Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh | Drug Discovery | Best Researcher Award

Shiraz University| Iran

Mohammad Sadegh Taghizadeh is based at the Agricultural Faculty of Shiraz University (Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz-Isfahan Highway, Shiraz, Iran) where he pursues advanced research in bioactive small molecules and peptides—whether synthesised by ribosomes or derived from proteins. His work spans in vitro isolation, purification and structural-physicochemical characterisation of these compounds, their pharmacological and sensory properties, and complementary in silico design and target-interaction studies. He also explores recombinant production of bioactive peptides using plant and bacterial expression systems. Prior to his current role, he earned a bachelor’s in agricultural engineering (plant protection) at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, a master’s in plant biotechnology at University of Guilan (thesis: factors affecting virulence genes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants), and a PhD in biotechnology at Shiraz University (dissertation: functional properties of bio-active peptides derived from plant resources). He gained research experience at the Medical University of Vienna (on discovery of a novel cyclotide targeting the CCK2 receptor) and later led a project on plant-derived bioinsecticides funded by the National Elite Foundation of Iran, while also teaching as a TA in plant genetic engineering, molecular markers and plant tissue culture at Shiraz University. His research has steadily contributed to the field of peptide biotechnology, with growing recognition: his h-index currently stands at (unknown) and his publication and citation counts are steadily rising as he continues to establish himself in the realm of bioactive small molecules and recombinant peptide production.