Shyam Saran Vaish | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Shyam Saran Vaish | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Banaras Hindu University | India

Dr. Shyam Saran Vaish is a highly accomplished Professor and Former Head of the Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. He has devoted more than three decades to advancing plant pathology research, with special emphasis on wheat, barley, and mustard disease management. His pioneering work on the biological control of plant parasitic nematodes, host–pathogen interaction studies, and the development of resistant crop varieties has been instrumental in strengthening agricultural productivity and sustainability. As a dedicated teacher, researcher, and academic leader, Dr. Vaish has significantly contributed to both scientific knowledge and farmer-focused solutions, making him one of the most respected figures in his field.

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Education

Dr. Vaish earned his doctoral degree in Mycology and Plant Pathology from Banaras Hindu University, where his research on Catenaria anguillulae explored innovative biocontrol solutions for plant parasitic nematodes. His academic journey also includes a postgraduate degree in Mycology and Plant Pathology from the same university and an undergraduate degree in Agriculture with Honours from Meerut University. He is also a two-time qualifier of the ICAR-NET examination in Plant Pathology, demonstrating his exceptional command over the subject and research aptitude.

Experience

Dr. Vaish began his academic career as a lecturer before taking up a research and teaching position as Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at the Regional Agricultural Research Station under SKUAST-K in Leh, where he worked extensively on cereal crop diseases. Later, he joined Banaras Hindu University as Assistant Professor, steadily advancing through various academic ranks to become a Professor. His professional journey reflects deep engagement in teaching, research, educational administration, and scientific collaboration. He has served as editor for national journals, led organizing committees for major scientific events, chaired technical sessions in international conferences, and participated in expert monitoring teams for national crop improvement programs. His mentorship has guided numerous postgraduate and doctoral scholars toward impactful careers in plant sciences.

Research Interest

Dr. Vaish’s research interests span the biological control of plant parasitic nematodes through predaceous fungi such as Catenaria anguillulae, breeding of wheat and barley for resistance against Bipolaris sorokiniana and rust pathogens, genome-wide association studies for trait mapping, and exploration of soil microbial diversity for plant growth promotion. His work bridges fundamental and applied research, leading to the release of several disease-resistant and high-yielding crop varieties. He also actively contributes to the identification, registration, and conservation of valuable germplasm, ensuring genetic diversity for future breeding programs.

Awards

Dr. Vaish has received prestigious recognitions for his scientific and academic contributions, including the Best Teacher Award from his home institute and Fellowship of the Indian Phyto pathological Society. He has participated in several internationally sponsored programs and delivered invited presentations across Asia, Africa, and Europe. His leadership roles in organizing national and international symposia, as well as his participation in expert panels for crop monitoring and disease surveillance, highlight his influence in both scientific and policy-level discussions in agricultural research.

Publications

Title: Genome wide association studies (GWAS) of spot blotch resistance at the seedling and the adult plant stages in a collection of spring barley
Journal: Molecular Breeding
Published on: 2018
Citation: Cited by: 62

Title: First documentation on status of barley diseases from the high altitude cold arid Trans-Himalayan Ladakh region of India
Journal: Crop Protection
Published on: 2011
Citation: Cited by: 47

Title: Mining of Indian wheat germplasm collection for adult plant resistance to leaf rust
Journal: PLoS ONE
Published on: 2019
Citation: Cited by: 35

Title: Management of spot blotch of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana in wheat using fungicides
Journal: Indian Phytopathology
Published on: 2014
Citation: Cited by: 28

Title: Pathogenicity and development of Catenaria anguillulae on some nematodes
Journal: Mycological Research
Published on: 1996
Citation: Cited by: 25

Title: Identification of new donors for spot blotch resistance in cultivated wheat germplasm
Journal: Cereal Research Communications
Published on: 2018
Citation: Cited by: 19

Title: Distribution of Catenaria anguillulae Sorokin, a facultative endoparasite of nematodes in soils from different locations of India
Journal: World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Published on: 2002
Citation: Cited by: 15

