Dr. Abid Khan | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Abid Khan | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Abid Khan, Plant Biotechnology, Assistant Professor at Department of Horticulture, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan, Pakistan

Dr. Abid Khan is an accomplished Pakistani academic and researcher specializing in Horticulture, currently serving as Assistant Professor at the Department of Horticulture, he has built a career devoted to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and plant defense mechanisms. With a Ph.D. in Vegetable Sciences from Northwest A&F University, China, Dr. Khan’s work focuses on genome-wide gene family analysis and stress resistance in crops like pepper. His professional experience spans academia, agricultural outreach, and plant biotechnology training, including significant roles at CABI South Asia and The University of Agriculture Peshawar. A recipient of the Chinese Government CSC Scholarship and an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor, Dr. Khan has contributed to multiple national and international conferences. His research integrates modern molecular tools with traditional horticultural science, aiming to enhance crop productivity and resilience under both biotic and abiotic stresses.

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Abid Khan is an exceptional early-career researcher with a solid foundation in horticultural sciences and molecular biology. His academic journey reflects consistent excellence, having completed his Ph.D. in Vegetable Sciences with a focus on functional genomics of stress-related genes in Capsicum annuum L. under a fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship. His work on CaDIR7 and CaDIR23 genes has contributed significantly to understanding plant defense mechanisms against both biotic and abiotic stresses—an area of growing importance in climate-resilient agriculture. As a Principal Investigator of an HEC-funded research project on Ginkgo biloba micropropagation, he has demonstrated innovation and leadership in applied plant biotechnology. Dr. Abid Khan exemplifies the spirit of the “Young Scientist Award” through his innovative research, academic leadership, and real-world agricultural impact. His achievements in plant molecular biology and sustainable horticulture, combined with active community engagement and teaching, make him an outstanding and deserving nominee. Recognizing his contributions would not only honor his accomplishments but also inspire further innovation in the field of plant biotechnology.

🎓Education:

Dr. Abid Khan earned his Ph.D. in Vegetable Sciences (Horticulture) in 2018 from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China, under a fully funded CSC scholarship. His doctoral research explored genome-wide analysis and functional characterization of dirigent genes (CaDIR7 and CaDIR23) in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), particularly in response to Phytophthora capsici and abiotic stresses. He completed both his M.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture (Horticulture) in 2011 and B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture in 2008 from The University of Agriculture Peshawar, with commendable CGPAs and research on chilies and litchi propagation. Prior to this, he passed his HSSC in Pre-Engineering (2004) from Govt. Degree College, Dargai, Malakand with distinction and SSC (Science Group) in 2002 from Govt. High School Garhi Usmani Khel, Malakand. His academic journey combines plant physiology, stress biology, and applied horticultural practices, preparing him for a research career blending molecular techniques and field-based crop studies.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Abid Khan has over 14 years of experience in horticultural research, teaching, and community outreach. Since October 2019, he has been serving as Assistant Professor at The University of Haripur, where he teaches, supervises research, and leads projects in plant micropropagation and stress tolerance. Earlier, he worked as a Lecturer (2012–2013) at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate education. From 2009 to 2011, he was an Agriculture Expert with CABI South Asia in the Mohmand Agency, FATA, where he introduced Farmer Field Schools, trained growers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Crop Management (ICM), and promoted organic farming. He also served as a judge in a floral exhibition in 2012. His diverse experience bridges academic theory with practical field solutions, making significant contributions to sustainable horticulture and farmer education in Pakistan’s challenging agro-climatic zones.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Abid Khan has received multiple accolades throughout his academic and professional journey. He was awarded a fully funded CSC scholarship for Ph.D. studies and Chinese language training (2013–2018) at Northwest A&F University, China. In 2019, he secured a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the same university, though he could not avail it due to domestic responsibilities and the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also recognized as an HEC-Approved Ph.D. Supervisor, a prestigious acknowledgment in Pakistan’s academic sector. In 2004, he earned a Distinction in F.Sc. (Pre-Engineering) from Govt. Degree College Dargai, Malakand. His dedication to academics and research has consistently earned him recognition among peers, students, and institutions, underscoring his commitment to excellence in horticultural science. Dr. Khan’s career continues to be marked by scholarships, fellowships, and formal honors that validate his contributions to agricultural development and higher education in Pakistan.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Abid Khan’s research is centered on plant defense mechanisms, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and micropropagation techniques. His Ph.D. work on the dirigent gene family (CaDIR7 and CaDIR23) in Capsicum annuum highlighted the genetic basis of resistance against Phytophthora capsici, a major crop pathogen. He integrates tools from molecular biology, bioinformatics, and tissue culture to develop resilient horticultural crops. As Principal Investigator of an HEC-funded project, he has led studies on the regeneration of Ginkgo biloba, a medicinal and ornamental plant. His work contributes to enhancing sustainable crop production under climate stress, using genomic and physiological approaches. His participation in national and international conferences further underscores his active role in contemporary discussions on food security, plant biotechnology, and urban horticulture. Overall, Dr. Khan’s research bridges fundamental plant science with practical agricultural applications.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Heat shock proteins: dynamic biomolecules to counter plant biotic and abiotic stresses

