Darya Novopashina | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Darya Novopashina | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS | Russia

Dr. Darya Novopashina, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the Laboratory of RNA Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, where she has built a distinguished career in nucleic acid chemistry and bioorganic research. Her scientific work spans the design, synthesis, and functional exploration of modified oligoribonucleotides, with early contributions focused on creating conjugates of chemically altered RNA fragments for targeted gene expression inhibition. Over the years, she has advanced this foundation by investigating hybrid structures formed between nucleic acid fragments and carbon nanotubes, offering new insights into nanobiotechnology and molecular detection technologies. She has also developed innovative fluorescent oligonucleotide probes aimed at improving the sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid detection methods. Currently, her research centers on engineering modified guide RNAs for CRISPR/Cas9 systems, where she has contributed to the development of light- and small-molecule–regulatable genome-editing platforms that enhance precision, control, and versatility in genetic manipulation. Through her work, Dr. Novopashina has become a key contributor to the evolution of RNA-based tools in molecular biology, enabling improvements in gene regulation, diagnostic capabilities, and therapeutic strategies. With a publication record exceeding 60 scientific papers, she is recognized for her consistent contributions to the fields of chemical biology, RNA modification, and genome-engineering technologies.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Gavrilova, A. A., Kuznetsova, A. A., Novopashina, D. S., Zheng, C., Sun, Q., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2025).
Biochemical characterization of R-loop degradation by chloroplast-localized RNase H1 from Arabidopsis thaliana. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22),

Kamzeeva, P., Shepelev, N., Zabbarova, V., Brylev, V., Chistov, A., Ryazantsev, D., Kot, E., Novopashina, D., Rubtsova, M., & Aralov, A. (2025).
Structural characterization of DDX23 5′ UTR regulatory elements and their targeting by LNA-modified antisense oligonucleotides. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22),

Dolzhikova, O., Meschaninova, M., Endutkin, A., Golyshev, V., Vorobyeva, M., & Novopashina, D. (2024).
Design of theophylline binding guide RNA for allosteric regulation of CRISPR/Cas9 system [Preprint]. Preprints.

Sakovina, L., Vokhtantsev, I., Akhmetova, E., Vorobyeva, M., Vorobjev, P., Zharkov, D. O., & Novopashina, D. (2024).
Photocleavable guide crRNAs for a light-controllable CRISPR/Cas9 system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22),

 Kuznetsova, A. A., Kosarev, I. A., Timofeyeva, N. A., Novopashina, D. S., & Kuznetsov, N. A. (2024).
Kinetic features of degradation of R-loops by RNase H1 from Escherichia coli. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(22),

Jean-Christophe AVICE | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Academic Citation Impact Award

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Jean-Christophe AVICE | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Academic Citation Impact Award

UMR INRAe/Unicaen Plant Ecophysiology and Agronomy | France

Jean-Christophe Avice is a distinguished Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Caen Normandie, where he also directs the Centre of Microscopy Applied to Biology (CMABio), the Master program in Biology and Agrosciences, and co-directs the regional Federation of Plant Science (Normandie Végétale). His scientific career spans advanced research in plant ecophysiology, with a focus on nutrient dynamics and metabolic interactions influencing crop performance and sustainability. Avice’s work has significantly contributed to understanding nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) reserves in key species such as alfalfa, white clover, and oilseed rape, examining fluxes through isotopic tracing and characterizing vegetative storage proteins to elucidate their functions and regulatory mechanisms. He has also led research integrating diagnostic tool development, fluxomics using 15N and 34S tracers, proteomics, and molecular physiology to uncover the processes governing nutrient remobilization—particularly autophagy, transport mechanisms, and leaf senescence pathways that shape yield and seed quality. His studies extend to improving nutrient use efficiency and examining N–S–P interactions in major crops including oilseed rape, wheat, and soybean, offering insights into how nutrient balance influences oil content, protein accumulation, and micronutrient profiles. Through more than two decades of academic and research leadership, Avice has advanced scientific understanding of plant nutrition, stress physiology, and grain quality in oleoproteaginous and arable crops. His interdisciplinary approach bridges ecophysiology, agronomy, and molecular biology, supporting innovations in sustainable agriculture, crop management, and the development of biostimulants and diagnostic tools. As an educator and research director, he continues to contribute to scientific capacity-building and the advancement of plant science in the Normandie region and beyond.

