Minoo Rassoulzadegan | Plant Genetics | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

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Prof. Minoo Rassoulzadegan | Plant Genetics | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

Researcher at Erciyes University, Turkey

Prof. Minoo Rassoulzadegan is an internationally acclaimed molecular geneticist renowned for her pioneering work in epigenetic inheritance and RNA-mediated heredity. With over four decades of research experience, she has redefined the classical boundaries of inheritance by introducing concepts such as paramutation and transvection in mammals—phenomena traditionally known in plant systems. As a former CNRS Director of Research and current faculty at Erciyes University in Turkey, her work continues to influence genetic and developmental biology across species. She has published extensively in prestigious journals including Nature, Developmental Cell, and PLoS Genetics, among others. Her groundbreaking discovery that RNA molecules in sperm can transmit epigenetic traits across generations has not only challenged Mendelian genetics but also opened new frontiers in disease inheritance, behavioral neuroscience, and environmental epigenetics. Prof. Rassoulzadegan is also a revered mentor, having guided numerous researchers globally. Her research bridges plants and mammals, showing the evolutionary continuity of epigenetic mechanisms.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Rassoulzadegan began her academic journey in France at Nice University – Faculty of Sciences, where she earned her Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Biology between 1972 and 1975. She continued her studies there with a Master of Science (MSc) in Biochemistry from 1975 to 1976, followed by a PhD in Molecular Genetics, which she completed in 1979. Her academic training laid a strong foundation in biological systems, with a special focus on the molecular underpinnings of genetic regulation. Her doctoral work laid the groundwork for her later paradigm-shifting research in mouse genetics and epigenetic control. This progression through biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics provided her with an interdisciplinary framework that allowed her to bridge knowledge across species. She later supplemented her training with specialized studies in embryonic manipulation at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (USA) in 1984—an experience that further refined her techniques in early developmental biology and germline research.

Professional Experience

Prof. Rassoulzadegan has held influential research and academic positions throughout her career. She began as an Attaché de Recherche in 1979 with the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and rose through the ranks to become Directrice de Recherche by 1986. From 2004 to 2011, she served as Director of Inserm Unit 636, leading innovative research in RNA biology and epigenetics. Since 2012, she has been a Group Leader at the Institut de Biologie Valrose (IBV) in France and has remained scientifically active even after moving to Erciyes University in Turkey. Her professional journey is marked by leadership in both research direction and scientific mentorship. She has collaborated with world-renowned scientists and played a crucial role in shaping understanding of genetic regulation through RNA. Her transnational academic career reflects her status as a global scientific ambassador and role model in the life sciences community.

Research Interests

Prof. Rassoulzadegan’s research interests lie at the cutting edge of molecular genetics, epigenetics, RNA biology, and transgenerational inheritance. Her primary focus has been on understanding how small RNAs in sperm and other germline cells contribute to non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Her groundbreaking discovery that RNA molecules can carry hereditary information and influence phenotype has revolutionized genetics. She investigates mechanisms of paramutation, a form of epigenetic regulation initially characterized in plants, and was among the first to demonstrate its existence in mammals. Her work also extends into the role of epigenetic changes in diseases such as obesity, metabolic disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, and stress-related endocrine dysfunction. Lately, she has expanded her interest into RNA-based biomarkers, exploring their potential in predictive medicine and reproductive health. Her research embodies a convergence of basic science and translational relevance, drawing conceptual parallels between plant and animal models of heredity.

Research Skills

Prof. Rassoulzadegan is equipped with a powerful arsenal of research skills encompassing molecular cloning, mouse model development, embryonic microinjection, RNA isolation, epigenetic profiling, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. She has mastered advanced CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing techniques, and her laboratory routinely generates transgenic mouse models to study the heritability of RNA signatures. Her expertise extends to small RNA sequencing, analysis of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA function in germline cells. A critical aspect of her skill set lies in her ability to design cross-species experiments that model human diseases and test her hypotheses of RNA-mediated inheritance. She is also proficient in data interpretation tools used in systems biology and functional genomics. Her lab has pioneered several in vivo and in vitro assays to dissect complex hereditary signals, making her not only a theoretician but also an experimentalist of the highest order.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Rassoulzadegan’s scientific excellence has earned her multiple prestigious honors. Most notably, she was elected as a Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) in 2009, a recognition given only to the most accomplished life scientists in Europe. Her work has been extensively cited and celebrated in top-tier journals, garnering respect from across the biomedical and plant research communities. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences and has served on editorial boards of reputed journals in genetics and molecular biology. Her legacy also includes mentorship of emerging scientists, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in genetics, epigenetics, and developmental biology. Her continuous innovation, global research engagement, and visionary contributions to science underscore her status as a trailblazer in RNA epigenetics and inheritance.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Minoo Rassoulzadegan is a visionary and highly accomplished scientist whose discoveries in RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance have profoundly influenced both plant and animal genetics. While her core domain is molecular biology and mammalian epigenetics, the conceptual origin and translational relevance of her work to plant sciences make her a strong and intellectually justified candidate for the Botany Scientist Excellence Award, especially if the award recognizes cross-disciplinary excellence or epigenetic insights with botanical significance. If the award committee values conceptual innovation with plant science implications over strict taxonomic boundaries, Prof. Rassoulzadegan is not only suitable but exemplary.

