Louiza Hime | Food technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Louiza Hime | Food technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Louiza Hime | Food technology | Best Researcher Award

Inataa Uiversity constantine, Algeria

Profile

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đŸ‘©â€đŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Louiza Himed embarked on her academic journey in the field of Food Science, culminating in the attainment of her Habilitation Universitaire, a prestigious qualification highlighting her scholarly independence and advanced expertise. Her academic progression has been strongly aligned with applied research in food technology and biotechnology, demonstrating a clear vision for enhancing food safety and innovation in nutritional sciences.

đŸ§‘â€đŸ« Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Maßtre de Conférences A (MCA) at INATAA - Université FrÚres Mentouri Constantine, Dr. Himed holds a dual role as both a researcher and academic instructor. Her contributions as an enseignant-chercheur reflect her dedication to both scientific exploration and the academic formation of the next generation of food technologists and biotechnologists.

🔬 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Himed’s research is primarily focused on Food Technology and Food Biotechnology, with a notable emphasis on the bioactive properties of essential oils and their application in food preservation and functional food development. Over the past five years, she has contributed significantly to understanding the chemical composition and encapsulation of essential oils, especially Citrus limon (lemon) essential oil, examining its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

📄 Notable Publications (2018–2021):

  1. Chemical composition and bioactivity of Citrus limon essential oil – African Journal of Biotechnology, 2018.

  2. Encapsulation of lemon essential oil in amorphous SiO₂ – Scientific African, 2019.

  3. Antifungal preservation of tomato concentrate using lemon essential oil – African J. of Food, Agri, Nutr and Dev, 2020.

  4. Use of encapsulated essential oils in margarine as natural antioxidants – Plant Cell Biotechnol. Mol. Biol., 2021.

These works highlight her interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, microbiology, and nanotechnology for food preservation and health improvement.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Himed’s research contributes to sustainable food systems by promoting natural preservatives and green technologies in food processing. Her collaboration with international researchers (e.g., Joaquín Coronas, Rebeca Monteagudo-Olivan) demonstrates the global reach and collaborative nature of her scientific inquiries. Her work supports innovation in the North African agri-food sector and addresses global health and food safety challenges.

📚 Teaching Experience

As an experienced academic, Dr. Himed has significantly contributed to teaching and curriculum development in food science. She mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students in food technology, biotechnology, and applied research methods, fostering critical thinking and hands-on scientific skills. Her role strengthens the academic quality of INATAA and ensures continuity of expertise in Algeria's food sciences education.

🧠 Technical Skills

Dr. Himed possesses a robust set of analytical and laboratory competencies, including:

  • Essential oil extraction and characterization

  • Encapsulation techniques (e.g., amorphous SiO₂)

  • Antioxidant and antibacterial assays

  • Food preservation technology
    Her integration of biotechnology with traditional food processing places her at the cutting edge of food research in the region.

📈 Academic Citations & Recognition

While specific citation metrics are not listed, Dr. Himed's consistent publication in peer-reviewed journals indicates a recognized and growing influence in the fields of food biotechnology and preservation. Her interdisciplinary studies contribute to both applied science and public health innovation.

đŸŒ± Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Himed is positioned to continue advancing natural preservation systems in food production, especially relevant in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture. Her future projects are likely to explore biodegradable encapsulation materials, synergistic bioactive compounds, and cross-border collaborations to elevate Algerian food science on the global stage.

📚 Selected Publications

  1. Antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Citrus limon before and after its encapsulation in amorphous SiO₂
    Authors: L. Himed, S. Merniz, R. Monteagudo-Olivan, M. Barkat, J. Coronas
    Journal: Scientific African
    Year: 2019

  2. Chemical composition of Citrus limon (Eureka variety) essential oil and evaluation of its antioxidant and antibacterial activities
    Authors: H. Louiza, M. Salah, B. Malika
    Journal: African Journal of Biotechnology
    Year: 2018

  3. Evaluation of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Citrus limon essential oil and its application in margarine preservation
    Authors: L. Himed, S. Merniz, M. Barkat
    Journal: J. Nat. Product
    Year: 2016

