Mona El-Sherbini, MD, is an accomplished medical doctor and Associate Professor of Medical Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. She is the visionary founder and director of the Narrative Medicine and Planetary Health course at the Integrated Program of Kasr Al-Ainy (IPKA), Cairo University, where she passionately integrates medicine with humanities, the arts, and culture while advancing planetary health education and awareness. She is also a planetary health researcher and an invited faculty member at the Nova Institute for Health in the USA. She serves as a guest editor at the International Multidisciplinary Challenges Journal, MDPI. Mona’s proactive leadership in the grassroots initiative of the Mentoring Research Network (MRN), highlight her commitment to fostering meaningful change. She has participated in more than 20 peer-reviewed research articles and international conference talks dedicated to advancing human and planetary health. Throughout her work, she strives to cultivate a holistic approach towards a positive shared future for all. Her foundational principle, “Embrace holism with a focus on pedagogy before technology and humanity before science,” continues to inspire her vision and her passionate mentorship endeavours, toward her colleagues and students alike.

1. To analyze the role of carbohydrates in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders.

2. To discuss how carbohydrate consumption intersects with planetary health, food systems, and sustainability.

3. To highlight evidence-based strategies for promoting “carbohydrate intelligence” in nutrition education and public health.

4. To explore traditional dietary approaches across East and West Africa that harmonize human health with environmental goals in curbing the rising NCDs burden in Africa.

5. To engage healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators in actionable discussions for sustainable health solutions with Planetary health in mind.

Dr Alice Ojwang holds a PhD in Science with Dietetics from North-West University, South Africa. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the Management, prevention and control (MAPC) of obesity and related risk factors. She was instrumental in shaping the dietetic profession in Kenya. Alice is very passionate about dietary intake and health.

With a Doctoral degree in Dietetics, her areas of research and health promotion focus include dietary intake in MAPC of Obesity, Hypertension, High Cholesterol and Type 2 Diabetes. 

She is the Academic Team Lead at the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi-Kenya. In addition, she is a Lecturer, Practitioner, Researcher & Mentor. Currently using digital platform to impact the health of large populations in Kenya and across Africa.

She is a sports fanatic and has a healthy, active lifestyle full of interesting hobbies and more. 

“Taking drugs without eating healthy is like washing hands and drying them in the dirt”, Anonymous

Percival Delali Agordoh is a Lecturer at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana. He is a registered dietitian-nutritionist with a deep passion for research in indigenous foods and food systems, nutrition in infectious diseases (malaria and HIV), food environment research, implementation science, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

His growing interest in planetary health and climate research focuses on how these factors influence the nutrition and well-being of marginalized, vulnerable, and traditional communities. Percival was the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the recently concluded 9th Africa Nutrition Conference held in Cape Coast, Ghana.

In addition to his academic pursuits, he is the immediate past Vice President of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a former President of the Ghana Dietetics Association. Percival holds a Master's degree in Dietetics and a PhD in Public Health. He is also pursuing a second PhD in Dietetics at the University of Ghana.

1. Explore the Role of Vaccinology in Combating AMR: Examine how vaccines can prevent infections and reduce the need for antibiotics, which in turn helps mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

2. Understand the One Health Approach: Highlight how an integrated One Health approach—linking human, animal, and environmental health—can be leveraged to reduce the emergence of resistant pathogens.

3. Discuss Current Research and Innovations: Share cutting-edge research and developments in vaccinology that contribute to curbing AMR and improving global health.

4. Provide a Platform for Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue: Foster discussions among researchers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to explore collaborative efforts in tackling AMR from various scientific perspectives.

5. Raise Awareness about AMR in Africa: Focus on the importance of addressing AMR in Africa, where the burden is high and there are unique challenges related to health systems, vaccination programs, and antibiotic use.

Iyiola Oladunjoye is a microbiologist with a first-class bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the University of Ilorin. He also holds a master's degree in Vaccinology, which he obtained through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus scholarship program, studying across multiple European universities.

Iyiola has received the esteemed 2024 ASM Young Ambassador Excellence Award and the 2023 Diana Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to microbial sciences and his advocacy against antimicrobial resistance.

As the ASM Young Ambassador to Nigeria between 2021 and 2023, Iyiola organized professional development workshops and played a pivotal role in establishing ASM Student Chapters. His efforts empowered the next generation of microbiologists and promoted vaccine-based solutions to combat global infectious diseases within the One Health framework.

Samuel Abimbola is a passionate, goal-oriented PhD student in the field of Environmental Health at the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, where he also obtained his Master of Public Health (MPH).

Prior to this, he completed a bachelor's program in Zoology at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Samuel is a public health enthusiast with a keen interest in environmental and occupational health epidemiology, exposome science, and planetary health.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Samuel loves country music and animals. He is also an avid reader, spending his free time exploring various subjects when he’s not conducting research.

1. Overview of Ayurveda's Principles in Environmental and Human Health. 

2. Explore real-world applications of Ayurveda and Indigenous practices to solve local environmental challenges (e.g., reforestation, water management) and the world’s largest digital medicinal plants library. 

3. Discuss how traditional medicine and knowledge systems can influence global climate policy.

4. Reflect on integrating these practices into the community and personal lives to enhance sustainability and well-being.

Mr. Gokul Rajendran is a passionate Ayurvedic medical student from India and an inspiring leader. Joining the Mentoring Research Network (MRN) in December 2023, Gokul is dedicated to advancing Ayurvedic medicine and preserving traditional knowledge. One of his key achievements is developing the largest global digital library of medicinal plants, aiming to safeguard ancient wisdom and protect vital medicinal species threatened by climate change.

In addition to his contributions to Ayurveda, Gokul has showcased exceptional leadership on the global stage. He was invited to the UN Ocean Conference 2022, spoke at the Open Health Innovation Summer School, and represented youth at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. His work on climate action and sustainable development also earned him an invitation to COP27 in Egypt, where he showcased his Govardhan App, addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and indigenous medicine.

At COP28, Gokul was invited by the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine to feature his work, organizing 12 side events across various pavilions. He was also the only youth representative to organize a side event on Traditional Medicine at the World Health Assembly 77 (WHA77), further cementing his role in advancing both health and sustainability on a global scale.

Vanessa Goes has been a dedicated member of the MRN executive secretariat since December 2021. With over 20 years of experience in holistic health and vitality, she is passionate about nature, life, and the interconnectedness of all living systems. Vanessa’s diverse background in art, health, and education reflects her holistic approach to well-being and human development.

Specializing in Planetary Health, Vanessa believes in the power of transdisciplinary collaboration and the healing potential of nature and the human spirit. Her clinical practice integrates natural, holistic, and preventive approaches, including functional nutrition, phytotherapy, Pilates, yoga, and systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Lifestyle Medicine.

Academically, Vanessa’s research focuses on biochemistry, particularly the impact of dietary antioxidants on placental health and its role in non-communicable diseases like diabetes. Her doctoral work aims to create knowledge that aligns human development with planetary sustainability, offering new paradigms for societal transformation.

Vanessa is committed to inspiring others and sharing knowledge to foster a holistic awareness of health that supports both human well-being and planetary sustainability.