Laser Research Centre Team

PROF HEIDI ABRAHAMSE 

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences,​ University of Johannesburg​

E-mail: habrahamse@uj.ac.za 

Research Profile: https://pure.uj.ac.za/en/persons/heidi-abrahamse

Distinguished Professor Heidi Abrahamse has been the Director of the Laser Research Centre since 2007 and has held the DSI/NRF SARChi Chair in Laser Applications in Health in the faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg since 2015. As a NRF B-rated scientist with a Scopus H-index of 58 and 12 725 citations, her research is centered on Photodynamic therapy and Photobiomodulation, with a particular focus on cancer diagnosis and treatment, diabetic wound healing, and regenerative therapy. Her publication record is impressive with 359 peer reviewed accredited journal publications, 65 accredited full paper proceedings, 58 chapters and 2 books.  She has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, as evidenced by her inclusion in Stanford University’s prestigious Top 2% Scientists list for four consecutive years: 2020-2024. The expertise of Prof Abrahamse ranks in the top 0.0049% expertise in photosensiting agents worldwide. In her current role as Director of the Laser Research Centre, she leads a dynamic research team consisting of six staff members, four visiting professors, 12 postdoctoral fellows, 20 doctoral students, and 10 master’s students. Her extensive service on various Faculty, University, National, and International Committees and Boards, including the National Health Research Committee and the UJ Council, underscores her unwavering commitment to academia and research.  Prof. Abrahamse has received numerous national and international research awards, including being the first and only female to win the Distinguished Vice-Chancellor Award for Excellence in Research twice and the HERS Lifetime Achiever Award. In 2019 she received the International Photodynamic Association Humanitarian award recognize those who have made selfless efforts and personal sacrifices to enhance and promote the science of Photodynamic therapy and in 2022 she received the International Photodynamic Association for Basic PDT Research Excellence Award. She has been invited to deliver keynote and plenary talks at multiple international conferences. ​

PROF MICHAEL R HAMBLIN – Distinguished Visiting Professor

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg

hamblin.lab@gmail.com

Michael R Hamblin Ph.D. is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at University of Johannesburg. His research interests include photodynamic therapy, photobiomodulation, and drug delivery.  He has published over 850 peer-reviewed articles with an h-factor 176 and >125,000 citations. He is Editor-in-Chief of “Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery”. He has authored/edited 40 textbooks. Honors include Fellow of SPIE in 2011, 1st Endre Mester Lifetime Achievement from NAALT, Outstanding Career Award from the Dose Response Society, 1st Ali Javan Photobiomodulation Basic Science Research from WALT, Lifetime Achievement from European Medical Laser Association, President’s Choice Award from International Photodynamic Association and ESP Gold Medal.

PROF NICOLETTE HOURLED​

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences,​ University of Johannesburg​

nhoureld@uj.ac.za / https://pure.uj.ac.za/en/persons/nicolette-houreld

Prof. Nicolette Houreld is a Professor and the DST-NRF SARChI Deputy Chair-holder: Laser Applications in Health in the Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Prof Houreld has demonstrated dedication, innovation, and leadership in the field of biophotonics and photobiomodulation (PBM) over the last 28 years, making significant contributions that have advanced our understanding of the fundamental biological processes of PBM on diabetic wound healing. She currently coordinates the Wound Healing Research Niche within the LRC. Prof. Houreld is a NRF C1-rated researcher, and with a Scopus H-index of 35 and over 130 scholarly works, her research has gained widespread recognition from the scientific community. She is ranked #9 in Wound Healing by ScholarGPS and has been listed among the top 2% most-cited scientists in the Elsevier-Stanford University database for the last four years (2020-2024). She has supervised numerous postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows. Prof. Houreld is also involved in undergraduate teaching, where she lectures Medical Sciences (microbiology) to the Podiatry students. She plays an active leadership role in the academic and scientific community, serving as the President of the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT), Chair of the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee, and serves on the Senate Research Ethics Committee at the University of Johannesburg. She is also on the editorial board for the journal Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. She has delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences and delivered several plenary and keynote presentations. In 2022 she was awarded the UJ Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Outstanding Researcher of the Year.

PROF BLASSAN GEORGE​

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences,​ University of Johannesburg​

blassang@uj.ac.za / https://pure.uj.ac.za/en/persons/blassan-george

Prof Blassan George is a Professor at the Laser Research Centre (LRC) within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Prof. George’s primary research expertise lies in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT), with a specific focus on the development and application of natural photosensitisers for cancer treatment. He currently coordinates the Phyto-Photodynamic Therapy Research Niche within the LRC, promoting interdisciplinary and translational research in this emerging biomedical field. He has an extensive publication record, with over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles to his credit. His research impact is reflected in a Scopus h-index of 26. He is actively engaged in postgraduate supervision and mentorship, currently supervising two Master’s students, four PhD candidates, and two postdoctoral research fellows. To date, he has successfully supervised the completion of four doctoral dissertations, ten Master’s theses, and five BSc Honours research projects. In addition to his research responsibilities, Prof. George is involved in undergraduate teaching. He lectures in Cell Biology/Biochemistry to the Medical Laboratory Science students under the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Prof. George is an NRF Y1-rated researcher. He is an active member of the Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) within the Faculty of Health Sciences at UJ and serves on the NRF internal rating panel. He is also a member of Occupational Safety Committee. Prof. George was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Research Outputs Evaluation Sub-Panel for Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Republic of South Africa, for the 2025 evaluation cycle. He maintains active professional affiliations with several prestigious national and international scientific societies including fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.

