Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Prof. Rashad Mukhtar Balal is a leading horticultural researcher and academician currently heading the Department of Horticulture at the University of Sargodha. He holds a PhD in Pomology, Biotechnology, and Horticultural Stress Physiology  and earlier earned an MPhil in Horticultural Biotechnology and a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture. Over more than two decades, he has served in roles from Assistant Professor to full Professor, with visiting appointments at Cornell University (USA) and Harper Adams University (UK). His research spans Pomology, stress physiology of horticultural crops, biotechnology, citrus rootstocks and nursery management, off-season vegetable production, and the use of phytoextracts to mitigate abiotic and biotic stress. According to his profile on ScienceDirect, He has received numerous national and international recognitions, including the ASHS Outstanding Research Publication Award, national innovation awards, and accolades for establishing certified disease-free citrus nurseries. Through leading significant funded projects and mentoring many MPhil and PhD scholars, he continues to advance horticultural research and education in Pakistan.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shahid, M. A., Sarkhosh, A., Khan, N., Balal, R. M., Ali, S., Rossi, L., Gómez, C., … (2020). Insights into the physiological and biochemical impacts of salt stress on plant growth and development. Agronomy, 10(7), 938.

Abbas, T., Balal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Ayyub, C. M., Aqueel, M. A., … (2015). Silicon-induced alleviation of NaCl toxicity in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is associated with enhanced photosynthesis, osmoprotectants and antioxidant activities. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(2), 6.

Khan, H. A., Ayub, C. M., Pervez, M. A., Bilal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., & Ziaf, K. (2009). Effect of seed priming with NaCl on salinity tolerance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at seedling stage. Soil and Environment, 28(1), 81–87.

Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Balal, R. M., Mattson, N. S., Rashid, A., Ahmad, R., … (2011). Brassinosteroid (24-epibrassinolide) enhances growth and alleviates the deleterious effects induced by salt stress in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Australian Journal of Crop Science, 5(5), 500–510.

Shahid, M. A., Balal, R. M., Khan, N., Zotarelli, L., Liu, G. D., Sarkhosh, A., … (2019). Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 180, 588–599.

Kazuto Ikemoto | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company | Japan

Dr. Kazuto Ikemoto is a Senior Scientist at the Niigata Research Laboratory of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., specializing in chemistry, food functionality, biotechnology, and semiconductor cleaning. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nagasaki University, Japan, in 1995. Since then, he has been with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., contributing significantly to research in his areas of expertise. Dr. Ikemoto’s research interests focus on the development and application of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) in various biological and health-related contexts. His work includes exploring PQQ’s effects on brain function, aging, obesity, and its potential antiviral properties , he was honored with the JSBBA Award for Corporate Researchers, recognizing his contributions to the field. Dr. Ikemoto’s research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in his areas of expertise.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Discovery and application of food catalysts to promote the coupling of PQQ (quinone) with amines. Frontiers in Nutrition  (2024).

The effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt on brain function and physiological processes. Frontiers in Nutrition. [Review, open access] (2024).

World Health Organization. (2025). World health statistics 2025: Monitoring health for the SDGs, Sustainable Development Goals. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2024). World population prospects 2024: Summary of results (UN DESA/POP/2024/TR/NO. 9). New York, NY, USA: United Nations.

López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2013). The hallmarks of aging. Cell, 153(6), 1194–1217.

Michel Stéphane Heya | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michel Stéphane Heya | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

 Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León | Mexico

Dr. Michel Stéphane Heya is a distinguished researcher and professor specializing in biotechnology, with a Ph.D. from the Institute of Biotechnology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Mexico. As a member of the National System of Researchers and Investigators (SNII), he has contributed extensively to the bioprospecting of green alternatives for human health and the development of nanomedicines for controlled pharmacological delivery. His work spans nephroprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, and anticancer applications, employing natural compounds, polymeric nanoparticles, and exosome-based nanocarriers. Dr. Heya has published over 50 scientific articles and book chapters in high-impact journals, accumulating more than 127 citations, with an h-index of 4. His ongoing research focuses on integrating traditional medicine with advanced nanotechnologies to enhance therapeutic efficacy and sustainability. Recognized for his innovative approaches to green nanomedicine, Dr. Heya continues to expand interdisciplinary research, training the next generation of scientists, and promoting environmentally friendly biomedical solutions. His work demonstrates a commitment to advancing health sciences while fostering sustainable and translational research applications.

Profile : Google scholar

Featured Publications

“In Vitro Antifungal Antibacterial Activity of Partitions from Euphorbia tirucalli”

“Diagnóstico de la tinea pedis y tinea unguium en la zona metropolitana de Monterrey, Nuevo León, México”

“Colon Cancer: Overview on Improved Therapeutic Potential of Plant-Based Compounds Using Nanotechnology”

“Plasma Antioxidant Capacity Is Related to Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Stage of Reproductive Aging in   Women”

“In vitro antifungal activity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Euphorbia tirucalli extract”