Shikha Gupta | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Shikha Gupta | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Amity University | India

Dr. Shikha Gupta is a research-oriented biotechnologist with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and CSIR-UGC NET (Life Sciences) qualification, currently serving as a CSIR-Research Associate at Amity University, Noida. She has academic and research experience spanning teaching, funded projects, and laboratory mentoring. Her research centers on plant–microbe interactions, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, bacterial endophytes, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong focus on salinity stress mitigation and biocontrol mechanisms. Dr. Gupta has published extensively in high-impact journals and scholarly books, earning strong citation metrics. Her work contributes significantly to sustainable crop productivity and microbial biotechnology.

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Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria to Mitigate Biotic and Abiotic Stress in Plants

– Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 60, 2023 (Book Chapter)

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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Rainer Hedrich | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Rainer Hedrich | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Innovation Award

Shenzhen University SUAT | Germany

Professor Dr. Rainer Hedrich is a globally renowned plant physiologist and synthetic biologist whose pioneering work has fundamentally shaped modern understanding of ion channel–mediated signaling in plants. Trained in Germany, including postdoctoral research with Nobel Laureate Erwin Neher, he established his independent academic career at the University of Göttingen, later serving as full professor at Hannover and Würzburg, where he held the Chair of Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics. Since 2025, he has been a full-time professor at Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology. His research focuses on plant electrophysiology, ion transport, signal transduction, stomatal regulation, carnivorous plant biology, and optogenetics. Professor Hedrich was the first to provide experimental proof of ion channels in plants, laying the molecular foundation for understanding plant water balance and electrical excitability. His groundbreaking studies on the Venus flytrap revealed how action potentials, calcium signaling, and phytohormones regulate prey capture and digestion, attracting worldwide scientific and public attention. He has published 371 scientific papers with over 31,035 citations and an h-index of 102, reflecting his sustained global impact. His achievements have been recognized with the Körber European Science Prize, ERC Award, DFG Koselleck Award, and election to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Widely regarded as a pioneer, Professor Hedrich continues to advance plant science and synthetic biology through innovative interdisciplinary research.

 

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Jianglong Li | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Jianglong Li | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University | China

Li Jianglong is a promising early-career researcher currently completing his B.Eng. in Facility Agriculture Science and Engineering at South China Agricultural University. His academic training emphasizes greenhouse cultivation, soilless cultivation, plant physiology, and environmental control technologies in horticulture. He has already published one first-author peer-reviewed paper in the journal Horticulturae, titled “Light-Nutrient Optimization Enhances Cherry Tomato Yield and Quality in Greenhouses”; to date (December 2025). His research interests focus on nutrient optimization strategies, precision hydroponic management, greenhouse seedling production, and sustainable facility agriculture for high-quality horticultural crops. Beyond the lab, he led a provincially funded undergraduate innovation project exploring bioactive compounds in colorful cherry tomatoes and their precise nutrient-solution management, and he captained a “Maker Cup” innovation competition project on multi-target regulation of cherry-tomato sub-health ecosystems. He has earned multiple awards in provincial English writing contests, university-level competitions, and national scholarships, demonstrating both academic versatility and communication skills. Committed, hardworking, and team-oriented, he aspires to contribute to sustainable horticultural production and crop quality improvement through integrated greenhouse technologies.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Li, J., Xie, Z., Zhao, T., Li, H., Chen, R., Song, S., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Light–nutrient optimization enhances cherry tomato yield and quality in greenhouses. Horticulturae,

Tongxin Wang | Horticultural Science | Excellence in Research award

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Dr. Tongxin Wang | Horticultural Science | Excellence in Research award

Hainan University | China

Dr. Tongxin Wang is a dedicated plant science researcher at Hainan University, China, recognized for his significant contributions to plant molecular biology and ornamental horticulture. His academic experience and research background focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying flower coloration, including anthocyanin and flavonoid biosynthesis, which determine pigmentation patterns in ornamental species such as pansy and Ixora. Dr. Wang has developed expertise in transcriptomics, gene expression profiling, and plant tissue culture techniques, advancing knowledge on leaf variegation and floral color variation that supports horticultural breeding programs. His studies involve identifying key regulatory genes and metabolic pathways that influence plant traits of commercial value. Throughout his career, Dr. Wang has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring students and contributing to innovative scientific approaches in biotechnology and plant physiology. While awards or recognitions are not widely publicized, his strong citation metrics highlight his impact and reputation in the scientific community. In conclusion, Dr. Tongxin Wang continues to contribute to the advancement of plant genetics and improvement of ornamental crops, positioning himself as an emerging leader in molecular horticulture research.

