Yong-zhuo Chen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Yong-zhuo Chen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Chizhou University, China.

Dr. Yong-zhuo Chen is a researcher at Chizhou University specializing in entomology and ecology. He earned his Ph.D. in Ecology from Anhui Normal University, with prior degrees in Molecular Zoology and Biotechnology. His research focuses on the reproductive interference, ecological behavior, and adaptive traits of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest species. Dr. Chen has published in renowned journals such as Animal Behaviour, Journal of Applied Entomology, and Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. His work contributes to pest control strategies and evolutionary biology. He collaborates actively with Anhui Normal University and is recognized for his promising scientific contributions.

Profile:

🎓 Education Background:

Dr. Yong-zhuo Chen holds a strong academic foundation in life sciences and ecology. He began his journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Jining Medical College (2012–2016), where he developed a deep interest in molecular biology. He further specialized in Molecular Zoology by completing his Master’s degree at Qufu Normal University (2016–2019), gaining insights into insect physiology and reproduction. His academic pursuit culminated in a Ph.D. in Ecology from Anhui Normal University (2019–2022), where he explored ecological dynamics and species interaction mechanisms. His education laid a multidisciplinary groundwork that now informs his advanced research in entomology.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Yong-zhuo Chen began his professional career in 2022 as a researcher at Chizhou University, shortly after completing his Ph.D. in Ecology from Anhui Normal University. At Chizhou University, he is actively engaged in academic research and teaching, with a primary focus on the reproductive ecology and behavioral biology of Drosophila suzukii. His professional work involves designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments, publishing peer-reviewed articles, and collaborating with academic partners such as Anhui Normal University. Dr. Chen’s role also includes mentoring students in biological sciences and contributing to the university’s scientific research profile in ecology and entomology.

🧬 Research Interests:

Dr. Chen’s core research focuses on the reproductive interference and ecological behavior of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive species with significant agricultural impact. His studies aim to understand the biological, ecological, and behavioral interactions that affect the pest’s reproduction, survival, and population dynamics. He is particularly interested in species interaction, phenotypic plasticity, and the evolutionary mechanisms that guide insect behavior under environmental pressures.

🔬 Scientific Impact and Publications:

Dr. Chen’s scientific influence is evident in his publications indexed in the Web of Science. These works explore interspecies interactions, fertility control via irradiation, and adaptive phenotypic traits. Each paper reflects rigorous experimentation and a strong ecological framework. His paper titled “Asymmetric reproductive interference…” in Animal Behaviour (2025) particularly stands out for its contribution to behavioral ecology.

🏅 Achievements and Recognition:

Although Dr. Chen is in the early stages of his academic career, he has already demonstrated notable scholarly potential. His work is recognized in high-impact journals and contributes to addressing real-world challenges in agriculture and pest control. He is currently a faculty member at Chizhou University, where he is actively engaged in teaching and research. While he has not yet received formal awards or held editorial positions, his consistent output and research quality suggest strong prospects for future accolades.

📚 Academic Contributions:

Dr. Chen has published several impactful research papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals. Notable among them are articles in Animal Behaviour, Journal of Applied Entomology, Insects, Journal of Insect Science, and Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. His research highlights include demonstrating how Drosophila melanogaster influences the reproductive success of D. suzukii, the seasonal dynamics of non-crop host utilization, and the role of natural selection in body coloration. His findings contribute meaningfully to pest management strategies and evolutionary ecology.

Publication:

  • Asymmetric reproductive interference of male Drosophila suzukii caused by both male and female Drosophila melanogaster
    Published in: Animal Behaviour (2025)

  • Impact of Irradiated Drosophila melanogaster Pupae on the Quality and Population Parameters of Trichopria drosophilae
    Published in: Insects

  • Seasonal monitoring of Drosophila suzukii and its non-crop hosts in Wuhu, Eastern China
    Published in: Journal of Applied Entomology

  • Effects of Irradiated Sterile Male and Mating Sequence on the Fertility of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
    Published in: Journal of Insect Science

  • Natural selection, rather than sexual selection, plays a dominant role in the formation of body coloration in Drosophila suzukii
    Published in: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society

 

Ahmad Sharifi | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sharifi | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member at Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture & Research, Iran.

