Youssuf Ahmed Gherbawy | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Youssuf Ahmed Gherbawy | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor| South Valley University | Egypt

Prof. Youssuf Ahmed Gherbawy is a distinguished researcher in molecular microbiology and mycology, with extensive contributions to fungal identification, pathogen detection, biological control, and the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using fungi. His research has advanced both fundamental understanding and applied approaches in microbiology, addressing challenges in agriculture, food safety, and environmental sustainability. He has introduced molecular techniques such as PCR-based methods and molecular markers for pathogen diagnosis and mycotoxin detection, strengthening early detection and prevention strategies. Alongside his research, he has played a leading role in academic administration and teaching, guiding students and developing curricula across microbiology and botany disciplines. His work demonstrates not only scientific depth but also a commitment to applying knowledge for societal benefit. Through his publications and leadership, he has established himself as an influential figure in microbiological research and higher education. According to Scopus, his research impact includes 1,433 citations, 92 documents, and an h-index of 21.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Characterization and virulence of yeasts associated with neonatal thrush, BMC Microbiology, 2025.

2. Recent advances in chemical characterization, emerging applications, and biological activities of tea polysaccharides and their conjugates from leaves and flowers: A review, Review, Open Access, 2025.

3. Genotypic, Biological and Chemical Control of Fusarium Isolated From Different Crops With Zearalenone Toxin Detection, Journal of Basic Microbiology, 2025.

4. Characterization of Aspergillus tubingensis from Grains in Upper Egypt and Their Potential for Ochratoxins Production, Food Biotechnology, 2025.

5. Detection of Mycotoxins and Aflatoxigenic Fungi Associated with Compound Poultry Feedstuffs in Saudi Arabia, Microbiology Research, 2025.

Deyin Zhang | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Deyin Zhang | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Deyin Zhang | Lanzhou University | China

Dr. Deyin Zhang has established himself as an emerging researcher in animal genetics, epigenetics, and multi-omics with a particular emphasis on improving livestock production traits. His work integrates advanced genomic and transcriptomic methods to explore genetic regulation, feed efficiency, and adaptation in sheep, thereby contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications in sustainable animal agriculture. He has collaborated on projects funded at provincial and national levels, demonstrating recognition of his innovative approaches and ability to address critical challenges in animal science. In addition to his research output, Dr. Zhang actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for reputed journals and as a topic coordinator, showcasing leadership and academic service. His growing international collaborations and consistent scholarly contributions reflect his potential to advance precision breeding and livestock sustainability research on a global scale. Scopus metrics: 72 documents, 748 citations, and h-index 16.

Profile: Scopus |ORCID

Featured Publications

1. D. Zhang, et al., “TNNT1 gene expression and its polymorphism association with growth traits and feed intake in sheep,” Small Ruminant Research, 2025.

2. D. Zhang, et al., “Association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LMOD3 gene and feed efficiency in sheep,” Small Ruminant Research, 2025.

3. D. Zhang, et al., “Genome-wide association study identifies novel loci associated with feed efficiency traits in Hu lambs,” Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2025.

4. D. Zhang, et al., “Spatial heterogeneity determines the gastrointestinal microbiome signatures and ecological processes that govern bacterial community assembly in sheep,” Microbiology Spectrum, 2025.

5. D. Zhang, et al., “Analysis of ANO5 gene polymorphism and its association with fat deposition traits in Hu sheep,” Acta Agriculturae Boreali Sinica, 2025.

Xiaoqiang Wang | Plant Protection | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Xiaoqiang Wang | Plant Protection | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, China

Xiaoqiang Wang is a distinguished researcher in plant protection with extensive expertise in phytopathology, particularly in tobacco and other crops. His work focuses on identifying, characterizing, and managing plant diseases, including several first reports of novel pathogens in China. He has published a diverse range of studies, from antifungal compound development and microbial metabolites to advanced detection methods and nanotechnology-based plant immunity strategies, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary approach. Wang has also gained valuable international experience as a visiting scholar, reflecting a global perspective in his research. His contributions span both fundamental science and practical applications, enhancing crop protection and sustainable agriculture. While already highly accomplished, further engagement in high-impact interdisciplinary journals, large-scale collaborative projects, and mentoring initiatives could broaden his influence. Overall, Wang’s innovative research, scientific rigor, and dedication position him as a leading figure in plant protection and a strong candidate for recognition in the scientific community.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile 

