Ananta Vashisth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ananta Vashisth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi | India

Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a Principal Scientist at the Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She is an eminent researcher, educator, and extension specialist who has contributed significantly to the advancement of agricultural physics and climate-resilient farming systems. With more than two decades of professional excellence, she has developed innovative approaches in crop-weather modeling, yield forecasting, and weather-based agricultural advisories. Her work bridges the gap between scientific research and field-level applications, ensuring that farmers benefit directly from cutting-edge knowledge in agricultural sciences.

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Education

Dr. Ananta Vashisth pursued her higher education with distinction and excellence, consistently standing out as a meritorious scholar. She completed her graduation and post-graduation from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, where she earned recognition as a gold medalist at both levels. She later earned her doctoral degree from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Her doctoral research on the “Biophysical Characterization of Seeds Subjected to Magnetic Field” combined innovation with practical applications, establishing a strong foundation for her future scientific endeavors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has devoted her professional career to agricultural research, teaching, and extension. She began her journey as a scientist and steadily progressed to the position of Principal Scientist at ICAR-IARI. Over the years, she has worked extensively in the field of crop-weather relationships, agrometeorological services, and climate risk management. She has actively designed and delivered training programs for agricultural professionals, scientists, and farmers, equipping them with the latest tools in agrometeorology and resource management. Her contributions extend beyond research to include teaching and mentoring of postgraduate students and capacity building of agricultural extension personnel. Through her long service, she has not only advanced knowledge but also strengthened the interface between science and society.

Research Interests

The research interests of Dr. Ananta Vashisth focus on crop-weather modeling, micrometeorology, remote sensing applications, and yield forecasting under diverse climatic conditions. She has a deep commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate variability and change on agriculture. Her studies have improved understanding of how micro-environmental management strategies can enhance crop productivity and sustainability. She has been a pioneer in integrating advanced simulation models, statistical techniques, and agrometeorological tools for providing real-time advisories. Her work has continuously emphasized the translation of scientific results into actionable practices that directly benefit farmers and policymakers.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has received widespread recognition for her outstanding scientific achievements and leadership in the field of agricultural physics. She has delivered invited lectures at international and national platforms, served as a resource person in training programs, and contributed to several collaborative initiatives across institutions. She has been entrusted with responsibilities in major national projects and has actively represented ICAR-IARI in high-level scientific and policy forums. Her leadership in developing climate-smart agriculture strategies, together with her role in advancing weather-based advisory services, has established her reputation as a leading scientist dedicated to sustainable agricultural development.

Selected Publications

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has published extensively in reputed journals of international and national repute. Her publications are widely cited, reflecting the significance of her research contributions. A selection of her impactful works includes:

Title: Effect on germination and early growth characteristics in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds exposed to static magnetic field
Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology
Published on: 2010
Citation: 608

Title: Exposure of seeds to static magnetic field enhances germination and early growth characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Journal: Bioelectromagnetics: Journal of the Bioelectromagnetics Society
Published on: 2008
Citation: 314

Title: Growth characteristics of maize seeds exposed to magnetic field
Journal: Bio electro magnetics
Published on: 2017
Citation: 84

Title: Modelling soil water balance and root water uptake in cotton grown under different soil conservation practices in the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
Published on: 2017
Citation: 81

Title: Characterization of water distribution and activities of enzymes during germination in magnetically-exposed maize (Zea mays L.) seeds
Journal: Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics
Published on: 2010
Citation: 55

Title: Germination characteristics of seeds of maize (Zea mays L.) exposed to magnetic fields under accelerated ageing condition
Journal: Journal of Agricultural Physics
Published on: 2009
Citation: 53

Title: Weather based agromet advisories for enhancing the production and income of the farmers under changing climate scenario
Journal: International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science Technology
Published on: 2013
Citation: 47

Title: Wheat yield prediction based on weather parameters using multiple linear, neural network and penalised regression models
Journal: Journal of Agrometeorology
Published on: 2022
Citation: 43

Conclusion

Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a visionary researcher whose contributions have greatly advanced the understanding and application of agricultural physics and agrometeorology. Her career embodies a rare combination of academic brilliance, scientific rigor, and practical outreach to farming communities. By integrating modern technologies with field-based research, she has developed innovative solutions to address the challenges of climate change, sustainability, and food security. With her vast experience, scholarly impact, and commitment to agricultural advancement, Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University | Iran

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti is a globally recognized professor, researcher, and consultant specializing in organic farming, medicinal plants, and plant-based functional foods. With extensive academic, industrial, and leadership experience, he has contributed significantly to the development of herbal-based nutraceuticals, sustainable agricultural systems, and functional food innovations. His vision combines scientific rigor with practical applications, positioning him as a bridge between research and industry. Known for his integrity, patience, and inclusive leadership style, Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has established a reputation as an innovator whose work improves community health and advances global agricultural knowledge.

