Zeineb JRAD | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zeineb JRAD | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Zeineb JRAD, Higher Institute of Applied Biology/ Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory-IRA, Tunisia

Dr. Zeineb Jrad is a dedicated food biotechnologist and researcher from Tunisia, currently serving as Maitre-assistant d’enseignement supérieur and Head of the Agro-food Department at the Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine. With a strong background in biological sciences and biotechnology, her research primarily focuses on antimicrobial peptides from camel milk and the bio-preservation of dairy products. She has contributed to numerous national and international projects, including PRIMA, ARIMNET, and PHC Utique, and has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, including 22 in indexed journals. Zeineb holds a notable h-index of 12 on Scopus and is recognized for her innovations, including a national patent for a camel milk-derived dairy product. She actively participates in scientific workshops, congresses, and collaborative research stays across Europe. Her work bridges traditional food technology and modern biotechnological approaches to improve food quality, safety, and sustainability in arid and Mediterranean ecosystems.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Zeineb Jrad earned her Doctorate in Sciences Biologiques et Biotechnologie from the Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Tunisia. Her PhD research was focused on the “Identification, characterization, and exploitation of antimicrobial activity of peptides derived from camel milk.” She later completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020–2021) at the Laboratoire d’élevage et faune sauvage, Institut des Régions Arides, Médenine, as part of the international ARIMNET2 “AROMATIC” project. Zeineb has also participated in several research stays, including at BioDyMiA Laboratory, Université Lyon 1 – ISARA Lyon (France), Platform ASIA at Université de Lorraine (France), and Centro Tecnologico de la Carne (Spain). Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to integrating scientific innovation with traditional food technologies. Through continuous training in areas like ISO 9001, food safety, market analysis, and experimental design, she has strengthened her foundation in both the scientific and practical aspects of food biotechnology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Zeineb Jrad currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Food Industry and Head of the Agro-Food Department at the Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine. She was previously engaged in the MOBIDOC project (2018–2020) with Société Crèmerie Général de Djerba and has collaborated on several national and international initiatives. Her professional journey includes participation in the PROCAMED project and leadership roles in educational development, such as the PAQ initiative for improving food science teaching. In addition to teaching and departmental responsibilities, she has contributed extensively to the organization of scientific workshops and conferences. Zeineb’s practical knowledge in dairy product innovation and research dissemination, coupled with her technical training in ultrafiltration, food additives, and traditional dairy production, makes her a prominent figure in the Tunisian agro-food sector. Her career combines research, teaching, field application, and international collaboration, enriching both academic and industry perspectives.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Zeineb Jrad’s work has been recognized through various national and international research projects and distinctions. She is the co-holder of a national patent titled “Préparation d’un produit lacté à base du lait de dromadaire ultrafiltré supplémenté à la poudre de datte” (N°026120, INNORPI Tunisia). Her contribution to the PAQ and PEJC projects highlights her commitment to educational reform and food preservation. She has also been a key contributor to several European and Mediterranean collaborative initiatives, including PRIMA, PHC UTIQUE, and ARIMNET2, where she worked on sustainable food systems and biopreservation. Zeineb has presented her findings through 10 posters, 18 oral communications, and has organized multiple scientific workshops and congresses. Her recognition in international forums and affiliations with prestigious platforms such as Scopus (h-index 12), ResearchGate, and Web of Science reflects her reputation and leadership in food biotechnology, especially in arid and Mediterranean contexts.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Zeineb Jrad’s research focuses on bioactive compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and biopreservation of dairy products, with a strong emphasis on camel and goat milk. Her work integrates traditional food processes like fermentation with modern techniques such as ultrafiltration to enhance food safety, quality, and shelf-life. She actively explores the biological activities of milk proteins, including alpha-lactalbumin and its hydrolysates. Zeineb has been involved in the development of functional dairy products, reformulation of meat products using camel meat, and comparative studies on microbial behavior in different milk sources. Her interdisciplinary research combines food chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, and sustainability, aiming to support small-scale producers and rural economies. She also contributes to the valorization of local animal resources and the innovation of artisanal fermented foods under projects such as PRIMA, PROCAMED, and AROMATIC. Her vision is to create safe, nutritious, and culturally rooted food systems through innovative biotechnological applications.

