Mehdi Bibak | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Bibak | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Persian Gulf University | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehdi Bibak is a dedicated environmental scientist and faculty member at Persian Gulf University, Iran, specializing in marine ecology and pollution assessment. He holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology, with a strong academic foundation in environmental monitoring, bioremediation, and ecological risk analysis. Over his academic journey, Dr. Bibak has authored 22 scientific documents cited by 134 publications, achieving an h-index of 9, reflecting the impact and consistency of his research. His professional experience spans over a decade of teaching, research supervision, and leadership in projects addressing heavy metal contamination, nutrient reduction, and sustainable ecosystem management in the Persian Gulf region. His research interests encompass marine pollution modeling, biosorption using algae, and environmental data analytics based on entropy and information-theoretic approaches. Dr. Bibak’s research skills include advanced analytical techniques for metal quantification, data-driven ecological modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration across environmental and marine sciences. He has published in reputed Scopus- and SCI-indexed journals such as Deep Sea Research Part II and Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Recognized for his scholarly excellence and contributions to marine environmental protection, Dr. Bibak’s ongoing work continues to support regional sustainability goals and inspire future researchers dedicated to preserving aquatic ecosystems.

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Featured Publications

Bibak, M., Sattari, M., Agharokh, A., Tahmasebi, S., & Imanpour Namin, J. (2018). Assessing some heavy metals pollutions in sediments of the northern Persian Gulf (Bushehr province). Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal, 5(3), 175–179.

Raeisi, H., Daliri, M., Paighambari, S. Y., Shabani, M. J., Bibak, M., & Davoodi, R. (2011). Length-weight relationships, condition factors and relative weight of five fish species of Bushehr waters, Northern Persian Gulf. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(82), 19181–19186.

Bibak, M., Sattari, M., Tahmasebi, S., Kafaei, R., Sorial, G. A., & Ramavandi, B. (2021). Trace and major elements concentration in fish and associated sediment–seawater, northern shores of the Persian Gulf. Biological Trace Element Research, 199(7), 2717–2729.

Sattari, M., Bibak, M., Bakhshalizadeh, S., & Forouhar Vajargah, M. (2020). Element accumulations in liver and kidney tissues of some bony fish species in the Southwest Caspian Sea. Journal of Cell and Molecular Research, 12(1), 33–40.

Agharokh, A., Taleshi, M. S., Bibak, M., Rasta, M., Torabi Jafroudi, H., … (2022). Assessing the relationship between the abundance of microplastics in sediments, surface waters, and fish in the Iran southern shores. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(13), 18546–18558.

Meijun Liu | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Meijun Liu | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at College of Grassland Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University | China

Prof. Meijun Liu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the College of Grassland Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, China, recognized for her outstanding contributions to plant physiology and forage crop stress biology. She earned her Ph.D. in Science and has since built a distinguished career focusing on low-temperature and drought resistance in alfalfa, forage rejuvenation, and sustainable high-yield cultivation technologies in arid regions. With extensive professional experience leading and participating in nine national and provincial-level research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Central Government R&D Program, Prof. Liu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and scientific innovation. Her research interests encompass photosynthetic adaptation mechanisms, environmental stress physiology, and soil remediation through forage crops, supported by strong research skills in plant biochemical analysis, physiological assays, and molecular experimentation. She has published over 30 papers in reputed SCI and Scopus journals, co-edited two national “14th Five-Year Plan” books, and holds two patents and five software copyrights. Among her numerous awards and honors are the titles of Tianshan Youth Top Talent, Tianshan Talent (Phase III), and Outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher, reflecting her national impact. In conclusion, Prof. Liu’s expertise, research productivity, and dedication to sustainable agriculture position her as a leading scientist driving innovation in plant physiology and grassland ecosystem management.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Liu, M., Zhang, Z., Yan, A., Wang, Y., Yu, M., & Zhao, W. (2025, December). Flexible regulation of photosynthesis to low temperature in alfalfa contributed to spring rejuvenation. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 229(Pt B), 110501.

Liu, M., Miao, Y., Zhang, L., Zhao, Y., & Wang, J. (2023, September 29). Mitochondrial structure and respiratory metabolism in cold resistance of alfalfa seedling root. Theoretical and Experimental Plant Physiology, 35, 319–330.

