Dušica Ilić | Plant Material | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Dušica Ilić | Plant Material | Women Researcher Award

Research Associate | University of Niš | Serbia

Dr. Dušica Ilić is a distinguished Research Associate in the field of technical and technological sciences, affiliated with the Faculty of Technology in Leskovac, University of Niš. She holds a PhD in Technical and Technological Sciences, earned through an accelerated study program, with a specialization in the synthesis and pharmacological profiling of bioactive compounds. Dr. Ilić’s academic foundation includes a graduate degree in wastewater treatment technologies and early training as a medical technician, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to science. Her professional experience spans leading roles in academic and industrial research, including contributions to national projects on pharmaceutical-cosmetic formulations, bioactive plant compounds, wastewater purification, and ICT applications in medicine and energy. She has served as a technologist, scientific associate, and educator, contributing to teaching, mentoring, and practical training at multiple institutions, including the Electronic Faculty in Niš and the Alfatec Research Center. Her research focuses on organic synthesis, phytopharmaceuticals, drug delivery systems, and the development of environmentally and clinically relevant technologies. Dr. Ilić has authored numerous scientific publications, contributed a book chapter, and developed innovative solutions with recognized national impact. A recipient of awards for academic excellence and human rights engagement, she is certified in English language proficiency, proficient in scientific computing tools, and holds membership in the Serbian Chemical Society. Her work is marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific rigor, and the practical application of research in both academic and industrial settings. She has 346 citations across 19 documents and holds an h-index of 11.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Ilić, D. P., Troter, Z. D., Stanojević, S. J., Cvetković, J. D., & Ristić, S. I. (2025). Intensified microwave-assisted hydrodistillation produces trans-anethole-rich fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) fruit essential oil. Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly.

2. Maletin, A., Ristić, I., Nešić, A., Knežević, M. J., Koprivica, D. Đ., Cakić, S., Ilić, D., Milekić, B., Puškar, T., & Pilić, B. (2023). Development of light-polymerized dental composite resin reinforced with electrospun polyamide layers. Polymers, 15(12), 2598.

3. Ilić, D., & Vukotić, D. (2023, November 13). Innovative extraction technologies. Trends in Horticulture, 6(2).

4. Ilić, D. P., Troter, Z. D., Ristić, I. C., Konstantinović, S. S., Stanojević, L. P., & Danilović, B. R. (2023, May 17). New technical solution (not commercialized). MN

5. Илић, Д. П., Тротер, Д. З., Ристић, И. С., Константиновић, С. С., Станојевић, Ј. С., Станојевић, Љ. П., & Даниловић, Б. Р. (2023, May 17). Technological process for the isolation of essential oil with enhanced antimicrobial activity from ground fennel fruit (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) [Technical standard]. Technological Faculty Leskovac; Faculty of Electronic Engineering Niš; Technological Faculty Novi Sad.

Getachew Geleto | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Getachew Geleto | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Instructor | Wachemo University | Ethiopia

Dr. Getachew Mulugeta Geleto is a seasoned scholar and educator in agroforestry, forestry, and natural resources management, currently serving as a faculty member at Wachemo University, Ethiopia. With academic training from institutions in Ethiopia, Bulgaria, and India, he holds a Ph.D. in Agroforestry with a minor in Soil Science, alongside MSc and BSc degrees in Forestry Engineering. Dr. Getachew brings over three decades of experience in higher education, research, outreach, and academic leadership, having taught and supervised graduate students at multiple Ethiopian universities and played a pivotal role in curriculum development for natural resources programs. His research focuses on agroforestry systems, climate change resilience, land degradation, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture, contributing significantly to both applied and theoretical knowledge. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and technical papers, and actively participates in national and international conferences as an invited and volunteer presenter. Dr. Getachew has led and contributed to numerous interdisciplinary projects funded by governmental and development agencies, particularly in the Amhara and SNNPR regions. He is recognized for his editorial contributions, academic committee leadership, and extensive community engagement. His scholarly work and dedication to sustainable land management and climate-resilient agriculture have earned him respect as a leading voice in his field.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Getachew, G. (2025). Nutritive content of indigenous fodder trees and shrubs in highland of Ethiopia.

