Prof. Dr. Ali Ashraf Jafari is a distinguished Iranian scientist with expertise in biometrical genetics and plant breeding, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Gene Bank Division at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), Tehran. With over two decades of research experience, he has significantly contributed to forage agronomy, genetic resource conservation, and medicinal plant breeding. His scientific output includes numerous peer-reviewed publications addressing critical agronomic and ecological challenges in dryland farming systems. Dr. Jafari is recognized for integrating traditional breeding approaches with advanced phenotyping tools, particularly Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIR), in evaluating forage quality traits. His leadership in managing Iran’s gene bank has had a national impact on biodiversity preservation and sustainable agriculture. As a collaborative researcher and mentor, he has advanced both theoretical and applied aspects of plant science, bridging research excellence with policy-level conservation goals.
Education 🎓
Prof. Dr. Jafari earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding in 1998 from the University College Dublin (UCD), National University of Ireland, a reputable institution renowned for agricultural sciences. His doctoral training emphasized advanced genetic methodologies and statistical analysis applied to plant improvement. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his lifelong research in forage crops and genetic diversity. Prior to his doctorate, he completed degrees in agricultural science in Iran, focusing on field crop production and breeding. His international academic exposure, combined with his deep knowledge of Iran’s native flora and agroecosystems, enabled him to apply globally accepted genetic techniques to local crops. Throughout his education, Dr. Jafari cultivated a strong proficiency in experimental design, genotype-environment interaction studies, and quantitative genetics, equipping him to address the unique challenges of arid and semi-arid agriculture in West Asia.
Professional Experience 💼
Since 1998, Prof. Jafari has held a continuous academic and research role at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), first as a Scientific Board Member and since 2010 as Head of the Gene Bank Division. His early work focused on evaluating genetic variation in forage crops, while his current leadership involves directing national programs for plant germplasm conservation and documentation. Under his guidance, the gene bank has expanded its collection, characterized native and endemic species, and facilitated national efforts in food security and biodiversity protection. Beyond institutional roles, he has led multiple collaborative projects addressing pasture improvement, seed technology, and the agronomy of medicinal plants. He has also been active in publishing, peer-reviewing, and mentoring young researchers. His longstanding career reflects a blend of administrative leadership, field-based research, and national policy engagement in agricultural sustainability and genetic resource conservation.
Research Interest 🔬
Prof. Jafari’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant breeding, genetic conservation, and forage quality enhancement. He focuses on improving yield, quality, and stress resilience in forage grasses and legumes, particularly under rain-fed and dryland conditions. He also investigates germplasm evaluation, seed biology, and genotype-environment interactions. A core interest includes the application of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIR) for rapid and non-destructive quality assessment of plant materials. His research extends to medicinal plants, where he studies agronomic performance, essential oil yield, and morphological variation across ecotypes. Prof. Jafari is deeply invested in understanding and preserving indigenous genetic resources through ex situ and in situ strategies. Through his interdisciplinary work, he bridges ecological conservation with genetic enhancement, aiming to support resilient agriculture and biodiversity protection in arid ecosystems.
Research Skill🔎
Prof. Jafari possesses a robust set of research and technical skills that span classical plant breeding, biometrical genetics, and modern phenotyping tools. His core strengths include quantitative trait analysis, experimental design for multi-location trials, and statistical modeling of genotype-by-environment interactions. He is highly proficient in the use of NIR spectroscopy to assess forage quality traits, enabling high-throughput screening in breeding programs. In germplasm management, he is skilled in seed conservation techniques, trait documentation, and accession evaluation. He has led multiple studies involving multivariate analysis, variance partitioning, and trait correlation in forage crops and medicinal species. Furthermore, he has strong command over research planning, data interpretation, manuscript writing, and collaborative project execution. His combined field, lab, and data-driven skills allow him to contribute meaningfully to both applied and theoretical aspects of plant genetic research.