Publications Top Noted

  1. LncRNA TERRA in hybrid with DNA is a relevant biomarker for monitoring patients with meningioma
    Scientific Reports, 2025

  2. RNA-Mediated Non-Mendelian Inheritance in Mice: The Power of Memory
    Biomolecules, 2025

  3. Impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on sperm genome integrity: insights from a mouse model
    Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 2025

  4. Psoriatic skin transcript phenotype: androgen/estrogen and cortisone/cortisol imbalance with increasing DNA damage response
    Molecular Biology Reports, 2024 — 1 citation

  5. Experimentally altering microRNA levels in embryos alters adult phenotypes
    Scientific Reports, 2024 — 1 citation

  6. Autism-Related Cc2d1a Heterozygous Mice: Increased Levels of miRNAs Retained in DNA/RNA Hybrid Profiles (R-Loop)
    Biomolecules, 2024

  7. Trans Species RNA Activity: Sperm RNA of the Father of an Autistic Child Programs Glial Cells and Behavioral Disorders in Mice
    Biomolecules, 2024 — 5 citations

  8. RNA-Mediated Inheritance of Mammalian Spermatozoa (Book Chapter)
    Year not specified

  9. Alterations in serum mir-126-3p levels over time: A marker of pituitary insufficiency following head trauma
    Neuroendocrinology, 2023 — 3 citations

  10. From Data to Insights: Machine Learning Empowers Prognostic Biomarker Prediction in Autism
    Journal of Personalized Medicine, 2023 — 6 citations

Asima Imtiyaz | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award 

Research Scholar at Uttaranchal University, India 

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz is a dedicated healthcare researcher currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Uttaranchal University. With a solid academic foundation, she holds a Master’s in Chemistry and a Bachelor’s in Science, complemented by various qualifications, including a Basic Computer Applications course. Her research focuses on green chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable applications, with multiple publications in areas such as nanomaterial synthesis and photocatalysis. Asima has actively participated in international conferences, presenting papers on topics like nanotechnology in agriculture and the synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has attended faculty development programs and completed an internship with the International Council for Circular Economy. Known for her interpersonal skills, teamwork, and time management, she is a proactive learner with a passion for continuous development. Asima’s extracurricular achievements, including national-level sports participation and cultural involvement, further demonstrate her well-rounded personality.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Chemistry at Uttaranchal University, focusing on sustainable and green chemistry research. She holds a Master’s in Chemistry from Alpine Institute of Management and Technology, where she earned a 7.5 CGPA, and a Bachelor’s in Science from Govt Degree College Kandi, with a CGPA of 7.66. Her educational journey reflects a strong foundation in chemistry, further supplemented by a Basic Computer Applications course. Asima has demonstrated her academic excellence through various published papers and book chapters on topics such as metal-organic frameworks, nanotechnology, and photocatalysis, showcasing her depth in both theoretical and practical chemistry. Additionally, she has attended several international conferences and faculty development programs to enhance her research knowledge and skills. Her passion for learning and contribution to the field of chemistry makes her a promising researcher in the academic community.

Professional Experience 💼 

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz has gained valuable professional experience through her extensive involvement in research and academic development. As a research scholar in Chemistry, she has contributed to several studies focusing on green chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable applications, particularly in the areas of nanoparticle synthesis and photocatalysis. She has published multiple papers and book chapters in reputable journals, demonstrating her ability to conduct in-depth research. Additionally, Asima has presented her work at international conferences, showcasing her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. Her professional journey also includes completing an internship with the International Council for Circular Economy, where she gained practical insights into sustainability practices. Furthermore, she has attended various Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and workshops, which have further honed her analytical, computational, and research skills. Asima’s experience reflects a strong commitment to advancing her career and contributing to the field of chemistry and sustainable technologies.

