Mohamed Abdel-Rahim – Zoonosis – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Infectious

Mohamed Abdel-Rahim - Zoonosis - Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) - Egypt

AUTHOR PROFILE 

ORCID

🌊 ACADEMIC FOUNDATION IN AQUATIC SCIENCE

Dr. Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim laid the bedrock of his scientific journey at the University of Alexandria, where he earned his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Aquaculture with distinction. With a persistent drive for excellence, his educational background immersed him in marine biology, aquaculture systems, and aquatic animal health—fields critical for understanding zoonotic risks in aquatic environments. His early research explored aquaculture engineering and fish reproduction, equipping him with both technical mastery and biological insight. This academic rigor formed the foundation for his future contributions to the management of aquatic ecosystems, fish diseases, and food safety, which are all central to zoonosis prevention in aquaculture. As zoonotic diseases increasingly emerge from aquatic sources due to intensified aquaculture practices, Dr. Abdel-Rahim’s work in environmental monitoring, hatchery design, and water quality management positions him as a vital player in sustainable fish production and health risk mitigation. Through advanced courses in Spain and France, he also honed his understanding of environmental impacts and modern aquaculture technologies. This academic foundation allowed him to interface between ecosystem health and public safety, setting the stage for lifelong contributions to aquaculture science and zoonotic disease control in aquatic systems.

🔬 SCIENTIFIC INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH PURSUITS

Dr. Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim’s research legacy is marked by groundbreaking innovations in sustainable aquaculture and aquatic health, focusing on preventing zoonosis through improved farming systems. As Principal Investigator and team member on numerous projects funded by NIOF and international bodies, he has tackled challenges in marine aquaculture, water purification, biofloc technology, and fish nutrition. Notably, his work on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) models highlights his role in minimizing the environmental and biological risks that contribute to zoonotic transmission. His peer-reviewed publications—over 55 in high-impact journals—span topics from bacterial load reduction to the use of herbal immunostimulants and probiotics in fish diets, directly addressing disease resistance and food safety. Dr. Abdel-Rahim’s focus on fish health and immunity builds a crucial bridge to zoonotic disease prevention, especially in densely stocked aquatic farms where pathogen transfer between species and humans is possible. His use of natural additives and innovative feed strategies further ensures healthier aquaculture products, aligning food security with public health. These contributions are not just technical—they’re visionary, establishing protocols that integrate sustainability, economics, and zoonotic risk reduction within modern aquaculture systems.

🧪 EDUCATION AND TRAINING IMPACT

Through over 75 national and international lectures and 10 years of university teaching, Dr. Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim has transformed aquaculture education in Egypt and abroad. His curriculum covers fish hatchery management, marine aquaculture systems, and environmental engineering, with a strong emphasis on biosafety—a core element in zoonosis control. He has taught and developed more than ten specialized aquaculture courses across Alexandria, Kafrelsheikh, and Suez Canal Universities, including postgraduate programs in fish disease management and hatchery design. Internationally, he has trained scientists in Senegal, South Africa, and other African countries under African Union projects like ITACA, sharing practical skills and theoretical knowledge to bolster regional aquaculture resilience against zoonotic threats. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his supervision of 23 master’s and PhD theses, many of which address water quality, disease resistance, and biosecurity. By emphasizing preventive practices and sustainable systems, he nurtures a new generation of scientists equipped to face the rising zoonotic risks tied to aquatic food production. His work bridges the gap between education, practice, and global health, empowering students and professionals to create safer, healthier aquaculture ecosystems worldwide.

🧬 ZOONOSIS PREVENTION THROUGH AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS

In Dr. Abdel-Rahim’s extensive aquaculture research, zoonosis prevention is not an afterthought—it is a structural priority. His pioneering application of recirculating and integrated aquaculture systems directly contributes to reducing disease transmission across species boundaries, a vital measure in managing zoonotic threats. These systems, particularly his solar-powered R-IMTA model, are designed to enhance water quality, reduce pathogen loads, and minimize human exposure to harmful aquatic pathogens. His work on bioremediation—using probiotics, natural zeolites, and medicinal plants—improves not only fish performance but also public health safety. His studies on feed additives like saponins, nucleotides, and bentonite highlight how tailored nutrition can strengthen fish immunity and reduce the need for antibiotics, a key factor in controlling antimicrobial resistance—another zoonosis-related concern. Dr. Abdel-Rahim’s scientific contributions propose real-world solutions that address both aquaculture productivity and emerging public health risks. His integrated approach ensures that aquaculture is not just economically viable, but also ecologically sound and safe for human consumption. This makes his research a cornerstone in the global effort to understand and prevent aquatic-based zoonoses, especially in the face of increasing demand for fish protein and the intensification of fish farming practices.

