Mohammad Reza Shokri | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mohammad Reza Shokri | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohammad Reza, Shokri Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Dr. Mohammad Reza Shokri is an esteemed Environmental Consultant and Associate Professor of Marine Ecology at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran. With over two decades of experience, he has led groundbreaking research in marine ecology, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and biodiversity conservation. His expertise spans marine baseline studies, artificial reef installations, and climate change impact assessments in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. He has collaborated with international organizations like ROPME, CEFAS, Statoil, and ERM, significantly contributing to sustainable industrial development. A prolific researcher, Dr. Shokri has extensively published on coral reef health, fisheries management, and marine ecosystem conservation. His commitment to marine biodiversity protection is evident through his SCUBA-certified underwater surveys and participation in the IUCN Seahorse Specialist Group. Recognized for his leadership in environmental science, he has received prestigious awards, including scholarships from the University of Newcastle and a pioneering research visit to Antarctica. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒฟ

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Mohammad Reza Shokri holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology and Conservation from the University of Newcastle, Australia (2004-2008), where he focused on selecting estuarine protected areas. He earned his M.Sc. in Marine Biology (Fish Biology) from Islamic Azad University, Tehran (1991-1994), specializing in fisheries management and marine ecosystems. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering (Animal Husbandry) from Islamic Azad University, Chalous (1989-1993), with a focus on marine and aquatic animal management. His education has provided him with a deep understanding of marine biodiversity, ecosystem conservation, and environmental sustainability. He has further enhanced his expertise through extensive fieldwork, technical reporting, and participation in global environmental research initiatives. His academic excellence has been recognized with prestigious scholarships, including the University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UNRS) and the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS). ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ 

Experience

Dr. Mohammad Reza Shokri has been an Associate Professor at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, since 2009, leading research and teaching in marine biology, conservation, and environmental impact assessment. As an independent Environmental Consultant since 2002, he has managed over 25 large-scale marine environmental projects for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, including EIAs and Marine Baseline Studies. His work spans projects for Statoil (Norway), ERM (UK), and CEFAS, ensuring global environmental standards. He has contributed to artificial reef designs, climate change impact studies, and biodiversity conservation. His expertise in marine ecosystem assessments has influenced industrial policies and conservation strategies in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Caspian Sea. His technical skills include advanced data analysis (SPSS, Primer, Canoco, Marxan), and he is SCUBA-certified for underwater biodiversity surveys. His extensive experience in academia, consultancy, and research makes him a leading figure in marine environmental science. ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿฌ๐Ÿ“Š

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mohammad Reza Shokri has received numerous awards recognizing his excellence in marine research and environmental consultancy. He was awarded the University of Newcastle Postgraduate Research Scholarship (UNRS) and the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) in 2004 for his outstanding Ph.D. research. In 2001, he became the first Iranian scientist to visit Antarctica, marking a significant milestone in his career. His contributions to marine ecology, biodiversity conservation, and climate change research have earned him recognition from international organizations, including ROPME and CEFAS. His work on coral reef health and marine protected areas has been cited extensively, contributing to global environmental policies. His role as a member of the IUCN SSC Seahorse, Pipefish & Seadragon Specialist Group highlights his commitment to marine conservation. Through his impactful research and consultancy, Dr. Shokri continues to shape sustainable marine environmental practices worldwide. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ ๐ŸŒ

Research Focusย 

Dr. Mohammad Reza Shokriโ€™s research focuses on marine ecology, environmental impact assessments (EIA), and biodiversity conservation in industrial development zones. He has led extensive Marine Baseline Studies (MEBS) to evaluate the ecological impact of oil, gas, and petrochemical projects, particularly in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. His work on artificial reef installations aims to enhance marine biodiversity and mitigate habitat destruction. His expertise extends to climate change impact assessments on coral reefs, addressing rising ocean temperatures and pollution. He employs advanced statistical modeling (SPSS, Primer, Canoco, Marxan) to analyze marine ecosystem data. His conservation efforts include policy development for marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries management. As a SCUBA-certified researcher, he has conducted underwater biodiversity surveys, shaping regional marine conservation strategies. His collaborations with global institutions like CEFAS, ERM, and ROPME highlight his influential role in environmental sustainability. ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿš๐Ÿ“ˆ

Publication Top Notes

Ahmed Idris Hassen | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ahmed Idris Hassen | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is a Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa, and an Adjunct Professor in Applied Microbiology at the University of Venda. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Plant Pathology from the University of Pretoria and has extensive expertise in soil microbiology, rhizobium-legume symbiosis, plant-microbe interactions, and biofertilizer development. A C-3 rated scientist by the National Research Foundation (NRF), he has led multiple projects on rhizobial inoculants, drought tolerance, and soil health. With over 1,100 citations and a strong Scopus & Google Scholar presence, his research significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

Publication Profile

Orcid

Educational Background๐ŸŽ“

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Plant Pathology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa (2003-2007), where his research focused on the efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for biocontrol and growth promotion in sorghum. He earned his M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (1998-1999), investigating the microbiological and biochemical aspects of traditional food fermentation. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Asmara, Eritrea (1986-1989), followed by secondary education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (1982-1985). His expertise spans microbial interactions, soil health, and plant pathology. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š

Professional Background๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda, South Africa (2023โ€“Present), contributing to research in Plant and Soil Sciences. Since 2009, he has been a Researcher in Applied and Soil Microbiology at the Agricultural Research Council, focusing on plant health and protection. Previously, he held a postdoctoral fellowship (2008-2009) at the University of Pretoria, working on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). He also served as a Senior Research Assistant (2007-2008) and Lecturer in Microbiology at Haramaya University (1999-2003). His early career included secondary school biology teaching (1990-1997). ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š

Research Focus ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen specializes in Soil Microbiology and Plant-Microbe Interactions, focusing on rhizosphere health and biological nitrogen fixation. His research explores Rhizobium-legume symbiosis ๐ŸŒฑ, microbial community diversity ๐Ÿฆ , and biocontrol mechanisms against phytopathogens ๐Ÿ„. He applies molecular techniques ๐Ÿงฌ, including 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and whole genome analysis for microbial characterization. His work on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhances sustainable agriculture ๐ŸŒพ through biofertilizers and microbial inoculants. Dr. Hassen also investigates microbial indicators of soil health and antibiosis mechanisms in plant disease control, contributing to eco-friendly agroecosystems ๐ŸŒ.

Publication Top Notes

Identification of a biomarker for Bacillus thuringiensis strains with high toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda ๐ŸฆŸ๐Ÿ”ฌ
Year: 2024

Symbiotic Performance and Characterization of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Rhizobia Occurring in South African Soilsย 
Year: 2022

Efficacy of Peat and Liquid Inoculant Formulations of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strain WB74 on Growth, Yield and Nitrogen Concentration of Soybean (Glycine max) ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿงช
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is a distinguished researcher in soil microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture, with over 15 years of experience. As a leader in multiple nationally and internationally funded projects, he has made significant contributions to biocontrol, biofertilizers, and rhizobium-legume interactions. Holding a National Research Foundation (NRF) C-3 rating, his research impact extends globally, reflected in his extensive publication record in reputable journals like Microorganisms, Scientific African, and Pest Management Science. With a Google Scholar H-index of 14, i10-index of 19, and 1169 citations (Scopus H-index: 10), his influence in the field is well-established. Additionally, as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda, he actively contributes to academia through teaching and mentorship. His innovations, including the development of elite rhizobial inoculants for commercial agriculture, further underscore his impact on scientific and industrial advancements, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. ๐Ÿš€