Profile:  Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, J., Feng, S., Xu, X., Li, T., Li, Y., Wang, T., & Wang, J. (2025). Stress-specific adaptation of a non-betalain DODA homolog from pansy (Viola × wittrockiana). Industrial Crops and Products.

Wang, T., Li, C., Wang, Y., Peng, T., & Wang, J. (2025). Differences in anthocyanin biosynthesis drive flower coloration variations in pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.). Physiologia Plantarum.

Wang, T., Luo, C., Liu, Z., Zhao, Y., Zhu, Z., Song, X., Zhou, Y., & Wang, J. (2024). Comparative transcriptomic analysis to postulate the generation of variegated leaves in Bougainvillea peruviana ‘Thimma’. Industrial Crops and Product.

Wang, T., Li, C., Wang, Y., Peng, T., & Wang, J. (2022). Comparative transcriptome analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis in pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.). Agronomy,

Guanghao Li | Crop Science | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Guanghao Li | Crop Science | Research Excellence Award

Yangzhou University | China

Li Guanghao is an accomplished crop scientist specializing in maize cultivation, yield and quality formation, and stress physiology. He earned his B.Sc. in Seed Science and Engineering at Shandong Agricultural University, followed by a Ph.D. in Crop Cultivation and Tillage at the same institution. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship, he joined the College of Agriculture at Yangzhou University, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor and supervisor of master’s students. Over his career, he has conducted extensive research into improving maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and quality, especially under challenging environmental conditions such as weak light stress, through optimizing fertilization and cultivation practices. His projects include national and provincial grants investigating physiological mechanisms underlying yield and quality formation, slow-release fertilizer application, and stress mitigation in waxy maize. He has received recognition for his doctoral dissertation as an outstanding thesis in Shandong Province. His research interest centers on maize physiology, agronomic management, abiotic stress tolerance, and sustainable crop production. With sustained publication output, teaching and mentorship experience, and practical application of research findings, he continues contributing to crop science and promoting high-efficiency, high-quality maize production.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, J., Li, J., Guo, J., Yang, H., Li, G., & Lu, D. (2025, November 26). Application of exogenous 24-Epibrassinolide at the silking stage alleviates the effects of post-silking heat stress on photosynthetic performance of waxy maize. Agriculture.

Liang, Y., Liu, Q., Zeng, J., Xiong, F., Guo, J., Li, G., & Lu, D. (2024, October 23). Optimizing nitrogen input increased yield and efficiency in maize-soybean strip intercropping system. Agronomy.

Jiang, C., Liang, Y., Wang, Y., You, G., Guo, J., Lu, D., & Li, G. (2024, September 24). Effects of sulfur application on the quality of fresh waxy maize. Plants.

Sun, H., Li, W., Liang, Y., & Li, G. (2023, April 23). Shading stress at different grain filling stages affects dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in fresh waxy maize. Plants.

Li, G., Wang, L., Li, L., Lu, D., & Lu, W. (2020, January). Effects of fertilizer management strategies on maize yield and nitrogen use efficiencies under different densities. Agronomy Journal.

