Lwin Mar Saing | Plant Taxonomy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Dr. Lwin Mar Saing | Plant Taxonomy | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Department of Botany, Mohnyin University at Ministry of Higher Education, Myanmar

Dr. Lwin Mar Saing is a highly accomplished Professor of Botany at Mohnyin University, Kachin State, Myanmar, under the Ministry of Higher Education. With over 25 years of experience, she is widely recognized for her significant contributions to the taxonomy and systematics of wild plants, particularly within ecologically sensitive and under-researched regions of Myanmar. Her academic journey, starting from a Bachelor’s degree in 1995 to a Ph.D. in 2010, has been marked by a consistent focus on the family Poaceae, emphasizing the classification and conservation of wild cereals. Her research extends to endangered orchids, forest ecosystems, native bamboo species, and other significant plant groups. She has published in internationally indexed journals, including Plants (MDPI), and collaborates with leading global institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Saing is a role model for botanical scientists in Southeast Asia, blending academic excellence with impactful field research and biodiversity conservation.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Lwin Mar Saing holds an exemplary academic background rooted in the field of botany. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree with credit qualification from the University of Yangon in 1995, followed by a Master of Science in 1999, specializing in the taxonomy of the wild cereal family Poaceae from the Yangon region. Her academic journey culminated in 2010 with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), also from the University of Yangon, where her research focused on the taxonomy and systematic evolution of wild cereal Poaceae species in the Tanintharyi region of southern Myanmar. Her academic training uniquely prepared her for deep botanical investigations, particularly in plant systematics, evolution, and floristic conservation. This strong educational foundation continues to influence her scientific approach and capacity for cross-regional ecological understanding.

Professional Experience

Since joining the academic sector in 1998, Dr. Saing has served as a faculty member and researcher across various universities under Myanmar’s Ministry of Higher Education. She currently holds the position of Professor of Botany at Mohnyin University, where she leads initiatives in plant taxonomy, field studies, and conservation strategies. Over the years, she has managed multiple nationally funded research projects related to ecological assessments, forest ecosystems, and endangered plant species. Her work often involves field-based research, combining morphological taxonomy with regional ecological knowledge. Dr. Saing is also involved in mentoring students, curriculum development, and research collaborations with international institutions. Her career reflects a harmonious blend of academic teaching, field research, and policy-aligned environmental work, earning her respect as a senior scholar in Myanmar’s botanical research landscape.

Research Interests

Dr. Saing’s primary research interests revolve around plant taxonomy, systematic evolution, and biodiversity conservation. She has an enduring focus on the Poaceae family, particularly wild cereal species that hold ecological and genetic significance. Beyond grasses, her interests extend to orchid classification, forest ecosystem studies, and the ethnobotanical uses of native plants like bamboo and Arundo. She is deeply committed to documenting rare, endangered, and endemic species, especially within the Kachin, Tanintharyi, and Shan States of Myanmar. Her research addresses pressing ecological concerns such as deforestation, habitat loss, and conservation-based reforestation. Dr. Saing also integrates systematic methodologies and regional flora mapping, contributing to national and cross-border biodiversity knowledge. Her passion lies in bridging traditional botanical taxonomy with modern conservation goals.

Research Skills

Dr. Lwin Mar Saing possesses a rich skillset in field taxonomy, plant classification, systematic botany, conservation biology, and ecological impact assessment. Her core strength lies in morphological analysis of plant specimens and field identification of wild species in challenging terrains. She is adept at designing and managing botanical surveys, compiling floristic inventories, and applying comparative taxonomic techniques. She utilizes data curation and writing tools for scientific publishing and peer-reviewed research documentation. She also brings valuable experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions in China and within Myanmar, showcasing cross-cultural and multilingual communication in science. Additionally, Dr. Saing is familiar with open-access publishing platforms, research documentation software, and review methodologies used by international journals. These competencies have enabled her to contribute significantly to both academia and ecological policy-making.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Saing has received five prestigious research awards from the Ministry of Higher Education, Myanmar, recognizing her excellence in botanical science and academic leadership. These accolades include Best and First Research Awards granted for her pioneering studies on wild cereal taxonomy and forest conservation. Her recognition goes beyond national boundaries, with international publication credits such as her 2025 co-authored article in Plants (MDPI), a highly reputed open-access journal. Her scientific contributions have earned her the trust of government bodies, academic peers, and international collaborators. She also holds editorial and review responsibilities with MDPI, strengthening her reputation as a leader in plant sciences. These honors reflect her consistent dedication to biodiversity research and her role in shaping Myanmar’s botanical conservation strategy.

