Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko Mbeje | Obesity | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Northwest University, South Africa

Prof. Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje is a South African biochemist and Head of Department at North-West University. With a PhD in Biochemistry (2014), she has authored 91 research articles 📚 and holds an NRF-C rating. Her international experience includes a postdoc at Helmholtz Zentrum, Germany 🇩🇪, and a visiting professorship in Italy 🇮🇹. She has supervised 30+ postgraduate students 🎓 and received numerous grants and fellowships 💰. With a Scopus h-index of 27 and 2,256+ citations, her research impacts diabetes and obesity science. Prof. Mazibuko-Mbeje is a passionate mentor, educator, and community outreach advocate

Publication Profile

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🧪 Professional Journey

Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje has built an exceptional career in biochemistry, currently serving as Professor and Head of Department at North-West University (2024–present) 🏫. She was Associate Professor there from 2020–2023 and held multiple research roles at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) 🧬, rising from Scientist (2011) to Specialist Scientist (2019). She also lectured at Stellenbosch University (2018–2019) and conducted postdoctoral research at Helmholtz Zentrum in Germany (2015–2017) 🇩🇪. In 2022–2023, she served as Visiting Professor at the Polytechnic University of the Marches in Italy 🇮🇹, reflecting her global academic engagement

🎓 Academic Background

Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje has an impressive academic foundation rooted in biochemistry, all earned from the University of Zululand 🇿🇦. She obtained her PhD in Biochemistry in 2014 🧪, following her MSc in Biochemistry in 2011 🧫. Prior to that, she completed her BSc Honours in 2009 🎓 and her BSc in Biochemistry in 2006 📘. This consistent academic progression highlights her deep commitment to scientific excellence and research, laying the groundwork for her impactful career in both academia and biomedical research

📜 Certified Professional Development

Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje has enriched her leadership and management expertise through several certified programs 🧠. She completed the Manager’s Development Programme (MDP) at Stellenbosch University in 2019 🏫, following the New Managers Development Programme (NMDP) at the same institution in 2018 📊. Earlier, during her postdoctoral tenure, she undertook the “Enhancing Leadership Impact, Management and Work Organisation” course at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany (2015–2017) 🇩🇪. These certifications underscore her dedication to leadership excellence, effective administration, and organizational development, equipping her with vital skills for academic and scientific leadership roles

📚 Teaching & Research Supervision

Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje is a dedicated educator and research mentor at North-West University 🎓. Since 2020, she has lectured large undergraduate classes in Biology 1 & 2 and Introduction to Biochemistry (~200 students) 🧪. She has also taught Molecular Biology to third-year students (~60 students) and Biochemistry Techniques to Honours students (~10 students) 🧬. Her commitment to academic mentorship is evident in her supervision of 11 completed Honours, 9 completed Master’s, and 4 completed PhD students. Currently, she supervises 1 Honours, 2 Master’s, and 5 PhD students, fostering future leaders in science

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje’s research centers on metabolic disorders, especially type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 🧬. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, identifying nutraceuticals such as gallic acid, rutin, curcumin, and N-acetyl cysteine as potential therapeutic agents 🌿💊. With a strong focus on cell signaling pathways, adipokine regulation, and mitochondrial function, her publications aim to uncover natural compounds that improve metabolic health 🔥. Her collaborative studies are widely cited, reflecting her impactful contribution to biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences across global platforms

Conclusion

Prof. Sithandiwe E. Mazibuko-Mbeje exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—including scientific excellence, leadership, mentorship, global collaboration, and community service. Her academic credentials, research achievements, mentorship impact, and sustained funding make her an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes

📘 Inflammation and oxidative stress in an obese state and the protective effects of gallic acid – 265 citations (2018)
📘 Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes: Implications of inflammation and oxidative stress – 163 citations (2023)
📘 Rutin ameliorates inflammation and improves metabolic function: A comprehensive analysis of scientific literature – 133 citations (2022)
📘 A systematic review on the functional role of Th1/Th2 cytokines in type 2 diabetes and related metabolic complications – 88 citations (2020)
📘 Isoorientin: A dietary flavone with the potential to ameliorate diverse metabolic complications – 82 citations (2020)
📘 Aspalathin-enriched green rooibos extract reduces hepatic insulin resistance by modulating PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathways – 80 citations (2019)
📘 Curcumin supplementation improves biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in conditions of obesity, type 2 diabetes and NAFLD – 75 citations (2021)
📘 Detrimental effects of lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetes: Exploring the neutralizing influence of antioxidants – 65 citations (2022)
📘 N-acetyl cysteine targets hepatic lipid accumulation to curb oxidative stress and inflammation in NAFLD – 65 citations (2020)
📘 A Review on the Antidiabetic Properties of Moringa oleifera Extracts – 64 citations (2022)
📘 An insight into brown/beige adipose tissue whitening, a metabolic complication of obesity – 62 citations (2023)
📘 The beneficial effects of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against obesity associated complications – 60 citations (2019)
📘 Drug‐induced liver injury: clinical evidence of N‐acetyl cysteine protective effects – 59 citations (2021)
📘 Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves adipokine levels and alleviates inflammation and lipid peroxidation – 59 citations (2020)