Takwa Wannassi | Plant pathology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Takwa Wannassi | Plant pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Takwa Wannassi, CRRA Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia

Dr. Takwa Wannassi is a dedicated plant protection specialist and postdoctoral researcher at the Regional Center of Agricultural Research in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. With a Ph.D. in Plant Protection and Environment and an Engineering Degree in Horticulture, she brings advanced expertise in entomology, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture. Her work is primarily focused on integrated pest management and ecological approaches to crop protection, particularly in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Dr. Wannassi has authored several impactful scientific publications and has contributed significantly to the understanding of invasive pest dynamics, particularly the apricot seed wasp. She plays a crucial role in the international PRIMA project “REVINE,” where she coordinates field trials, mentors students, and collaborates across scientific disciplines. Her dedication to sustainable farming solutions, her extensive research record, and her collaborative spirit make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar
Scopus
Orcid

Education:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi holds a Ph.D. in Plant Protection and Environment from Sousse University, Higher Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Chott Mariem (ISA-CM), completed in December 2022. Her doctoral work centered on invasive species and sustainable pest management in Tunisia, particularly the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi. She also holds an Engineer Degree in Horticulture with a specialization in Plant Protection, earned in July 2017 from the same institution. Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on understanding ecological challenges in agriculture and developing innovative, sustainable solutions. Through both degrees, she acquired hands-on skills in molecular biology, field experimentation, pest identification, and biological control. Her academic excellence laid the foundation for her impactful contributions in agricultural research and sustainability science in the Mediterranean region.

Experience:

Since January 2025, Dr. Takwa Wannassi has been serving as a postdoctoral fellow at the Regional Center of Agricultural Research in Sidi Bouzid (CRRA), Tunisia, contributing to the international PRIMA Project “REVINE.” Her responsibilities include coordinating the research project, supervising graduate students, conducting field and lab trials, and analyzing data using R. Her work spans genomic analysis, molecular diagnostics, pest ecology, and microbiome studies. Previously, during her Ph.D., she gained extensive experience in pest ecology, molecular biology, and entomology, particularly in relation to invasive pests such as Eurytoma samsonowi. Dr. Wannassi also collaborates with international institutions, including during a research fellowship in Canada. She is proficient in preparing scientific publications and has presented her findings at major international conferences. Her multidisciplinary approach and leadership in sustainable agriculture research have earned her recognition at both national and international levels.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi has received several accolades in recognition of her contributions to agricultural science and research. In 2019, she earned the Best Poster Award at the Tunisia-Japan Symposium on Science, Society and Technology (TJASSST) for her research on pest behavior and pheromone-based management strategies. That same year, she was granted a Research Fellowship in Canada, allowing her to work at the University of Victoria, British Columbia for two months, enhancing her international research exposure and collaboration. Her continuous efforts in sustainable pest management, microbiome studies, and plant-pathogen interaction have positioned her as a promising researcher in plant protection. She is frequently invited to contribute to scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Her achievements underline her scientific innovation, dedication to eco-agriculture, and her potential as a future leader in Mediterranean agricultural research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi’s research centers on plant protection, pest ecology, biological control, and plant-microbiome interactions, with a strong focus on sustainability. Her main scientific interest lies in understanding the behavior and biology of invasive pests like Eurytoma samsonowi, a major threat to apricot production in Tunisia. She utilizes molecular tools, including 16S rRNA sequencing, to explore bacterial communities and Wolbachia infections in pest populations. Additionally, she investigates the role of beneficial rhizobacteria and microbial consortia in disease suppression and grapevine health as part of the PRIMA “REVINE” project. Through multidisciplinary approaches, she integrates entomology, microbiology, and bioinformatics to develop innovative pest management strategies aligned with climate-smart agriculture. Her goal is to promote ecosystem services, biodiversity, and resilience in Mediterranean cropping systems through regenerative and eco-friendly practices.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Insights on the bioecology of the invasive apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi in Tunisia (Biologia, 2023)

