Vladimir Sikora | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vladimir Sikora | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Head of Department at Institte of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, Serbia

Dr. Vladimir Sikora is an accomplished plant geneticist and breeding expert with over 18 years of experience in the field of alternative crops, seed production, and agro-technological innovation. Based at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, he has served in ascending roles from Research Associate to Senior Research Advisor and currently coordinates advanced plant breeding programs. His expertise lies at the intersection of genetics, sustainability, and modern crop science, making him a leading voice in enhancing crop diversity and resilience. With involvement in multiple EU Horizon projects like MIDAS, CROPDIVA, and CARINA, Dr. Sikora actively contributes to addressing global agricultural challenges such as climate change, marginal land usage, and food security. His leadership extends into academic mentoring, editorial roles, and collaboration with institutions in the USA and Europe. A fluent speaker of English and Slovak, he is known for integrating traditional agricultural knowledge with modern biotechnological approaches. His forward-thinking vision and strong international network make him a highly respected figure in both scientific and farming communities. 🌾🌍📚

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education

Dr. Vladimir Sikora’s academic journey is rooted in a strong specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics, which he pursued at the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. He obtained his PhD in Plant Breeding in 2005 from the Faculty of Agriculture, after completing a five-year Bachelor’s program in the same field (2000–2005). His academic excellence was not limited to classroom learning; he demonstrated an early aptitude for hands-on crop improvement and genetic research. Further enhancing his skills, Dr. Sikora participated in post-doctoral research training and professional visits to internationally renowned institutions such as Texas A&M (USA) in 2006 and Oregon State University (USA) in 2019. These experiences broadened his research horizons and exposed him to advanced breeding technologies and global agricultural systems. His education laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to crop improvement, alternative plant species, and sustainable agriculture. This academic background, combined with international exposure, has allowed him to engage in both regional agricultural innovation and global scientific discourse. 🎓🌿📖

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Sikora has built a distinguished career at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, starting as a Research Associate (2006–2012), moving up to Senior Research Associate (2012–2017), and ultimately becoming a Research Advisor in 2017. Over nearly two decades, he has led initiatives in the breeding and seed production of alternative crops, including industrial hemp, buckwheat, and oil plants. As the Coordinator for Genetics and Plant Breeding, he oversees a diverse portfolio of scientific and breeding projects, manages collaborative research teams, and contributes to national policy discussions on crop development. His role is multifaceted, involving research execution, institutional leadership, and strategic planning. He has been deeply involved in the development of agronomic practices and new crop varieties, responding to the evolving demands of climate change and sustainability. In addition to his research commitments, Dr. Sikora serves as a mentor for doctoral students, ensuring the transfer of knowledge to the next generation of agricultural scientists. His contributions have significantly influenced the genetic improvement of underutilized crops and the revitalization of traditional knowledge in modern contexts. 🧪🌱🧑‍🏫

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Sikora’s research interests span a broad spectrum of topics within plant science, with a primary focus on genetics, plant breeding, seed production, agro-technology, and alternative crops. He is particularly passionate about developing climate-resilient and underutilized species, which play a critical role in diversifying agriculture and improving sustainability. His work addresses the urgent need to adapt farming systems to marginal lands and shifting environmental conditions. Through programs like CROPDIVA and MIDAS, he explores the genetic diversity of crops such as buckwheat, Camelina, Carinata, and industrial hemp, aiming to improve yield, quality, and stress tolerance. He combines conventional breeding methods with advanced phenotyping, genomic tools, and field experimentation to accelerate cultivar development. His research is guided by a systems approach, considering ecological, economic, and social factors in crop design. Moreover, Dr. Sikora actively promotes biodiversity conservation, supports the re-introduction of traditional crops, and investigates the bio-industrial potential of neglected species. 🌾🧬🌍

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Sikora possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in the fields of plant breeding, genetics, seed production, and agro-technological innovation. He is highly proficient in germplasm evaluation, trait selection, and the design and implementation of breeding programs for alternative crops. His experience includes both conventional breeding techniques and modern approaches such as marker-assisted selection and field-based genomic phenotyping. He has exceptional command over field trial management, data analysis, and crop productivity modeling in variable agro-climatic conditions. Furthermore, his leadership in coordinating multinational research projects demonstrates his capacity to manage cross-disciplinary teams, secure international funding, and deliver impactful outcomes. He also contributes to scientific publishing and peer review through his role on the editorial board of the journal Alternative Crops and Cultivation Practices. Fluent in English and Slovak, Dr. Sikora is an effective communicator, equally adept at delivering academic lectures, conducting scientific diplomacy, and engaging stakeholders in crop development. His practical knowledge of crop production systems combined with theoretical genetics enables him to bridge the gap between research and application. 🌱🧪📊

