Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Cordoba | Spain

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernández Moreno is a plant biologist and biotechnologist whose research focuses on crop improvement through molecular, physiological, and biochemical approaches. Her work explores the genetic and metabolic regulation of bioactive compounds and stress responses in plants. During her master’s research, she investigated the functional role of the Sl-MYB12 transcription factor in the biosynthesis of polyphenols in tomato fruit using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing, contributing to the understanding of secondary metabolism regulation. Her current collaborations involve elucidating the role of ethylene signaling, particularly the EIN3 transcription factor, in early nodulation processes of Medicago truncatula, aiming to improve nitrogen-fixing efficiency. Additionally, she contributes to a comprehensive review on glycine betaine’s multifaceted roles in plant defense, emphasizing its influence on abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in crops. Beyond her academic contributions, she has applied her expertise in biotechnology as an adviser for an agricultural start-up focused on in-vitro culture and specialized metabolite production. Her research integrates molecular biology, plant physiology, and biotechnology to develop sustainable strategies for enhancing crop resilience and productivity under environmental stress conditions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Fenech-Torres, M., Zhao, C., Neubauer, M., Brumos, J., Davis, H., Marchi, A. J., Concannon, R., Keren, A., Levitsky, V., Ascencio-Ibanez, J. T., Goldshmidt, A., Zemlyanskaya, E., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2025). EBSnew, a robust synthetic reporter for monitoring ethylene responses in plants. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 0, 1–19. Müller, S., Stegmann, T., Adema, K., Holmer, R., van Seters, A., van Velzen, R., Kulikova, O., Wijsman, T., Klein, J., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Stepanova, A. N., Alonso, J. M., Franssen, H., Larrainzar, E., van Zeijl, A., & Kohlen, W. (2025). Spatiotemporal dynamics of ethylene biosynthesis shape infection and nodule initiation in Medicago truncatula. Plant Cell. (Submitted).

Balakireva, A. V., Karataeva, T. A., Karampelias, M., Mitiouchkina, T. Y., Morozov, V. V., Macháček, J., Shakhova, E. S., Perfilov, M. M., Belozerova, O. A., Palkina, K. A., Drazna, N., Vondrakova, Z., Kalachova, T., Fleiss, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Alonso, J. M., Stepanova, A. N., Fakhranurova, L. I., Markina, N. M., … Sarkisyan, K. S. (2025). Non-invasive imaging of salicylic and jasmonic acid activities in planta. Nature Communications. (Submitted).

Biswal, A. K., Banasiak, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Mitra, M., Harholt, J., Derba-Maceluch, M., Majda, M., Kushwah, S., Kumar, V., Abreu, I., Sivan, P., Pattathil, S., Immerzeel, P., Gorzsás, A., Moritz, T., Hahn, M. G., Scheller, H. V., Aharoni, A., & Mellerowicz, E. J. (2025).* Cuticle deposition in the leaf epidermal cells depends on integrity of homogalacturonan. iScience, 25, 113963.

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Neubauer, M., Marchi, A. J., Zhao, C., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2024). A rapid and scalable approach to build synthetic repetitive hormone-responsive promoters.

Muhammad Waseem | Crop Breeding and Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Waseem | Crop Breeding and Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Waseem | College of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry Hainan University | China

Dr. Muhammad Waseem is an accomplished plant molecular biologist serving as an Associate Researcher at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology from Chongqing University, specializing in transcription factors and gene family analysis. With a research portfolio encompassing fruit development, phytohormones, abiotic stress, non-coding RNAs, and bioinformatics, Dr. Waseem has co-authored numerous impactful publications in high-ranking journals. His work primarily explores the molecular and genomic basis of plant adaptation, development, and stress response, particularly in key crops like tomato, rice, Brassica, and lupin. He actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, contributing significantly to academic training and research innovation. His impressive citation count (1582), h-index (21), and strong international collaborations underscore his scientific influence. Dr. Waseem exemplifies research excellence and innovation in modern plant science.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Muhammad Waseem holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Chongqing University, China, where he investigated transcription factors involved in tomato development and gene families. He earned his M.Phil. in Botany from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan, building a solid foundation in plant sciences. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Waseem demonstrated a strong inclination toward molecular biology and bioinformatics, bridging experimental and computational plant science. His educational trajectory highlights a blend of classical botany and modern molecular genetics. Both institutions are known for fostering innovation, and Dr. Waseem’s academic path reflects interdisciplinary expertise across plant physiology, genomics, and stress biology. His Ph.D. and M.Phil. work laid the groundwork for his prolific research contributions to plant development and adaptation, particularly under environmental stresses, in major food and model crops.