Li, Y.‐T., Liu, M., Li, Y., Liu, P., Zhao, S.‐J., Gao, H.‐Y., & Zhang, Z.‐S. (2020, October). Photoprotection by mitochondrial alternative pathway is enhanced at heat but disabled at chilling. The Plant Journal, 104(2), 331–343.

Zhang, Z.‐S., Liu, M., Scheibe, R., Selinski, J., Zhang, L.‐T., Yang, C., Meng, X.‐L., & Gao, H.‐Y. (2017, January). Contribution of the alternative respiratory pathway to PSII photoprotection in C3 and C4 plants. Molecular Plant, 10(1), 131–142.

Cheng, D.‐D., Liu, M., Sun, X.‐B., Zhao, M., Chow, W. S., Sun, G.‐Y., Zhang, Z.‐S., & Hu, Y.‐B. (2016, April 21). Light suppresses bacterial population through the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in tobacco leaves infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 512.

Yasai Li | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Yasai Li | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Ms. Yasai Li is a dedicated researcher in the field of Agronomy, currently contributing to advanced studies at the Hubei Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Molecular Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China. She earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy with a focus on crop productivity, stress physiology, and molecular breeding, equipping her with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied plant sciences. Throughout her professional career, she has engaged in nationally funded research projects and international collaborations, working on improving crop yield, resistance, and sustainability. Her research interests include molecular breeding strategies, crop stress tolerance, and sustainable agricultural innovation, areas highly relevant to global food security. She has developed strong research skills in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, experimental design, and advanced agronomic techniques, complemented by her ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. Ms. Li has published in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, presented at recognized scientific conferences, and received recognition for her impactful contributions, positioning her as an emerging leader in agricultural sciences. With her commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and mentorship, Ms. Yasai Li is poised to continue making meaningful contributions that advance agronomy research and support sustainable global agriculture.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Zhang, R., Wu, H., Li, Y., Huang, Z., Yin, Z., Yang, C.-X., & Du, Z.-Q. (2023). GWLD: An R package for genome-wide linkage disequilibrium analysis. G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, 13(9), jkad154.

Li, Y., Chen, X., Chen, D., Wu, J., Chen, T., Qiao, M., Peng, X., Mei, S., & Feng, Y. (2023). MCEE promotes intramuscular fat deposition in pigs through regulating mitochondrial function.

Tang, J., Liu, C., Wang, Z., Zhu, T., Zhong, M., Li, Y., & Chen, M. (2025). Neuropeptide Y as a prognostic biomarker in electrical storm: Editorial comment on the reappraisal of neuropeptide Y as biomarker and therapeutic target in arrhythmic disorders. JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, 11(4).

Prof. Fan Yang | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Fan Yang | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Hainan University | China

Prof. Fan Yang, a distinguished plant physiologist from Hainan University, China, has made significant contributions to understanding the eco-physiological, biochemical, and proteomic responses of plants to abiotic stresses, with particular emphasis on drought, salinity, and waterlogging tolerance. He earned his M.Sc. in 2005 from the South China University of Tropical Agriculture and completed his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology in 2008 at the Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His professional journey spans positions as Lecturer at North Sichuan Medical University, Assistant and Associate Professor at Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, before assuming his current role as Professor at the School of Ecology, Hainan University in 2015. His research interests focus on ecological restoration, plant stress adaptation mechanisms, and sustainable ecosystem management. Skilled in eco-physiological analysis, proteomics, and ecological stoichiometry, Prof. Yang has authored 67 publications with 2,027 citations across 1,818 documents and holds an h-index of 26, reflecting his strong scientific impact. He has successfully led multiple national research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and his publications appear in top-tier journals like Plant Physiology and Tree Physiology. Recognized for his leadership and mentorship, Prof. Yang continues to advance plant science with global relevance.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Li, D., Tian, M., Ding, W., Cisse, E. H. M., Miao, L., Ye, B., Li, M., Long, Y., & Yang, F. (2025). Dissecting possible correlations between leaf functional traits and heavy metal accumulation in two contrasting mangrove species across tidal gradients. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 238, 106234.

Li, M., Miao, L., Li, D., Long, Y., Ye, B., & Yang, F. (2025). Response of mangrove fine root functional traits to sediment nutrient changes at different tide levels in Dongzhaigang, Hainan, China. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology, 49, 552–561.