Janéne Strydom | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Janéne Strydom | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij | South Africa

Dr. Janéne Strydom is a South African horticultural scientist and leading viticulture researcher. She holds a PhD in Horticultural Science (2025), an MSc in Viticulture (2006), and a BSc in Viticulture & Enology (1999) from Stellenbosch University. Since 1999, she has served at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, progressing from Research Technician to Researcher, where she leads major national projects on table grape production, water management, mesoclimate effects, and grape quality from vineyard to shelf. Her research focuses on physiological responses of table grapes to microclimate, irrigation regimes, canopy management, biostimulants, and ripening dynamics—contributing extensively to improving cultivar quality and production systems in South Africa. Dr. Strydom has delivered numerous international conference presentations, published peer-reviewed journal articles, supervised technology-transfer initiatives, and served on scientific committees, including the editorial board of the South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture. She has also contributed to industry advisory panels and review committees for the South African Table Grape Industry. Through her applied research, leadership, and continuous engagement with growers, Dr. Strydom has significantly advanced modern viticultural practices and strengthened scientific understanding of table grape physiology.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Strydom, J., Volschenk, C. G., van der Rijst, M., de Palma, L., Novello, V., di Lorenzo, R., Pisciotta, A., Raath, P. J., & Hunter, J. J. (2025). Physiological response of Crimson Seedless table grape vines to controlled irrigation conditions in different micro-climatic environments. Plants.

Strydom, J., Hunter, J. J., van der Rijst, M., Volschenk, C. G., de Palma, L., Novello, V., di Lorenzo, R., & Pisciotta, A. (2023). Biochemical responses of Crimson Seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapevines to altered micro-climatic conditions and different water treatments in the Breede River Valley of South Africa . In GIESCO 2023: Diverse Germplasm and Precision Technologies for Varied and Changing Climates.

Strydom, J., Hunter, J. J., Volschenk, C. G., van der Rijst, M., de Palma, L., Novello, V., di Lorenzo, R., & Pisciotta, A. (2023). Physiological responses of Crimson Seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapevines to altered micro-climatic conditions and different water treatments in the Breede River Valley of South Africa. In GIESCO 2023: Diverse Germplasm and Precision Technologies for Varied and Changing Climates.

Strydom, J. (2017). Effect of a combination of three biostimulants on Flame Seedless grape quality in the Berg River Valley region of South Africa. In Proceedings of the 8th International Table Grape Symposium.

Strydom, J. (2014). Effect of CPPU (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N’-phenylurea) and a seaweed extract on Crimson Seedless grape quality. In Proceedings of the 7th International Table Grape Symposium.

Paloma Moncalean | Plant Biotechnology | Excellence in Plant Research

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Dr. Paloma Moncalean | Plant Biotechnology | Excellence in Plant Research

NEIKER | Spain

Dr. Paloma Moncaleán Guillén is a leading plant biotechnologist specializing in in vitro tissue culture, somatic embryogenesis, and forest biotechnology, with an extensive research career at NEIKER-BRTA, where she currently serves as Principal Investigator. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Premio Extraordinario, 2000) from the University of Oviedo, where she also obtained her Licenciatura in Biological Sciences. Dr. Moncaleán pioneered the in vitro culture and plant physiology research line at NEIKER, developing advanced protocols for somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in Pinus species, alongside molecular, physiological, and morphological marker applications in juvenile and mature tissues. Her current work focuses on epigenetic modulation under abiotic stress to enhance stress tolerance in somatic plants. She has accumulating an estimated h-index of 22, over 1421 citations, and more than 73 research documents. Dr. Moncaleán has led competitive national and international projects, contributed to major technology-transfer initiatives in Spain, Chile, and Argentina, and serves on editorial boards of top journals including Frontiers in Plant Science, PLANTS, FORESTS, and Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture. Recognized for her leadership, she coordinates the IUFRO Unit 2.09.02 and continues advancing forest biotechnology for sustainable and resilient forestry systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Hurtado, M., Suarez-Álvarez, S., Castander-Olarieta, A., Montalbán, I. A., Goicoechea, P. G., López de Heredia, U., Marino, D., & Moncaleán, P. (2025). Physiological and molecular response to drought in somatic plants from Pinus radiata embryonal masses induced at high temperatures. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Ochatt, S. J., Akin, M., Chan, M. T., Dolgov, S. V., Eimert, K., Flachowsky, H., Guo, W. W., Jiménez, V. M., Lambardi, M., Moncaleán, P., et al. (2025). Research is rendering the recalcitrant woody plants amenable to biotechnological approaches. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture.