Profile: Orcid | Google scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Aranjuelo, I., Molero, G., Erice, G., Avice, J. C., & Nogués, S. (2011). Plant physiology and proteomics reveals the leaf response to drought in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Journal of Experimental Botany, 62(1), 111–123.

  • Lee, B. R., Kim, K. Y., Jung, W. J., Avice, J. C., Ourry, A., & Kim, T. H. (2007). Peroxidases and lignification in relation to the intensity of water-deficit stress in white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Journal of Experimental Botany, 58(6), 1271–1279.

  • Guiboileau, A., Yoshimoto, K., Soulay, F., Bataillé, M. P., Avice, J. C., & Masclaux-Daubresse, C. (2012). Autophagy machinery controls nitrogen remobilization at the whole-plant level under both limiting and ample nitrate conditions in Arabidopsis. New Phytologist, 194(3), 732–740.

  • Abdallah, M., Dubousset, L., Meuriot, F., Etienne, P., Avice, J. C., & Ourry, A. (2010). Effect of mineral sulphur availability on nitrogen and sulphur uptake and remobilization during the vegetative growth of Brassica napus L. Journal of Experimental Botany, 61(10), 2635–2646.

  • Erice, G., Louahlia, S., Irigoyen, J. J., Sánchez-Díaz, M., & Avice, J. C. (2010). Biomass partitioning, morphology and water status of four alfalfa genotypes submitted to progressive drought and subsequent recovery. Journal of Plant Physiology, 167(2), 114–120.

  • Guiboileau, A., Yoshimoto, K., Soulay, F., Bataillé, M. P., Avice, J. C., & Masclaux-Daubresse, C. (2012). Autophagy machinery controls nitrogen remobilization at the whole-plant level under both limiting and ample nitrate conditions in Arabidopsis. New Phytologist, 194(3), 732–740.

  • Abdallah, M., Dubousset, L., Meuriot, F., Etienne, P., Avice, J. C., & Ourry, A. (2010). Effect of mineral sulphur availability on nitrogen and sulphur uptake and remobilization during the vegetative growth of Brassica napus L. Journal of Experimental Botany, 61(10), 2635–2646.

  • Erice, G., Irigoyen, J. J., Sánchez-Díaz, M., & Avice, J. C. (2007). Nitrogen and carbon flows estimated by ¹⁵N and ¹³C pulse-chase labeling during regrowth of alfalfa. Plant Physiology, 112(1), 281–290.

Mudasir Hafiz Khan | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, India

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan is a distinguished academic with a robust background in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He earned his MSc in Agriculture with a thesis on genetic variability, diversity, and traits association in eggplant in 2003, and completed his PhD focusing on induced mutagenesis and cytogenetic studies in soybean in 2008. He has also qualified for the National Eligibility Test (ASRB) in 2010 and holds a life fellowship at the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding, IASR. Dr. Khan’s professional journey includes serving as an Assistant Professor-cum-Jr. Scientist at the Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, and various other roles such as Agriculture Extension Assistant and Technical Associate. His research contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Thesis of the Year, the Carl Linnaeus Research Award in Botany, the Young Scientist Award, and several appreciation awards for his innovative work in saffron production technologies.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has an extensive background in agriculture, with a focus on genetics and plant breeding. He obtained his MSc in Agriculture, specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding, in 2003. His master’s thesis was titled “Genetic variability, diversity, and traits association of yield and quality components in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).” Dr. Khan furthered his education by earning a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding in 2008, with his thesis focused on “Induced mutagenesis and cytogenetic studies in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.].” In 2010, Dr. Khan qualified for the National Eligibility Test (ASRB), demonstrating his proficiency and expertise in the field. He is a Fellow and Life Member of the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding at IASR. Notably, Dr. Khan has contributed to the development of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing guidelines for Saffron and Kalazeera, showcasing his commitment to advancing agricultural practices and standards.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has amassed significant postdoctoral experience, marked by various academic and research positions. Since August 8, 2021, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist (Senior Scale) in the Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K). Prior to this, from August 8, 2017, to August 8, 2021, he held the position of Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at the same division and institution. Before his tenure as an assistant professor, Dr. Khan worked as an Agriculture Extension Assistant from December 25, 2013, to August 7, 2017, at the Department of Agriculture Kashmir, Lal Mandi, Srinagar (J&K). His early postdoctoral roles also include serving as a Technical Associate from May 24, 2012, to December 24, 2013, on the project “In-vitro development of micro corms and stigma-like structures in saffron” at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Srinagar. Additionally, he was a Research Associate from November 10, 2009, to May 23, 2012, working on the “Integrated farming system in Horticulture” at the Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-K, Shalimar.

