Aime Christian Kayath | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Aime Christian Kayath | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Aime Christian Kayath, Marien NGOUABI University, Republic of the Congo

Dr. Christian Aimé Kayath is a Congolese biotechnologist, academic, and scientific leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, research, and science policy. Currently serving as the Director of Cooperation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovation (MESRSIT) in the Republic of Congo, he is also a CAMES-accredited Research Professor at Marien Ngouabi University. With a strong foundation in microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology, Dr. Kayath has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and supervised more than 100 dissertations. His research spans bioremediation, biosurfactants, and fermented food technology. A multilingual scholar fluent in French and English, he has also held research and teaching roles in Belgium, significantly shaping Congo’s scientific infrastructure. He is known for his dedication to academic excellence and public science engagement, as reflected in his creation of educational movements and leadership in cultural organizations.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. 🔬 Robust Research Output

    • 71 peer-reviewed journal articles, 1 book, and 10+ supervised theses.

    • h-index of 9, with 311 citations and a Research Interest Score of 526.8 on ResearchGate.

    • Published consistently in reputable journals like International Journal of Microbiology and Journal of Pathogens.

  2. 👨‍🏫 Academic & Mentorship Leadership

    • Over 100 dissertations supervised since 2015, showing commitment to academic mentorship.

    • Active as a CAMES Lecturer, Research Professor, and Head of a Research Laboratory.

  3. 🌍 International & Policy Experience

    • Held senior roles in government ministries (MRSIT, MESRSIT) as Director of Cooperation and Scientific Activities.

    • Experience across Congo and Belgium, including universities and research institutes.

    • Served as National Liaison Officer (NLO) with the IAEA (2014–2023), indicating global collaboration in science and technology.

  4. 📚 Multidisciplinary Expertise

    • Specialized in biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, and biosurfactants.

    • Also skilled in e-management, IT tools, and web design, showcasing adaptability and cross-functional capabilities.

  5. 🫂 Community & Social Engagement

    • Founder of the social education movement “L’école ke bien, l’école ke futa” to fight school dropouts.

    • President of a historic choir with 200+ members, highlighting leadership in civil society.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  • 🌐 Global Collaboration Expansion

    • Although strong in Africa and Europe, expanding collaborations to North America or Asia could enhance his global academic influence.

  • 📱 Digital Visibility

    • A dedicated academic website, active LinkedIn profile, or Google Scholar page would improve public and institutional access to his achievements.

  • 🎯 Citation and Impact

    • While his h-index (9) and citation count (311) are respectable, targeting high-impact journals could elevate his academic footprint further.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Kayath’s academic journey began at Marien Ngouabi University (Congo) with a Bachelor’s degree in Cell Biology and Physiology (1999–2000), followed by a Master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology (2000–2001). He later pursued a DES in Biotechnology with Distinction at the University of Liège, Belgium (2003–2005), before completing a PhD in Biotechnology–Biochemistry–Molecular Biology (2005–2010), where he graduated with honors. His education is enhanced by complementary training in e-management and business administration (2008–2009, Brussels), which supports his administrative expertise. Dr. Kayath has consistently merged academic rigor with applied science and policy, reflecting a versatile and forward-thinking scholar. His multidisciplinary background underpins his work in biosciences, research governance, and international cooperation.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Kayath’s career includes significant roles in academia, research, and science governance. He has served as Research Professor and Head of Laboratory of Applied Microbiology and Molecular Biology at IRSEN/MESRSIT since 2014. He was previously Scientific Attaché (2015–2016), Director of Scientific Activities (2019–2021), and currently serves as Director of Cooperation at MESRSIT. Internationally, he worked in Belgium as a Senior Scientist at Ovogenics (2011–2012), Project Developer at CERP Haren (2010–2011), and Assistant Professor at the University of Brussels (2008–2011). Earlier, he taught biology at Lycée Ecole Actuel and the International University of Brazzaville. He also acted as NLO for the IAEA (2014–2023), enhancing nuclear science cooperation. His professional path showcases a strong alignment between scientific leadership and practical impact.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Kayath’s research specializes in microbial biotechnology, with a focus on biosurfactant production, bioremediation, microbial fermentation, and pathogen control. His investigations explore the role of indigenous Bacillus strains in soil cleanup and food preservation, alongside the biomedical enhancement of fermented products. He has studied Shigella flexneri’s biosurfactant mechanisms, polyphenol enhancement in ginger fermentation, and biosurfactants in plantain wine. His research directly addresses health, food security, and environmental issues in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Dr. Kayath integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbial ecology, often applying meta-analytical techniques and PCR methods. His ability to blend applied research with policy has made him a bridge between science and governance, reinforcing national research strategies in Congo. His work is widely cited, and he continues to contribute to sustainable innovation in African biotechnology.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🧫 High Efficacy of Rose Bengal in Reducing the Pathogenicity of Escherichia coli – Int. J. of Microbiology (2025)

