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:Β 

Orcid

Scopus

βœ… Strengths for the Award:

  • Prolific Research Output: Over 18 high-impact publications from 2024–2025 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.

πŸ“‰ 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.

πŸŽ“ 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.

πŸ’Ό 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.

πŸ… Awards and Honors:

  • πŸ₯‡ Ethel Mary Doidge Medal for Young Mycologist in Africa – International Mycological Association (IMA), 2024

  • πŸŽ“ MSP Scholarship from NUFFIC, Netherlands – 2023 & 2024

  • πŸ‘©β€πŸ”¬ Active Editorial Board Member for Microbial Biosystems & Frontiers in Scientific Reports

  • πŸ§ͺ Member of SPADD-LR03AGR02: Systems of Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development Laboratory

  • 🌍 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.

πŸ”¬ Research Focus:

Dr. Hajji’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.

πŸ“š Publications Top Notes:Β 

  1. πŸ“˜ β€œOmics” tools for better understanding the plant-fungi interactions – Forest Fungi (2025)

  2. 🌿 CRISPR plants for growth and development studies – CRISPR in Sustainable Agriculture (2025)

  3. 🌲 Forest fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – Forest Fungi (2025)

  4. πŸ‡ Beneficial Rhizobacteria for grapevine health – Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2025)

  5. 🌱 Microbial Consortium & Compost for viticulture disease control – Horticulturae (2025)

  6. πŸ‹ Phytochemical & antifungal activity of citrus peel extracts – Waste Biomass Valorization (2025)

  7. 🌾 Microbial inoculants for plant resilience – Journal of Plant Diseases & Protection (2025)

  8. πŸ„ Fungal endophytes: evolution & ecology – Microbial Biosystems (2025)

  9. 🧫 Bioactive potential of endophytic fungi – Nova Hedwigia (2025)

  10. 🌲 Fungal agents in conifer diseases – Nova Hedwigia (2024)

πŸ”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 Africa’s leading researchers in agricultural biotechnology.

Fahim Hussain Shah | Plant Microbe Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fahim Hussain Shah | Plant Microbe Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fahim Hussain Shah , Department of Plant science, Quaid-i-Azam University , Pakistan

Fahim Hussain Shah is a passionate and highly skilled researcher specializing in plant sciences. Born on April 5, 1998, in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, he holds an M.Phil. in Plant Science from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, where he graduated with a CGPA of 3.9/4.00. With a keen interest in plant breeding, pathology, and mycology, Fahim’s research contributes significantly to the understanding of plant-microbe interactions and crop improvement. He has authored multiple research papers and contributed to exploring the ethnomycological potential of wild mushrooms from Pakistan. His proficiency in techniques like DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR, along with his extensive work on fungi and algae, underscores his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Fahim is a dedicated team player and strives to enhance his performance in every project he undertakes, with an unwavering commitment to excellence in research.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Fahim Hussain Shah’s exceptional academic background, with an M.Phil in Plant Science, a CGPA of 3.9, and a deep focus on diverse research areas such as plant breeding, mycology, and plant disease control, showcases his strong foundation. His expertise in cutting-edge technologies like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and phylogenetic analysis, coupled with his substantial contribution to research publications in high-impact journals, demonstrates his scientific rigor. With more than 10 publications and active involvement as a research reviewer, Fahim’s reputation in the scientific community is steadily growing. His collaborative work with international researchers and a vast range of research interests enriches his profile. His research on the morpho-genetic identification of wild mushrooms from Pakistan and algae diversity reflects his commitment to advancing both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in his field.

Areas for Improvements:

While Fahim’s research portfolio is impressive, expanding his involvement in collaborative interdisciplinary research projects and increasing the diversity of his research networks can further enhance his impact. Publishing in higher-impact international journals and gaining more international visibility through conferences would broaden his influence in the global research community. Additionally, continued development in mentoring younger researchers or contributing to educational outreach can establish his role as a future leader in plant science.

