khosrow khalifeh | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

khosrow khalifeh | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr khosrow khalifeh, University of Zanjan, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khosrow Khalifeh is a leading Iranian biophysicist whose academic journey and research excellence have significantly advanced the fields of protein folding, bioinformatics, and molecular biophysics. Currently serving at the University of Zanjan, he specializes in investigating the structural dynamics of biomolecules and their functional interactions using experimental and computational approaches. His multidisciplinary teaching spans biophysical chemistry, radiation biology, and computational molecular biology. Dr. Khalifeh has authored several impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals and contributed chapters to prestigious Elsevier volumes. He is also known for pioneering work on luciferase proteins, chondroitinase enzymes, and the computational analysis of photoproteins. With over a decade of academic and research experience, his work not only enhances scientific understanding but also holds promise in areas like neurobiology and drug resistance. Dr. Khalifeh stands out as a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award due to his scholarly contributions, innovation, and commitment to education.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Khosrow Khalifeh’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in the biological sciences and biophysics. He earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, in 2010. His doctoral research focused on the kinetic and thermodynamic behavior of wild-type and mutant Firefly Luciferase (Lampyris turkestanicus), exploring the complexities of protein folding and unfolding. He obtained his Master’s degree in Biophysics from the same institution in 2005, working on chemical modification of lysozyme and its impact on protein refolding kinetics. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, in 2000. His educational journey, characterized by strong theoretical and practical engagement with protein chemistry, molecular interactions, and biophysical mechanisms, has laid a solid groundwork for his later work in advanced biomolecular research and computational biology.

Experience

Dr. Khalifeh began his academic career as an Assistant Professor of Biophysics at the University of Zanjan in 2010. Over the next seven years, he actively contributed to teaching and research in molecular biophysics, eventually being promoted to Associate Professor in 2017. His teaching portfolio is extensive, including courses such as Biophysical Chemistry, Molecular Biophysics, Radiation Biophysics, Bioinformatics, and Biological Sequence Analysis. He also covers advanced topics like computational molecular biology and the philosophy of biology. Throughout his tenure, his teaching evaluations have consistently exceeded expectations, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. His research integrates experimental biophysics and computational simulations, mentoring numerous graduate students while collaborating with national and international researchers. Dr. Khalifeh has built a reputation for combining innovative methodologies with solid pedagogical skills, and his ongoing efforts continue to shape the next generation of biophysicists in Iran and beyond.

Awards and Honors

Although specific awards and honors are not listed in the provided data, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khosrow Khalifeh’s distinguished academic trajectory and peer recognition can be inferred from his consistently high teaching evaluations, publication record, and contributions to edited volumes by Academic Press (Elsevier). His selection as a co-author for high-impact book chapters such as “Spectroscopic Methods to Study Protein Folding Kinetics” and “Chondroitinase ABC I in Spinal Cord Injury” speaks volumes about his expertise and scientific standing. Dr. Khalifeh’s work has been published in reputable journals like International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Spectrochimica Acta, Luminescence, European Biophysics Journal, and Scientific Reports. These accomplishments reflect peer recognition and academic influence, establishing him as a key thought leader in his field. His eligibility for the Best Researcher Award is further strengthened by this solid academic footprint and the originality of his contributions to biophysical research.

Research Focus

Dr. Khosrow Khalifeh’s research spans the intersecting domains of biophysics, bioinformatics, systems biology, and biotechnology. His primary focus lies in understanding protein folding and unfolding mechanisms, enzyme dynamics, and molecular interactions using both wet-lab experiments and in silico simulations. He has significantly contributed to the molecular study of photoproteins such as Mnemiopsin and enzymes like Chondroitinase ABC I and cyclomaltodextrinase. His research employs molecular dynamics simulations, structural modeling, and thermodynamic profiling to explore the functional consequences of site-directed mutations and ligand binding. Additionally, he has investigated protein-DNA interactions, protein engineering, and the biochemical effects of mutation-induced charge shifts, offering insights into disease-related protein dysfunctions and potential biotechnological applications. This cross-disciplinary focus positions Dr. Khalifeh at the cutting edge of biomolecular and computational biophysics, making his work highly impactful for both theoretical understanding and translational science.

Publication Top Notes

Interaction of lysozyme with gold nanorods: conformation and activity investigations

Roles of trehalose and magnesium sulfate on structural and functional stability of firefly luciferase

Thermodynamics of protein folding: methodology, data analysis and interpretation of data

Effect of arginine on pre-nucleus stage of interferon beta-1b aggregation

Critical role of a loop at C-terminal domain on the conformational stability and catalytic efficiency of chondroitinase ABC I

OCT4 spliced variants are highly expressed in brain cancer tissues and inhibition of OCT4B1 causes G2/M arrest in brain cancer cells

The role of trehalose for metastable state and functional form of recombinant interferon beta-1b

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. 🌱📚✨

Publication Profile

Orcid

Educational Background🎓

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. 🌱🔬📚

Professional Background👨‍🏫

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda, South Africa (2023–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). 🌱🔬📚

Research Focus 🔬

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 🌱, microbial community diversity 🦠, and biocontrol mechanisms against phytopathogens 🍄. He applies molecular techniques 🧬, including 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and whole genome analysis for microbial characterization. His work on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhances sustainable agriculture 🌾 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 🌍.

Publication Top Notes

Identification of a biomarker for Bacillus thuringiensis strains with high toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda 🦟🔬
Year: 2024

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

Efficacy of Peat and Liquid Inoculant Formulations of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strain WB74 on Growth, Yield and Nitrogen Concentration of Soybean (Glycine max) 🌾🧪
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. 🚀