  2. 🍛 Evolution of Fermented Food Products in the Republic of Congo: A Meta-analytic Review – J. of Advances in Microbiology (2024)

  3. 🌱 Bacillus Species Consortium as a New Starter in Cassava Retting – Int. J. of Microbiology & Biotechnology (2024)

  4. 🧪 Involvement of Bacillus SecYEG Pathway in Biosurfactant Production and Biofilm Formation – Int. J. of Microbiology (2024)

  5. 🛢 Profiling of Indigenous Biosurfactant-Producing Bacillus Isolates in Bioremediation – Int. J. of Microbiology (2021)

  6. 🔬 Prime Enzymatic Exocellular Background of Lysinibacillus louembei – Advances in Microbiology (2020)

  7. 🍹 Synergic Involvements of Microorganisms in Fermented Ginger Juice – Int. J. of Microbiology (2020)

  8. 🧫 Invasion of Epithelial Cells via T3SS of Shigella flexneri – J. of Pathogens (2020)

  9. 🧬 Invasion of Epithelial Cells via T3SS of Shigella flexneri (Preprint) – bioRxiv (2020)

  10. 🍷 Benefits of Biosurfactants from Lactic Acid Bacteria in Plantain Wine – Advances in Microbiology (2019)

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Christian Aimé Kayath is an exceptionally qualified and well-rounded researcher, merging high-level academic output with administrative leadership and societal engagement. His prolific publication record, contribution to education policy, international collaborations, and mentorship excellence make him highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award.

Tiantao Zhang | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Tiantao Zhang | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tiantao Zhang, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Dr. Tiantao Zhang is a prominent agricultural entomologist specializing in the management of maize pests and pest resistance. He earned his doctoral degree in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control from Northwest A&F University, followed by a post at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His research spans pest population dynamics, resistance to Bt and pesticides, and climate-induced pest behavior. A dedicated scientist with international exposure at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Zhang has led national research programs and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His work combines field experimentation with molecular and ecological approaches, contributing to sustainable pest management in China and beyond. Dr. Zhang’s scientific leadership and commitment to solving agricultural challenges position him as a standout researcher in plant protection and pest ecology.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Proven Scientific Expertise:
    Dr. Zhang has over 15 years of focused research in agricultural entomology, particularly in maize pest management—an area critical to global food security.

  2. Leadership in National Projects:
    He is the Principal Investigator of two major National Key R&D Programs of China (2023–2026 and 2025–2028), demonstrating trust from national research institutions and strong project management capability.

  3. Research Innovation and Relevance:
    His work on pest population prediction, diapause regulation, and resistance mechanisms to Bt toxins and pesticides addresses urgent agricultural challenges in the face of climate change and biotechnology deployment.

  4. Global Collaboration:
    His tenure as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Davis (2018–2019) highlights international research engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.

  5. Strong Publication Record:
    Dr. Zhang has published in respected international journals including Scientific Data, Biology, Toxins, and Entomologia Generalis. He covers molecular biology, ecology, and toxicology, reflecting interdisciplinary research breadth.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Increased Global Visibility:
    While his research is of high quality, expanding participation in international symposia and authoring high-impact reviews could increase visibility and citation impact.

