Mariana Petkova | Plant Biology | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Mariana Petkova |  Plant Biology |  Women Researcher Award

Microbiology and Molecular biology at  Agriculture University-Plovdiv,  Bulgaria

Mariana Krasimirova Petkova, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria, within the Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnology. She earned her Master’s degree in Plant Protection from the Agricultural University in 1996 and completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Kobe, Japan, in 2002.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Master of Plant Protection – Agricultural University, Plovdiv, 1996
  • PhD in Molecular Biology – University of Kobe, Japan, 2002

💼 Academic Positions:

  • 2010 – 2014: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agricultural University – Plovdiv
  • 2014 – Present: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnology, Agricultural University – Plovdiv

🔬 Research Interests:

Main Areas:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Expression
  • Microbiology

Additional Areas:

  • Antimicrobials
  • Lactic Acid Bacteria & Yeast in Sourdoughs
  • Functional Foods

🌍 International Collaborations & Specializations:

  • JSPS Fellowship (2006-2009) – University of Osaka, Japan
  • HPLC Training (2011) – Budapest, Hungary
  • Borlaug Fellowship (2012) – North Dakota State University, USA
  • Food Traceability Course (2013) – Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Analytical Approaches Workshop (2016) – University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv

🏆 Awards & Memberships:

  • Member: Union of Scientists in Bulgaria (since 2011)

📊 Scientific Impact:

  • Citations: 154 (by 140 documents)
  • Publications: 23
  • h-index: 8

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Plant Growth-Promoting and Biocontrol Characteristics of Four Bacillus Strains and Evaluation of Their Effects on Wheat (Tr. aestivum L.)”
    International Journal of Plant Biology, 2024.
    DOI: 10.3390/ijpb16010001

  • “Positive Effect of Camelina Intercropping with Legumes on Soil Microbial Diversity by Applying NGS Analysis and Mobile Fluorescence Spectroscopy”
    Applied Sciences, 2024.
    DOI: 10.3390/app14199046

  • “Biological Control of Lettuce Drop (Sclerotinia minor Jagger) Using Antagonistic Bacillus Species”
    Applied Microbiology, 2024.
    DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol4030088

  • “Isolation and Selection of Sauerkraut Lactic Acid Bacteria Producing Exopolysaccharides”
    BIO Web of Conferences, 2023.
    DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20235802001

  • “Metagenomic Approach Unravelling Bacterial Diversity in Combined Composting and Vermicomposting Technology of Agricultural Wastes”
    Ecologia Balkanica, 2023.

  • “Mutagenesis as a Tool for Enhancement of Fatty Acid Composition of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)”
    Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 2023.

  • “On the Molecular Selection of Exopolysaccharide-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Indigenous Fermented Plant-Based Foods and Further Fine Chemical Characterization”
    Foods, 2023.
    DOI: 10.3390/foods12183346

  • “Plant Traits of Tilia tomentosa Moench, Fraxinus excelsior L., and Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold as a Proxy of Urbanization”
    Forests, 2023.
    DOI: 10.3390/f14040800

  • “Revealing Fungal Diversity in Mesophilic and Thermophilic Habitats of Sewage Sludge Composting by Next-Generation Sequencing”
    Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2023.
    DOI: 10.3390/app13095546

 

Simona Gavrilas | Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs Simona Gavrilas | Plants |  Best Researcher Award

lecturer at ”Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, Romania

Simona Gavrilaș is a Lecturer at ”Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, Romania. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and specializes in Food Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Low-Impact Technologies. Since 2017, she has been actively engaged in teaching and research at the Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism, and Environmental Protection.

Profile:

🔬 Academic Background:

Simona Gavrilaș is a Lecturer at ”Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, Romania. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and has been teaching at the Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism, and Environmental Protection since 2017.

📚 Research & Innovations:

Her research focuses on Food Technology, Biotechnology, Food Quality Improvement, and Environmental Low-Impact Technologies. She has contributed significantly to food waste valorization and agrochemical research.

🏆 Achievements & Contributions:

  • Publications: 26 ISI journal articles, 6 books, and 2 internationally recognized book chapters.
  • Projects: Led 3 national projects, 5 research grants, and participated in international collaborations.
  • Editorial Roles: Member of the Journal of Natural Fibers editorial board and reviewer for several MDPI journals.
  • Recognitions: COST-STSM Grant beneficiary and evaluator for Romania’s Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency.

🌍 Impact & Research Vision:

Dr. Gavrilaș is dedicated to sustainable food systems by developing eco-friendly food technologies and enzyme-based treatments. Her work supports agricultural waste valorization for a greener future.

