Siyabonga Ntshalintshali | Plant Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Siyabonga Ntshalintshali | Plant Sciences | Young Scientist Award

University of Zululand | South Africa

Mr. Siyabonga Ntshalintshali is a Master’s candidate in Plant Sciences at the University of Zululand with research expertise in plant stress physiology, focusing on abiotic and biotic stress tolerance mechanisms in food and indigenous crops. His academic journey builds on a BSc in Agronomy, where he earned the Dean’s Award twice for academic excellence. He has contributed to advancing sustainable agriculture through published and ongoing studies on nitrate priming in Bambara groundnut under salinity stress, host–pathogen interactions involving Fusarium verticillioides and maize, and the effects of Macrophomina phaseolina on crop performance. His research outputs include two peer-reviewed journal articles in the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science (Wiley) and Plant Stress (Elsevier), both indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, with additional manuscripts submitted to Science of the Total Environment and Planta. According to Google Scholar, he has authored 2 documents with a citation count of 2 and an h-index of 1, reflecting an emerging but growing impact in his field. Siyabonga’s commitment to promoting underutilized crops such as Bambara groundnut has been recognized through awards, including second-best presentation at a scientific symposium. He is a registered Candidate Natural Scientist with SACNASP and actively contributes to advancing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Khawula, S., Daniel, A. I., Nyawo, N., Ndlazi, K., Sibiya, S., Ntshalintshali, S., … (2025). Optimizing plant resilience with growth-promoting Rhizobacteria under abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Plant Stress, 100949.

Ntshalintshali, S., Sibiya, S. G. P., Mabuza, N., Nkomo, M., & Buthelezi, L. G. (2025). Seed priming in legume crops: Mechanisms, applications and future directions for enhanced germination, growth and abiotic stress tolerance in sustainable agriculture: A review. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 211(5), e70115.

Halimeh Hassanpour | Plant Cell Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Halimeh Hassanpour | Plant Cell Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Halimeh Hassanpour, Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran, Iran

Dr. Halimeh Hassanpour is a distinguished plant physiologist and researcher at the Aerospace Research Institute, affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Iran. With a Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Physiology from Kharazmi University (2012), she has emerged as a pioneer in the interdisciplinary field of plant space biology. Her research uniquely integrates plant physiology, biotechnology, and environmental stress responses, with a special focus on microgravity and spaceflight conditions. Dr. Hassanpour has led numerous industrial and academic projects involving medicinal plants, algae, and nanoparticles, producing over 40 peer-reviewed articles in SCI/Scopus-indexed journals. She is the author of a notable book on plant responses to gravity and has significantly contributed to space-oriented biological research in Iran. Her Google Scholar citation count exceeds 780, demonstrating the relevance and impact of her work globally. Dr. Hassanpour stands as a leader in advancing sustainable solutions for agriculture and pharmaceuticals in extreme environments.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Orcid

Strength of the Awards:

  1. Interdisciplinary Expertise: Dr. Hassanpour has successfully bridged plant physiology with space biology—an emerging and globally significant research domain.

  2. High Impact Research: With 781 citations on Google Scholar and publications in SCI/Scopus-indexed journals, her research has gained wide academic recognition.

  3. Innovative Focus Areas:

    • Stress physiology in medicinal plants

    • Plant responses to microgravity, magnetic fields, and nanoparticles

    • Secondary metabolite enhancement in in vitro and space-simulated environments

  4. Applied Industrial Collaborations: She has led industry-driven projects with measurable outcomes, such as optimizing astaxanthin production from algae and Capsicum growth under controlled lighting.

  5. Authorship of a Specialized Book: Her 2019 book on gravity and plant response mechanisms reflects a leadership role in space-biology research.

  6. Prolific Output: Over 20 peer-reviewed publications, with strong citation counts (e.g., 80, 69, 63), and active contributions to journals like BMC Plant Biology, Scientific Reports, and Journal of Space Science and Technology.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Global Outreach: While her work is innovative, participation in international collaborations and space biology networks would enhance visibility.

