Mr. Zeeshan khan – Plant Biotechnology – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zeeshan khan - Plant Biotechnology - Best Researcher Award

National University of Sciences and Technology Islamabad - Pakistan

Author Profile

ORCID 

🌱 Early academic pursuits

Zeeshan khan embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in biotechnology, earning a bs in biotechnology from the international islamic university (iiui), islamabad, pakistan, in 2018. his undergraduate thesis focused on the in-vitro propagation and conservation of the medicinal plant stevia rebaudiana, showcasing his early interest in combining scientific innovation with sustainable practices. zeeshan further honed his expertise by pursuing an ms in plant biotechnology at the national university of sciences and technology (nust), where he conducted epidemiological studies of begomoviruses in the south asian region, graduating in 2020. currently, he is advancing his academic pursuits as a phd candidate in applied biosciences at nust, focusing on investigating the role of eco-friendly microbes in combating microplastic stress in agro-ecosystems.

🔬 Professional endeavors

Zeeshan’s career has been marked by his dedication to research and innovation. he began his professional journey as a research associate at the national agricultural research centre (narc), islamabad, from june 2017 to august 2018. here, he gained valuable experience in agricultural biotechnology and plant sciences. later, in 2021, he joined razbio.co.uk as a research associate at the department of plant biotechnology, atta-ur-rahman school of applied biosciences (asab), nust. these roles allowed him to contribute to cutting-edge research while refining his expertise in plant biotechnology and microbial applications.

🧬 Contributions and research focus

Zeeshan’s research contributions focus on addressing environmental and agricultural challenges through innovative scientific approaches. during his phd, he has been exploring the role of eco-friendly microbes in mitigating microplastic stress in agro-ecosystems, a critical issue in sustainable agriculture. his prior research has included the epidemiological studies of Plant Biotechnology begomoviruses, providing insights into plant viral diseases in south asia, and developing in-vitro propagation techniques for medicinal plants. equipped with skills in microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, zeeshan’s work bridges the gap between biotechnology and environmental sustainability.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Zeeshan’s dedication to excellence has earned him recognition as a promising researcher. his active contributions to the field are highlighted by his scholarly publications and his participation Plant Biotechnology in innovative research projects. he maintains an active google scholar profile, reflecting his impact in the academic community. his achievements also include working on high-impact research projects at prestigious institutions like nust and narc, underscoring his capabilities as a researcher.

🌍 Impact and influence

Zeeshan’s research holds significant implications for global sustainability and agriculture. by addressing the pressing issue of microplastic pollution in agro-ecosystems, his work provides Plant Biotechnology valuable solutions for improving soil health and crop productivity. his efforts in studying plant viruses and conservation techniques also contribute to enhancing food security and biodiversity conservation. zeeshan’s interdisciplinary expertise and innovative approaches have made a lasting impact in the fields of plant biotechnology and applied biosciences.

✨ Legacy and future contributions

Zeeshan khan is poised to leave a lasting legacy in environmental biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. as a skilled researcher, he envisions contributing to groundbreaking advancements in eco-friendly agricultural practices and microbial biotechnology. his commitment to addressing global challenges such as microplastic pollution and plant health reflects his determination to shape a sustainable future. zeeshan’s ongoing research and future endeavors are set to inspire the next generation of scientists in his field.

Notable Publications

  • Title: Mycorrhizosphere bacteria alleviated arsenic toxicity by regulating organic acids, glyoxalase defense system, and metal transporters in soybean plants
    Authors: Zeeshan Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Mansour I. Almansour, Muhammad Asad, Mohammad Javed Ansari, Hamad Khan, Ijaz Ahmad
    Journal: South African Journal of Botany
  • Title: Mitigation of microplastic toxicity in soybean by synthetic bacterial community and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi interaction: Altering carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal transduction, and genes associated with lipid and protein metabolism
    Authors: Muhammad Asad, Zeeshan Khan, Tariq Shah, Muhammad Abdullah Shah, Ayesha Imran, Salman Rasool, Jabar Zaman Khan Khattak, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajaz Ahmad, Parvaiz Ahmad
    Journal: Plant Stress
  • Title: Nanoplastics negatively affect nitrogen assimilation and metabolism in soybean roots more than in nodules
    Authors: Tariq Shah, Zeeshan Khan, Zainullah Bacha, Zahwa Zaffar, Fazal Munsif, Ajaz Ahmad, Parvaiz Ahmad
    Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
  • Title: Agro-biofortification of maize with selenium for higher grain selenium contents and productivity
    Authors: Tariq Shah, Tahani Awad Alahmadi, Mohammad Javed Ansari, Zeeshan Khan, Hamad Khan
    Journal: South African Journal of Botany
  • Title: Mycorrhizosphere bacteria inhibit greenhouse gas emissions from microplastics contaminated soil by regulating soil enzyme activities and microbial community structure
    Authors: Zeeshan Khan, Tariq Shah, Ghulam Haider, Fazal Adnan, Zeshan Sheikh, Mohamed A. El-Sheikh, Muhammad Faraz Bhatti, Parvaiz Ahmad
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Prof. Dr. Mehdi Nasr Esfahani – Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mehdi Nasr Esfahani - Molecular Biology and Biotechnology - Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE 