Citations: 422

2. Tomato salt tolerance mechanisms and their potential applications for fighting salinity: A review

Citations: 106

3. Genome-wide analysis of dirigent gene family in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and characterization of CaDIR7 in biotic and abiotic stresses

Citations: 90

4. CaHSP16.4, a small heat shock protein gene in pepper, is involved in heat and drought tolerance

Citations: 81

5. Genome-wide identification of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Citations: 73

6. Influence of nitrogen and potassium levels on growth and yield of chillies (Capsicum annuum L.)

Citations: 71

7. A New Ethylene-Responsive Factor CaPTI1 Gene of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Involved in the Regulation of Defense Response to Phytophthora capsici

Citations: 69

8. Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the SBP-Box Family Genes under Phytophthora capsici Stress in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Citations: 68

9. Genome-Wide Identification, Expression Diversification of Dehydrin Gene Family and Characterization of CaDHN3 in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Citations: 50

10. Molecular and Functional Characterization of CaNAC035, an NAC Transcription Factor From Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Citations: 47

 

 

Dr. Sabereh Nouri | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sabereh Nouri | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sabereh Nouri, Biotechnology, University of Isfahan, Iran

Dr. Sabereh Nouri is a passionate and innovative scientist specializing in microbial biotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Isfahan, Iran, and has contributed significantly to biomaterial synthesis using non-pathogenic microorganisms. Her research intersects microbiology, cell biology, and tissue engineering, aiming to create biocompatible solutions for medical applications. Sabereh has worked internationally, including at Marmara University in Türkiye under the prestigious Erasmus+ program. Known for her collaborative spirit and mentorship, she has supervised and trained multiple students. She is currently contributing her expertise to Emam Reza Medical Clinic and previously to Torabinejad Dental Research Institute. Dr. Nouri is committed to advancing global healthcare innovation through sustainable and scientific approaches.

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Sabereh Nouri is a highly promising and dedicated early-career researcher in the field of microbial biotechnology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering. Her Ph.D. work, which focuses on the biological synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite using probiotic bacteria and its immunomodulatory effects, stands out for its novelty, interdisciplinary scope, and translational relevance. She has international research exposure through the fully funded Erasmus+ program at Marmara University, Türkiye, where she contributed to cutting-edge studies on 3D-printed bone and cardiac scaffolds.With several technical certifications, a strong commitment to translational research, and demonstrated innovation in sustainable, microbe-derived materials, Dr. Nouri exemplifies the qualities expected of a recipient of a prestigious “Best Researcher Award.” Dr. Sabereh Nouri is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” Her consistent academic excellence, pioneering research in microbial nanomaterials for biomedical use, international collaborations, and mentorship contributions collectively reflect a researcher of exceptional promise and impact. Awarding her this honor would not only recognize her achievements but also encourage further groundbreaking work in the fields of biotechnology and tissue engineering.

