Aras Turkoglu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aras Turkoglu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Necmettin Erbakan University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aras Turkoglu, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Necmettin Erbakan University, is a distinguished plant geneticist and breeder renowned for his extensive expertise in crop improvement, molecular genetics, and plant biotechnology. His research focuses on uncovering the genetic basis of key agronomic traits in cereals and legumes, including wheat, barley, quinoa, cowpea, and forage crops, employing advanced approaches such as QTL mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and molecular marker-assisted selection. He has made significant contributions to understanding genetic diversity, population structure, and epigenetic variation under abiotic stresses including drought, salinity, and cold. By integrating conventional breeding with molecular techniques, including CRISPR-based gene editing and transgenic approaches, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aras Turkoglu develops stress-resilient, high-yielding cultivars. His pioneering work also explores the use of nanotechnology, plant growth-promoting bacteria, and exogenous bioactive compounds to enhance crop performance under environmental stresses. Leveraging high-throughput phenotyping, tissue culture systems, and machine learning algorithms, he has developed predictive models for growth, callus induction, and yield traits, bridging experimental and computational plant science. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, his research has garnered 1,294 citations overall (1,236 since 2020), an h-index of 19, and an i10-index of 48 (46 since 2020), highlighting his global influence. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aras Turkoglu’s work significantly advances sustainable agriculture by providing innovative solutions for global food security through the development of resilient, high-yielding crop varieties, combining fundamental genetic insights with practical applications in modern plant breeding.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Türkoğlu, A. P. A. P. P., Haliloglu, K., Cinisli, K. T., & Özkan, G. (2020). Application of zinc oxide nanoparticles and plant growth promoting bacteria reduces genetic impairment under salt stress. Agriculture, 10(521), 1–14.

  • Nalci, O. B., Nadaroglu, H., Pour, A. H., Gungor, A. A., & Haliloglu, K. (2019). Effects of ZnO, CuO and γ-Fe3O4 nanoparticles on mature embryo culture of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 136(2), 269–277.

  • Zeinalzadehtabrizi, H., Hosseinpour, A., Aydin, M., & Haliloglu, K. (2015). A modified genomic DNA extraction method from leaves of sunflower for PCR based analyzes. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 7, 222–225.

  • Hosseinpour, A., Ilhan, E., Özkan, G., Öztürk, H. İ., Haliloglu, K., & Cinisli, K. T. (2022). Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) and copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticle ameliorates DNA damage and DNA methylation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exposed to NaCl stress. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 31(4), 751–764.

  • Kutlu, M., Cakmakci, R., Hosseinpour, A., & Karagöz, H. (2019). The use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)’s effect on essential oil rate, essential oil content, some morphological parameters and nutrient uptake of Turkish oregano. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 17(2), 1–14.

Zhi Guo Wen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Zhi Guo Wen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Feed Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IFR CAAS) | China

Prof. Wen Zhiguo is a Ph.D., researcher, and doctoral supervisor, currently serving as the Chief Scientist of the Waterfowl Nutrition and Feed Innovation Team at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He also holds positions as Post Scientist of the National Waterfowl Industry Technology System, Project Leader of the National Key R&D Program Young Scientists, and Member of the Waterfowl Nutrition Branch of the National Animal Nutrition Steering Committee. Recognized for his outstanding scientific leadership, he has been honored as an Outstanding Young Talent of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and has contributed extensively to the sustainable development of the waterfowl industry in China.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Education

Prof. Wen obtained his doctoral degree in animal nutrition and feed science, specializing in nutrient metabolism and regulation in waterfowl. His academic background and research training provided the foundation for his expertise in nutritional value assessment of feed resources, optimization of feed formulations, and meat quality improvement strategies in waterfowl.

Experience

Prof. Wen has led multiple national and provincial-level projects, including those funded by the National Key R&D Program and the National Natural Science Foundation. His professional experience includes drafting the “Duck Husbandry Standards,” participating in the breeding of new meat duck varieties, and leading industry advisory groups for Sansui and fat liver meat ducks. Over the past five years, he has secured substantial research funding, developed patented technologies, and collaborated on international projects to advance feed efficiency and product quality in the waterfowl sector.

Research Interest

His primary research interests focus on nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolic utilization in ducks, precise evaluation of conventional and alternative feed resources, and the development of efficient feed utilization systems to reduce dependence on corn and soybean meal. Additionally, he investigates the biochemical pathways influencing duck meat flavor and nutritional quality, aiming to create healthier and more flavorful meat products that align with consumer demands.

Awards

Prof. Wen has received significant recognition for his contributions, including being named an Outstanding Young Talent of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Outstanding Communist Party Member of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Advanced Individual in Poverty Alleviation and Rural Revitalization. His awards reflect his exceptional research achievements and service to agricultural innovation and rural development.

Publications

Prof. Wen has authored over 100 academic papers, with more than 60 indexed in SCI journals, along with numerous patents and monographs. Selected publications include:

Title: Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis reveal threonine deficiency increases hepatic lipid deposition in Pekin ducks via reducing STAT phosphorylation
Journal: Animal Nutrition
Published on: 2023

Title: Feeding Laying Ducks Eucommia ulmoides oliv. Leaves Increases the n-3 Fatty Acids Content and Decreases the n-6: n-3 PUFA Ratio in Egg Yolk
Journal: Foods
Published on: 2023


Title: Dietary methionine deficiency stunts growth and increases fat deposition in Pekin ducks
Journal: Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology
Published on: 2022


Title: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Rubber Seed Oil in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 267.4 Macrophages
Journal: Nutrients
Published on: 2022


Title: Rubber seed oil supplementation attenuates immunological stress in laying hens
Journal: Poultry Science
Published on: 2022


Title: Severe choline deficiency induces alternative splicing aberrance in optimized duck primary hepatocyte cultures
Journal: Animal Bioscience
Published on: 2022


Title: Rubber seed oil supplementation enriches n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduces cholesterol contents of egg yolks in laying hens
Journal: Food Chemistry
Published on: 2019


Title: Effect of dietary stevioside supplementation on growth performance and intestinal microflora in broilers
Journal: Food & Function
Published on: 2019

Conclusion

Prof. Wen Zhiguo’s pioneering work in waterfowl nutrition and feed technology has significantly advanced the efficiency, sustainability, and product quality of China’s duck industry. His integration of biochemical research, feed formulation innovation, and industry standard development has not only reduced the sector’s reliance on traditional feed resources but also improved meat flavor, nutritional value, and market appeal. With a proven record of impactful publications, patented innovations, and leadership in both academic and industry settings, Prof. Wen is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, representing excellence in agricultural science and its practical application for economic and rural development.