PROF CHUKUKA ENWEMEKA (PH.D) – Visiting Professor

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg

Prof Chukuka S Enwemeka is Emeritus Professor and Director of Photomedicine Research Laboratory, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California, Emeritus Distinguished Professor and Emeritus Dean, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Professor Enwemeka served as Provost and Senior Vice President of SDSU and is the Founding President/Vice Chancellor of James Hope University, Lagos, Nigeria. He is also appointed as a visiting Professor in the Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences at the Univer sity of Johannesburg. He earned his Ph.D. from New York University, and is a Fellow of both the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He is a past President of the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT) and a F ounder and P ioneer C hairman of the North American Association for Laser Therapy ( NAALT). Prof. Enwemeka is the author of more than 100 research and professional publications with a Scopus h index of 34 and holds four US and international patents on photo-eradication of microorganism with blue light. As an international figure his academic engagements have taken him to more than 40 countries. Selected media coverage of his works includes reports by Reuters, CBS News, United Press International (UPI), Entrepreneur, Photonics, Forbes, Fox Business News, Science Daily News, WebMD, The Nigerian Guardian, Gulf News, Daily India, and interviews by CNBC, PBS, NABNTV, Peer Interviews, Nice France

DR SATHISH SUNDAR DHILIP KUMAR​

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences,​ University of Johannesburg ​

sathishd@uj.ac.za

Dr Sathish Sundar Dhilip Kumar is an NRF C2-rated researcher and academic specializing in nanobiotechnology. Currently, he is working as a senior lecturer and researcher at the Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr Dhilip Kumar research focuses on the innovative application of nanobiomaterials in photobiomodulation therapy for wound healing, and photodynamic therapy for cancer. Dr. Dhilip Kumar has made significant contributions to both research and academia, with a robust portfolio of publications in international peer-reviewed journals (h-index of 21, i10 index 28, and >1950 citations) and presentations at numerous prestigious conferences. He is recognized for his exceptional skills in research and teaching, exemplified by his commitment to fostering academic excellence. Dr. Dhilip Kumar’s dedication to advancing the field is further demonstrated through active involvement in professional organizations, including the Royal Society of Biology, American Chemical Society, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), and the International Association of Advanced Materials. Dr. Dhilip Kumar has been an active member of the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, since 2022. Dr. Dhilip Kumar’s work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG #3: Good Health and Well-being, #4: Quality Education, #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and #17: Partnerships for Goals). Dr. Dhilip Kumar was recognized for his leadership potential, earning distinction in the Emerging Leader 2023 – Leadership Development Program (UJ, six-month program) and awarded for the U21 Programme for Mid-Career Researchers (four-week program in partnership with Common Purpose, Universitas21).

PROF ANINE CROUS​

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences,​ University of Johannesburg ​

acrous@uj.ac.za

Prof Anine Crous is an Associate Professor and NRF Y-rated researcher at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, where she is based at the Laser Research Centre and the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her research specializes in photobiomodulation (PBM), stem cell biology, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Prof. Crous has authored over 30 scholarly works, including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Her research impact is demonstrated by an h-index of 10 on Scopus and 11 on Google Scholar. She has supervised numerous honours students and currently mentors master’s and PhD candidates, as well as postdoctoral research fellows. A dedicated educator, she lectures Immunology 1 and integrates constructivist learning strategies into her teaching. She plays an active leadership role in the academic and scientific community, serving as Chair of the OPTICA Technical Group on Therapeutic Laser Applications, Membership Director of the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), and as a member of the Faculty Board and Higher Degrees Committee at the University of Johannesburg. Prof. Crous has secured competitive research funding from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the National Research Foundation (NRF) Thuthuka Programme, the African Laser Centre, and institutional grants from the University of Johannesburg. She has delivered presentations at over 15 national and international conferences and served as a guest editor for leading international journals. Recognized for her leadership and mentorship, she was selected for the DSI/THENSA Supervisor Enhancement Programme, the U21 Programme for Mid-Career Researchers, and nominated for a national Research Leadership Programme. Through her research, teaching, and academic service, Prof. Crous remains committed to advancing therapeutic laser science and mentoring the next generation of biomedical researchers.

