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

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

 

 

Anthony Romilio | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Anthony Romilio | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Anthony Romilio, The University of Queensland, Australia

Dr. Anthony Romilio 🦖🔍 is a trailblazing palaeontologist at The University of Queensland, specializing in digitizing and analyzing dinosaur trackways using Blender 3D and Python 🖥️. His innovative Dinosaur Behaviour Reconstruction Framework has reshaped the study of extinct species. Recognized as Australia’s top palaeontology researcher (2023-2025) 🏆, his discoveries—like dinosaur footprints on cave ceilings—captivate global audiences. A passionate educator and outreach advocate 🎓, Dr. Romilio inspires future scientists in schools and rural communities. His work extends to veterinary education, creating tech-driven resources to enhance student learning 🐾. An international speaker and citizen science advocate, his impact spans continents 🌍.

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education and Outreach

Dr. Anthony Romilio 🦖 is an award-winning educator at The University of Queensland, twice named ‘Most Effective Teacher’ by the Executive Dean of Science. 🌟 His dedication shone during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him awards for ‘Excellence in Response to COVID’ and ‘Outstanding Service to the School.’ 👨‍🏫 Dr. Romilio extends his passion beyond the university, bringing palaeontology to rural and Indigenous schools. 🏫✨ In collaboration with the Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre, he engages students with fossil plaster replicas and augmented reality dinosaurs, sparking curiosity and inspiring future scientists. 🧑‍🔬🦕

Research and Innovation

Dr. Romilio 🦖 has pioneered techniques using Blender 3D and Python 🧑‍💻 to digitize and analyze dinosaur trackways. His innovative tools extract trackway parameters and biometrics with precision, offering new insights into extinct species’ movement and behavior. His work enables the study of trackways stretching hundreds of meters with exceptional detail. Dr. Romilio’s Dinosaur Behaviour Reconstruction Framework integrates science and technology, advancing both research and education 📚. By applying machine learning to footprint morphology, he has transformed fossil track classification. His groundbreaking contributions earned him Australia’s top palaeontology researcher title for 2023-2025 🏆.

International Collaboration and Advocacy

Dr. Romilio 🌏 is a renowned speaker who has captivated audiences in China 🇨🇳, Korea 🇰🇷, and Germany 🇩🇪 with his expertise in palaeontology. A passionate advocate for citizen science 👨‍🔬👩‍🔬, he champions community involvement in preserving and studying fossil tracksites 🦖🦶. His dedication ensures these ancient footprints remain a vital part of scientific exploration for future generations. Through collaborative efforts 🤝, Dr. Romilio has revitalized long-overlooked sites, highlighting their importance and bringing them to the forefront of palaeontological research 🔍📜. His work continues to inspire and engage global audiences in the wonders of Earth’s prehistoric past.

Media Engagement and Public Recognition

Dr. Romilio’s groundbreaking research has captivated the public, with media coverage generating over AU$50 million in advertising equivalence. Notable discoveries include dinosaur footprints on cave ceilings, ancient crocodiles that walked like dinosaurs, and trackways of massive Jurassic predators. His ability to communicate complex scientific findings in an engaging and accessible manner has made him a prominent figure in bridging the gap between academia and the public. Through his work, Dr. Romilio has not only expanded our understanding of prehistoric life but also sparked widespread interest in paleontology. 🦖🦕📚🌍📸

Current Endeavours

Dr. Romilio is currently applying his innovative approach to developing educational resources for veterinary science undergraduates at The University of Queensland. His resources aim to enhance students’ clinical skills and boost their confidence, all while minimizing their reliance on live animal patients during early training stages. By incorporating cutting-edge technology into veterinary education, Dr. Romilio is revolutionizing how students are trained, ensuring they gain crucial skills in a more controlled and ethical environment. This work highlights his commitment to advancing education and professional development, making a lasting impact on the future of veterinary science. 🐾📚💡

