Muhammad Azam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Azam is an esteemed Associate Professor at the Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. With a deep-rooted passion for horticulture, he has significantly contributed to research in postharvest management, fruit quality improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices. His extensive academic career, consultancy work, and leadership roles in various projects have made a lasting impact in the field.

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Education ๐ŸŽ“

Dr. Azam holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Zhejiang University, China (2014). His earlier education includes an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Horticulture (2007) and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (2005) from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. His academic journey began with a Pre-Medical F.Sc. from Govt College Faisalabad (2001) and Matriculation in Science from Govt. Islamic Madrassa High School, Faisalabad (1999).

Experience ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Currently serving as an Associate Professor since June 2022, Dr. Azam has a robust teaching and research background. He was previously an Assistant Professor at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2015-2022) and Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (2014-2015). His expertise also extends to consultancy, having worked as a Citrus GLOBALGAP Consultant for the Ministry of Food Agriculture and Asian Development Bank (2007-2010). His leadership roles include Project Manager for Citrus Global GAP Certification and management consultancy positions in Sargodha.

Research Interests ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Dr. Azamโ€™s research focuses on postharvest physiology, fruit quality enhancement, edible coatings, sustainable agriculture, and the impact of biostimulants on horticultural crops. His work aims to improve fruit storage techniques, reduce postharvest losses, and develop eco-friendly solutions for the horticultural industry.

Awards & Distinctions ๐Ÿ†

  • HEC Approved Supervisor since 2015
  • Recipient of a Ph.D. Scholarship from the China Scholarship Council (CSC)
  • International training scholarships for high-quality fruit production from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
  • First position in “Physiology and Molecular Biology in Horticulture Crops” (Zhejiang University, China & Nottingham University, UK)
  • Vice President, Pakistan Society of Horticultural Sciences (2009-2010)
  • Recognition for earthquake relief work in Pakistan

Publications Top Notes: ๐Ÿ“š

Dr. Azam has authored several high-impact research papers, book chapters, and international conference proceedings. Some of his notable publications include:

“Improvement of physicochemicals, antioxidant system and softening enzymes by postharvest L-arginine application leads to maintain persimmon fruit quality under low temperature storage”

Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 2023

Read here

“Application of methyl jasmonate to papaya fruit stored at different temperatures”

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021

Read here

“Biochemical Analysis of Organic Acids and Soluble Sugars in Wild and Cultivated Pomegranate Germplasm Based in Pakistan”

Plants, 2020

Read here

Book Chapter: “Strategies to Reduce Postharvest Losses of Citrus Fruits”

Published by Taylor & Francis Group

Read here

Book Chapter: “Phytoremediation of Agricultural Pollutants”

Springer, Cham, 2020

Read here

Book Chapter: “Postharvest and Quality Management of Strawberry”

IntechOpen Limited, London, UK

Read here

Dr. Azamโ€™s extensive contributions to horticultural sciences continue to shape agricultural research and innovation, making him a distinguished figure in his field. ๐Ÿš€

Zienab Ahmed | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Paper Award

Prof. Zienab Ahmed | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Paper Award

Associate professor UAE University United Arab Emirates

Dr. Zienab Fawzy Reiad Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Agriculture (INAG) at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). She specializes in horticultural physiology and biochemistry, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the areas of crop improvement and postharvest technology. Dr. Ahmed has over 20 years of teaching and research experience across Egypt, the USA, and the UAE, and she is actively involved in various international collaborations and scientific communities ๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒ.

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Education

Dr. Ahmed earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, in 2014. She also holds an MSc in Horticulture (Plant Physiology) from Assuit University, Egypt (2005), and a BSc in Horticulture (Pomology) from the same university (1998) ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ.

Experience

Dr. Ahmed has an extensive academic career, having served as an Assistant Professor at South Valley University, Egypt, before joining UAEU. She is currently an Associate Professor at UAEU, where she supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. She also plays a key role in curriculum development, teaching, and mentoring students. Dr. Ahmed has supervised numerous students for graduation and postgraduate research projects in the UAEU, including one PhD student. Her professional experience spans teaching, research, and coordinating academic programs ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’ผ.

Research Interests

Dr. Ahmedโ€™s research focuses on improving the sustainability and productivity of vegetable and fruit crops through innovative techniques. Her work includes optimizing hydroponic systems using organic materials, extending shelf life through sustainable approaches, and growing high-value crops in controlled environments. She is committed to advancing agricultural practices that improve food security and environmental sustainability ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”ฌ.

Awards

Dr. Ahmedโ€™s dedication to research and education has earned her several recognitions. Notably, she received the ISHS Young Mind Award in 2016 for her innovative work in horticultural sciences. She has also been nominated for multiple prestigious awards in recognition of her contributions to horticulture and sustainable agriculture ๐Ÿ†๐ŸŒฑ.

Publications Top Notes:

Dr. Ahmed has published 36 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in top-ranked horticultural journals. Some of her significant publications include:

Ahmed, Z.F.R., and J.P. Palta (2015). A natural lipid, Lysophosphatidylethanolamine, may promote ripening while reducing senescence in banana fruit. HortScience, 50(7), 1035โ€“1040. Link to article ๐Ÿ“œ

Ahmed, Z.F.R., and J.P. Palta (2016). Postharvest dip treatment with a natural phospholipid along with lecithin may extend the shelf life of banana fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 113: 58-65. Link to article ๐Ÿ“‘

Ali, M., Khalid, N., Akhtar, A., Aslam, S., Ahmed, Z.F., and Zhang, X. (2025). Pulsed Light for Fresh Quality Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables. In Sustainable Postharvest Technologies for Fruits and Vegetables, CRC Press. Link to book chapter ๐Ÿ“š