Title: Techniques for selective isolation, semiquantification and rapid virulence testing of Catenaria anguillulae
Journal: Mycological Research
Published on: 1998
Citation: Cited by: 12

Conclusion

Dr. Shyam Saran Vaish exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher scientific innovation, academic mentorship, international collaboration, and a sustained commitment to agricultural advancement. His achievements in crop disease resistance breeding, biological pest control, and germplasm conservation have significantly benefited both scientific communities and farming systems. With a record of excellence in teaching, research, and leadership, he is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Muhammad Asrar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asrar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Government College University of Faisalabad | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Asrar is an accomplished academic and researcher currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He is widely recognized for his expertise in entomology, particularly Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and for his leadership in various academic and administrative capacities. Over the course of his career, he has made substantial contributions to teaching, research, and institutional governance, while also engaging actively in professional societies and editorial roles. His commitment to both science and service reflects a balance of scholarly rigor and organizational skill, earning him recognition at national and international levels.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Asrar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology from Government College University Faisalabad, where his research focused on developing pest management strategies for key agricultural pests in cotton. Prior to his doctorate, he completed both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, equipping him with a strong foundation in crop protection and insect biology. His earlier academic training in the sciences provided the basis for a career that integrates biological research with practical applications in agriculture and environmental management.

Experience

His professional journey encompasses a wide range of roles in teaching, research, and university administration. At Government College University Faisalabad, he has advanced from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, mentoring students, supervising research, and delivering lectures in zoology and related disciplines. Beyond teaching, he has served in pivotal administrative positions, including Deputy Controller and Controller of Examinations, Deputy Director of Advanced Studies, Assistant Registrar, and Research Officer. These positions have involved overseeing academic policies, managing examination systems, facilitating research approvals, and ensuring compliance with higher education standards. He has also represented his institution at numerous conferences, chaired scientific sessions, and contributed to academic boards and committees across multiple universities.

Research Interest

Dr. Asrar’s research expertise lies at the intersection of entomology, pest ecology, and sustainable agriculture. He has a particular interest in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), focusing on the control of insect pests such as jassids and whiteflies in cotton, as well as stored-product pests like Tribolium castaneum. His work integrates field trials, laboratory experiments, and molecular approaches to develop environmentally friendly pest control solutions. He is also engaged in research related to fisheries and molecular biology, expanding his scope to encompass aquatic ecosystems and genetic tools for species management. Through his research, he aims to reduce pesticide dependence, promote biodiversity, and support sustainable farming practices.

Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Asrar has been honored with multiple awards and distinctions in recognition of his academic excellence, innovative research, and outstanding service to the academic community. He has received commendations from university leadership for his dedication to institutional responsibilities and for organizing major academic events. Internationally, he has been awarded competitive travel grants to present his work at prestigious scientific forums. His achievements also include recognition for his administrative leadership, active participation in professional societies, and editorial contributions to well-regarded scientific journals. One of his notable honors is the Best Research Award for exceptional contributions to innovative research in science and agriculture.

Publications

Title: Foliar exposure of zinc oxide nanoparticles improved the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and decreased cadmium concentration in grains under simultaneous Cd and water stress
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 267

Title: Combined use of different nanoparticles effectively decreased cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains of wheat grown in a field contaminated with Cd
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 84

Title: 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase fuels multiple aspects of cancer cells: From cancer initiation to metastasis and chemoresistance
Journal: BioFactors
Published on: 2020
Citation: 58

Title: Effect of gibberellic acid and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on growth, antioxidant defense system and mineral nutrient uptake in wheat
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 55

Title: Physcion and physcion 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside: Natural anthraquinones with potential anticancer activities
Journal: Current Drug Targets
Published on: 2021
Citation: 46

Title: Exploration of polyacrylamide microplastics and evaluation of their toxicity on multiple parameters of Oreochromis niloticus
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Published on: 2023
Citation: 43