🏆 HONORS, PUBLICATIONS, AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Dr. Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim’s distinguished career is adorned with awards, global lectures, and editorial roles, underscoring his position as a world leader in aquaculture and zoonosis-aware research. He has published in more than 50 peer-reviewed journals, many in Q1-ranked outlets such as Aquaculture, Scientific Reports, and Aquaculture International, often addressing immune responses, water quality, and aquafeed innovations—all key to reducing zoonotic threats in fish production. With multiple roles as a journal reviewer and editorial board member for esteemed publications, including PLOS ONE, Marine Drugs, and Journal of Cleaner Production, he influences global research quality and direction. His H-index, tracked across Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, reflects the scientific weight of his contributions. He has delivered impactful presentations across Africa and Europe, notably at the UN Environment-MED POL regional working groups and African Union conferences. These platforms have enabled him to advocate for sustainable, biosecure aquaculture systems that prioritize public health. Whether supervising PhD candidates or guiding governmental policy discussions, Dr. Abdel-Rahim's accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to science, sustainability, and zoonotic disease prevention.

🌍 IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Abdel-Rahim’s impact on sustainable aquaculture in Egypt and beyond is deeply rooted in his implementation of technologies that align environmental stewardship with public health, particularly in mitigating zoonosis. As a former director and scientific supervisor at El-Max Station for Applied Research, he championed eco-innovative farming practices, integrating marine hatcheries with IMTA models to ensure minimal waste, disease containment, and species welfare. His feasibility studies for international aquaculture investments prioritize biosecurity and environmental harmony, advocating integrated solutions for shrimp, fish, and bivalves farming. His consultancies with companies like Silk Stevens Ltd. and Evergreen United exemplify his ability to bridge academic insight with commercial application, ensuring that food systems remain productive without increasing zoonotic exposure. He routinely collaborates with policymakers and environmental agencies to design training programs that embed principles of biosafety and zoonotic surveillance into national aquaculture strategies. Through his cross-sectoral efforts, Dr. Abdel-Rahim has become a pivotal figure in harmonizing productivity with ecological balance—advancing aquaculture not only as a food system but as a public health safeguard in the face of climate change and emerging zoonotic diseases.

đź”® LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim’s legacy is one of foresight, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to integrating zoonosis prevention into every facet of aquaculture. With over three decades of scientific and educational experience, his blueprint for the future focuses on interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation aquaculture systems that actively mitigate zoonotic risks. His future contributions aim to enhance molecular-level monitoring of pathogens, apply artificial intelligence to aquaculture biosurveillance, and expand the role of nutraceuticals in fish diets to reduce antibiotic dependence. His ongoing supervision of PhD and master’s theses ensures continuity in research that bridges ecological sustainability with public health. Through expanding training programs, he seeks to arm future scientists with the tools necessary to respond to pandemics that may emerge from aquatic environments. Furthermore, Dr. Abdel-Rahim envisions regional centers of excellence in North Africa for zoonosis monitoring in aquaculture, capitalizing on Egypt’s strategic position in global fish trade. His work is a testament to the principle that aquaculture, when responsibly managed, can be a frontline defense against zoonotic spillovers—reinforcing his enduring influence on both science and society.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

  • Title: Replacing fishmeal with Palaemon serratus meal enhances growth, carcass traits, digestive enzymes, immune-physiological response, antioxidants, and inner organ histopathology of Dicentrarchus labrax
    Authors: Toqa S. M. Saif, Hatem H. Mahmoud, Ashraf I. G. Elhetawy, Reda M. Fahim, Hosam E. Elsaied, Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim
    Journal: Aquaculture International
    Publication Date: October 2025

 

  • Title: Correction to: The effect of aqueous application of probiotics on growth, heavy metal accumulation, blood biochemistry, and histological alterations of Dicentrarcus labrax
    Authors: Mohamed M. Abdel‑Rahim, Shimaa A. Shahin, Abdallah Tageldein Mansour, Ahmed Saud Alsaqufi, Ahmed E. Elshafey, Amira A. Omar, Hassan A. El‑Sharkawy, Radi A. Mohamed, Ashraf I. G. Elhetawy
    Journal: Aquaculture International
    Publication Date: June 2025

 