Research Interest 🔬

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of green chemistry, nanotechnology, and sustainable materials. She is particularly focused on the synthesis and applications of metal oxide nanoparticles, with an emphasis on their photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and environmental applications. Her work explores the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts, such as those from Iris Kashmiriana, highlighting the potential of eco-friendly methods in nanomaterial production. Asima’s research also delves into the fabrication of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their hybrid composites, aiming to expand their applications in various industries. Additionally, she investigates the role of nanotechnology in agriculture and food science, exploring its potential for improving crop production and food preservation. Her work on the pharmacological and photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles showcases her interest in the intersection of materials science, chemistry, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on advancing green technologies for real-world applications.

Research Skill🔎

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz possesses a strong set of research skills, underpinned by her academic training and hands-on experience in chemistry and nanotechnology. She is adept at synthesizing metal oxide nanoparticles using green chemistry methods, particularly utilizing plant extracts like Iris Kashmiriana. Her skills include advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which she uses to analyze the structural, morphological, and chemical properties of synthesized materials. Asima is proficient in conducting both qualitative and quantitative analyses, employing techniques to assess the photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of nanoparticles. Her research also involves writing and presenting scientific papers, where she demonstrates effective communication and critical thinking. Additionally, Asima has gained expertise in computational and analytical techniques, attending faculty development programs to further refine her research methodologies. Her broad skill set positions her as a promising researcher in sustainable chemistry and nanotechnology.

Award and Honor🏆

Ms. Asima Imtiyaz has earned recognition for her academic excellence and research contributions. While the resume does not explicitly mention specific formal awards, she has been an active participant in academic and extracurricular activities that reflect her commitment to excellence. Notably, she has presented her research at international conferences, showcasing her work on nanotechnology and sustainable chemistry, which speaks to her emerging reputation in her field. Additionally, Asima has participated in various Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), indicating her dedication to continuous professional growth. Her involvement in sports, particularly as a national-level Kho-Kho player, and her achievement as a gold medalist in an open chess event, highlight her versatility and ability to excel beyond the academic realm. These accomplishments underscore her well-roundedness and potential for future recognition in both academic and professional circles. With further progress in her research, Asima is likely to receive formal awards for her contributions to the scientific community.

Conclusion📝

Asima Imtiyaz shows strong potential as a young and emerging researcher with an evident passion for sustainable and applied chemistry. She is actively engaged in research, academic development, and scientific discourse. While she may not yet meet the criteria for a top-tier “Best Researcher Award” at a national or international level due to the absence of high-impact publications and measurable research impact, she is a strong candidate for “Emerging Researcher” or “Promising Young Researcher” awards.

Recommendation:
Encourage her to:

  • Publish in indexed journals.

  • Highlight measurable impacts of her work (citations, societal contributions).

  • Expand collaboration and leadership roles in research projects.

With these enhancements, she will be a strong contender for future major research awards.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: Green synthesized ruthenium oxide nanoparticles mediated through Iris Kashmiriana (Mazar-Graveyard) plant extract and antimicrobial activity
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh
    Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: 5

  • Title: Applications of Nanotechnology in Agriculture and Food Science: A Review
    Authors: A Singh, A Imtiyaz
    Journal: Asian Journal of Chemistry
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 4

  • Title: A study of the fabrication of different-dimensional metal–organic frameworks and their hybrid composites for novel applications
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh
    Journal: Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 3

  • Title: Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles from Iris Kashmiriana (Mazar-Graveyard) Plant Extract: Its characterization of biological activities and photocatalytic activity
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh, A Bhardwaj
    Journal: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: 2

  • Title: Comparative Analysis and Applications of Green Synthesized Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh, R Gaur
    Journal: BioNanoScience
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: 2

  • Title: Transition metal oxides (TMOs) as Photocatalysts: an updated review of synthesis, applications, and future implications
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh
    Journal: Graphene and 2D Materials
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Pharmacological and Photocatalytic Study of Green Synthesized Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) Nanoparticles Using Iris Kashmiriana Plant Extract
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh
    Journal: Next Research
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Bio-fabrication of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using walnut shell extract: antibacterial, antioxidant, and photocatalytic potential
    Authors: A Imtiyaz, A Singh, M Chaudhary
    Journal: Chemical Papers
    Year: 2025