Prof. Dr. Gyan Singh Shekhawat | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Gyan Singh Shekhawat | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Gyan Singh Shekhawat , Plant Biotechnology , Professor and Head at JNV University, Jodhpur, India

Prof. G. S. Shekhawat is a distinguished plant biotechnologist and professor at the Department of Botany, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, India 🌿. He serves at the Centre for Advanced Study (UGC-CAS) and holds key university positions including Director Research, Controller of Examinations, and Convener of the Research Committee 🎓📊. With over 21 years of research experience and 16 years in teaching, he has made significant contributions in plant tissue culture, molecular biology, and genetic transformation. He has supervised 10 Ph.D. scholars and guided 20 postgraduate dissertations. An accomplished scientist, he has authored over 65 research papers, 11 book chapters, and holds a published book 📚. His research excellence has led to global collaborations and invitations to international conferences 🌍. His editorial engagements span 14 prestigious journals, and his contributions to science are supported by various awards and fellowships .

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Prof. G. S. Shekhawat is an eminent scholar in the field of Plant Biotechnology, with a profound and interdisciplinary impact that extends into Phytochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Environmental Sciences. With 3300+ citations, an h-index of 30, and over 65 peer-reviewed publications, he demonstrates consistent academic excellence 📈. He has led 12 research projects, supervised 10 Ph.D. scholars, and collaborated with premier international institutions in the USA, Russia, New Zealand, and more 🌍. His work on plant tissue culture, genetic transformation, and nanobiotechnology reflects both innovation and applicability in sustainable science. In addition, he holds influential editorial positions in over a dozen reputed journals and actively contributes to university governance and science outreach. His recognitions such as the Y.S. Moorthy Medal, DST-SERB Young Scientist Award, and INSA Fellowship . Prof. G. S. Shekhawat is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. His impactful research, strong academic credentials, extensive mentoring, global collaborations, and recognized contributions to plant science and biotechnology embody the qualities of an outstanding and visionary researcher. His career reflects a rare combination of scientific excellence, innovation, leadership, and service to the research community, making him a truly deserving nominee.

🎓Education:

Prof. G. S. Shekhawat’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in life sciences, leading him to pursue advanced studies in Botany and Plant Biotechnology 🌱. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India, focusing on plant molecular biology and tissue culture 🧬. During his research tenure, he was selected as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) from 2001 to 2003 and as an Extended Senior Research Fellow (SRF) through the prestigious CSIR Direct Fellowship from 2003 to 2004 🎖️. His postdoctoral endeavors took him to the University of South Florida, USA, as a BOYSCAST Fellow in 2012 and to Russia under the INSA International Exchange Fellowship in 2011 🌍. These experiences provided him with a robust global research perspective, enhancing his scientific outlook and paving the way for international collaborations in plant biotechnology, molecular genetics, and bioproduct development.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. G. S. Shekhawat brings over 21 years of research and 16 years of teaching experience in plant biotechnology, genetics, and environmental botany 🌾🧪. He is currently a Professor at the Department of Botany, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, where he also oversees the UGC-CAS Molecular Biology Thrust Area. He has held various university-level roles such as Director Research, Controller of Examinations, and Convener of Research and Examination Committees 🏫📝. His academic leadership extends to organizing conferences, guiding research, and fostering academic integrity and ethical practices. Internationally, he has collaborated with renowned institutions in the USA, Russia, New Zealand, Slovakia, Argentina, and the UK 🌐. He is actively involved in academic societies, editorial boards, and reviewing processes of top-tier journals including Plant Cell Reports, Journal of Experimental Botany, and Nanomedicine. His vast experience reflects a deep commitment to research, innovation, and academic excellence .

🏅Awards: 

Prof. G. S. Shekhawat is a recipient of several prestigious national and international awards recognizing his contributions to science and innovation 🏆. His accolades include the Y.S. Moorthy Medal from the Indian Botanical Society (2016) and the Young Researcher Award by the Academy of Innovative Research (2010) 🥇. He was conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award (2018) and honored with the DST-SERB Young Scientist Award 🧬. He received the INSA International Exchange Fellowship in 2011 for research in Moscow and the BOYSCAST Fellowship for postdoctoral research at the University of South Florida, USA in 2012 🌎. Prof. Shekhawat has chaired international sessions, delivered 21 invited talks (3 international), and contributed significantly to academic committees and editorial boards. His early career was marked by selections as a CSIR-Extended SRF and a UGC JRF, showcasing his early promise in research leadership and scholarship .

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Shekhawat’s research is centered around plant biotechnology, tissue culture, molecular biology, phytochemistry, and stress physiology 🌿🧫. He specializes in the genetic transformation of medicinal and desert plants for improved metabolite production and stress tolerance. His work includes in vitro propagation, biotechnological enhancement of secondary metabolites, and plant–microbe interaction studies 🧬🌱. He has submitted gene bank sequences and published over 65 research papers in internationally reputed journals. His research group investigates bioresource development, environmental sustainability, and plant-based pharmaceuticals. He also leads projects on nanobiotechnology and its interaction with plant systems 🌍🔬. His international collaborations with institutes in the USA, Russia, New Zealand, and Europe have strengthened cross-border scientific exchange. His ongoing projects, including major and minor research initiatives and consultancy assignments, reflect his continued engagement in applied and translational plant sciences. Through mentorship and editorial contributions, he is shaping the next generation of botanists and biotechnologists.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Anethum graveolens: An Indian traditional medicinal herb and spice
Citations: 346

Title: Haem oxygenase (HO): an overlooked enzyme of plant metabolism and defence
Citations: 213

Title: Toxicity of ZnO engineered nanoparticles and evaluation of their effect on growth, metabolism and tissue specific accumulation in Brassica juncea
Citations: 189

Title: Critical review on medicinally potent plant species: Gloriosa superba
Citations: 162

Title: Nitric oxide (NO) counteracts cadmium induced cytotoxic processes mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Brassica juncea: cross-talk between ROS, NO and antioxidant responses
Citations: 152

Title: Nitric oxide (NO) in alleviation of heavy metal induced phytotoxicity and its role in protein nitration
Authors: I. Saxena, G.S. Shekhawat
Citations: 143
Year: 2013

Title: Establishment and characterization of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) cell suspension culture: an in vitro approach for production of stevioside
Citations: 133

Title: Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial screening of in vivo and in vitro extracts of Indian medicinal herb: Anethum graveolens
Citations: 125

Title: Cadmium induced oxidative stress and changes in soluble and ionically bound cell wall peroxidase activities in roots of seedling and 3–4 leaf stage plants of Brassica juncea (L.)
Citations: 102

Title: In vitro biochemical evaluation of cadmium tolerance mechanism in callus and seedlings of Brassica juncea
Citations: 95

Dr. Abid Khan | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

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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