Prbhu Narayan Meena | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Prbhu Narayan Meena | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Paper Award

Dr. Prbhu Narayan Meena , ICAR-NRIIPM, New delhi , India

Dr. P. N. Meena, M.Sc. (Ag), Ph.D., is a renowned Scientist in the field of Plant Pathology. With a career that began in 2013 at ICAR-CRIJAF, Kolkata, Dr. Meena played a crucial role in developing two varieties of kenaf resistant to foot and stem rot disease. Over the years, Dr. Meena has made significant contributions to plant pathology research, publishing 7 international and 27 national research papers, 12 abstracts, 2 books/compendiums, and numerous other scientific works. She has delivered over 13 invited lectures, organized several farmer field schools, and participated in 22 trainings and conferences. Her research has earned her awards, including the Best Plant Pathologist Award in 2019 and 2024. Dr. Meena’s work continues to benefit horticulture, fibre, and pulse crops through innovative disease management solutions.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Contributions to Plant Pathology: Dr. P. N. Meena has made significant contributions to plant pathology research, particularly in the development of disease-resistant crops and bio-control strategies. Her work on kenaf varieties resistant to foot and stem rot disease, and her extensive publications on molecular detection and disease management strategies, are impressive achievements that underscore her excellence in the field.

  2. Comprehensive Research Focus: Dr. Meena has worked across multiple aspects of plant disease management, including molecular diagnostics, eco-friendly management practices, and bio-control agents like Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. This broad research focus ensures her work impacts horticulture, fibre crops, and pulses.

  3. Recognition & Awards: She has received prestigious awards such as the Best Plant Pathologist Award in 2019 and 2024, highlighting her esteemed position in the research community.

  4. Extensive Publication Record: With over 7 international papers, 27 national papers, 2 books, 13 book chapters, and numerous abstracts and technical bulletins, Dr. Meena has demonstrated a prolific research output. Her works are valuable for both academia and practical applications in agriculture.

  5. Leadership & Community Engagement: Dr. Meena has played a leadership role in organizing numerous farmer training programs, field schools, and workshops. This active engagement with the farming community, along with her work in disseminating scientific knowledge, strengthens her candidacy for the award.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Collaborative Research in Emerging Fields: While Dr. Meena has a strong background in traditional crop disease management, there is potential to expand her research into emerging fields like genomic data integration and precision agriculture. Collaborations with experts in genomics or climate change could open new avenues for disease resistance and crop resilience.

  2. Expansion in Global Research Networks: While her contributions are highly recognized nationally and regionally, further involvement in international research collaborations, especially with top global agricultural institutions, could elevate the global impact of her research.

  3. Publication of Research in High-Impact Journals: Though Dr. Meena’s publication record is commendable, focusing more on high-impact international journals could further boost the visibility of her work on a global scale, ensuring that her research reaches a wider, more diverse audience.

Education:

Dr. P. N. Meena pursued her Master’s in Science (Agriculture) with a specialization in Plant Pathology and later completed her Ph.D. in the same field. Her academic journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to understanding plant diseases and finding sustainable solutions. Her advanced education laid the foundation for her impactful research at ICAR-CRIJAF, where she actively contributed to various projects focused on disease resistance in crops. Throughout her educational career, Dr. Meena has exhibited excellence, being well-versed in molecular detection and plant disease management. Her knowledge has allowed her to develop various technologies in disease management strategies, particularly for horticultural and fibre crops. She has remained engaged with both national and international research communities, collaborating extensively to share insights and expertise.

Experience:

Dr. P. N. Meena began her career as a Scientist (Plant Pathology) at ICAR-CRIJAF, Kolkata, in 2013, where she made notable contributions to the development of kenaf varieties resistant to major diseases. Her extensive experience includes publishing 7 international and 27 national research papers, authoring 2 books, and developing 21 technologies for disease management. Dr. Meena has served as a Co-PI in 2 externally funded projects, PI in 2 institute projects, and Co-PI in 14 institute projects. She has delivered 14 oral/poster presentations and 13 invited lectures in farmer training programs. Her leadership is reflected in organizing 18 farmer field schools (FFS) and coordinating 5 FLDs. Dr. Meena has received multiple awards for her contribution to plant pathology, including the Best Plant Pathologist Award in 2019 and 2024. Her active involvement in conferences, workshops, and research continues to influence the agricultural community.

