Mohd Kafeel Ahmad Ansari | Botany | Best Faculty Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Kafeel Ahmad Ansari | Botany | Best Faculty Award

Associate Professor | University of Guyana | Guyana

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kafeel A. Ansari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown, South America, and Visiting Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia. He is an accomplished biologist and environmental scientist recognized for his contributions to plant stress physiology, phytoremediation, cyanobacterial biotechnology, and environmental microbiology. His research focuses on developing eco-friendly technologies for ecosystem restoration, bioremediation of toxic pollutants, and enhancing stress tolerance in crop plants. Dr. Ansari has extensive academic and research experience across leading institutions in Australia, Turkey, and India, where he has held postdoctoral, research, and teaching positions. He has received several prestigious international fellowships and awards for excellence in higher education and research, including recognition from the Governments of Australia, Turkey, and India. His scholarly work encompasses numerous publications in high-impact international journals, along with active participation in global conferences and collaborations. Dr. Ansari has served on editorial boards, research committees, and academic councils, contributing significantly to curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and interdisciplinary research initiatives. His dedication to advancing biological sciences, environmental biotechnology, and sustainable development has established him as a respected academic and researcher with an active role in promoting international scientific collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Manzoor, R., Ahmad, M., Munir, M., Zafar, M., Sultana, S., Ansari, M. K. A., Burkhan Sobirovisch, A., Bekhit, M. M., Idress, M., & Ozdemir, F. A., et al. (2025). Harnessing the potential of novel waste biomass feedstock (Caesalpinia crista L.) for producing clean energy via phyto-fabricated nanocatalyst (Al₂O₃). Waste and Biomass Valorization, Advance online publication.

Manzoor, M., Ahmad, M., Gillani, S. W., Zafar, M., Hussain, J., Ansari, M. K. A., Rizwana, H., Abid, I., Imran, M., & Jabeen, S. (2025). Micromorphological and ultrastructural exploration of Sorbus foliolosa (Rosaceae) populations from the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, Advance online publication.

Ansari, M. K. A., Turkyilmaz Unal, B., Javad, S., Vardar, F., Ansari, A. A., Ozturk, M., & Iqbal, M. (2023). Application of nanobiotechnology in enabling plants to overcome water-logging stress: A review. Agricultural Reviews, Advance online publication.

Turkyilmaz Unal, B., Ozturk, M., Owens, G., & Ansari, M. K. (2023). Plants as medicine and aromatics. CRC Press.

Ansari, M. K. A. (2022). A case study of medicinal plant conservation in the Jabalpur District, India. Journal Plantarum, December issue.

Álvaro López Zaplana | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Álvaro López Zaplana | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

R+D Manager at 3A BIOTECH,S.L, Spain

Álvaro López Zaplana is a Spanish molecular biologist and biotechnologist specializing in plant and industrial biotechnology. He earned his Biotechnology degree (2013–2017), Master’s in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (2017–2018), and PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (2018–2022, summa cum laude with international mention) from the University of Murcia, with part of his doctoral research conducted at the Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • 🎓 Bachelor’s in Biotechnology – University of Murcia (2017)

  • 🧠 Master’s in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – IMIB (2018)

  • 🎓 PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – University of Murcia & CEBAS-CSIC (2022)

  • 📚 Pursuing Double Master’s: Project Management & MBA – ENEB (2025)

🧪 Research Focus:

Álvaro’s expertise centers on aquaporins, transcriptomics, and fermentation bioprocesses. He has contributed to 5 research projects (led 3), authored 12+ scientific articles, and collaborated across Europe, including Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and IBMCP-CSIC.

💼 Current Roles:

  • 🧬 R&D Manager – 3A Biotech

  • 🎓 External Collaborator & Thesis Supervisor – International University of Valencia (VIU)

  • ✍️ Guest Editor – MDPI (Journal: Agriculture)

🧑‍🏫 Teaching & Mentorship:

He has supervised 9 Master’s theses in bioinformatics, neurobiology, pharmacology, and omics, actively mentoring students in academic and lab settings since 2018.

