Ian Dubery | Biology and Life Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Prof Ian Dubery, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Prof. Ian Dubery is a distinguished biochemist specializing in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, and agricultural biotechnology 🌱🔬. With a Ph.D. (cum laude) from Rand Afrikaans University, he has held esteemed roles, including Research Professor and Director of the Research Centre for Plant Metabolomics 🌾. His research focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, defense mechanisms, and metabolomics, boasting over 216 journal publications 📚✨. An NRF-rated scientist with an h-index of 52 (Google Scholar), he has supervised 50+ M.Sc. and 23 Ph.D. students 🎓. His accolades include the Boehringer Mannheim Prize and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowships 🏆🌍.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Prof. Ian Dubery 🎓 earned all his academic qualifications in biochemistry with distinction (cum laude) from Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), Johannesburg, South Africa. He completed his B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Chemistry in 1975 🧪, followed by a B.Sc. Hons. in Biochemistry in 1976 📜. He achieved his M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1981 🥼 and culminated his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1986 🧬. Prof. Dubery’s outstanding academic performance reflects his dedication and expertise in the field of biochemistry, laying the foundation for his illustrious career as a researcher and educator. 🌟

Awards and Recognition

Professor Ian Dubery, a distinguished scientist, has received numerous accolades throughout his career 🌟. He was the highest academic achiever in Biochemistry and Chemistry (1975) 🧪 and earned B.Sc. (1975) and B.Sc. Hons. (1976) degrees with top honors 🎓. His awards include the Boehringer Mannheim Prize 🏅, Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships 🇩🇪, and the SA Biochemical Society Gold Medal (2016) 🥇. A globally recognized researcher with an h-index of 52 📊, he has been an NRF-rated scientist since 1998 🔬. Recent achievements include the Hertzog Prize for Science & Technology (2024) and NSTF finalist recognition in 2020 🌍.

Experience

Prof. Ian Dubery has been a distinguished educator and researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology since 1982, teaching at the University of Johannesburg. 📚👨‍🏫 He has supervised 50 M.Sc. and 23 Ph.D. students, fostering academic growth. 🌟 As a scientist, he has contributed extensively, publishing 216+ articles in international journals. 📝🔬 His research collaborations span prestigious institutions, including the Max Planck Institute and Salk Institute. 🌍💡 With leadership roles as Chair of Biochemistry and committee memberships in ethics and research, he has excelled in academic management and scientific innovation. 🏢📈 Prof. Dubery remains a prominent figure in biochemical research. 🧬✨

Mentorship and Impact

Prof. Ian Dubery is a dedicated academic and mentor, shaping the next generation of scientists with excellence. 🌟 Over his illustrious career, he has supervised 50 M.Sc. and 23 Ph.D. students, guiding them toward impactful research and scientific achievements. 📚🔬 His mentorship emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and scientific rigor, empowering students to excel in their respective fields. 🌱✨ With a passion for fostering academic growth and nurturing young talent, Prof. Dubery continues to inspire the scientific community. 🧪🎓 His legacy as an educator and mentor reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and building future leaders in science. 🌍👏

Innovative Focus

Prof. Ian Dubery is a distinguished scholar in metabolomics, plant protection, and biochemistry, whose groundbreaking work addresses contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges. 🌱🔬 His research explores the intricate biochemical mechanisms in plants, advancing our understanding of their defense systems and resilience. 🌿🛡️ Prof. Dubery’s contributions have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, providing innovative solutions to global challenges. 🌍💡 With numerous publications and impactful research, he remains a leading figure in the scientific community, inspiring advancements in plant sciences and beyond. 📚✨ His dedication to knowledge and innovation is shaping the future of agricultural sustainability. 🚜🌾

Research Focus

Prof. Ian A. Dubery’s research focuses on plant metabolomics, particularly in response to biotic stresses and defense mechanisms. His work integrates targeted metabolome and transcript profiling to understand plant chemical responses to pathogens like Pseudomonas syringae and Puccinia striiformis. He explores metabolite profiling of crops such as oats, sorghum, wheat, and barley, investigating the biochemical pathways triggered by infections and plant interactions with microorganisms. His studies contribute to improving plant resistance, understanding biosynthesis, and advancing crop protection strategies through the use of chemical and molecular profiling techniques. 🌱🔬🌾🧬

