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

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:ย 

Orcid

Scopus

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  • Prolific Research Output: Over 18 high-impact publications from 2024โ€“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.

๐Ÿ“‰ 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.

๐ŸŽ“ 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.

๐Ÿ’ผ 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.

๐Ÿ… Awards and Honors:

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Ethel Mary Doidge Medal for Young Mycologist in Africa โ€“ International Mycological Association (IMA), 2024

  • ๐ŸŽ“ MSP Scholarship from NUFFIC, Netherlands โ€“ 2023 & 2024

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ Active Editorial Board Member for Microbial Biosystems & Frontiers in Scientific Reports

  • ๐Ÿงช Member of SPADD-LR03AGR02: Systems of Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development Laboratory

  • ๐ŸŒ 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.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Dr. Hajjiโ€™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.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:ย 

  1. ๐Ÿ“˜ โ€œOmicsโ€ tools for better understanding the plant-fungi interactions โ€“ Forest Fungi (2025)

  2. ๐ŸŒฟ CRISPR plants for growth and development studies โ€“ CRISPR in Sustainable Agriculture (2025)

  3. ๐ŸŒฒ Forest fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) โ€“ Forest Fungi (2025)

  4. ๐Ÿ‡ Beneficial Rhizobacteria for grapevine health โ€“ Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2025)

  5. ๐ŸŒฑ Microbial Consortium & Compost for viticulture disease control โ€“ Horticulturae (2025)

  6. ๐Ÿ‹ Phytochemical & antifungal activity of citrus peel extracts โ€“ Waste Biomass Valorization (2025)

  7. ๐ŸŒพ Microbial inoculants for plant resilience โ€“ Journal of Plant Diseases & Protection (2025)

  8. ๐Ÿ„ Fungal endophytes: evolution & ecology โ€“ Microbial Biosystems (2025)

  9. ๐Ÿงซ Bioactive potential of endophytic fungi โ€“ Nova Hedwigia (2025)

  10. ๐ŸŒฒ Fungal agents in conifer diseases โ€“ Nova Hedwigia (2024)

๐Ÿ”š 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 Africaโ€™s leading researchers in agricultural biotechnology.

Ghulam Sarwar | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ghulam Sarwar | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ghulam Sarwar, Cotton Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan

Dr. Ghulam Sarwar, a distinguished cotton scientist from Pakistan, currently serves as Chief Scientist (Cotton) at the Cotton Research Institute, Multan. Born into a farming family, he nurtured a passion for agriculture from an early age. His career spans over 31 years in cotton breeding and molecular research. Dr. Sarwar has led multiple national and international research projects, including collaborations with ICARDA, China, and Uzbekistan. Under his leadership, 10 high-performing cotton varieties have been released, contributing approximately PKR 953 billion (US$ 3.68 billion) to Pakistanโ€™s economy. He supervises a network of five cotton research stations and over 65 scientists, making significant contributions to climate-resilient and pest-resistant cotton breeding. His work extends to training thousands of farmers and consulting industry stakeholders annually. His remarkable dedication to both research and farmer education has earned him national recognition and editorial roles in reputed agricultural journals.

Publication Profile:ย 

Google Scholar

โœ… Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Experience (31+ years):
    Proven leadership and technical expertise in cotton breeding and genetics, encompassing both molecular and conventional breeding.

  2. High Economic Impact:
    Developed 10 commercial cotton varieties contributing over PKR 953 billion (US$ 3.68 billion) to Pakistanโ€™s economy between 2020โ€“2024.

  3. Research & Innovation:
    Led and contributed to 8+ national and international research projects, including cutting-edge work on CRISPR, seed oil enhancement, and climate resilience.

  4. Scholarly Output:

    • Citation Index: 713 (since 2020: 692)

    • Publications in reputed SCI/Scopus-indexed journals.

    • Google Scholar: Link

  5. Scientific Leadership:

    • Chief Scientist (Cotton), heading Punjab’s entire cotton research system.

    • Leading a team of 65+ scientists and 200+ staff at 7 cotton research centers.

  6. Collaboration and Consultancy:

    • Collaborations with institutions in UK, China, Uzbekistan, and major Pakistani research bodies.

    • Provides consultancy to hundreds of farmers annually, emphasizing practical translation of research.

  7. Policy and Editorial Roles:

    • Member of multiple national agricultural committees, editorial boards, and biosafety/varietal evaluation panels.

๐Ÿ”ง Areas for Improvement:

  1. Increase Publications in Top-Tier Journals:
    While the citation impact is strong, expanding presence in Q1 international journals could amplify global recognition.

  2. Patent & Commercialization Activity:
    No patents mentionedโ€”formalizing innovation into intellectual property can further support research-to-industry pathways.

  3. Global Outreach & Awards Visibility:
    Participating in global conferences, awards, and networks would enhance international profile and collaborative potential.