Citations:

Citations: 523 (Total), 366 (Since 2020)
h-index: 10 (Total), 9 (Since 2020)
i10-index: 10 (Total), 9 (Since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Recent Trends in Biosensors for Environmental Quality Monitoring – Sensors, 2022.
  • Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Spice Extracts – International Journal of Food Properties, 2010.
  • New Potential Biocatalysts by Laccase Immobilization in PVA Cryogel Type Carrier – Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2010.
  • Closing the Loop with Keratin-Rich Fibrous Materials – Polymers, 2021.
  • Salvia officinalis L. Essential Oil: Characterization, Antioxidant Properties, and the Effects of Aromatherapy in Adult Patients – Antioxidants, 2022.
  • Preparation of Immobilized Trametes pubescens Laccase on a Cryogel-Type Polymeric Carrier and Application of the Biocatalyst to Apple Juice Phenolic Compounds – European Food Research and Technology, 2012.
  • The Consumption of Organic, Traditional, and/or European Eco-Label Products: Elements of Local Production and Sustainability – Sustainability, 2021.
  • Removal of Cypermethrin from Water by Using Fucus Spiralis Marine Alga – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2019.
  • Membrane-Active Peptides and Their Potential Biomedical Application – Pharmaceutics, 2023.
  • Characterization of the Complexing Agents’ Influence on Bioscouring Cotton Fabrics by FT-IR and TG/DTG/DTA Analysis – Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2018.
  • The Influence of Elevated CO₂ on Volatile Emissions, Photosynthetic Characteristics, and Pigment Content in Brassicaceae Plant Species and Varieties – Plants, 2022.
  • Comparative Study Regarding the Influence of the Complexing Agents EDTA and Sodium Citrate on the 50% Flax-50% Cotton Fabrics During the Bioscouring Treatment – International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: SGEM, 2016.
  • Commercial Laccase Oxidation of Phenolic Compounds – U.P.B. Scientific Bulletin, Series B: Chemistry and Material Sciences, 2012.
  • White Grape Pomace Valorization for Remediating Purposes – Applied Sciences, 2022.
  • Graphene-Oxide Peptide-Containing Materials for Biomedical Applications – International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024.
  • Analysis of Sustainable Communication Patterns During the Telework Period in Western Romanian Corporations – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022.
  • TG/DTG Analysis of an Eco-Friendly Scoured Fabric – Revista de Chimie, 2019.
  • Study on the Influence of Ultrasound in Bioscouring Treatment of 50% Flax + 50% Cotton Fabrics – Annals of the University of Oradea, Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork, 2017.
  • Improving the Antioxidant Properties of Wild Raspberry Juice by Enzymatic Treatments – Revista de Chimie, 2016.
  • A Sustainable Nutritional Behavior in the Era of Climate Changes – Smart and Sustainable Technology for Resilient Cities and Communities, 2022.

 

Pujie Wei | Plant Diversity | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Pujie  Wei | Plant Diversity |  Best Researcher Award

Huazhong Agricultural University,  China

Pujie Wei, born in January 1994, is currently a Ph.D. candidate specializing in Forest Ecology and Plant Ecology at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry and a Master’s degree in Forest Ecology and Community Ecology from Yangtze University.

Publication Profile

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Forestry
    Yangtze University
    2013.09 – 2017.06
  • Master in Forest Ecology and Community Ecology
    Yangtze University
    2017.09 – 2020.06
  • Ph.D. Candidate in Forest Ecology and Plant Ecology
    Huazhong Agricultural University
    2021.09 – Present

🏢 Professional Experience:

  • Researcher
    National Key Protected Wild Plant Resources Special Projects (Picea neoveitchii, Phoebe)
    2017.12 – 2020.05
  • Forest Fire Risk Survey
    Hubei Province
    2021.09 – 2022.12
  • Research on Forest Community Productivity
    Secondary Forests
    2020.05 – 2023.04

🏆 Honors & Awards:

  • Outstanding Student Cadre, Yangtze University (2014 – 2017)
  • Sky Blue Land Green Scholarship, Yangtze University (2015, 2016)
  • Outstanding Graduate, Yangtze University (2017)
  • First-Class Scholarship for Comprehensive Achievement, Yangtze University (multiple years)

Publication Top Notes

  • Modeling the distribution of pine wilt disease in China using the ensemble models MaxEnt and CLIMEX
    Chen, L., Lu, W., Lamont, B.B., Wang, P., Yan, Z.
    Ecology and Evolution, 2024, 14(9), e70277.
  • Effect of mineral fertilizers on microorganisms community characteristic during leaf litter decomposition under Pinus massoniana in a subtropical forest
    Keyhani, A.B., He, W., Teng, M., Wei, P., Wang, P.
    Applied Soil Ecology, 2024, 199, 105421.
  • Vegetation−fire feedbacks increase subtropical wildfire risk in scrubland and reduce it in forests
    Wei, P., Lamont, B., He, T., Xiao, W., Yan, Z.
    Journal of Environmental Management, 2024, 351, 119726.
  • Grazing altered the plant diversity-productivity relationship in the Jianghan plain of the Yangtze River basin
    Wei, P., Zhao, S., Lu, W., Yan, Z., Jiang, T.
    Forest Ecology and Management, 2023, 531, 120767.