Research Focus:

Dr. P. N. Meena’s research focus primarily revolves around plant diseases, particularly in horticultural, fibre, and pulse crops. Her groundbreaking work includes developing molecular detection technologies for various plant pathogens and strategies for managing diseases like foot and stem rot in crops. A significant part of her research is centered on eco-friendly disease management, using bioagents such as Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Additionally, she is passionate about exploring host plant resistance, disease diagnostics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Meena’s work extends to protecting crops like jute and groundnut from harmful pathogens, improving yield, and promoting environmental sustainability. With 21 technologies developed in disease management and ongoing research in biocontrol, her work contributes substantially to integrated pest management (IPM). Her research also involves extensive work in genetic diversity and the development of resistant crop varieties.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Biocontrol activity of Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens against Meloidogyne incognita, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani 🌱
  2. Bio-efficacy of phytoextracts and oil cakes on Macrophomina phaseolina causing stem rot disease of jute, Corchorus spp. 🌿
  3. Host plant resistance in cultivated jute and its wild relatives towards jute hairy caterpillar Spilosoma obliqua (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) 🦋
  4. Eco-friendly management of major diseases in jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) 🌾
  5. Evaluation of stem rot disease in jute (Corchorus olitorius) germplasm caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid 🍂
  6. Problems and prospects of pest management in jute and allied fibre crops 🌱
  7. Simultaneous detection of potato viruses A and M using CP gene-specific primers in an optimized duplex RT-PCR 🥔
  8. Detection of Mesta yellow vein mosaic virus (MeYVMV) in field samples by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction 🌾
  9. In vitro screening of white Jute (Corchorus capsularis L) against salinity stress 💧
  10. Evaluation of efficacy of different bioagents and fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani (Kuhn) ⚗️

Conclusion:

Dr. P. N. Meena is an exceptional researcher with a proven track record of developing innovative solutions for plant disease management, particularly in the horticultural and fibre crop sectors. Her work is characterized by both depth and breadth, making a significant impact on the agricultural community. The strengths of her research, leadership, and recognition make her a strong contender for the Research for Best Paper Award. However, future directions could involve expanding collaborations into cutting-edge technologies and increasing visibility through international journals. Overall, Dr. Meena’s work stands out for its scientific rigor, practical applications, and contribution to sustainable agriculture.

Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Huiying Fan | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Huiying Fan , College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University , China

Dr. Huiying Fan is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, specializing in veterinary virology and immunology. As a core member of the Key Laboratory for Veterinary Vaccine Development, his expertise includes creating genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses. Dr. Fan has published over 40 research papers in leading journals, including Journal of Virology and Emerging Microbes & Infections, and holds 11 invention patents. His career has been marked by significant contributions to animal virus research and vaccine development, with extensive involvement in national research programs. He has been recognized with several provincial and ministerial-level awards and is actively involved in scientific development and industry collaboration in China.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Huiying Fan has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of veterinary virology and immunology, particularly in the development of vaccines for animal viruses. He is a recognized leader in the creation of genetically engineered vaccines, with over 40 SCI papers published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Virology, Emerging Microbes & Infection, and Vaccines. His involvement in groundbreaking research on the pathogenic mechanisms of viruses like avian influenza, porcine epidemic diarrhea, and African swine fever underscores his expertise. Furthermore, Dr. Fan has been granted 11 invention patents and is an influential figure in national research programs, such as the National Key Research and Development Program. His leadership as a professor and mentor, coupled with his ongoing innovations in virus detection and vaccine development, showcases his remarkable impact in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Fan’s scientific research has been groundbreaking, expanding his focus on broader global collaborations could enhance the scope of his work. In particular, his work could benefit from incorporating more interdisciplinary approaches, combining cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or big data analytics, which are becoming increasingly crucial in disease surveillance and vaccine development. Moreover, his research could further address the application of his vaccine technologies in low-resource settings, to maximize global health impact. Engaging more actively in science communication could also help translate his findings into policies or programs that benefit larger populations, both within China and internationally.

