Amanpreet K. Sidhu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Citation Awards

Amanpreet K. Sidhu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Khalsa College for Women | India

Dr. Amanpreet Kaur Sidhu is an accomplished Assistant Professor and researcher with over fourteen years of academic experience in biotechnology, spanning teaching, research, and departmental leadership across reputed institutions in India. Her expertise lies in bio-nanotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and recombinant DNA technology, with significant contributions to nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and their applications in agriculture and environmental sustainability. She is highly proficient in advanced molecular techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, Southern blotting, RFLP, transformation, and in handling fermenters for the production of enzymes, bioactive compounds, and other valuable metabolites. Her diverse research portfolio encompasses enzyme purification and characterization, enzyme-based bioremediation, endophytic fungi with biotechnological potential, metabolite production through fermentation, antidiabetic studies of medicinal plants, and biological control applications involving invasive species such as water hyacinth. With a strong publication record that includes impactful research articles, reviews, and book chapters, she has earned over 800 citations with notable h-index and i10-index scores, reflecting her scientific influence. She has served as Guest Associate Editor for Frontiers in Nanotechnology and continues to contribute as an editor and reviewer for leading international journals. A dedicated mentor, she has guided numerous postgraduate and undergraduate research projects and has played vital roles in organizing national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and academic events. She has also contributed to academic development through her involvement in curriculum committees, laboratory management, value-added course coordination, and initiatives under the DBT Star College Scheme. Recognized for her strong administrative capabilities, innovative academic contributions, and commitment to scientific advancement, Dr. Sidhu remains a driving force in fostering research excellence and interdisciplinary growth in the field of biotechnology.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Sidhu, A. K., Sharma, M., Shah, P., & Sandhu, S. K. (2025). CRISPR and RNA interference: Revolutionary tools for extending food shelf life and ensuring safety. Frontiers in Food Science and Technology, 5, 1609948.

Sidhu, A. K., Patil, S. N., & Gaikwad, V. B. (2025). Enhanced glyphosate degradation using laccase-immobilized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: A comparative study. Journal of Environmental and Water Nanotechnology, 10(2), 1–11.

Sidhu, A. K., Verma, N., Kaushal, P., & Agrawal, S. (2025). Fungal-mediated synthesis of multimetallic nanoparticles: Mechanisms, unique properties, and potential applications. Frontiers in Nanotechnology, 7, 1549713.

Sharma, M., Sidhu, A. K., Samota, M. K., Shah, P., Pandey, M. K., & Gangurde, S. S. (2024). Technological advancements in the CRISPR toolbox for improving plant salt tolerance. Discover Agriculture, 2(1), 1–31.

Kaur, K., Sidhu, A. K., & Brar, N. K. (2024). Bioactives in soybean: Health implications and transgenic improvement. Agrica.

Sidhu, A. K., Sharma, M., Agrawal, S. B., Bhavsar, P. P., & Samota, M. K. (2024). Nanomaterial strategies for enhancing plant resilience in the face of temperature stress. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 5(1), 60.

Salvatore Ceccarelli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Citation Awards

Salvatore Ceccarelli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Bioversity International | Italy

Dr. Salvatore Ceccarelli is a distinguished agricultural scientist and plant breeder recognized globally for his pioneering contributions to participatory and evolutionary plant breeding. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has been instrumental in developing innovative breeding strategies tailored for marginal environments and resource-poor farmers. From 1984 to 2008, he served as Director of the Barley Breeding Program at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), where he designed and implemented breeding approaches that emphasized farmer participation, sustainability, and adaptability to local conditions across Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. His leadership at ICARDA helped transform traditional breeding methodologies into more inclusive and resilient systems that addressed the challenges of climate change and food security. Following his tenure as program director, he continued as a consultant and later as a freelance expert, collaborating with international and Italian organizations on research, project design, scientific reporting, and training programs focused on participatory and evolutionary genetic improvement. Dr. Ceccarelli has been deeply involved in international initiatives such as the European SOLIBAM project, promoting biodiversity, agroecology, and genetic resilience through farmer-led experimentation. His work seamlessly integrates scientific rigor with social engagement, empowering farming communities to take an active role in crop improvement. Over the years, he has authored numerous scientific papers and reports, contributing significantly to the global discourse on sustainable agriculture and genetic diversity. Through his lifelong dedication to participatory research, Dr. Ceccarelli has established himself as a leading advocate for farmer-centered innovation, bridging the gap between science and society while advancing agricultural systems that are both equitable and ecologically sound.

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications

Raggi, L., Negri, V., & Ceccarelli, S. (2016, August 1). Morphological diversity in a barley composite cross-derived population evolved under low-input conditions and its relationship with molecular diversity: Indications for breeding. Journal of Agricultural Science, 154(8), 1210–1224.

Shakhatreh, Y., Baum, M., El Haddad, N., Alrababah, M. A., & Ceccarelli, S. (2016, June 1). Assessment of genetic diversity among Jordanian wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) genotypes revealed by SSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 63(6), 927–937.

Rahmanian, M., Razavi, K., Haghparast, R., Salimi, M., & Ceccarelli, S. (2016, January 1). Evolutionary plant breeding: A method for rapidly increasing on-farm biodiversity to support sustainable livelihoods in an era of climate change. Journal of Crop Improvement, 30(1), 1–17.

Raggi, L., Ceccarelli, S., & Negri, V. (2016, January 1). Evolution of a barley composite cross-derived population: An insight gained by molecular markers. Journal of Agricultural Science, 154(1), 23–39.

Dwivedi, S. L., Ceccarelli, S., Blair, M. W., Upadhyaya, H. D., Kumar, A. A., & Ortiz, R. (2015, November 7). Landrace germplasm for improving yield and abiotic stress adaptation. Trends in Plant Science, 21(1), 31–42.

Campanelli, G., Acciarri, N., Campion, B., Delvecchio, S., Leteo, F., Fusari, F., Angelini, P., & Ceccarelli, S. (2015). Participatory tomato breeding for organic conditions in Italy. Euphytica, 204(1), 179–197.