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.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

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.

Alireza Mirzaei | Plant Genetics | Plant Research Achievement Award

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Dr. Alireza Mirzaei | Plant Genetics | Plant Research Achievement Award

Alzahra University | Iran

Dr. Alireza Mirzaei is a dedicated researcher in plant genetics, molecular biotechnology, and bioinformatics, with significant achievements in both academic and applied science. His contributions bridge fundamental molecular genetics with practical agricultural solutions, particularly in stress tolerance, secondary metabolite production, and the integration of nanotechnology in plant science. Through a strong record of publications, book chapters with international publishers, and active involvement in professional societies, he has established himself as a promising scientist in plant biotechnology. His role as a reviewer, teacher, and collaborator underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge, training the next generation, and contributing to global scientific progress.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Mirzaei has built his academic foundation through comprehensive studies in genetics and biotechnology. He obtained his undergraduate degree in plant genetics, followed by a master’s degree in genetics, where he investigated transcription factors in rapeseed under moisture stress. His doctoral research focused on the role of metal oxides as biostimulators for enhancing steviol glycoside biosynthesis, reflecting his innovative approach to plant metabolic engineering. He later pursued postdoctoral research in biotechnology, further refining his expertise in molecular tools and bioinformatics. His academic journey reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence, marked by honors and distinctions at every level of study, and a clear vision for applying molecular sciences to improve plant systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mirzaei has extensive professional experience in academia, research, and applied agricultural biotechnology. He has taught courses in plant breeding, agricultural experimental design, and genetics at the undergraduate level, contributing to capacity building in agricultural sciences. Beyond teaching, he has served as a technical manager in agricultural organizations and contributed to phytosanitary practices. He has participated in national and international scientific conferences, presenting his work on plant transcription factors, gene regulation, and nanotechnology applications in agriculture. His editorial and peer-review activities for numerous journals highlight his recognition as a trusted evaluator of scientific work. Moreover, his collaborations with multidisciplinary teams extend his expertise to areas like cancer genomics and microbial biotechnology, reflecting the breadth of his professional engagements.

Research Interests

Dr. Mirzaei’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. He is particularly focused on stress physiology, plant metabolic pathways, and the molecular regulation of gene expression in crops. His work explores how nanomaterials, bioinformatics, and microbial interactions can enhance plant growth, disease resistance, and secondary metabolite production. He has shown strong interest in systems biology approaches to unravel complex plant-environment interactions, as well as the potential of endophytic fungi and microbial biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. In addition, his interest extends to bridging plant sciences with human health, as demonstrated in studies on the pharmacological properties of plant-derived compounds. His wide-ranging interests provide a holistic approach to plant research, blending classical genetics with modern technological advancements.

Research Skills

Dr. Mirzaei possesses advanced research skills across molecular genetics, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. He is proficient in gene expression analysis, DNA sequencing, cloning, and transformation techniques, with practical experience in quantitative genetics, cDNA amplification, and plasmid extraction. His expertise includes bioinformatics tools for analyzing gene regulation, miRNAs, and protein interactions, which he applies to plant stress responses and metabolic pathways. He has demonstrated strong laboratory skills in bacterial cell culture, PCR-based methods, TA cloning, and gene ligation. Additionally, he has applied nanotechnology in plant research, particularly in the biosynthesis and functional analysis of nanoparticles for crop improvement. His ability to integrate wet-lab molecular techniques with computational approaches positions him as a versatile and forward-thinking researcher.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mirzaei has been recognized with multiple honors for his academic and scientific achievements. He was consistently ranked among the top students in national entrance examinations for graduate and doctoral studies in plant breeding, demonstrating his strong academic foundation. He was also acknowledged as an outstanding student during his master’s and doctoral studies, reflecting his excellence in research and scholarship. He has been invited to serve on boards and committees in scientific associations, further highlighting his leadership in the research community. His role as a young scientist board member and his contributions to international publications with renowned publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, and De Gruyter emphasize his growing influence in plant science. These accolades not only acknowledge his past achievements but also point to his potential for future contributions to global plant biotechnology research.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Comprehensive analysis of microRNA (miRNA) in cancer cells
Year: 2023
Citation: 89

Title: Antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antineurodegenerative, and antirheumatic activities of thymol: clarification of mechanisms
Year: 2023
Citation: 34

Title: Bioinformatics analysis and pharmacological effect of Stevia rebaudiana in the prevention of type-2 diabetes
Year: 2022
Citation: 31

Title: Identification of some Echinophora platyloba miRNAs using computational methods and the effect of these miRNAs in the expression of TLN2 and ZNF521 genes in different human organs
Year: 2024
Citation: 26

Title: Molecular and clinical analysis of genes involved in gastric cancer
Year: 2021
Citation: 24

Conclusion

Dr. Alireza Mirzaei is a strong candidate for the Plant Research Achievement Award due to his innovative contributions in plant genetics, biotechnology, and molecular biology. His integration of molecular tools, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology to improve plant growth, stress tolerance, and secondary metabolite production reflects a forward-looking research vision. With a slightly sharper focus on plant-centered outcomes, his profile would stand out even more strongly as an exemplary contributor to advancements in plant science.