy Darwish | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Leadership and Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ahmed Sobhy Darwish | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Leadership and Research Excellence Award

Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries, EIPICO; Zagazig university | Egypt

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Early Academic Pursuits

Ahmed Sobhy Abdelrahim Abdallah Darwish embarked on his academic journey with a keen interest in the foundational sciences, choosing to specialize in Chemistry-Physics at Zagazig University. From the outset, his passion for the intricacies of analytical processes and his rigorous approach to problem-solving set him apart from his peers. This academic foundation served as a springboard for further specialization, as he pursued a diploma in analytical chemistry, followed by a pre-master qualification, both of which he completed with distinction. His continued thirst for knowledge led him to complete a master’s degree in analytical chemistry, laying a strong conceptual and technical groundwork for his future endeavors. Currently undertaking a Ph.D. in the same field, he remains deeply committed to scholarly advancement and scientific excellence.

Professional Endeavors

Parallel to his academic growth, Darwish cultivated a multifaceted professional career in the pharmaceutical industry, beginning as a chemist in a quality control (Q.C.) laboratory. His meticulous attention to detail and mastery of analytical techniques allowed him to rise rapidly through the ranks. He assumed positions of increasing responsibility, including section head roles in both stability and methodology departments across various pharmaceutical firms. Today, he holds the role of Labs Development Deputy Manager at the Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries Company (EIPICO), where he leads a team of ten staff members. In this capacity, he oversees critical operations such as method development, comparative in vitro bioequivalence studies, and stress stability research. His role demands not only technical leadership but also strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and a continuous drive toward innovation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Darwish’s research is rooted in his strong belief in sustainable and efficient analytical practices. His work consistently demonstrates a commitment to green chemistry principles and pharmaceutical relevance. Among his completed research projects are numerous validated HPLC methods that combine ecological sensibility with robust analytical precision. His research includes the development of stability-indicating methods for a range of pharmaceutical compounds, such as piracetam, vincamine, levomenol, netilmicin, colchicine, khellin, valsartan, and sacubitril. These studies not only support pharmaceutical quality assurance but also contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of analytical laboratories. By incorporating certified green reference materials and simple yet effective chromatographic techniques, Darwish has contributed to the emerging field of environmentally sustainable pharmaceutical analysis. His work on multi-analyte quantification using RP-HPLC exemplifies his ability to integrate sensitivity, selectivity, and ecological responsibility.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Darwish has built a reputation as a dependable and technically skilled leader. He has successfully negotiated with major global and regional regulatory bodies, including the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), and national drug authorities such as those in Saudi Arabia, Romania, and Jordan. These engagements highlight the high regard in which his expertise is held and reflect the global applicability of his scientific contributions. His ability to represent his institution in discussions with these respected bodies speaks to both his technical command and his communication acumen.

Impact and Influence

Darwish’s influence extends beyond the laboratory bench. In his current managerial role, he serves as both a mentor and a catalyst for innovation. By nurturing a team of researchers and guiding them through the complexities of pharmaceutical development, he has created an environment where scientific rigor meets collaborative spirit. His focus on comparative in vitro studies supports generic drug development, which plays a vital role in making healthcare more affordable and accessible. The techniques and protocols he develops are frequently adapted by colleagues, shaping laboratory practices and ensuring consistent product quality within the industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a scholar-practitioner, Darwish exemplifies the synergy between academic inquiry and industrial application. His trajectory points to a future marked by ongoing contributions to analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, with a special emphasis on eco-conscious practices. He aims to continue bridging the gap between scientific innovation and regulatory standards, fostering methods that not only meet but exceed global compliance benchmarks. His leadership within EIPICO is expected to drive further innovations in laboratory development, including advanced stability studies and green method validation strategies. With an unwavering dedication to scientific excellence, Darwish is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of pharmaceutical analysis — one grounded in sustainability, precision, and impact-driven research.

Notable Publications

Environmental sustainability profiles assessment of HPLC stability indicating method for quantitation of piracetam and vincamine in pharmaceutical medications

Authors: SS Alenezi, AA Gouda, R El Sheikh, NA Badahdah, ME Alzuhiri, AS Darwish
Journal: Talanta Open
Year: 2025

An ecologically sound HPLC determination of LEVOMENOL in topical therapies using a certified reference material with green properties

Authors: JK Ma, AS Darwish, A Al Ali, AM Abdelazim, WS Darwish, X Li, XC Huang
Journal: Results in Chemistry
Year: 2025

A Simple Eco‐Friendly Stability‐Indicating HPLC Method for Determination of NETILMICIN in Bulk and Ophthalmic Solution

Authors: AS Darwish, MSA Zaki, AGKA Salih, MA Ellatif, AA Patel, AK Mallick, …
Journal: Biomedical Chromatography
Year: 2025

Developing a sensitive, ecological, and economic HPLC method for the concurrent quantification of KOLCHICINE and KHELLIN, used in bulk and sachet pharmaceuticals

