Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birsen Bulut Solak | Global Health | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birsen Bulut Solak | Global Health | Best Researcher Award 

Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Selcuk University, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birsen Bulut-Solak has extensively contributed to Global Health through her academic and professional work in food safety, nutrition, and dairy technology. Her dedication to Global Health is reflected in her international collaborations and numerous scholarly publications centered on Global Health. With a robust foundation in Food Engineering and practical applications in food microbiology and catering, she bridges scientific knowledge and Global Health practices. Her post-doctoral research in Ireland further deepened her understanding of Global Health by examining functional properties of salep in dairy. She is actively involved in projects that promote Global Health awareness, education, and safety standards. Her leadership roles also support the mission of advancing Global Health through education and research. Global Health remains a central theme in all her endeavors.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s educational journey has been shaped by a strong focus on Global Health. She earned her B.Sc. in Dairy Science and Technology, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Engineering from Selcuk University, with each step emphasizing Global Health concepts. Her doctoral research investigated cheese processing with implications for Global Health food safety. She expanded her Global Health knowledge through a prestigious post-doctoral fellowship at University College Cork, Ireland, where she worked on milk protein functionality in Global Health contexts. Her academic trajectory has consistently integrated Global Health into her research and learning. By combining technical food science education with Global Health awareness, she has prepared to address diverse food and nutrition challenges within the Global Health framework.

Experience

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s professional experience demonstrates her deep commitment to Global Health. As an academic at Selcuk University, she has held roles from Assistant to Associate Professor, all rooted in Global Health principles. She also served as faculty vice-dean and department head, where she promoted Global Health integration into education. During her post-doctoral tenure in Ireland, she contributed to Global Health innovation through research on dairy components. Her early work in vocational colleges involved developing programs and curricula that highlight Global Health food safety practices. She also serves as a referee for various international journals aligned with Global Health. Every appointment she holds reinforces her dedication to promoting food security, safety, and nutrition under the broader Global Health mission.

Research Interest

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s research interests are intrinsically tied to Global Health, focusing on food safety, traditional foods, nutrition, dairy technology, and catering systems. She explores how food processing and traditional dietary practices affect public health, especially within Global Health frameworks. Her ongoing investigations address how food safety knowledge among food handlers can enhance Global Health. Her work on kefir and salep represents traditional dietary components with Global Health potential. She collaborates with global partners to investigate nutrition-related risks and interventions. These studies are essential to Global Health outcomes, aiming to mitigate foodborne illnesses, support dietary quality, and promote public nutrition. Her work continues to contribute significantly to Global Health policy and research worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s contributions to Global Health have earned her multiple awards and honors. She received international recognition through the TUBITAK Incentive Program and Selcuk University’s BAP program, each supporting Global Health research outputs. Her post-doctoral fellowship, funded by TUBITAK, allowed her to conduct Global Health-aligned research in Ireland. She has been acknowledged as a panelist and expert in Global Health education and sensory analysis. Her international congress presentations further validate her leadership in promoting Global Health. These awards honor her dedication to advancing food safety and nutrition within the Global Health context. Her credentials signify not only academic excellence but also impactful Global Health outreach, policy support, and collaborative knowledge sharing.

Research Skills

Birsen Bulut-Solak possesses comprehensive research skills that support the advancement of Global Health. Her expertise includes rheological analysis, food microbiology, dairy chemistry, and functional food evaluation each skill reinforcing the scope of Global Health research. Her methodological proficiency in thermal analysis, sensory testing, and safety assessments informs evidence-based Global Health practices. She designs and manages multidisciplinary studies aimed at solving Global Health challenges, such as foodborne disease prevention and nutritional deficiencies. Her ability to conduct rigorous scientific investigations directly contributes to shaping Global Health interventions. Through academic mentorship and project leadership, she trains the next generation of researchers equipped with the critical skills to expand Global Health knowledge and impact.

Publications

  • Title: Health Benefits of Whey Protein: A Review
    Authors: B. Bulut-Solak, N. Akin
    Journal: Journal of Food Science and Engineering

  • Title: Functionality of Whey Protein
    Authors: B. Bulut-Solak, N. Akin
    Journal: International Journal of Health and Nutrition

  • Title: Konya’da Mevlevi Mutfağı Yiyeceklerinin Gastronomi Turizminde Canlandırılması
    Authors: M. Ertaş, B. Bulut-Solak, C.Ç. Kılınç
    Journal: Gazi Üniversitesi Turizm Fakültesi Dergisi

  • Title: Impact of Cooking pH Values on the Textural and Chemical Properties for Processed Cheeses with/without the Use of Traditional Village Cheese During Storage
    Authors: B. Bulut-Solak, N. Akin
    Journal: Food Science of Animal Resources

  • Title: Composition, Morphology and Pasting Properties of Orchis anatolica Tuber Gum
    Authors: B. Bulut-Solak, L. Alonso-Miravalles, J.A. O’Mahony
    Journal: Food Hydrocolloids

Conclusion

In conclusion, Birsen Bulut-Solak embodies a professional deeply rooted in the principles of Global Health. Her academic path, research contributions, and professional engagements converge around promoting Global Health through food safety, nutrition, and education. Her career reflects unwavering dedication to enhancing food standards and knowledge dissemination for Global Health impact. From traditional dairy to contemporary catering systems, her research informs best practices in Global Health domains. Her awards and collaborative efforts underscore her reputation as a Global Health advocate. By mentoring future researchers and publishing vital findings, she ensures continuity in Global Health advancements. Birsen Bulut-Solak remains a vital force in global food science and Global Health integration.

Mohamed Abdel-Rahim – Zoonosis – Best Researcher Award

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.

🔮 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