Athar Mahmood | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahmood | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan

Dr. Athar Mahmood is a seasoned agronomist and Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฐ. With a robust academic and research background spanning over 15 years, he has made substantial contributions in the domains of sustainable agriculture, biofertilizers, and bioenergy. Dr. Mahmoodโ€™s dedication to improving crop productivity under climate-stressed conditions has earned him national and international recognition, fellowships, and project funding. ๐ŸŒฑ His scholarly work bridges traditional agricultural practices with modern biotechnology, reflecting a commitment to sustainable food systems and environmental resilience. ๐ŸŒ

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Mahmood earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Germany (2007โ€“2012), where he focused on sorghum as an energy crop. He completed his M.Sc. in Agronomy (2005โ€“2007) and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (2001โ€“2005) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Earlier, he pursued intermediate (pre-medical) at Government Science College, Faisalabad (1999โ€“2001) and matriculation in science from Government High School Salarwala (1996โ€“1998). ๐Ÿ“š

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at UAF, Dr. Mahmood has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at University of Sargodha (2012โ€“2013). He undertook postdoctoral research at Southern University of Queensland (SUQ), Australia, supported by the Endeavor Fellowship (2016โ€“2017), where he also held a visiting academic position. ๐ŸŒ His career also includes mentoring students, curriculum development, and active involvement in campus leadership and scientific committees.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interests

Dr. Mahmoodโ€™s research focuses on sustainable agriculture, biofertilizer development, biogas production, and climate-smart farming. ๐ŸŒพ He is particularly interested in biosaline agriculture, organic waste management, and the physiological response of crops under abiotic stresses. His multidisciplinary approach bridges agronomy, environmental sciences, and renewable energy, aiming to build more resilient agricultural systems.

๐Ÿ† Awards

Dr. Athar Mahmood has received numerous accolades including:

  • ๐Ÿฅ‡ Talented Young Scientist Program Award for Postdoctoral Study in China (2018โ€“2019)
  • ๐Ÿฅˆ Endeavor Fellowship (Australia) for postdoctoral studies at SUQ (2016โ€“2017)
  • ๐ŸŽ“ HEC-DAAD Ph.D. Scholarship in Germany (2007โ€“2012)
  • ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ Visiting Academic position at University of Southern Queensland
  • โœ… Recognized as an HEC Approved Supervisor in Pakistan

๐Ÿ“š Publications Top Notes:ย 

Here are his recent impactful publications with links, publication years, journal names, and citations:

Mahmood, A. et al. (2025). Transforming field crops with CRISPR/Cas: a new era in genome editing. Rendiconti Lincei: Scienze Fisiche e Naturali.
Cited by: 5

Mahmood, A. et al. (2025). Impact of nitrogen, sulphur, and foliar applied thiourea on growth, oil yield, and fatty acid profile of canola. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 34(3), 2337โ€“2347.
Cited by: 2

Mahmood, A. et al. (2025). Silicon-mediated modulation of maize growth, metabolic responses, and antioxidant mechanisms under saline conditions. BMC Plant Biology, 25(1), 3.
Cited by: 3

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Morphophysiological and biochemical assessment of cotton germplasm under salt stress. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 10(1).
Cited by: 4

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and salinity stress in Citrus limon. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 62.
Cited by: 1

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Salicylic acid improves salinity tolerance in barley. BMC Plant Biology, 24(1), 1โ€“16.
Cited by: 6

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Thiourea boosts tomato yield under salt stress. Plants, 13(23), 3318.
Cited by: 2

Trehalose: A promising osmo-protectant against salinity stressโ€”physiological and molecular mechanisms and future prospective

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Glutathione and zinc improve maize photosynthesis under water stress. Brazilian Journal of Botany, 47(3), 795โ€“808.
Cited by: 1

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Heat stress responses and mitigation strategies in crops [link pending publication].

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.

Profile

Scopus

Google scholar

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