Jassim M. Al-Hassan received his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Wales, Swansea, UK, in 1972. He spent one year in the same Dept. as a Post Doc. after he obtained his Ph.D. He then joined the Chemistry Dept. at Kuwait University (KU) as an Assistant Professor. He established the new Biochemistry Dept. He was then promoted to Associate and then to Full Professor and was the chairman of the Biochemistry Dept. He became the Dean of the Faculty of Science and the Director of the new Marine Center of KU. His research on products from catfish skin led him to work on wound healing, the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer, treatment of chronic back pain, and neurological problems. This was followed by research on pancreatic cancer through a collaboration with Prof. Peiying Yang at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. He also collaborated with Prof. Pace-Asciak at the Sick Children Hospital Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, on the research on cancer, wound healing, NETosis, and diabetes. Presently, he is the Scientific Advisor to the new Abdullah Al-Salim University in Kuwait. He has eight patents. Most of his publications are on subjects related to biochemistry and medical applications of preparations from the skin of catfish. He discovered Fraction-B (FB) from the skin of a catfish. His present research involves the application of FB to regenerate and cure some diseases.
Prof. Renno earned his Ph.D. in Medical Sciences (Anatomy) from the Medical College of Ohio in 1989 and pursued Postdoctoral training at Thomas Jefferson University, University of Colorado, and the University of Minnesota, specializing in neuroregeneration, pain mechanisms, and collagen biochemistry. He has over 30 years of academic experience, has served as Professor of Anatomy since 2015, and is acting Chairman of the Dept. of Anatomy at Kuwait University. His teaching encompasses gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology, and applied clinical anatomy, with significant contributions to medical
education and postgraduate training. His research interests include neurodegeneration, regeneration, diabetic neuropathy, and the therapeutic potential of natural compounds, like EGCG. He has numerous publications in prestigious journals, such as Neuropharmacology, Journal of Neurotrauma, and Frontiers in Pharmacology. Prof. Renno holds two US patents for innovations in infertility and nerve injury treatments and has been recognized with several research awards. He actively mentors graduate students, supervises MSc theses, and is involved in interdisciplinary research projects. He is a member of the American Association of Anatomy, American Diabetes Association, and Association for Medical Education in Europe. His leadership has greatly influenced anatomy education and the neuroregenerative research in Kuwait and the broader region.
Dr. Sosamma Oommen is a retired Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Zoology in CMS College (Autonomous, M.G University, Kottayam), Kerala, India. She has almost 10 years of teaching experience at CMS College. Apart from her teaching experience, she has extensive experience in scientific research, such as expertise in various laboratory techniques, analyzing data, operation of various major equipment in research, and research project management. She holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from M.G. University, Kottayam, Kerala, and an M.Phil. degree from Madras University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, in the discipline of Zoology. Her Ph.D. in Zoology was awarded in 1999 from M.G. University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. She is a member of the Zoological Society of Kerala, India. She worked as Research Associate for various Research Sector projects in the Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, in 2000-2013. She has worked at Kuwait University on the various aspects of diabetes and wound healing properties of preparations from catfish skin secretions from 2020 to 2021, and at Abdullah Al Salem University, Kuwait, from 2022 onwards. With her research experience in the field of diabetes, F-acids, cholesterol oxidation products, steroids, microbial biodegradation, and biochemistry and environmental biotechnology, she has co-authored 24 papers in various international journals.
Divya Jayasree Sasidharan Nair graduated in Biochemistry from the University of Kerala, India, in 2006. Presently, she is working as a Lab Specialist under the Ministry of Health in Kuwait, where she contributes to the advancement of clinical diagnostics and patient care, particularly in the area of Clinical Biochemistry. Over the years, Divya Nair has built a solid foundation in both clinical and research fields. She has 10 years of dedicated research experience in the field of Diabetes, during which she has collaborated on numerous projects aimed at improving the understanding and management of this chronic disease. Her work has resulted in 14 research publications in various reputable international journals, where she has contributed as a co-author. In addition to her research work, she brings 5 years of hands-on experience in Clinical Biochemistry, focusing on accurate diagnostics, quality control, and adherence to international laboratory standards. Her dual background in both clinical practice and research allows her to effectively integrate scientific knowledge into real-world applications, improving both patient outcomes and laboratory practices.
Bincy Maniyalil Paul graduated with a degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Mahatma Gandhi University, India, in 2003. Paul currently works as a Lab Specialist with the Ministry of Health in Kuwait, where Paul has been contributing their skills and expertise in clinical diagnostics for the past 14 years. Throughout Paul's professional journey, they have gained extensive experience in various areas of clinical laboratory science, including haematology, biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology. In addition to Paul's clinical responsibilities, Paul has developed a strong interest in the field of diabetes. Over the past six years, Paul has actively participated in multiple research projects focusing on the early detection, monitoring, and management of diabetes. As a result of these efforts, Paul has co-authored six research papers published in reputed international journals. This combination of clinical and research experience has equipped Paul with a comprehensive understanding of both practical diagnostics and scientific inquiry.
Bincy Mathew is currently working as a Research Assistant at Abdullah Al Salem University, Kuwait. She holds a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Kuvempu University, India (2007). She did her undergraduate studies in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Botany at Kuvempu University, India (2005). She has six years of research experience in the field of diabetes; she has ample experience in the field of diabetes research and expertise in various analysis and assays. She is capable of operating instruments. She can approach research tasks with high professionalism, precision. and accuracy. Furthermore, she has three
years of experience as a quality controller in a food lab., where she consistently adhered to ISO, EPA, and GSO standards. She contributed to the accreditation ISO 17025 for Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakery Co. She assisted in several lab. audits. Additionally, she has three years of experience as a guest lecturer in Biochemistry for Master's students. She is a co-author in a research publication. As a member of the Chemical Society of India, she is aware of the recent developments in the research and technical developments.
Jijin Kumar is a Technologist at Imperial College London, UK, with extensive experience in scientific research and laboratory
analysis. He holds a Master's in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Wolverhampton, UK (2008), and a Master's in Bioinformatics from Periyar University, India (2006). With 13 years of research experience, he has contributed significantly to various scientific studies, particularly in microbiology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. Additionally, he has three
years of experience as a Scientific Laboratory Analyst in a food testing laboratory, further strengthening his expertise in analytical methodologies and quality control.
Afna Ummerkutty is a Postgraduate in Biotechnology from Mahatma Gandhi University, India (2008), and completed myher undergraduate studies in Polymer Chemistry at Calicut University, India (2006). Afna has seven years of research experience in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-related laboratory works. Afna has a keen interest in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Molecular Drug Design, aiming to bridge the gap between research and real-world medical applications. Additionally, Afna has one year of experience as a quality controller in a food exporting company, as well as a Guest Lecturer for Masters students at a science college. As a member of the European Federation of Biotechnology, Afna stays connected with the latest advancements in her field and remains committed to contributing to impactful research. She is now eager to take the next step in her career by further deepening her knowledge, expanding her research skills, and collaborating with like-minded scientists who share her vision for innovation in biotechnology and healthcare.
Cecil Pace-Asciak graduated from McGill University in Organic Chemistry (1966) followed by a five-year period at the Montreal Neurological Institute as a PDF/Research Associate in the Department of Neurosciences. This initiated his career in biochemical research in the prostaglandins and related lipoxygenase pathways and in natural products. He is presently an Emeritus Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada, and Emeritus Professor, Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto. He has 232 published articles to date, with 1 paper submitted.