Kawther Akbar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Kawther Akbar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Kuwait university | Kuwait

Kawther Akbar is a passionate Kuwaiti biotechnology researcher with a background in both biomedical engineering and genetic research. With a solid academic foundation and hands-on experience in molecular genetics and fiber trait analysis in dromedary camels, she has become a notable contributor to camel genomics and functional trait characterization. Her commitment to excellence in scientific exploration is highlighted by her growing publication record and multiple research awards.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Focused and Emerging Research Niche:

    • Kawther has specialized in a unique and impactful niche: the genetics of fiber traits in dromedary camels, which combines biotechnology, animal genetics, and industrial relevance.

    • This is an underexplored but valuable area, particularly important for the Arabian Peninsula and similar regions where camel-based industries have economic and cultural importance.

  2. Publication Record:

    • She has published two peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (Kuwait Journal of Science and Small Ruminant Research)—demonstrating early productivity in research.

    • These publications show an ability to take experimental work through to completion and dissemination.

  3. Recognition and Awards:

    • The Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023) affirm her academic dedication and peer recognition.

  4. Scientific Engagement and Visibility:

    • Strong record of poster presentations, including at international venues like the International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG) in San Diego. This reflects both scientific rigor and global outreach.

    • Her participation in workshops and coordination activities highlights her leadership and commitment to the scientific community.

  5. Interdisciplinary Background:

    • Her undergraduate degree in Medical Engineering and MSc in Biotechnology provide her with a broad, interdisciplinary foundation, allowing her to integrate engineering with molecular genetics.

🎓 Education

Kawther earned her MSc in Biotechnology from Kuwait University (2020–2024), where she delved into the molecular and genetic aspects of camel fiber variation. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor’s in Medical Engineering from Cardiff University, UK (2009–2013). Her academic path reflects a unique blend of engineering precision and biological sciences integration, paving the way for interdisciplinary research.

🧪 Experience

Her research journey began in 2013 with an undergraduate project at Cardiff University focused on micro-engineered polymer capsules for tissue repair under Prof. David Barrow. In 2022, she contributed to a mini research project under Dr. Hasan Alhaddad at Kuwait University, using genotyping by sequencing to explore genetic variations in camel hair types. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her advanced genomic studies.

🔍 Research Interests On Biotechnology

Kawther’s research interests lie at the intersection of animal genomics, molecular biology, and trait inheritance—specifically in camelid species. She focuses on genes like KRT71 and FGF5 to understand variations in hair shape and texture, aiming to improve classification and utilization of camel fibers for industrial and genetic applications. Her work addresses both scientific curiosity and regional agricultural needs.

🏆 Awards

Kawther’s dedication to research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors, including the Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and the Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023). These accolades reflect her academic performance, impactful research, and growing leadership in the Kuwaiti scientific community.

📚 Publications

1. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: May 2024

2. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Hair Shape Variation in Dromedary Camels”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: April 2025

3. “Hair Color at Different Camel Body Regions”

  • Authors: Bader H. Alhajeri, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2025

4. “Do Camels Have Ear Furnishings? Hairs of Inner and Outer Surfaces of Camel Pinna and FGF5 Longhair Variants”

  • Authors: Tasneem Maraqa, Amna A. Alrashid, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2024

5. “Superior Camel Fibers Due to FGF5 Variants”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Tasneem Maraqa, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2024

6. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Curly Hair in Dromedary Camels”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: January 2024

7. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula” (Preprint)

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: January 2024

8. “Optimizing the PCR Conditions for the Amplification of KRT71 Exons in the Dromedary Camel”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: March 2023

9. “Multi-Level Analysis of Dromedary Camel Hair Attributes Across Different Body Parts”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: March 2023

10. “Characterization of Dromedary Camel Fibers for Genetic and Industrial Uses”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: January 2023

🧾 Conclusion

Kawther Akbar stands out as a rising talent in the field of animal biotechnology. With her strong educational background, hands-on genomic research, and dedication to academic excellence, she is well-positioned to lead future innovations in camel fiber genetics. Her active participation in conferences and poster presentations reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing scientific dialogue. She is a worthy candidate for any award recognizing research innovation and dedication.

Rafiq Ahmad | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rafiq Ahmad | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Research associate | National Ilan University | Taiwan

Rafiq Ahmad is a dedicated researcher specializing in poultry nutrition, biotechnology, and animal sciences. With a strong academic background and extensive research experience, he focuses on improving poultry health and productivity through innovative nutritional strategies. His work spans multiple disciplines, including molecular biology, veterinary medicine, and fisheries, contributing to the advancement of sustainable poultry farming.

Profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards🎗️

  • Strong Research Output

    • Published multiple high-impact research papers in indexed journals (e.g., Animals, Fermentation, Animal Bioscience).
    • Research covers heat stress, probiotics, and gut health in poultry, which are crucial for sustainable animal nutrition.
    • Involvement in working papers and book chapters demonstrates ongoing contributions to the field.

  • International Recognition & Contributions

    • Acted as a reviewer for high-impact journals (Animals, Animal Nutrition, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition), proving expertise in peer-reviewed research evaluation.
    • Presented research at international conferences, including the BEST Conference in Taiwan (2024).

  • Academic Excellence & Awards

    • Received fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from National Ilan University (Taiwan), indicating academic merit.
    • Recognized for outstanding performance (ICI Life Sciences Award, 2014-2015) and Prime Minister’s Tuition Waiver Scholarship (Pakistan).

  • Technical Expertise & Methodological Rigor

    • Strong lab skills: qRT-PCR, cDNA synthesis, gut microbiota analysis, Western blot analysis, and solid-state fermentation.
    • Research applies molecular biology techniques to poultry nutrition, making it highly interdisciplinary and impactful.

Education 🎓

Rafiq Ahmad pursued his Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition (Biotechnology) at National Ilan University, Taiwan (2021-2024). Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition from the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan (2015-2017) and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the same institution (2009-2014). His academic journey is marked by excellence and a commitment to research-driven advancements in animal nutrition.

Experience 💼

Rafiq Ahmad has gained significant experience in academia and industry. He has served as a reviewer for esteemed journals such as Animals (March 2024), Animal Nutrition (September 2024), and the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (October 2024). He worked as a Project Assistant at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan (2017-2020) and as a Technical Services Officer at ICI Pakistan (2014-2016). His roles have enriched his expertise in poultry diet formulation, molecular biology, and veterinary medicine.

Research Interests On Biotechnology 🔍

Rafiq Ahmad’s research focuses on poultry nutrition, poultry diet formulation, molecular biology, animal sciences, veterinary medicine, fisheries, and ruminant nutrition. His Ph.D. thesis explores the efficacy of probiotics in mitigating heat stress, improving gut health, and enhancing growth performance in poultry.

Awards 🏆

He has received several prestigious awards, including the Fully Funded Scholarship for his Ph.D. at National Ilan University (2021-2024), the ICI Life Sciences Nationally Best Performance Award (Turkey, 2014-2015), and the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Tuition Waiver Scholarship for his Master’s degree (2015-2017). These accolades highlight his academic and professional excellence.

Publications 📚

  • Influence of heat stress on poultry growth performance, intestinal inflammation, and immune function and potential mitigation by probiotics

    • Authors: R. Ahmad, Y.H. Yu, F.S.H. Hsiao, C.H. Su, H.C. Liu, I. Tobin, G. Zhang, …
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 62

  • Probiotics as a friendly antibiotic alternative: assessment of their effects on the health and productive performance of poultry

    • Authors: R. Ahmad, Y.H. Yu, F.S.H. Hsiao, A. Dybus, I. Ali, H.C. Hsu, Y.H. Cheng
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 21

  • Management and control of coccidiosis in poultry—A review

    • Authors: R. Ahmad, Y.H. Yu, K.F. Hua, W.J. Chen, D. Zaborski, A. Dybus, F.S.H. Hsiao, …
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 17

  • Impact of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products on Growth and Productivity in Heat-Stressed Laying Ducks

    • Authors: Y.H.C. Rafiq Ahmad, Yu-Hsiang Yu, Felix Shih-Hsiang Hsiao, Hsiu-Wei Liu, Chin …
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1*

  • Probiotics as an Alternative to Antibiotics in Poultry

    • Authors: R.A. Abdul Qadeer, Qismat Ullah, Baitullah Khan, Muhammad Idrees, Noor …
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: Not provided

  • Role of Probiotics in Prevention of Avian Coccidiosis

    • Authors: Zulfiqar Ahmad, Hanif Ur Rahman, Rafiq Ahmad, Abdul Qadeer, Muhammad Ahmad …
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not provided

  • The Impact of Fermented Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid on Poultry Growth Performance Through Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Activation

    • Authors: Not provided
    • Year: Not provided
    • Citations: Not provided

Conclusion 🏞️

Rafiq Ahmad’s contributions to poultry nutrition and biotechnology are shaping the future of sustainable animal agriculture. His interdisciplinary expertise, impactful research, and dedication to improving poultry health make him a valuable asset to the field. With a strong foundation in academia and industry, he continues to drive innovation and excellence in animal sciences.

Qin-Mei Wang | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qin-Mei Wang | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Best Researcher | Shenyang Agricultural University | China

Dr. Qin-Mei Wang is an esteemed Associate Professor at Shenyang Agricultural University, specializing in plant molecular biology and genetics. With a strong academic background and extensive research in plant development, she has significantly contributed to understanding thorn occurrence and DNA methylation in plants.

Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards

  1. Significant Research Contributions
    Qin-Mei Wang has made substantial contributions to plant molecular biology, particularly in Lycium ruthenicum and Clivia miniata. Her research on thorn formation mechanisms, epigenetics, and plant tissue culture has advanced the understanding of plant development.
  2. Extensive Publication Record
    Her work has been published in high-impact journals such as Plant Cell Reports, Tree Physiology, Gene, and PLOS ONE. Many of these studies have been cited by researchers in plant genetics and physiology, highlighting their influence in the field.
  3. Diverse Research Expertise
    Wang’s studies encompass a broad range of topics, including genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, and plant tissue culture, demonstrating her multidisciplinary approach and adaptability in research.
  4. Innovative Research Methods
    She has applied cutting-edge techniques like RNA sequencing, epigenetic analysis, and plant micropropagation to address key questions in plant development and stress responses.
  5. Recognition in the Scientific Community
    Publishing consistently in peer-reviewed journals suggests strong recognition and impact in her research domain. Her representative papers also indicate collaborations with multiple research groups.

🎓 Education

Dr. Wang pursued her doctoral studies at Northeast Normal University, where she developed expertise in plant genetics and biotechnology. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her cutting-edge research in plant physiology and molecular biology.

💼 Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Shenyang Agricultural University, Dr. Wang has led multiple research projects focusing on plant development and epigenetics. Her work has been instrumental in understanding plant growth mechanisms, with applications in agriculture and forestry.

🔬 Research Interests On Biotechnology

Dr. Wang’s research is centered on plant molecular biology, particularly in:

  • 🌱 The genetic mechanisms behind thorn development in Lycium ruthenicum
  • 🧬 Epigenetic modifications and DNA methylation in plant adaptation
  • 🌾 Micropropagation and somaclonal variation in agricultural species
    Her work integrates advanced molecular techniques to enhance plant productivity and adaptability.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Wang has received numerous recognitions for her contributions to plant science, reflecting her dedication and impact in the field. (Specific awards can be included if provided.)

📚 Publications

Dr. Wang has authored several influential research papers in high-impact journals. Some of her key publications include:

  • Mechanism of Auxin IAA Inhibiting Branch Thorn Occurrence of Lycium ruthenicum Clone
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: Yingyue Jiang, Wen Liu, Lujia Li, Wenxin Chen, Yuliang Zhou, Yucheng Wang, Jianguo Cui, Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available yet (recent publication)
  • Chimeric deletion mutation of rpoC2 underlies the leaf-patterning of Clivia miniata var. variegata
    • Year: 2023
    • Authors: Yiming Wu, Yi Zheng, Weiman Xu, Zhihong Zhang, Lujia Li, Yucheng Wang, Jianguo Cui, Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available yet
  • The mechanism of bud dehyperhydricity by the method of ‘starvation drying combined with AgNO₃’ in Lycium ruthenicum
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Lujia Li, Qinxia An, Qin-Mei Wang, Wen Liu, Xinyu Qi, Jianguo Cui, Yucheng Wang, Haifeng Ke, Isabel Allona
    • Citations: Not available
  • The branch-thorn occurrence of Lycium ruthenicum is associated with leaf DNA hypermethylation in response to soil water content
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Ailin Yang, Xinyu Qi, Qin-Mei Wang, Hao Wang, Yucheng Wang, Lujia Li, Wen Liu, Yang Qiao
    • Citations: Not available
  • A novel micropropagation of Lycium ruthenicum and epigenetic fidelity assessment of three types of micropropagated plants in vitro and ex vitro
    • Year: 2021
    • Authors: Yue Gao, Jen-Tsung Chen, Qin-Mei Wang, Qinxia An, Jianguo Cui, Yongbin Zhou, Xinyu Qi, Lijie Zhang, Lujia Li
    • Citations: Not available
  • Leaf patterning of Clivia miniata var. variegata is associated with differential DNA methylation
    • Year: 2016
    • Authors: Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available
  • Regeneration of Clivia miniata and assessment of clonal fidelity of plantlets
    • Year: 2012
    • Authors: Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available
  • An evolutionary view of plant tissue culture: somaclonal variation and selection
    • Year: 2012
    • Authors: Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available
  • Direct and indirect organogenesis of Clivia miniata and assessment of DNA methylation changes in various regenerated plantlets
    • Year: 2012
    • Authors: Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available
  • cDNA cloning and characterization of UDP-glucose: anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase in Freesia hybrida
    • Year: 2011
    • Authors: Qin-Mei Wang
    • Citations: Not available

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Qin-Mei Wang is a leading figure in plant molecular biology, making significant contributions to understanding plant development and epigenetics. Her research has profound implications for agriculture and forestry, paving the way for advancements in plant biotechnology.