Hasitha Weeratunge | Natural Products Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hasitha Weeratunge | Natural Products Chemistry Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hasitha Weeratunge, Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Sri Lanka

🌿 Dr. Hasitha Weeratunge is a Senior Research Scientist at Sri Lanka’s Industrial Technology Institute, with over 18 years of expertise in natural products chemistry. Specializing in herbal and spice extraction techniques, chromatography, and spectroscopy, he has contributed to diverse areas including mycotoxin analysis, cosmetics development, and essential oil standardization. With patents, publications, and extensive teaching experience at universities, he’s a key figure in Sri Lanka’s scientific community. Dr. Weeratunge also plays roles in quality systems implementation, technical committees, and nutraceutical research, showcasing his versatile contributions to science and industry. 🧪📚

 

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Work Experience

Senior Research Scientist at Industrial Technology Institute (CISIR), Colombo 7, Sri Lanka since January 2009.

Visiting Lecturer at various universities in Sri Lanka, including University of Ruhuna, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon.

Previous experience includes positions as a Management Trainee at Saraa Os Leather Pvt Ltd and Teaching Assistant at the University of Colombo.

Educational Qualifications

Ph.D. in Natural Products Chemistry from the University of Colombo (2014 – 2021)

MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MPS) from the University of Greenwich at Medway, UK (2005 – 2007)

BSc in Chemistry from the University of Colombo (2001 – 2004)

Graduate in Chemistry from Institute of Chemistry, Ceylon (2000 – 2003)

Awards

Author of numerous research publications, gene bank publications, and patents in the field of natural products chemistry.

Received awards and appreciation for academic and scientific excellence, including achievement awards and best oral presentations at research symposiums.

Presented research communications both internationally and locally at various conferences and symposiums.

Research Focus

🔬 Dr. Hasitha Weeratunge’s research primarily focuses on the exploration of natural products, particularly in the realm of medicinal plants and spices native to Sri Lanka. His expertise spans the isolation, analysis, and pharmacological evaluation of bioactive compounds found in plants like Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon), Syzygium caryophyllatum, and Zingiber zerumbet. With a keen interest in the potential pharmaceutical applications of these natural substances, Dr. Weeratunge’s work contributes significantly to the understanding of their therapeutic properties, particularly in areas such as diabetes management and inflammation modulation. His research underscores the rich pharmacological potential of Sri Lankan botanical resources. 🌱🧪

Publication Top Notes

Leyla GÜVEN | Pharmacognosy | Best Researcher Award

Asst. Prof. Leyla GÜVEN : Pharmacognosy

Dr. Leyla GÜVEN is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy at Ataturk University, Turkey. She earned her Doctorate and completed her postgraduate studies in Pharmacognosy at Ataturk University from 2009 to 2016. Dr. GÜVEN’s academic journey includes her undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ataturk University (2002-2006). She holds a Health & Medicine Certification in Laboratory Animal Use (2023). In 2023, she completed a Vocational Training Program on enabling life-course immunization through pharmacy-based vaccination, accredited by The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). 🎓💊

professional profile:

orcid profile

Education Information:

Dr. Leyla GÜVEN earned her Doctorate in Pharmacognosy from Ataturk University, specializing in Farmakognozi Anabilimdalı, Turkey, from 2009 to 2016. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Postgraduate program in the same field at Ataturk University from 2006 to 2009. Leyla initiated her academic journey by obtaining her Undergraduate degree at Ataturk University’s Faculty of Pharmacy in Turkey, spanning from 2002 to 2006. 🎓 Her educational background reflects a dedicated pursuit of knowledge in pharmacognosy, establishing a solid foundation for her contributions to the field. 🌱

Certificates,Courses and Trainings:

🌐 Dr. Leyla GÜVEN is a dedicated professional with a rich background in health, medicine, and academia. In 2023, she completed a comprehensive program on animal usage in research and two innovative vocational training programs—one on life-course immunization through pharmacy-based vaccination and another on telemedicine trends and telepharmacy services’ impact on pharmacy practice, both accredited by The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). Dr. GÜVEN’s diverse training portfolio also includes courses in entrepreneurship, data analysis, occupational health and safety, and various aspects of health and medicine. Her commitment to continuous learning and expertise makes her a well-rounded contributor in her field. 🚀👩‍⚕️💊

Academic and Administrative Experience:

🎓 Dr. Leyla GÜVEN actively contributes to academia and institutional development at Ataturk University’s Faculty of Pharmacy. Serving as a key member in various committees and projects, she plays a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment. Currently leading the Mini Health Information Contest and continuing her involvement in the Social Sensitivity Project Commission, Waste-Free Plan, Academic Achievement Evaluation Committee, and Research Collaboration Development Commission, she showcases a strong commitment to education and social responsibility. Dr. GÜVEN’s extensive engagement, including accreditation and leadership roles in committees, demonstrates her dedication to enhancing the academic experience and promoting sustainable practices within the university. 🌐👩‍🏫🌿

Research Focus :

Dr. Leyla GÜVEN’s research primarily focuses on pharmacological investigations, with an emphasis on exploring the medicinal properties of various natural compounds. Her work spans a range of studies, including the evaluation of antioxidants, antidiabetic agents, and anti-inflammatory effects in different plant extracts. Through extensive publications in reputable journals, she contributes valuable insights to the field of pharmacology and showcases a dedication to understanding the therapeutic potential of natural substances. 🌿💊

Publication Top Notes:
  1. Cephalaria tchihatchewii Boiss. Ekstrelerinin Antioksidan Aktivitesi, Metabolik Enzimler Üzerine Etkisi ve UPLC-MS/MS Analizi ile Kimyasal Karakterizasyonun Belirlenmesi
  2. Evaluation the Effects of Helichrysum plicatum Subsp. pseudoplicatum on an In-Vitro Wound Model Using Human Dermal Fibroblast Cells
  3. Screening of Antiglaucoma, Antidiabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Antioxidant Activities of Astragalus alopecurus Pall—Analysis of Phenolics Profiles by LC-MS/MS
  4. Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Berdav Propolis Using LC-MS/MS: Determination of Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, Antiglaucoma, and Antidiabetic Effects
  5. Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anticholinergic, and Antiglaucoma Effects of Magnofluorine
  6. Evaluation of LC-MS/MS Analysis and In Vitro Biological Activities of Rosa pimpinellifolia Root, Pseudo-fruit, and Seed extracts
  7. Achillea millefolium alleviates testicular damage in paclitaxel‐intoxicated rats via attenuation of testicular oxido‐inflammatory stress and apoptotic responses
  8. Phytochemical studies on the seeds, pseudofruits, and roots of Rosa pimpinellifolia
  9. Memory-vitalizing effect of twenty-five medicinal and edible plants and their isolated compounds
  10. Evaluation of anticonvulsant activities of bis(3-aryl-3-oxo-propyl)ethylamine hydrochlorides and 4-aryl-3-arylcarbonyl-1-ethyl-4-piperidinol hydrochlorides