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Education

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti holds academic degrees in Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agronomy, and Agroecology from leading Iranian universities. His education was further enriched by advanced research training in medicinal and aromatic plants at the University of Massachusetts, USA. This blend of national and international education gave him both technical depth and a global outlook, enabling him to contribute effectively to agricultural science, biotechnology, and functional food research.

Experience

Throughout his career, Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has advanced from lecturer to professor, holding multiple leadership roles in universities, research centers, and innovation hubs. He has served as Head of Department, Chancellor, and Chief Editor of international journals, where he has influenced research strategies, promoted faculty development, and elevated institutional rankings. His leadership extended beyond academia into agricultural enterprises, where he has worked as a consultant to improve crop yields, develop natural food additives, and guide startups in medicinal plants. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing innovation and technology centers, mentoring young scientists, and guiding product development from laboratory findings to market-ready solutions.

Research Interests

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti’s primary research interests lie in organic farming systems, medicinal and aromatic plants, ethnobotany, and plant-based functional foods. He focuses on the bioactivity of plant compounds, their applications in pharmaceutical and food industries, and their role in sustainable agriculture. His work explores how natural elicitors, bio-fertilizers, and organic systems influence plant growth, essential oil profiles, and secondary metabolites. By merging traditional knowledge with modern agricultural biotechnology, his research addresses global challenges related to food security, health, and environmental sustainability.

Awards

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has earned numerous national and international awards, recognizing his exceptional contributions to science, teaching, and innovation. He has been consistently acknowledged among the top scientists worldwide, honored with prestigious national researcher titles, and celebrated for his publications and patents. His awards include distinctions for research excellence, authorship of influential books, innovation in agricultural products, and academic leadership. These accolades underscore his impact in both academic and applied sciences, while affirming his standing as one of the leading voices in agricultural and medicinal plant research.

Publications

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers across high-impact international journals. His publications cover topics such as organic farming practices, biochemical traits of medicinal plants, and applications of herbal extracts in food and pharmaceutical sciences. Some representative works include:

  • Interactive effects of drought stress and chitosan application on physiological characteristics and essential oil yield of Thymus daenensis Celak
    Journal: The Crop Journal
    Published on: 2017
    Citation: 363

  • Essential oil and chemical compositions of wild and cultivated Thymus daenensis Celak and Thymus vulgaris L.
    Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    Published on: 2013
    Citation: 318

  • Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Kurd tribe in Dehloran and Abdanan districts, Ilam province, Iran
    Journal: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines 
    Published on: 2013
    Citation: 295

  • Effects of drying methods on qualitative and quantitative properties of essential oil of two basil landraces
    Journal: Food Chemistry
    Published on: 2013
    Citation: 285

  • Exogenous application of chitosan on biochemical and physiological characteristics, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of two species of basil
    Journal: Scientia Horticulture
    Published on: 2017
    Citation: 238

  • Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils obtained from seven Iranian populations of Rosmarinus officinalis
    Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    Published on: 2017
    Citation: 196

  • Dehydration behaviour, mathematical modelling, energy efficiency and essential oil yield of peppermint leaves undergoing microwave and hot air treatments
    Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    Published on: 2016
    Citation: 186

Conclusion

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti is an exceptional academic leader whose research has transformed the understanding and application of medicinal plants, organic farming, and functional foods. With a remarkable publication record, impactful patents, and global recognition, he has consistently demonstrated innovation, academic excellence, and dedication to advancing science for societal benefit. His sustained contributions position him as an outstanding candidate for prestigious research awards.

Gulnar Ultanbekova | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gulnar Ultanbekova | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University | Kazakhstan

Dr. Gulnar Ultanbekova is an accomplished scientist and Acting Associate Professor of Biotechnology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. With more than two decades of dedicated service in microbiology and biotechnology, she has established herself as a leading figure in microbial research, applied agricultural biotechnology, and the development of innovative bioproducts. Her leadership at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology of Kazakhstan was instrumental in the creation of groundbreaking microbial preparations, including Rizovit-AKS and the antifungal drug Roseofungin-AS, both of which have been widely recognized for their scientific and practical impact. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to bridge fundamental research with real-world agricultural applications, earning her a reputation as a pioneer in microbial biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.