ORCID 

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Prof. Dr. Mehdi Nasr Esfahani's academic journey began with his passion for agriculture and molecular plant pathology. Born in Isfahan, Iran, he pursued a Ph.D. in Agriculture, specializing in Molecular Plant Pathology and Biotechnology. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in plant science, where he developed an immense expertise in crop protection and molecular biology. His studies became the cornerstone for his distinguished career in agricultural research and education.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 💼

Dr. Nasr Esfahani has made significant strides in both academic and executive roles. As a full professor at the Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Isfahan, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in advancing agricultural science. Throughout his career, he has led over 80 research projects at provincial and national levels, including his role as the head of the Isfahan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Publications Council. Additionally, his position as the head of various departments, such as Plant Protection Research and the Isfahan University of Science and Applied Sciences, underscores his commitment to fostering growth in the agricultural sector.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🌱

Dr. Nasr Esfahani’s research has significantly impacted the field of agriculture, particularly in plant pathology and biotechnology. His scientific work includes the publication of over 239 valid domestic and international papers, with numerous contributions in top-tier journals. His research focuses on agricultural biotechnology, plant diseases, and enhancing crop protection Molecular Biology and Biotechnology systems, with particular emphasis on improving plant resistance. His work on the development of novel approaches to tackling plant diseases has positioned him as a key figure in the global agricultural research community.

ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Prof. Dr. Nasr Esfahani has received multiple prestigious accolades throughout his career. Notably, he was among the top 2% most cited scientists globally in 2022. He has been recognized as the Top Iranian National Researcher multiple times, from 1998 to 2015. Additionally, his contributions to Isfahan’s agricultural research community have earned him recognition as the top Molecular Biology and Biotechnology researcher for various years. His substantial H-index of 22 and the publication of 12% of his papers in the world’s top 10% journals further solidify his place as a leading researcher in his field.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Nasr Esfahani’s work extends beyond the academic realm, with a profound influence on both local and international agriculture. His research has played a pivotal role in shaping plant protection and biotechnology strategies, influencing national agricultural policies and research agendas. His active participation in international organizations such as the International Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Association of Plant Diseases and the African-Asian Nematology Association demonstrates his commitment to global collaboration. Additionally, his role in supervising over 60 master's and doctorate theses has contributed to the development of future generations of researchers and professionals in the field.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

As a dedicated educator and researcher, Prof. Dr. Nasr Esfahani has built a legacy that continues to inspire advancements in agricultural biotechnology and plant pathology. His supervision of numerous graduate theses and the publication of seven specialized books and ten extension booklets reflect his commitment to knowledge dissemination. Moving forward, he is expected to continue influencing agricultural research, particularly in the areas of crop disease management, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture practices. His leadership in both academic and executive roles promises ongoing contributions to the field of agriculture, ensuring the growth and evolution of research in this vital area.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

  • Title: Assessing genetic diversity and population structure of Iranian melons (Cucumis melo) collection using primer pair markers in association with resistance to Fusarium wilt
    Author(s): Sadeghpoor, Neda; Gharneh, Hosseinali Asadi; Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi; Khankahdani, Hamed Hassanzadeh; Golabadi, Maryam
    Journal: Functional Plant Biology
    Year: 2023
    DOI: 10.1071/FP22131
  • Title: Biochemical defense mechanism associated with host-specific disease resistance pathways against Rhizoctonia solani AG3-PT potatoes canker disease
    Author(s): Soheili-Moghaddam, Bita; Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi; Mousanejad, Sedigheh; Hassanzadeh-Khankahdani, Hamed; Karbalaie-Khiyavie, Houssein
    Journal: Planta
    Year: 2023
    DOI: 10.1007/S00425-022-04039-2
  • Title: Transcriptome-based analysis of resistance mechanisms to Bipolaris sorokiniana, a common wheat root-rot disease
    Author(s): Qalavand, F.; Nasr-Esfahani, M.; Vatandoost, J.; Azarm, D. A.
    Journal: Plant Biology
    Year: 2023
    DOI: 10.1111/PLB.13470
  • Title: An IPM plan for early blight disease of potato Alternaria solani sorauer and A. alternata (Fries.) Keissler
    Author(s): Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi
    Journal: Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection
    Year: 2022
    DOI: 10.1080/03235408.2018.1489600
  • Title: Antioxidant enzymes associated with resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis race 1.2 in melon
    Author(s): Sadeghpour, Neda; Asadi-Gharneh, Hossein Ali; Nasr-Esfahani, Mehdi; Khankahdani, Hamed Hassanzadeh; Golabadi, Maryam
    Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology
    Year: 2022
    DOI: 10.1016/J.PMPP.2022.101880