Montalbán, I. A., Castander-Olarieta, A., Marques do Nascimento, A. M., Suárez-Álvarez, S., Herrán, A., Polesi, L. G., Back, F., Steiner, N., Guerra, M. P., & Moncaleán, P. (2024). Genetic stability, amino acid, and polyamine profile analyses in radiata pine somatic embryos maturated at high temperatures. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture.

Montalbán, I. A., Castander-Olarieta, A., Marques do Nascimento, A. M., Suárez-Álvarez, S., Herrán, A., Polesi, L. G., Steiner, N., Guerra, M. P., & Moncaleán, P. (2023). Genetic stability, amino acid and polyamine profile analyses in radiata pine somatic embryos maturated at high temperatures.

Ayala, L. P. E., Luna, C. V., Brugnoli, E. A., Espasandin, F. D., Duarte, M. J., González, A. M., Gauchat, M. E., Moncaleán Guillén, P., & Sansberro, P. A. (2023). Cryopreservation of mature zygotic embryos, shoot bud regeneration, and field establishment of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii × Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis in vitro-derived plants. Trees.

Muhammad Usman | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Muhammad Usman | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

University of Agriculture Faisalabad | Pakistan

Muhammad Usman is a soil scientist and emerging environmental researcher whose work focuses on soil contamination, heavy metal dynamics, nanoparticles in agriculture, salinity tolerance, and sustainable crop production systems. He holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, where he also earned his MSc (Hons.) and BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture with specialization in Soil Science. with publications appearing in Chemosphere, Environmental Research, Environmental Pollution, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Plants, Phyton, and Arabian Journal of Geosciences. His research contributions include investigating Cd bioavailability, biochar amendments, nano-fertilizers, salinity stress mitigation, and nutrient dynamics in major crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and lettuce. Professionally, he has served as a Teaching Assistant at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (UAF) and has industry experience as a Technical Fertilizer Advisor with FMC United Pvt. Ltd. He has attended multiple national and international trainings and received the prestigious ICOBTE-ICHMET 2023 Conference Scholarship for Junior Scientists in Germany. Usman actively contributes to scientific publishing as an editorial board member and peer reviewer. He aims to advance sustainable agriculture through innovative soil management solutions and environmentally safe technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Shaghaleh, H., Akram, T., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Usman, M., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Rizwan, M., Alharby, H. F., Alamri, A. M., Alharbi, B. M., & Abdulmajeed, A. M. (2025). Acid-modified biochar mitigates salt stress in maize by enhancing nutrient availability and antioxidant defense system under variable salt-affected soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Usman, M., Ahmed, R., Ahmad, A., Akram, T., Maqsood, A., & Aslam, H. (2025). Precision input management for reducing resource wastage and enhancing production efficiency. Agriculture Toward Net Zero Emissions.

Ali, A. A., Lamlom, S. F., El-Sorady, G., Elmahdy, A. M., Abd Elghany, S. H., Usman, M., Alamri, A., Shaghaleh, H., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., & Abdelghany, A. M. (2024). Boosting resilience and yields in water-stressed sunflower through coordinated irrigation scheduling and silica gel applications. Heliyon,.

Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Shaghaleh, H., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Rizwan, M., Umair, M., Usman, M., Ayub, M. A., Riaz, U., Alnusairi, G. S. H., & Alghanem, S. M. S. (2024). Cadmium and lead accumulation in important food crops due to wastewater irrigation: Pollution index and health risks assessment. Heliyon.

Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Kakakhel, I. A. M., Usman, M., Rizwan, M., Shaghaleh, H., Mohiuddin, G., Alzahrani, Y. M., Alharby, H. F., & Alsamadany, H. (2024). Comparative effects of micron-sized silicon sources and Si nanoparticles on growth, defense system and cadmium accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in Cd-contaminated soil. Environmental Technology & Innovation,

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,