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

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

Dr. Birsen Bulut Solak | Global Health – Selcuk University, Turkey

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL HEALTH CONTRIBUTIONS

Birsen Bulut-Solak is a distinguished Turkish scholar whose academic and professional journey is firmly anchored in advancing Global Health through the lens of food safety, nutrition, and dairy technology. With a career spanning over two decades, she has significantly impacted how food systems are understood and integrated into public health paradigms. Her work highlights the interplay between culinary traditions and scientific advancements, directly addressing the challenges of foodborne illnesses and malnutrition, two critical facets of Global Health. At Selcuk University, she currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, where she continues to guide research, mentor students, and develop innovative curricula that reflect the growing demand for health-conscious culinary science. Her research focus on Food Safety at Catering, Traditional Foods, and Dairy Technology provides invaluable contributions to Global Health by ensuring the development of safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. Through her international collaborations, especially during her Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Ireland, she has cultivated a truly global perspective. Dr. Bulut-Solak’s interdisciplinary work merges technology, tradition, and health, proving instrumental in promoting sustainable food systems that support global nutrition goals and the health of populations worldwide.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS AND GLOBAL HEALTH ROOTS

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s journey into the field of Global Health began with her foundational education in Dairy Science and Technology at Ankara University. Her undergraduate and graduate studies laid a critical groundwork in understanding food composition, safety, and microbial properties, topics that are pivotal to public health. As a master’s student, she examined the chemical and microbial evolution of Mihalic cheese, highlighting the implications of raw and pasteurized milk—an issue closely tied to foodborne disease prevention in Global Health. Her PhD research further advanced this exploration, focusing on processing parameters and their effects on cheese quality, helping bridge the gap between traditional production and safe, scalable practices. These early academic endeavors show her growing dedication to integrating food engineering principles into improving health outcomes. Her academic maturity culminated during her postdoctoral studies in Ireland, where she worked on modifying milk protein functionality—a direct application in developing fortified foods for Global Health improvement. Her rigorous training and early scientific inquiry created a firm foundation for her lifelong mission: improving food systems for better public health, enhancing nutrition, and ensuring the safety of food consumed globally. Each academic phase of her life steadily expanded her scope and influence in Global Health discourse.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS ADVANCING GLOBAL HEALTH

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s professional trajectory reveals a persistent commitment to strengthening Global Health through education, research, and institutional leadership. Starting her career at Karapinar Aydoganlar Vocational College, she served not only as a lecturer but also as Head of Department and College Co-director. Her initiatives helped modernize the Food Processing and Dairy Technology programs, ultimately enhancing food safety practices at the grassroots level. Transitioning to Selcuk University’s Tourism Faculty, she led the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts and later assumed roles as Assistant and then Associate Professor. In these roles, she has embedded Global Health principles across course offerings—from Nutrition and Food Microbiology to Food Safety at Catering. Her international research collaborations, most notably her postdoctoral tenure in Ireland, have expanded her academic network and research impact. As a referee for various food science journals and an Ambassador for the Global Harmonization Initiative, she champions standardized food safety practices across borders. Her multifaceted professional engagements—from organizing international food safety congresses to guiding BAP-funded research projects—reinforce her mission to elevate food safety and nutrition standards globally. Each role has been a strategic platform for advancing Global Health and promoting safer, healthier food systems worldwide.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN GLOBAL HEALTH