Research Focus

Dr. Anthony Romilio’s research focuses on ichnology, particularly dinosaur tracksites and fossilized footprints. His work spans various aspects of paleontology, including the documentation and digital mapping of modern and fossil ichnological data, the reassessment of dinosaur tracks, and the use of photogrammetry to generate 3D models of tracksites. He has contributed to the understanding of dinosaur behavior, such as examining the potential stampede dynamics in tracks and analyzing large theropod dinosaur footprints. His research also extends to the evolution of venom and mimicry in animals. His interdisciplinary approach integrates digital technologies with paleontological methods. 🦖📊🖼️🌍

Publication top Notes

A standard protocol for documenting modern and fossil ichnological data

A reassessment of large theropod dinosaur tracks from the mid-Cretaceous (late Albian–Cenomanian) Winton Formation of Lark Quarry, central-western Queensland, Australia: a case …

The dinosaurian ichnofauna of the lower cretaceous (Valanginian–Barremian) broome sandstone of the Walmadany area (James Price Point), Dampier Peninsula, Western Australia

Reevaluation of the Lark Quarry dinosaur Tracksite (late Albian–Cenomanian Winton Formation, central-western Queensland, Australia): no longer a stampede?

The evolution of fangs, venom, and mimicry systems in blenny fishes

Coagulating colubrids: Evolutionary, pathophysiological and biodiscovery implications of venom variations between boomslang (Dispholidus typus) and twig snake (Thelotornis …

Photogrammetry in ichnology: 3D model generation, visualisation, and data extraction

Large dinosaurian tracks from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian–Turonian) portion of the Winton Formation, Lark Quarry, central-western Queensland, Australia: 3D photogrammetric …

 

Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi, Henan Agricultural University, China

Based on Syed Muhammad Zaigham Abbas Naqvi’s education, experience, and publications, he presents a strong case for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agriculture Engineering at Henan Agriculture University, China (2019-present) 🌾📚. Earned a Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing from NISTE, Islamabad, in 2017 🌍🛰️. Completed an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, in 2017 🌱👨‍🎓, where they also obtained a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture in 2015 🌿. Earlier education includes an F.Sc. (Pre-Medical) from FBISE in 2011 🧬🔬 and matriculation in Science from FBISE in 2009 🔭🔢. Their academic journey reflects a strong dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and practices 🌾📊.

Experience

From 2018 to 2019, I served as the Sales Area Manager at Jaffer Agro Services Private Limited, where I honed my leadership and sales expertise 📈. Prior to this, from 2016 to 2018, I worked as a Research Assistant at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, focusing on agricultural research 🌾. During 2017-2018, I was also a Visiting Lecturer at the University Institute of Information Technology at PMAS-AAUR, sharing my knowledge with students 💻. In 2015, I completed an internship at the National Agriculture Research Council, Islamabad, gaining valuable hands-on experience in agricultural research 🧑‍🔬.

Advanced Research

His research focus includes UAV-based precision agriculture, remote sensing, and plant hormone detection using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. These cutting-edge methods make him a pioneer in digital agriculture, especially with his work in chlorophyll and yield estimation using multispectral UAVs.

Collaboration and Impact

His involvement in publications with international co-authors, including high-impact journals, reflects a strong collaborative network. His work on precision agriculture applications in 5G/6G technologies and molecular communication networks further demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach and innovation in agricultural sciences.

Research Contributions

His diverse range of research extends to improving agricultural monitoring through GIS and remote sensing technologies, making significant contributions to modernizing agricultural practices.

With numerous publications, his participation in professional trainings, and his experience in teaching and managing agricultural services, Mr. Naqvi’s portfolio shows a deep commitment to advancing agricultural technologies and sustainability, positioning him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication top notes

Real time estimation of chlorophyll content based on vegetation indices derived from multispectral UAV in the kinnow orchard

Applied surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in plant hormones detection, annexation of advanced technologies: A review

Real time estimation of leaf area index and groundnut yield using multispectral UAV

Unmanned air vehicle based high resolution imagery for chlorophyll estimation using spectrally modified vegetation indices in vertical hierarchy of citrus grove

Application of unmanned aerial vehicles in precision agriculture

Ultrasensitive detection of plant hormone abscisic acid-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy aptamer sensor

Metal oxides and ultraviolet light-based photocatalytic pretreatment of biomass for biogas production and lignin oxidation

Remote estimation of wheat yield based on vegetation indices derived from time series data of Landsat 8 imagery.

