Francisco A Macias | Allelopathy | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Francisco A Macias | Allelopathy | Excellence in Research Award

Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at University of Cadiz, Spain.

Prof. Dr. Francisco A. Macías 🌿 is a distinguished organic chemist specializing in allelopathy, the study of plant-chemical interactions. Born in 1956 in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain 🇪🇸, he has dedicated over four decades to researching natural bioactive compounds. As a professor at the University of Cádiz 🏛️, he has contributed significantly to organic chemistry, focusing on plant-derived allelochemicals for agriculture and medicine. His groundbreaking work spans biosynthesis, QSAR, and nanoencapsulations, earning global recognition, including Stanford’s “World’s Top 2% Scientists” 🌍. His research continues to shape sustainable agrochemical and pharmaceutical innovations.

Professional Profile:

Suitability for Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr. Francisco A. Macías is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award due to his outstanding contributions to organic chemistry, particularly in the field of allelopathy and plant-chemical interactions. His research has significantly influenced sustainable agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and ecological chemistry, making him a global leader in natural bioactive compound discovery and application.

Education & Experience 📚🧪

📌 Education:

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry – University of Cádiz, Spain (1984)
  • 🎓 M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry – University of Seville, Spain (1979)
  • 🎓 B.Sc. in Chemistry – University of Seville, Spain (1978)

📌 Professional Experience:

  • 👨‍🏫 Professor of Organic Chemistry – University of Cádiz (2000–Present)
  • 🏛️ Director of the Institute of Biomolecules (INBIO) (2014–2021)
  • 🔬 Vice-Rector for Research & Innovation – University of Cádiz (2007–2011)
  • 🎓 Dean of the School of Science – University of Cádiz (2002–2007)
  • 🏅 Visiting Associate Professor – LSU, USA 🇺🇸 (1987, 89-91-93-95-97)

Professional Development & Contributions 🔬🌿

Prof. Macías has significantly advanced allelopathy, uncovering the chemical interactions between plants and their environments. His pioneering research has led to the isolation, synthesis, and bioactivity testing of over 3,500 natural compounds 🧪. His contributions extend to nanotechnology, encapsulating allelochemicals for sustainable agriculture 🌾 and medicine 💊. His expertise in biosynthesis and QSAR has led to the development of natural herbicides 🌱, insecticides 🐛, and potential drug leads for diseases like cancer and COVID-19 🦠. As an educator and leader, he has shaped the next generation of scientists, fostering global collaborations in organic chemistry and ecological sustainability.

Research Focus 🔬🌍

Prof. Macías’ research explores plant chemistry to develop sustainable solutions in agriculture 🌿 and medicine 💊. His studies focus on allelopathic interactions, biosynthesis, and the synthesis of bioactive natural compounds. He specializes in sesquiterpene lactones, benzoxazinoids, and spiroditerpenoids, investigating their effects on weeds 🌱, human cancer cells 🦠, and SARS-CoV-2 🦠. His work includes innovative nanoencapsulation techniques for controlled release of bioactive compounds, optimizing their use in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. With a mission to harness nature’s chemical strategies, his research bridges traditional organic chemistry with modern sustainable applications 🌱⚗️.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • 🌍 World’s Top 2% Scientists – Stanford University (2021–2024)
  • 🏅 Gold Medal for Excellence in Research – The European 2001 Forum (2015)
  • 🏆 The Molisch Award – International Allelopathy Society (2011)
  • 🎖️ Gaditanian of the Year – Cadiz Athenaeum (2000)
  • 🥈 Silver Plate of the Provincial Council of Cádiz (2000)
  • 🏵️ Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Award – Phytochemical Society of Europe (1999)
  • 🎓 Agro-Environmental Sciences Award – Japan’s NIAES (1999)

Publication Top Notes

📄 Sesquiterpene lactones enriched-fractions obtained from Cynara cardunculus extract diaultrafiltration – 1️⃣ citation – 📅 2024

🌱 Ginger Phytotoxicity: Potential Efficacy of Extracts, Metabolites and Derivatives for Weed Control – 📅 2024

