Lobna Hajji-Hedfi | interaction plant host-microorganisms | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lobna Hajji-Hedfi | interaction plant host-microorganisms | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lobna Hajji-Hedfi, Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia

Dr. Lobna Hajji Ep Hedfi is a Tunisian Assistant Professor in Phytopathology at the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid. With a robust scientific footprint, she specializes in plant-microbe interactions, biological disease control, and fungal biodiversity. Born in Kairouan, Tunisia, in 1982, she resides in Chott-Meriem, Sousse. She actively contributes to the SPADD-LR03AGR02 research laboratory and is a board member of Microbial Biosystems and Frontiers in Scientific Reports journals. Dr. Hajji is internationally recognized, recently earning the Ethel Mary Doidge Medal (2024) by the International Mycological Association and receiving a prestigious scholarship from NUFFIC (Netherlands). With numerous high-impact publications and international collaborations, she advances sustainable agriculture and microbial solutions for plant health. Her interdisciplinary research and dedication make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  • Prolific Research Output: Over 18 high-impact publications from 2024–2025 in peer-reviewed journals and international book chapters.

  • Scientific Leadership: Editorial board member for Microbial Biosystems and Frontiers in Scientific Reports, indicating peer recognition.

  • International Recognition: Awarded the prestigious Ethel Mary Doidge Medal by the International Mycological Association (2024), a major honor for early-career African researchers.

  • Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Her work focuses on biological control, fungal endophytes, and eco-friendly pathogen suppression, aligning with SDG goals.

  • Global Collaboration: Co-authored with scientists from Europe, North Africa, Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing strong research networking.

  • Capacity Building: Beneficiary of MSP NUFFIC scholarships (Netherlands) in 2023 and 2024, enhancing her international expertise.

📉 Areas for Improvement:

  • Increased Funding Leadership: More visibility as a principal investigator (PI) in large-scale or competitive international research grants would enhance her impact profile.

  • Patent/Technology Transfer: Translating her microbial and biocontrol research into patents, prototypes, or industrial-scale applications could broaden societal contributions.

  • Postdoctoral Mentorship: Leading structured postdoctoral mentorship programs could further strengthen her academic leadership credentials.

  • Policy Involvement: Greater involvement in agricultural policy advocacy or consultation at national or FAO-level could expand her influence beyond academia.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Lobna Hajji Ep Hedfi holds a PhD in Agricultural Sciences, specializing in Plant Pathology and Microbial Biotechnology. Her academic background includes comprehensive training in phytopathology, molecular biology, mycology, and biological control, with continuing education under international programs. She participated in capacity-building and professional development through the MSP MENA scholarship program (NUFFIC), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her formal education has emphasized integrated disease management and the sustainable use of endophytic and rhizosphere microorganisms in crop protection. Her academic journey reflects both national and international excellence, combining practical experience in Tunisian agroecosystems with global innovations in plant-microbe research.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Hajji currently serves as Assistant Professor of Phytopathology at the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. She has over a decade of research and teaching experience in plant disease diagnostics, biocontrol strategies, and sustainable agriculture. Her professional journey includes leadership in multi-institutional projects, mentoring graduate students, and active involvement in national and international scientific collaborations. She is a recognized contributor to international journals and has been a part of expert working groups focused on agricultural sustainability. Her fieldwork and applied research directly impact crop resilience and productivity in arid regions. Additionally, her editorial work enhances the visibility and scientific quality of microbiological research.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

  • 🥇 Ethel Mary Doidge Medal for Young Mycologist in Africa – International Mycological Association (IMA), 2024

  • 🎓 MSP Scholarship from NUFFIC, Netherlands – 2023 & 2024

  • 👩‍🔬 Active Editorial Board Member for Microbial Biosystems & Frontiers in Scientific Reports

  • 🧪 Member of SPADD-LR03AGR02: Systems of Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development Laboratory

  • 🌍 Invited speaker and contributor in international symposia on microbial bioresources, endophytic fungi, and CRISPR applications
    These accolades highlight her contributions to phytopathology, sustainable disease control, and scientific communication, emphasizing her leadership potential and impact in African and global agricultural science.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Hajji’s research bridges phytopathology, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Her work focuses on developing eco-friendly solutions for plant disease management using endophytic fungi, beneficial rhizobacteria, and microbial consortia. She explores plant-microbe interactions, particularly in grapevine and tomato crops, aiming to reduce chemical inputs through biocontrol agents and organic amendments like compost. Her recent interest includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from forest fungi, CRISPR applications, and fungal biodiversity mapping. Her integrative approach contributes significantly to combating plant diseases, promoting resilience, and adapting agriculture to climate change. By leveraging omics technologies and field-based experiments, she provides applicable strategies for sustainable crop protection and soil health restoration.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 📘 “Omics” tools for better understanding the plant-fungi interactions – Forest Fungi (2025)