Title: Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 in cancer: A promising target for diagnosis and therapy
Journal: IUBMB Life
Published on: 2019
Citation: 35

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Asrar exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated scholar, effective educator, and capable administrator. His career reflects a continuous pursuit of scientific advancement alongside a commitment to strengthening academic institutions. With expertise that spans both fundamental and applied research, he has contributed to solving critical agricultural challenges while also shaping the academic environment through leadership and mentorship. His professional record demonstrates not only technical proficiency in zoology and pest management but also a vision for integrating research, education, and service for the broader benefit of science and society.

Dan Wu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dan Wu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Jilin Agricultural University | China

Dr. Dan Wu serves as an Adjunct Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Jilin Agricultural University under the prestigious “Class A Talent Introduction Program”. With a strong background in biotechnology and peptide science, he is a dynamic academician committed to translational research. Dr. Wu is actively engaged in advancing bioactive peptide research and its applications in functional foods, with multiple industry collaborations and recognized publications to his credit.

Author Profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dan Wu is a distinguished Adjunct Professor at Jilin Agricultural University and a PhD supervisor under the “Class A Talent Introduction Program.” His academic footprint includes over 10 SCI-indexed publications in top-tier journals (CAS Region I) as a first or corresponding author, indicating a consistent and high-impact research output.

He has also secured prestigious national and provincial research grants, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Fund) and other regional foundations. Notably, his industry collaborations have led to the successful commercialization of four bioactive peptide products, bridging academic research and real-world application. Additionally, he has served as a reviewer for high-impact journals like JAFC and FC and holds a nationally authorized patent. These combined achievements showcase his innovative research, leadership in academia, and industry relevance, all of which are key metrics for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Dr. Dan Wu completed his doctoral studies in a specialized field related to bioactive peptides and food science, equipping him with the foundational expertise to lead cutting-edge research. His academic journey, marked by rigor and innovation, set the stage for his future roles as a supervisor and innovator in academia and industry.

💼 Experience

Dr. Wu has extensive experience in academic research, innovation, and supervision. He is a reviewer for top journals such as Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (JAFC) and Food Chemistry (FC). As the chairperson for major scientific grants including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Youth Fund), he has contributed significantly to project evaluation and development. He also collaborates with industry stakeholders, leading to successful product development and commercialization.

🔬 Research Interests On Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Dr. Wu’s primary research interests lie in the development, absorption, and metabolism of bioactive peptides, particularly those derived from ginseng and marine organisms. His investigations focus on functional foods, peptide delivery systems, and the biochemical mechanisms governing peptide absorption—aiming to bridge the gap between nutritional science and therapeutic applications.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Dr. Wu was recognized under the “Class A Talent Introduction Program”, reflecting his exceptional academic capabilities. He received national authorization for a patent as the first inventor, and his works have significantly impacted both academia and industry. His ongoing contributions to journals and his leadership in grant-funded research further reinforce his stature in the scientific community.

📚 Publications

Dr. Wu has authored more than 10 SCI-indexed papers in leading journals from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Region I, such as Food Chemistry, Journal of Functional Foods, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Here are sample publications:

  • Wu, D. Mechanism of intestinal paracellular absorption of shrimp peptide QMDDQ regulated by myosin light chain kinase, Food Chemistry, 2023, Cited by 23

  • Wu, D. Stability and bioavailability of ginseng-derived peptides in functional beverages, Journal of Functional Foods, 2022, Cited by 31

  • Wu, D. Peptide-enriched chlorella extracts and their bioactive potential, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2021, Cited by 40

🧪 Conclusion

Dr. Dan Wu exemplifies a blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and industry impact. Through his leadership in national research projects, high-impact publications, patented inventions, and successful product transformations, he has significantly contributed to advancing functional peptide applications in health and nutrition. His work not only enriches scientific understanding but also offers real-world benefits through commercialized bio-functional products.