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.

Professional Profile : 

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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

 

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arslan Sehgal | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arslan Sehgal | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arslan Sehgal , Bioinformatics , Assistant Professor at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,  Pakistan

Dr. Arslan Sehgal is a passionate Pakistani scientist specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Drug Design. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, he is known for his extensive research in auto(mito)phagy, neurological disorders, and vaccine development. He completed his Ph.D. in Cell Biology (Bioinformatics) from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, focusing on drug screening to inhibit mitophagy-related pathways. With more than 60 publications and an impressive h-index of 23, Dr. Sehgal is a leading voice in computational biology, particularly in the discovery of bioactive molecules through virtual screening, immunoinformatics, and structure-based drug design. His work on diseases like COVID-19, HCV, and cancer has received global recognition. Dr. Sehgal also actively mentors BS and MS students and is committed to integrating modern computational tools in biological research for therapeutic advancements.

Professional Profile :         

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Arslan Sehgal, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, stands out as an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His prolific research contributions encompass Bioinformatics, Computational Drug Design, and Immunoinformatics, with strong integration of chemical and biological sciences. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, an H-index of 23, and 1677 citations, Dr. Sehgal has demonstrated sustained scientific excellence. He has published extensively as a first and corresponding author, highlighting his leadership in research. His expertise spans cancer biology, mitochondrial disorders, vaccine design, and antiviral drug discovery, underlining the translational potential of his work. Dr. Arslan Sehgal’s impressive academic track record, interdisciplinary research in computational biology and chemistry, and commitment to innovative drug discovery approaches make him highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award.” His contributions have significantly advanced the fields of bioinformatics and computational pharmacology, earning him national and international recognition. He is a deserving and competitive nominee for this prestigious honour.

🎓Education:

Dr. Arslan Sehgal holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology (Bioinformatics) from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (2015–2019). His dissertation explored the screening of novel compounds targeting LC3 and FUNDC1 interaction for inhibition of auto(mito)phagy under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Quan Chen and Prof. Dr. Tieshan Tang. Prior to this, he completed his MS in Bioinformatics (2011–2013) at the International Islamic University Islamabad, where his research focused on genetic analysis related to schizophrenia. He began his academic journey with a BS in Bioinformatics (2006–2010) from Government College University Faisalabad, conducting a project on molecular characterization of wheat genotypes and database development using bioinformatics tools. Dr. Sehgal’s educational path reflects a consistent focus on blending molecular biology with computational methods, preparing him to solve complex biological problems using informatics and modeling techniques that contribute significantly to biomedical sciences.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Sehgal has held several academic positions. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (April 2024–Present), teaching and supervising research in genomics and computational medicine. Previously, he served as a Lecturer and then Assistant Professor (2022–2024) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, and from 2020–2022, he worked at the University of Okara as Assistant Professor (IPFP and Visiting). He also taught at Government College University Faisalabad (2019–2020) and COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus (2015). In all roles, Dr. Sehgal integrated computational biology with wet-lab research, mentored numerous BS/MS students, and initiated significant projects in drug design and immunoinformatics. His diverse roles involved curriculum development, lab management, and admission coordination. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to bioinformatics education and research in Pakistani universities, with contributions that span across structural biology, molecular docking, and computational vaccinology.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Arslan Sehgal is widely recognized for his exceptional research output and scholarly excellence in computational biology and drug design. With a cumulative impact factor exceeding 200 and citations reaching 1677, he has garnered significant acclaim in the scientific community. His h-index of 23 and i10-index of 35 are testaments to his consistent and impactful research. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, including 31 as corresponding author, which underscores his leadership in scientific inquiry. His research contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally, particularly in the fields of mitophagy, neuropharmacology, and epitope-based vaccine design. His work on SARS-CoV-2 and cancer-related pathways has drawn widespread attention for its originality and clinical relevance. While formal accolades are not listed, his publishing record and global collaboration reflect a high level of academic esteem and place him among the top-tier emerging scientists in computational bioinformatics from Pakistan.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Sehgal’s research centers on the integration of bioinformatics, structural biology, and computational drug design to explore therapeutic avenues against diseases like cancer, neurological disorders, and viral infections. He specializes in auto(mito)phagy, investigating molecular mechanisms and identifying inhibitors that can modulate mitochondrial turnover for therapeutic benefit. His work extensively employs structure-based drug design, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, immunoinformatics, and subtractive genomics to screen and validate potential bioactive compounds and vaccine candidates. He has also pioneered efforts in reverse vaccinology for the development of epitope-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus. His recent research explores mitochondrial biogenesis, network pharmacology, and natural product-based therapeutic interventions. With an interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Sehgal’s work not only deciphers complex biological interactions but also translates them into practical pharmaceutical insights, contributing significantly to precision medicine and in-silico pharmacology. His goal is to reduce experimental overhead through reliable computational predictions.

Publication Top Notes:

“Recent Trends in Computer-Aided Drug Design for Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery”

“In Silico Designing of Multiepitope-Based-Peptide (MBP) Vaccine Against MAPK Protein Express for Alzheimer’s Disease in Zebrafish”

“Bioinformatics Approaches in Upgrading Microalgal Oil for Advanced Biofuel Production Through Hybrid ORF Protein Construction”

“Elucidation of Novel Compounds and Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Design Against C30 Endopeptidase Regions of SARS-CoV-2 Using Immunoinformatics Approaches”

“Comprehensive In Silico Analyses of Flavonoids Elucidating the Drug Properties Against Kidney Disease by Targeting AIM2”

“Pharmacological Progress of Mitophagy Regulation”

Citations: 5

“In Silico Elucidation of Potential Drug Targets Against Oxygenase Domain of Human eNOS Dysfunction”

“Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Its Influence on Corn (Z. mays) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Plants by Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis”

Citations: 20

“The Future of Health Diagnosis and Treatment: An Exploration of Deep Learning Frameworks and Innovative Applications”

Citations: 1

“The Multifaceted Regulation of Mitophagy by Endogenous Metabolites”

Citations: 112