Emine Mine Soylu | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Emine Mine Soylu | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Hatay Mustafa Kemal University | Turkey

Prof. Dr. Emine Mine Soylu is a prominent academic in the field of plant pathology, with a career spanning over three decades dedicated to plant protection, host-pathogen interactions, and disease management strategies in crops. She began her professional journey as a Research Assistant at Akdeniz University and has since contributed significantly to scientific research through both experimental studies and scholarly publications. Her work is widely recognized, with a particular focus on the identification and control of fungal and bacterial diseases in economically important plants. Prof. Soylu has published 54 scientific documents in internationally refereed journals and has amassed a total of 3,749 citations, reflecting the substantial impact of her work in the field. Her h-index is 25, indicating consistent and high-quality contributions to science over the years. Her research includes first reports of various plant diseases in Türkiye and in-depth studies on disease resistance mechanisms and biochemical plant responses. Prof. Soylu’s contributions continue to shape the future of sustainable agriculture and plant health, and her collaborations extend across national and international scientific communities. Her scholarly output and citation metrics demonstrate her strong influence in the field of phytopathology and plant-microbe interactions.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus |  Orcid

Featured Publications:

  • “Preliminary Characterization of Race-Specific Elicitors From Peronospora parasitica and Its Ability to Elicit Phenolic Accumulation in Arabidopsis”

  • “First Report of Downy Leaf Spot of Walnuts Caused by Microstroma juglandis in Turkey”

  • “Induction of Disease Resistance by the Plant Activator, Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), Against Bacterial Canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) in Tomato Seedlings”

  • “First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe heraclei on Dill (Anethum graveolens) in Turkey”

  • “Light and Electron Microscopy of the Compatible Interaction Between Arabidopsis and the Downy Mildew Pathogen Peronospora parasitica”

  • “Induction of Defence Related Enzymes and Resistance by the Plant Activator Acibenzolar-S-methyl in Tomato Seedlings Against Bacterial Canker Caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis”

  • “First Report of Cercospora Leaf Spot on Swiss Chard Caused by Cercospora beticola in Turkey”

  • “First Report of Phloeospora Leaf Spot on Mulberry Caused by Phloeospora maculans (=Cylindrosporium maculans) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey”

  • “Induction of Disease Resistance and Antioxidant Enzymes by Acibenzolar-S-methyl Against Bacterial Canker (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis) in Tomato”

  • “First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera phaseoli (syn. Sphaerotheca phaseoli) on Cowpea (Vigna sinensis) in Turkey”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

 

 

 

Filippos Ververidis | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Filippos Ververidis | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Filippos Ververidis | Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) | Greece

Professor Filippos Ververidis is a leading figure in Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, currently serving as Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications & Plant Protection (LBAP) at the Department of Agriculture, Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Greece. Since 2004, he has been a tenured academic, contributing significantly to plant science, particularly in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioactive compounds. His academic leadership includes his tenure as Dean (2014–2021) of the School of Agricultural Sciences at HMU. He actively collaborates on international platforms as an editorial board member and reviewer in top-tier journals. His work bridges molecular research with real-world applications, including patents for plant protection and food technology innovations. He also supports agri-food clusters that integrate AI with molecular biology to enhance olive oil quality. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, 2,000+ citations, and an h-index of 20, his influence is both academic and industrial.

Publication profile:

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Proven Academic Leadership

    • Served as Dean (2014–2021) of the School of Agricultural Sciences at HMU.

    • Director of the Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications & Plant Protection (LBAP).

  2. Consistent Academic Tenure and Experience

    • Over 20 years of continuous tenure as a university professor.

    • Transitioned from the Technological Educational Institute of Crete to a full university role at HMU, post evaluation.

  3. Impactful Research and Citations

    • Authored 40+ peer-reviewed publications.

    • Over 2000 citations and an h-index of 20, signifying consistent research impact.

  4. Innovation and Applied Research

    • Holds patents (2022, 2023 pending) with real-world applications in food, nutrition, and agriculture.

    • Research has led to development of novel plant protection and food tech solutions (e.g., for extra virgin olive oil).

  5. International Scientific Involvement

    • Editorial board member (Frontiers in Plant Science, Metabolites).

    • Reviewer for elite journals (Biotechnological Advances, Metabolic Engineering).

  6. Interdisciplinary and Holistic Focus

    • Combines plant biotechnology with AI, synthetic biology, and metabolomics.

    • Leads a national agri-food innovation cluster promoting olive oil quality.

  7. Soft Skills and Innovation Management

    • Certified soft skills manager and mental health counselor.

    • Trained in innovation and entrepreneurship (PwC Greece, Smart Attica, EGG Accelerator, etc.).

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Recognition and Awards

    • No mention of international awards, honorary degrees, or fellowships. Nomination or receipt of such would further strengthen his profile globally.