📊 Entrepreneurial Spirit:

Beyond science, Álvaro has a strong business inclination:

  • 🏆 Winner of 5 university innovation awards (2020–2022)

  • 💡 Trained in entrepreneurship, leadership & finance

  • 🧠 Courses in cardiogenetics, nutrition, medical care, and digital marketing

🌍 Languages & Skills

  • 🇬🇧 English (B2), 🇫🇷 French (A2)

  • 💻 Bioinformatics, structural modeling, molecular diagnostics

🔬 H-Index: 8 (Google Scholar, 2024)

  • Published in journals like Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Environmental and Experimental Botany, and Scientific Reports

📊 Citation Metrics (as per Google Scholar):

  • Total Citations: 298

  • Citations Since 2020: 296

  • h-index: 8

  • h-index Since 2020: 8

  • i10-index: 8

  • i10-index Since 2020: 8

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Interrelations of Nutrient and Water Transporters in Plants Under Abiotic Stress
    G. Barzana, J.J. Rios, A. Lopez‐Zaplana, J. Nicolas‐Espinosa, …
    Physiologia Plantarum, 171(4), 595–619, 2021.
    Citations: 71

  2. Confronting Secondary Metabolites With Water Uptake and Transport in Plants Under Abiotic Stress
    J. Nicolas-Espinosa, P. Garcia-Ibañez, A. Lopez-Zaplana, L. Yepes-Molina, …
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(3), 2826, 2023.
    Citations: 51

  3. Discerning the Mechanism of the Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Effect on Root Cell Water and Nutrient Transport
    M.C. Martinez-Ballesta, N. Chelbi, A. Lopez-Zaplana, M. Carvajal
    Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 146, 23–30, 2020.
    Citations: 49

  4. Relationships Between Aquaporins Gene Expression and Nutrient Concentrations in Melon Plants (Cucumis melo L.) During Typical Abiotic Stresses
    A. Lopez-Zaplana, N. Martinez-Garcia, M. Carvajal, G. Bárzana
    Environmental and Experimental Botany, 195, 104759, 2022.
    Citations: 31

  5. Foliar Mineral Treatments for the Reduction of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Cracking
    A. Lopez-Zaplana, G. Bárzana, A. Agudelo, M. Carvajal
    Agronomy, 10(11), 1815, 2020.
    Citations: 27

  6. Genome-Wide Analysis of the Aquaporin Genes in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)
    A. Lopez-Zaplana, J. Nicolas-Espinosa, M. Carvajal, G. Bárzana
    Scientific Reports, 10(1), 22240, 2020.
    Citations: 25

  7. Foliar Application of Boron Nanoencapsulated in Almond Trees Allows B Movement Within Tree and Implements Water Uptake and Transport Involving Aquaporins
    J.J. Rios, A. Lopez-Zaplana, G. Bárzana, A. Martinez-Alonso, M. Carvajal
    Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 752648, 2021.
    Citations: 17

  8. Aquaporins Involvement in the Regulation of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Cracking Under Different Nutrient (Ca, B and Zn) Treatments
    A. Lopez-Zaplana, G. Bárzana, L. Ding, F. Chaumont, M. Carvajal
    Environmental and Experimental Botany, 201, 104981, 2022.
    Citations: 15

  9. Water Relations After Ca, B and Si Application Determine Fruit Physical Quality in Relation to Aquaporins in Prunus
    F. Quirante-Moya, A. Martinez-Alonso, A. Lopez-Zaplana, G. Bárzana, …
    Scientia Horticulturae, 293, 110718, 2022.
    Citations: 7

  10. Gut Microbiota: An Immersion in Dysbiosis, Associated Pathologies, and Probiotics
    V. Origüela, A. Lopez-Zaplana
    Microorganisms, 13(5), 1084, 2025.
    Citations: 2

  11. Deciphering Arabidopsis Aquaporin Networks: Comparative Analysis of the STRING and BioGRID Interactomes
    A. Lopez-Zaplana
    International Journal of Plant Biology, 16(1), 28, 2025.
    Citations: 1

  12. Exploring the Mechanism of Blindness Physiopathy in Brassica oleracea var. italica L. by Comprehensive Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis
    A. Lopez-Zaplana, J. Nicolas-Espinosa, L. Albaladejo-Marico, M. Carvajal
    Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 206, 108304, 2024.
    Citations: 1

  13. Relationship Between Aquaporins Expression and B Concentration for Conferring Cold Stress Tolerance in Broccoli Cultivars
    A. Lopez-Zaplana, J. Nicolas-Espinosa, M. Carvajal, G. Bárzana
    Environmental and Experimental Botany, 187, 104466, 2021.
    Citations: 1

  14. The Impact of Semi‐Transparent Solar Panels on Tomato and Broccoli Growth
    A. Lopez‐Zaplana, L. Yepes‐Molina, P. Garcia‐Ibañez, …
    Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research, 5(5), 2300175, 2024.