Authors: WSD, Ahmed Sobhy Darwish, Mohamed Samir Ahmed Zaki, Ali GadKarim A. Salih, …
Journal: Microchemical Journal
Year: 2025

Simple validated approach to quantify valsartan and sacubitril in medications using liquid chromatography

Authors: AS Darwish, AA Gouda, AS Eldien
Journal: Bulletin of Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
Year: 2025

Mr. Pengwei Zhu | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Pengwei Zhu | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Bank of Beijing, China

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ORCID

Early Academic Pursuits

Pengwei Zhu’s academic journey began with a deep-rooted curiosity about the intricate workings of the human brain and statistical analysis. His pursuit of excellence led him to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he earned his Ph.D. in Biostatistics. During his doctoral studies, Zhu delved into the emerging field of adolescent brain development, particularly focusing on connectivity analysis in brain networks. This early specialization positioned him at the intersection of neuroscience and statistical modeling—an interdisciplinary space that would come to define his career. His work was not merely theoretical; it was underpinned by a vision of how data, when harnessed intelligently, could drive innovation across fields like mental health, artificial intelligence, and public health.

Professional Endeavors and Research Leadership

Dr. Zhu currently serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Bank of Beijing, a unique institutional choice reflecting his versatility and interdisciplinary skillset. His career is a testimony to how deep research acumen can be applied beyond academia to inform business intelligence and AI-driven financial systems. He has led and contributed to six significant research projects, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, public health modeling, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Among these, his principal investigator role in the ABCD (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development) brain network study stands out for its depth and societal relevance.

Moreover, his leadership in modeling COVID-19 reopening strategies underscores his ability to pivot his expertise toward urgent global challenges. These models were not merely statistical artifacts; they provided decision-makers with actionable insights during a public health crisis, showcasing his commitment to societal impact.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhu’s research spans across a compelling range of topics: Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Systems, Biostatistics, Epidemiological Modeling, and Computational Neuroscience. A hallmark of his work is the integration of advanced machine learning algorithms, such as Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and deep learning, with foundational statistical techniques. This allows him to unearth insights from high-dimensional and complex datasets—be it brain imaging data or multimodal economic data.

One of his most notable technical achievements is the development and patenting of an AI-based financial report generation method, bridging cognitive computing with practical financial applications. Through his work, Dr. Zhu demonstrates how computational tools can go beyond prediction to actively generate knowledge and create solutions tailored to real-world demands.

Accolades and Recognition

Although relatively early in his career, Dr. Zhu has begun building a formidable academic footprint. He has four peer-reviewed publications in respected journals spanning neuroscience, public health, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the multidimensional impact of his work. Furthermore, his patents—one published and one under process—underscore his drive toward innovation and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of research toward real-world utility.

In recognition of his emerging influence, he holds membership in key professional organizations, including the Council of the Clinical Research Statistics Professional Committee and the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies. These affiliations demonstrate not only his technical competence but also his engagement with broader scholarly and translational networks.

Impact and Influence

What sets Dr. Zhu apart is his ability to translate complex models into systems that influence both policy and practice. His contribution to public health strategy during the pandemic—through quantitative models that informed reopening strategies—is an example of research directly shaping decisions on a national and global scale.

Additionally, his interdisciplinary ventures—from neuroscience to fintech—are reflective of a new generation of scholars who are transcending academic silos. The patented AI-driven financial reporting system he helped pioneer shows immense potential to revolutionize how institutions process and interpret financial data, leading to greater efficiency, transparency, and strategic insight.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Zhu envisions a research trajectory that continues to bridge theoretical innovation with practical transformation. His future contributions are likely to extend into multimodal generative AI systems, with applications across medicine, finance, and environmental sustainability. Given the growing importance of ethical and sustainable AI, his work on a strategic investment framework for responsible AI development is timely and holds the promise of setting standards for future research and implementation.

His interdisciplinary grounding ensures that he is not confined to a single domain; instead, he is poised to become a leader in cross-cutting research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our time—from mental health in adolescents to data-driven governance in economic systems.

Notable Publications

Construction and Experimental Verification of Automatic Classification Process Based on K-Mer Frequency Statistics

Author: Pengwei Zhu
Journal/Book: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Book Chapter)
Year: 2025

Assessing Impact of Strategic Investments on Development of Sustainable Artificial Intelligence Dynamics

Authors: Pengwei Zhu, Yiwan Sun
Journal: Sustainable Futures
Year: 2025.

