PRADEEP CHAND | Plant Biotechnology | Lifetime Achievement Award

Prof. PRADEEP CHAND | Plant Biotechnology | Lifetime Achievement Award

Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

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INTRODUCTION

Professor (Dr.) Pradeep Kumar Chand is a distinguished academician, researcher, and administrator with an illustrious career spanning over four decades. His expertise in Plant Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering has positioned him as a leading figure in his field. Having served as the Vice-Chancellor of North Orissa University and contributed significantly to research and higher education in India, his legacy continues to inspire scholars worldwide.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Born on April 13, 1957, in Odisha, India, Professor Chand demonstrated academic excellence from an early age. He obtained his B.Sc. in Botany (First Class, First Rank) in 1976 and an M.Sc. in Botany (First Class, First Rank) in 1978 from Utkal University. Pursuing his passion for scientific research, he earned a Ph.D. in Science from the University of Nottingham, UK, in 1988, specializing in the genetic engineering of Solanum dulcamara L. under the guidance of esteemed scientists Prof. Edward Charles Daniel Cocking, Dr. Michael Raymond Davey, and Dr. John Brian Power.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Professor Chand embarked on his academic career as a Lecturer in the Post Graduate Department of Botany at Utkal University in 1979. Over the years, he ascended through various academic ranks, serving as a Reader in 1992 and achieving the title of Professor in 2000. His career has also included research stints at internationally renowned institutions, including:

  • University of Nottingham, UK
  • International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines
  • University of Delhi South Campus, India
  • University of New Hampshire, USA

As Chairperson of NAAC Peer Teams, he has played a pivotal role in the accreditation and quality assessment of higher educational institutions across India.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Plant Biotechnology

Professor Chand’s research is centered on Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, with significant contributions to:

  • Plant Cell, Tissue & Organ Culture – Rapid mass multiplication of elite plant varieties
  • Protoplast Fusion & Somatic Hybridization – Enhancing plant genetic diversity
  • Genetic Transformation – Agrobacterium-mediated and direct gene transfer techniques
  • DNA Fingerprinting – Genetic diversity estimation and population structure analysis
  • Green Chemistry Applications – Utilizing biogenic nanosilver crystals for environmental and medical applications

His pioneering work in in vitro plant regeneration, somatic embryogenesis, and genetic transformation has contributed immensely to the development of stress-tolerant and disease-resistant crop varieties.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

With over 37 years of experience, Professor Chand has mentored and guided numerous Ph.D. (22 awarded) and M.Phil. (28 awarded) students. His dedication to research and teaching has significantly advanced biotechnology and plant sciences. His leadership roles in academia have facilitated the growth of research infrastructure, international collaborations, and curriculum development in Indian higher education.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Professor Chand has authored numerous high-impact research papers, book chapters, and conference proceedings. His publications are widely cited, reflecting his influential contributions to plant biotechnology. He has also served as a reviewer and editorial board member for esteemed scientific journals.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • INSA Visiting Fellowship – Indian National Science Academy
  • SERC Visiting Fellowship – Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
  • Biotechnology Overseas Associate Fellowship – Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India
  • Prestigious Research Fellowships at leading international institutions
  • Chairperson, NAAC Peer Teams for higher education accreditation

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a visionary scientist and educator, Professor Chand’s work will remain a cornerstone of plant biotechnology advancements. His focus on integrating scientific research with real-world applications promises continued contributions to agriculture, environmental sustainability, and genetic engineering innovations.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Professor P. K. Chand’s dedication to research, education, and academic leadership has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. His work continues to influence plant biotechnology and sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. His efforts in mentoring the next generation of scientists ensure that his legacy will persist for years to come.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 


Hexavalent chromium bioaccumulation mediated enhancement of pyrethrin production in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.): a promising plant for phytoremediation
  • Authors: B. Pradhan, Bismita; P.K. Chand, Pradeep Kumar; A.B. Das, Anath Bandhu
    Journal: Acta Physiologiae Plantarum
    Year: 2023
 Silver Nanocrystals Bio-Fabricated Using Rhizobium rhizogenes-Transformed In Vitro Root Extracts Demonstrate Health Proactive Properties
  • Authors: S. Begum, Shahani; S. Jena, Somanatha; P.K. Chand, Pradeep Kumar
    Journal: BioNanoScience
    Year: 2022
Anthropogenic Interventions Regulate Forest Structure and Carbon Stock in Transitional Dry Forests of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India
  • Authors: M.R. Mohanta, Manas Ranjan; Y. Rout, Yasaswinee; B.K. Pradhan, Bikram K.; P.K. Chand, Pradeep Kumar; S.C. Sahu, Sudam Charan
    Journal: Ecoscience
    Year: 2022
 Nanosilver Particles Coated with Sida acuta Burm. f. Transformed ‘Hairy Root’ Extract for Efficient Biocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes
  • Authors: S. Begum, Shahani; B. Nayak, Bismita; P.K. Chand, Pradeep Kumar
    Journal: Journal of Cluster Science
    Year: 2022
DNA marker-based auditing of genetic diversity and population structuring of Indian mango (Mangifera indica L.) elites
  • Authors: R.C. Jena, Ram Chandra; P.K. Chand, Pradeep Kumar
    Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
    Year: 2022