Conclusion

Dr. Lwin Mar Saing is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award under the Botany Scientist Awards. Her longstanding dedication to taxonomic research, biodiversity conservation, and floristic surveys in ecologically rich yet underexplored regions of Myanmar makes her a standout candidate. With international publications, inter-institutional collaborations, and consistent governmental recognition, she exemplifies a researcher deeply rooted in regional ecological needs while contributing to global botanical science.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Systematics and Palaeoecology of Three New Acrocarpous Mosses from the Mid-Cretaceous of Kachin, Myanmar

  • Journal: Plants

  • Publication Date: 2025-07-09

  • DOI: 10.3390/plants14142124

  • Contributors: Zhen-Zhen Tan, Yi-Ming Cui, Lwin Mar Saing, Chun-Xiang Li, Ya Li

  • Type: Peer-reviewed journal article

  • Indexed in: Crossref, MDPI

  • Main Focus: Fossil bryophyte taxonomy and palaeoecological insights

  • Institutional Affiliation: Mohnyin University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, etc.

Title: Taxonomic Study of Members of Family Poaceae (Gramineae) in Myeik District of Taninthayi Division

  • Type: Ph.D. Dissertation

  • Institution: University of Yangon

  • Period of Study: 2003–2010

  • Author: Dr. Lwin Mar Saing

  • Main Focus: Systematic taxonomy and floristic documentation of wild cereals (Poaceae) in southern Myanmar

  • Contribution: Foundational taxonomic work used in conservation and classification of native grasses

Gianluigi Bacchetta | Systematic Botany | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta | Systematic Botany | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

Direttore Centro Conservazione Biodiversità at Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta is a renowned botanist and Full Professor at the University of Cagliari, Italy, with a distinguished career in plant biology, conservation, and geobotany. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a European PhD in Plant Biology, and has served in various academic roles, including Director of the Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus and the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity. His research focuses on Mediterranean plant diversity, phytoclimatology, and phytogeography, contributing nearly 700 scientific publications. Prof. Bacchetta is actively involved in international conservation efforts, leading several EU-funded projects and serving on the editorial boards of prestigious journals. He also holds key positions in networks such as GENMEDA and scientific councils across Europe. His impactful work in seed banking, biodiversity preservation, and academic leadership makes him a leading figure in botanical science. His contributions have significantly advanced plant conservation and research, making him a strong candidate for recognition in the field.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta holds a comprehensive and multidisciplinary academic background in the life sciences. He earned his degree in Life Sciences from the University of Cagliari in 1996, followed by a Master’s in Landscape Planning at the same university in 1997. He further specialized with a Master’s in “Vegetation Analysis: survey and data elaboration on flora, vegetation and soil” at the Marche Polytechnic University in 2000. That same year, he completed a PhD in Geomorphology and Geobotany at the Marche Polytechnic University, solidifying his expertise in plant ecology and landscape dynamics. In 2002, he obtained the “Suficiencia Investigadora” and earned a European PhD in Plant Biology at the University of Valencia, Spain. His diverse and rigorous academic training across prominent European institutions laid a strong foundation for his distinguished research career in botany, particularly in Mediterranean flora, conservation biology, and phytogeography.

Professional Experience 💼

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta has over two decades of professional experience in botanical science, specializing in plant biology, geobotany, and conservation. He began his academic career as a lecturer at the Marche Polytechnic University (2000–2002), followed by his role as Assistant Professor at the University of Cagliari (2002–2006). He was later promoted to Associate Professor (2006–2015) and currently serves as Full Professor at the Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy. He also holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Tehran. Prof. Bacchetta has directed key institutions such as the Hortus Botanicus Karalitanus and currently leads the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity and the Germplasm Bank of Sardinia. He is Deputy Director of the PhD program in Earth and Environmental Sciences and actively contributes to international conservation projects. His leadership, academic mentorship, and research coordination highlight his profound commitment to advancing plant science and biodiversity conservation on both national and international levels.

Research Interest 🔬

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta’s research interests center on plant biodiversity, geobotany, and conservation biology, with a strong focus on the Mediterranean region. Since 1991, he has conducted extensive studies on the flora of islands and coastal ecosystems, examining patterns of plant diversity, endemism, and habitat specificity. His work integrates phytoclimatology, phytogeography, and ecological restoration, aiming to understand and preserve vulnerable plant communities. He has a particular interest in ex situ and in situ conservation strategies, seed banking, and the sustainable management of plant genetic resources. As Director of the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity and the Germplasm Bank of Sardinia, he plays a key role in preserving rare and endemic species. Prof. Bacchetta is also involved in international research networks and projects focused on ecosystem resilience, habitat mapping, and biogeographic analysis. His interdisciplinary approach combines fieldwork, data analysis, and policy-oriented research to advance global plant conservation efforts.