📚 Publications

  1. Effects of Operational Parameters Variation During Ultrafiltration Process on Goat Skim Milk (GSM) Concentration for Cheese Elaboration – Processes (2025) 🧀🔬

  2. The characterization of Lactobacillus strains in camel and bovine milk during fermentation: A comparison study – Heliyon (2024) 🐪🥛

  3. Reformulation of Tunisian Sun-Dried Merguez with Camel Meat: Characterization of Physicochemical and Compositional Changes – Foods (2024) 🌶️🥩

  4. Physico-chemical and antioxidant characteristics of goat milk kefir stored at refrigerated temperature – Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization (2022) ❄️🥛
    (Remaining 24 titles not provided; available upon request)

Hajar Pakyari | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Hajar Pakyari | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Hajar Pakyari, Islamic Azad University, Iran

Dr. Hajar Pakyari, born on September 16, 1981, in Shiraz, Iran, is an esteemed Associate Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch. With a dedicated career spanning over 18 years, she specializes in the biological control of agricultural pests, particularly focusing on the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis and its role in managing spider mite populations. As a pioneer female scientist in her field, she has been recognized as the youngest female Associate Professor in Iran and the first in Qazvin Province. Dr. Pakyari has contributed substantially through her research publications, book authorship, international conference presentations, and leadership roles, including heading the Department of Plant Protection. Her scientific excellence is acknowledged worldwide through various editorial responsibilities, such as her position as a Subject Editor for the Bulletin of Entomological Research. She continues to inspire through her impactful work in sustainable pest management and applied entomology.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Hajar Pakyari holds a robust academic background in Plant Protection and Entomology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Plant Protection from the Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch (1999–2002). Subsequently, she pursued her Master of Science in Entomology at the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch (2003–2005), where her thesis focused on the species diversity of soil mites in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park. Driven by her passion for integrated pest management, she advanced to obtain her Ph.D. in Entomology from the same institution (2005–2008), where she investigated the efficiency of the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis in controlling Tetranychus urticae under controlled conditions. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her expertise in pest control, biological diversity, and ecological studies of beneficial arthropods, establishing her as a specialist in agricultural entomology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Pakyari began her professional career as a full-time Faculty Member at the Department of Plant Protection, Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch in 2006, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor and Head of Department. From 2006 to 2008, she was also a Visiting Lecturer at the Science & Research Branch in Tehran. Her professional engagements include leadership as the Deputy of the Islamic World Women Scientists Network (2009–2024) and editorial duties as Subject Editor of the Bulletin of Entomological Research. She has managed several research projects on biological control, pest management, and pesticide effects on beneficial insects. Dr. Pakyari’s extensive peer-reviewing activity for renowned journals demonstrates her influence in the global entomological community. Additionally, she has shared her findings at key international congresses in countries such as the Netherlands, Tunisia, Thailand, and the USA, reinforcing her status as a leader in agricultural pest control research.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Hajar Pakyari’s outstanding scientific contributions have earned her multiple prestigious recognitions. She was honored as the Youngest Female Associate Professor in Iran and the first in Qazvin Province. Her pioneering research efforts led to her selection as Top Researcher of the Year at the Takestan Branch and the Young Researchers Club (2009), along with repeated recognitions in 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2024 at her university. As a long-standing member of the Elite Club of Young Researchers since 2001, Dr. Pakyari exemplifies academic excellence and leadership. Furthermore, she was acclaimed as the Provincial Top Researcher in Qazvin in 2020, underscoring her significant impact on regional agricultural advancements. These awards reflect her deep commitment to entomological science, particularly in biological pest management, making her a role model for aspiring researchers in Iran and globally.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hajar Pakyari’s research primarily revolves around biological pest control, with an emphasis on the predatory efficiency of thrips (Scolothrips longicornis) against spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) under varied environmental conditions. Her studies investigate factors such as temperature, photoperiod, and pesticide impacts on the life cycle, fecundity, and predatory behavior of beneficial arthropods. She has also contributed to understanding functional response models, development thresholds, and sublethal pesticide effects on beneficial mites and insects, aiming to enhance integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Additionally, Dr. Pakyari’s research extends to evaluating the influence of abiotic factors such as light wavelengths and heat stress on predator-prey dynamics. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical models and applied agricultural practices, ensuring ecological safety and sustainability. Through national and international collaborations, she continues to pioneer innovative approaches for pest management in crop protection systems.

