Assist Prof. Dr. Mariana Petkova | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Mariana Petkova, Agriculture University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Mariana Krasimirova Petkova, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, within the Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnology. She has been actively involved in research and academia, focusing on microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Her work spans microorganisms that produce biologically active substances, such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast with antimicrobial effects, contributing to advancements in functional foods and sustainable agriculture.

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Dr. Mariana Krasimirova Petkova, based on her extensive research experience, academic background, and contributions, could be considered a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Here are her strengths and areas for improvement for the award:

Strengths for the Award

Diverse Research Expertise: Dr. Petkova has a broad research portfolio covering microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and the study of microorganisms with antimicrobial properties, contributing to both scientific advancement and practical applications.

International Collaboration: Her numerous international specializations and collaborations with universities and research institutes in Japan, Hungary, and Greece reflect her ability to engage in global scientific discourse and projects.

Publications and Citations: With over 41 scientific publications, 36 of which have impact factors, and 135 citations, her work demonstrates significant impact within the scientific community.

Conferences and Presentations: Dr. Petkova’s participation in international conferences and symposiums highlights her active role in disseminating her research findings and engaging with the global academic community.

Recognition and Awards: Her involvement in award-winning research, such as supervising student projects that won first prizes, further validates her leadership in advancing scientific knowledge.

Areas for Improvement

H-index: Dr. Petkova’s current H-index is 6, which while notable, could be further improved by continuing to publish in high-impact journals and increasing citation counts.

Expanding Research Networks: Increasing collaborations with a more diverse range of institutions or fields could further enhance the reach and impact of her work.

Innovation Focus: Exploring more cutting-edge or disruptive technologies within her field could potentially boost her contributions to future trends in research and innovation.

🎓 Education

Master’s in Plant Protection – Agricultural University, Bulgaria (1996)
Doctorate in Molecular Biology – University of Kobe, Japan (2002)

💼 Experience

Dr. Petkova has been an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University of Plovdiv since 2014, specializing in microbiology and ecological biotechnology. Her international experience includes research collaborations in Japan, the USA, Hungary, and Greece, focusing on advanced biotechnological techniques such as cloning, genomics, and the functional analysis of microorganisms.

🔬 Research Interests

Her research is primarily centered around microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. She explores microorganisms that produce biologically active substances, such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast, and their applications in antimicrobial treatments and functional foods. Dr. Petkova is also involved in the study of endophytic fungi and the development of bio-based agricultural solutions.

🏅 Awards

First prize at the Youth Forum “Science, Technology, Innovation, Business” (2023), for supervising a project on phosphorus dissolution and nitrogen fixation by rhizospheric microorganisms.
Member of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria since 2011.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Dr. Petkova has authored over 41 scientific publications, with 36 of them being indexed with an impact factor. She has been cited 135 times, contributing to the field of microbiology and biotechnology. Below are selected publications:

Petkova, M., Tahsin, N., Yancheva, S., & Yancheva, H. (2018). “Development of the production of aromatic oil crops in Bulgaria.” In PROCEEDINGS China-Bulgaria Rural Revitalization Development Cooperation Forum. [Cited by 5 articles]

Gotcheva, V., Petrova, G., Petkova, M., Kuzmanova, Y., & Angelov, A. (2018). “Molecular and in vitro assessment of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strains.” Engineering in Life Sciences. [Cited by 18 articles]

Ma, L., Zhang, N., Li, S., Wang, H., Petkova, M., & Yao, L. (2019). “An overview of oil-bearing roses in China.” Agricultural Sciences. [Cited by 12 articles]

Petkova, M., Stefanova, P., Gotcheva, V., Kuzmanova, I., & Angelov, A. (2020). “Microbiological and physicochemical characterization of traditional Bulgarian sourdoughs.” Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy. [Cited by 15 articles]

Petkova, M., Spasova-Apostolova, V., Masheva, V., & Tahsin, N. (2020). “Comparison of Endophytic Colonization of Tobacco by Beauveria bassiana.” Ecologia Balkanica. [Cited by 9 articles]