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s research portfolio is rich with interdisciplinary studies that reinforce her contributions to Global Health. Her key interests—Food Safety at Catering, Traditional Foods, Nutrition, and Dairy Technology—intersect to address public health nutrition, particularly in vulnerable communities. By investigating the rheological and microstructural properties of dairy proteins, and promoting traditional fermented foods like kefir and tarhana, she underscores the health benefits of culturally significant diets in preventing disease and improving digestive health. Her work on Orchis anatolica gum in milk systems contributes to the development of functional foods that meet nutritional needs globally. Publications like “Food Safety Knowledge Among Food Handlers” and her collaborative book chapters on “Food and Beverage Operations and Safety” serve as crucial educational tools in the field of Global Health. Through BAP-funded projects, she has developed innovative materials like brochures and comics to raise food safety awareness among food handlers, directly impacting community health. These interventions bridge academic research and societal needs. Her ability to integrate tradition with modern science in food technology represents a unique model of using gastronomy as a Global Health intervention, contributing substantially to reducing foodborne illnesses and promoting dietary wellness across diverse populations.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION IN GLOBAL HEALTH INITIATIVES

Birsen Bulut-Solak’s excellence in Global Health–oriented research has earned her prestigious accolades both nationally and internationally. She was awarded multiple incentives by TÜBİTAK and Selcuk University’s BAP for her high-impact scientific publications, a testament to the relevance and rigor of her work. One of the most distinguished honors was her selection for TÜBİTAK’s International Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme in Ireland—a program designed to cultivate global expertise in science. These honors reflect her ability to translate scientific inquiry into real-world health improvements. As a panelist on honey sensory analysis and a frequent speaker at food safety congresses, she actively contributes to building food safety knowledge at both grassroots and expert levels. Her recognition as an Ambassador for the Global Harmonization Initiative affirms her leadership in promoting standardized, safe, and equitable food systems. She is also a valued referee for numerous international journals, reinforcing her role as a gatekeeper for scientific quality in the domain of food science and Global Health. These honors not only highlight her individual excellence but also amplify her capacity to influence systemic change. Dr. Bulut-Solak’s decorated academic path reflects a career dedicated to Global Health impact through food innovation and safety.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE ON GLOBAL HEALTH POLICY AND PRACTICE

The impact of Birsen Bulut-Solak’s work on Global Health is evident in both academic and policy circles. Her research has influenced food safety practices, especially within tourism-based culinary environments in Turkey and beyond. By investigating food handler behaviors, developing sensory analysis models, and integrating local culinary heritage with food science, she has provided insights that inform national food safety standards and educational curricula. Her contributions to sustainable gastronomy tourism and food waste management in all-inclusive hotels align closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals related to health and sustainability. Through her publications, workshops, and course leadership at Selcuk University, she empowers students and practitioners to adopt a Global Health mindset in their culinary and food safety practices. Her international engagements—from Ireland to Macedonia and the USA—have allowed her to share best practices, foster cross-cultural knowledge transfer, and expand her influence. Her work supports policymakers by offering data-driven, culturally contextualized insights into food systems. Through both academia and advocacy, Dr. Bulut-Solak has become a prominent figure in shaping how food safety and nutrition intersect with public policy, reaffirming her enduring impact on Global Health promotion across communities and professional networks worldwide.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS TO GLOBAL HEALTH

Looking ahead, Birsen Bulut-Solak’s legacy in Global Health is rooted in her unwavering commitment to integrating food science with public health needs. Her academic rigor and societal focus ensure that her contributions will continue to influence how food systems are designed and improved. As new global challenges emerge—from pandemics to climate-induced food insecurity—her research trajectory positions her to lead innovative solutions in safe food production, traditional nutrition, and dairy science. With an extensive background in education, she is shaping a new generation of scholars and practitioners who prioritize health, safety, and sustainability in food systems. Her planned and ongoing projects continue to explore ways of reducing foodborne illness, advancing nutritional health, and promoting the global relevance of traditional Turkish foods. As a thought leader and mentor, she is dedicated to enhancing scientific dialogue and expanding Global Health discourse through interdisciplinary platforms. Whether influencing curriculum reforms, conducting field-based interventions, or contributing to international publications, her role remains pivotal. Dr. Bulut-Solak’s enduring legacy will be defined by her ability to blend science with culture, technology with tradition, and local knowledge with global solutions—all in service of promoting equitable and sustainable Global Health outcomes.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

  • 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

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