Publication Top Notes

Integration of targeted metabolome and transcript profiling of Pseudomonas syringae-triggered changes in defence-related phytochemicals in oat plants

Hordatines, dimerised hydroxycinnamoylagmatine conjugates of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): an appraisal of the biosynthesis, chemistry, identification and bioactivities

Data-Driven Characterization of Metabolome Reprogramming during Early Development of Sorghum Seedlings

Exploration of chemical interactions between Viscum combreticola Engl. and its hosts through a metabolic profiling approach and molecular networking

Metabolite profiling of susceptible and resistant wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars responding to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici infection

Shirley Silva | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shirley Silva, Unioeste, Brazil

Dr. Shirley Martins Silva is a dedicated botanist and professor at the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from UFPE, a Master’s in Plant Biology from UFPE, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Plant Biology) from UNESP. Her research focuses on plant anatomy, particularly in Cyperaceae, including Kranz anatomy, C4 photosynthesis, and xeromorphology. At UNIOESTE, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses and contributes to the Herbário UNOP. Dr. Silva is recognized for her work in plant taxonomy and ultra-structural studies. 🌿📚🧬

Academic

🌿 Dr. Shirley Martins Silva, a dedicated botanist and professor at Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE), specializes in plant anatomy. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Plant Biology) from UNESP in 2012, studying the anatomy of Cyperaceae with a focus on Kranz anatomy. Dr. Silva holds a Master’s in Plant Biology and a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from UFPE. Her research areas include plant anatomy, ontogeny, ultra-structure, and taxonomy, particularly in Cyperaceae. She teaches in undergraduate and postgraduate programs, contributing significantly to the field of plant science. 📚🌱📊

Research line

🌿🔬 O objetivo é compreender e relacionar a morfologia e anatomia de plantas nativas com aspectos taxonômicos e ecológicos, além de potencializar a produção vegetal a partir de estudos morfológicos e anatômicos. Esta pesquisa se insere na grande área das Ciências Biológicas, especificamente na Botânica, com foco em Taxonomia Vegetal e Morfologia Vegetal, destacando-se em Citologia Vegetal. As atividades são voltadas para o setor de outras atividades profissionais, científicas e técnicas, promovendo uma valorização e entendimento profundo dos ambientes naturais. 🍃🔍

Research project

Since 2021, the research team led by Elisete Maria de Freitas has been investigating the development of bioherbicides from Ilex paraguariensis and Hesperozygis ringens extracts as alternatives to chemical herbicides 🌿🔬. These studies focus on assessing the efficacy of these natural extracts against agricultural weeds like Echium plantagineum, Bidens pilosa, and Conyza bonariensis 🌱🚜. The research also examines the potential toxicity of these extracts on native plants, cultivated crops, soil microorganisms, and bees 🐝🌾. The ultimate goal is to develop environmentally friendly herbicidal products that promote sustainable agricultural practices 🌎🌱.

Awards

🎓🏆 In 2022, received the Prêmio Professor Aduc 3ª Edição from the Associação dos Docentes da Unioeste Cascavel. 🌟 In 2019, earned an honorable mention in the Grande área de Ciências Biológicas at the 5º Encontro Anual de Iniciação Científica, Tecnológicas e Inovação. 🌿 In 2017, received an honorable mention at the 3º Encontro Anual de Iniciação Científica, Tecnológicas e Inovação – 3º EAICTI, UNIOESTE. 🌱 Back in 2004, awarded an honorable mention for the work presented at the Sociedade Botânica do Brasil’s Prêmio Verde. 🏅

Research focus

Based on the provided publications, Shirley Martins Silva’s research focuses on plant morphology and anatomy, particularly emphasizing ecological adaptations and functional traits in various plant species. Her work spans across different biomes and ecosystems, including studies on leaf structure, seed germination, and the effects of environmental factors on plant growth. Silva’s research contributes to understanding plant biodiversity and conservation strategies, with a particular interest in Brazilian flora. 🌿 Her interdisciplinary approach integrates ecological insights with anatomical details, aiming to elucidate how plants adapt to their environments and respond to anthropogenic and natural changes.