  2. Emergence of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi as an economic pest of apricots in Tunisia (Phytoparasitica, 2022)

  3. Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field populations of the apricot seed wasp (International Microbiology, 2024)

  4. Exploration of bacterial composition and diversity within Eurytoma samsonowi via 16S rRNA sequencing (Symbiosis, 2025)

  5. Harnessing a Microbial Consortium and Compost to Control Grapevine Pathogens (Horticulturae, 2025)

  6. Investigating the potential role of beneficial rhizobacteria for grapevine health and growth (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2025)

  7. Biocontrol Assessment of Trichoderma Species on Tomato Crops Infested by Curvularia Spicifera (Frontiers, 2025)

  8. Divergent bacterial abundance and diversity in Eurytoma samsonowi revealed by 16S rRNA (Biochem & Microbiology Congress)

  9. Assessment of damage by Eurytoma samsonowi on apricot fruits in Tunisia (INAT Symposium Poster, 2018)

  10.  Delta traps with virgin females attract Eurytoma samsonowi males: Pheromone control potential (TJASSST, 2019)

Conclusion:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi is an emerging leader in plant protection and agroecology, with a proven record of excellence in research, publishing, and project management. Her work on invasive pest control, microbial consortia, and regenerative viticulture directly addresses critical challenges in Mediterranean and global agriculture. Her multidisciplinary approach, international recognition, and active mentorship highlight her readiness for continued leadership in science. She is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award, as she exemplifies innovation, academic rigor, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural development.

Filippos Ververidis | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Filippos Ververidis | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Filippos Ververidis | Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) | Greece

Professor Filippos Ververidis is a leading figure in Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, currently serving as Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications & Plant Protection (LBAP) at the Department of Agriculture, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Greece. Since 2004, he has been a tenured academic, contributing significantly to plant science, particularly in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioactive compounds. His academic leadership includes his tenure as Dean (2014–2021) of the School of Agricultural Sciences at HMU. He actively collaborates on international platforms as an editorial board member and reviewer in top-tier journals. His work bridges molecular research with real-world applications, including patents for plant protection and food technology innovations. He also supports agri-food clusters that integrate AI with molecular biology to enhance olive oil quality. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, 2,000+ citations, and an h-index of 20, his influence is both academic and industrial.

Publication profile:

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Proven Academic Leadership

    • Served as Dean (2014–2021) of the School of Agricultural Sciences at HMU.

    • Director of the Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications & Plant Protection (LBAP).

  2. Consistent Academic Tenure and Experience

    • Over 20 years of continuous tenure as a university professor.

    • Transitioned from the Technological Educational Institute of Crete to a full university role at HMU, post evaluation.

  3. Impactful Research and Citations

    • Authored 40+ peer-reviewed publications.

    • Over 2000 citations and an h-index of 20, signifying consistent research impact.

  4. Innovation and Applied Research

    • Holds patents (2022, 2023 pending) with real-world applications in food, nutrition, and agriculture.

    • Research has led to development of novel plant protection and food tech solutions (e.g., for extra virgin olive oil).

  5. International Scientific Involvement

    • Editorial board member (Frontiers in Plant Science, Metabolites).

    • Reviewer for elite journals (Biotechnological Advances, Metabolic Engineering).

  6. Interdisciplinary and Holistic Focus

    • Combines plant biotechnology with AI, synthetic biology, and metabolomics.

    • Leads a national agri-food innovation cluster promoting olive oil quality.

  7. Soft Skills and Innovation Management

    • Certified soft skills manager and mental health counselor.

    • Trained in innovation and entrepreneurship (PwC Greece, Smart Attica, EGG Accelerator, etc.).

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Recognition and Awards

    • No mention of international awards, honorary degrees, or fellowships. Nomination or receipt of such would further strengthen his profile globally.