2. Geleto, G. M., & Mentase, A. (2025, July). Tree species diversity in parkland agroforestry practices: The case of Tambaro District, Kembata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Austral Ecology.

3. Getachew, G. (2022). Effect of blended fertilizer rates and planting density on yield and yield components of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Gombora condition, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

4. Getachew, G. (2020). Role of women in agroforestry management in Tembaro District, Southern Ethiopia.

5. Getachew, G. (2019). Land use land cover dynamics at Bilate Alaba sub-watershed, Southern Ethiopia.

Shahzada Orujova | Dermatology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shahzada Orujova | Dermatology | Best Researcher Award

Dermatologist | Private Medical Palace Hospital | Turkey

Dr. Shahzada Orujova is a Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology at the Private Medical Palace Hospital, affiliated with Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine, Türkiye. She earned her M.D. from Azerbaijan Medical University, followed by residency and specialization in dermatology and venereology at Erciyes University. With academic and clinical experience as a research assistant at both Azerbaijan Medical University and Erciyes University, Dr. Orujova has been actively involved in various industry-sponsored clinical trials focusing on chronic urticaria, vitiligo, and plaque psoriasis, serving as a sub-investigator. Her research interests center on inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases, psychodermatology, and pediatric dermatology. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented numerous case reports and clinical studies at national and international dermatology congresses. Notable contributions include studies on the neuroimmune link in atopic dermatitis and the dermatological impact of COVID-19 vaccination. She holds a Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification recognized by TransCelerate and is a member of the Turkish Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Orujova is recognized for her collaborative research efforts, academic contributions, and commitment to advancing dermatological care through clinical and translational research.

Profiles : ORCID| Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Orujova, S., Kartal, D., Demirci, E., Barlak Keti, D., Akdağ, B., Solak, E. Ö., Cinar, S. L., & Borlu, M. (2025). Is there a relationship between serum BDNF levels, disease severity, and psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with atopic dermatitis Children, 12(10), Article 1304.

2. Kartal, D., Orujova, S., & Ertaş, R. (2023). Clinical effects of COVID-19 vaccines on chronic spontaneous urticaria patients: A study on two Turkish centers. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, 1222126.

Felipe Masiero Salvarani | Animal conservation | Wildlife Advocacy Award

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Prof. Dr. Felipe Masiero Salvarani | Animal conservation | Wildlife Advocacy Award

Professor | Federal University of Pará | Brazil

Dr. Felipe Masiero Salvarani is a Professor at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, where he also serves as a permanent faculty member in the graduate programs in Animal Health in the Amazon and Animal Reproduction in the Amazon. He holds a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Animal Science, with a specialization in Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases of Animals, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), where he also completed two postdoctoral fellowships. With extensive academic and leadership experience, Dr. Salvarani has served as Director of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vice-Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Animal Science, and Coordinator of multiple academic committees and laboratories at UFPA. His research focuses on bacterial and clostridial infectious diseases in production animals, vaccine development, and zoonoses, and he has contributed to the scientific community through numerous publications, editorial roles, and as Guest Editor for international journals such as Veterinary Sciences and MDPI. He has been recognized with several awards, including the CAPES Thesis Award in Biotechnology and multiple honors for scientific excellence and academic relevance. His dedication to veterinary science, education, and research is further demonstrated by his active mentorship at undergraduate, residency, master’s, and doctoral levels, and by his contributions to institutional development and interdisciplinary academic collaboration. He has 858 citations with 90 published documents and an h-index of 16.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Sousa, J. C. de M., Lins, A. de M. C., Souza, F. dos A., Manoel, H. O., Araújo, C. S. de, Tomaya, L. Y. C., Gasparotto, P. H. G., Pereira, V. M. de A. G., Pacheco, A. D., Spilki, F. R., et al. (2025). Unveiling the genetic landscape of canine papillomavirus in the Brazilian Amazon. Microorganisms, 13(8), 1811.

2. Benarrós, M. S. C., Sakata, K. A. C., dos Santos, B. J. S., & Salvarani, F. M. (2025). Heavy metal poisoning and its impacts on the conservation of Amazonian parrots: An interdisciplinary review. Biology, 14(6), 660.