 

Rahmatullah Jan | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Rahmatullah Jan | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Kyungpook Natinal University, Korea

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BIOGRAPHY OF RAHMATULLAH JAN 🌿

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Rahmatullah Jan was born on March 15, 1989, in Pakistan. His passion for botany and plant sciences was evident from an early age, propelling him toward a journey of academic excellence. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Kohat University of Science & Technology in 2013, focusing on ethnomedicinal plants of District Charsadda. Continuing his academic pursuit, he completed his M.Phil. in Plant Physiology in 2015, where he optimized fertilizers and hormonal doses for better growth of Jatropha curcas L.. His academic career culminated in a Ph.D. in Applied Biosciences in 2020 from Kyungpook National University, South Korea. His groundbreaking thesis explored alterations in the phenylpropanoid pathway to enhance biotic stress tolerance in plants.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Jan currently serves as an Assistant Research Professor at Kyungpook National University, South Korea. He began his professional journey as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the same institution, designing and executing projects in plant molecular breeding. Over the years, he has taught and mentored numerous Master’s and Ph.D. students, nurturing the next generation of researchers in plant sciences.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 

Dr. Jan’s research is at the forefront of plant molecular breeding and stress physiology. He has extensively studied plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, employing advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, RNA-seq analysis, and metabolomics. His work emphasizes enhancing plant resilience through genetic and metabolic engineering, particularly in rice and maize. His innovative research integrates transcriptomic and hormonal re-orchestration, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Jan’s contributions have had a profound impact on global agricultural practices. His pioneering research on flavonoid accumulation, stress tolerance, and plant-microbe interactions has set benchmarks in the field. He is a sought-after collaborator in international research projects and has delivered key insights into improving crop resilience against climate change-induced stresses.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Jan has an impressive portfolio of over 40 publications in high-impact journals, including Scientific Reports, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Antioxidants. His work has garnered extensive citations, reflecting its global recognition and influence. As both a corresponding and first author, he has advanced the understanding of stress physiology, genome editing, and metabolomic pathways.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • MSCA4Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023)
  • FEBS Excellence Award (2019)
  • Stipend of the President of Ukraine for Young Scientists (2020)
  • Research Excellence Recognition from Kyungpook National University (2022)

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Jan continues to inspire with his transformative research. His future endeavors aim to revolutionize plant molecular breeding, addressing global food security challenges through innovative approaches. With a vision rooted in sustainability, he is poised to leave an enduring legacy in plant science.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Dr. Rahmatullah Jan’s career exemplifies dedication to advancing plant science and sustainable agriculture. His unwavering commitment to research, teaching, and innovation has made him a distinguished figure in his field. His expertise bridges the gap between molecular biology and practical agricultural applications, fostering resilient and sustainable food systems.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Exogenous melatonin induces salt and drought stress tolerance in rice by promoting plant growth and defense system
  • Authors: Khan, Zakirullah; Jan, Rahmatullah; Asif, Saleem; Farooq, Muhammad; Jang, Yoon-Hee; Kim, Eun-Gyeong; Kim, Nari; Kim, Kyung-Min
  • Journal: Scientific Reports
  • Year: 2024
Plastome diversity and evolution in mosses: Insights from structural characterization, comparative genomics, and phylogenetic analysis
  • Authors: Lubna; Asaf, Sajjad; Jan, Rahmatullah; Asif, Saleem; Bilal, Saqib; Khan, Abdul Latif; Kim, Kyung-Min; Lee, In-Jung; AL-Harrasi, Ahmed
  • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
  • Year: 2024
The complete plastome sequences of invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus: genome organization, evolutionary significance, structural features, and comparative analysis
  • Authors: Asaf, Sajjad; Jan, Rahmatullah; Asif, Saleem; Bilal, Saqib; Khan, Abdul Latif; Al-Rawahi, Ahmed N.; Kim, Kyung-Min; AL-Harrasi, Ahmed
  • Journal: Scientific Reports
  • Year: 2024
The complete plastome sequences of invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus: genome organization, evolutionary significance, structural features, and comparative analysis (vol 14, 4006, 2024)
  • Authors: Lubna; Asaf, Sajjad; Jan, Rahmatullah; Asif, Saleem; Bilal, Saqib; Khan, Abdul Latif; Al-Rawahi, Ahmed N.; Kim, Kyung-Min; AL-Harrasi, Ahmed
  • Journal: Scientific Reports
  • Year: 2024