HAFTAY GEBREYESUS GEBREZIHER | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. HAFTAY GEBREYESUS GEBREZIHER | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Adigrat University | Ethiopia

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🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher stands as a leading figure in Environmental Horticulture, bringing over 15 years of research, education, and leadership experience. His groundbreaking studies on pest management, herbivore-induced plant volatiles, and cactus management have earned international attention. He has served as Vice President for Academics and Research at Adigrat University, coordinated research promotion, and mentored numerous MSc students. His collaborative work spans multiple countries, showcasing his global research footprint. Dr. Haftay’s impactful publications, especially on cochineal infestation and eco-friendly pest deterrents, are highly cited and used in policy-making. His innovative push–pull systems and nighttime light traps have significantly enhanced pest management strategies in Ethiopia and beyond. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and horticultural science, Dr. Haftay’s contributions embody the criteria of the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Haftay holds a BSc in Horticulture from Jimma University, Ethiopia (2007), and went on to earn an MP and PhD in Environmental Horticulture from Chiba University, Japan (2013, 2016). He also completed a Certificate in Intensive Japanese Language at Chiba University, enabling him to effectively engage in advanced research collaborations. His education is complemented by a series of prestigious international training programs including experimental design, digital transformation, cactus management, curriculum development, and higher education leadership. His exposure to diverse academic systems—Ethiopia, Japan, Germany, Kenya, Netherlands, and Canada—equips him with unique interdisciplinary insights. These academic experiences underpin his deep understanding of plant-insect interactions and horticultural innovation, allowing him to create context-specific solutions for Ethiopia and contribute to global horticulture knowledge.

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Haftay began his academic career in 2007 at Jimma University as a Graduate Assistant and rose through the ranks. While pursuing his PhD, he served as a Teaching Assistant at Chiba University and Secretary of the Association of Ethiopian Students in Japan. Since 2016, he has been a faculty member at Adigrat University, Ethiopia, actively engaged in teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and community outreach. He served as Director of Research and Community Services and held the position of Interim Vice President for Academics and Research. Dr. Haftay also coordinates postgraduate programs and academic promotion committees. His experience blends administrative leadership with hands-on academic mentorship and cutting-edge research. His diverse professional journey reflects his commitment to advancing horticultural science, supporting academic excellence, and fostering innovation in pest management, plant defense systems, and sustainable agriculture.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Gebreziher’s contributions have been acknowledged through various accolades. He received recognition for serving as an External Examiner for Mega Projects at Mekelle University (2017) and for MSc theses and mega research projects at Aksum University (2018). His expertise in cactus and cochineal management has been pivotal in training programs at the Beles Institute, Adigrat University. In 2024, he participated in the DIES University Leadership and Management Training Programme and the UNILEAD Eastern Africa program, both organized by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), highlighting his leadership in higher education management.

🌍Research skills On Horticultural Science

Dr. Gebreziher’s research expertise lies in plant-insect interactions, sustainable pest management, and the application of HIPVs in agriculture. His work on cochineal infestation and fall armyworm control has provided innovative solutions for pest management in Ethiopia. He has successfully integrated traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems. His proficiency in experimental design, data analysis using SAS, and scientific publishing underscores his methodological rigor and commitment to advancing horticultural science.

📖Publications

Trends of Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) Infestation as Affected by Armed Conflict and Intervention Mechanisms for Sustainable Management in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
  • Authors: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher; Simon Zebelo; Yohannes Gerezihier Gebremedhin; Gebremedhin Welu Teklu; Yemane Kahsay Berhe; Daniel Hagos Berhe; Araya Kahsay Gerezgiher; Araya Kiros Weldetnsae; Zinabu Hailu Siyum; Gebrekidan Tesfay Weldeslasse et al.

  • Journal: Preprint (via Preprints.org)

  • Year: 2025

Night-time light-traps and push–pull integrated system enhanced the control of different life stages of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
  • Authors: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher; Fissiha Gebreyesus Gebreazgaabher

  • Journal: CABI Agriculture and Bioscience

  • Year: 2024

Effect of tree tobacco leaf extracts on mortality rate of carmine cochineal
  • Authors: Z. Hailu; H.G. Gebreziher; E. Abrha

  • Journal: Acta Horticulturae

  • Year: 2022

Awareness creation of smallholder farmers on and adoption of push-pull technology reduces fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) infestation on maize in Hawzien Woreda, Northern Ethiopia
  • Author: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher

  • Journal: Universität Kassel (KOBRA repository)

  • Year: 2021

Advances in herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) as plant defense and application potential for crop protection
  • Author: Haftay Gebreyesus Gebreziher

  • Journal: International Journal of Botany Studies

  • Year: 2020

 