📚 Publications

1️⃣ Effect of temperature on life-table parameters of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus urticae 🌿
2️⃣ Estimating Development and Temperature Thresholds of Scolothrips longicornis Using Models 🔬
3️⃣ Effect of temperature on consumption of Tetranychus urticae eggs by Scolothrips longicornis 🥚
4️⃣ Temperature-dependent functional response of Scolothrips longicornis preying on Tetranychus urticae 🌱
5️⃣ Prey stage preference of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🍃
6️⃣ Mutual interference of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🕷️
7️⃣ No choice prey stage preference and functional response of Scolothrips longicornis 🧩
8️⃣ Development Rate of Scolothrips longicornis at Various Temperatures 🌡️
9️⃣ The biology, life table and predation of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus urticae 🦟
🔟 Spatial distribution pattern of Tetranychus urticae and its predator Scolothrips longicornis 🗺️
1️⃣1️⃣ Species diversity of soil mites in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park 🌳
1️⃣2️⃣ First report of genus Evimirus for Iran 🇮🇷
1️⃣3️⃣ Oviposition model of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🐣
1️⃣4️⃣ Development and Life Table of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Mushroom 🍄
1️⃣5️⃣ Influence of temperature and host plant on Tetranychus urticae development 🌾
1️⃣6️⃣ Effect of temperature on reproduction of Scolothrips longicornis 🥚
1️⃣7️⃣ Development time and fecundity of Two-Spotted Spider Mite 🍃
1️⃣8️⃣ Functional response of predatory thrips under pesticide influence ☠️
1️⃣9️⃣ Lethal and sublethal effects of Fenpropathrin on Scolothrips longicornis 💀
2️⃣0️⃣ Sublethal and transgenerational effects of Abamectin on Scolothrips longicornis 🧬
2️⃣1️⃣ Temperature effects on Eotetranychus hirsti development on fig leaves 🍂
2️⃣2️⃣ Cannibalism in phytoseiid mites 🕸️
2️⃣3️⃣ Sublethal pesticide effects on Scolothrips longicornis feeding behavior ⚠️
2️⃣4️⃣ Sublethal pesticide effects on Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 🐞
2️⃣5️⃣ Spirodiclofen effects on Scolothrips longicornis 🧪
2️⃣6️⃣ Oviposition model of Ephestia kuehniella 🦋
2️⃣7️⃣ Development of pale damsel bug under temperature variations 🔥❄️
2️⃣8️⃣ Repellency of plant extracts on storage pests 🌿
2️⃣9️⃣ Mealybug avoidance of ladybird semiochemicals 🐞
3️⃣0️⃣ Development thresholds of Ephestia kuehniella for mass production 🏭
3️⃣1️⃣ Light cycle effects on Ephestia kuehniella in the lab 💡
3️⃣2️⃣ Photoperiod effects on Scolothrips longicornis life table 🌙
3️⃣3️⃣ Life table of Ephestia kuehniella at constant temperatures 📊
3️⃣4️⃣ Cold storage effects on Scolothrips longicornis 🧊
3️⃣5️⃣ Wavelength impact on Scolothrips longicornis development 🌈
3️⃣6️⃣ Predation rate of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🐜
3️⃣7️⃣ Light wavelength effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis 🌓
3️⃣8️⃣ Photoperiod effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis population growth 🌞
3️⃣9️⃣ Fenpyroximate effects on Scolothrips longicornis toxicity evaluation ⚠️
4️⃣0️⃣ Temperature impact on mass production of Scolothrips longicornis 🌡️
4️⃣1️⃣ Light cycles affecting predation of Phytoseiulus persimilis 🌅
4️⃣2️⃣ Heat stress effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis demographics 🔥

Nagamaniammai Govindarajan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India

Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Process Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India. She is an accomplished academician, researcher, and industry expert with over 21 years of experience spanning academia, corporate roles, quality assurance, research and development, and entrepreneurship.