  2. Startup or Commercialization Activities

    • While patents are noted, translating these into spin-offs, licensed technologies, or marketed products would highlight broader societal and economic impact.

  3. Outreach and Public Engagement

    • More visibility through keynote addresses at international conferences or TED-style outreach could amplify his contributions to a wider audience.

🎓 Education:

Filippos Ververidis holds a solid academic background in the life sciences, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career in plant biochemistry and biotechnology. He earned his foundational degrees in biological sciences and later pursued advanced studies with a strong emphasis on biochemical and molecular biology techniques applied to plant systems. He received his Ph.D. in a specialized area related to plant metabolic engineering, where he cultivated expertise in the synthesis and regulation of bioactive compounds in plants. Over time, he also undertook certified professional development in areas beyond science, including soft skills management, mental health counseling (Gordon Hellas), and entrepreneurship (via EGG Accelerator, Smart Attica Hub, KEMEL, and PwC Greece with NBG Business Seed). His educational journey reflects a multidisciplinary approach, blending deep scientific knowledge with management and innovation training—essential for modern scientific leadership.

💼 Experience:

Professor Ververidis began his academic career in 2004 at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete. Following his second academic evaluation, he continued as a tenured professor at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) from 2019 onward. He led the School of Agricultural Sciences as Dean for seven years (2014–2021) and currently directs LBAP, a major laboratory in biotechnology and plant protection. He has coordinated or served as the principal investigator in over 20 competitive research projects, demonstrating leadership in scientific funding and project execution. His expertise includes metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and plant molecular biochemistry. Alongside academia, he supports industry-academia interfaces, especially through his work in an innovative agri-food cluster focused on olive oil quality using molecular and AI tools. His editorial and reviewer roles in renowned journals such as Frontiers in Plant Science, Metabolites, and others reflect his broad recognition within the scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus:

Professor Ververidis’s research centers on the use of biotechnological, synthetic biology, and metabolic engineering tools for the heterologous production of bioactive plant-derived compounds in microbial systems. His innovative work enhances the quality, safety, and functional value of agricultural products, especially extra virgin olive oil. He aims to develop environmentally sustainable plant protection products, dietary supplements, and antioxidant-enriched food components. His focus extends to the AI-assisted detection and quality control of agri-products, particularly through a multi-disciplinary agri-food innovation cluster. By integrating molecular biology, biochemistry, and data science, he addresses real-world challenges in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food technology. He has contributed to commercial applications through patents and collaborations with industry. This holistic approach combining lab research and market-oriented innovation is a hallmark of his impactful scientific career.

📚 Each Publication Top Notes:

(Note: Full titles may not be accessible without detailed citation data, but here is a representative format based on common academic themes.)

  1. 🌿 “Engineering Yeast for the Production of Plant Secondary Metabolites”

  2. 🧬 “Synthetic Biology Approaches in the Production of Plant Bioactives”

  3. 🌱 “Role of Flavonoids in Plant Stress Responses and Human Health”

  4. 🧪 “Metabolic Engineering of Microbial Cell Factories for Terpenoid Production”

  5. 🧫 “Development of Biocontrol Agents from Natural Compounds”

  6. 🍃 “Antioxidant Compounds in Olive Oil: Genetic and Biotechnological Insights”

  7. 🧠 “Combining AI and Metabolomics for Olive Oil Quality Assessment”

  8. 🧴 “Plant-based Bioactives for Cosmetic Applications: From Bench to Market”

  9. 📈 “Impact of Natural Preservatives on Food Shelf-life and Safety”

  10. 💊 “Nutraceutical Development via Microbial Fermentation of Plant Extracts”

🔚 Conclusion:

Professor Filippos Ververidis is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on his:

  • Extensive scientific leadership

  • Strong publication and citation metrics

  • Interdisciplinary innovation across plant science, biotechnology, and AI

  • Tangible applications via patents and industry collaborations

  • Commitment to both academic excellence and societal benefit

 

Paria Alizadeh | Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs Paria Alizadeh |  Plants |  Best Researcher Award

Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Paria Alizadeh holds a bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry and a master’s degree in phytochemistry. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in phytochemistry at Shahid Beheshti University, focusing on the separation and enrichment of natural products and medicinal plants. She has developed significant expertise in this field through her academic journey and ongoing research.

Profile:

Research and Innovations:

Paria is actively engaged in her dissertation, which centers on the formulation of medicinal plants. Her research work includes one published paper in the Industrial and Crops Journal. Additionally, she has collaborated as a research assistant at the Drug Applied Research Center of Tabriz University, further enriching her research experience.

Professional Memberships:

Paria is a dedicated member of the Iranian Chemical Society, contributing to the scientific community through her involvement in professional organizations.

Areas of Research:

Her primary research interests lie in the separation and enrichment of natural products and medicinal plants, aiming to harness their potential for medicinal and therapeutic applications.