Claire Grootboom | Plant Conservation Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Claire Grootboom | Plant Conservation Biology | Young Scientist Award

University of the Western Cape/Agricultural Research Council | South Africa

Claire Grootboom is a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape and serves as a Research Technician at the Agricultural Research Council. She holds a strong academic background in biological sciences, supporting her expertise in conservation biology and ecological research. She has gained experience in teaching, tutoring, and supervising students, contributing to academic development at undergraduate and honours levels. Her research focuses on soil biodiversity, particularly the ecological role of soil mites and their response to grazing systems in South Africa. She has published peer-reviewed research and continues to advance knowledge in ecosystem sustainability and environmental conservation.

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Sein Lai Lai Aung | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Sein Lai Lai Aung | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

Yangtze University | China

Dr. Sein Lai Lai Aung is an academic and researcher affiliated with Yangtze University, China. She has a strong educational background in her field, supporting her expertise in scientific research and higher education. With experience in teaching and research, she has contributed to academic development through mentoring students and participating in institutional activities. Her research interests focus on advancing knowledge in interdisciplinary scientific domains, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and applied research. She has received recognition for her academic contributions and commitment to excellence. Dr. Aung continues to contribute to global research initiatives, fostering collaboration and impactful scientific advancements.

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Hammad Ahmad Jan | Medicinal Plants | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Hammad Ahmad Jan | Medicinal Plants | Research Excellence Award

University of Buner | Pakistan

Dr. Hammad Ahmad Jan is a Lecturer in Botany at the University of Buner, Pakistan, with over 13 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He holds a Ph.D. in Botany along with advanced degrees in biological sciences and education. His research focuses on ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, biodiesel synthesis from non-edible oils, phytochemistry, plant systematics, and ecology. Dr. Jan has authored numerous research papers and book chapters and serves on international journal editorial boards. Recognized for his contributions to plant sciences and indigenous knowledge documentation, he actively mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students.

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Neslihan Bal | Plant Pest Insects | Excellence in Research award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neslihan Bal | Plant Pest Insects | Excellence in Research award

Gazi University | Turkey

Dr. Neslihan Bal is a Doctor Faculty Member in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara. She completed her higher education in biology with a specialization in entomology and has developed strong expertise in insect morphology, taxonomy, and ultrastructural analysis. Her academic career is marked by extensive experience in teaching, research, and scientific publishing, particularly in the use of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for taxonomic and systematic studies of Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Dr. Bal has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles published in internationally indexed journals, including SCI-Expanded journals, with several papers ranked in Q1 and Q2 quartiles. Her research interests focus on insect genital morphology, ultrastructure of reproductive organs, systematics and taxonomy of beetles, biodiversity, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change on insect distribution. She has contributed significantly to the description of new species, new records for the Turkish fauna, and comparative morphological analyses with taxonomic significance. Through national and international collaborations, she actively supports the advancement of entomological research. Dr. Bal’s scientific contributions have strengthened the understanding of insect diversity in Türkiye and surrounding regions, and she continues to play an important role in training young researchers and advancing microscopy-based biological research.

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Yu Peng | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Yu Peng | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Minzu University | China

Yu Peng is an Associate Professor of Ecology at the College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing. He earned his Ph.D. in Ecology from the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2005), followed by a post-doctoral appointment at Tsinghua University. His teaching spans courses such as Landscape Ecology, Biodiversity Conservation, Remote Sensing and GIS, and Plant Biology. Dr. Peng leads research in landscape ecology, biodiversity conservation, and vegetation remote sensing, with a strong focus on plant-diversity estimation using UAV and hyperspectral techniques. He has presided over multiple national research projects and published about 80 research papers, including 49 in SCI-indexed journals, along with authoring three monographs. His Google Scholar profile reports an h-index of 18 and over 978 citations, and his ResearchGate profile lists 75 scientific documents, reflecting his substantial scholarly output. Dr. Peng also holds several invention patents and contributed to formulating China’s national standard for estimating plant diversity using UAV remote sensing. His achievements have earned him distinctions such as the Wiley China Open Science High Contribution Author, teaching awards, and recognition as Best Reviewer by Acta Ecologica Sinica. He additionally serves in key academic roles, including Deputy Secretary-General of the Long-term Ecology Committee of the Chinese Ecological Society and Director of the Beijing Biodiversity Research Association. His work continues to integrate advanced remote sensing technologies with practical conservation strategies, reinforcing his commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable biodiversity management.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Xin, J., Li, J., Zeng, Q., Peng, Y., Wang, Y., Teng, X., Bao, Q., Yang, L., Tang, H., Liu, Y., et al. (2024). High-precision estimation of plant alpha diversity in different ecosystems based on Sentinel-2 data. Ecological Indicators.