  2. Data Sharing and Open Science:
    Strengthening the availability of raw data and modeling tools (e.g., pest prediction models) through open-access repositories would amplify his research utility and recognition.

  3. Mentorship and Outreach:
    Highlighting his role in mentoring young scientists, if applicable, would further support his candidacy as a well-rounded researcher contributing to capacity building.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Zhang’s educational foundation is deeply rooted in plant protection and entomology. He earned his Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Plant Protection from Shihezi University in 2005. Driven by a passion for integrated pest management, he pursued graduate studies at Northwest A&F University, completing a Master of Agriculture (2008) and a Doctor of Agriculture (2011), both in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control. His academic journey honed his expertise in pest population dynamics, ecological interactions, and biochemical resistance mechanisms. Dr. Zhang’s education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to pest forecasting, Bt resistance research, and sustainable agriculture, bridging traditional agricultural sciences with modern molecular approaches.

💼 Working Experience:

Since December 2011, Dr. Zhang has been a core member of the Corn Insect Pest Laboratory at the Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing. In this role, he has been instrumental in national research projects on maize pest control and climate-responsive pest behavior. Between 2018 and 2019, he broadened his academic perspective as a visiting scholar at the University of California, Davis, where he engaged in collaborative research on pest resistance. His long-standing involvement with the national plant protection institute has enabled him to lead high-profile studies, publish widely, and mentor emerging researchers. Dr. Zhang’s professional trajectory reflects deep commitment, research leadership, and a forward-looking approach to pest ecology and resistance management.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Zhang’s research revolves around sustainable pest management in maize, targeting major pests like Ostrinia furnacalis, Conogethes punctiferalis, and Spodoptera frugiperda. His work delves into pest population dynamics, occurrence modeling, diapause regulation, and early warning systems. A central theme is the genetic and ecological basis of resistance to Bt toxins and chemical pesticides. He investigates resistance selection mechanisms, gene expression changes, and molecular adaptation pathways. Recently, his research expanded into pest responses to climate change, particularly voltinism and diapause shifts. Dr. Zhang integrates entomology, genomics, toxicology, and data modeling to enhance pest forecasting and resistance management. His efforts support China’s food security and contribute globally to environmentally responsible crop protection.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🧬 The function of ABCD3 transporter in the insecticidal process of Bt toxins – Entomologia Generalis, 2023

  2. 🌡️ Intra-population alteration on voltinism of Asian corn borer in response to climate warming – Biology, 2023

  3. 🧬 Chromosome-level genome of a multivoltine biotype Ostrinia furnacalis strain – Scientific Data, 2025

  4. ❄️ Evolutionary shift of insect diapause strategy in a warming climate – Biology, 2023

  5. 🍑 Artificial diet development for mass rearing of yellow peach moth – Entomological Research, 2021

  6. 🧪 Phenotypic responses of lepidopterans to graphene oxide exposure – Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2021

  7. 🛡️ Down-regulation of aminopeptidase N and ABC transporter in Bt-resistant Asian corn borer – Int. J. Biological Sciences, 2017

  8. 🧲 Binding affinity of five PBPs to Ostrinia sex pheromones – BMC Molecular Biology, 2017

  9. 🧫 Structure-function analysis of MhieJHAMT enzyme in juvenile hormone biosynthesis – Int. J. Biological Macromolecules, 2025

  10. 🦠 Differential characterization of midgut microbiota in Bt-resistant vs. susceptible Ostrinia furnacalis – Insects, 2025

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Tiantao Zhang is a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His leadership in national research programs, his impactful contributions to pest resistance and ecological forecasting, and his consistent scholarly output place him among the top researchers in agricultural sciences. With strategic focus on enhancing his international visibility and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Zhang is not only contributing to China’s agricultural sustainability but also to global crop protection research.

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.