Jayateertha Diwan | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Leila Monjazeb marvdashti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Global Impact in Research Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Leila Monjazeb marvdashti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Global Impact in Research Award

University of california san diego United States

Dr. Leila Monjazeb Marvdashti is a distinguished scientist and academician specializing in food microbiology and biotechnology. Since 2024, she has been serving as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Pathology Department of the Medical School at the University of California San Diego, under the mentorship of Dr. Steven Gonias. Her career encompasses significant roles in academia, research, and industry, reflecting her commitment to advancing food safety and health sciences.​

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

  • 2024-Present: Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California San Diego, Pathology Department of Medical School, San Diego, California, USA.​

  • 2012-2016: Ph.D. in Food Microbiology from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Her doctoral research focused on producing antimicrobial film from Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum and Nisin.​

  • 2010-2012: M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Shiraz University, Iran, where she identified phytase-producing microorganisms from natural sources and characterized the enzyme.​

  • 2005-2009: B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology at Shiraz University, Iran.​

Experience 🧑‍🏫

  • 2022-Present: Assistant Professor and Scientist Researcher at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.​

  • 2022-Present: Senior Scientist Policy Advisor & Regulatory Affairs and Vice-President of the Board Member Committee in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Iran.​

  • 2023-Present: Advisor Scientist at various Codex committees in Tehran, Iran, including Food Contaminants, Nutrition (CCCF), and Special Diet Foods (CCNFSDU).​

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Monjazeb Marvdashti’s research encompasses food microbiology, biotechnology, and public health. She has contributed to projects on antimicrobial packaging, enzyme production, and the application of cold plasma technology in food safety. Her work also includes health risk assessments related to food contaminants and the development of probiotic products for celiac disease management.​

Awards 🏆

Dr. Monjazeb Marvdashti has received numerous international honors, including:​

  • 2022: Gold Medal at INNOVERSE Invention & Innovation Expo in Atlanta, USA, for her invention of new generation systems based on bio-gold production reactors.​

  • 2022: Gold Medal at the 25th World Inventions Competition (ARCHIMEDES) in Moscow, Russia, for innovations in bio-gold production reactors for medical and industrial applications.​

  • 2021: Gold Medal at the World Inventions Competition (IIIF 2021) in Hyderabad, India, for spacecraft electricity and water production innovations.​

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Dr. Monjazeb Marvdashti has an extensive publication record. Below are selected publications with hyperlinks, published year, journals, and citation counts:​

Assessment of prevalence, concentration, and risks of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins in corn (Zea mays) in Iran (2025). International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 18(4), 1-17. Cited by 5 articles.​

Evaluation of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) in kefir samples by using magnetic chitosan coated with polyaniline (Fe₃O₄@CHI@PANI)/GC–MS method: A health risk assessment study (2024). Microchemical Journal, 207, 111801. Cited by 8 articles.​

The concentration and prevalence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in imported rice (Oryza sativa) samples from Iranian market: a probabilistic dietary risk assessment (2024). International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 1-18. Cited by 3 articles.​

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies (2024). Brain and Behavior, 14(10), e70098. Cited by 10 articles.​

Concentration and human health risk attribute to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in fillet of carp and tilapia fish: systematic review and meta-analysis (2024). Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 106671. Cited by 6 articles.​

Effect of Vicia villosa protein isolate-based edible coating incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles on the shelf-life of chicken breast meat during cold storage (2024). Food Hydrocolloids for Health, 5, 100176. Cited by 4 articles.​

Curiosity in the Girl with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Case Report and Literature Review about Vaginal Button Battery Insertion (2024). Journal of Pediatrics Review, 12(2). Cited by 2 articles.​

The concentration of pesticides in onion samples from Iran: a non-carcinogenic health risk assessment (2024). International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 1-16. Cited by 5 articles.​

Phytase-Producing Fungi from Processed Cheese: Isolation, Screening, and Optimization of Production Parameters (2024).

Pedro Crugeira | Biotechnology | Innovator of the Year Achievement Award

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Dr. Pedro Crugeira | Biotechnology | Innovator of the Year Achievement Award

Researcher Polytechnic Institute of Braganca Portugal

Pedro Jorge Louro Crugeira (b. 28 March 1972) is a seasoned biotechnologist with a rich academic and research trajectory spanning biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and photobiomodulation. With over two decades of experience in academia and industry, he has contributed significantly to sustainable bioprocesses for producing high-value bioactives using photostimulation techniques. He currently serves as a researcher at the Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, where he contributes to the OleaChain Project focused on innovation in the traditional olive grove value chain.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

Pedro holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2016) and a Master’s in Biotechnology from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil, and completed a post-doctorate in Biotechnology focusing on photostimulation for bioactive production. He also earned a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Instituto Superior de Humanidades e Tecnologia and a Degree in Biotechnological Engineering from Universidade Lusófona, Portugal. Additionally, he specialized in Innovation and Quality at the Portuguese Industrial Association.

🧪 Experience

Pedro has worked across Brazil and Portugal in academic and industrial capacities. He held teaching positions at Salvador University Center (UNICEUSA) and SALVADOR COLLEGE (FACSAL). He is currently a Polytechnic Teacher at both the School of Agriculture and the School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Braganca . His prior industrial roles include being Technical Director at ATOM Scientific and a consultant at GUIRRE Cosmetics Industry, Brazil. He led innovative projects funded by PETROGAL, FAPEX, and COMPETE2030.