Teaching Experience:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has extensive experience in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. At the undergraduate level, he has taught a variety of courses including Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation, Floral Biology, Seed Development and Maturation, Seed Legislation and Certification, In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation of Germplasm, Breeding for Field Crops-1, Principles of Plant Breeding, Seed Production in Field Crops, DUS Testing for Plant Variety Protection, Principles of Plant Breeding (Backlog Course), Principles of Cytogenetics, Advances in Seed Science Research, Hybrid Seed Production, Principles of Seed Technology, Breeding Designer Crops, Principles of Seed Production, and Seed Quality Testing. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Khan has also guided and advised several students in their research. He has served as the major advisor for two M.Sc. Agriculture (Genetics & Plant Breeding) students. Furthermore, he has been a member of the advisory committee for six M.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture students and two Ph.D. students specializing in Genetics & Plant Breeding and Fruit Sciences. His mentorship has been instrumental in the academic and research development of his students.

Honors and Awards:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to the field of genetics and plant breeding. He was awarded the Best Thesis of the Year by the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding, International Agency for Standards and Ratings. In 2016, he received the prestigious ‘Carl Linnaeus Research Award in Botany’ through an international competition by Photon eBooks Publications. In 2017, he was honored with the ‘Young Scientist Award’ by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, OMNIScriptum GmbH & Co. KG Bahnhofstr. 28/D-66111 Saarbrucken. Dr. Khan’s efforts have also led to the Geographical Indications Tag for Kashmiri Saffron. He was honored with an Appreciation Award by the Advisor to LG Jenab Bashir Ahmad Khan for his promotion of saffron production technologies. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir awarded him an Appreciation Certificate for his development of technologies such as “Indoor Saffron Cultivation” and “Saffron Kalazeera Intercropping” during a Felicitation Ceremony organized by the Directorate of Research SKUAST-K on January 1, 2022. His research work has earned him several accolades, including the Best Poster Presentation (1st prize) for his work titled “Indoor Saffron Cultivation – A novel Technology for Vertical Expansion of Saffron” at the International Conference on Saffron and Seed Spices held on November 7-8, 2021, organized by ARSSSS, SKUAST-Kashmir. He also received the Best Oral Presentation (1st prize) at the IV International Symposium on “Saffron Biology and Technology” held on October 22-25, 2012, at SKUAST-Kashmir. Additionally, he was honored with an Appreciation Letter from the Project Coordinator AICRP Spices on December 15, 2021, for his outstanding research work in saffron and Kalazeera. From October 4, 2017, to October 3, 2021, Dr. Khan served as the Academic Editor of the Research Journal “International Journal of Biochemistry Research and Review.

📚Publications :

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of some quantitative traits in wheat
Authors: MH Khan, AN Dar
Citations: 150
Year: 2010

Effect of Sowing Methods and NPK Levels on Growth and Yield of Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: S Gul, MH Khan, BA Khanday, S Nabi
Citations: 130
Year: 2015

Status and strategies in breeding for rust resistance in wheat
Authors: MH Khan, A Bukhari, ZA Dar, SM Rizvi
Citations: 106
Year: 2013

Yield stability of some soybean genotypes across diverse environments
Authors: SS Alghamdi
Citations: 91
Year: 2004

Breeding strategies for improving rice yield—a review
Authors: MH Khan, ZA Dar, SA Dar
Citations: 90
Year: 2015

Studies on genetic variability and interrelationship among the different traits in microsperma lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: SD Tyagi, MH Khan
Citations: 83
Year: 2010

Production of nitrogen fixing Azotobacter (SR-4) and phosphorus solubilizing Aspergillus niger and their evaluation on Lagenaria siceraria and Abelmoschus esculentus
Authors: M Din, R Nelofer, M Salman, FH Khan, A Khan, M Ahmad, F Jalil, JU Din, …
Citations: 75
Year: 2019

Studies on effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays, EMS and their combination in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Authors: MH Khan, SD Tyagi
Citations: 61
Year: 2010

Correlation, path-coefficient and genetic diversity in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) under rainfed conditions
Authors: SD Tyagi, MH Khan
Citations: 60
Year: 2011

New emerging trends on production technology of saffron
Authors: FA Nehvi, SA Wani, SA Dar, MI Makhdoomi, BA Allie, ZA Mir
Citations: 60
Year: 2006