Speakers

Prof. Dr. Arif Kıvrak is a Turkish academic and researcher in the field of organic chemistry. He is currently affiliated with the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Türkiye. His research focuses particularly on organic synthesis, heterocyclic chemistry, natural products, medicinally relevant compounds, chemical sensors, electrochemistry, and the development of innovative organic materials.

He obtained his undergraduate degrees from Eskişehir Osmangazi University, including studies in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, followed by a master's degree in Physical Chemistry in 2003. He completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) in 2011, with research on the synthesis of pyrazoles, 4-iodopyrazoles, isoxazoles, and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles. He also carried out research as a visiting researcher at Iowa State University in the United States.

Prof. Dr. Kıvrak began his academic career as a research assistant at Middle East Technical University and subsequently held academic positions at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, where he became Associate Professor and later Professor. Since 2021, he has been a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Eskişehir Osmangazi University.

His scientific work covers a broad range of topics, including the synthesis and characterization of heterocyclic compounds, natural products, drug-related molecular structures, electrochemical sensors, electrocatalysis, and functional organic materials. His research has resulted in numerous scientific publications, research projects, and doctoral and graduate student supervisions

Prof. Dr. Ramazan Erenler is a distinguished Turkish professor and researcher in the field of Organic Chemistry. He is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Türkiye, where he specializes in organic chemistry, natural products, bioactive compounds, biochemistry, and nanotechnology.

He obtained his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from Middle East Technical University (METU) in 1992, followed by an M.Sc. degree in Chemistry in 1997 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2002 from Gaziosmanpaşa University. He subsequently carried out postdoctoral research at the Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taiwan, and at Kansas State University, USA.

His research interests include the isolation and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites, natural product chemistry, synthesis of bioactive molecules, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, phytochemistry, and the green synthesis and biological evaluation of nanoparticles using plant extracts. His research contributes to the development of innovative approaches at the interface of chemistry, biology, natural products, and nanotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Erenler has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications and has supervised numerous graduate research projects. His scientific contributions and interdisciplinary research have established him as an active researcher in organic chemistry, bioactive natural products, and sustainable nanotechnology.

Dr. Gianfranco Diretto is an Italian research scientist at the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), where he serves as Head of the GREEN Biotechnology Unit and Head of the Metabolomics Facility at the Casaccia Research Centre in Rome, Italy.

He obtained his degree in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Naples Federico II in 2002 and subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of L'Aquila. Dr. Diretto has undertaken research and training activities at several internationally recognized institutions in the USA, Germany, Slovenia, Spain, and France as visiting student/scientist. 

Since 2008, he has been a Research Scientist at ENEA, where his scientific activities focus on plant metabolism, genetic and metabolic engineering, plant biotechnology, and the characterization of bioactive compounds using advanced transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches. The final aim of his research is the investigation of plant specialised metabolism, with a particular focus on carotenoids and apocarotenoids to achieve varieties with superior nutritional and resilience-related traits, and to develop novel pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients using plant-based products.

He has contributed to numerous international research projects and scientific publications, and his work reflects the interdisciplinary integration of biotechnology, chemistry, plant biology, metabolomics, and sustainable innovation. Through his research, Dr. Diretto contributes to the development of innovative and sustainable approaches for the valorization of plant resources and bioactive molecules.

Prof. Mostafa Mabrouk is an Egyptian researcher and Associate Professor at the National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt. He is affiliated with the Department of Refractories, Ceramics and Building Materials, where his research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced biomaterials and nanomaterials.

Dr. Mabrouk obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Rennes 1, France, in 2014, through research conducted in the field of biomaterials. He subsequently strengthened his international research experience through postdoctoral research at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and academic research activities at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom.

His scientific research interests include bioactive glasses, ceramics, polymer–biomaterial composites, nanomaterials, tissue-engineering scaffolds, and controlled drug-delivery systems. His work has contributed to the development of innovative biomaterials for biomedical applications, including bone regeneration, antibacterial systems, and the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents.

Dr. Mabrouk has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications in the fields of biomaterials, nanotechnology, bioactive glasses, and biomedical engineering. His interdisciplinary research brings together chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications, contributing to the development of innovative materials for healthcare and sustainable scientific advancement.

Prof. Lakhdar Boukerrou is an internationally recognized expert in international development, environmental management, sustainability, and capacity building. He has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in academia, research, and the management of international development programs. He currently serves as Director of International Programs and Global Initiatives and Research Professor at Florida International University (FIU), USA, and is an Affiliate Faculty member in the African and African Diaspora Studies Program.

Prof. Boukerrou earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding from the University of Minnesota. Before joining FIU, he held research and leadership positions at Florida Atlantic University and previously directed one of Algeria's largest agricultural research centers. Throughout his career, he has combined scientific research with international cooperation to promote sustainable development and institutional capacity building.

He has successfully directed and managed numerous international projects funded by organizations such as USAID, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NASA, the World Bank, the United Nations, the Islamic Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). His work has focused on water resources management, environmental governance, climate change adaptation, agriculture, STEM education, and institutional strengthening across Africa, the Middle East, and other regions.

An active researcher and educator, Prof. Boukerrou has authored numerous scientific publications and has supervised and mentored students and young researchers from around the world. He has extensive experience designing international training programs and fostering partnerships between universities, governments, and international organizations.

In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Boukerrou is a Fulbright Specialist and currently serves as President of the Algerian American Association for Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship (AAASTE). His leadership continues to promote international scientific collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development through education, research, and global partnerships.

Prof. Zahia Kabouche , has completed her PhD (chemical science) in October 1992 at university of Rennes 1 (France). She is the director of a lab on natural products at university frères Mentouri Constantine 1 (Algeria). She’s a Teacher-Researcher (Research-Director) at university frères Mentouri Constantine 1, department of chemistry. She has published about 240 international papers in reputed journals and has presented over 30 plenary conferences These works are related to phytochemistry, pharmacology, food Chemistry and organic synthesis. Up to now, she has supervised 37 defended PhD theses. She has been awarded by Elsevier in November 2012 as the best Algerian Chemist and by Anasr.org for the best Algerian paper in chemistry for the year 2014 and by Scopus-DGRSDT in July 2018 for her works on natural products. She’s an expert and a member of different committees, related to research evaluation. In February 2023, she was awarded by the Arab Ligue as the distinguished woman in science and technology and was honored by the President of the republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune in March 2023 and by the Rector of university Mentouri- Constantine , in April 2024, for her top ranking at the university (AD scientist researchers). In March 2025, Zahia Kabouche has been promoted to the rank  of Emeritus Professor.