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