3. Salvarani, F. M., da Cruz, K. P. P., da Silva, F. R. C., & Daudt, C. (2025). Lagochilascariasis: A neglected zoonosis in the Brazilian Amazon Biome and the role of wildlife in its epidemiological chain amidst anthropization. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 10(7), 177.

4. Salvarani, F. M., Oliveira, H. G. da S., & Uzal, F. A. (2025). Clostridioides difficile in animal inflammatory bowel disease: A One Health perspective on emerging zoonotic threats. Microorganisms, 13(6), 1233.

5. Souza, F. dos A., Daudt, C., Lins, A. de M. C., dos Santos, I. R., Tomaya, L. Y. C., Lima, A. de S., Reis, E. M. B., Satrapa, R. A., Driemeier, D., Bagon, A., et al. (2025). Characterization of papillomatous lesions and genetic diversity of bovine papillomavirus from the Amazon region. Viruses, 17(5), 719.

Abhijeet Das | Environmental Studies | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Abhijeet Das | Environmental Studies | Best Research Article Award

Research Consultant | Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman Global University | India

Dr. Abhijeet Das, currently serving as a Project Consultant at Madhu Smita Design & Engineers Studio, is an accomplished civil and water resources engineering professional with a strong academic and research background. He holds a Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering from C.V. Raman Global University, along with an M.Tech and B.Tech in Civil Engineering from BPUT, Rourkela. With over ten years of diverse experience across consultancy, academia, and research, Dr. Das has led and contributed to numerous national and international projects in hydrological modeling, watershed hydrology, surface water assessment, GIS and remote sensing, and machine learning applications in water resources. His research emphasizes climate change impact analysis, geoinformatics, environmental sustainability, and simulation-optimization modeling. A prolific contributor to scientific advancement, he holds multiple patents and has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Inspiring Educator Award and several Best Project Awards for his innovative work in machine learning and water quality assessment. Dr. Das has presented as an invited speaker at globally reputed conferences in Vienna, Berlin, Rome, Singapore, Amsterdam, and Osaka. He actively engages in academic development through regular participation in international workshops, faculty development programs, and short-term training courses. His scholarly output includes, 205 citations 89 documents, and an h-index of 8, reflecting his impactful contributions to the field of civil and environmental engineering.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. An optimization based framework for water quality assessment and pollution source apportionment employing GIS and machine learning techniques for smart surface water governance. (2025). Discover Environment.

2. Reimagining biofiltration for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment. (2025).

3. A data-driven approach utilizing machine learning (ML) and geographical information system (GIS)-based time series analysis with data augmentation for water quality assessment in Mahanadi River Basin, Odisha, India. (2025). Discover Sustainability.

4. Evaluation and prediction of surface water quality status for drinking purposes using an integrated water quality indices, GIS approaches, and machine learning techniques. (2025). Desalination and Water Treatment.

5. Bioplastics: a sustainable alternative or a hidden microplastic threat? (2025). Innovative Infrastructure Solutions.

Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of Thessaly | Greece

Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos, Associate Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece (Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment), is an expert in fisheries science, aquaculture, and marine ecology. He holds a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from the Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi, a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Wales, Bangor, and a PhD from Swansea University, specializing in the reproductive ecology, population dynamics, and genetics of decapod crustaceans. Bridging applied and theoretical research, he has contributed extensively to sustainable fisheries and marine resource management through roles in academia, research institutes, and industry, including the Hellenic Center for Marine Research and as Head of Industrial Sales at NIREUS Aquaculture S.A. He has led numerous national and international research projects as principal investigator, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications, 80+ conference presentations, and contributions to books and book chapters. His research emphasizes ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and conservation strategies. An active member of the academic community, he serves on editorial boards, academic committees, and scientific panels, and is regularly involved in organizing workshops and editing scientific journals. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses on fisheries management, Mediterranean aquaculture, and environmental sustainability, with additional training in biostatistics, research methodology, and generative AI applications in research and education. Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach and leadership, Dr. Klaoudatos has significantly advanced the field of aquatic sciences. His work has garnered 607 citations from 580 documents, with an h-index of 14, reflecting the impact and quality of his scholarly contributions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Hatziioannou, M., Kougiagka, E., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Assessing the effects of species, origin, and processing on frog leg meat composition with predictive modeling tools. Fishes, 10(9), 466.