Dr. Ahmad Sharifi 🎓 is a distinguished researcher in Agricultural Biotechnology, specializing in Plant Biotechnology and Plant Tissue Culture 🌱. He is a faculty member at the Ornamental Plant Biotechnology Department at the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture & Research (ACECR), Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. With extensive experience in plant tissue culture, genetic engineering, and in-vitro propagation, he has contributed significantly to the field through numerous publications, books, and scientific research 📚. His work focuses on the biotechnological enhancement of ornamental and medicinal plants, and he has collaborated on various international research projects 🔬.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Evaluation for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Ahmad Sharifi

Dr. Ahmad Sharifi is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to Agricultural Biotechnology, particularly in Plant Biotechnology and Plant Tissue Culture. His research has significantly advanced genetic engineering, plant propagation, and micropropagation techniques, benefiting both ornamental and medicinal plant biotechnology.

Education & Experience

📌 Education:

  • 🎓 BSc in Agricultural Sciences – Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Gorgan (2000)
  • 🎓 MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology – Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2003)
  • 🎓 PhD in Agricultural Biotechnology – Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2015)

📌 Experience:

  • 👨‍🏫 Faculty Member – Ornamental Plant Biotechnology Department, ACECR
  • 🔬 Researcher in plant tissue culture, genetic engineering, and ornamental plant biotechnology
  • 📖 Author of multiple books and published researcher in prestigious journals

Professional Development

Dr. Ahmad Sharifi has been actively involved in plant biotechnology innovations 🌱, focusing on genetic modifications, plant propagation, and tissue culture techniques 🔬. He has developed protocols for the micropropagation of medicinal and ornamental plants 🌿 and worked on genetic engineering for plant improvement. His collaborative research with international scientists has led to pioneering studies on floral development genes and biotechnological advancements 🌺. Dr. Sharifi has contributed to agricultural sustainability through biotechnological solutions aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity 🌾. His work continues to enhance plant breeding and conservation through cutting-edge biotechnology and molecular genetics.

Research Focus

Dr. Ahmad Sharifi’s research revolves around Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering 🌿🔬. His focus areas include plant tissue culture, micropropagation, in-vitro mutation induction, and gene expression analysis 🧬. He specializes in the biotechnological enhancement of ornamental and medicinal plants, optimizing their growth, propagation, and genetic stability 🌸. His studies on floral development genes (AGAMOUS, B-function genes) and metabolic pathways have led to significant findings in plant morphogenesis and metabolite production. Dr. Sharifi also explores bioengineering techniques for secondary metabolite production, contributing to pharmaceutical and agricultural advancements 🌾💊.

Awards & Honors

🏆 Recognized Faculty MemberACECR for contributions to plant biotechnology
🏆 Outstanding Researcher Awardfor significant contributions in Agricultural Biotechnology
🏆 Best Scientific Paper Awardfor groundbreaking research in Plant Tissue Culture
🏆 Awarded Research Grantsfor projects on genetic modification of ornamental plants
🏆 International Collaboration Grantsfor joint research with global universities
🏆 Book Publication Recognitionfor authoring essential textbooks in plant biotechnology

Publication Top Notes

📖 Kharrazi, M., Sargazi Moghaddam, Z., Moradian, M., Khadem, A., & Sharifi, A. (2024). “Optimization of the in-vitro culture protocol of Haworthiopsis viscosa and Haworthia truncata var. truncate.” South African Journal of Botany.

Aakansha Kanojia | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aakansha Kanojia | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral scientist at Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Bulgaria.

🌍Dr. Aakansha Kanojia is a highly accomplished postdoctoral scientist with extensive expertise in plant molecular biology, stress physiology, phenotyping, and omics-based data analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Massey University and has made significant contributions to understanding plant responses to abiotic stress and ageing. Her work spans academia, industry, and collaborative EU-funded projects, focusing on advancing crop resilience to environmental challenges. Dr. Kanojia has an impressive track record of publications in prestigious journals, leadership roles in research projects, and international recognition for her science-art exhibitions and conference presentations.

Profile👤

Education 🎓

🎓Dr. Kanojia earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Massey University, New Zealand (2013-2018), where her research unveiled the molecular and metabolic causes of stress tolerance loss in aging monocarpic plants. She holds an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, India (2009-2011), and a B.Sc. in Chemistry (honors) with Biotechnology (subsidiary) from the Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, India (2006-2009). Her doctoral research integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics to explore plant stress responses, establishing her as a leader in plant physiology and molecular biology.

