Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji | Ekology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji |Ekology | Best Researcher Award

Dr, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

Dr. Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji is an emerging voice in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. With a Ph.D. from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, he combines academic research with practical expertise in field management and agricultural innovation. His work bridges plant physiology, soil-plant interactions, and ecosystem services, aiming to optimize food systems while preserving biodiversity. Beyond his publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Kaleji has co-authored several books addressing cultivation techniques and pest management. His role as an Agricultural Specialist in Mazandaran has strengthened his applied research capabilities, ensuring that scientific findings translate into sustainable agricultural practices. Fluent in Persian and English, he actively contributes to global discussions on agroecology.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education 

Dr. Kaleji holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture specializing in Agroecology from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2018–2023). His doctoral research delved into sustainable farming systems and plant-soil dynamics. He previously earned his M.Sc. in Agroecology from the Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch (2012–2014), where he explored organic farming and ecosystem services. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr Branch (2007–2011), focusing on crop genetic improvement and field management. This strong educational foundation has enabled Dr. Kaleji to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to agroecological research, blending theory with practice to address modern agricultural challenges.

🏢 Professional Experience 

Dr. Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji brings over two decades of professional expertise to his research. Since 2013, he has served as an Agricultural Specialist and Production Manager for the Jahad-e-Agriculture Organization, Mazandaran Province, overseeing modernization initiatives in crop production. Previously, he conducted research on cotton cultivars at the Cotton Research Institute (2002–2003), enhancing the region’s fiber crop resilience. From 2001 to 2012, he worked as an Agricultural Expert for the Babolsar Defense Organization, managing large-scale cultivation and harvest programs. His dual engagement in applied and academic settings enables him to bridge gaps between research innovations and field-level applications, fostering sustainable agricultural advancements.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kaleji’s research lies at the intersection of agroecology, sustainable agriculture, plant physiology, soil-plant interactions, and ecosystem services. He investigates how plant-microbial symbioses and ecological management practices improve crop performance, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. His current work emphasizes biofertilizers like mycorrhizal fungi and Azotobacter to reduce chemical inputs and enhance plant health under varying planting densities. His interest in modeling and simulation tools like DSSAT and spatial analysis via GIS technologies allows him to forecast ecological outcomes in agroecosystems. Dr. Kaleji’s interdisciplinary research aims to contribute directly to regenerative farming and food security strategies.

📚 Publications with Full Details and Summaries

1. Interplay Between ROS and Hormones in Plant Defense Against Pathogens

  • Journal: Plants

  • Publication Date: 2025-04-25

  • DOI: 10.3390/plants14091297

  • Authors: Mostafa Haghpanah, Amin Namdari, Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji, Azam Nikbakht-dehkordi, Ahmad Arzani, Fabrizio Araniti
    Summary:
    This study examines the intricate network between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plant hormonal pathways in combating pathogens. Highlighting novel crosstalk mechanisms, the work suggests integrated strategies for breeding disease-resistant plants.

2. Inoculation with Mycorrhiza and Azotobacter chroococcum Affects the Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum at Different Planting Densities

  • Journal: Agronomía Colombiana

  • Publication Date: 2023-08-14

  • DOI: 10.15446/agron.colomb.v41n2.106390

  • Authors: Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji, Mohammad Reza Ardakani, Sheida Khoshniat
    Summary:
    This paper demonstrates that bio-inoculants improve both biomass and secondary metabolite content in Eryngium caeruleum, promoting the use of eco-friendly agricultural inputs.

3. Quantitative and Qualitative Performance of Froriepia subpinnata as Affected by Mycorrhizal Symbiosis, Compost Tea, and Vermicompost

  • Journal: Unspecified (likely submitted/published in 2024)

  • Author: Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji
    Summary:
    The study highlights how integrating organic soil amendments and beneficial symbionts boosts the agronomic traits of Froriepia subpinnata, emphasizing low-input sustainable farming models.

Conclusion

Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji shows strong expertise, commitment to agricultural sustainability, real-world impact, and ongoing academic productivity. His profile is very suitable for national-level Best Researcher Awards, especially those emphasizing applied sciences and agriculture.