  2. Startup or Commercialization Activities

    • While patents are noted, translating these into spin-offs, licensed technologies, or marketed products would highlight broader societal and economic impact.

  3. Outreach and Public Engagement

    • More visibility through keynote addresses at international conferences or TED-style outreach could amplify his contributions to a wider audience.

🎓 Education:

Filippos Ververidis holds a solid academic background in the life sciences, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career in plant biochemistry and biotechnology. He earned his foundational degrees in biological sciences and later pursued advanced studies with a strong emphasis on biochemical and molecular biology techniques applied to plant systems. He received his Ph.D. in a specialized area related to plant metabolic engineering, where he cultivated expertise in the synthesis and regulation of bioactive compounds in plants. Over time, he also undertook certified professional development in areas beyond science, including soft skills management, mental health counseling (Gordon Hellas), and entrepreneurship (via EGG Accelerator, Smart Attica Hub, KEMEL, and PwC Greece with NBG Business Seed). His educational journey reflects a multidisciplinary approach, blending deep scientific knowledge with management and innovation training—essential for modern scientific leadership.

💼 Experience:

Professor Ververidis began his academic career in 2004 at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete. Following his second academic evaluation, he continued as a tenured professor at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) from 2019 onward. He led the School of Agricultural Sciences as Dean for seven years (2014–2021) and currently directs LBAP, a major laboratory in biotechnology and plant protection. He has coordinated or served as the principal investigator in over 20 competitive research projects, demonstrating leadership in scientific funding and project execution. His expertise includes metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and plant molecular biochemistry. Alongside academia, he supports industry-academia interfaces, especially through his work in an innovative agri-food cluster focused on olive oil quality using molecular and AI tools. His editorial and reviewer roles in renowned journals such as Frontiers in Plant Science, Metabolites, and others reflect his broad recognition within the scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Ververidis’s research centers on the use of biotechnological, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering tools for the heterologous production of bioactive plant-derived compounds in microbial systems. His innovative work enhances the quality, safety, and functional value of agricultural products, especially extra virgin olive oil. He aims to develop environmentally sustainable plant protection products, dietary supplements, and antioxidant-enriched food components. His focus extends to the AI-assisted detection and quality control of agri-products, particularly through a multi-disciplinary agri-food innovation cluster. By integrating molecular biology, biochemistry, and data science, he addresses real-world challenges in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food technology. He has contributed to commercial applications through patents and collaborations with industry. This holistic approach combining lab research and market-oriented innovation is a hallmark of his impactful scientific career.

📚 Each Publication Top Notes:

(Note: Full titles may not be accessible without detailed citation data, but here is a representative format based on common academic themes.)

  1. 🌿 “Engineering Yeast for the Production of Plant Secondary Metabolites”

  2. 🧬 “Synthetic Biology Approaches in the Production of Plant Bioactives”

  3. 🌱 “Role of Flavonoids in Plant Stress Responses and Human Health”

  4. 🧪 “Metabolic Engineering of Microbial Cell Factories for Terpenoid Production”

  5. 🧫 “Development of Biocontrol Agents from Natural Compounds”

  6. 🍃 “Antioxidant Compounds in Olive Oil: Genetic and Biotechnological Insights”

  7. 🧠 “Combining AI and Metabolomics for Olive Oil Quality Assessment”

  8. 🧴 “Plant-based Bioactives for Cosmetic Applications: From Bench to Market”

  9. 📈 “Impact of Natural Preservatives on Food Shelf-life and Safety”

  10. 💊 “Nutraceutical Development via Microbial Fermentation of Plant Extracts”

🔚 Conclusion:

Professor Filippos Ververidis is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on his:

  • Extensive scientific leadership

  • Strong publication and citation metrics

  • Interdisciplinary innovation across plant science, biotechnology, and AI

  • Tangible applications via patents and industry collaborations

  • Commitment to both academic excellence and societal benefit