Prof Dr Shabana Simjee | Neuropharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan

Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee is a distinguished Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Pakistan. With a specialization in biochemistry and neuroscience, she has made significant contributions to the fields of neuropharmacology and molecular medicine. Dr. Simjee has served as a visiting scholar in Canada and worked in various academic and research roles. She has been instrumental in the development of novel therapeutic agents, particularly in the areas of epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. She holds numerous patents and has published extensively in high-impact journals. Dr. Simjee is actively involved in the academic community as a member of several scientific societies and editorial boards.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Academic and Research Background:
   • Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee is a Professor at the prestigious International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, a globally recognized institution.
   • She has held numerous prominent positions such as Visiting Professor and Visiting Scholar at international institutions like St. Michael’s Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, showcasing her global influence in her research area.
2. Diverse and High-Impact Research Areas:
   • Dr. Simjee’s research primarily focuses on neuroprotective and neuroregenerative therapies, especially in relation to epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and stroke. She has been involved in pioneering work that has led to significant contributions in areas like neurogenesis and neuropharmacology.
   • Her work on novel drug candidates for treating epilepsy and cancer is innovative, particularly her research into anticancer molecules and the development of therapies for chronic pain and epileptogenesis.
   • Her research also includes work on natural products for therapeutic applications, a highly valuable area that bridges traditional medicine with modern scientific advancements.
3. Leadership and Contribution to Scientific Communities:
   • Dr. Simjee is an active member of various international scientific societies like the Society for Neuroscience, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and European Society for Neurochemistry, emphasizing her international recognition in the neuroscience and pharmacology domains.
   • She has been involved in editorial boards of notable journals, including the Mediterranean Journal of Biosciences and the Journal of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, further solidifying her credibility in the scientific community.
4. Significant Patents and Publications:
   • Dr. Simjee holds several patents for her work on novel pharmaceutical compositions and anticancer peptides, with patents granted in the United States and China. This shows her contribution not only in research but also in practical, applied science.
   • She has contributed to high-impact publications, with research articles being published in reputed journals like Brain Research, Journal of Molecular Liquids, and Colloid and Polymer Science.
5. Research Grants and Funding:
   • Dr. Simjee has successfully secured multiple research grants, including projects funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and other international bodies. This illustrates her ability to attract funding for her high-impact research, further underlining her competence and leadership in scientific endeavors.
6. Recognition and Honors:
   • She has received multiple travel awards to attend global conferences, showcasing her visibility and recognition in the scientific community. Additionally, she has been awarded merit-based scholarships and research studentships during her career, reflecting her academic excellence.

Areas for Improvement

1. Interdisciplinary Collaborations:
   • While Dr. Simjee’s expertise in neuropharmacology and natural products is robust, expanding collaborations with other interdisciplinary fields (e.g., bioinformatics, artificial intelligence in drug discovery) could further enhance the scope and depth of her research.
2. Global Outreach:
   • Though Dr. Simjee has worked internationally, there is an opportunity for even greater global outreach in terms of collaborative projects, especially with pharmaceutical companies or clinical research organizations to translate her research into real-world applications more rapidly.
3. Public Engagement and Science Communication:
   • Dr. Simjee could increase her involvement in public science outreach to promote her research and raise awareness about the importance of neuroprotective therapies, particularly in developing countries where these treatments may be underrepresented.
   • Enhancing publications in open-access journals or platforms that encourage more widespread dissemination could help improve the accessibility of her work to a broader audience.

Education

Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Karachi, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field. She completed her graduate research assistantship at Florida International University, USA, where she worked in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences. She pursued her advanced studies with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, focusing on neuroscience and pharmacology. Dr. Simjee furthered her academic career through postdoctoral fellowships and visiting scholar programs at prominent institutions such as St. Michael’s Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. Her interdisciplinary training spans molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology, allowing her to contribute to a wide range of research in neurochemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Experience

Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee has had a diverse and impactful academic career. She is currently a Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan, where she leads cutting-edge research projects. She has served as a Visiting Professor in Transfusion Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, and as a Visiting Scholar at The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada. Her early career includes an Assistant Professor role at Baqai Medical University and a Graduate Research Assistant position at Florida International University. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Simjee has contributed to various institutional committees, such as the Institutional Biosafety Committee, Independent Ethics Committee, and Animal Care and Use Committee. Her multidisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, pharmacology, and neuroscience has enabled her to guide significant research in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and cancer.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was awarded travel grants to attend prestigious international conferences, including the SPS Annual Meeting (2018) and the 11th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress (2016). She received the XXth Star Award (2009) from South Asia Publications and the ISN Travel Award (2009) from the International Society for Neurochemistry. Her academic achievements earned her the University Research Studentship Awards and Overseas Research Studentships (UK), which supported her studies at the University of Manchester. Dr. Simjee also received the Merit Certificates from the University of Karachi. Recognized for her contributions to the scientific community, she was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society. Her commitment to advancing scientific research is reflected in these prestigious awards, which highlight her exceptional academic and professional accomplishments.

Research Focus

Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee’s research primarily focuses on the development of therapeutic agents for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic pain. Her work aims to identify novel compounds from natural products that possess neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. She has pioneered research into neurotrophic factors like BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and c-fos expression in animal models of epileptogenesis, with potential applications for anti-epileptogenic therapies. Additionally, her research includes the development of controlled-release drug delivery systems using nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of anti-epileptic and anticancer drugs. Dr. Simjee’s work also spans cancer therapy, with a focus on the discovery of new anticancer molecules from natural products. Through her research, she seeks to provide innovative solutions for chronic disease management, particularly targeting the central nervous system and cancer therapies.

Publication Top Notes

1. Synthesis of novel organophosphonate Schiff bases: Niaz, M., Abdellattif, M.H., Al-Harrasi, A., Simjee, S. U. 💡🧪
2. Quinic acid contributes to neurogenesis: Niaz, M., Iftikhar, K., Shahid, M., Faizi, S., Simjee, S. U. 🧠🌿
3. Hippocampal neurogenesis modulated by Quinic acid: Iftikhar, K., Niaz, M., Shahid, M., Faizi, S., Simjee, S. U. 🧬💊
4. Development of palmitoyl-modified curcumin-loaded niosomal vesicles: Rehman, K., Kanwal, T., Shuja, A.A., Simjee, S. U., Shah, M.R. 🧪💡
5. Synthesis of phthalimide-based niosomes: Muhammad Habib, S., Imran, M., Kawish, M., Simjee, S. U., Raza Shah, M. 🔬💉
6. Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Amphiphilic Peptide: Karim, H., Rehman, K., Khan, S.N., Simjee, S. U., Shaheen, F. 🧬🧪
7. Antiseizure Activity of Mitragyna inermis in Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure Model: Ouédraogo, R.J., Jamal, M., Ouattara, L., Simjee, S.U. ⚡💊
8. Modulation of Apoptotic and Akt/PI3K/mTOR pathways in Glioblastoma Cells: Saad, S., Hanif, F., Simjee, S. U., Khan, L., Ashfaque, A. 🧠🔬
9. Neurogenin-2 induced neuronal differentiation: Majeed, S., Aziz, A., Iftikhar, K., Simjee, S. U. 🧠🔬
10. Nicotinic acid modulates microglial TREM-2 gene in Alzheimer’s disease: Amir, A., Shahid, M., Farooq Khan, S., Simjee, S. U. 🧠🧬

Conclusion

Dr. Shabana Usman Simjee is a highly accomplished researcher with a robust academic and research profile. Her work in neuropharmacology, particularly in epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases, places her as a leading figure in the field. The combination of patents, publications, and research grants she has secured demonstrates her significant contribution to the scientific community. Additionally, her active role in scientific societies and editorial boards reflects her leadership. For the Best Researcher Award, Dr. Simjee’s consistent contributions to innovative drug development and neuroprotective therapies, alongside her sustained international engagement and recognition, make her an exemplary candidate. With a bit more focus on interdisciplinary collaborations and global outreach, her impact on both scientific advancement and societal benefit could become even more pronounced.