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.