🌿 Phytotoxic Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones-Enriched Fractions from Cynara cardunculus L. Leaves on Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Species and Putative Mode of Action – 📅 2024

🧪 Dereplication of Bioactive Agave Saponin Fractions: The Hidden Saponins – 2️⃣ citations – 📅 2024

🌾 Bioprospection of Phytotoxic Plant-Derived Eudesmanolides and Guaianolides for the Control of Amaranthus viridis, Echinochloa crus-galli, and Lolium perenne Weeds – 6️⃣ citations – 📅 2024

🧬 Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones on Primary Cilia Formation (Ciliogenesis) – 2️⃣ citations – 📅 2023

🌾 Allelopathic studies with furanocoumarins isolated from Ducrosia anethifolia. In vitro and in silico investigations to protect legumes, rice and grain crops – 3️⃣ citations – 📅 2023

Ahmed LAALA | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahmed LAALA | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

University lecturer, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center of Mila, Algeria

Ahmed Laala is a dedicated lecturer-researcher specializing in Plant Ecology at the Department of Ecology and Environment, Institute of Natural and Life Sciences, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center in Mila, Algeria. With a deep-rooted passion for understanding forest ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes, Ahmed is actively engaged in research that has significant implications for conservation efforts in Algeria. 🌱

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Ahmed Laala earned his University Habilitation in 2021 from Frères Mentouri University, Constantine 1. He holds a Doctorate in Plant Ecology, awarded in 2016 for his thesis titled “Mapping the Thermal Variability of Forest Ecosystems in Eastern Algeria.” Prior to that, he completed his Master’s in Plant Ecology in 2009, focusing on the behavior of Aleppo Pine seedlings under thermal stress. His academic journey began with a State Engineer degree in Ecology and Environment in 2002, specializing in Forest Ecosystems. 🎓

Experience

Since his appointment at the Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Ahmed has contributed significantly to the academic community through teaching and research. His extensive work has focused on ecological modeling, habitat suitability assessments, and the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. As a lecturer, he plays a vital role in educating the next generation of ecologists and environmental scientists in Algeria. 📚

Research Interests

Ahmed’s research interests center on Plant Ecology, specifically the modeling of species distributions and the ecological impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. He is particularly interested in the conservation of endemic species, the influence of climate variability on forest dynamics, and the intersection of urban environments with natural ecosystems. His work aims to provide insights that are critical for effective conservation strategies. 🌍

Publications Top  Notes

Ahmed has a robust portfolio of publications that contribute to the field of Plant Ecology. Below are some of his significant works:

  1. Modeling the potential distribution and shift of an Algerian endangered endemic species (Cedrus atlantica) under climate change scenarios: Implications for conservation (2024) – Journal for Nature Conservation, 82, 126744.
  2. Predicting potential habitat suitability of Quercus suber L. in Algeria under climate change scenarios (2021) – African Journal of Ecology, 00, 1–12.
  3. The link between Covid-19 pandemic and air pollution in Algeria (2021) – Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences (BEPLS), Vol.10 (10), 115-122.
  4. “Apport des SIG dans la cartographie des arbres urbains de la ville de Mila” (2021) – Actes du Séminaire National sur « Les systèmes d’informations géographiques (SIG) et la gestion de l’espace urbain », 323-333.
  5. Mapping the Wildland-Urban Interfaces for Forest Fire Prevention in the Province of Mila (Algeria) (2020) – Journal of Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, Vol. 76(2): 76–90.
  6. Analyse spatiale de la corrélation entre les variables thermiques et l’activité végétative des forêts de l’Est Algérien (2019) – Agriculture and Forestry Journal, 3(2): 95-103.
  7. Interpolation spatiale des températures mensuelles en Algérie orientale (2017) – La Météorologie, n°98, 45-51.
  8. Réponse écophysiologiques du pin d’Alep aux contraintes thermiques (2016) – Éditions universitaires européennes (EUE). ISBN-13: 978-3841614612, 65p.