๐ŸŽ“ Education:

Dr. Sarwar earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) in 1994. His passion for cotton took root early and led him to specialize in the genetic improvement of cotton. In 2001, he commenced his Ph.D. at UAF, conducting groundbreaking research on the molecular pathology of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Disease at the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad. His education blends classical breeding techniques with molecular biology, equipping him with the tools to drive innovation in cotton biotechnology. Dr. Sarwarโ€™s advanced academic background has been the foundation for his leadership in high-impact research projects across Pakistan and beyond. His education continues to reflect in his multidisciplinary approach, combining agronomic practices with genetic and biotechnological improvements in cotton.

๐Ÿ›  Experience:

Dr. Ghulam Sarwar has more than three decades of extensive experience in the field of cotton research and development. Starting his professional journey in 1993 as an Extension Worker with the Punjab Agriculture Department, he transitioned to scientific research after completing his Ph.D. in molecular studies of cotton in 2001. Since 2010, he has been heading a major research institution and supervising five regional cotton research stations. His leadership has enabled the release of ten new cotton varieties, boosting national cotton production and economic returns. Dr. Sarwar is actively involved in both molecular and conventional breeding, project management, and policy development. He provides consultancy to hundreds of farmers annually and leads significant developmental projects in collaboration with institutions like ICARDA and national universities. With deep involvement in Pakistanโ€™s cotton research system, Dr. Sarwar has become a pivotal figure in shaping sustainable cotton farming and improving genetic resilience.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus:

Dr. Ghulam Sarwarโ€™s research primarily revolves around the genetic improvement of cotton for traits such as pest and disease tolerance, climate resilience, high yield, fiber quality, and early maturity suitable for mechanical picking. He is actively bridging conventional breeding methods with modern biotechnological tools like CRISPR and transgenic transformation to develop cotton varieties that withstand biotic and abiotic stressors. His work has also focused on enhancing seed oil content, developing colored cotton for textile diversification, and addressing gossypol reduction in cottonseed for feed safety. Dr. Sarwarโ€™s projects often tackle issues like Cotton Leaf Curl Virus, heat and drought stress, and bollworm resistance, reflecting a forward-looking, problem-solving approach. With an eye on both sustainability and productivity, he collaborates globally to ensure Pakistanโ€™s cotton sector remains competitive and innovative. His research is well-documented, widely cited, and integral to the future of cotton in South Asia.

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:

  1. ๐Ÿงฌ The fingerprints of climate warming on cereal crops phenology and adaptation options โ€“ Scientific Reports

  2. ๐Ÿ’ง Salinity stress in cotton: effects, mechanism of tolerance and its management strategies โ€“ Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants

  3. ๐ŸŒฑ Strategies to enhance cottonseed oil contents and reshape fatty acid profile employing different breeding and genetic engineering approaches โ€“ Journal of Integrative Agriculture

  4. ๐ŸŒพ Consequences of drought stress encountered during seedling stage on physiology and yield of cultivated cotton โ€“ Frontiers in Plant Science

  5. ๐Ÿงช Genetic diversity among cotton genotypes for earliness, yield and fiber quality traits using correlation, principal component and cluster analyses โ€“ Sarhad Journal of Agriculture

  6. ๐ŸŒฟ Whole-genome identification of APX and CAT gene families in cultivated and wild soybeans and their regulatory function in plant development and stress response โ€“ Antioxidants

  7. ๐Ÿงฌ Genetic dissection of yield and its components in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) โ€“ African Journal of Agricultural Research

  8. ๐ŸŒป Enhancement of germination and yield of cotton through optical seed priming: Lab. and diverse environment studies โ€“ PLoS One

  9. ๐ŸŒพ Application of DSSAT Model for Sowing Date Management of C4 Summer Cereals for Fodder and Grain Crops under Irrigated Arid Environment โ€“ Pakistan Journal of Life & Social Sciences

  10. ๐Ÿฆ  Mutation in pvcABCD operon of Pseudomonas aeruginosa modulates MexEF-OprN efflux system and hence resistance to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin โ€“ Microbial Pathogenesis

๐Ÿงพ Conclusion:

Dr. Ghulam Sarwar is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His remarkable contributions in breeding, biotechnology, and agricultural extension have significantly uplifted Pakistanโ€™s cotton sector economically and scientifically. His fusion of field-based solutions with molecular innovation, along with strong leadership and international collaboration, firmly establishes him as a top-tier researcher in the agricultural sciences. Recognizing him through this award would not only honor his work but also promote sustainable, innovation-driven cotton research globally.