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Education

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, followed by a Master’s in Ecology, and culminating in a Doctorate in Biological Sciences from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. This strong academic foundation provided her with expertise in microbial ecology, soil microbiology, and applied biotechnology. Over the years, she has complemented her formal education with continued professional development, mentorship under leading academicians, and hands-on research in microbial innovations. Her educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges of soil fertility, crop productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices through microbial biotechnology.

Experience

Dr. Gulnar Ultanbekova professional career spans over twenty years in academic teaching, laboratory leadership, and applied research. She headed the Antibiotics Laboratory at the Institute of Microbiology and Virology of Kazakhstan, where she contributed to the development of novel antibiotics and microbial biofertilizers. In her role, she collaborated with agricultural enterprises to implement microbial technologies that improved soil fertility and crop yields in practical farming systems. She has authored several scientific books, guided numerous research projects, and supervised students in microbiology and biotechnology. Currently, as Acting Associate Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, she continues to balance teaching, mentorship, and high-impact research, ensuring the growth of both science and future scholars in her field.

Research Interest

Her primary research interests lie in microbial biotechnology, soil microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and the design of microbial biofertilizers. She has specialized in exploring plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria, and antibiotic-producing microorganisms. Her work focuses on the development of multifunctional microbial preparations that restore soil fertility, enhance crop yield, and support sustainable agricultural systems. Through her projects, she has developed microbial strains with high infectivity and growth-stimulating activity, patented bio-organic fertilizers, and applied technologies that are now being implemented in real agricultural environments. Her research philosophy emphasizes sustainability, ecological balance, and the integration of advanced science with practical farming solutions.

Awards

Dr. Gulnar Ultanbekova has been recognized at the highest national level for her significant contributions to science and technology. She was honored with the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan for her leadership in the development and commercialization of the antifungal drug Roseofungin-AS, a pioneering achievement in microbial biotechnology. Additionally, she has received the YEREN YENBEGI USHIN Medal from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in recognition of her exceptional service, dedication to academic excellence, and contributions to institutional growth. These prestigious awards highlight both her scientific achievements and her role as a transformative figure in biotechnology.

Publications

Dr. Gulnar Ultanbekova has published more than fifty scientific papers in national and international journals. Her articles address themes such as soil fertility restoration through nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria, the role of microbial biofertilizers in enhancing legume productivity, and ecological approaches to crop improvement. Representative publications include:

Title: Antifungal activity against pathogens of cereals and characterization of antibiotics of Streptomyces sp. strain K-541 isolated from extreme ecosystems in Kazakhstan
Journal: Agricultural Biology
Published on: 2018
Citation: Cited by 7

Title: Isolation and selection of nodulating bacteria from the rhizosphere of legume (Vigna radiata) and bean (Phaseolus lunatus) plants and enhancement of specific properties
Journal: BIO Web of Conferences
Published on: 2024
Citation: Cited by 1

Title: Effect of UV irradiation of PGPR bacteria on seed germination and plant growth of mung bean (Vigna radiata)
Journal: European Science
Published on: 2019
Citation: Cited by 1

Title: Agrochemical compositions of soils and rhizosphere microorganisms of Rosa potentilliflora Chrshan. et M. Pop. in the eastern and central parts of the Zailiyskiy Alatau
Journal: Ecological Processes
Published on: 2025

Title: The use of predatory fungi of the genus Arthrobotrys isolated from soils of farmland in Southern Kazakhstan to control nematode infections in tomato plants
Journal: BIO Web of Conferences
Published on: 2024

Title: Influence of halophilic microorganisms Bacillus sp. PK-1 on the growth and development of maize under irrigated saline soil conditions in the Turkestan region
Journal: Eurasian Journal of Ecology
Published on: 2020

Title: Study on the effect of biopreparations based on streptomycete strains on wheat growth under conditions of Fusarium oxysporum infection
Journal: Biology and Medicine Series
Published on: 2017

Conclusion

Dr. Gulnar Ultanbekova is a highly accomplished researcher whose career exemplifies the integration of fundamental microbiology with applied biotechnology for agricultural sustainability. Through her research, she has introduced microbial solutions that improve soil fertility, crop productivity, and ecological balance. Her publications, patents, and books showcase a lifetime commitment to advancing science and technology, while her awards affirm the national recognition of her achievements. With a proven record of innovation, leadership, and impact, she stands as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award, embodying excellence in scientific research and dedication to societal advancement.