Khalid Masoodi | Molecular biology | Best Researcher Award

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 Prof. Dr. Khalid Masoodi | Molecular biology | Best Researcher Award

Skuast-Kashmir | India

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INTRODUCTION

Khalid Zaffar Masoodi, PhD, is an acclaimed scientist and educator specializing in biotechnology. With an academic foundation built at prominent institutions, Dr. Masoodi has made significant contributions to plant biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and scientific research. He holds a prestigious position as an Associate Professor and Senior Scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir), contributing to both academia and the broader scientific community.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Masoodi’s academic journey began with a BSc. Honors in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University, followed by an MSc. in Biotechnology from the University of Jammu. His passion for biotechnology deepened during his Ph.D. at the University of Jammu, under the mentorship of Prof. Manoj Kumar, focusing on cutting-edge research in biotechnology. His dedication to scientific exploration continued with a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, USA, where he worked under the guidance of Prof. Zhou Wang, further honing his expertise in biotechnology.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Masoodi’s professional career has been marked by a series of impactful academic and research positions. Since 2014, he has served at SKUAST-Kashmir, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor/Senior Scientist. His leadership extends beyond the classroom, where he contributes significantly to the institution’s research initiatives, including his involvement in innovative startups and biotechnology-related projects. Dr. Masoodi’s early career also included postdoctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh and a senior residency at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Molecular biology

Dr. Masoodi’s research is at the intersection of plant biotechnology, agricultural innovation, and health sciences. He has contributed to groundbreaking work on plant genomics, biotechnology applications, and novel therapeutic approaches for diseases like prostate cancer. His work on designing anticancer “Magic Food” has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. He has also developed several technologies that bridge the gap between agriculture, health, and technology.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Masoodi’s work has had a lasting impact on agricultural science, biotechnology, and medical research. His involvement in developing high-impact publications and his patents has solidified his position as a thought leader in the field. Furthermore, he has played a crucial role in establishing the first faculty startup at SKUAST-Kashmir, contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. His influence extends to the global scientific community, where he is an active member of prestigious organizations such as the Society for Basic Urologic Research (SBUR), USA.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Masoodi’s research is widely recognized, with numerous citations and publications in reputable journals. His contributions to biotechnology, cancer research, and agricultural innovation have been published in international journals, contributing significantly to the scientific community’s understanding of these fields. His work is also frequently cited, indicating the broad impact of his research.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

Dr. Masoodi’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, including national and international honors. Notable international awards include the Certificate of Appreciation for his work at the International Conference on Coronavirus and the Journal Award from the Society of Endocrinology, Glasgow. Nationally, Dr. Masoodi has been recognized for his innovative contributions, including the “Achiever of the Year” award in 2024 for his high-impact publications and patented technologies. His awards, spanning across scientific, entrepreneurial, and educational domains, highlight his exceptional career trajectory.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As an academic and researcher, Dr. Masoodi’s legacy is defined by his impact on biotechnology, cancer treatment, and agricultural innovations. With his continued focus on research, technological advancements, and mentorship, he is poised to make significant contributions to the scientific community and beyond. His work, particularly in the realm of biotechnology startups, is expected to influence future developments in healthcare and agriculture.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Khalid Zaffar Masoodi, PhD, continues to inspire the scientific community with his groundbreaking research and commitment to innovation. His multidisciplinary approach to biotechnology, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, sets him apart as a leading figure in the fields of plant biotechnology and agricultural science. Dr. Masoodi’s contributions extend beyond academia, as he shapes the future of biotechnology and health sciences through his work.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Achyranthes aspera-derived compounds mitigate the pathogenesis of Meloidogyne incognita and in silico approach to determine interaction with nematode protein
  • Authors: A. Khan, Amir; M. Amir, Mohd; M. Jameel, Mohammed; S. Shahini, Shpend; F. Ahmad, Faheem
  • Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology,
  • 2025
Investigating the antioxidant and anticancer potential of Daucus spp. extracts against human prostate cancer cell line C4-2, and lung cancer cell line A549
  • Authors: S.M. Lone, Sameena Maqbool; S. Narayan, Sumati; K. Hussain, Khursheed; A.A. Ahmad, Ajaz A.; K.Z. Masoodi, Khalid Z.
  • Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology,
  • 2025
Mapping phenotypic performance and novel SNPs for cold tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes through GWAS and population genetics
  • Authors: L.R. Shah, Labiba Riyaz; N. Ahmed, Nazeer; K. Hussain, Khursheed; B.A. Bhat, Basharat A.; K.Z. Masoodi, Khalid Z.
  • Journal: BMC Genomic Data,
  • 2024
Benzothiazole-Piperazine Hybrids Effectively Target C4-2 Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells in vitro Implicated through Computational Studies
  • Authors: A. Amin, Andleeb; B.A. Bhat, Basharat A.; Z. Ul-Khazir, Zubaid; P.K. Sharma, Praveen Kumar; K.Z. Masoodi, Khalid Z.
  • Journal: ChemistrySelect,
  • 2024
Phenotypic, biochemical and genetic diversity of pepper (Capsicum spp.) germplasm reflects selection for cultivar types and spatial distribution
  • Authors: S.A. Indrabi, Sayed Azrah; A.A. Malik, Ajaz Ahmed; G. Malik, Geetika; S. Mansoor, Sheikh; K.Z. Masoodi, Khalid Z.
  • Journal: Plant Biotechnology Reports,
  • 2024

 

Baowen Huang | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Baowen Huang | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Chongqing University | China

Author Profile

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INTRODUCTION

Dr. Baowen Huang is an accomplished Associate Professor and doctoral supervisor at Chongqing University. His expertise lies in plant molecular development, specifically the regulation of fruit development and quality formation. With significant academic contributions in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications, Cell Report, and New Phytologist, his research has had a substantial impact on the field of plant biology.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Huang began his academic journey at the University of Toulouse III, where he earned his PhD in 2017. During his doctoral studies, he specialized in plant molecular development, laying the foundation for his future research on fruit development and quality.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

From 2017 to 2021, Dr. Huang further honed his expertise through postdoctoral work at INRAe and CNRS in France, collaborating with international experts in the field. This experience allowed him to deepen his understanding of plant molecular mechanisms, specifically related to fruit growth and quality control.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Horticultural Science

Dr. Huang’s research focuses on the intricate molecular processes involved in fruit development. He investigates how various regulatory mechanisms control the formation and quality of fruits, which has far-reaching implications for agriculture, particularly in improving crop yields and enhancing food security.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Huang’s research has made a significant impact in plant science. His work is widely cited and has influenced both academic research and agricultural practices. By focusing on fruit development, he has provided valuable insights that could lead to advancements in agriculture, particularly in improving fruit quality and production efficiency.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Huang has published extensively in renowned journals, including Nature Communications, Cell Report, and New Phytologist. His work on fruit development and quality formation continues to be widely cited, showcasing the relevance and importance of his contributions to the field.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Best Research Paper Award 🌟
  • Outstanding Young Researcher Award 🏆
  • International Collaboration Award 🌍
  • Excellence in Plant Science Award 🏅

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Huang’s legacy will be defined by his role in advancing plant molecular development. His future research promises to further explore the molecular underpinnings of fruit development and quality, with the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices. His contributions will continue to influence both academia and the agricultural industry for years to come.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Dr. Baowen Huang continues to push the boundaries of plant molecular development research. His contributions to fruit development and quality formation have earned him recognition within the scientific community. As a mentor to young scholars, his leadership and vision will undoubtedly shape future research in plant biology.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

The BES1/BZR1 transcriptional factor SlBES2 regulates photosynthetic apparatus in tomato fruit
  • Authors: M. Huang, W. Liu, D. Su, B. Huang, Z. Li
    Journal: BMC Plant Biology
    Year: 2025

 

Svitlana Plokhovska | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Svitlana Plokhovska | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

University San Pablo CEU | Spain

Author Profile

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🌟SVITLANA ARSLAN (NÉE PLOKHOVSKA): ACADEMIC PROFILE 

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Svitlana Arslan, born on October 28, 1989, in Ukraine, embarked on her academic journey at Dragomanov Ukrainian State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2011 with Cum Laude honors. She then pursued her Master’s degree at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, graduating with Cum Laude honors in 2012. These early academic accomplishments laid the foundation for her future research endeavors.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently based at the University San Pablo CEU in Madrid, Spain, Svitlana’s work focuses on plant science, particularly the use of nanoparticles for plant growth promotion and stress adaptation. Her career has been marked by significant international recognition, including several prestigious fellowships and awards.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Svitlana‘s research is at the intersection of plant biology, nanotechnology, and environmental science. She explores the role of silver nanoparticles in plant growth, their ability to promote stress adaptation, and their potential pharmaceutical applications. Notably, her research on the impact of microgravity on Arabidopsis thaliana and the use of Pseudomonas shirazensis NVF3 in silver nanoparticles showcases her innovative approach to modern agricultural challenges.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Her contributions extend beyond academia, with research that has implications for both the pharmaceutical and agrifood industries. Svitlana’s work in plant development under stress conditions, particularly her studies on the interaction between melatonin and nitric oxide in plant stress response, has had a profound impact on sustainable agriculture and crop development strategies.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Svitlana is an established author with numerous publications in high-impact journals such as Sci Rep, npj Microgravity, and Chemosensors. Her h-index is notable, with 6 citations in Web of Science and 7 in Scopus. Some key publications include:

  • Silver nanoparticles coated with metabolites of Pseudomonas sp. N5.12 inhibit bacterial pathogens (2025)
  • Autophagy formation, microtubule disorientation, and alteration of ATG8 and tubulin gene expression under simulated microgravity in Arabidopsis thaliana (2024)
  • Crosstalk between melatonin and nitric oxide in plant development and UV-B stress response (2023)

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • 2023: European Commission MSCA4Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • 2020: Stipend of the President of Ukraine for young scientists
  • 2019: FEBS Excellence Awards and Fellowships Committee Travel Grant
  • 2018: Prize of the President of Ukraine for young scientist These awards highlight her contributions to science and her promise as a young researcher.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With a strong foundation of groundbreaking research and academic excellence, Svitlana’s legacy will be defined by her contributions to sustainable agricultural practices and the intersection of nanotechnology and plant science. Her future endeavors promise to bring new insights into the use of nanoparticles in agriculture, biomedicine, and environmental science, paving the way for further advancements in these critical fields.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Svitlana Arslan’s career is a testament to the impact of innovative research in plant science and nanotechnology. Her dedication to addressing environmental and agricultural challenges through her research will continue to influence the fields of plant development and nanotechnology for years to come.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Autophagy formation, microtubule disorientation, and alteration of ATG8 and tubulin gene expression under simulated microgravity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Authors: Yemets, A., Shadrina, R., Blume, R., Plokhovska, S., Blume, Y.
Journal: npj Microgravity
Year: 2024

Elucidation of cellular mechanisms of autophagy involvement in plant adaptation to microgravity conditions

Authors: Yemets, A.I., Plokhovska, S.H., Shadrina, R.Yu., Kravets, O.A., Blume, Ya.B.
Journal: Space Science and Technology
Year: 2023

Quantum Dot-Antibody Conjugates for Immunofluorescence Studies of Biomolecules and Subcellular Structures

Authors: Yemets, A., Plokhovska, S., Pushkarova, N., Blume, Y.
Journal: Journal of Fluorescence
Year: 2022

Plasmonic colloidal Au nanoparticles in DMSO: a facile synthesis and characterisation

Authors: Dzhagan, V., Kapush, O., Plokhovska, S., Yemets, A., Zahn, D.R.T.
Journal: RSC Advances
Year: 2022

The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Arabidopsis thaliana Response to Simulated Microgravity and the Involvement of Autophagy in This Process

Authors: Plokhovska, S.H., Shadrina, R.Y., Kravets, O.A., Yemets, A.I., Blume, Y.B.
Journal: Cytology and Genetics
Year: 2022

Spectroscopic Study of Phytosynthesized Ag Nanoparticles and Their Activity as SERS Substrate

Authors: Dzhagan, V., Smirnov, O., Kovalenko, M., Yukhymchuk, V., Zahn, D.R.T.
Journal: Chemosensors
Year: 2022

 

Zezethu Mnqeta | Invasive Plant Species | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Zezethu Mnqeta | Invasive Plant Species | Young Scientist Award

University of Limpopo | South Africa

✨Suitable for  Young Scientist Award

Zezethu Mnqeta is a suitable candidate for the Young Scientist Award, especially if the award focuses on contributions to environmental sustainability, biological control, and early-career scientific impact. Highlighting her leadership in establishing collaborative research nodes and her teaching excellence would bolster her nomination.