Tian, H., Khan, Y., Miao, L., & Yang, F. (2024). Differential photosynthetic and proteomics responses between male and female Populus deltoides W. Bartram ex Marshall infected by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. Forests, 15(12), 2093.

Cisse, E. H. M., Jiang, B., Yin, L., Miao, L., Zhou, J., Mekontso, F. N., Li, D., Xiang, L., & Yang, F. (2024). Dalbergia odorifera undergoes massive molecular shifts in response to waterlogging combined with salinity. BMC Plant Biology, 24, 49.

Cisse, E. H. M., Pascual, L. S., Gajanayake, K. B., & Yang, F. (2024). Tree species and drought: Two mysterious long-standing counterparts. Physiologia Plantarum, 176(1), e14586.

Clara R. Azzam | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Cell Research Department at Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam, a distinguished Egyptian scientist, has made significant contributions to plant genetics, cytology, and biotechnology through her long career at the Agricultural Research Center, where she currently serves as Head of the Cell Research Department at the Field Crops Research Institute. She earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy (2001) from Cairo University, focusing on sunflower improvement using both conventional and biotechnological breeding approaches, after completing earlier degrees in plant sciences. With over 30 years of professional experience, she has advanced research in plant tissue culture, molecular breeding, mutation induction, genetic transformation, and crop adaptation to environmental stresses. Her research interests focus on genetic resources, salinity tolerance, mutation breeding, and sustainable agricultural biotechnology. Demonstrating strong scientific impact, she has published 18 documents, accumulated 187 citations across 135 documents, and achieved an h-index of 7. Dr. Azzam possesses advanced research skills in cytogenetics, molecular markers, and crop biotechnology, complemented by leadership in international collaborations with institutions in Germany, Austria, and the USA. She has received multiple honors including the Arab World Lady Medal (2025), Women’s Appreciation Award in Agriculture (2021), and ARC Shields of Excellence. Her achievements reflect outstanding dedication to advancing plant science and agricultural innovation globally.

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Featured Publications

Abou-Sreea, A. I. B., Azzam, C. R., Al-Taweel, S. K., Abdel-Aziz, R. M., Belal, H. E. E., … (2021). Natural biostimulant attenuates salinity stress effects in chili pepper by remodeling antioxidant, ion, and phytohormone balances, and augments gene expression. Plants, 10(11), 2316.

Azzam, C. R., Al-Taweel, S. K., Abdel-Aziz, R. M., Rabea, K. M., Abou-Sreea, A. I. B., … (2021). Salinity effects on gene expression, morphological, and physio-biochemical responses of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in vitro. Plants, 10(4), 820.

Al-Taweel, S. K., Azzam, C. R., Khaled, K. A., & Abdel-Aziz, R. M. (2021). Improvement of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) and steviol glycoside through traditional breeding and biotechnological approaches. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics, 53(1), 88–111.

Azzam, C. R., Zaki, S. N. S., Bamagoos, A. A., Rady, M. M., & Alharby, H. F. (2022). Soaking maize seeds in zeatin-type cytokinin biostimulators improves salt tolerance by enhancing the antioxidant system and photosynthetic efficiency. Plants, 11(8), 1004.

Awaad, H., Abu-hashim, M., & Negm, A. (2021). Mitigating environmental stresses for agricultural sustainability in Egypt. In Springer International Publishing.

Margaretta Christita | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Margaretta Christita | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Young Researcher at National Research and Innovation Agency | Indonesia

Dr. Margaretta Christita is a plant pathologist and researcher at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial biotechnology, and sustainable forest microbiology. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological and Environmental Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland, where her doctoral work focused on the histology and pathogenic mechanisms of Taphrina betulina in birch, following her bachelor’s in forestry and master’s in plant biotechnology from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Since beginning her research career in 2014 at the Ministry of Forestry, she has accumulated extensive professional experience, leading projects on biocontrol of plant pathogens, plant-assisted bioremediation, fungal and bacterial diversity, and industrial collaborations with PT. Royal Lestari Utama and PT. Java Agro Spices. Her research interests encompass plant disease resistance, microbial biofertilizers, endophytic microbes for stress tolerance, and biopharmaceutical potential of natural compounds. Skilled in molecular microbiology, metagenomics, microbial isolation, and bioassay techniques, she has published 21 documents indexed in Scopus, cited by 30 documents, with 35 total citations and an h-index of 4. She has also authored books, book chapters with Academic Press, and secured patents for microbial biocontrol agents and biofertilizers. Recognized for her applied innovations and academic outputs, she is a promising leader in advancing plant pathology and sustainability.