2. Kokkinos, K., Pitropakis, T., Karagyaurova, T., Mosashvili, I., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). A modified PESTEL- and FCM-driven decision support system to mitigate the extinction of marine species in the Mediterranean Sea. Information, 16(9), 813.

3. Klaoudatos, D., Theocharis, A., Aydin, İ., Pafras, D., Karagianni, K., & Domenikiotis, C. (2025). Forecasting environmental drivers and invasion risk of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) and Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece). Geosciences, 15(9), 361.

4. Aydin, İ., Theocharis, A., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Exploring life history traits and catch composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus, L. 1758) in the commercial trawl fisheries of the Eastern Aegean Sea. Water, 17(17), 2540.

5. Conides, A., Cotou, E., Klaoudatos, D., & Glamuzina, B. (2025). An innovative metal–synthetic hybrid thread for the construction of aquaculture nets. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(8), 1384.

 

Yaser Mohammadi | Agricultural sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yaser Mohammadi | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Memeber | Bu-Ali Sina University | Iran

Dr. Yaser Mohammadi is an Associate Professor at Bu-Ali Sina University, specializing in agricultural sustainability. He holds advanced degrees in agriculture with a focus on sustainable development and environmental behavior. With extensive academic and international experience, he has served as a faculty member and contributed as a Research Assistant at the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at the University of California, Davis, where he collaborated on a major project funded by Nestlé focused on sustainable raw material sourcing. Dr. Mohammadi has led and participated in multiple national and international research and consultancy projects related to pro-environmental behavior, sustainable agribusiness, climate change adaptation, and greenhouse farming. His scholarly output includes over 20 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Environmental Management and Land Use Policy, as well as two authored books. He regularly contributes as a peer reviewer for Elsevier journals and serves on the scientific editorial board of the Annual Agricultural Extension and Education Conference at Bu-Ali Sina University. He has collaborated with key Iranian agricultural institutions, including the Agricultural Jihad Organization and the Rural Cooperative Organization, to deliver applied research and policy solutions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing climate-resilient agriculture. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded Best Researcher at Bu-Ali Sina University. His research has achieved measurable academic impact, with 325 citations by 315 documents, 20 published documents, and an h-index of 10, demonstrating the depth and reach of his scholarly work.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Avatefi Akmal, F., & Mohammadi, Y. (2025). The nexus of agricultural land use change and food security: A comprehensive systematic review. Land Use Policy, 128, 107717.

2. Jalilian, N., Mohammadi, Y., Naderi Mahdei, K., Nael, M., & Neaman, A. (2025). Land ownership rights enhance farmers’ attitudes toward soil and soil conservation behavior: Insights from Iran. Journal of Environmental Management, 349, 126821.

3. Gholami Jalal, S., Karimi, S., Mohammadi, Y., Yaghoubi Farani, A., & Liobikienė, G. (2025). Developing and prioritizing strategies for sustainable greenhouse agribusiness: A case study in Hamedan Province, Iran. Sustainability, 17(11), 4912.

4. Gholami Jalal, S., Karimi, S., Mohammadi, Y., & Yaghoubi Farani, A. (2024). A framework for identifying and validating indicators to assess agribusiness sustainability: An emphasis on greenhouses in Iran. Agribusiness, 40(1), 141–160.

5. Razzaghi Borkhani, F., Khaleghi, B., Mirtorabi, M. S., & Mohammadi, Y. (2023). Explaining farmers’ pro-environmental behaviors toward plant, soil and water conservation in Iran: An application of value–belief–norm theory. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 20, 2461–2474.