Filiz Öktüren Asri | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Filiz Öktüren Asri | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Filiz Öktüren Asri, Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute, Turkey

Doç. Dr. Filiz Öktüren Asri is a prominent soil scientist specializing in soil properties and nutrient management. With a strong academic background and extensive professional experience, she has contributed significantly to the field of soil science through research, publications, and leadership roles. She is currently serving as a Department Head at the Batı Akdeniz Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü Müdürlüğü, focusing on enhancing soil fertility and sustainable agricultural practices.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Academic Background and Professional Experience:
Doç.Dr. Filiz Öktüren Asri has a solid academic foundation, with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate from Akdeniz University, specializing in soil science. Her extensive experience includes roles as a research assistant, engineer, and department head at the Batı Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute. This demonstrates her deep expertise and leadership in her field.

2. Publication Record:
She has published numerous international and national papers, many in reputable journals (Q1 to Q4). Her research covers a wide range of topics, including soil properties, nutrient concentrations, and the impact of fertilization on various crops. This diverse research portfolio showcases her ability to contribute valuable knowledge to agricultural science.

3. Research Impact:
Her work is significant in the fields of soil science, agriculture, and environmental studies. With research focusing on practical applications such as improving crop yields and soil health, her contributions are both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

Areas for Improvement

1. Diversification of Research:
While her research is comprehensive within soil science and agriculture, expanding her focus to include interdisciplinary collaborations could enhance her impact and broaden the applicability of her work.

2. Increased International Collaboration:
To further elevate her profile, she could engage in more international collaborations or projects, which would increase the visibility and global impact of her research.

3. Pursuing Higher-Impact Journals:
While she has publications in Q1 journals, striving for more publications in top-tier, high-impact journals could further bolster her standing in the academic community.

Education

Doç. Dr. Filiz Öktüren Asri earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Soil Science from Akdeniz University, graduating in 2002, 2004, and 2009, respectively. Her academic journey culminated in her promotion to Associate Professor in 2024, reflecting her dedication and expertise in soil science and agricultural research.

Experience

Dr. Öktüren Asri began her career as a Research Assistant at Akdeniz University, advancing to roles at the Batı Akdeniz Tarımsal Araştırma Enstitüsü Müdürlüğü, where she has served as an Engineer and Department Head. Her career spans from 2005 to the present, demonstrating her commitment to soil science and agricultural development.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Öktüren Asri has been recognized for her significant contributions to soil science, including awards for her impactful research on soil properties, nutrient management, and sustainable agriculture. Her achievements highlight her role as a leading expert in the field, influencing both national and international soil science communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Öktüren Asri’s research primarily focuses on soil properties, nutrient management, and the effects of various fertilization practices on crop yield and quality. Her work includes studying organic and inorganic fertilizers, soil amendments, and the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes

Sonmez, S., Öktüren Asri, F., 2024. Effects of Leonardite on Soil Properties and The Nutrients Concentrations of Tomato Plants. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis.

Öktüren Asri, F., Demirtaş, E.I., Şimşek, M., Ertürk, M.E., Arı, N., Özkan, C.F., Güven, D., Özbek, Ö., 2024. Potential ecological and human health risk assessments of soil heavy metals in orchards of Antalya province in Türkiye. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry.

Öktüren Asri, F., 2023. The Effects of Organic and Conventional Fertilization on Oregano (Origanum onites L.) Yield and Quality Factors. Folia Horticulturae.

Öktüren Asri, F., Ertürk, M.E., Şimşek, M., Vuran, F.A., Bayar, F., 2023. Conventional and Organic Fertilization Improve the Growth Responses and Essential Oil Content of Salvia fruticosa Mill. Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry.

Koraltan, İ., Güven, O., Öktüren Asri, F., Aktaş, Ö., Aksoy, E., Yaprak, G., Boztosun, İ., Özmen, S.F., 2023. An Assessment on Levels of Radionuclides and Trace Metals and Radiological Risk to Marine Biota in the North-Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The European Physical Journal Special Topics.

Conclusion

Doç.Dr. Filiz Öktüren Asri is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her robust academic and professional background, extensive publication record, and significant contributions to soil science and agricultural research. With some strategic improvements in diversifying her research and increasing international collaborations, she could further enhance her eligibility and impact for such awards.