Experience:

Dr. Waseem has amassed extensive research and mentoring experience in plant molecular biology. He has been serving as an Associate Researcher at Hainan University, China, where he leads cutting-edge projects on crop adaptation to tropical environments. He actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them in research on phytohormones, non-coding RNAs, and transcriptomics. Previously, during his Ph.D. and M.Phil., he engaged in several collaborative and independent projects involving functional gene identification and bioinformatic analysis. His academic roles consistently included supervision, lab management, and experimental design in areas like genomics, stress response, and crop development. His international research collaborations reflect a strong network across China, Pakistan, and beyond. His recent outputs demonstrate leadership in publishing high-impact research and securing co-first or corresponding authorship in most publications. His career trajectory shows a steady progression from early researcher to a recognized scientific contributor in plant biotechnology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Waseem’s research spans plant developmental biology, stress physiology, and functional genomics, with special emphasis on fruit development, flowering regulation, abiotic stress (salinity, drought, thermal), and phytohormonal pathways. His work frequently utilizes RNA-Seq, bioinformatics, and non-coding transcriptome analysis to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying plant resilience and development. He has studied critical crops including tomato, rice, Brassica napus, and white lupin, identifying gene families such as transcription factors, PEPC, and calmodulin. His investigations often link gene expression patterns to phenotypic plasticity under adverse conditions, especially in tropical climates. Dr. Waseem is also deeply involved in transgene analysis and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), helping identify novel candidate genes for crop improvement. His research is highly collaborative and translational, aiming to enhance crop tolerance and productivity through molecular breeding and biotechnological tools. He integrates molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field-relevant data for applied plant science.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome insights into floral buds fertility under long-term heat stress in Brassica napus

  2. Abscisic acid-mediated salinity stress tolerance in crops

  3. Long non-coding RNAs in Brassica crops: hijackers of development and stress responses

  4. Expression and characterization of calmodulin-like genes in watermelon under abiotic stress

  5. lncRNA landscape linked to cadmium and arsenic stress in Huanghuazhan rice

  6. Genetic characterization of Solanaceae species via chloroplast rps14 gene

  7. PEPC gene family identification in Brassica napus via bioinformatics

  8. Morphological and molecular diversity of rust and host-specificity in Berberis species

  9. Omics-driven strategies for saline-smart lentils: A comprehensive review

  10.  Nitrogen metabolism and physiology in cotton on sandy soils

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Muhammad Waseem stands out as a highly competent, emerging leader in plant molecular biology and crop stress physiology. His research contributions are timely, relevant, and advancing our understanding of plant resilience under environmental stresses. His expertise in RNA biology, transcriptome/metabolome integration, and hormone-mediated stress regulation is both deep and expansive. Given his publication record, scientific impact, and dedication to mentoring, he is highly suitable for a Best Researcher Award, especially within the early- to mid-career category. With continued focus on practical innovation and research translation, he is poised to become a major contributor to global agricultural sustainability and food security.

Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Farrokhi | Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Dr. Naser Farrokhi is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Cell & Molecular Biology at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. With a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Adelaide, his expertise lies in plant genomics, particularly in functional gene analysis for crop improvement. Over two decades, he has led impactful research projects focusing on rice genomics, plant peptides, cell wall biosynthesis, and nanotechnology in agriculture. His work bridges cutting-edge molecular biology with practical breeding strategies, aiming to develop ideotype rice varieties adapted to future environmental demands. Dr. Farrokhi has received prestigious national and international scholarships and has published extensively in high-impact journals. He collaborates globally across disciplines, contributing to sustainability, biotechnology, and agricultural resilience. His multidisciplinary approach has also explored biomedical applications of plant-derived materials. With a strong teaching and mentorship record, Dr. Farrokhi exemplifies innovation, leadership, and scientific rigor in plant science and biotechnology.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar
Scopus
Orcid

Education:

Dr. Naser Farrokhi holds a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Adelaide, where he studied the functional analysis of barley glycosyltransferases under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Bruce Fincher. He earned his M.Sc. in Plant Breeding from Azad University, Karaj, Iran, with a thesis on genotypic and phenotypic variation of quantitative traits in mungbean, guided by Prof. Dr. Alireza Taleie. His academic journey has been supported by competitive scholarships from Iran’s Ministry of Science and the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO). These solid academic foundations in plant breeding and molecular biology have enabled Dr. Farrokhi to integrate classical breeding approaches with modern genomics. His academic training across continents has equipped him with advanced technical skills, a global research perspective, and the capacity to lead in interdisciplinary collaborations focused on crop improvement and plant biotechnology.

Experience:

Dr. Farrokhi has over 20 years of experience in plant molecular biology and functional genomics. Currently an Associate Professor at Shahid Beheshti University, he teaches and supervises graduate students in plant biotechnology, cell biology, and molecular breeding. His postdoctoral research at California State University, Long Beach, focused on gene function in plant systems using transcriptomic approaches. He has worked extensively with GWAS, CRISPR genome editing, and bioinformatics for trait dissection in rice and other crops. His leadership in multi-institutional projects has contributed to advancements in crop biofortification, stress tolerance, and sustainability. He is also involved in translational research, such as nanomaterials in regenerative medicine and environmental applications. His career is marked by collaborative, cross-disciplinary work and a strong publication record. Dr. Farrokhi has served as a peer reviewer, scientific advisor, and mentor, demonstrating commitment to both research and academic excellence across national and international platforms.

Awards & Honors:

Dr. Naser Farrokhi has been the recipient of several prestigious awards throughout his academic and research career. he earned a scholarship from the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) of Iran to pursue his M.Sc., he was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran to study in Australia. His postdoctoral research in the United States was supported by the National Science Foundation Fellowship at California State University Long Beach in 2005. These accolades highlight his consistent academic excellence and potential for innovative research. He is frequently invited to collaborate in national and international projects due to his proven expertise in plant genomics, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. His track record of publications and contributions to interdisciplinary research have earned him recognition in plant sciences, biotechnology, and even biomedical fields.

Research Focus:

Dr. Farrokhi’s research is centered on plant molecular biology, functional genomics, and crop improvement, with a major focus on rice as a model and target crop. He employs genome-wide association studies (GWAS), transcriptomics, and post-GWAS analysis to identify key genes involved in vitamin E biosynthesis, yield-related traits, and stress responses. His goal is to develop future-ready rice ideotypes using conventional breeding or genome editing. His research extends to safflower developmental biology, cannabis-derived materials for biomedical applications, and nanotechnology-based agricultural inputs. He integrates bioinformatics, co-expression network analyses, and proteomics to dissect gene regulatory pathways. His collaborative work across plant and animal systems has also explored osteoinduction, tissue regeneration, and nanoscience applications. Dr. Farrokhi’s research is impactful, interdisciplinary, and focused on sustainability, nutrition, and climate resilience, positioning him at the forefront of innovative agricultural biotechnology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Comparative transcriptome analysis of multi-branched safflower mutant vs. WT

  2. Unraveling molecular mechanisms of phytohormonal regulation in safflower buds

  3. Enhanced osteoinduction using porous herbal cellulose nanostructures

  4. Interplay of rice vitamin E under abiotic stresses via in-silico transcriptomics

  5. rGO-coated cannabis-derived nanogrooved scaffolds for bone regeneration

  6. Recent advances on GLA-producing organisms – future biotechnological directions

  7. Post-GWAS analysis of tocopherol content in rice seeds

  8. GWAS-based dissection of yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

  9. Gene expression in coral bleaching under high temperature stress

  10.  Co-expression network of microproteins in plant embryo development

Conclusion:

Dr. Farrokhi’s robust publication record, innovative research in rice genomics, and commitment to academic excellence make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work contributes meaningfully to addressing current and future challenges in sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology.