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Featured Publications

Irawan, A., Anggraeni, I., & Christita, M. (2015). Identifikasi penyebab penyakit bercak daun pada bibit cempaka (Magnolia elegans (Blume.) H. Keng) dan teknik pengendaliannya. Jurnal Wasian, 2(2), 87–94.

Arini, D. I. D., Christita, M., & Kinho, J. (2019). The macrofungi diversity and their potential utilization in Tangale Nature Reserve Gorontalo Province. Berita Biologi, 18(1), 109–115.

Christita, M., Arini, D. I. D., Kinho, J., Halawane, J. E., Kafiar, J., & Diwi, M. S. (2017). Keragaman dan potensi makrofungi di Obyek Ekowisata Kaki Dian, Gunung Klabat–Minahasa Utara. Jurnal Mikologi Indonesia, 1(2), 82–90.

Suryawan, A., Christita, M., & Yuliantoro, I. (2015). Potensi dan strategi pengembangan taman hutan raya Gunung Tumpa Manado, Sulawesi Utara dalam upaya konservasi keanekaragaman hayati subkawasan Wallacea. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Masyarakat Biodiversitas Indonesia, 1(4), 714–720.

Arini, D. I. D., Kinho, J., Diwi, M. S., Christita, M., Halawane, J. E., Fahmi, M. S., & Kafiar, Y. (2018). Keanekaragaman satwa liar untuk ekowisata Taman Hutan Aqua Lestari, Minahasa Utara. Jurnal Wasian, 5(1), 1–14.

Shakil Zeb | Ecology | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Shakil Zeb | Ecology | Best Scholar Award

PhD Scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad | Pakistan

Mr. Shakil Zeb, a promising scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan, specializes in plant ecology, conservation, and riparian vegetation studies. He earned his M.Phil. in Plant Sciences (2020) and M.Sc. in Botany (2017) from Quaid-i-Azam University, and holds additional degrees in Education from Allama Iqbal Open University. His research experience spans field data collection, plant identification, herbarium specimen processing, soil analysis, GIS mapping, and statistical analysis using PCORD and CANCOO, alongside laboratory expertise in PCR, atomic absorption spectrometry, and nanodrop systems. With 6 published documents, cited 40 times across 39 citing documents, and an h-index of 3, he has contributed to studies on riparian vegetation classification, ethnobotany, wild edible mushrooms, and carbon sequestration in the Hindukush-Himalaya region. Mr. Zeb has actively participated in international symposia, poster presentations, workshops, and volunteer initiatives, demonstrating strong leadership, communication, and academic engagement. He has received multiple recognitions for research contributions, academic excellence, and community involvement. His expertise and interdisciplinary skills indicate strong potential for producing high-impact publications, expanding international collaborations, and advancing applied research in ecology. With a commitment to conservation and sustainable resource management, Mr. Shakil Zeb is poised to become a leading researcher and mentor, contributing significantly to ecological science and environmental sustainability at both national and global levels.

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Featured Publications

Zeb, S. A., Khan, S. M., Ahmad, Z., & Abdullah. (2021). Phytogeographic elements and vegetation along the river Panjkora—Classification and ordination studies from the Hindu Kush Mountains range. The Botanical Review, 87(4), 518–542.

Ahmad, Z., Khan, S. M., Afza, R., Ullah, A., Zeb, S. A., Issayeva, K. S., & Bekzatqyzy, I. S. (2023). Angiosperms distribution under the influence of microclimatic factors across a polluted ecosystem. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 9, 100223.

Muhammad Shakeel Khan, F. M. S. A., Shujaul Mulk Khan, S. M.*, Abdullah, & Liu, J. (2025). Ecological assessment of Iris hookeriana across subalpine and alpine regions of the Hindu-Himalayas. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 8, 1–15.

Abdullah. (2021). Phytogeographic elements and vegetation along the River Panjkora—Classification and ordination studies from the Hindu Kush Mountains range. Botanical Review, 1–25.

