Wieslaw Oleszek | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Wieslaw Oleszek, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Poland

Wiesław Oleszek, born on February 27, 1948, in Bełżyce, Poland, is a distinguished agricultural biochemist and professor. He serves as the Director of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute in Pulawy, Poland. With extensive expertise in plant glycosides, allelopathy, and natural antioxidants, he has significantly contributed to agricultural biochemistry. Throughout his career, he has held key positions in professional societies, including the Phytochemical Society of Europe and the Polish Phytochemical Society. He has been a visiting researcher at Cornell University, the Food Research Institute in the UK, and INRA in France. A member of the Polish Academy of Sciences, his research focuses on natural bioactive compounds in plants, food quality, and functional foods. With over 8,450 citations and an H-index of 50 (Scopus), his work has greatly influenced the fields of biochemistry and agricultural sciences.

Publication Profile

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Education

Wiesław Oleszek earned his Master of Science (MS) in 1975 from Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland. He pursued a PhD in Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry at the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG) in Pulawy, completing it in 1985. His research focused on plant biochemistry, particularly the study of glycosides and their agricultural applications. In 1992, he obtained his Habilitation in Biochemistry from IUNG Pulawy, marking his advancement as an independent researcher in the field. His academic excellence led to his appointment as a Full Professor in 1998, a title conferred by the President of Poland. His education laid a strong foundation for his pioneering work in plant biochemistry, natural toxicants, and bioactive compounds in agriculture, making him a globally recognized expert in his field.

Experience

Wiesław Oleszek has had a prolific career in plant biochemistry. He worked as a Visiting Fellow at Cornell University (1979–1980, 1987), researching glycoalkaloids in tomatoes and phenolic compounds in apples. In 1989, he was a Visiting Scientist at the Food Research Institute in Norwich, UK, focusing on alfalfa saponins and NMR techniques. In 1992, he was a Postdoctoral Trainee at INRA, Avignon, France, studying pear phenolics. That same year, he became Head of the Biochemistry and Crop Quality Department at IUNG Pulawy, Poland. In 2010, he was appointed Director of IUNG Pulawy, where he leads groundbreaking research on plant-based bioactive compounds. His expertise spans allelopathy, natural pesticides, and functional foods, shaping advancements in agricultural sciences worldwide.

Awards & Honors

Full Professor Title (1998) – Awarded by the President of Poland 🇵🇱
Committee Member, Phytochemical Society of Europe (1994–1998) 🌿
General Secretary, Phytochemical Society of Europe (2002–2007) ✉️
Vice-Chairman, Phytochemical Society of Europe (2008–2010) 🔬
Chairman, Phytochemical Society of Europe (2010–2012) 🏅
Secretary, Polish Phytochemical Society (1995–Present) 📖
Member, Polish Academy of Sciences 🧬
Editorial Board Member, Allelopathy Journal 📑
Founding Member, International Allelopathy Society 🌾
Member, COST Domain Committee “Food and Agriculture,” Brussels 🌍

Research Focus

Wiesław Oleszek specializes in the isolation, purification, and structural analysis of plant glycosides, including saponins, phenolics, glycoalkaloids, glucosinolates, and cyanogenic glucosides. His research explores the role of natural toxicants in plant allelopathy, the development of natural pesticides, and the enhancement of post-harvest agricultural product quality. He investigates bioactive compounds for their antioxidant, anticancer, and nutraceutical properties, contributing to functional food and feed additive development. His work bridges agricultural biochemistry and human health by identifying plant-derived compounds with potential applications in medicine, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. His expertise in secondary metabolite biosynthesis has positioned him as a global leader in plant biochemistry and natural product research.

Publications

Glycoalkaloid content in wild Solanum species and its effect on enzymatic browning of fruits 🍅
Phenolic compounds from apples and their influence on fruit browning 🍏
Membrane activity of alfalfa saponins and their structural characterization using NMR techniques 🌿
Pear phenolics and their impact on post-harvest quality and nutrition 🍐
Natural toxicants in plants: Implications for food safety and agriculture 🌾
Allelopathic effects of plant-derived bioactive compounds on weed suppression 🌱
Saponins as natural pesticides: A sustainable approach for crop protection 🛡️
Antioxidant and anticancer properties of plant-derived secondary metabolites 🧪
Nutraceutical potential of glucosinolates in functional food applications 🍽️
Biosynthesis of resorcinols and their role in plant defense mechanisms 🌎

Dr. Stephan M Haefele | Plant Nutrition | Most Shared Article Award

Senior Research Scientist at the University of Adelaide, United Kingdom

Dr. Haefele is a seasoned soil scientist and agronomist, renowned for his extensive contributions to international agricultural research, particularly in the realms of rice, wheat, and soil quality across Africa and Asia. Commencing his career with impactful research for his PhD and PostDoc at the West Africa Rice Development Association (now Africa Rice), he later spent a decade at the International Rice Research Institute. Subsequently, he directed his expertise to the University of Adelaide, concentrating on plant phenotyping within wheat systems. In 2017, he assumed a significant role at Rothamsted Research.

Education:

Dr. Haefele’s primary research interests encompass soil fertility and health characterization, monitoring, soil organic carbon management, plant nutrition, and exploring the influence of soil nutrients on the nutritional quality of crop produce. Leading the dry spectral laboratory, he pioneers the use of near and mid-infrared spectroscopy for rapid and cost-effective soil analysis, a pivotal element in precision farming facilitating spatial assessments of soil fertility and health. Notably, his research group recently unveiled a groundbreaking study introducing a universal soil health index applicable throughout the UK, irrespective of soil type. Dr. Haefele also played a crucial role in contributing to a new soil map for Africa, boasting a remarkable 30m resolution. Beyond this, his diverse research portfolio extends to nutrient use efficiency in arable systems and agronomic biofortification for micronutrients, with notable work resulting in a recent publication in Nature. An accomplished author, Dr. Haefele boasts 166 peer-reviewed publications and an impressive h-index of 46. Presently, he actively contributes to multiple ongoing projects funded by esteemed entities such as the BBSRC (GrowingHealth, ResilientFutureFarming, Double Burden), the European Union (ESA), and industry partners (OCP Morocco, CarbonQuester).

Research Focus:

Dr. SM Haefele, a distinguished researcher, has made significant contributions in the field of agricultural science, with a focus on sustainable rice production systems. His research spans diverse areas such as biochar amendments, drought resistance in rice, and gene-based markers for improved phosphorus uptake. Notably, his work has explored the impact of biochar on soil properties and plant growth, as well as the development of resilient rice genotypes adapted to drought-prone ecosystems. Dr. Haefele’s expertise also extends to nitrogen use efficiency, weed management, and factors influencing rice yield in various environmental conditions. His extensive body of work underscores a commitment to advancing sustainable and productive practices in global rice production.