 Mathematical Modeling of Business Reopening When Facing SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Protection, Cost, and Risk

Authors: H. Miao, Q. Gao, H. Feng, C. Zhong, P. Zhu, L. Wu, M.D. Swartz, X. Luo, S.M. DeSantis, D. Lai, et al.
Journal: Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Year: 2020

Mathematical Modeling of Business Reopening when Facing SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Protection, Cost and Risk

Authors: H. Miao, Q. Gao, H. Feng, C. Zhong, P. Zhu, L. Wu, M.D. Swartz, X. Luo, S.M. DeSantis, D. Lai, et al.
Journal: arXiv
Year: 2020

Mr. Abhishek Setty | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abhishek Setty | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany

Author Profile

Orchid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Abhishek Setty’s academic journey reflects a dynamic blend of curiosity, diligence, and a passion for engineering and computation. He began his higher education at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kancheepuram, where he pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. Graduating with distinction and an impressive CGPA of 9.2/10, Abhishek demonstrated an early aptitude for deep technical learning and problem-solving. His bachelor thesis, which earned a perfect grade, set the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the intersection of classical engineering and cutting-edge computational methods.

Motivated to explore further, Abhishek continued his academic pursuits in Germany, enrolling in the esteemed RWTH Aachen University for a Master’s program in Computer-Aided Conception and Production in Mechanical Engineering. With a final grade of 1.4, he not only excelled academically but also engaged in multiple research initiatives that reflected his growing interest in quantum computing, simulation, and machine learning. His mini-thesis—graded at the highest level (1.0)—focused on the application of tensor calculus in fiber composite materials, showcasing his ability to marry abstract mathematical theory with real-world engineering problems.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Abhishek’s professional timeline is marked by a series of research-driven positions across prestigious German institutions. His role at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM) in Freiburg from April 2022 to May 2024 allowed him to work at the cutting edge of material mechanics and machine learning. As a student research assistant, he contributed to multiple high-impact projects, including a published paper on particle trajectory prediction using a graph-based interaction-aware model, which explores how machine learning can enhance discrete element simulations.

Prior to that, in 2020 and again in 2023, Abhishek worked at the Department of Continuum Mechanics, RWTH Aachen, where he explored the capabilities of quantum machine learning to solve differential equations. His master’s thesis culminated in a research paper on self-adaptive physics-informed quantum machine learning, published in a reputable journal. This experience deepened his technical prowess and cemented his passion for applying quantum computing in fluid mechanics and material modeling.

Currently, Abhishek is advancing his research career as a PhD student at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research centers. His doctoral work focuses on quantum computational fluid dynamics, a highly promising and futuristic domain that bridges the gap between quantum theory and continuum mechanics.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Abhishek’s core research focus lies at the intersection of quantum computing, machine learning, and continuum mechanics. His contributions are significant in the realm of physics-informed machine learning, where he has explored how quantum algorithms can be utilized to solve traditionally complex differential equations. His work also spans predictive modeling in materials science, including novel questions such as:

  • Can machine learning replace FEM (Finite Element Method) models in commercial software like Abaqus?

  • How do structural irregularities like knots affect the strength of wood in different stress conditions?

  • Is it possible for biochar-reinforced concrete to rival steel in marine engineering applications?

These questions reflect not only technical depth but also a forward-looking curiosity, grounded in both theory and practical application.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Abhishek’s academic and research excellence has been consistently recognized. From receiving top grades in his bachelor’s and master’s theses to publishing peer-reviewed papers in internationally recognized journals, his contributions have earned the respect of his mentors and peers alike. He also holds certifications from Stanford University on platforms like EDX and Coursera in quantum mechanics, machine learning, and deep learning, signaling his commitment to continuous learning and interdisciplinary proficiency.

His role as a senior mentor for master’s students at RWTH Aachen in 2021 underscores his dedication to knowledge sharing and academic community building—a trait that goes beyond personal success to uplift others.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The impact of Abhishek’s work is already being felt across the domains of materials science, simulation engineering, and quantum computing. His research has practical implications for industries reliant on high-accuracy simulations, such as aerospace, mechanical design, and structural engineering. The published models and algorithms he has worked on could lead to more efficient and sustainable engineering solutions in the near future.

His integration of high-performance computing clusters, open-source tools like IBM Qiskit and Xanadu Pennylane, and theoretical insights from continuum mechanics positions him uniquely as a thought leader in quantum-enhanced engineering simulation.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Abhishek Setty is poised to make significant contributions to the emerging field of quantum computational mechanics. His current PhD research aims to unlock new paradigms in fluid dynamics using quantum algorithms, potentially reshaping how scientists and engineers simulate and solve multi-scale, high-complexity physical systems.

His legacy is being built not just through papers and code, but through a mindset of rigorous inquiry, creative thinking, and a willingness to challenge existing computational frontiers. With a global outlook and a strong foundation in both classical engineering and quantum computation, Abhishek represents the new generation of interdisciplinary researchers who are defining the future of science and technology.

📝Notable Publications

Particle trajectory prediction in discrete element simulations using a graph-based interaction-aware model

Authors: Abhishek Setty, Lukas Morand, Poojitha Ramachandra, Claas Bierwisch
Journal: Computational Materials Science
Year: 2025

 Self-adaptive physics-informed quantum machine learning for solving differential equations

Authors: Abhishek Setty, Rasul Abdusalamov, Felix Motzoi
Journal: Machine Learning: Science and Technology
Year: 2025