  4. Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Citrus limon Peel Essential Oils and their Application as a Natural Preservative in Fresh Cream
    Authors: F. Kehal, L. Chemache, L. Himed, M. Barkat
    Journal: Acta Universitatis Cibinensis, Series E: Food Technology
    Year: 2023

  5. Élaboration d’une nouvelle margarine additionnĂ©e des huiles essentielles de Citrus limon
    Authors: L. Himed, M. Barkat
    Journal: OCL
    Year: 2014

Prof. EstefanĂ­a GarcĂ­a-Luque | Agricultural and biological sciences | Women Researcher Award

Prof. EstefanĂ­a GarcĂ­a-Luque | Agricultural and biological sciences | Women Researcher Award

EVEGA/Granxa D’Outeiro, Spain.

EstefanĂ­a GarcĂ­a Luque is a passionate molecular biologist, researcher, and scientific disseminator. She has focused her research on the application of molecular techniques to study genetic diversity, biotechnology in the food industry, and biodiversity conservation. EstefanĂ­a has worked with prestigious institutions like the University of Malaga and the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency. As a founder and CEO of GrowMeat, an innovative startup focused on sustainable lab-grown meat production, she is committed to advancing science for a sustainable future.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Estefanía holds a Degree in Biology and a Master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Malaga, where she completed her Master's Thesis on tumor cell lines of the NCI-60 panel. She further expanded her expertise with a Master’s in Biological Diversity and Environment, focusing on genetic diversity through molecular techniques.

Experience đŸ’Œ

Estefanía García Luque has made significant contributions through her diverse roles in the scientific community. As a Researcher at EVEGA (Galician Viticulture and Enology Station), she collaborated with the company Granxa D'Outeiro to identify and isolate autochthonous yeasts, aiming to enhance the production of unique wines that reflect the local terroir. As the Founder and CEO of GrowMeat, she leads an innovative startup dedicated to producing lab-grown meat, providing a more sustainable and efficient food source. Estefanía also contributes to environmental sustainability through her work as a Researcher at the University of Malaga’s SmartCampus Project, where she helps bring the university's scientific initiatives to the public. Furthermore, as an International Collaborator at the Galapagos Biosecurity and Quarantine Agency (ABG), she has been involved in biodiversity conservation efforts, utilizing molecular techniques to identify invasive species that pose a threat to the delicate ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands.

Research Interests 🔬

Molecular Biology

Estefanía’s work in molecular biology focuses on the application of advanced techniques to understand the underlying mechanisms in living organisms, particularly in the context of genetic diversity and environmental adaptation.

Genetic Diversity

Her research explores the vast diversity within species, studying how genetic variations contribute to the survival and resilience of organisms in changing environments. This work has important implications for biodiversity conservation and agricultural applications.

Biotechnology

EstefanĂ­a is committed to leveraging biotechnology to develop solutions for a wide range of industries, including food production, health, and environmental management. Her focus is on using molecular techniques to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of biotechnological processes.

Biodiversity Conservation

As a strong advocate for biodiversity, EstefanĂ­a contributes to conservation efforts through innovative research. She has worked on projects such as the identification of invasive species in the Galapagos Islands, aiming to protect the unique ecosystems there.

Food Biotechnology

Estefanía’s interest in food biotechnology focuses on developing sustainable and efficient food production methods, such as lab-grown meat, which offer solutions to global food security and environmental challenges by reducing reliance on traditional farming practices.

Awards 🏆

SpinOff 2023 Award for her startup GrowMeat.

First Prize in Flash Session Hackathon for innovative projects.

Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship Bootcamp at the University of California.

International Cooperation Scholarship for her work in the Galapagos Islands.

Publications 📚

"Using Active Learning Methodologies to Teach Sequence Analysis and Molecular Phylogeny"

Journal: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education

Published: 2025, 53(1), pp. 21–32

"Diversity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Strains in Granxa D’Outeiro Winery (DOP Ribeiro, NW Spain): Oenological Potential"

Journal: Fermentation

Published: 2024, 10(9), 475