Ester Cecere | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Ester Cecere | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Ester Cecere | National Research Council | Italy

Dr. Ester Cecere, formerly Senior Researcher at the IRSA Water Research Institute, Taranto headquarter of the Italian National Research Council (CNR), is a distinguished marine biologist specializing in floristic and vegetational studies, macroalgal bioremediation, alien species, sustainable mollusc farming, and circular economy. She holds degrees in biological sciences with specialization in marine botany and has contributed extensively to the academic and applied understanding of coastal and transitional marine ecosystems. Throughout her career, Dr. Cecere has held several leadership roles, notably directing research on ecosystem structure and function for sustainable development under CNR’s national project “Sustainability of Environmental Systems,” and serving as acting Director of the Taranto headquarters. She was also a Scientific Council member at IRSA and part of the teaching board for the PhD in Algae Biology at the University of Messina. A recognized expert, she has served as a consultant to ISPRA on exotic aquaculture species and marine biological quality indices, and represented the LTER “sentinel site” Mar Piccolo in Taranto. Dr. Cecere has authored over 180 scientific publications, including 55 in peer-reviewed international journals, and served as editor of prominent scientific monographs. She is a frequent referee for international journals, an educator in university-level and professional training programs, and a mentor to numerous scholars. Her achievements have been acknowledged through editorial roles, professional certifications, and memberships in scientific committees. She also contributed to public science communication through CNR’s “Vita di Mare” and has significantly advanced knowledge in marine ecology. Ester Cecere; h-index: 22; 1,149 citations by 848 documents.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Denti, G., Rubino, F., Cecere, E., & Petrocelli, A. (2024). Native and non-indigenous biota associated with the Cymodocea nodosa (Tracheophyta, Alismatales) meadow in the seas of Taranto (Southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea). Diversity, 16(7), Article 368.

2. Denti, G., Ricci, P., Cecere, E., & Petrocelli, A. (2024). Long term monitoring activities to investigate the colonization dynamics of non‑indigenous seaweeds in transitional waters. Conference paper.

3. Screening of Undaria pinnatifida (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) lipidic extract as a new potential source of antibacterial and antioxidant compounds. (2023). Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.

Mona Maze | Environmental Studies | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mona Maze | Environmental Studies | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Dr. Mona Maze is an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate in Egypt, and an accomplished scholar in agricultural sciences with expertise in climate change, plant nutrition, data-driven agriculture, and digital innovation for sustainable farming. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Nutrition from the Technical University of Munich, where she developed predictive models for wheat performance under water stress and climate change, building on an M.Sc. in Plant Ecology from Cairo University and a B.Sc. in Science from Ain Shams University, further strengthened by advanced training in computer science, machine learning, and spatial data science. Her professional career spans Egypt and Germany, including roles at the Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, where she advanced renewable energy and sustainability projects, and leadership in national and USAID-funded projects that integrate artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and big data into agricultural systems. She has spearheaded initiatives such as Egypt’s Digital Dynamic Agricultural Map and web-based decision support tools for irrigation, fertilization, and crop protection, in collaboration with leading organizations including Microsoft and ESRI. Dr. Maze’s research focuses on climate change impacts on agriculture, greenhouse gas mitigation, precision farming, and the integration of AI with ecological modeling, contributing significantly to Egypt’s greenhouse gas inventory and advancing climate-smart agriculture practices. With a distinguished record of publications, international collaborations, and technology-driven solutions that enhance resilience and productivity, she exemplifies innovative leadership at the intersection of environmental science and digital transformation, making her a strong candidate for recognition.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Publications

Maze, M., Attaher, S., Taqi, M. O., Elsawy, R., Gad El-Moula, M. M. H., Hashem, F. A., & Moussa, A. S. (2025). Enhanced agricultural land use/land cover classification in the Nile Delta using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data and machine learning. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 209, 282–296.

Maze, M., Attaher, S., Taqi, M. O., Elsawy, R., Gad El-Moula, M. M. H., Hashem, F. A., & Moussa, A. S. (2025, February 17). Exploring diverse AI models for enhanced land use and land cover classification in the Nile Delta, Egypt using Sentinel-based data [Preprint]. Preprints.

Salah, M., Maze, M., & Tonbol, K. (2024). Intersecting vulnerabilities: Climate justice, gender inequality, and COVID-19’s impact on rural women in Egypt. Multidisciplinary Adaptive Climate Insights, 1(2), 1041–1058.