  15. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Aquaporins as Molecular Markers of Resistance to Abiotic Stresses and Physiopathies
    Á. Lopez-Zaplana
    Proyecto de Investigación, 2022.

  16. Interrelations of Nutrient and Water Transporters in Plants Under Abiotic Stress (Book Chapter or Report)
    G. Bárzana González, J.J. Ríos Ruiz, Á. Lopez-Zaplana, J. Nicolás Espinosa, …
    John Wiley & Sons, 2021.

  17. Aquaporins Involvement in the Regulation of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Cracking Under Different Nutrient (Ca, B and Zn) Treatments (Preprint)
    M. Carvajal, A. Lopez-Zaplana, G. Bárzana, L. Ding, F. Chaumont
    Available at SSRN: 4088643

 

Iliya Mallam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Iliya Mallam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Kaduna State University Nigeria

Dr. Iliya Mallam is a Nigerian animal scientist and researcher specializing in Animal Breeding and Genetics. Currently serving as a lecturer at the Department of Animal Science, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Dr. Mallam has made significant academic and research contributions in rabbit genetics, livestock performance evaluation, and genotype-environment interactions. A passionate academic and an active member of Nigeria’s agricultural science community, he has participated in numerous national conferences and published extensively in reputable journals.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Mallam’s academic journey reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Nasarawa State University, Keffi in 2024. He previously obtained his M.Sc. in Animal Science (2016) and B.Agric. (Animal Science), Second Class Upper Division (2012) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His foundational education includes an SSCE from Government Secondary School Army Barracks, Keffi (2006) and First School Leaving Certificate from Kawo 1 Primary School (1999). He also holds a Diploma in Data Processing and Desktop Publishing (2011).

🧑‍🏫 Experience

With a robust background in animal science and genetics, Dr. Mallam currently lectures at Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus. His responsibilities include teaching, supervising research, and conducting field-based studies on livestock performance. His involvement in peer-reviewing for journals such as the Nigerian Journal of Animal Science (NJAS) and Biotechnology Journal International demonstrates his dedication to advancing scientific standards in agricultural research.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Mallam’s primary research interest lies in Animal Breeding and Genetics, particularly focusing on genotype performance, phenotypic correlations, growth traits in rabbits, and reproductive biology of livestock. He has investigated cross-breeding techniques, feed interactions, and genetic polymorphisms to enhance livestock productivity, emphasizing rabbits, sheep, and donkeys.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Though specific awards are not listed, Dr. Mallam has been recognized through his professional memberships, including being a Registered Animal Scientist (RAS) since 2022. He is also a dedicated member of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP) and the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN). His regular participation in national conferences and peer review activities is a testament to his scholarly impact.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

Below are selected peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Iliya Mallam, including publication years, journals/conference proceedings, and citation information where available:

Semen Profile and Morphology of Friesian × Bunaji Bull (2017) – Proceedings of 42nd NSAP Conference [Cited by 5 articles]
🔗 View Publication

Pre-weaning Performance of Different Genotypes of Rabbit (2017) – 6th ASAN-NIAS Joint Meeting Proceedings [Cited by 3]
🔗 View on ResearchGate

Influence of Genotype on Post-Weaning Growth Performance of Domestic Rabbits (2018) – Nigerian Journal of Animal Science (NJAS)
🔗 Download PDF

Distributions of Qualitative Traits in Donkeys (2017) – Journal of Animal Production Research, 29(2):231-237
🔗 Publisher Website

Effect of Feed Restriction in Weaner Rabbits (2018) – 43rd NSAP Conference Proceedings

Phenotypic Correlation in New Zealand White and Chinchilla Rabbits (2018) – 43rd NSAP Conference Proceedings

Interaction Between Rabbit Genotypes and Feeding Regimes (2018) – 43rd NSAP Conference

Effect of Vitamin C in Chicken Egg Yolk Extender (2018) – 43rd NSAP Conference Proceedings

Body Measurement in Crossbred Rabbits (2018) – 7th ASAN-NIAS Meeting

Analisis factorial de componentes principales con rotacion varimax de características zootécnicas de la oveja Uda

Predicting the effects of non-synonymous amino acid variants on protein function in prolactin receptor of cattle and chicken using the MEGA-MD algorithm