Minoo Rassoulzadegan | Plant Genetics | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

Posted on by Botany Scientist

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

Aimad Mazouar | Plant Taxonomy | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Botany Scientist

Mr. Aimad Mazouar | Plant Taxonomy | Best Researcher Award

Tetouan, Morocco at Environmental Geology And Natural Ressources Lab, FS, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan 93000, Morocco

Mr. Aimad Mazouar is a dedicated PhD candidate at the Faculty of Sciences, Tétouan, specializing in environmental geosciences with a focus on paleobotany, sedimentology, and mineralogical characterization. He has demonstrated strong technical skills in geospatial and mapping software such as ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and Surfer, which support his comprehensive research approach. Aimad has contributed to multiple high-quality scientific publications, including studies on plant fossils and geological formations in Morocco, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. He actively participates in international conferences and has experience supervising practical sessions, showcasing his engagement in both research and academic mentoring. His professional experience includes valuable fieldwork in mineral exploration and mining operations, complementing his academic pursuits. Aimad’s growing research portfolio, interdisciplinary skills, and active involvement in the scientific community position him as a promising emerging researcher in geosciences, with strong potential for future leadership and impactful contributions.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Mr. Aimad Mazouar’s educational background reflects a strong foundation in applied geosciences and environmental studies. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Technology in Applied Geosciences from the Faculty of Science and Technology in Errachidia, where he developed essential skills in geological sciences. Following this, he completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Geosciences at the Faculty of Sciences, Tétouan, with a focus on mineralogical and geochemical characterization of copper-silver mineralizations in the Anti-Atlas region of Morocco. This master’s research project highlights his early specialization in mineral deposits and geochemical analysis. Currently, Aimad is pursuing his PhD at the same faculty, further advancing his expertise in paleobotany, sedimentology, and geological reconstructions. Throughout his academic journey, he has acquired proficiency in various geoscience software tools such as ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and Surfer, which support his research and fieldwork. Aimad’s education combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing him for a successful research career in environmental geosciences.

Professional Experience 💼

Mr. Aimad Mazouar has gained valuable professional experience through his work in mineral exploration and mining operations. Between 2019 and 2021, he was involved with the EASYMINE project, where he played a key role in determining the location, shape, mineralogical composition, tonnage, and grade of mineral substances, as well as planning drilling sites and conducting detailed core logging and sampling. He also contributed to monitoring copper mining activities, showcasing his practical skills in the field. Additionally, Aimad worked with Akka Gold Mining (Managem) on open-pit mining operations, further enhancing his understanding of large-scale mineral extraction processes. Alongside his fieldwork, he has actively participated in supervising students during practical sessions in sedimentology and paleontology at the Faculty of Sciences, Tétouan. His combined experience in applied mining projects and academic settings reflects a balanced professional profile that integrates technical expertise with teaching and mentorship, positioning him well for future roles in geosciences research and industry.

Research Interest 🔬

Mr. Aimad Mazouar’s research interests lie at the intersection of paleobotany, sedimentology, and mineralogical characterization, with a particular focus on the geological history and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Morocco. He is deeply engaged in studying plant fossils from the Cisuralian period to understand past ecosystems and their biogeographical implications. His work combines detailed paleontological analysis with geochemical and mineralogical methods to reveal the composition and formation processes of mineral deposits, especially copper and silver mineralizations in the Anti-Atlas region. Additionally, Aimad explores plant taphonomy and paleoecology to interpret the depositional environments and climatic conditions of ancient basins. He employs advanced geospatial and mapping technologies such as ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and Surfer to support his research, enabling precise geological mapping and modeling. Overall, his interdisciplinary approach integrates paleobotany, geochemistry, and mining geology to contribute to both fundamental scientific knowledge and practical applications in mineral exploration and environmental geology.

Research Skill🔎

Mr. Aimad Mazouar possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that underpin his work in environmental geosciences and paleobotany. He is proficient in using specialized geospatial and mapping software, including ArcGIS, ArcView, ERDAS Imagine, Surfer, and MapInfo, which allow him to analyze and visualize geological data with precision. His expertise extends to mineralogical and geochemical characterization techniques, essential for studying mineral deposits and fossilized plant remains. Aimad is skilled in sedimentological and paleontological field methods, such as detailed core logging, sampling, and stratigraphic analysis, enabling him to collect and interpret complex geological data accurately. He is also experienced in planning and executing fieldwork related to mining exploration, including identifying drilling sites and monitoring mining operations. In addition, Aimad demonstrates strong academic research skills, including scientific writing, data presentation, and student supervision, reflecting his ability to communicate and disseminate research findings effectively within the scientific community.

Award and Honor🏆

Mr. Based on the information provided, there is no specific mention of awards or honors received by Aimad Mazouar so far. However, his active participation in prestigious international conferences such as the Quatrième Journées des Jeunes Chercheurs en Géosciences and the Rencontre Internationale sur la Valorisation et la Préservation du Patrimoine Paléontologique highlights his recognition within the scientific community as a promising researcher. His ongoing contributions to reputable journals and involvement in significant research projects further demonstrate his growing academic reputation. While formal awards or honors have not been explicitly listed, Aimad’s achievements in publishing, conference presentations, and academic supervision reflect a strong foundation for future recognition. As he progresses in his career, continued dedication to research excellence and engagement with the scientific community will likely lead to formal accolades and honors in geosciences and paleobotany.

Conclusion📝

Mr. Aimad Mazouar is a promising early-career researcher with strong academic foundations, a growing publication record, and meaningful contributions to geological and paleobotanical research. He demonstrates solid potential for future research leadership.

While he may not yet meet the criteria for a lifetime achievement-style Best Researcher Award, he is a very strong candidate for an early-career researcher award or emerging researcher recognition. With continued focus on publishing as lead author, expanding international collaboration, and seeking leadership roles in research projects, he could become a top candidate for broader accolades in the near future.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: Petrographic, physical–mechanical and fracture modeling of granites: an integrated approach to evaluating the stone reserves and mineral deposits of Ment Granite (western Meseta, Central Massif of Morocco)

  • Authors: Ait Baha, Abdelkarim; Amri, Isma; Ouabid, Muhammad; Mazouar, Aimad; Moumou, Abdelhak; et al.

  • Journal: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment

  • Year: 2025