Award and Honor🏆

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to botany, plant conservation, and biodiversity research. While specific awards are not detailed in the provided information, his appointment to prestigious academic and scientific positions reflects his high standing in the scientific community. He has been entrusted with leadership roles such as Director of the Conservation Centre of Biodiversity and the Germplasm Bank of Sardinia, as well as President of the GENMEDA network, underscoring his influence in Mediterranean plant conservation. Additionally, his involvement in high-level scientific councils, editorial boards of leading journals, and international conservation initiatives attests to the respect he commands globally. His selection as a principal investigator for numerous European Union-funded projects (LIFE+, Interreg, Erasmus+) further highlights his scientific excellence and leadership. These honors collectively demonstrate his significant impact on advancing plant science and conserving botanical heritage at both regional and international levels.

Research Skill🔎

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta possesses a broad and advanced set of research skills in the fields of botany, plant ecology, and biodiversity conservation. His expertise spans geobotanical survey methods, vegetation analysis, phytosociological classification, and phytogeographical mapping. He is highly skilled in the identification and classification of Mediterranean flora, with a strong focus on endemic and threatened plant species. Prof. Bacchetta is proficient in ex situ and in situ conservation techniques, including seed collection, germplasm preservation, and habitat restoration. He demonstrates strong analytical skills in ecological data processing and GIS-based spatial analysis, essential for landscape-level conservation planning. Additionally, he is experienced in managing large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects, especially those funded by the European Union. His ability to integrate fieldwork with policy-relevant science and academic dissemination is evident in his prolific publication record. These research competencies position him as a leader in applied plant science and ecosystem conservation across Mediterranean and island environments.

Conclusion📝

Prof. Gianluigi Bacchetta is an exceptionally qualified and globally respected botanist, whose long-standing contributions to plant taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, and geobotany make him a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Botany Scientist Excellence Award.

His profound academic achievements, prolific publication record, institutional leadership, and continuous involvement in conservation and international collaboration align perfectly with the award’s vision to honor excellence in botanical research.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora
    Authors: F Conti, G Abbate, A Alessandrini, C Blasi
    Year: 1999
    Citations: 2005

  • An updated checklist of the vascular flora native to Italy
    Authors: F Bartolucci, L Peruzzi, G Galasso, A Albano, A Alessandrini, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 927

  • An updated checklist of the vascular flora alien to Italy
    Authors: G Galasso, F Conti, L Peruzzi, NMG Ardenghi, E Banfi, L Celesti-Grapow, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 625

  • Integrazioni alla checklist della flora vascolare italiana
    Authors: F Conti, A Alessandrini, G Bacchetta, E Banfi, G Barberis, F Bartolucci, …
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 397

  • Using MaxEnt modeling to predict the potential distribution of the endemic plant Rosa arabica Crép. in Egypt
    Authors: M Abdelaal, M Fois, G Fenu, G Bacchetta
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 297

  • Using species distribution models at local scale to guide the search of poorly known species: Review, methodological issues and future directions
    Authors: M Fois, A Cuena-Lombraña, G Fenu, G Bacchetta
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 277

  • Hotspots within hotspots: Endemic plant richness, environmental drivers, and implications for conservation
    Authors: EM Cañadas, G Fenu, J Peñas, J Lorite, E Mattana, G Bacchetta
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 243

  • Effects of ecological factors on the antioxidant potential and total phenol content of Scrophularia striata Boiss
    Authors: Z Zargoosh, M Ghavam, G Bacchetta, A Tavili
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 226

  • Red Listing plants under full national responsibility: Extinction risk and threats in the vascular flora endemic to Italy
    Authors: S Orsenigo, C Montagnani, G Fenu, D Gargano, L Peruzzi, T Abeli, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 212

  • Phylogenetic analysis informed by geological history supports multiple, sequential invasions of the Mediterranean Basin by the angiosperm family Araceae
    Authors: G Mansion, G Rosenbaum, N Schoenenberger, G Bacchetta, JA Rosselló, …
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 171

  • Environmental factors influencing coastal vegetation pattern: new insights from the Mediterranean Basin
    Authors: G Fenu, M Carboni, ATR Acosta, G Bacchetta
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 159

  • Vegetazione forestale e serie di vegetazione della Sardegna (con rappresentazione cartografica alla scala 1: 350.000)
    Authors: G Bacchetta, S Bagella, E Biondi, E Farris, RS Filigheddu, L Mossa
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 155

  • Conservación ex situ de plantas silvestres
    Authors: G Bacchetta, B Daniel, B Piero
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 144