 

 

Uma Chaurasiya | Medicinal plant | Women Researcher Award

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Dr Uma Chaurasiya | Medicinal plant |  Women Researcher Award

Research Scholar at  Jiwaji University, Gwalior,  India

Dr. Uma Chaurasiya, born on August 1, 1990, is a distinguished researcher in the field of Botany, currently based in Pune, Maharashtra. She earned her Ph.D. in Botany from Jiwaji University, Gwalior in 2024, with a focus on the phytochemical analysis and antifungal screening of the post-harvest pathogen Colletotrichum capsici using selected plant extracts. Her M.Phil. was completed at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Uttar Pradesh in 2015, where she investigated iron and manganese-induced physiological and biochemical changes in Brassica nigra seedlings.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. (Botany), Jiwaji University, Gwalior (2024)
    Topic: Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Screening of Colletotrichum capsici
  • M.Phil. (Botany), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Uttar Pradesh (2015)
    Topic: Iron and Manganese-Induced Changes in Brassica nigra Seedlings
  • M.Sc. (Botany), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Uttar Pradesh (2013)
  • B.Sc. (Botany, Zoology, Chemistry), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Uttar Pradesh (2011)

🏆 Awards:

  • CSIR-UGC JRF (2015)
  • Best Oral Presentation and Poster Awards at National and International Conferences

🛠 Skills & Expertise:

  • Natural product isolation and application
  • Antimicrobial assay techniques
  • Plant metabolome extraction and identification
  • Plant-microbe interactions
  • Ethnobotany and Agricultural Botany

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modern Era of Microbial Biotechnology: Opportunities and Future Prospects
    DK Maurya, A Kumar, U Chaurasiya, T Hussain, SK Singh
    Microbiomes and Plant Health, pp. 317-343, 2021
  • Medicinal Plant Extracts Enhanced the Shelf Life of Chilli Fruits Against the Anthracnose Disease Through Defense Modulation
    U Chaurasiya, MK Solanki, S Patel
    Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 107, 104604, 2023
  • The Effect of Colchicine on Vicia faba and Chrysanthemum carinatum (L.) Plants and Their Cytogenetical Study
    KS Kushwah, S Patel, U Chaurasiya, MB Wani
    Vegetos, 34, pp. 432-438, 2021
  • Iron Induce Different Changes at Different Stages of the Development of Brassica nigra
    U Chaurasiya, S Patel, RK Agnihotri
    Discov Nat, 12, pp. 77-81, 2018
  • Antifungal Activity of Peristrophe paniculata Against Colletotrichum capsici
    U Chaurasiya, UMACS PATEL*
    Life Science Bulletin, 16 (1&2), pp. 209-212, 2019
  • Microbial Intervention in Waste Remediation for Bio-Energy Production
    U Chaurasiya, A Joshi, A Kumar, W Merkle, HJ Nägele, DK Maurya, …
    Current Research Trends and Applications in Waste Management, pp. 163-190, 2023
  • ‘Omics’ Approaches for Structural and Functional Insights of ‘Waste to Energy’ Microbiome
    A Kumar, Neeraj, U Chaurasiya, DK Maurya, S Basu, A Kumar, S Patel, …
    Current Research Trends and Applications in Waste Management, pp. 371-402, 2023
  • Endorsement of Antifungal Properties of Medicinal Plants Extract in Post-Harvest Diseases Management of Colletotrichum capsici
    U Chaurasiya
    International Journal of Botany Studies, 6 (Issue 5), pp. 913-920, 2021
  • Effect of Iron and Manganese Induced Heavy Metals Stress on Physiological Changes in Vegetative Growth of Brassica nigra
    U Chaurasiya, RK Agnihotri, R Sharma
    Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 7 (3), pp. 555-557, 2016
  • Biochemical Changes in Seedlings of Brassica nigra Imposed by Iron and Manganese Induced Heavy Metals Stress
    U Chaurasiya, RK Agnihotri, R Sharma
    IndianJournals.com, 6 (1), pp. 47-53, 2016
  • Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Screening of Post-Harvest Pathogen Colletotrichum capsici by the Use of Selected Plant Extracts
    U Chaurasiya
    Gwalior

 

Paria Alizadeh | Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs Paria Alizadeh |  Plants |  Best Researcher Award

Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Paria Alizadeh holds a bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry and a master’s degree in phytochemistry. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in phytochemistry at Shahid Beheshti University, focusing on the separation and enrichment of natural products and medicinal plants. She has developed significant expertise in this field through her academic journey and ongoing research.

