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 🇵🇰. 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. Mahmood’s dedication to improving crop productivity under climate-stressed conditions has earned him national and international recognition, fellowships, and project funding. 🌱 His scholarly work bridges traditional agricultural practices with modern biotechnology, reflecting a commitment to sustainable food systems and environmental resilience. 🌍

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

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

👨‍🏫 Experience

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

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Mahmood’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture, biofertilizer development, biogas production, and climate-smart farming. 🌾 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.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Athar Mahmood has received numerous accolades including:

  • 🥇 Talented Young Scientist Program Award for Postdoctoral Study in China (2018–2019)
  • 🥈 Endeavor Fellowship (Australia) for postdoctoral studies at SUQ (2016–2017)
  • 🎓 HEC-DAAD Ph.D. Scholarship in Germany (2007–2012)
  • 🎖️ Visiting Academic position at University of Southern Queensland
  • ✅ Recognized as an HEC Approved Supervisor in Pakistan

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

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), 2337–2347.
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), 1–16.
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 stress—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), 795–808.
Cited by: 1

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

Sajjad | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

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.