  2. 🌿 CRISPR plants for growth and development studies – CRISPR in Sustainable Agriculture (2025)

  3. 🌲 Forest fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – Forest Fungi (2025)

  4. 🍇 Beneficial Rhizobacteria for grapevine health – Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2025)

  5. 🌱 Microbial Consortium & Compost for viticulture disease control – Horticulturae (2025)

  6. 🍋 Phytochemical & antifungal activity of citrus peel extracts – Waste Biomass Valorization (2025)

  7. 🌾 Microbial inoculants for plant resilience – Journal of Plant Diseases & Protection (2025)

  8. 🍄 Fungal endophytes: evolution & ecology – Microbial Biosystems (2025)

  9. 🧫 Bioactive potential of endophytic fungi – Nova Hedwigia (2025)

  10. 🌲 Fungal agents in conifer diseases – Nova Hedwigia (2024)

🔚 Conclusion:

Dr. Lobna Hajji Ep Hedfi demonstrates exceptional promise and productivity as a phytopathologist and microbial ecologist. Her research is innovative, internationally relevant, and directly contributes to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in Tunisia and beyond. With a strong foundation in publication, international collaboration, and applied microbial research, she is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. With continued growth in grant leadership and translational science, she is poised to become one of Africa’s leading researchers in agricultural biotechnology.

SANKALP MISRA | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. SANKALP MISRA | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. SANKALP MISRA , Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University , India

Dr. Sankalp Misra is a dedicated microbiologist with a Ph.D. in Microbial Technology, currently working as a Research Associate at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow. Born on November 6, 1988, in India, he has cultivated a robust academic and research career focused on plant-microbe interactions and sustainable agriculture. Fluent in both English and Hindi, Dr. Misra has consistently demonstrated a commitment to addressing real-world agricultural challenges through microbiological innovations. His research explores the symbiotic relationships between soil microbes and plants, particularly under stress conditions such as salinity and drought. With a host of fellowships, awards, and scientific publications to his name, Dr. Misra is not only a prolific researcher but also a valued contributor to India’s agricultural biotechnology community. He is a life member of the Association of Microbiologists of India and continues to contribute actively to scientific dialogue and applied research in microbial ecology.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Experience
    Over 10 years of continuous research in microbial biotechnology, especially plant-microbe interactions, bioremediation, and stress physiology, primarily under the CSIR-NBRI—a top-tier research institution in India.

  2. Focused Scientific Contributions
    His Ph.D. work on salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) addresses crucial agricultural challenges, with implications in sustainable farming and climate-resilient agriculture.

  3. Prolific Publication Record
    Co-authored over 15 research papers and book chapters in high-impact journals and internationally reputed publishers (Springer, Wiley, Academic Press).

  4. Nationally Recognized Fellowships & Awards

    • ICMR Research Associate & Senior Research Fellowship

    • Gold Medalist in B.Sc.

    • Multiple Best Poster Awards in national and international conferences

    • Consistent CSIR-UGC NET success (31st and 47th ranks)

  5. Professional Engagement
    Holds a Life Membership in The Association of Microbiologists of India, reflecting his active involvement in the scientific community.

  6. Interdisciplinary Expertise
    Skilled in proteomics, metagenomics, microbial ecology, and plant stress biology, showcasing an ability to tackle complex problems from multiple biological angles.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Exposure
    While the research is nationally strong, global collaborations or international fellowships could further elevate the impact and visibility of his work.

  2. Grant Leadership & Independent Projects
    Leading funded projects as a Principal Investigator (PI) would demonstrate further maturity in research leadership and scientific management.