🔬 Research Interest

His research spans industrial and environmental biotechnology, bioprocess microbiology, biophotonics, and bioactive production through photostimulation. He is particularly invested in sustainable strategies for utilizing industrial by-products and developing photostimulated microbial biopolymers. He is also engaged in bioremediation, medical biotechnology, and bioproduct engineering for health and environmental applications.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Pedro has been consistently recognized for his contributions to sustainable biotechnology innovation. He was appointed as the Principal Investigator for national and European-funded projects such as INOVOlive and RARISS, under COMPETE2030 and NORTE2020 programs, aimed at value-adding bioresources and improving traceability in agro-industrial systems.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

Pedro has authored multiple book chapters and journal articles that reflect his innovative contributions:

📘 Photostimulation Applied to the Production of Biopolymers (Exopolysaccharides), in Progress in Hydrogen Energy, Fuel Cells, Nano-Biotechnology and Advanced Bioactive Compounds, Springer, 2024.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-75984-0_16
Cited by: 2 articles

📘 Exploring Innovative Exogenous Green Stimulus Methods for Boosting Bioprocesses: Electric, Magnetic and Ultrasound Stimulation Techniques, in Trends and Innovations in Energetic Sources, Functional Compounds and Biotechnology, 2023.
Published in the United States
Cited by: 1 article

📘 Surfactant/Alkali Stress Effect in Exopolysaccharide Production by Xanthomonas and Enterobacter Strains, in Functional Properties of Advanced Engineering Materials and Biomolecules, Springer, 2021.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62226-8_24
Cited by: 3 articles

📘 Effect of Light Stimulation on a Thermo-Cellulolytic Bacterial Consortium Used for the Degradation of Cellulose of Green Coconut Shells, in Emerging Research in Science and Engineering Based on Advanced Experimental and Computational Strategies, Springer, 2020.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-31403-2_8
Cited by: 4 articles

📘 Disclosing the potential of Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, and Melissa officinalis L. hydrosols as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents

📘 Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using 1,9-Dimethyl-Methylene Blue: in vitro and in vivo studies

📘 Copper-induced exopolysaccharide production by Lelliottia amnigena strain LABEM

📘 Exploring Innovative Exogenous Green Stimulus Methods for Boosting Bioprocesses: Electric, Magnetic and Ultrasound Stimulation Techniques

Sajjad | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Sajjad | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Research Scholar Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Hazara University Mansehra Pakistan

Sajjad is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in plant molecular systematics, molecular evolution, and conservation biology. With a strong background in genetics and biotechnology, he has contributed to understanding plant biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships. Sajjad’s work demonstrates a commitment to advancing science for sustainable solutions.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (2020–Present)
    Thesis: Morphological and Molecular Characterizations of Walnut Genotypes of Hazara Region, Pakistan.
    Institute: Hazara University Mansehra

    • Coursework: Medical Genetics, Immunogenetics, Molecular Virology, Biosafety & Bioethics.
    • Supervisor: Dr. Mohammad Islam; Co-supervisor: Dr. Khushi Muhammad.
  • Master of Philosophy in Genetics (2017–2019)
    Thesis: DNA Barcoding of Selected Medicinal Plant Species from Northern Pakistan.
    Institute: Hazara University Mansehra

    • Graduated with GPA 3.92/4.00.
  • Bachelor of Studies in Genetics (2013–2017)
    Thesis: Determination of Potential Risk Factors Responsible for Major Eye Diseases in District Battagram.
    Institute: Hazara University Mansehra

Experience 👨‍🏫

  • Biology Lecturer (2017–2020), Al Syed Garden Public School and College, Battagram.
    Designed engaging lesson plans, assessed student progress, and mentored students in research and academic decision-making.
  • Research Assistant (NRPU Project #5711), Hazara University
    Worked on DNA barcoding of plant species endemic to Western Himalayas, excelling in molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics analysis.

Research Interests 🔬

  • Plant Molecular Systematics
  • Molecular Evolution & Phylogeny
  • Conservation Biology & Molecular Taxonomy
  • DNA Barcoding & Genetic Diversity

Awards & Achievements 🏆

  • Recipient of the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) Scholarship, HEC Pakistan.
  • Awarded a laptop under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, Pakistan.
  • Beneficiary of the Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scheme, Pakistan.

Publications Top Notes: 📚

“Determination of potential risk factors responsible for major eye diseases from rural areas of Mansehra”
Published in: Journal of Public Health Research (2020). Cited by 5 articles.

“Inheritance study of yield-associated traits in F1 and F2 generation of bread wheat through half diallel analysis”
Published in: Crop Science Journal (2021). Cited by 7 articles.

“DNA barcoding of medicinal Angelica Glauca from district Battagram”
Published in: Botanical Research Journal (2022). Cited by 10 articles.

“Comprehensive Evaluation of Cryptic Juglans Genotypes: In-sight from Molecular Markers and Phylogenetic Analysis”
Published in: Molecular Ecology (2023). Cited by 15 articles.