Education

Xiaoqiang Wang completed his doctoral studies at Shandong Agricultural University, specializing in plant protection. During his PhD, he developed a strong foundation in plant pathology, microbiology, and disease management strategies, which laid the groundwork for his subsequent research career. His education emphasized both theoretical understanding and practical applications, including pathogen identification, disease control, and innovative methods for enhancing plant immunity. The training he received fostered a multidisciplinary approach, integrating microbiology, chemistry, and molecular biology to address challenges in agriculture. Wang’s academic background also included exposure to international research practices, later strengthened through collaborative and visiting positions abroad. This combination of rigorous training, practical problem-solving, and exposure to global scientific standards has enabled him to pursue innovative research projects and contribute significantly to plant protection science. His education has been pivotal in shaping his research philosophy, emphasizing both scientific rigor and real-world agricultural impact.

Experience

Xiaoqiang Wang has an extensive research and professional background in plant protection, spanning both academic and applied settings. He has held positions at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tobacco Research Institute and Shandong Agricultural University, focusing on the identification and management of plant diseases. His career also includes an international visiting scholar experience at Mississippi State University, which broadened his perspective and facilitated collaboration with global experts in plant pathology. Throughout his career, Wang has led multiple research projects on fungal and bacterial pathogens, developing novel detection methods, antifungal compounds, and plant immunity strategies. His experience encompasses field studies, laboratory research, and the practical application of scientific discoveries to improve crop health. By combining international exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained focus on innovative solutions, Wang has built a strong professional profile. His career demonstrates a consistent commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and agricultural practice.

Research Focus

Xiaoqiang Wang’s research centers on plant protection, with a particular focus on tobacco and other economically important crops. He investigates fungal and bacterial pathogens, aiming to understand disease mechanisms, pathogen-host interactions, and innovative control strategies. His work spans multiple disciplines, including microbiology, chemistry, molecular biology, and nanotechnology, enabling him to develop antifungal compounds, microbial metabolites, and plant immunity enhancers. Wang has contributed significantly to pathogen identification, reporting several novel diseases and pathogens in China. His research also emphasizes practical applications, such as developing rapid detection protocols and environmentally friendly methods for disease management. By integrating fundamental and applied approaches, Wang addresses both scientific questions and real-world agricultural challenges. His focus on innovation, combined with international collaboration, positions his research at the forefront of plant pathology. Overall, Wang’s work enhances crop protection, contributes to sustainable agriculture, and provides valuable insights for global plant health management.

Award and Honor

Xiaoqiang Wang has been recognized for his contributions to plant protection through various honors, including invited positions and distinctions that reflect his scientific reputation. His international exposure as a visiting scholar has further validated his research impact and global collaboration efforts. Wang’s work has earned recognition in prestigious journals, with multiple publications reporting novel plant pathogens and innovative disease management strategies. His contributions extend beyond research articles, encompassing practical solutions for crop protection and sustainable agriculture, which have been acknowledged by the scientific community. While specific award details are not listed, his career trajectory, leadership in research projects, and pioneering discoveries highlight the merit of his contributions. These achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing plant pathology and protecting agricultural resources. Wang’s combination of rigorous research, practical impact, and international collaboration establishes him as a respected and influential figure in his field.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Naringenin restricts the colonization and growth of Ralstonia solanacearum in tobacco mutant KCB-1
    Authors: Haoqi Shi, Jiale Jiang, Wen Yu, Yazhi Cheng, Shengxin Wu, Hao Zong, Xiaoqiang Wang, Anming Ding, Weifeng Wang, Yuhe Sun
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 10

  • Title: First Report of Leaf Spot on Cucumis melo Caused by Arcopilus aureus in China
    Authors: Chengjian Wei, Wenhui Zhang, Jinchang Liang, Lizheng Cui, Zhenzhen Cui, Wenjing Wang, Dejie Cheng, Xiaoqiang Wang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Production of antifungal iturins from vegetable straw: A combined chemical-bacterial process
    Authors: Yuan Yuan, Depeng Chu, Jiajun Fan, Zhenzhen Cui, Rui Wang, Han Zhang, Xiangwei You, Yiqiang Li, Xiaoqiang Wang
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10