 

 

 

Suping Gao | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Prof. Suping Gao | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Suping Gao | Sichuan Agricultural University – Chengdu Campus | China

Prof. Suping Gao is a leading academic in plant physiology, currently serving as a professor at Sichuan Agricultural University – Chengdu Campus, China. With a distinguished career focused on plant responses to abiotic stress, she has significantly advanced our understanding of how plants react to salt-induced anionic toxicity. As the corresponding author in multiple SCI-indexed publications, Prof. Gao has demonstrated excellence in research leadership, scientific writing, and experimental design. Her most recent work sheds light on how calcium salt anions affect photosynthesis and carbon mineralization in Ceratostigma willmottianum. Prof. Gao is an active contributor to high-impact journals and maintains an authoritative presence in international research platforms like ResearchGate. Her contributions are vital in developing strategies for improving plant resilience in changing environments. She is also known for her mentorship and collaborative projects, making her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Prof. Suping Gao’s academic journey has been rooted in plant sciences and agricultural biotechnology. She pursued her advanced studies in plant physiology and molecular biology, with a focus on plant-environment interactions. During her postgraduate and doctoral education, she specialized in the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress responses, such as salt and drought. Her rigorous academic training enabled her to explore emerging research areas involving ion transport, anion toxicity, and carbon metabolism. She has also undergone specialized training in plant tissue culture and has conducted translational research applying laboratory insights to agricultural contexts. Prof. Gao’s academic background reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical techniques, making her well-prepared to lead impactful research and guide future scholars. Her education has laid the groundwork for her innovative exploration of the physiological and molecular mechanisms that enable plants to survive under extreme environmental conditions.

Experience:

Prof. Suping Gao brings a wealth of research and academic experience in the domain of plant abiotic stress. With over a decade of teaching and research at Sichuan Agricultural University, she has become an expert in plant physiological processes, especially under salt and calcium stress. She has successfully designed, implemented, and completed multiple plant stress-related research projects, some of which are published in prestigious journals like Plant Physiology and Plant and Soil. Prof. Gao has guided numerous postgraduate students and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams in the areas of plant nutrition, photosynthesis, and anion toxicity. Her experience extends to scientific consultancy and paper reviewing, adding further depth to her academic engagement. Recognized for her strategic research leadership, she has contributed not only as a scholar but also as a research organizer and project manager, often serving as the corresponding author and principal investigator on her studies.

Research Focus:

Prof. Suping Gao’s research focuses on the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which plants respond to abiotic stresses, particularly salt stress and calcium salt anion toxicity. Her work has revealed how different anions like chloride (Cl⁻) and nitrate (NO₃⁻) affect photosynthesis and mineral uptake in stress-resilient plants such as Ceratostigma willmottianum. She also investigates carbon sequestration through calcium carbonate formation in plants exposed to high-calcium environments. Her research aims to identify key metabolic and regulatory pathways that can be targeted for improving plant resistance and productivity under extreme environmental conditions. Prof. Gao utilizes a combination of plant physiology, molecular biology, and soil science in her investigations. Her studies hold significant agricultural relevance, especially in developing sustainable strategies for crop management in saline and alkaline soils. This makes her contributions pivotal for climate-resilient agriculture and global food security.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Ceratostigma willmottianum mineralizes atmospheric carbon dioxide into calcium carbonate in a high-calcium environment – Plant Physiology (2025)

  2. Calcium salt anion toxicity: Cl⁻ and NO₃⁻ differently inhibit Ceratostigma willmottianum photosynthesis – Plant and Soil (2025)

  3.  Sucrose signaling function on the formation and swelling of bulblets of Lilium sargentiae E.H. Wilson – Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) (2018)

Conclusion:

Prof. Suping Gao is an outstanding researcher in the field of plant stress physiology. Her impactful research, dedication to scientific advancement, and role as a leading academic make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her future work is likely to continue contributing to both academic knowledge and agricultural sustainability.