Experience💼

🩺Dr. Kanojia is a research scientist at CPSBB, Bulgaria (2019–present), leading projects on enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crops using multi-omics analysis and seaweed biostimulants. She collaborated with BioAtlantis Ltd., Ireland (2019–2024), to study biostimulant-mediated crop resilience. Her academic tenure includes a visiting scientist role at the University of Potsdam, Germany (2015–2016), focusing on stress response in Arabidopsis mutants. She also demonstrated labs on plant biology and biochemistry at Massey University. Her efforts extend to sustainable agriculture through Aloe vera tissue culture techniques during her time at Grow Tips Biotech, India.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬Dr. Kanojia specializes in abiotic stress physiology, plant phenotyping, and metabolomics. Her work emphasizes enhancing stress tolerance in crops using seaweed-based biostimulants and comprehensive multi-omics analysis. She has led several EU-funded projects, such as RESIST and BOOSTER, focusing on drought tolerance and stress mitigation in crops like maize, tomato, and lettuce. Her contributions extend to plant aging and the role of reactive oxygen species, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms governing plant resilience under stress conditions.

Awards and Honors 🏆

🏆Dr. Kanojia has received multiple accolades, including the Massey University Doctoral Completion Grant and travel funding for presenting at international conferences. Her poster presentations have been featured at prestigious events like ComBio 2017 and the International Symposium on Plant Senescence (2019). She has also been recognized for her innovative science-art exhibitions organized by CPSBB during the European Researcher’s Night in 2020 and 2023. Her multidisciplinary achievements showcase her commitment to advancing plant science and engaging the public through creative dissemination.

Skills 🛠️

Dr. Kanojia is adept at phenotyping, genotyping, qRT-PCR, and library preparation for DNA and RNA sequencing. She is proficient in bioinformatics tools like Galaxy, MetaboAnalyst, and Genevestigator, alongside programming basics in RStudio. Her hands-on expertise spans plant tissue culture, greenhouse experiments, and transformation techniques in crops like maize and tomato. A strong communicator and leader, she excels in project planning and mentoring, while her analytical skills and multitasking ability make her an exceptional researcher.

Conclusion 🔚 

Dr. Aakansha Kanojia’s expertise, leadership in high-impact research, and commitment to science communication make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative approach to plant science, combined with her contributions to both academia and industry, aligns well with the award’s objectives. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further elevate her influence and ensure long-term success in her field.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Molecular insights into plant–microbe interactions for sustainable remediation of contaminated environment

Authors: NR Rane, S Tapase, A Kanojia, A Watharkar, ES Salama, M Jang

Citations: 73

Year: 2022

Abiotic stress responses are governed by reactive oxygen species and age

Authors: A Kanojia, PP Dijkwel

Citations: 61

Year: 2018

An Ascophyllum nodosum-Derived Biostimulant Protects Model and Crop Plants from Oxidative Stress

Authors: NS Staykov, M Angelov, V Petrov, P Minkov, A Kanojia, KJ Guinan

Citations: 27

Year: 2020

Developmentally controlled changes during Arabidopsis leaf development indicate causes for loss of stress tolerance with age

Authors: A Kanojia, S Gupta, M Benina, AR Fernie, B Mueller-Roeber, T Gechev

Citations: 22

Year: 2020

Primary metabolic processes as drivers of leaf ageing

Authors: A Kanojia, DK Shrestha, PP Dijkwel

Citations: 15

Year: 2021

Constructed wetland system and its engineered designs for the treatment of textile industry effluent

Authors: BHJ Niraj R. Rane, Aakansha Kanojia, Swapnil M. Patil, Rahul Khandare, Kisan

Citations: 4

Year: 2023

Identification of Postharvest Senescence Regulators Through Map-Based Cloning Using Detached Arabidopsis Inflorescences as a Model Tissue

Authors: DA Hunter, R Jibran, P Dijkwel, D Chagné, K Sullivan, A Kanojia

Citations: 3

Year: 2018

Ethylene as a plant aging modulator

Authors: A Kanojia, X Xu, DP Paul

Citations: 2

Year: 2023

Physiological and molecular insights into the effect of a seaweed biostimulant on enhancing fruit yield and drought tolerance in tomato

Authors: K Aakansha, L Rafe, S Neerakkal, A Saleh, FJ Martínez-Rivas, AR Fernie

Year: 2024

Stress adaptation and ageing is controlled by senescence-inducing age-related changes in Arabidopsis thaliana: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Ph.D.

Authors: A Kanojia

Year: 2018