Dr. Muhammad Qadir | Biopesticides | Young Scientist Award

Postdoctorate | Hunan University | China

Dr. Muhammad Qadir is a distinguished researcher at the Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, specializing in Stress Physiology, Plant-Microbe Interactions, and Molecular Biology. His research primarily focuses on understanding how beneficial microbes and endophytes can mitigate heavy metal toxicity, enhance stress tolerance, and improve crop productivity under adverse environmental conditions. Emerging interests in his work include microbial-assisted phytoremediation, hormone-mediated plant resilience, and the molecular mechanisms underlying stress signaling in plants. Dr. Qadir has contributed extensively to the field through his collaborative research on microbial biotechnology, demonstrating how endophytic fungi and rhizobacteria can alleviate metal stress, optimize antioxidant systems, and enhance phytoremediation efficiency in crops like soybean, sunflower, and Brassica species. His seminal works, including studies on Pantoea conspicua, Acinetobacter bouvetii, and Aspergillus niger, have provided vital insights into microbe-driven soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. As a research scientist, he has held key academic positions within Hunan University, contributing to cross-disciplinary projects bridging microbiology, environmental science, and plant molecular genetics. Among his significant achievements are publications in high-impact journals such as Chemosphere, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Agronomy, along with groundbreaking findings on phytohormone-producing microbes that enhance tolerance to heavy metals and drought. His investigations into eco-friendly bio-remediation technologies have influenced the design of sustainable crop management systems and advanced understanding of microbial ecology in agriculture. With over 785 citations, an h-index of 15, and numerous collaborative studies addressing climate resilience and soil health, Dr. Qadir’s scientific influence extends across global agroecological innovation. His vision emphasizes integrating microbial biotechnology into sustainable food systems, aiming to develop resilient crops capable of thriving under environmental stress while maintaining ecological balance. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Qadir continues to contribute significantly to global scientific efforts toward ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural innovation in the face of climate challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Zahoor, M., Irshad, M., Rahman, H., Qasim, M., Afridi, S. G., Qadir, M., & Hussain, A. (2017). Alleviation of heavy metal toxicity and phytostimulation of Brassica campestris L. by endophytic Mucor sp. MHR-7. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 142, 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.024

2. Qadir, M., Hussain, A., Hamayun, M., Shah, M., Iqbal, A., & Murad, W. (2020). Phytohormones producing rhizobacterium alleviates chromium toxicity in Helianthus annuus L. by reducing chromate uptake and strengthening antioxidant system. Chemosphere, 258, 127386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127386

3. Husna, H., Hussain, A., Shah, M., Hamayun, M., Iqbal, A., & Qadir, M. (2022). Heavy metal tolerant endophytic fungi Aspergillus welwitschiae improves growth, ceasing metal uptake and strengthening antioxidant system in Glycine max L. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(11), 15501–15515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16518-3

4. Hussain, A., Shah, M., Hamayun, M., Iqbal, A., Alataway, A., & Qadir, M. (2023). Phytohormones producing rhizobacteria alleviate heavy metals stress in soybean through multilayered response. Microbiological Research, 266, 127237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2023.127237

5. Qadir, M., Hussain, A., Shah, M., Hamayun, M., Iqbal, A., Irshad, M., & Sayyed, A. (2022). Comparative assessment of chromate bioremediation potential of Pantoea conspicua and Aspergillus niger. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 424, 127314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.127314

Prof. Dr. Cleyton de Almeida Araújo | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Professor | UNIVASF | Brazil

Dr. Cleyton de Almeida Araújo is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in Animal Science, with an emphasis on ruminant nutrition, forage management, and sustainable livestock production systems. His research primarily focuses on optimizing feed efficiency, improving forage quality, and developing eco-friendly livestock management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing animal productivity in semiarid regions. As an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF), he plays a vital role in advancing experimental studies on silage fermentation, mineral balance in animal nutrition, and biosaline agriculture. Over the years, Dr. Araújo has authored numerous scientific articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to understanding forage preservation, carbohydrate fractionation, and the nutritional dynamics of alternative feed resources such as cactus pear and cassava shoots. His collaborative works have also examined the interplay between animal nutrition and environmental sustainability, highlighting innovative strategies for resource-limited ecosystems. Beyond his academic achievements, he has contributed to the scientific community through applied research that supports livestock farmers and policymakers in developing climate-resilient agricultural systems. His findings on feed substitution and silage improvement have practical implications for animal welfare, soil health, and rural livelihoods. Dr. Araújo’s scientific vision is rooted in bridging advanced nutritional science with sustainable production methods, fostering innovations that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Through his continued research and mentorship, he aims to strengthen the resilience of tropical livestock systems, contributing to global efforts in food security, ecological conservation, and rural development. He has 78 citations from 26 publications, with an h-index of 5.

Featured Publications

1. Araújo, C. A., Lima, R. S., Oliveira, G. F., Nascimento, D. B., Campos, F. S., Gois, G. C., Silva, T. G. F., Magalhães, A. L. R., & Araújo, G. G. L. (2025). Carbohydrate fractionation and nitrogen compounds, mineral status, and gas production in arboreal cotton and cactus silages. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 77(1). https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-13274

2. Pereira, P. H. B., Oliveira, J. S., Guerra, R. R., Conceição, Â. I. da, Magalhães, A. L. R., Silva, D. K. de A., Bispo, S. V., Dias, G. G., Araújo, C. de A., & Valença, R. de L., et al. (2025). Forage cactus as a substitute for corn as an energy source in the finishing of feedlot lambs. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 57(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04502-8

3. Nascimento, D. B. do, Magalhães, A. L. R., Teodoro, A. L., Gois, G. C., Santos, K. C. dos, Amaral, T. N. E. de, Araújo, C. A. de, Silva, P. B. da, Severo, M. F. de S., & Campos, F. S. (2025). Chemical composition, mineral profile, carbohydrate fractionation, dry matter digestibility and in vitro gas production of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw at different phenological stages. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 68(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2023.2260770

4. Borges, E. N., Araújo, C. A. de, Monteiro, B. S., Silva, A. S., Albuquerque, L. de F., Araújo, G. G. L. de, Campos, F. S., Gois, G. C., Souza, R. C. de, & Araújo, A. O. de. (2025). Buffel grass pre-dried as a modulator of the fermentation, nutritional and aerobic stability profile of cactus pear silage. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 68(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2023.2212173

5. Silva, C. de S., Miranda, A. S. de, Novaes, J. J. da S., Araújo, C. A. de, Macedo, A. de, Araújo, J. S. de, Lima, D. O., Neto, J. V. E., Gois, G. C., & Araújo, G. G. L. de, et al. (2024). Fermentation profile, nutritional value and aerobic stability of mixed elephant grass and butterfly pea silages. Ciência Animal Brasileira, 25, e76994e. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-6891v25e-76994e