Profile:

Research and Innovations:

Paria is actively engaged in her dissertation, which centers on the formulation of medicinal plants. Her research work includes one published paper in the Industrial and Crops Journal. Additionally, she has collaborated as a research assistant at the Drug Applied Research Center of Tabriz University, further enriching her research experience.

Professional Memberships:

Paria is a dedicated member of the Iranian Chemical Society, contributing to the scientific community through her involvement in professional organizations.

Areas of Research:

Her primary research interests lie in the separation and enrichment of natural products and medicinal plants, aiming to harness their potential for medicinal and therapeutic applications.

 

Ujjwal Layek | Pollination Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Ujjwal Layek |  Pollination Biology |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Rampurhat College, India

Dr. Ujjwal Layek is an Assistant Professor of Botany at Rampurhat College, specializing in plant-pollinator interactions with a focus on palynology and pollination biology. He holds a Ph.D. from Vidyasagar University and completed his M.Sc. at Visva-Bharati, West Bengal. With over four years of experience in academia, he has authored over 35 publications in esteemed journals such as Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley & Sons. Dr. Layek serves as an editorial board member for journals like Frontiers in Bee Science and Plant Science Today and has reviewed over 60 manuscripts for prestigious publishers including Nature Publishing Group and Elsevier. His research has garnered significant citation recognition, with an H-index of 13. Additionally, he has organized research conferences and workshops and actively collaborates with universities and industries. Dr. Layek’s contributions to research and development have earned him recognition, including an award, and he continues to make strides in advancing our understanding of plant reproductive biology and bee behavior.

Profile:

👨‍🎓 Education & Experience:

Dr. Ujjwal Layek holds a Ph.D. in Botany from Vidyasagar University, following his M.Sc. from Visva-Bharati. With over 4 years of teaching experience, he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Rampurhat College, specializing in plant-pollinator interactions.

 

📚 Academic Contributions:

As an editorial board member of journals like Frontiers in Bee Science and Plant Science Today, he actively shapes scholarly discourse. Dr. Layek’s commitment to academia is evident through his review of over 60 manuscripts from renowned publishers like Nature Publishing Group and Springer Nature.

 

🌍 Global Impact:

Dr. Layek’s work has garnered international recognition, with publications indexed in SCI, SCIE, Scopus, and PubMed. He has engaged in over 20 collaborative research activities and presented his findings in numerous conferences worldwide.

🔬 Research Focus: Pollination Biology

 

Dr. Ujjwal Layek, an Assistant Professor of Botany at Rampurhat College, specializes in the intricate world of pollination biology. His research delves into the crucial interactions between plants and pollinators, exploring the mechanisms and dynamics that drive successful pollination processes.

🌼 Plant-Pollinator Interactions: Dr. Layek investigates the fascinating relationships between flowering plants and their pollinators, unraveling the complexities of co-evolution and mutual dependencies.

🔍 Palynology Expertise: With a focus on palynology, Dr. Layek examines pollen grains and their role in plant reproduction, shedding light on pollen morphology, dispersal, and its implications for pollination efficiency.

🐝 Foraging Behavior of Pollinators: Understanding the foraging behavior of pollinators like honeybees and stingless bees is central to Dr. Layek’s research. He explores how these vital agents navigate floral landscapes, impacting plant reproductive success.

🌍 Environmental Impact: Dr. Layek’s work not only advances scientific knowledge but also highlights the ecological importance of pollination in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Citations:

Dr. Ujjwal Layek’s contributions to the field of pollination biology have garnered significant attention, with 360 citations overall and 339 citations since 2019. His work has established an h-index of 13 and an i10-index of 15, reflecting the impact and influence of his research in advancing our understanding of plant-pollinator interactions.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Nesting characteristics, floral resources, and foraging activity of Trigona iridipennis Smith in Bankura district of West Bengal, India”
    • Authors: U Layek, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Insectes sociaux
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 41
  • “Impact of managed stingless bee and western honey bee colonies on native pollinators and yield of watermelon: A comparative study”
    • Authors: U Layek, A Kundu, S Bisui, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Annals of Agricultural Sciences
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 36
  • “Pollen foraging behaviour of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) in southern West Bengal, India”
    • Authors: U Layek, SS Manna, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Palynology
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 25
  • “Honey sample collection methods influence pollen composition in determining true nectar-foraging bee plants”
    • Authors: U Layek, R Mondal, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Acta Botanica Brasilica
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 24
  • “Comparing the pollen forage pattern of stingless bee (Trigona iridipennis Smith) between rural and semi-urban areas of West Bengal, India”
    • Authors: S Bisui, U Layek, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 23
  • “Bee plants used as nectar sources by Apis florea Fabricius in Bankura and Paschim Medinipur districts, West Bengal”
    • Authors: U Layek, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Geophytology
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 21