Ning Xu | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Ning Xu | Signal Transduction Mechanisms | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Ning Xu , China Agricultural University , China

Ning Xu is an accomplished scientist specializing in plant immunity and plant-pathogen interactions. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at the College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University. With a strong academic background and a wealth of research experience, he has significantly contributed to understanding plant defense mechanisms, particularly in relation to bacterial and fungal pathogens. His work, published in top-tier journals, explores how plants perceive and respond to pathogens at the molecular level, with a focus on lectin receptor-like kinases, autophagy, and signaling pathways in plant immunity. His research is pivotal in enhancing crop protection strategies, particularly in rice and other key crops.

Publication Profile:ย 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Ning Xu’s research portfolio demonstrates significant contributions to plant immunity and pathogen interactions, showcasing both depth and innovation. His publications address critical aspects of plant-pathogen interactions and the molecular mechanisms that govern plant immune responses. For example, his recent work on the role of lectin receptor-like kinases (LRKs) in plant immunity and his exploration of plant autophagy and protein signaling pathways are highly impactful. The non-invasive Raman spectroscopy method for detecting bacterial leaf blight and streak is a standout, as it offers practical, cutting-edge solutions for real-time monitoring of plant diseases. Dr. Xu’s consistent publication in high-impact journals and his cross-disciplinary research further highlight his ability to contribute to agricultural and environmental advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Dr. Xu’s research is impressive in its scope and application, it could benefit from increased collaborative studies across diverse agricultural systems and crop species. Future work that expands into more field-based studies would provide valuable insights into how laboratory-based findings translate to real-world agricultural scenarios. Furthermore, continued exploration of plant-microbe interactions with other crop diseases outside rice, including leguminous plants, could broaden the impact of his work.

Education:

Ning Xu pursued a Bachelorโ€™s degree in Biotechnology at Qingdao University (2002-2006). He then completed a Ph.D. in Genetics at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2006-2012), where he focused on molecular genetics and plant immunity. During his Ph.D. studies, he developed a strong foundation in understanding complex plant-pathogen interactions, which set the stage for his future research career. His education has been complemented by his extensive professional experience, allowing him to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical, cutting-edge research in plant protection.

Experience:

Dr. Ning Xu began his professional journey as an Assistant Researcher at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2012-2020), where he honed his skills in molecular genetics and plant pathology. He was promoted to Associate Researcher from 2020 to 2021, where he continued to expand his research on plant immune responses and bacterial pathogens. In 2021, he transitioned to his current role as Associate Professor at the College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University. His career has been marked by a commitment to advancing plant defense research, with a focus on improving agricultural practices and crop resilience against diseases.

Research Focus:

Ning Xuโ€™s research primarily focuses on plant immunity, particularly how plants detect and respond to pathogens. His work delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant immune responses, such as the role of lectin receptor-like kinases in pathogen recognition, autophagy in plant defense, and how bacterial effectors manipulate plant signaling pathways. Xu also investigates non-invasive techniques for disease detection, such as Raman spectroscopy, to improve early diagnosis and intervention. His contributions to understanding the interplay between plants and pathogens aim to improve crop protection strategies and enhance agricultural productivity, particularly in the face of rising global food security challenges.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveals a stereoscopic response of rice leaf cells to Magnaporthe oryzae infection ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”ฌ

  2. Noninvasive Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection of Rice Bacterial Leaf Blight and Bacterial Leaf Streak ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”

  3. Coronatine orchestrates ABI1-mediated stomatal opening to facilitate bacterial pathogen infection through importin ฮฒ protein SAD2 ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ง

  4. The cocoon into a butterfly: why the HVA22 family proteins turned out to be the reticulophagy receptors in plants? ๐Ÿ›๐Ÿฆ‹

  5. Ligand recognition and signal transduction by lectin receptor-like kinases in plant immunity ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ”‘

  6. The Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrPtoB targets abscisic acid signaling pathway to promote its virulence in Arabidopsis ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿฆ 

  7. Bacterial effector targeting of a plant iron sensor facilitates iron acquisition and pathogen colonization ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿฆ 

  8. A plant lectin receptor-like kinase phosphorylates the bacterial effector AvrPtoB to dampen its virulence in Arabidopsis ๐ŸŒฑโšก

  9. A Lectin Receptor-Like Kinase Mediates Pattern-Triggered Salicylic Acid Signaling ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ”ฌ

  10. The bacterial effector AvrB-induced RIN4 hyperphosphorylation is mediated by receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase complex in Arabidopsis ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ก

  11. Identification and Characterization of Small RNAs in the Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿงฌ

Conclusion:

Dr. Ning Xu is undoubtedly a leading figure in the field of plant immunology. His innovative research on molecular mechanisms in plant defense, especially in the context of bacterial and fungal diseases, positions him as an ideal candidate for the Best Research Article Award. His research not only pushes the boundaries of basic science but also offers practical applications that could benefit global agriculture by improving disease detection, prevention, and crop resilience.