  2. Commercialization Strategy: More focus on translational research or tech transfer (e.g., patents, startup ventures) could extend the impact beyond academic circles.

  3. Patent Portfolio: Although her work has application potential, published patents or filings would further validate industrial relevance.

Education:

Dr. Hassanpour earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Physiology from Kharazmi University of Iran in 2012. Her doctoral research focused on physiological and biochemical responses of medicinal plants to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and magnetic fields. Prior to her Ph.D., she obtained a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences, with a focus on the mechanisms of plant stress adaptation. During her academic journey, she specialized in advanced plant tissue culture, molecular biology, enzymology, and stress physiology techniques. Her education provided the foundation for her pioneering work in plant space biology—especially how plants respond to microgravity, clinorotation, and magnetic stimuli. Her interdisciplinary academic background has uniquely positioned her to bridge the gap between plant sciences and aerospace research, making her an expert in developing stress-resilient plants for space and extreme Earth environments.

Experience:

Dr. Halimeh Hassanpour currently serves as a senior researcher and faculty member at the Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology in Iran. With over a decade of professional experience, she has worked extensively on national and industrial projects, particularly in plant tissue culture, algae biotechnology, and plant responses to environmental stressors. She collaborates with pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, including Karandishan Company and Rezvan Molay Garden Company, optimizing plant production under controlled and stress-simulated environments. Her expertise includes designing bioreactor systems, evaluating oxidative stress biomarkers, and studying gene expression under unique space-simulated conditions. She has also authored a scientific book and serves as a consultant on space biology for plant-based life support systems. Her multi-sectoral experience blends research excellence with real-world applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and space sciences, showcasing her as an influential contributor to both academia and industry.

Research Focus:

Dr. Hassanpour’s research lies at the intersection of plant space biology, stress physiology, and biotechnology. She investigates how medicinal and edible plants adapt to abiotic stress conditions such as low atmospheric pressure, magnetic fields, microgravity, and nanoparticles, mimicking space or harsh terrestrial environments. A key theme of her work involves optimizing plant and algae cultures for pharmaceutical compound production, like astaxanthin from Haematococcus algae or physalins from Physalis alkekengi. She employs tools such as in vitro tissue culture, clinorotation, spectroscopy, and gene expression analysis to study the modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, nitric oxide pathways, and DNA methylation under stress. Her findings contribute to the development of resilient plant systems for space missions, controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), and phytopharmaceutical applications. With broad applications in both the space and health industries, her research bridges fundamental biology with innovative technologies aimed at sustainability and health improvement.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🌶️ Red light induced seed germination and seedling growth in Capsicum frutescens – BMC Plant Biology, 2025

  2. 🧫 Effect of low atmospheric pressure on Dunaliella salina – Journal of Space Science and Technology, 2024

  3. 🍒 Optimized Physalis alkekengi callus culture for nitric oxide and antioxidants – Scientific Reports, 2024

  4. 🧪 ROS regulation in Dunaliella salina via fulvic acid – Journal of Applied Phycology, 2024

  5. 🧲 Cell suspension culture of Physalis under static magnetic field – Protoplasma, 2024

  6. 🌿 Hyoscyamus niger under clinorotation: alkaloids & gene expression – Protoplasma, 2024

  7. 🌊 SiO2 nanoparticles in Spirulina platensis: enzyme & metabolite response – Plant Process and Function, 2024

  8. 🚀 Simulated microgravity enhancing secondary metabolism in Physalis – Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2023

  9. 🧲 Overview of magnetic field effects on plant physiology – Iranian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2023

  10. ⚙️ Iron oxide nanoparticles and antioxidant response in Physalis – Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2023

Conclusion:

Dr. Halimeh Hassanpour is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award. Her original contributions in space plant biology, environmental stress physiology, and plant biotechnology have placed her among the leaders in a niche but rapidly growing field. With her continued output, interdisciplinary integration, and innovative research direction, she exemplifies the qualities of a world-class academic researcher deserving of recognition.

Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc Prof Dr Zahoor Ahmad |  Crop Physiology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  University of Central Punjab, Pakistan

Associate Professor, Campus Coordinator University of Central Punjab, Constituent Punjab College Bahawalpur.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • Post-Doctorate: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Ph.D. in Crop Physiology: University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (Completed on December 13, 2015)
    • Thesis Title: Maize (Zea mays L.) Responses to Supplemental Foliar Applied Phosphorus under Drought Stress
  • M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2011)
    • Thesis Title: Response of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Foliar Applied Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2009)
  • Intermediate (F.Sc. Pre-medical): BISE Bahawalpur (2005)
  • Matric (Science): BISE Bahawalpur (2002)

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Head of Botany Department: Constituent College of University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur (October 2, 2020 – Present)
  • Post-Doctoral Researcher: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Visiting Faculty Member: Department of Life Sciences (Botany), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (October 4, 2017 – January 10, 2020)
  • Lecturer: Allama Iqbal College Bahawalpur (September 15, 2017 – December 31, 2019)
  • Assistant Professor: Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan (July 19, 2016 – July 18, 2017)

Research Interests:

  • Understanding the physiological limitations to crop productivity under field and controlled conditions.
  • Exploring abiotic stress tolerance (drought, salinity, heavy metals, heat) through foliar application of nutrients and trace elements.
  • Identifying morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits for enhanced stress tolerance in crops.
  • Screening germplasm for stress tolerance traits and developing methodologies for productivity enhancement under abiotic stress conditions.

Conclusion:

Considering Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s research focus, academic background, professional experience, publication record, and contribution to crop physiology under abiotic stress conditions, he seems to be a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work is significant for improving crop resilience and productivity, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural sciences.

Citations:

  • 1,729 Citations from 1,395 documents
  • 91 Documents authored
  • h-index of 22

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modulating Physiological and Antioxidant Responses in Wheat Cultivars via Foliar Application of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) Under Arsenic Stress Conditions
    Ahmad, Z., Younis, R., Ahmad, T., Alharby, H.F., Alsamadany, H. (2024). Silicon, 16(12), 5199–5211.
  • Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience: Unrevealing Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, and Root Attributes Against Cadmium and Drought Stress
    Sabir, A., Waraich, E.A., Ahmad, M., Ahmad, Z., Bibi, S. (2024). Silicon, 16(7), 3095–3109. (1 Citation)
  • Improving Alkaline Stress Tolerance in Maize through Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Investigation of Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidants, and Ion Balance
    Alsamadany, H., Alharby, H.F., Ahmad, Z., Alzahrani, Y.M., Almaghamsi, A. (2024). Silicon, 16(5), 2233–2244.
  • Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
    Sana, S., Binyamin, A., Ramzan, M., Avila-Quezada, G.D., Abd-Allah, E.F. (2024). Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
  • Perspectives of Nanoparticles as Priming Agents for Amelioration of Abiotic Stresses in Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Iqbal, M.A., Ahmed, S., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 117–137).
  • Prospects of Nanotechnology for Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Amelioration in Field Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Barutçular, C., Ahmad, M., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 67–84).
  • Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield
    Siuda, A., Artyszak, A., Gozdowski, D., Ahmad, Z. (2024). Agriculture (Switzerland), 14(1), 86.
  • Ecofriendly Management of Insect Pests for Sustainable Agriculture
    Abbasi, A., Asif, A., Ahmad, Z., Saleha, A., Zafar, Z. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 2, pp. 931–957. (1 Citation)
  • Climate Change and Global Crop Production
    Ahmad, Z., Ahmad, T., Abbasi, A., Sana, S., Jameel, J. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 1, pp. 27–56. (1 Citation)
  • Silicon-Mediated Growth, Physiological, Biochemical and Root Alterations to Confer Drought and Nickel Stress Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Ishaq, H., Waraich, E.A., Hussain, S., Ahmad, Z., Saifullah. (2023). Silicon, 15(15), 6579–6589. (1 Citation)