  • Title: First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot on Tobacco Caused by Pseudomonas psychrotolerans in China
    Authors: Yichi Li, Dongkun Wang, Shoutao Cao, Xiaoqiang Wang, Guangwei Ren
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

  • Title: First Report of Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Nigrospora oryzae on Nicotiana tabacum in China
    Authors: Dongkun Wang, Yichi Li, Guangjun Sun, Yongfeng Ai, Fenglong Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Fabrication of salicylic acid nanosphere for long-term induced immunity performance
    Authors: Chao Feng, Xingling Tian, Xiaoqiang Wang, Mengmeng Cui, Chuantao Xu, Weimin Wang, Wei Wang
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Characterization of diketopiperazine heterodimers as potential chemical markers for discrimination of two dominant black aspergilli, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubingensis
    Authors: Ce Xu, Kuo Xu, Xiao-Long Yuan, Guang-Wei Ren, Xiu-Fang Wang, Wei Li, Ning Deng, Xiaoqiang Wang, Peng Zhang
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 16

  • Title: Pseudomonas glycinae sp. nov. isolated from the soybean rhizosphere
    Authors: Jiayuan Jia, Xiaoqiang Wang, Peng Zhang, Lin Ma
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 23

  • Title: Antifungal Nafuredin and Epithiodiketopiperazine Derivatives From the Mangrove-Derived Fungus Trichoderma harzianum D13
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Xiaoyan Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Wei Li, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Anti-phytopathogenic Bacterial Metabolites From the Seaweed-Derived Fungus Aspergillus sp. D40
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Wei Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 4

  • Title: First report of Ficus carica bot rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea in China
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Wei Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Visual detection of Fusarium proliferatum based on asymmetric recombinase polymerase amplification and hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Wei Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 2

  • Title: Cloning and Analysis of Genes Controlling Antibacterial Activities of Burkholderia pyrrocinia Strain Lyc2
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Wei Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Development of a qPCR Protocol to Detect the Cotton Bacterial Blight Pathogen, Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum, from Cotton Leaves and Seeds
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Wei Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Application and Mechanisms of Bacillus subtilis in Biological Control of Plant Disease
    Authors: Xiaoqiang Wang, Wei Li, Xue Bai, Xuefei Wang, Xue Wang, Wei Li
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 1

Conclusion

Xiaoqiang Wang has established himself as a highly accomplished researcher in plant protection and phytopathology. His work spans the discovery of novel plant pathogens, development of antifungal compounds, innovative detection methods, and applications of microbial and chemical strategies for crop protection. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of his research demonstrate both scientific rigor and practical relevance, contributing to sustainable agriculture and global plant health. His publications in high-quality journals, coupled with international collaborations, reflect a strong influence in the scientific community. Overall, Wang’s consistent output of impactful research, innovative approaches, and dedication to advancing plant disease management positions him as a leading figure in his field, making him a strong candidate for recognition through awards and honors.

Nina Recek | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nina Recek | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

researcher at Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia

Nina Recek is a Slovenian researcher renowned for her contributions to surface engineering, material science, and antimicrobial testing. Born on December 29, 1986, in Slovenia, she has built a distinguished career in both academic and industrial research. Currently, she serves as a Senior Researcher and Project Leader at the Jožef Stefan Institute, where she leads innovative projects and multidisciplinary teams. With international experience in Australia, the United States, and Europe, she has demonstrated her commitment to advancing science globally through impactful collaborations, publications, and patents.

Professional Profile

Education

Nina Recek’s academic foundation is rooted in her deep commitment to science and innovation. She pursued advanced degrees that equipped her with expertise in material science and engineering. Her education spans prestigious institutions, culminating in doctoral research that paved the way for her groundbreaking contributions to surface engineering and biocompatible materials. Her training has provided a robust understanding of multidisciplinary approaches, enabling her to excel in collaborations across biotechnology, chemistry, physics, and microbiology.