  3. Patent/Technology Transfer
    Translating research into patents, bio-formulations, or industry partnerships could bridge the lab-to-land gap, enhancing the practical application of his findings.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Sankalp Misra completed his Ph.D. in Microbial Technology from CSIR-NBRI, focusing on the “Characterization of salt tolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from different agro-climatic zones of Uttar Pradesh.” Guided by Dr. Puneet Singh Chauhan, his doctoral work laid a foundation in microbial stress biology. He qualified the prestigious CSIR-UGC NET in both 2013 (47th rank) and 2014 (31st rank), showcasing strong academic competence. He also cleared the CET-Ph.D in 2012. His undergraduate studies were marked by excellence, earning a Gold Medal in B.Sc., emphasizing his early commitment to academic rigor. These achievements underline his solid foundation in microbiology, plant biology, and biotechnological research. Throughout his educational journey, Dr. Misra has consistently demonstrated a deep curiosity for microbial applications in agriculture and an aptitude for integrating advanced scientific methods to address pressing challenges in crop sustainability and soil health.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Sankalp Misra has over a decade of research experience in plant-microbe interactions. He is currently an ICMR-Research Associate at CSIR-NBRI since October 2019. Prior roles include ICMR-Senior Research Fellow and several project fellowships at CSIR-NBRI from 2013 to 2019. These positions allowed him to work on key projects involving soil microbiomes, salt and drought stress in plants, and bioremediation. His extensive hands-on experience ranges from lab-based experiments to field applications, focusing on sustainable and ecological approaches in agriculture. He has significantly contributed to the development of microbial formulations and transgenic studies aimed at improving crop resilience. His continuous association with CSIR-NBRI reflects a stable and productive research career. Each role has helped him refine his techniques in molecular biology, microbiome analysis, and biotechnological innovation, making him a competent and valuable researcher in environmental microbiology and sustainable agricultural practices.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Misra has received multiple accolades recognizing his scientific excellence. He was awarded the prestigious ICMR Research Associateship (Oct 2019) and Senior Research Fellowship (July 2019), reflecting national-level recognition. His scientific presentations have earned him Best Poster Awards in major conferences, including the 3rd National Seminar on Life Sciences (NSCTLS-2021) and the 6th International Conference on Plants and Environmental Pollution (ICPEP-6, 2018). Academically, he secured top ranks in CSIR-UGC NET (31st in 2014 and 47th in 2013) and earned a Gold Medal in B.Sc., demonstrating exceptional merit throughout his academic and research career. His commitment is further underscored by his life membership in The Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI). These achievements highlight his consistent dedication, peer recognition, and leadership potential in the fields of microbiology and agricultural biotechnology.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Sankalp Misra’s research centers on plant-microbe interactions, especially under environmental stress like salinity and drought. He explores rhizobacteria that promote plant growth and mitigate stress through mechanisms such as ACC deaminase production, metabolomic reprogramming, and soil microbial community enhancement. His interests extend to soil metagenomics, microbial proteomics, and bioremediation, all aimed at achieving sustainable agriculture. A key aspect of his work involves isolating and characterizing stress-tolerant microbes from diverse agro-climatic zones, using them to enhance crop resilience and productivity. His work contributes to global efforts in climate-resilient farming, making him a notable figure in applied agricultural microbiology. He has co-authored numerous high-impact publications and book chapters that explore these themes, confirming his deep engagement in cutting-edge microbial biotechnology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🌱 Enhancement of Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana Plants Overexpressing Chickpea Ca14-3-3 Gene

  2. 🦠 Novel trends in endophytic applications for plant disease management

  3. 🌍 Rhizobacteria‐Mediated Bioremediation: Insights and Future Perspectives

  4. 🌾 Endospheric Microbiome-Assisted Alteration in the Metabolomic Profiling of Host towards Abiotic Stress Mitigation

  5. 🧬 Revealing the complexity of protein abundance in chickpea root under drought-stress using comparative proteomics

  6. 🔬 Characterization of alkalotolerant Alcaligenes and Bacillus strains for mitigating alkaline stress in Zea mays

  7. 🌿 Drought tolerant Ochrobactrum sp. inoculation helps maintain homeostasis in Zea mays under water stress

  8. ⚗️ ACC deaminase-producing Bacillus spp. mitigate salt stress and enhance Zea mays growth

  9. 🧪 Exploration of Soil Resistome Through a Metagenomic Approach

  10. 🍃 Essential Oils: Potential Application in Disease Management

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Sankalp Misra is an excellent and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His consistent contributions to microbial biotechnology, evidenced by a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, government fellowships, and research impact, make him stand out in his field. His work is not only academically significant but also socially and environmentally relevant in addressing global issues like soil degradation, crop yield loss due to climate stress, and sustainable agriculture.