Maze, M., Taqi, M. O., Tolba, R., Abdel-Wareth, A. A. A., & Lohakare, J. (2024). Estimation of methane greenhouse gas emissions from livestock in Egypt during 1989 to 2021. Scientific Reports, 14, 12345.

Hijazi, O., Schoo, D., Schweiger, A., Maze, M., & Bernhardt, H. (2023). Comparative life cycle assessment of FarmBot technology with conventional and organic agriculture. In Proceedings of the 2023 ASABE Annual International Meeting (Paper No. 2300749). American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Clara R. Azzam | Bioinformatics | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam | Bioinformatics | Best Paper Award

Head of the Cell Research Department | Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam is a distinguished Egyptian scientist in the field of agronomy, specializing in plant cell biology, molecular genetics, and crop improvement. She has served as Professor and Head of the Cell Research Department at the Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), where she contributed significantly to advancing plant genetic transformation, tissue culture, and molecular breeding. Over the course of her career, she has combined rigorous scientific research with visionary leadership, training the next generation of scientists and strengthening Egypt’s role in agricultural biotechnology and food security.

Professional Profiles

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Prof. Azzam laid the foundation of her academic journey in agronomy with her undergraduate studies at Ain Shams University, followed by advanced degrees at Cairo University, where she pursued both her Master’s and Doctoral research. Her M.Sc. thesis explored population improvement in sunflower through gamma-ray treatment and mass selection, introducing innovative approaches to plant breeding and genetic improvement. Her Ph.D. research expanded on this work, combining conventional breeding with biotechnological methods to develop improved sunflower cultivars. This academic progression reflected her dedication to applying modern biotechnology alongside classical agronomy for sustainable crop development.

Experience

Prof. Azzam began her career as an agricultural engineer at the Nuclear Research Center of the Atomic Energy Authority, where she gained expertise in radiation-based mutation breeding, before joining the Agricultural Research Center and advancing from assistant researcher to chief researcher and professor. As Head of the Cell Research Department at the Field Crops Research Institute, she led a period of scientific innovation, organizational leadership, and national collaboration, supervising numerous training programs and guiding young scientists while integrating molecular biology with applied crop breeding. Her international research experiences further strengthened her expertise, including advanced training in molecular cell biology, plant tissue culture, and gene transfer at IPK Gatersleben in Germany, crop genetics projects at the University of Giessen, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington State University in the United States. These experiences broadened her perspective and enabled her to adapt global innovations to Egypt’s agricultural research priorities.

Research Focus

Prof. Azzam’s research has played a pivotal role in advancing Egypt’s agricultural biotechnology, encompassing plant cell biology, cytology, molecular markers, and crop improvement through irradiation and mutation breeding. She has made significant contributions to genetic transformation, in vitro culture systems, and the molecular analysis of transgenic plants, addressing critical agricultural challenges such as disease resistance in key crops like groundnut and sunflower. By integrating classical plant breeding with molecular genetics, she has developed strategies that enhance crop productivity, resilience, and food security. Beyond the laboratory, her work has focused on the practical application of biotechnology to crop systems, improving the understanding of biochemical and genetic factors underlying disease resistance and leading to tangible advancements in breeding programs at the Field Crops Research Institute.

Publications Top Notes

Title: A novel group of bio-stimulators: their attenuation of abiotic stress impacts in crop plants
Year: 2025

Title: Novel Organic Formulations’ Utilization as Remediators for Salt-Affected Soil Improves Wheat Growth, Physio-Biochemical Attributes, Productivity, and Economic Profitability
Year: 2025

Title: Characterization of two novel chia (Salvia hispanica L.) white and black genotypes via DNA barcoding, physiological, and agronomic traits
Year: 2025

Title: Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam exemplifies the synergy between scientific excellence, leadership, and service. Her contributions to plant biotechnology and genetic improvement have advanced agricultural research in Egypt and beyond, while her mentorship and leadership have strengthened the institutional capacity of the Agricultural Research Center. Recognized as both a pioneering researcher and an influential leader, she has consistently championed the integration of science, technology, and practical applications to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. Her career serves as an inspiring model of dedication to science, innovation, and national development.