Engineer Cephas Mawere, the Chairperson of the Department of Biotechnology at the Harare Institute of Technology, made a remarkable mark on the global scientific community after being recognised as the Best Oral Presenter at the prestigious combined Asian Regional Conference on Systems Biology and International Conference on Natural Product Research (ARCSB2025 x ICNP 2025), held at the elegant Bangi Resort Hotel in Selangor, Malaysia.
Themed “Innovative Life Sciences for Sustainable Development,” the conference convened leading researchers and innovators from around the world to explore groundbreaking advances in systems biology and natural product research. Amidst a sea of brilliant minds, Engineer Mawere stood out through his innovative approach and compelling presentation.
He delivered an insightful oral presentation titled “In Silico Analysis of Lippia javanica as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Variants.” His research harnessed the power of computational biology to explore natural compounds derived from the medicinal plant, Lippia javanica, focusing on their ability to inhibit key proteins in the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus variants. This approach exemplifies a fusion of traditional medicinal knowledge with cutting-edge digital techniques, offering a promising pathway for safer and more effective COVID-19 therapeutics.
What set Engineer Mawere’s work apart was its emphasis on innovation and practicality. The project focuses on a natural product, instead of relying solely on synthetic chemicals. His research turned to a well-known medicinal plant, tapping into nature’s own pharmacy for potential solutions. Utilising molecular docking and dynamics simulations, he rapidly screened numerous compounds, demonstrating how in silico methods can accelerate drug discovery, especially vital during a global pandemic. His study was tailored to address the challenge of viral mutations, aiming to identify inhibitors that could remain effective against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The culmination of Engineer Mawere’s efforts was recognised with the highest accolade at the conference, the Prize for the Best Oral Presenter. His achievement not only highlights his scientific prowess but also underscores the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology to tackle pressing health crises.
Reflecting on his success, Engineer Cephas Mawere expressed gratitude and enthusiasm, stating, “This recognition affirms the importance of innovative, nature-inspired solutions in global health. I am honoured to contribute to this vital field and look forward to furthering this research.”
Engineer Mawere’s accomplishment at ARCSB2025 exemplifies the impactful role of dedicated scientists in shaping a sustainable and healthier future through science and innovation.