Neha Pal | Plant Biotechnology | Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Neha Pal | Plant Biotechnology | Excellence in Innovation Award

Aligarh Muslim University | India

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🌟  Suitable for this Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Neha Pal is a dynamic scientist in Plant Biotechnology, renowned for her in-depth studies on antimicrobial properties of medicinal plants. Her research tackles multidrug-resistant pathogens using bioactive compounds derived from natural sources—a pressing concern in both environmental and public health contexts. Her contributions align perfectly with the objectives of the Excellence in Innovation Award: scientific ingenuity, sustainable impact, and forward-looking plant-based solutions. With extensive training in microbial analysis, biochemical testing, and phytochemical extraction, Dr. Pal has built a solid interdisciplinary profile. Her hands-on collaborations with medical colleges and research institutes underline her proactive approach. Backed by six high-quality publications and a deep passion for herbal medicine, she has consistently merged traditional knowledge with modern microbiology. Dr. Pal is not only a scholar but also an advocate of sustainable practices, making her an exemplary fit for this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Neha Pal‘s academic journey reflects her consistent passion for life sciences and applied microbiology. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology (2007–2009) from Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskriti College, followed by a Master of Science in Botany (2010–2011) from Meerut College, Meerut, where she developed foundational knowledge in plant biology. Her scholarly focus sharpened during her PhD in Microbiology (2015–2022) at the Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology, a deemed university in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Here, she dove deep into microbial resistance, plant extract analysis, and phytochemical innovations. Her PhD thesis exemplified cross-disciplinary integration, combining microbiology, herbal medicine, and biotechnology. These academic milestones have provided her with theoretical and practical tools to explore plant-microbe interactions and innovate sustainable solutions for microbial resistance. This background strongly aligns with the values and expectations of the Excellence in Innovation Award in Plant Biotechnology.

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Neha Pal brings over 7 years of research experience spanning academic and clinical settings. As a Research Scholar at Shobhit University (2015–2022), she worked extensively on bioactive plant compounds and their antibacterial efficacy. She collaborated with medical institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (2019–2020) and Aligarh Muslim University (2019), where she handled clinical samples, worked on multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, and conducted standard microbiological assays. Her professional work included antimicrobial MIC testing, automated microbial identification using VITEK 2, and sequencing tools—an essential mix of lab precision and innovative methodology. Dr. Pal’s cross-institutional engagements enabled her to bring real-world context into academic research, making her studies both applicable and transformative. Her meticulous documentation, biochemical evaluations, and consistent adherence to biosafety protocols distinguish her as a well-rounded researcher suitable for high-impact awards.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Neha Pal’s recognition lies in her impactful work on antimicrobial plant research. Though early in her formal accolades, she has gained scholarly recognition through well-cited publications and institutional collaborations. Her work on Tinospora cordifolia, Piper nigrum, and Murraya koenigii has gained attention for its effectiveness against MDR pathogens, drawing commendations in academic circles. She has been invited to present at inter-university biotech seminars and received appreciation for her data interpretation and precision in research methods. Dr. Pal’s papers are published in internationally indexed journals, marking her as a rising voice in sustainable biotechnology and medicinal plant research. Her multi-platform presence (Google Scholar, ORCID, Medium) reflects her commitment to science communication and knowledge dissemination. As she grows her contributions, the Excellence in Innovation Award would both recognize and amplify her ongoing work in plant-based microbial resistance solutions.

🌍Research skills On Botany

Dr. Neha Pal possesses an impressive suite of technical and analytical skills tailored for Plant Biotechnology. She excels in aseptic techniques, culture media preparation, and bioactive compound extraction—critical for drug discovery and plant-pathogen interaction studies. Her expertise includes biochemical and microbial analysis, MIC determination, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, particularly against MDR strains. She is proficient in tools like the VITEK 2 System, sequence analysis platforms (NCBI, EMBL), and data visualization software. Her plant research involves aqueous, methanol, and acetone extractions, along with quantitative and qualitative phytochemical analyses. She demonstrates precision in both lab settings and in interpreting complex results. Beyond technical prowess, Dr. Pal is skilled in documentation, safety protocol adherence, and multi-platform communication of research findings. These competencies make her a holistic and strategic researcher in the evolving landscape of plant biotechnology.