Bashir ud Din, N. Z. S. A. Z., Hadi, F., Zahoor ul Haq, Z., Ahmed, M., Abbas, M., … & Zeb, S. A. (2020). Ethno botanical perspective of medicinal plants in Mulkhow Valley District Upper Chitral, Pakistan. Academic Journal of Plant Sciences, 13(1), 15–22.

Romina Sayahnia | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Romina Sayahnia | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Assistant Professor Dr. Romina Sayahnia is a distinguished scholar in the field of ecology and environmental planning, currently serving at the Department of Environmental Planning and Design, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Planning (2012) from the University of Tehran, where her dissertation focused on ecological capability evaluation for urban development, preceded by an M.Sc. in Environmental Planning, Management and Education (2002) and a B.Sc. in Green Space and Landscape Engineering (1998), both completed with top distinction. With nearly two decades of professional academic experience, she has made impactful contributions to sustainable urban development, ecological modeling, and resilience studies. Her research interests include carrying capacity analysis, spatial planning, GIS/RS applications, environmental modeling, and resilience frameworks, with practical applications in both urban and natural ecosystems. Dr. Sayahnia has developed strong research skills in ecological capability modeling, spatial analysis, and interdisciplinary environmental planning, applying these in 10 completed or ongoing research projects and five consultancy or industry projects. She has published 19 documents, which have received 170 citations from 161 different documents, reflecting her growing recognition in the international research community. A committed academic leader, she is an active member of the Iranian Association for Environmental Assessment (IAEA) and engages with professional and community initiatives to advance environmental sustainability. Though not yet decorated with international awards, her consistent scholarly achievements and professional service mark her as an emerging leader in her field. In conclusion, Dr. Sayahnia’s academic excellence, impactful publications, and commitment to ecological resilience and sustainable planning establish her as a highly deserving candidate for international recognition and awards in ecology and environmental sciences.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Mokhtari, Z., Barghjelveh, S., Sayahnia, R., Karami, P., Qureshi, S., & Russo, A. (2022). Spatial pattern of the green heat sink using patch-and network-based analysis: Implication for urban temperature alleviation. Sustainable Cities and Society, 83, 103964.

Ebrahimi, E., Sayahnia, R., Ranjbaran, Y., Vaissi, S., & Ahmadzadeh, F. (2021). Dynamics of threatened mammalian distribution in Iran’s protected areas under climate change. Mammalian Biology, 101(6), 759–774.

Mir, A., Sobhani, P., & Sayahnia, R. (2022). Assessment of the ecological footprint associated with consumption resources and urbanization development in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. Results in Engineering, 16, 100673.

Mahmoudi, H., Sayahnia, R., Esmaeilzadeh, H., & Azadi, H. (2018). Integrating resilience assessment in environmental impact assessment. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 14(5), 567–570.

Ebrahimi, E., Ranjbaran, Y., Sayahnia, R., & Ahmadzadeh, F. (2022). Assessing the climate change effects on the distribution pattern of the Azerbaijan Mountain Newt (Neurergus crocatus). Ecological Complexity, 50, 100997.

Mossad Maamoun | Plant Genetics | International Botanical Research Award

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Dr. Mossad Maamoun | Plant Genetics | International Botanical Research Award

Horticulture Research Institute at Researcher | Egypt

Dr. Mossad Khairy Mohamed Zaky Maamoun is a researcher at the Horticultural Research Station in Nubaria, affiliated with Egypt’s Agricultural Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. He earned his B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences (2008) with honors in Floriculture and Medicinal Plants, his M.Sc. (2015) on genetic studies of Nigella sativa using radiation and chemical mutagens, and his Ph.D. (2019) in Agricultural Sciences from Kafrelsheikh University, focusing on biotechnology and polyploidization in medicinal plants. With extensive professional experience ranging from agricultural engineer to research leadership, he has played a vital role as General Supervisor in the National Program for Vegetable Seed Production in Nubaria and in supervising postgraduate theses on medicinal plant breeding. His research interests include agriculture, horticulture, plant genetics, biotechnology, tissue culture, seed technology, plant breeding, and oil extraction, with notable emphasis on improving black cumin (Nigella sativa). Dr. Maamoun’s research skills span tissue culture, molecular characterization, mutation breeding, polyploidization, and somatic embryogenesis, supported by publications in reputed journals such as HortScience, HortTechnology, and Agronomy. He has authored 4 documents, cited by 9 documents, with an h-index of 1, reflecting growing academic impact. Among his honors is the 2024 registration of a new Nigella sativa variety, “Black Diamond,” recognized for high yield and oil content. In conclusion, Dr. Mossad Maamoun stands out as an innovative agricultural scientist whose expertise, leadership in seed production, and contributions to medicinal plant breeding position him as a rising figure in international botanical research with promising future potential.

