Jayateertha Diwan | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jayateertha Diwan | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka | India

Prof. Dr. Jayateertha Diwan is a distinguished agricultural scientist recognized for his extensive contributions to plant breeding, genetics, and crop improvement, with a strong focus on rice and other major field crops. His research integrates classical breeding, molecular biology, and biotechnology to enhance crop performance, develop stress-tolerant varieties, and improve resource-use efficiency. He has led and contributed to innovative studies on early vigor traits, yield-enhancing QTLs, nutrient-use efficiency, salinity tolerance, and direct-seeded rice systems, employing advanced tools such as SSR markers, MAS, genomic resources, and next-generation sequencing. His work spans germplasm characterization, multi-location trials, A/B/R line development, trait-specific molecular analysis, and breeding strategy design aligned with farmer and market needs. Professionally, he has held progressive leadership roles involving teaching, research, extension, academic management, and guidance of postgraduate and doctoral scholars across plant breeding, molecular breeding, crop genomics, and biotechnology. His experience also includes collaborative research in national and international programs, participation in multi-institutional projects, and contributions to genome sequencing initiatives involving wild rice and microbial species. He has served as a breeder, scheme head, research project investigator, and expert trainer in various advanced workshops and capacity-building programs, contributing to the scientific community through high-impact publications, project leadership, academic services, and active involvement in research on integrated farming systems, stress physiology, molecular diagnostics, and precision crop improvement. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing agricultural science, improving crop productivity, and translating research innovations for sustainable farming and societal benefit.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Diwan, J. R., Mahadevaswamy,., Patil, S., Bhanu, D., Devi, K. L., Hegde, S. N., Krishnaraj, P. U., Namitha, R., Pradhan, B. B., & Vashisht, D. (2025). Genome characterization of Acinetobacter species from the rice rhizosphere: A potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Current Genetics.

Kavyashree, N. M., Diwan, J. R., Mahantashivayogayya, K., Lokesha, R., & Naik, N. M. (2022). Micro-morphological diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as seen under foldscope. Environment Conservation Journal.

Kariyanna, B., Prabhuraj, A., Mohan, M., Bheemanna, M., Kalmath, B., Pampanna, Y., & Diwan, J. R. (2020). Insecticide usage pattern and evolution of resistance in eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in India. Plant Archives. (EID: 2-s2.0-85090445715)

Umar Farooq, M. S., Diwan, J. R., Mahantashivayogayya, K., Kulkarni, V. V., & Shakuntala, N. M. (2019). Genetic evaluation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for yield and nutritional quality traits. Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, 7(2), 117–127.

Muniswamy, S., Lokesha, R., Yamanura, R., Ramesh,., & Diwan, J. R. (2017). Stability for disease, genotype × environment interaction for yield and its components in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. Legume Research.

Anju Kumari | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anju Kumari | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

SGGS KHALSA COLLEGE MAHILPUR, INDIA

Dr. Anju Kumari is an accomplished researcher in Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics, with a specialization in infectious disease genetics, particularly tuberculosis. she holds Indian citizenship and is fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. (Zoology, Molecular Biology & Cytogenetics) – Panjab University, Chandigarh

  • M.Sc. (Zoology, Honours) – Panjab University, Chandigarh

  • B.Sc. (Zoology, Botany, Chemistry) – Govt. College for Women, Ludhiana

  • Diploma in Pharmacy – GGNK College of Pharmacy, Ludhiana

🧪 Research Expertise:

Specialization:
🔬 Molecular Biology
🧬 Cytogenetics
🧫 Human Genetics
🧟 Infectious Diseases (Focus: Tuberculosis)

Research Interests:

  • Gene expression studies

  • Cytokine and transcription factor analysis in TB

  • Molecular diagnostics and biomarkers

📚 Publications & Contributions:

  • 2 Book Chapters with CRC Press and Elsevier

  • 8+ Research Articles in peer-reviewed journals (Molecular Biology Reports, Human Gene, Biology Bulletin, etc.)

  • Ongoing research on NR1H3, ABCA1, IL-12A/B and genetic susceptibility to TB

  • Multiple manuscripts under peer review and in communication

🧑‍🏫 Teaching & Academic Service:

  • Former Assistant Professor (Adhoc) – Shri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Punjab

  • Active in science education, webinars, and student mentoring

  • Delivered and presented research papers at national and international conferences

🏅 Awards & Achievements:

  • CSIR-UGC NET (Life Sciences) – Lectureship (2016) & JRF (2017)

  • CSIR-JRF Fellow during PhD (2018–2023)

  • Recognized contributor to national-level research symposia

🧭 Conferences, Workshops & Webinars:

  • Attended 30+ National & International webinars

  • Participated in GIAN, ISHG, STUTI, and Genome Informatics programs

  • Delivered oral/poster presentations at conferences hosted by Panjab University, Andhra University, and more

📌 Summary:

Dr. Anju Kumari is an emerging researcher in molecular genetics and infectious diseases, with a clear focus on the genetic basis of tuberculosis. Her strong publication record, competitive fellowships, and active engagement in scientific forums make her a promising candidate for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.