Assist. Prof. Dr. Muntazir Mushtaq – Biotechnology – Excellence in Research

Assist. Prof. Dr. Muntazir Mushtaq - Biotechnology - Excellence in Research

Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences - India 

AUTHOR PROFILE 

SCOPUS 

ORCID 

🌱 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Muntazir Mushtaq embarked on his academic journey in the realm of agriculture and biotechnology, earning his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in 2012. He then advanced his expertise by completing his M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the same institution in 2014. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Biotechnology at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J), where he focused on developing doubled haploid lines for blast resistance in rice through anther culture, completing his doctorate in March 2021.

🌍 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Mushtaq has established himself as a dedicated educator and researcher. Since December 2022, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Prior to this, he was a Project Associate at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, from April 2021 to October 2022. His professional journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence in the field of biotechnology.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Dr. Mushtaq's research interests span genetics, molecular biology, molecular breeding, plant biotechnology, crop phenotyping, functional and applied genomics, transformation and tissue culture, and genome editing, including CRISPR-CAS. His doctoral research on developing doubled haploid lines for blast resistance in rice has contributed significantly to the field, Biotechnology  showcasing his commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology. Additionally, his master's research focused on the morpho-molecular characterization of promising inbred lines of maize.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Dr. Mushtaq's scholarly impact is reflected in his h-index of 18, i10-index of 29, and over 2,263 citations. These metrics highlight the global recognition and influence of his research Biotechnology  contributions in the scientific community. His dedication to advancing knowledge and his contributions to plant biotechnology have earned him a respected position among his peers.

🌟 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Mushtaq’s work in molecular breeding and genome editing has profound implications for agricultural productivity and food security. His innovative approaches in developing disease-resistant crops are pivotal for sustainable agriculture. By integrating advanced biotechnological techniques, his research addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the field, Biotechnology  influencing both academic and practical applications in agriculture.

🚀 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking forward, Dr. Mushtaq aspires to make meaningful contributions to humanity through his research and teaching. His goal is to become an internationally recognized scientist and educator, leveraging his expertise to advance agricultural biotechnology and improve global food security. His vision includes fostering innovation, guiding future scientists, and continuing to develop transformative solutions in plant genetics and molecular biology.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

  • Title: Metabolomic Approaches to Study Nutritional Aspects in Cereal Crops
    Authors: Anshika Tyagi, Nisha Singh, Sajad Ali, Harsha Srivastava, Muntazir Mushtaq, Zahoor Ahmad Mir
    Journal/Source: Book chapter in "Biofortification in Cereals" (2023)
  • Title: Principles of Genome Editing and its Applications in Fisheries
    Authors: Muntazir Mushtaq, Kutubuddin A. Molla
    Journal/Source: Book chapter in "Frontiers in Aquaculture Biotechnology" (2023)
  • Title: The Utilization of Speed Breeding and Genome Editing to Achieve Zero Hunger
    Authors: Khazin Hussain, Mahrukh, Raheeba Tun Nisa, Abbu Zaid, Muntazir Mushtaq
    Journal/Source: Book chapter in "Sustainable Agriculture in the Era of the OMICs Revolution" (2023)
  • Title: Chromium Toxicity in Plants: Signaling, Mitigation, and Future Perspectives
    Authors: Sajad Ali, Rakeeb Ahmad Mir, Anshika Tyagi, Nazia Manzar, Abhijeet Shankar Kashyap, Muntazir Mushtaq, Aamir Raina, Suvin Park, Sandhya Sharma, Zahoor Mir et al.
    Journal/Source: Journal article in "Plants" (2023-03)
  • Title: Antiproliferative Activity of Antimicrobial Peptides and Bioactive Compounds from the Mangrove Glutamicibacter Mysorens
    Authors: Yalpi Karthik, Manjula Ishwara Kalyani, Srinivasa Krishnappa, Ramakrishna Devappa, Chengeshpur Anjali Goud, Krishnaveni Ramakrishna, Muneeb Ahmad Wani, Mohamed Alkafafy, Maram Hussen Abduljabbar, Amal S. Alswat et al.
    Journal/Source: Journal article in "Frontiers in Microbiology" (2023-02-17)