🎓Education:

Dr. Sabereh Nouri holds a Ph.D. in Microbial Biotechnology from the University of Isfahan, Iran (2018–2024), where her thesis focused on the biological synthesis of nano-hydroxyapatite using probiotic bacteria and evaluating its effects on inflammatory responses. She was mentored by Prof. Giti Emtiazi and Dr. Rasoul Roghanian, with additional guidance from Dr. Rasoul Shafei and Prof. Oguzhan Gunduz. She also participated in the Erasmus+ program as a researcher at Marmara University’s Center for Nanotechnology & Biomaterials Research (2022–2023), where she gained international experience in tissue engineering. Prior to this, she earned her M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Bu-Ali Sina University (2014–2016), working on the identification of probiotic bacteria from non-dairy sources. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering (Plant Protection) from Isfahan University of Technology (2009–2013), which laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary research in microbiology, cell biology, and biomaterials.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Sabereh Nouri has accumulated significant experience across research labs and academic institutions. From 2021 to present, she has served as a Research Assistant at Emam Reza Medical Clinic in Isfahan, managing diagnostic tests and laboratory operations. Concurrently, she worked as a Cell Culture Assistant Researcher at the Professor Torabinejad Dental Research Institute, focusing on mammalian cell cultures. Her international experience includes an Erasmus+ research stint at Marmara University in Türkiye (2022–2023), working on 3D-printed biomaterials. Between 2018 and 2021, she supervised labs at the University of Isfahan, mentoring graduate students and coordinating research projects. Earlier, she was a Research Assistant at Bu-Ali Sina University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, contributing to projects on plant endophytes, probiotics, and food microbiology. Her career reflects a strong commitment to interdisciplinary science, hands-on training, and collaborative research in microbiology, tissue engineering, and biotechnology.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Sabereh Nouri has been recognized for her scientific excellence and commitment to research. In 2023, she received the Best Paper Award from the Academy of Romanian Scientists for her outstanding presentation on “3D Printing of Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering Based on Bacterial Hydroxyapatite.” As part of the Erasmus+ program, she was fully funded by the European Union to conduct research at Marmara University, Türkiye, where she also completed the prestigious Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Course under the CVL4OT initiative, a European collaborative project. In addition, she successfully completed multiple advanced training courses at Shiraz University Central Laboratory, including hands-on programs in Electrospinning, FT-IR, NIR, Flow Cytometry, XRD, SEM, and HSE. These accolades and certifications reflect her continuous professional development and recognition by both national and international scientific communities for her innovation and commitment to biomaterials and microbiological research.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Sabereh Nouri’s research bridges microbiology, biotechnology, and biomaterials, with a special emphasis on biological synthesis of nanomaterials using non-pathogenic microorganisms. Her Ph.D. work involves developing nano-hydroxyapatite using probiotic bacteria and studying its anti-inflammatory effects, aiming to apply it in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. She is especially interested in 3D bioprinting, the interaction of microbial biomaterials with mammalian cells, and immunomodulatory properties of engineered nanocomposites. During her Erasmus+ research tenure in Türkiye, she explored 3D-printed cardiac patches and bone scaffolds, combining advanced characterization methods and cell-based assays. Additionally, she has studied probiotics from non-dairy sources, endophytic microbes, and microbial interactions in food and medical samples. Her work is deeply interdisciplinary, merging cell biology, nanotechnology, and microbial biotechnology to innovate in biomedical material development. Dr. Nouri is passionate about translational research, with an eye on sustainable, microbe-based solutions for human health challenges.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Biosynthesis of Nano-Calcite and Nano-Hydroxyapatite by the Probiotic Bacteria of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans

Citations: 6

2. Review on Biological Synthesis of Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Its Application in Nano-Medicine

Citations: 5

3. Biochemical and Molecular Identification of Probiotic Bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum, Isolated from Apple Vinegar

Citations: 5

4. On-Demand Release of Fucoidan from 3D-Printed Cardiac Scaffolds Based on Chitosan/Silk Fibroin/Polyaniline

Citations: 3

5. Advanced 3D Printed Bone Scaffolds with Sodium Alginate/Tri-Calcium Phosphate/Probiotic Bacterial Hydroxyapatite: Enhanced Mechanical and Biocompatible Properties for Bone…

Citations: 3

6. Osteoblastic Differentiation of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth by Probiotic Hydroxyapatite

Citations: 2

7. Anticancer, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Extracts from Scrophularia striata and Elaeagnus angustifolia, Growing in Ilam and Kurdistan Provinces in Iran

Citations: 2

8. Microbial Synthesis of Nano-Selenium and Nano-Titanium Dioxide: Mechanisms of Selenite Respiration

Citations: 1

9. Isolation and Biochemical and Molecular Identification of Lactobacillus plantarum Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Lenjan Rice

Citations: 1

10. 3D-Printable Wound Patch Composed of Vitamin E-Enriched Polylactic Acid Scaffolds