Heuisoo Kim | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Heuisoo Kim | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Biological Sciences at Pusan National University | South Korea

Prof. Heuisoo Kim is a prominent academic leader and influential researcher in the biological sciences, widely recognized for his significant contributions to genomics, molecular genetics, phylogeny, marine biology, and bioinformatics. He completed his Ph.D. in Genomics from Kyoto University, where he developed expertise in molecular analyses related to primate genetics, followed by an M.S. and B.S. in Biology from Pusan National University. His early postdoctoral work at leading institutes, including the Weizmann Institute of Science and the University of Oxford, provided a strong foundation for his long-standing academic career. Since joining Pusan National University as a professor, he has played key roles in advancing both research and academic leadership, including serving as Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and as President of the Genetics Society of Korea. His research portfolio is diverse and impactful, spanning the study of transposable elements, microRNA evolution, regulatory non-coding RNAs, endogenous retroviruses, host–pathogen interactions, and genome structure variations. He has published extensively on topics such as viral infection mechanisms in aquatic organisms, alternative splicing events induced by genomic integrations, enhancer functions of retroelement-derived microRNAs, and biomolecular dynamics associated with cancer progression. His work appears in high-impact journals across molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, aquaculture biotechnology, and immunology. With 4,659 citations by 3,884 documents, 299 published works, and an h-index of 36, his scholarly output reflects sustained excellence and global influence. Beyond research, he has contributed to national scientific development through roles such as Director of the Division of Life Sciences at the National Research Foundation of Korea and has been recognized with multiple prestigious national and international awards for outstanding research and academic service. His ongoing work continues to push the boundaries of molecular and genomic science, offering new insights into biological complexity and applied biotechnology. Prof. Heuisoo Kim’s career exemplifies dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering collaborative research environments, and shaping the next generation of innovation in agricultural and biological sciences.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • Kim H-S.,Hsa-miR-422a Originated from Short Interspersed Nuclear Element Increases ARID5B Expression by Collaborating with NF-E2. Molecules and Cells, 45(7), 465–478, 2022.

  • Kim H-S.,Z-DNA–Containing Long Terminal Repeats of Human Endogenous Retrovirus Families Provide Alternative Promoters for Human Functional Genes. Molecules and Cells, 45(8), 522–530, 2022.

  • Kim H-S.,Human Endogenous Retrovirus-H-Derived miR-4454 Inhibits the Expression of DNAJB4 and SASH1 in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Genes, 14, 1410–1422, 2023.

  • Kim H-S.,,Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV)-K env Gene Knockout Affects Tumorigenic Characteristics of nupr1 Gene in DLD-1 Colorectal Cancer Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(8), 3941, 2021.

  • Kim H-S.,A Study of Transposable Element–Associated Structural Variations (TASVs) Using a De Novo Assembled Korean Genome. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 53, 615–630, 2021.

  • Kim H-S.,Disposable microRNA biosensors based on dual-role polymer-dispersed silver nanowires for diagnosis of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus infection in olive flounder. Aquaculture, 580, 740287–780294, 2024.

  • Kim H-S.,Exploring the Key Signaling Pathways and ncRNAs in Colorectal Cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25, 4548–4577, 2024.

Bakhtiyor Karimov | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Professor at Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers | Uzbekistan

Prof. Dr. Bakhtiyor Karimov is a renowned ecologist and ichthyologist with over four decades of experience in aquatic ecology, hydrobiology, ecotoxicology, and fisheries. As a full professor at the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME), Uzbekistan, he has contributed extensively to environmental protection and sustainable water management, particularly in the Aral Sea Basin. His multidisciplinary approach bridges academia, field research, and policy. He has collaborated with international organizations including FAO, UNESCO, and the European Union, and has led major research projects that have significantly influenced environmental and ecological frameworks in Central Asia.

Profile:

Orcid | Google Scholor

Education:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the State Lake and River Fisheries Institute, Russia, with a thesis focused on the comparative toxic resistance of fish species. He earned his first degree in Biology and Chemistry from Tashkent State University, he was awarded a Doctor of Science in Biology for his research on ecological and toxicological issues in the Aral Sea Basin. His academic journey further includes appointments as a Senior Research Worker, full Professor, and Academician of the International Academy of Ecology and Life Protection Sciences.

Experience:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov’s professional career spans academia, governmental advisory roles, and international project leadership. He has served in prominent positions such as Head of Hydroecology at the Institute of Water Problems and Director of Laboratories in Hydrobiology and Aquaculture. He worked in Germany under the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship and coordinated FAO projects across Central Asia. As national scientific supervisor for the EU Horizon “Hydro4U” project, he pioneered ecological innovations in hydropower. He has also advised parliamentary committees and scientific councils, influencing ecological policies and water resource management throughout Uzbekistan.

Research Interests:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov’s primary research interests include aquatic ecology, desert and arid zone aquaculture, ichthyology, water pollution, and biodiversity conservation. His investigations address the ecological impact of climate change, agricultural runoff, and hydropower on freshwater systems. He emphasizes integrative methodologies involving ecotoxicological assessments, habitat restoration, and ecosystem services analysis. With significant expertise in the Aral Sea Basin, he has advanced sustainable fisheries and ecological risk assessments. His work often bridges applied environmental science and policy, and his leadership in bioeconomic curriculum development further demonstrates his commitment to environmental sustainability and education.

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Bakhtiyor Karimov’s exceptional career has been recognized with numerous accolades. He graduated with a Gold Medal from secondary school and received a Distinction Diploma from Tashkent State University. His prestigious fellowships include the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Germany,the Matsumae International Foundation Japan, and the Cariplo Lombardia Foundation Italy. He also received the Humboldt-Alumni Award for his ongoing scientific contributions. He is an elected Academician of IAELPS and a member of prominent ecological and zoological associations, including IUCN SSC, SETAC, and EWRA.

Publications:

Title: Saving freshwater from salts

Citation: 341

Year of Publication: 2016

Title: A global agenda for advancing freshwater biodiversity research

Citation: 200

Year of Publication: 2022

Title: Health risks from large-scale water pollution: trends in Central Asia

Citation: 164

Year of Publication: 2011

Title: Status, trends, and future dynamics of freshwater ecosystems in Europe and Central Asia

Citation: 128

Year of Publication: 2019

Title: Overview of past, current, and future ecosystem and biodiversity trends of inland saline lakes of Europe and Central Asia

Citation: 100

Year of Publication: 2020

Title: One-quarter of freshwater fauna threatened with extinction

Citation: 89

Year of Publication: 2025

Title: Challenges for the sustainable use of water and land resources under a changing climate and increasing salinization in the Jizzakh irrigation zone of Uzbekistan

Citation: 58

Year of Publication: 2020

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Bakhtiyor Karimov stands as a pioneering force in aquatic environmental science. His career reflects a profound commitment to solving ecological challenges through science, education, and policy. His publications in top-tier journals, leadership in global projects, and impact on biodiversity conservation in arid zones make him a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to ecological restoration, especially in the context of the Aral Sea and Central Asia, highlights his lasting contributions to both regional and global environmental science. Prof. Karimov exemplifies research excellence with real-world impact.