Publication:

  • Role of Transcription Factor NR1H3 in the Pathogenesis of Tuberculosis

 

Manu Magar | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manu Magar | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at National Biotechnology Research Centre, Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Nepal

Dr. Manu Maya Magar is a plant molecular biotechnologist from Nepal, currently serving as a Scientist at the National Biotechnology Research Center, Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC). She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Genetics from The University of Western Australia (2020–2024), where her research focused on gene-based analysis of heat stress tolerance in bread wheat.

Profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. (2020–2024) – The University of Western Australia, Australia
    Gene-based analysis of heat stress tolerance in wheat

  • M.Sc. Ag. in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (2010–2012) – Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, India

  • B.Sc. Ag. in Horticulture (2005–2009) – Tribhuvan University, Nepal

🧬 Research & Appointments:

  • 🧪 Scientist, National Biotechnology Research Center, NARC, Nepal (2014–Present)

  • 🔬 Research Assistant, The University of Western Australia (2021–2025)

  • 🤝 Former Deputy Country Coordinator, Terre des Hommes Germany – Nepal

  • 🌾 Focus areas: Heat stress tolerance, marker-assisted selection, genomics of wheat, maize, and soybean

📚 Publications:

Published in reputed journals including:

  • Frontiers in Plant Science

  • Journal of Plant Growth Regulation

  • Crop Journal

  • International Journal of Plant Biology

  • Contributed to global plant genomics and crop improvement research

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • 🥇 GRS Travel Award | Mike Carroll Fellowship | Convocation Travel AwardUWA

  • 🎖️ Nepal Bidhya Bhusan Kha (Presidential Award, 2016)

  • 🏅 APNL Biotechnology Gold Medal, India

  • 🎓 Scholarships from Indian Embassy & IAAS, Nepal

🧠 Skills & Tools:

  • 💻 R, Linux, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop

  • 🌱 Molecular breeding, gene analysis, stress physiology

Summary:

Dr. Manu Maya Magar is a dynamic plant scientist with expertise in molecular biology, heat stress genomics, and crop improvement. She brings over a decade of research excellence with impactful publications, international collaborations, and award-winning academic distinction.

📊 Citation Metrics (Google Scholar):

  • Total Citations: 76

  • Citations since 2020: 72

  • h-index: 5

  • h-index since 2020: 4

  • i10-index: 2

  • i10-index since 2020: 2

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Effect of PEG Induced Drought Stress on Germination and Seedling Traits of Maize (Zea mays L.) Lines
    Magar, M.M., Parajuli, A., Sah, B.P., Shrestha, J., Sakh, B.M., Koirala, K.B., et al.
    Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, 6(2): 196–205, 2019.
    Citations: 29

  2. Genome-Wide Analysis of AP2/ERF Superfamily Genes in Contrasting Wheat Genotypes Reveals Heat Stress-Related Candidate Genes
    Magar, M.M., Liu, H., Yan, G.
    Frontiers in Plant Science, 13: 853086, 2022.
    Citations: 26

  3. Dactylorhiza hatagirea: A Critical Issue for Research and Development in Nepal
    Magar, M.M., Dhital, S.P., Yamada, T., Pun, U.K.
    Nepal Journal of Science and Technology, 19(1): 26–38, 2020.
    Citations: 8

  4. Rice–Wheat Comparative Genomics: Gains and Gaps
    Wijerathna-Yapa, A., Bishnoi, R., Ranawaka, B., Magar, M.M., et al.
    The Crop Journal, 12(3): 656–669, 2024.
    Citations: 6

  5. Marker Assisted Selection for Identification of Recombinants for Bacterial Blight and Blast Resistance in Segregating Populations of Cottondora Sannalu
    Magar, M.M., Rani, C.V.D., Vanisree, S., Swathi, G., et al.
    ORYZA – An International Journal on Rice, 51(2): 105–115, 2014.
    Citations: 6

  6. In the Pursuit of Equality for Women Plant Breeders Around the World
    García, A.P.V., Wijerathna-Yapa, A., Mishra, S., Magar, M.M., et al.
    Women in Crop Science, 2022.
    Citations: 1

  7. Characterization of TaMYB Transcription Factor Genes Revealed Possible Early-Stage Selection for Heat Tolerance in Wheat
    Magar, M.M., Liu, H., Yan, G.
    International Journal of Plant Biology, 16(2): 41, 2025.
    Citations: —

  8. Identification of Soybean Mosaic Virus Resistant Soybean Genotypes Using Gene-Linked Markers
    Magar, M.M., Acharya, R., Aryal, L., Darai, R., Amgai, R.B., Shrestha, J.
    Agronomy Journal of Nepal, 8: 91–97, 2024.
    Citations: —

  9. Wheat TaAP2/ERF Genes Regulate Heat Tolerance Through Ethylene Signaling at Grain-Filling Stage
    Magar, M.M., Liu, H., Yan, G.
    Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 43(8): 2855–2872, 2024.
    Citations: —

  10. Gene-Based Analysis of Heat Stress Tolerance in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Seedling and Reproductive Stages
    Magar, M.
    Doctoral Dissertation, The University of Western Australia, 2023.