PROF VANDERLEI S BAGNATO – Distinguished Visiting Professor

IFSC -University of Sao Paulo – Brazil

BMEN- Texas A&M University – USA

LRC University of Johannesburg, South Africa

vander@ifsc.usp.br

PhD from MIT (1987). Double major in Material Science Engineering (Universidade Federal de São Carlos – Brasil – 1981) and Physics (Universidade de São Paulo – Brasil – 1981). Received the title of  “Livre – Docente” by the University of São Paulo (1989) and Full Professor by the University of São Paulo (1993). Recently has also joined the Texas A&M University in Biomedical Engineering.  His activities are based on laser cooling, trapping of neutral atoms, and applications of optics and laser to health science. Has published over 800 paper and has supervised more than 130 graduate students.  Members of: National Academy of Science NAS – (USA), Pontifical Academy of Science (Vaticano), TWAS, Brazilian Academy of Science (ABC), and Latin America Academy of Science (ACAL).

PROF ARUN MAIYA – Visiting Professor

Professor & Dean, Centre for podiatry & diabetic footcare research, Physiotherapy, MCHP MAHE Deemed University, Manipal, India

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg arun.maiya@manipal.edu, ajmaiya@gmail.com

Number of peer reviewed accredited publications: 197, H Index: 35

Published 03 Patent, and 10 copy rights. 26 PhD scholars were awarded PhD under the guidance and 08 are pursuing PhD. President: Undergraduate Regulation and Accreditation, Karnataka State Commission for Allied and Healthcare Commission, Karnataka Visiting Professor: Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa  and Director: Maiya’s Healthcare Innovation PVT Ltd. Short Term fellowship on Low Level Laser in Oral Mucositis at Anti Pollis University France 2004. Expert member in consensus meeting on “ICF Core Sets For Head and Neck Cancer” a joint project between Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Germany and World health Organization at Notwil, Switzerland.

PROF LOTHAR LILGE – Visiting Professor

University Health Network  and University of Toronto

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg

Lothar.Lilge@utoronto.ca

Prof Lothar Lilge,  Senior Scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto and Professor at the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Canada.  Prof Lilge earned a Master of Science in Physics and a PhD in Bio-Physics from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University (FRG) and Westfälische Wilhelms Universität (FRG) in 1987 and 1992. He served as a post-doctoral researcher at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, before becoming a scientist, manager, and director at the Ontario Cancer Institute. Prof Lilge has served and continues to serve on a number of national and international professional bodies and committees. Board of Directors of the “Ontario Photonics Technology Industry Cluster,” reviewer for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, member of the NSERC/ISTC Global Partnership Grant Selection Committee, ad hoc member of the NIH Nano Panel, chair of the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, and the Canadian Prostate Cancer Grant Selection Committee, among many others. Prof Lilge serves on the Editorial Board and as a guest editor for a number of peer-reviewed international journals, including the Journal of Biomedical Optics, the Journal of Translational Biophotonics, the Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, and Photodiagnostic and Photodynamic Therapy. He serves as an industry scientific consultant to Walsh Medical Inc., Oakville, Canada, Cytotelesis, Toronto, Ondine Biomedical Inc., Vancouver, and CleanslateUV, Toronto, on various preclinical investigations and prototype development. Prof Lilge organised numerous international biophotonics conferences, including the International Photodynamic Association (IPA) 2023 confernce in Finalnd.  He has received several grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. He holds 11 patents and has over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, 10 book chapters, three books, and 146 presentations and special lectures with published proceedings.

DR SULAIMAN CHERUTHAZHAKKAT – Visiting Researcher

Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, India

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

sulaimanct@aryvaidyasala.com

Dr Sulaiman C T is serving as Senior Scientist & Head of the Phytochemistry Division of Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, India. The main focus areas of research are phytochemical characterization of medicinal plants, scientific validation of traditional knowledge and drug development for specific disease conditions. His research contributions are evidenced by more than 70 research articles in various international journals. He has delivered many lead lectures in more than 40 national and international Conferences and serving as Visiting Researcher at Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg. He is the recipient of Young Scientist award 2018 instituted by Government of Kerala, Dr P D Sethi memorial National award 2020, Young Scientist award 2024 instituted by Society for Plant Research and Life time achievement award conferred at 8th Global Summit on Medicinal and Aromatic plants-2023, Bangkok, Thailand.

DR SAJAN GEORGE – Visiting Researcher

School of Bio Sciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, India.

Laser Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

georgesajan@hotmail.com

Dr. Sajan George did his doctoral research in the LRC, UJ under the supervision of Prof. Heidi Abrahamse. His project differentiated stem cells into neuron-like cells using the near infrared laser. Dr. George had identified the biological role of antibiotics as growth promoters in weanling piglets. He had conducted preclinical trials of Malassezia sp. with anti-fungal drugs in house-hold dogs. He had established an ‘Integrated Farming System’ with agronomy & animals for teaching & research in the Vellore Institute of Technology, India. Dr. George manages the laboratory animal facilities (vivarium) of Vellore Institute of Technology and Schieffelin Institute of Health Research, India. He generates surgical models of kidney fibrosis in rodents, bone and tissue implants in rodents and rabbits for testing drugs and small molecules as a part of student research projects.