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Featured Publications

Maamoun, M. K. M., El-Mahrouk, M. E., Dewir, Y. H., & Omran, S. A. (2014). Effect of radiation and chemical mutagens on seeds germination of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 10(5), 1183–1199.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., El-Banna, A. N., Omran, S. A., & Dewir, Y. H. (2018). In vitro gynogenesis and flow cytometry analysis of the regenerated haploids of black cumin (Nigella sativa). HortScience, 53(5), 681–686.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., Dewir, Y. H., Omran, S. A., & El-Banna, A. N. (2015). Morphological and molecular characterization of induced mutants in Nigella sativa L. using irradiation and chemical mutagens. Egyptian Journal of Plant Breeding, 19(5), 257–272.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., Dewir, Y. H., El-Banna, A. N., Rihan, H. Z., Salamh, A., Al-Aizari, A. A., & Fuller, M. P. (2022). Synchronized seed germination and seedling growth of black cumin. HortTechnology, 32(2), 182–190.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., Abu El-Leel, O. F., Dewir, Y. H., El-Banna, A. N., Naidoo, Y., & Datta, S. K. (2020). Morpho-agronomical and biochemical traits screening and genetic variability in selected black cumin (Nigella sativa) mutant lines. Sains Malaysiana, 49(3), 503–515.

Marco Lombardi | Soil-Plant Relations | Plant Science Pioneer Award

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Dr. Marco Lombardi | Soil-Plant Relations | Plant Science Pioneer Award

Doctor at Aarhus University | Denmark

Dr. Marco Lombardi, Postdoctoral Researcher at Aarhus University, Denmark, is an emerging plant scientist recognized for his pioneering work in soil–plant relations, root phenotyping, and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Science (2019–2023) through a joint program between the University of Nottingham (UK), CNR (Italy), and Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, where his thesis explored the molecular mechanisms controlling root growth angle in cereals. His academic path also includes an M.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition, a II Level Master’s in Food Science and Technology for Human Nutrition, and a B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Professionally, Dr. Lombardi has contributed as a research assistant in plant physiology, an international trainee through Erasmus+ in London, and a volunteer researcher in Tanzania, before advancing to his current postdoctoral role investigating root mixture analysis under diverse perennial cropping systems. His research interests focus on non-invasive root phenotyping, multispectral analysis, grassland mixtures, and belowground carbon sequestration, supported by advanced research skills in imaging, data analysis, and bioinformatics. With 90 citations from 87 documents, 5 publications, and an h-index of 3, his contributions are steadily gaining recognition. Recipient of multiple honors including the Irene Manton Poster Prize (2022), his work demonstrates innovation, leadership, and potential for shaping sustainable solutions in plant science.

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Featured Publications

Fusi, R., Rosignoli, S., Lou, H., Sangiorgi, G., Bovina, R., Pattem, J. K., Borkar, A. N., … (2022). Root angle is controlled by EGT1 in cereal crops employing an antigravitropic mechanism. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(31), e2201350119.

Lombardi, M., De Gara, L., & Loreto, F. (2021). Determinants of root system architecture for future‐ready, stress‐resilient crops. Physiologia Plantarum, 172(4), 2090–2097.

Kong, X., Xiong, Y., Song, X., Wadey, S., Yu, S., Rao, J., Lale, A., Lombardi, M., … (2024). Ethylene regulates auxin-mediated root gravitropic machinery and controls root angle in cereal crops. Plant Physiology, 195(3), 1969–1980.

Lombardi, M., Bellucci, M., Cimini, S., Locato, V., Loreto, F., & De Gara, L. (2024). Exploring natural variations in Arabidopsis thaliana: Plant adaptability to salt stress. Plants, 13(8), 1069.

Lombardi, M., Madsen, C. K., Peterson, A., Jørgensen, U., & Brinch-Pedersen, H. (2025). Root mixture analysis: Methods and vision. Trends in Plant Science. Advance online publication.