  • Title: Integrated aquaculture of whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax: impacts on performance, welfare, blood physiological response, carcass traits, productivity, and farm profitability
    Authors: Ashraf I. G. Elhetawy, Abdallah Tageldein Mansour, Ayman M. Lotfy, Ahmed I. A. Mansour, Shimaa A. Shahin, Mohamed M. Zayed, Ghada R. Sallam, Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim
    Journal: Aquaculture International
    Publication Date: June 2025

 

  • Title: The effect of aqueous application of probiotics on growth, heavy metal accumulation, blood biochemistry, and histological alterations of Dicentrarcus labrax
    Authors: Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim, Shimaa A. Shahin, Abdallah Tageldein Mansour, Ahmed Saud Alsaqufi, Ahmed E. Elshafey, Amira A. Omar, Hassan A. El-Sharkawy, Radi A. Mohamed, Ashraf I. G. Elhetawy
    Journal: Aquaculture International
    Publication Date: April 2025

 

  • Title: Effect of the bipolar aluminum electrocoagulation model (BAEM) on heavy metal concentration, growth, immunological response, and parasitic activity in cultured Dicentrarchus labrax in underground seawater
    Authors: Amr Fadel, Abeer A. Moneer, Khaled M. Abdelsalam, Mohamed M. Abdel-Rahim
    Journal: Aquaculture
    Publication Date: April 8, 2025

Min Liu – Zoonosis – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Infectious

Min Liu -  Zoonosis - Best Researcher Award

Shandong University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC JOURNEY 🎓

Min Liu’s academic pursuits began with a firm foundation that matured into a passionate exploration of biological sciences. Born in February 1994, she charted a course that would lead her to the prestigious University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she pursued a doctorate in Ecology from September 2020 to June 2023. Her early educational endeavors were marked by a deep interest in how organisms interact with their environments, particularly under thermal and dietary stresses. She immersed herself in studies of ecological mechanisms, animal physiology, and adaptive behavior. This foundational period not only sharpened her academic rigor but also positioned her at the interface of environmental science and biological function. Her doctoral work laid the groundwork for specialized research in adaptive thermogenesis and energy metabolism. With her current role as a postdoctoral researcher at Shandong University beginning in 2023, Min Liu transitioned seamlessly from a dedicated student into an emerging scholar. Her educational pathway reflects both discipline and vision—a testament to her growing influence in the field of physiological ecology.

PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH ENDEAVORS 🔬

Min Liu's professional trajectory is marked by robust engagement in cutting-edge ecological and physiological research. Since starting her postdoctoral work at Shandong University, she has taken the lead on prominent research initiatives, including the CPSF Fellowship project on the browning mechanism of white adipose tissue in Meriones unguiculatus and its implications for energy metabolism, as well as a Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation project exploring thermoregulation mechanisms in hot environments. These projects not only reflect her growing stature as a project leader but also illustrate her ability to bridge fundamental science with real-world biological applications. Her work examines how physiological traits, such as adipose tissue transformation, contribute to thermal adaptation, thus offering valuable insights into metabolic health and climate adaptability. Through these experiences, Min Liu has demonstrated her capability to lead complex scientific inquiries with clarity and rigor, aligning with global concerns about health, energy efficiency, and environmental responsiveness. Her active roles in such innovative research speak volumes of her methodological expertise and visionary leadership in biological sciences.

RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS AND FOCUS 🧠

Min Liu’s research is anchored in the intricate relationships between physiology, environment, and metabolic regulation. Her focus on adaptive thermogenesis, adipose tissue functionality, and energy metabolism underscores a highly interdisciplinary approach. Notably, her work on huddling behavior in Brandt’s voles illustrates how social behaviors can influence thermogenic outcomes—findings that deepen our understanding of survival strategies in cold environments. Another key area of her research explores the gut microbiota, particularly how dietary components like inulin affect gastrointestinal dynamics in large mammals such as Asian elephants. Her publications, which include articles in Microbiome, Frontiers in Microbiology, and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, reveal an ongoing commitment to investigating the physiological underpinnings of thermal and dietary adaptation. Whether examining the influence of high-fat diets on puberty or the effects of muscle gene recruitment in cold acclimation, her contributions reflect an insightful fusion of molecular biology, ecology, and biomedicine. This interdisciplinary perspective not only advances ecological physiology but also opens avenues for translational research in health and conservation biology.