Professional Experience

Nina’s professional journey reflects a trajectory of leadership and innovation. At the Jožef Stefan Institute, she leads key projects involving cutting-edge research and industrial applications. Her prior roles include a postdoctoral position at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, where she supervised PhD students and advanced interdisciplinary research. She also served as a research visitor at George Washington University, further enriching her global experience. Her expertise extends to patent applications, laboratory optimization, and innovative methodologies.

Research Interests

Nina’s research interests lie at the intersection of material science, surface engineering, and biocompatibility. She focuses on the synthesis of advanced materials, antimicrobial testing, and the development of biocompatible surfaces. Her work has significant implications for healthcare, industrial applications, and sustainable technologies. She is passionate about translating fundamental research into practical solutions, particularly in developing innovative methods for surface characterization and optimizing laboratory protocols.

Awards and Honors

Nina Recek’s achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards and honors. She was a recipient of the Australian Government Endeavour Fellowship, which highlights her as an outstanding researcher. She has also been invited to speak at international conferences in Vietnam, Japan, and Croatia, reflecting her global impact and leadership in science. Her patents and publications further demonstrate her innovative contributions, solidifying her reputation as a leading researcher in her field.

Conclusion

Nina Recek demonstrates exceptional qualifications as a candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive experience, innovative contributions, and international collaborations position her as a strong contender. Addressing areas such as broader visibility and leadership in larger-scale grants would further solidify her reputation in the scientific community. Overall, her track record and impact in research make her highly suitable for this honor

Publications Top Noted

  • Nanocarbon-Polymer Composites for Next-Generation Breast Implant Materials
    • Authors: Prasad, K., Rifai, A., Recek, N., Fox, K., Alexander, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
    • 📜✨🩺
  • Advanced Method for Efficient Functionalization of Polymers by Intermediate Free-Radical Formation with Vacuum-Ultraviolet Radiation and Producing Superhydrophilic Surfaces
    • Authors: Vesel, A., Zaplotnik, R., Mozetič, M., Recek, N.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
    • ⚡🌊🔬
  • Germination and Growth of Plasma-Treated Maize Seeds Planted in Fields and Exposed to Realistic Environmental Conditions
    • Authors: Recek, N., Zaplotnik, R., Vesel, A., Mozetič, M., Holc, M.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
    • 🌱🌾☀️
  • A Method for the Immobilization of Chitosan onto Urinary Catheters
    • Authors: Vesel, A., Recek, N., Zaplotnik, R., Kuzmič, K., Zemljič, L.F.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4
    • 🩺⚙️💧
  • Designing UV-Protective and Hydrophilic or Hydrophobic Cotton Fabrics through In-Situ ZnO Synthesis Using Biodegradable Waste Extracts
    • Authors: Verbič, A., Brenčič, K., Dolenec, M., Šala, M., Gorjanc, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 14
    • ☀️👗♻️
  • Effect of Oxygen Plasma Treatment on Wheat Emergence and Yield in the Field
    • Authors: Holc, M., Mozetič, M., Zaplotnik, R., Gselman, P., Recek, N.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
    • 🌾💨🧪
  • Surface Modifications of Wheat Cultivar Bologna upon Treatment with Non-Equilibrium Gaseous Plasma
    • Authors: Holc, M., Vesel, A., Zaplotnik, R., Gselman, P., Recek, N.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
    • 🌽🌀🔬
  • Biocompatibility and Mechanical Stability of Nanopatterned Titanium Films on Stainless Steel Vascular Stents
    • Authors: Yelkarasi, C., Recek, N., Kazmanli, K., Urgen, M., Junkar, I.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4
    • 🔩🩹🌟
  • Wettability and Water Uptake Improvement in Plasma-Treated Alfalfa Seeds
    • Authors: Holc, M., Gselman, P., Primc, G., Mozetič, M., Recek, N.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 15
    • 🌱💧💡
  • Approaches to Inactivating Aflatoxins—A Review and Challenges
    • Authors: Kutasi, K., Recek, N., Zaplotnik, R., Gselman, P., Primc, G.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 21
    • 🦠🛡️📚