Education:

Fahim Hussain Shah completed his M.Phil. in Plant Science at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad (2019-2021), where he excelled academically, earning a CGPA of 3.9/4.00. His thesis focused on the “Morpho-Genetic Identification and Ethnomycological Potential of Wild Mushrooms from District Bannu, KP,” reflecting his interest in mycology and plant pathology. Prior to this, Fahim earned a B.S. in Botany from the University of Science & Technology Bannu (2015-2019), with a CGPA of 3.95/4.00, where his research explored the effects of Gamma-Ξ³ radiation on seed germination and physiology of wheat. Fahim also holds professional qualifications in education, completing a B.Ed. (1st Division) and a C.T. from Allama Iqbal Open University. His strong academic foundation in both plant sciences and education equips him with the knowledge and skills to make valuable contributions in research, teaching, and public outreach.

Experience:

Fahim Hussain Shah has gained practical experience through his work as an Office Assistant in the Community Development Program (CDP) with an NGO project (2020-2021). His role involved assisting with administrative tasks, contributing to the smooth running of programs, and gaining exposure to the organizational aspects of research and development projects. Fahim’s academic and professional journey also includes active participation in multiple conferences and workshops. He attended the 4th International Conference on Biosciences (ICBS-2021) organized by the Biological Society of Pakistan and participated in a webinar on Pandemic Preparedness and One Health. He has also engaged in a workshop on “Human Artificial Intelligence” and was part of the Capital Youth Expo in Islamabad (2019). These experiences highlight his dedication to advancing his knowledge in both scientific research and the application of modern technologies.

Research Focus:

Fahim Hussain Shah’s research is centered around various aspects of plant science, with a particular focus on crop breeding, plant pathology, and mycology. His primary research interests include genomics in crop breeding, plant-microbe interactions, plant disease control, and the identification and characterization of macrofungi. Fahim has made significant contributions to the study of wild mushrooms and their ethnomycological potential, particularly in the region of Bannu, Pakistan. He is also deeply engaged in the characterization and application of microalgae, which has immense potential in fields like biofuel production and environmental sustainability. Additionally, his work in phytochemical characterization and fungal taxonomy reflects his broad scientific curiosity and commitment to exploring novel plant-based solutions to pressing global challenges. Fahim’s interdisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, genetics, and environmental science, makes him a promising researcher in the field of plant sciences.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. From wild ecosystem to the pharmaceutical use–exploring the traditional medicine and socio-cultural heritage of macrofungi from Pakistan πŸ„πŸ”¬
    New Zealand Journal of Botany (2024).
  2. Taxonomic study of freshwater microalgal diversity and its optimum culturing condition of district Karak, Pakistan πŸŒ±πŸ’§
    Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (2024).
  3. The morpho-anatomical analysis of Gasteroids fungi and two novel hosts for Pisolithus albus (Sclerodermataceae), from Pakistan πŸ„πŸ”¬
    International Journal of Biosciences (2024).
  4. A new species of Agaricus; Agaricus totalaiiensis in section Minores from Pakistan πŸ„πŸ”
    Journal of Italian Botanist (2024).
  5. Morchella palazonii (Morchellaceae, Ascomycotina): A new edible mushroom record from Pakistan πŸ„πŸ§‘β€πŸ³
    Journal of Italian Botanist (2024).
  6. Lactarius sinozonarius and L. subatlanticus (Agaricales, Basidiomycota), new records for Pakistan πŸ„πŸ“œ
    Journal of Italian Botanist (2024).
  7. Conocybe karakensis sp. nov. (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from Pakistan πŸ„πŸ”¬
    Phytotaxa (2023).
  8. Biochemical Characterization of Halotolerant Bacillus safensis PM22 and Its Potential to Enhance Growth of Maize under Salinity Stress 🌾πŸ§ͺ
    Plants (2022).

Conclusion:

Fahim Hussain Shah has consistently demonstrated excellence in both academic achievement and research productivity, making him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His combination of technical skills, high-quality publications, and significant contributions to understanding plant sciences and their applications makes him a standout researcher. His future contributions have the potential to lead to breakthroughs in areas like plant disease management, crop breeding, and environmental sustainability.