Penkov, D., Petkova, M., & Petkova, P. (2020). “Study on biological performance of mule ducks with discontinued probiotic treatment.” Trakia Journal of Sciences. [Cited by 7 articles]

Petkova, M., Naydenov, M., Mitkov, A., Neshev, N., & Yanev, M. (2020). “Soil microorganisms degrading Isoxaflutol herbicide.” Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy. [Cited by 6 articles]

Petkova, M., Stefanova, P., Gotcheva, V., & Angelov, A. (2021). “Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts from sourdoughs.” Microorganisms. [Cited by 10 articles]

Conclusion

Dr. Petkova has a strong academic and research background, demonstrating significant contributions to her field through publications, international collaboration, and recognition. While there is room for further growth in terms of her H-index and research network, her strengths position her as a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”

Prof. Mahmoud Gaballah | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Rice Research and Training center, field crops research institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt

Prof. Mahmoud M. Gaballah is an eminent rice breeding and genetics specialist with extensive expertise in drought resistance and hybrid rice production. With a solid foundation in agricultural research, Prof. Gaballah has been at the forefront of advancing Egypt’s rice varieties, enhancing both yield and resilience. He currently leads research initiatives at the Rice Research and Training Center, playing a key role in developing climate-smart agricultural practices. His international collaborations, particularly in China, have bolstered rice breeding programs, positioning him as a vital contributor to global agricultural sustainability.

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Strengths for the Award 💪🏆✨

Prof. Mahmoud M. Gaballah has an impressive background in rice breeding and genetics, with significant contributions to drought-resistant rice varieties. His leadership roles, such as Head of Research at the Rice Research and Training Center, and his international collaborations, including work in China on hybrid rice, showcase his expertise and global impact. His numerous published papers and involvement in climate-resilient agricultural practices further highlight his qualifications for the Young Scientist Award.

Areas for Improvement 🚀📈🔧

While Prof. Gaballah’s achievements are extensive, strengthening his international presence through more keynote speaking engagements and expanding his research into emerging fields such as molecular genetics and climate change mitigation could enhance his profile further. Additionally, increasing public outreach or policy influence may also bolster his candidacy.

Education 🎓

Ph.D. in Rice Breeding and Genetics (2009), Kafer El-Sheikh University. His dissertation focused on physiological and morphological traits related to drought resistance in rice.

M.Sc. in Rice Breeding and Genetics (2004), Tanta University. He conducted pioneering research on hybrid rice seed production under Egyptian conditions.

Professional Experience 🧑‍🔬

Prof. Gaballah has held multiple influential roles, including:

Head of Research at Rice Research and Training Center, Egypt (2022–present), where he oversees vital projects on rice variety development and climate resilience.

Farmer Field School Coordinator for the FAO of the United Nations, leading climate-resilient agricultural practices (2021–2023).

Previous experience in China’s Talent Young Scientist Program (TYSP), enhancing hybrid rice breeding and production.

Research Interest 🌱

Prof. Gaballah’s research focuses on rice breeding for improved drought tolerance, yield potential, and hybrid seed production. His work in molecular breeding, QTL gene discovery, and genomic selection has contributed significantly to the release of innovative rice varieties suited for Egypt’s challenging climates. Additionally, he is dedicated to developing high-quality aromatic rice for international markets.

Awards 🏆

Multiple contributions to the release of high-yielding rice varieties in Egypt.

International collaborations in rice breeding programs, particularly with Chinese scientists, advancing rice varieties for rainfed and irrigated ecosystems.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Inducing potential mutants in rice using different doses of gamma rays for improving agronomic traits – Heba A. Elsherbiny, Mahmoud M. Gaballah, et al. Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research (2024). Cited by: Link.

Hybrid rice seed production under Egyptian conditions – Mahmoud M. Gaballah. Journal of Agricultural Science (2023). Cited by: Link.

Drought resistance in rice: Physiological traits – Mahmoud M. Gaballah, et al. Egyptian Journal of Crop Science (2022). Cited by: Link.

Conclusion ✨🔍

Prof. Gaballah’s expertise in rice breeding, global collaborations, and dedication to advancing drought-resistant crops make him a strong contender for the Young Scientist Award. A focus on further broadening his research areas and international recognition could make his application even more competitive.