Education:

Dr. Fan completed his Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, in June 2007. During his doctoral research, he focused on the study of veterinary diseases and virus-host interactions, laying a strong foundation for his future work in vaccine development. His commitment to advancing veterinary science continued through postdoctoral training, followed by his establishment as a professor at South China Agricultural University. His education reflects his dedication to merging academic research with practical applications for the improvement of animal health and disease prevention.

Experience:

Dr. Fan’s career began in 2007 as a professor at South China Agricultural University, where he became a leading figure in veterinary medicine. He has also contributed significantly to international research, evidenced by his six-month research visit to City University of Hong Kong in 2016. As a core member of several high-impact research initiatives, including the National Key Research and Development Program, he has played a vital role in advancing veterinary virology and vaccine development. Dr. Fan’s extensive expertise has led to collaborations across national projects and scientific endeavors, particularly in the realm of infectious diseases and immune responses in animals.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Fan has received multiple prestigious awards throughout his career, including 8 provincial and ministerial-level honors. Notably, he was named a “Pearl River Science and Technology Star” in Guangzhou and recognized as a “Science and Technology Commissioner” by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. His contributions to veterinary science have garnered recognition both within China and internationally, highlighting his commitment to scientific excellence and industry collaboration. These accolades underscore his leadership in veterinary vaccine research and his influence on public health initiatives concerning animal diseases.

Research Focus:

Dr. Fan’s primary research interests lie in the molecular design of genetically engineered vaccines for animal viruses, including those affecting poultry and swine. His studies explore the immune mechanisms and pathogenesis of viruses such as avian influenza and porcine viral diarrhea. In addition to his work on vaccine development, he investigates the use of innovative techniques, including CRISPR/Cas12a and proteomics, to better understand virus-host interactions and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for animal diseases. His focus on veterinary virology aims to enhance both animal and public health outcomes.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “A single immunization with H5N1 virus-like particle vaccine protects chickens against divergent H5N1 influenza viruses” 🐔🦠
  2. “Influenza H7N9 Virus Hemagglutinin with T169A Mutation Possesses Enhanced Thermostability” 🦠❄️
  3. “Immune Escape Mechanism and Vaccine Research Progress of African Swine Fever Virus” 🐖🦠
  4. “Supplementation of H7N9 Virus-Like Particle Vaccine With Recombinant Epitope Antigen Confers Full Protection” 🦠💉
  5. “PEDV infection affects the expression of polyamine-related genes inhibiting viral proliferation” 🐖🧬
  6. “Proteome Analysis in PAM Cells Reveals That African Swine Fever Virus Can Regulate Intracellular Polyamines” 🧬🔬
  7. “CRISPR/Cas12a Technology Combined with Immunochromatographic Strips for Portable Detection of ASF Virus” 🧬🦠
  8. “Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Changes in Vero Cells in Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus” 🐖🔬
  9. “Coimmunization with recombinant epitope-expressing baculovirus enhances protective effects of H5N1 vaccine” 💉🦠
  10. “Either fadD1 or fadD2, Which Encode acyl-CoA Synthetase, Is Essential for the Survival of Haemophilus parasuis SC096” 🦠🔬
  11. “Two Glycosyltransferase Genes of Haemophilus parasuis SC096 Implicated in Lipooligosaccharide Biosynthesis” 🧬🦠
  12. “Recombinant baculovirus vaccine containing multiple M2e and adjuvant LT induces T cell-dependent protection against H5N1” 💉🦠
  13. “BacMam virus-based surface display of IBV S1 glycoprotein confers strong protection against virulent IBV challenge” 🐔🦠
  14. “Quantitative Proteomics by Amino Acid Labeling in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus-Infected Cells” 🐄🧬
  15. “Quantitative proteomics using SILAC reveals protein and pathway regulation in porcine circovirus type 2 infected PK-15 cells” 🐖🧬

Conclusion:

Dr. Huiying Fan is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding contributions to animal virus research, innovative vaccine design, and leadership in national research initiatives. His extensive publication record, patent portfolio, and recognition through prestigious awards highlight his scientific excellence. Although expanding his collaborative network and exploring interdisciplinary methodologies could elevate his impact further, Dr. Fan’s work has already had a profound effect on veterinary medicine and public health, making him a well-deserved nominee for this award.