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS AND RECOGNITION đź“š

Min Liu’s growing reputation as a scientist is reflected in her steadily increasing presence in high-impact scientific journals. Her first-author and co-author publications span diverse topics—from the microbiological effects of dietary interventions to the genetic pathways influenced by thermogenic processes. Her recent acceptance in Cell & Bioscience for a study on huddling and thermogenesis in Brandt’s voles exemplifies her rising prominence. Collaborations with distinguished scientists like De-Hua Wang have also enriched her research credibility and exposed her work to broader academic audiences. Recognition through competitive grants, including from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, affirms the scholarly and practical merit of her projects. These accolades, alongside a record of impactful research outputs, are strong indicators of her role as a promising thought leader. Her research findings are not only academically significant but also contribute meaningful knowledge toward understanding organismal adaptation in a rapidly changing climate, thus earning both peer respect and institutional support.

IMPACT ON ECOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE 🌍

Min Liu’s work bridges ecological science and biomedicine, offering impactful insights into how animals adapt physiologically to environmental challenges. Her research on adipose tissue and thermogenesis informs both ecological theory and practical health sciences, especially in the context of metabolic diseases. By linking behavior and molecular function—as seen in her exploration of social thermoregulation in voles—she uncovers mechanisms that could influence the design of strategies to address energy balance in animals and possibly humans. Her studies on gut microbiota, influenced by diet and developmental timing, further reveal potential pathways for understanding obesity, growth disorders, and digestive health. Through these diverse yet interconnected themes, Min Liu’s work has laid the groundwork for applications in wildlife management, animal welfare, and even human health interventions. Her contributions also resonate with global efforts to better comprehend how living organisms adjust to increasingly extreme temperatures—a topic of urgent importance in the face of climate change. This fusion of ecological and biomedical relevance marks her research as both innovative and necessary.

LEGACY IN THE MAKING đź”­

Although still in the early stages of her career, Min Liu is already cultivating a legacy defined by intellectual curiosity, scientific integrity, and interdisciplinary reach. Her strategic engagement in high-impact research topics—ranging from adaptive thermogenesis to gut microbial ecology—demonstrates a long-term vision that bridges theory with real-world challenges. As a postdoctoral fellow, she is actively laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in ecological physiology. By contributing to both experimental models and applied research, she is setting standards that will influence future studies in environmental biology and metabolic adaptation. Her mentoring roles and collaborations signal her intent not only to contribute knowledge but also to build a thriving academic community around her work. This forward-looking ethos suggests that her scientific journey is one of enduring relevance. With her current momentum and institutional backing, Min Liu is well-positioned to become a leading figure in her field—one whose legacy will be measured by both scholarly output and the transformative insights her work brings to science and society.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND SCIENTIFIC ASPIRATIONS 🚀

Looking ahead, Min Liu’s future in science appears both promising and impactful. With a strong foundation in physiology, ecology, and molecular biology, she is poised to further expand her research into emerging areas such as climate-resilient biology and metabolic health innovation. Her existing projects hint at a broader vision—using comparative physiology and environmental cues to inform both conservation efforts and medical science. Given her proficiency in translating laboratory insights into ecological contexts, she is uniquely positioned to tackle the challenges posed by global climate change, especially as they relate to thermoregulation, behavior, and energy metabolism. Beyond research, her aspirations likely include cultivating a robust academic presence through teaching, international collaboration, and policy advisory roles. With increasing global focus on sustainable health and environmental resilience, the relevance of her work is bound to grow.

NOTABLE  PUBLICATION

Title: Huddling behavior regulate adaptive thermogenesis in Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)
Authors: Min Liu; De-Sheng Zou; Xue-Ying Zhang; Dehua Wang
Journal: Cell & Bioscience

Title: Role of gut microbiota in the postnatal thermoregulation of Brandt’s voles
Authors: Tingbei Bo; Liqiu Tang; Xiaoming Xu; Min Liu; Jing Wen; Jinzhen Lv; Dehua Wang
Journal: Cell Reports

Title: Mechanism of inulin in colic and gut microbiota of captive Asian elephant
Authors: Tingbei Bo; He Liu; Min Liu; Qiyong Liu; Qingduo Li; Yipeng Cong; Yi Luo; Yuqi Wang; Bo Yu; Tianchun Pu et al.
Journal: Microbiome

Title: Recruitment of Muscle Genes as an Effect of Brown Adipose Tissue Ablation in Cold-Acclimated Brandt’s Voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)
Authors: Min Liu; Xueying; Chen-Zhu Wang; Dehua Wang
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Title: Effects of High-Fat Diet During Childhood on Precocious Puberty and Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Tingbei Bo; Min Liu; Liqiu Tang; Jinzhen Lv; Jing Wen; Dehua Wang
Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology