Shafeeq Rahman | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shafeeq Rahman | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Shafeeq Rahman is a peer-reviewed researcher in molecular biology and plant biotechnology, with significant metrics to his name: an h-index of 6, more than 187 citations, and numerous published documents as indexed in Google Scholar. With a PhD in Biosciences and advanced studies from the University of Abertay (UK) and ICAR-CPC Research Institute, he has built over a decade of expertise in plant tissue culture, plant-microbe interactions, functional genomics, epigenetics, abiotic stress responses, and space biology. In his postdoctoral role at the ASPIRE Research Institute of Food Security in Drylands (UAE University), Shafeeq has led projects isolating native growth-promoting endophytes, characterizing stress regulatory genes in date palm, and evaluating biochemical, transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in seeds/seedlings exposed to microgravity aboard the ISS. He has also contributed to work on gut microbiota and pathogen prevalence in ruminants. His peer-reviewed articles in journals such as BMC Plant Biology, Scientific Reports, and Phytobiomes demonstrate both depth and impact. His current research interests encompass sustainable agriculture, microbiome engineering, plant adaptation under abiotic stress, and space biology, with the goal of developing strategies to enhance plant resilience in challenging environments.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

A Pangenomic Analysis of the Diversity and Biological Functioning of the Genus Azotobacter

The Enterobacter sp. SA187 stimulates stress-responsive genes and promotes salt and heat stress tolerance in tomato plants

Colonization and endophytic establishment of diazotrophic Lysinibacillus sphaericus in Oryza sativa and its efficacy in plant growth promotion

Host Genotype and Compartment Regulate Bacterial Microbiome Composition, Assembly Pattern and Network Complexity in Three Salt Tolerant Date Palm Cultivars

Identification of Endophytic Bacterial Community Associated With Roots of Desert Vegetation.

Vikram Singh | Plant Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Vikram Singh | Plant Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

ICAR-IIWBR | India

Vikram Singh is a dedicated researcher specializing in nanotechnology, enzymology, metabolomics, proteomics, and molecular biology with a strong focus on plant sciences. His academic journey and research contributions emphasize innovative approaches in plant tissue culture, cloning, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. He has conducted impactful studies on cotton physiology, biochemistry, and the application of nanotechnology in agriculture, particularly in enhancing crop resilience and yield. With experience in prestigious agricultural research institutes, he contributes to projects addressing food security, climate resilience, and plant health. His multidisciplinary expertise positions him as a promising scientist committed to sustainable agricultural innovations and advanced biotechnological solutions.

Author Profiles

Google Scholar

Education

Vikram Singh pursued a strong academic foundation in life sciences, beginning with his early education in biology and continuing toward higher studies in biochemistry. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Zoology, and Botany, followed by a Master of Science in Biochemistry, where he investigated the morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of cotton under pest infestation. His academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, where he developed and evaluated bionanoclusters of indole acetic acid and cobalt chloride for enhancing cotton seed germination and yield. His education reflects a strong integration of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and plant biotechnology.

Professional Experience 

Vikram Singh has gained professional research experience as a Senior Research Fellow in leading agricultural and biotechnology projects. At NCVTC, ICAR-NRCE, he worked on epidemiological studies and antiviral therapeutics targeting coronaviruses. Later, at ICAR-IIWBR, he contributed to projects on genome editing tools aimed at enhancing climate resilience and food security in crops. His work combines molecular biology, genetics, and applied biotechnology with cutting-edge approaches such as CRISPR/Cas9. In addition to research, he has actively contributed to laboratory training and served as a resource person in workshops. His professional journey highlights applied solutions for global agricultural and health challenges.

Awards and Recognition 

Vikram Singh has received significant recognition for his academic and research achievements. He qualified national-level competitive examinations, including the ICAR-ASRB National Eligibility Test in Biochemistry and the CSIR-UGC NET in Life Sciences, earning Junior and Senior Research Fellowships. He also qualified the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in Life Sciences, reflecting his strong academic foundation. His contributions have been recognized through invitations to present at international and national conferences, workshops, and training sessions. He has been engaged in capacity-building programs and served as a resource person in specialized training on genome editing. His awards reflect both academic merit and applied research excellence.

Research Skills 

Vikram Singh possesses a diverse set of research skills across plant biotechnology, molecular biology, and nanotechnology. He is proficient in plant tissue culture, molecular cloning, metabolomics, proteomics, and enzymology. His expertise extends to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and the development of bionanoclusters for enhancing crop productivity. He has applied CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques in agricultural research, contributing to climate resilience and food security. Skilled in statistical and bioinformatics tools such as OriginLab and R, he combines laboratory experimentation with data analysis. His interdisciplinary skills enable him to address agricultural challenges through innovative solutions, making him a versatile and impactful researcher in his field.

Publications

Singh, V., Mandhania, S., Pal, A., Kaur, T., Banakar, P., Sankaranarayanan, K., Arya, S. S., Malik, K., & Datten, R. (2022). Morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes upon sucking insect-pest infestations.

Mohan, N., Ahlawat, J., Sharma, L., Pal, A., Prateek, Rao, P., Redhu, M., Singh, V., Rani, N., Kumari, K., Kaur, T., Jogender, & Yadav, S. (2023). Engineered nanoparticles a novel approach in alleviating abiotic and biotic stress in millets: A complete study.

Mandhania, S., Singh, V., Jakhar, A., & Datten, R. (2024). Cotton germplasm screening for qualitative nutrient source.

Kaur, T., Mandhania, S., Singh, V., Datten, R., Banakar, P., Malik, K., Sankaranarayanan, K., Jattan, M., Kumar, S., Saini, A. K., & Jakhar, A. (2024). Differential biochemical and physiological responses to cotton leaf curl virus infection in contrasting cotton genotypes.

Singh, V., Mandhania, S., Datten, R., Pal, A., Saharan, V., & Ghimire, O. P. (2025). Bionanoclusters of chitosan, indole acetic acid and cobalt chloride enhance seed germination in upland cotton by modulating glyoxylate cycle enzymes and biochemical responses.

Conclusion 

Vikram Singh is an emerging scientist whose research bridges traditional plant biochemistry with modern nanotechnology and molecular biology. His academic and professional journey reflects a consistent commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability and improving crop performance under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. By integrating enzymology, metabolomics, and genetic tools, he contributes to innovations that enhance crop resilience, productivity, and food security. His expertise in both fundamental and applied research makes him a valuable contributor to the scientific community. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, he aims to continue developing innovative solutions that address global agricultural and environmental challenges.