Cao, Y., Peng, Y., Li, J., Yuan, J., Wang, C., Bao, Q., & Li, G. (2024). Landscape connection and patch complexity explain plant community similarity in sandy grasslands better than habitat amount and landscape heterogeneity via network analysis. Community Ecology.

Xin, J., Peng, Y., Peng, N., Yang, L., Huang, J., Yuan, J., Wei, B., & Ren, Y. (2024). Both class- and landscape-level patterns influence crop yield. European Journal of Agronomy.

Peng, Y., Xin, J., Peng, N., Li, Y., Huang, J., Zhang, R., Li, C., Wu, Y., Gong, B., & Wang, R. (2024). Global patterns and drivers of spatial autocorrelation in plant communities in protected areas. Diversity and Distributions.

Jin, H., Xu, J., Peng, Y., Xin, J., Peng, N., Li, Y., Huang, J., Zhang, R., Li, C., Wu, Y., et al. (2023). Impacts of landscape patterns on plant species diversity at a global scale. Science of The Total Environment.

Kaori Shiojiri | Plant-Animal Interactions | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Kaori Shiojiri | Plant-Animal Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Ryukoku University | Japan

Prof. Dr. Kaori Shiojiri is a distinguished ecologist recognized for her expertise in chemical ecology and plant–insect interactions. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Agriculture from Kyoto University, specializing in Environmental Science and Technology. Following her doctoral training, she completed prestigious JSPS Research Fellowships, including international research work at the University of California, Davis and further research at Kyoto University’s Center for Ecological Research. She later served as an Assistant Professor under the Hakubi Project at Kyoto University’s Institute for Advanced Study before joining Ryukoku University, where she progressed from Lecturer to Associate Professor and currently serves as Professor in the Graduate School of Agriculture. Her research focuses on plant volatile–mediated communication, tritrophic interactions, ecological signaling, and sustainable agricultural systems. According to Google Scholar, she holds an h-index of 28 with 2881 citations, reflecting her strong publication record and scientific impact. She has received multiple honors, including awards from the Ecological Society of Japan, the Japanese Society of Applied Entomology and Zoology, the Japan Prize for Agricultural Science (Young Scientists), the Tachibana Award for Outstanding Women Researchers, the Morita Award, and the Miyadi Award. Her work continues to advance ecological understanding and strengthen environmentally sustainable agricultural innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shiojiri, K., & Karban, R. (2006). Plant age, communication, and resistance to herbivores: Young sagebrush plants are better emitters and receivers. Oecologia.

Tanaka, T., Ikeda, A., Shiojiri, K., Ozawa, R., Shiki, K., Nagai-Kunihiro, N., … Arimura, G. (2018). Identification of a hexenal reductase that modulates the composition of green leaf volatiles. Plant Physiology.

Shiojiri, K., & Takabayashi, J. (2003). Effects of specialist parasitoids on oviposition preference of phytophagous insects: Encounter–dilution effects in a tritrophic interaction. Ecological Entomology.

Shiojiri, K., Ozawa, R., Matsui, K., Sabelis, M. W., & Takabayashi, J. (2012). Intermittent exposure to traces of green leaf volatiles triggers a plant response. Scientific Reports.