Education:

Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan has an impressive academic record, with a Ph.D. in the development and optimization of nutraceutical and functional foods from amla, completed at SRM Institute of Science and Technology in 2014. She holds a Master of Technology in Food Technology and Biochemical Engineering from Jadavpur University (2004) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Food Processing and Preservation Technology from Avinashilingam Deemed University (2001). Her academic achievements have laid a solid foundation for her expertise in food technology, particularly in the research and development of functional and nutraceutical products.

Professional Profiles:

ORCID Profile

Professional Experience:

With over 21 years of professional experience, Dr. Nagamaniammai has held key roles in academia, research, and industry. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Process Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, she has contributed to teaching, research, and guiding postgraduate and doctoral students. Her previous roles include leadership positions, such as Professor and Head of the Department at AMET University, and Assistant General Manager in Quality Assurance and R&D at Sri Varadaraja Food Exports Pvt. Ltd., where she established quality systems and implemented innovative food processing solutions. Her expertise spans areas like new product development, quality assurance, and academic research, making her a versatile professional.

Research Interests:

Dr. Nagamaniammai’s contributions to research are evident from her roles in leading R&D projects at prominent organizations like Aachi Masala Foods. She has spearheaded the development of numerous innovative food products, including ready-to-eat meals, health mixes, and FMCG products. Her focus on integrating traditional and modern food technologies, coupled with her leadership in managing large research teams, has significantly advanced the field of food technology.

Publications:

1. Traditional weaning foods and processing methods with fortification for sustainable development of infants to combat zero hunger: a review

Journal of Food Science and Technology

2024-12 | Journal Article | DOI: 10.1007/s13197-024-06065-2

Contributors: Safreena Kabeer, S Jeroline Mary, Nagamaniammai Govindarajan, Musthafa Mohamed Essa, M. Walid Qoronfleh2. Effect of partial replacement of whole milk khoa with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) milk on biochemical and functional properties

Journal of Food Science and Technology

2024-09-19 | Journal Article | DOI: 10.1007/s13197-024-06082-1

Contributors: Divyadharshini Sivaraj, Nagamaniammai Govindarajan, Ravi Pandiselvam3. Impact of Different Processing Techniques on the Retention of Zinc in Foods

2024-04-02 | Book Chapter | DOI: 10.1201/9781003412472-19

Contributors: Nagamaniammai Govindarajan, Safreena Kabeer, Navin Venketeish4. Effect of drying technique on physiochemical and nutritional properties of Eleusine coracana (finger millet) porridge powder

Journal of Food Science and Technology

2023-12 | Journal Article | DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05806-z

Contributors: Safreena Kabeer, Nagamaniammai Govindarajan, Preetha Radhakrishnan, Musthafa M. Essa, M. Walid Qoronfleh5. Development of multigrain ready-to-eat extruded snack and process parameter optimization using response surface methodology

Journal of Food Science and Technology

2023-03 | Journal Article | DOI: 10.1007/s13197-022-05390-8

Contributors: G. Karun, Aryasree Sukumar, G. Nagamaniammai, R. Preetha6. Effect of different drying techniques on the nutrient and physiochemical properties of Musa paradisiaca (ripe Nendran banana) powder

Journal of Food Science and Technology

2023-03 | Journal Article | DOI: 10.1007/s13197-022-05498-x

Contributors: Safreena Kabeer, Nagamaniammai Govindarajan, R. Preetha, Kingsly Ambrose, Musthafa Mohamed Essa, M. Walid Qoronfleh7. Study on the Effect of Prawn (Machrobrachuim rosenbergii) Chitosan Coating on Peeled Shallot (Allium ascalonicum)

Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal

2019-12-31 | Journal Article | DOI: 10.12944/CRNFSJ.7.3.31

Contributors: G. Nagamaniammai, M. Chithra, M. Udhaya Ganga

 

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan is a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to food science, particularly in the areas of nutritional fortification, food processing, and sustainability. Her work directly addresses critical global challenges such as malnutrition, food security, and sustainable development.By further expanding her international collaborations, industry engagement, and public outreach, Dr. Govindarajan could amplify the impact of her research and establish herself as a global leader in food science and technology. She is a strong contender for this prestigious award, and her dedication to addressing pressing nutritional challenges makes her an ideal recipient.