Award and Honor🏆
While specific international awards are not listed, Prof. Dr. Jafari’s prestigious academic standing and leadership of Iran’s Gene Bank Division are indicative of national recognition and institutional trust. His appointment as Head of the Gene Bank at RIFR since 2010 is a testament to his excellence in research management and contribution to Iran’s plant genetic resources. Through his numerous peer-reviewed publications, he has earned scientific credibility and influence within the regional plant science community. Additionally, his collaborative works and involvement in national agricultural strategies reflect recognition by fellow experts and policymakers. It is highly likely that he has received institutional commendations, project-based funding acknowledgments, or certificates of merit from Iranian scientific bodies for his contributions to dryland forage improvement and biodiversity conservation. Future award nominations would be well-deserved given his long-standing impact and scientific productivity.
Conclusion📝
Professor Ali Ashraf Jafari is highly suitable for the Best Academic Researcher Award, especially in fields related to forage breeding, genetic resources, and sustainable agriculture. His longstanding commitment to both fundamental and applied plant sciences, leadership in gene bank development, and scholarly output make him a commendable candidate. Enhancing international engagement, innovation dissemination, and citation visibility could further solidify his standing as a globally recognized academic leader.
Publications Top Noted📚
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Vosough, A., Jafari, A.A., Karami, E., Safari, H., Talebi, R. (2023)
Herbage yield stability of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) genotypes across rain-fed environments.
The Rangeland Journal
DOI: 10.1071/RJ23015
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Farshadfar, M., Kakaei, M., Salehabadi, Y., Baghaeifar, Z., Jafari, A.A. (2022)
Study of Diversity for Yield and Quality Traits in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Determination of the Best Population for Cultivation in Dryland Farming in Iran.
Journal of Rangeland Science
EID: 2-s2.0-85123712515
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Sepahvand, A., Jafari, A.A., Sefidkon, F., Kalatejari, S. (2021)
Effects of Water Stress on Seedling Growth and Physiological Traits in Four Thyme Species.
Journal of Rangeland Science
EID: 2-s2.0-85102782879
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Alizadeh, M.A., Jafari, A.A., Sepahvand, K., Davazdahemami, S., Moeini, M.R., Moaied, F.N., Naseri, B. (2021)
Evaluation of sainfoin accessions exposed to powdery mildew disease at four locations in Iran.
Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales
DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(9)97-108
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Jafari, A.A., Afkar, S., Faraji, M. (2021)
Genetic Diversity of Agropyron Pectiniforme Using Morphological Traits and RAPD Markers.
Iranian Journal of Plant Physiology
EID: 2-s2.0-85110433894
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Ansari, E., Khosrowshahli, M., Ashraf Jafari, A., Etminan, A. (2021)
Induction of autotetraploidy and its effects on morphophysiological traits in some annual and perennial medics.
Caryologia
DOI: 10.36253/caryologia-809
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Hadi, N., Shojaeiyan, A., Sefidkon, F., Jafari, A.A., Mišić, D., Banjanac, T., Šiler, B. (2020)
Assessment of infraspecific genetic diversity in Nepeta kotschyi Boiss., a native Iranian medicinal plant.
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
EID: 2-s2.0-85093883927
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Riasat, M., Jafari, A.A., Saed-Mouchehsi, A. (2020)
Effect of drought stress on seedling morpho-physiological traits of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) populations grown in glasshouse.
Journal of Rangeland Science
EID: 2-s2.0-85085993049
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Moradi, R., Alizadeh, M.A., Hervan, E.M., Shanjani, P.S., Khaghani, S., Jafari, A.A. (2020)
Variation and relationships of aerial yield, morpho-agronomic traits and essential oil composition in domestic populations of Ziziphora tenuior in Iran.
Acta Scientiarum Polonorum, Hortorum Cultus
DOI: 10.24326/asphc.2020.1.11
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Abbasi Khalaki, M., Ghorbani, A., Esmali Ouri, A., Shokouhian, A.A., Jafari, A.A. (2019)
Varying the vegetative and morphological traits of Thymus kotschyanus L. submitted to potassium silicate nanoparticles, superabsorbent hydrogel, effective microorganisms and animal manure.
Bioscience Journal
DOI: 10.14393/BJ-v35n1a2019-41832
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Safari, H., Zebarjadi, A., Kahrizi, D., Jafari, A.A. (2019)
The study of inter-specific relationships of Bromus genus based on SCoT and ISSR molecular markers.
Molecular Biology Reports
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04978-2