Sukegawa, S., Shiojiri, K., Higami, T., Suzuki, S., & Arimura, G. (2018). Pest management using mint volatiles to elicit resistance in soy: Mechanism and application potential. The Plant Journal,

Tigabu Redae Alle | Forestry | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Tigabu Redae Alle | Forestry | Editorial Board Member

Amhara Agricultural Research Institute | Ethiopia

Tigabu Redae Alle is an Ethiopian forestry researcher with more than a decade of professional experience in forest science, biodiversity, ecosystem management, and climate-change–oriented forestry research. Since 2013, he has served at the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center (SARC) under the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute, progressing from junior roles to Associate Researcher in Forestry and holding leadership responsibilities such as Coordinator of the Forestry and Agroforestry Research Directorate. He holds a PhD in Forest Sciences from Sokoine University of Agriculture, an MSc in Forest Management and Climate Change, and a BSc in General Forestry. contributing to journals such as Trees, Forests and People, Heliyon, Abyssinia Journal of Science and Technology, and Ethiopian Journal of Science & Technology. His research focuses on agroforestry systems, invasive pests, forest resource management, Ziziphus fruit tree species, Eucalyptus pest ecology, climate change adaptation, biodiversity assessment, and sustainable forest utilization. He has received prestigious scholarships from EEFRI, SIDA, ILRI, and WCDI, along with certificates of appreciation for training and community contributions. Tigabu aims to advance sustainable forestry solutions, strengthen climate-resilient landscapes, and support rural livelihoods through science-based forest management.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Getachew, G., Wudu, D., Alamire, G., Kasahun, H., Ayalew, A., Redae, T., et al. (2021). Adaptability and growth performance of introduced bamboo species in North East Ethiopia. Abyssinia Journal of Science and Technology,

Redae, T., Andrew, S. M., Karlsson, M. F., & Gure, A. (2024). Morphological traits of fruits and seeds of Ziziphus tree species growing in different land uses in Ethiopia. Heliyon,

Ayalew, A., Kassahun, H., Wudu, M., Alamarie, G., & Redae, T. et al. (2025). Community practices and conservation concerns: A study on the utilisation and management of Terminalia brownii in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Discover Agriculture,

Getachew, G., Ayalew, A., Kassahun, H., Tesfaye, A., Alene, M., Redae, T., et al. (2024). Evaluate the adaptability of Eucalyptus species in the highlands of the Amhara region. Heliyon,

Alemu, A. A., Ayalew, G. G., Mengistie, H. K., Sisay, D. W., Menber, G. A., Alle, T. R., et al. (2024). Effects of seedling nursery lifespan and pot size on growth and survival rate of Grevillea robusta in Eastern Amhara.

Fahim Hussain Shah | Plant Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Fahim Hussain Shah | Plant Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Department of Plant science, Faculty of biological science Quaid-i-Azam University | Pakistan

Fahim Hussain Shah is an emerging plant scientist whose research spans plant science, mycology, plant–microbe interactions, phycology, and plant pathology, with a strong focus on fungal biodiversity and its ethnomycological significance. He holds an M.Phil in Plant Science from Quaid-i-Azam University, where he conducted extensive studies on the morpho-genetic identification and medicinal potential of wild macrofungi from Pakistan. His academic foundation also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Botany, complemented by professional teaching qualifications. Fahim has published impactful research on macrofungi, microalgae, saline-tolerant microbial strains, and fungal taxonomy, contributing significantly to biodiversity documentation and sustainable agricultural approaches. His technical expertise includes DNA extraction, PCR, phylogenetic analysis, bioinformatics, phytochemical testing, and microalgae purification. He has worked in administrative roles and actively participates in scientific conferences and workshops. As a journal reviewer, he supports the scientific community through evaluations in ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology. His research interests revolve around genomics-based crop improvement, plant–microbe interactions for stress tolerance, fungal systematics, and the application of traditional knowledge in biotechnology. Fahim aims to integrate modern molecular tools with ecological insights to advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen disease management strategies, and promote the conservation and scientific utilization of Pakistan’s rich fungal and plant biodiversity.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Shah, F. H., Azeem, M. A., Ullah, T., Mumtaz, A. S., Shah, S. A., Khan, M. B., Karunarathna, S. C., Elgorban, A. M., & Kiran, M. (2025). From wild ecosystem to the pharmaceutical use–Exploring the traditional medicine and socio-cultural heritage of macrofungi from Pakistan. New Zealand Journal of Botany.