Author Profile

✨ZEZETHU MNQETA: CHAMPION OF BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AND EDUCATION 

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Zezethu Mnqeta, born on 12 October 1989 in South Africa, began her academic journey with an innate passion for the natural world. Fluent in English, isiXhosa, and isiZulu, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology at the University of Fort Hare in 2010. Her honors research focused on the ecological impact of invasive species, a theme that laid the foundation for her career. She later obtained her MSc and PhD in Entomology from Rhodes University, delving into biological control mechanisms to combat invasive cacti in South Africa.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Zezethu has held impactful roles in academia, including her current position as a Temporary Senior Lecturer in Plant Protection at the University of Limpopo. She has previously served as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Rhodes University’s Centre for Biological Control (CBC). Her teaching, research, and supervisory responsibilities reflect her dedication to shaping the next generation of scientists. Beyond academia, she has collaborated with stakeholders to address ecological challenges through biological control of invasive plants.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Invasive Plant Species

Zezethu’s work focuses on the environmental impacts and management of invasive alien plants through biological control methods. Her groundbreaking research includes:

  • Studying the interactions between biological control agents.
  • Assessing the impact and safety of biocontrol agents on invasive alien cacti.
  • Collaborating on the establishment of a cactus biological control node in Limpopo Province.

Her commitment to community engagement and environmental education demonstrates her dedication to translating research into action.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Zezethu has influenced the field of plant entomology and biological control through her publications, symposia presentations, and collaborative projects. She actively mentors students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, fostering a new generation of scientists. Her work has been showcased at international forums, highlighting South Africa’s efforts in combating invasive species.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Zezethu has published several papers in prestigious academic journals, focusing on entomology, pest management, and the impact of biological control agents. She has also presented her research at national and international conferences, showcasing her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

Zezethu has been recognized for her contributions with various certifications and accolades, including:

  • DST-NRF Internship Programme Certificate of Completion
  • Responsible Use of Pesticides Certificate
  • Biological Control Short Course Certificate
  • International Training Programme on Pesticide Management

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Zezethu Mnqeta continues to pave the way for sustainable solutions in pest management. Her vision includes establishing a cactus biological control node in Limpopo Province, furthering collaboration with research institutions, and mentoring future scientists in her field.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Zezethu Mnqeta exemplifies dedication to environmental sustainability, academic excellence, and impactful education. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in making meaningful contributions to science and society.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

  • “Biological control against Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley (Cactaceae) and the perceptions of land-users in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa”
    Authors: Mnqeta, Z., Paterson, I.D.
    Journal: Biocontrol Science and Technology
    Year: 2024
  • “Could alien invasive species be a solution to postharvest losses of fresh produce?”
    Authors: Mditshwa, A., Mnqeta, Z., Mahlambi, P.N., Khaliq, G.
    Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
    Year: 2023
  • “Biological Control of Invasive Climbing Plants in South Africa”
    Authors: King, A.M., Paterson, I.D., Simelane, D.O., Mawela, K.V., Mnqeta, Z.
    Journal: African Entomology
    Year: 2021
  • “Biological Control of Cactaceae in South Africa”
    Authors: Paterson, I.D., Klein, H., Muskett, P.C., Mnqeta, Z., Venter, N.
    Journal: African Entomology
    Year: 2021
  • “Interactions between two biological control agents and their target weed: a beetle, a bug and a cactus weed”
    Authors: Mnqeta, Z., Paterson, I.D.
    Journal: Biocontrol Science and Technology
    Year: 2019