📖Publications

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS AGAINST HUMAN PATHOGENIC BACTERIA
  • Author: Pal Neha

  • Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MODERN PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH

  • Year: 2021

Piper nigrum: An overview of effects on human health
  • Author: Pal Neha

  • Journal: Research Journal of Science and Technology

  • Year: 2020

REVIEW ARTICLE OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA
  • Author: Pal Neha

  • Journal: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

  • Year: 2020

Evolution of Phytological growth activities of Meerut agricultural soil microbes under heavy metal stress
  • Author: Pal Neha

  • Journal: South Asian Journal of Food Technology and Environment

  • Year: 2017

 

Timur Turdiyev | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Timur Turdiyev | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology | Kazakhstan

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TIMUR TURDIYEV: HEAD RESEARCHER AT INSTITUTE OF PLANT BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 🌱

INTRODUCTION

Timur Turdiyev, a prominent researcher in plant biotechnology and conservation, is the Head Researcher at the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IPBB) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. With over two decades of experience in plant science, his research focuses on advancing biotechnological methods for preserving and improving plant genetic resources, particularly in Kazakhstan. His innovative contributions to biotechnology, plant breeding, and biodiversity have had a significant impact on sustainable agriculture in the region.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Timur’s academic journey began at the Kazakh State Agrarian University, where he studied from 1996 to 2001. His passion for biotechnology led him to pursue a thesis in the field, which he successfully defended in 2010. He was awarded the academic title of Associate Professor in Biology in 2021. Throughout his academic career, he has continually expanded his expertise in plant biology, breeding, and biotechnology.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Since 2002, Timur has been part of the IPBB, initially starting as an intern researcher and eventually rising to the position of Head Researcher in 2025. As a key figure in plant biotechnology research, he has led numerous research projects aimed at advancing Kazakhstan’s agricultural capabilities, including the preservation and propagation of various plant species using biotechnological methods.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Biotechnology

Timur’s contributions to biotechnology and plant conservation have been transformative. His research focuses on developing techniques for long-term preservation, cryopreservation, and micropropagation of plants like rice, grapevine, raspberries, and poplars. His projects, such as the creation of cryobanks and the development of biotechnological regulations for germplasm preservation, are critical to ensuring sustainable plant breeding and conservation in Kazakhstan.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Timur’s work has not only advanced plant biotechnology in Kazakhstan but also contributed significantly to global scientific knowledge. His involvement in international projects has established him as a respected figure in the scientific community. Through his research, he has improved the efficiency of plant breeding, offering potential solutions for combating agricultural challenges, particularly in arid regions.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Timur has published extensively in reputable scientific journals. With an h-index of 6 on Scopus, his research is widely recognized, particularly in the fields of plant genetics and biotechnology. His work, including studies on apple and plum genetic diversity and the preservation of apple germplasm, has been published in journals like In vitro cellular & developmental biology-plant and Tree Genetics & Genomes.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • The “AlgysKhat”certificate in 2023 for his contribution to higher education and science in Kazakhstan.
  • Recognition as Associate Professor in Biology in 2021.
  • Multiple international patents for his innovations in plant biotechnology.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Timur’s research legacy is rooted in the preservation and enhancement of plant biodiversity. His ongoing projects on pistachio and almond biodiversity, as well as his continued focus on cryopreservation and clonal micropropagation, ensure his future contributions will play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Timur Turdiyev’s commitment to advancing plant biotechnology, conservation, and agricultural sustainability continues to shape Kazakhstan’s agricultural landscape. His pioneering work in biotechnological methods for plant preservation and breeding has not only improved agricultural practices but also provided a model for other countries in the region.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Micropropagation of berry crops for creation of germplasm cryobanks
  • Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology
  • Year: 2024
  • Contributors: T. Turdiyev; I. Kovalchuk; Z. Mukhitdinova; O. Hunger; S. Frolov; B. Kabylbekova
In Vitro Approbation of Microbial Preparations to Shield Fruit Crops from Fire Blight: Physio-Biochemical Parameters
  • Journal: Plants
  • Year: 2024 (May)
  • Contributors: Asil A. Nurzhanova; Aigerim Mamirova; Valentina Mursaliyeva; Asiya S. Nurmagambetova; Zhadyra Zhumasheva; Тимур Турдиев; Svetlana Kushnarenko; Elvira Ismailova
In vitro germplasm cold storage of fruit and berry plants of Kazakhstan
  • Journal: EurAsian Journal of BioSciences
  • Year: 2020
  • Contributors: Turdiyev, T.T.; Kovalchuk, I.Y.; Kabylbekova, B.Z.; Chukanova, N.I.; Frolov, S.N
Reduced major minerals and increased minor nutrients improve micropropagation in three apple cultivars
  • Journal: In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant
  • Year: 2020
  • Contributors: Kabylbekova, B.; Kovalchuk, I.; Mukhitdinova, Z.; Turdiyev, T.; Kairova, G.; Madiyeva, G.; Reed, B.M.
Nitrogen ions and nitrogen ion proportions impact the growth of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) shoot cultures
  • Journal: Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture
  • Year: 2018
  • Contributors: Kovalchuk, I.Y.; Mukhitdinova, Z.; Turdiyev, T.; Madiyeva, G.; Akin, M.; Eyduran, E.; Reed, B.M.