🏆 Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not listed in the available profile, Dr. Vladimir Sikora’s continuous selection for leadership roles in EU Horizon-funded projects such as MIDAS, CARINA, and CROPDIVA speaks volumes about his research credibility and international recognition. Securing such competitive research funding in the European scientific arena is, in itself, a significant achievement. His election to editorial boards, including Alternative Crops and Cultivation Practices, and memberships in prestigious bodies like EUCARPIA, Serbian Genetic Society, and the Global Hemp Innovation Center, reflect his standing as a respected scientific authority. His mentorship of doctoral students and active participation in shaping research directions at both national and international levels further underscore the recognition of his contributions. His work directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience, making him a valuable asset to the global research community. As more of his innovations translate into field applications and academic publications, formal honors are likely to follow. 🏅🌐📣

🧾 Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Vladimir Sikora exemplifies excellence in plant breeding research, with a specialized focus on alternative crops that offer real-world solutions to food security and climate challenges. His combined academic background, extensive research leadership, international collaborations, and strong commitment to mentoring make him a prime candidate for global recognition and scientific awards. He has successfully translated fundamental genetic research into applied breeding practices that support sustainable farming and crop diversification, especially in marginal environments. Dr. Sikora’s work is not only scientifically significant but also socially relevant, as it aligns with modern agricultural needs and sustainability goals. His future potential includes further international engagement, innovation-driven plant variety development, and deeper contributions to global research agendas in agro-biotechnology. Recognizing Dr. Sikora with a Best Researcher Award would honor his legacy and encourage continued excellence in this vital scientific domain.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Assessing sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] germplasm for new traits: Food, fuels & unique uses
    📅 Year: 2011 | 📚 Citations: 230

  2. Production of biofuels from sorghum
    📅 Year: 2020 | 📚 Citations: 165

  3. Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Agronomy and Utilization: A Review
    📅 Year: 2023 | 📚 Citations: 161

  4. Hydrolates: By-products of essential oil distillation: Chemical composition, biological activity and potential uses
    📅 Year: 2020 | 📚 Citations: 117

  5. Marrubium vulgare L.: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview
    📅 Year: 2020 | 📚 Citations: 115

  6. Origin, history, morphology, production, improvement, and utilization of broomcorn [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in Serbia
    📅 Year: 2011 | 📚 Citations: 70

  7. Salvia sclarea: Chemical composition and biological activity
    📅 Year: 2018 | 📚 Citations: 68

  8. Effect of extraction solvent on total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of Cannabis sativa L.
    📅 Year: 2018 | 📚 Citations: 66

  9. Variability of yield and chemical composition in soybean genotypes grown under different agroecological conditions of Serbia
    📅 Year: 2016 | 📚 Citations: 66

  10. Influence of agroclimatic conditions on content of main cannabinoids in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
    📅 Year: 2011 | 📚 Citations: 62

  11. Analysis of buckwheat production in the world and Serbia
    📅 Year: 2014 | 📚 Citations: 56

  12. Genotypic specificity of soybean [Glycine max.(L) Merr.] under conditions of foliar fertilization
    📅 Year: 2012 | 📚 Citations: 49

  13. Influence of agro-ecological conditions and foliar fertilization on yield and yield components of buckwheat in conventional and organic cropping system
    📅 Year: 2013 | 📚 Citations: 45

  14. Dracocephalum moldovica: cultivation, chemical composition and biological activity
    📅 Year: 2019 | 📚 Citations: 36

  15. Genetics and selection of hemp
    📅 Year: 2013 | 📚 Citations: 32

  16. Weather conditions influence on hyssop essential oil quality
    📅 Year: 2021 | 📚 Citations: 30

  17. Variability and stability of tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
    📅 Year: 2001 | 📚 Citations: 25

  18. Bioactivity of essential oils from cultivated winter savory, sage and hyssop
    📅 Year: 2019 | 📚 Citations: 22

  19. Nepeta cataria–cultivation, chemical composition and biological activity
    📅 Year: 2021 | 📚 Citations: 21

  20. What is Industrial Hemp?
    📅 Year: 2019 | 📚 Citations: 21

Ali Ashraf Jafari | Plant Breeding | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Ali Ashraf Jafari | Plant Breeding | Best Academic Researcher Award

Professor at Iranian Research Institute forests and rangelands,  Iran

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.

Professional Profile 

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📚

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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