Quantification of biochemical compounds in Bauhinia Variegata Linn flower extract and its hepatoprotective effect

 

 

 

 

Zoia Arshad Awan | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zoia Arshad Awan | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zoia Arshad Awan, Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown. Ireland

Zoia Arshad Awan is a seasoned researcher specializing in plant pathology and horticulture. 🌿 With a Ph.D. from the University of the Punjab, she has significantly contributed to studies on biocontrol of plant pathogens and the improvement of crop productivity. 🌾 As a Research Officer at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, she leads innovative projects in vertical farming and hydroponics. Previously, she provided technical insights at WWF-Pakistan and contributed to various research roles at the University of the Punjab and The University of Queensland. 🌍 Her extensive publication record includes impactful research in plant disease management and agricultural sustainability. 📚

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Zoia Arshad Awan earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (Plant Pathology) from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, with a 3.76/4.00 CGPA. Their thesis focused on the “Antifungal Potential of Bacterial Bioactive Products and Plant Nutrients in Managing Early Blight Disease of Tomato.” They completed their M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture Plant Pathology with a 3.93/4.00 CGPA, researching “A Polyphasic Approach to the Identification of Aspergillus Section Flavi.” Their B.Sc. (Hons.) in the same field had a 3.51/4.00 CGPA, with a report on “Isolation, Purification, and Identification of Phyto-pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi from Guava Orchards.” 🌱🔬📚

Experience

Dr. Zoia Arshad Awan🌿 is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in horticulture and sustainable agriculture. Currently serving as a Research Officer at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin, Ireland (02/2023-09/2024), they focus on designing and managing research in protected and semi-protected horticulture. Previously, they worked at WWF-Pakistan (08/2020-02/2023), providing technical inputs and building field research capacity. They also contributed as a Research Assistant at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan (10/2015-02/2020), and gained international experience as a Visiting Researcher at The University of Queensland, Australia (12/2019-10/2019). Their early career includes roles at the First Fungal Culture Bank of Pakistan and as a Research Intern at WMTI, Lahore. 🌱📈

Awards

Awarded the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, during Ph.D. studies 🎓. Received the prestigious Doctoral Programme Coordination Committee (DPCC) merit scholarship from the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 🏅. Completed an MPhil degree with distinction, showcasing exceptional academic performance 🌟. Earned internal merit scholarships during M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Hons.), highlighting a consistent record of excellence and dedication to academic achievements 📚.

Research focus

Based on the listed publications, the research focus of A Shoaib revolves around plant pathology, specifically in developing resistance strategies for tomato plants against early blight disease. The studies explore various approaches such as using antagonistic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and different fertilizers to induce disease resistance. Additionally, Shoaib investigates the biochemical and physiological responses of plants to stressors like heavy metals and pathogens, including the role of antioxidant enzymes and exogenous compounds. This research contributes to improving plant health and disease management in agricultural settings. 🌱🦠🔬

Publication top notes

Variations in total phenolics and antioxidant enzymes cause phenotypic variability and differential resistant response in tomato genotypes against early blight disease

Intervention of antagonistic bacteria as a potential inducer of disease resistance in tomato to mitigate early blight

Combating early blight infection by employing Bacillus subtilis in combination with plant fertilizers

Crosstalk of Zn in combination with other fertilizers underpins interactive effects and induces resistance in tomato plant against early blight disease

Macrophomina phaseolina alters the biochemical pathway in Vigna radiata chastened by Zn2+ and FYM to improve plant growth

Exogenous melatonin alleviates cadmium-induced inhibition of growth and photosynthesis through upregulating antioxidant defense system in strawberry

Anti-mycotic potential of Trichoderma spp. and leaf biomass of Azadirachta indica against the charcoal rot pathogen, Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid in …

Chromium tolerance, oxidative stress response, morphological characteristics, and FTIR studies of phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii

Contending charcoal rot disease of mungbean by employing biocontrol Ochrobactrum ciceri and zinc

Antifungal potential of volatiles produced by Bacillus subtilis BS-01 against Alternaria solani in Solanum lycopersicum