Shah, F. H., Kiran, M., Khan, M. B., Basit, A., Elgorban, A. M., Ahmad, M., Ullah, T., Mumtaz, A. S., & Sana. (2025). Morphology and phylogeny of gasteroids and two novel hosts for Pisolithus albus (Sclerodermataceae) from Pakistan. New Zealand Journal of Botany.

Ishaq, M., Khan, M. B., Shah, F. H., Fiaz, M., & Khalid, A. N. (2024). A new species of Agaricus: Agaricus totalaiiensis in section Minores from Pakistan.

Ullah, T., Ullah, K., Saba, M., & Shah, F. H. (2023). Conocybe karakensis sp. nov. (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from Pakistan. Phytotaxa.

Azeem, M. A., Shah, F. H., Ullah, A., Ali, K., Jones, D. A., Khan, M. E. H., & Ashraf, A. (2022). Biochemical characterization of halotolerant Bacillus safensis PM22 and its potential to enhance growth of maize under salinity stress. Plants,

Milena Hristozova | Radio Ecology | Women Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Milena Hristozova | Radio Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov” | Bulgaria

Dr. Milena Hristova Hristozova is a Bulgarian scientist specializing in radiobiology, radioecology, and environmental protection. She earned her Ph.D. in 2014 from the Military Medical Academy, Sofia, with research focused on radiobiological and radioecological studies of the flora and fauna of Livingston Island, Antarctica. She also holds master’s degrees from the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” and the University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. St. Cyril and Methodius.” Dr. Hristozova currently serves at the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnology and Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov,” Sofia, where she works in the Laboratory of Radioecology and Radioisotope Research. Her work involves the assessment of environmental contamination by radionuclides and radioecological monitoring of soil, water, and food systems. Previously, she worked for over 15 years at the Military Medical Academy, contributing to research on radiation protection and low-dose exposure effects. She has also participated in research expeditions to Antarctica and international collaborations with institutions in Japan, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Dr. Hristozova has published over 35 scientific papers and conference proceedings, with an h-index of 1, more than 23 citations, and over 7 documented research outputs across scientific databases. Her research interests include low-dose radiation effects, environmental radioactivity, and Antarctic ecosystems. She continues to advance sustainable approaches to radiological safety and environmental protection.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Hristozova, M., Botev, I., Kalchev, R., & Naidenow, W. (2004). Composition and temporal changes of zooplankton in high mountain lakes in the Rila Mountains (Southwestern Bulgaria). Acta Zoologica Bulgarica.

Kalchev, R., Botev, I., & Hristozova, M. (2004). Ecological relations and temporal changes in the pelagial of the high mountain lakes in the Rila Mountains (Bulgaria). Journal of Limnology.

Alyakov, M., Petrunov, P., Kindekov, I., Donchev, R., Jelev, J., & Hristozova, M. (2006). Possibilities for treatment of the radiation injuries through helping of the post-irradiation repair. Military Medicine.

Kindekov, I., Vassilieva, V., Alyakov, M., Nikolova, P., Petrunov, P., Jelev, J., Donchev, R., & Hristozova, M. (2006). Bio-stimulators can enhance the radioresistance of the organism (experimental study). In Public Health and Health Care in Greece and Bulgaria.

Pejchal, J., Vasilieva, V., Hristozova, M., et al. (2011). Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay/CBMN cytome assay in human lymphocytes after in vitro irradiation and its use in biodosimetry. Military Medical Science Letters (Vojenské Zdravotnické Listy).