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.

 

Pedro Crugeira | Biotechnology | Innovator of the Year Achievement Award

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