Prof. Bouthaina Dridi | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Professor, High Agronomic Institute of Chott-Mariem Sousse, Tunisia

🌿 Prof. Bouthaina Dridi Al Mohandes is a distinguished academic in the field of Agronomy and Biotechnology, currently serving as a professor at the High Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Mariem in Tunisia. With over 30 years of experience, she has contributed immensely to plant physiology, biotechnology, and horticultural sciences. She has also co-authored books and numerous international research publications, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative plant production techniques.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

• Extensive Educational Background: Dr. Bouthaina Dridi holds multiple advanced degrees in horticulture and agronomic sciences, including a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences. Her academic credentials demonstrate a strong foundation in plant physiology, biotechnology, and genetics, which aligns well with the theme of women’s research excellence in agriculture.
• Vast Professional Experience: Dr. Dridi has over 30 years of experience in academia and research, having worked in both national and international institutions. Her experience as a professor, researcher, and engineer showcases her long-term commitment to advancing agricultural sciences.
• Research Impact and Publications: Dr. Dridi has a significant body of research, with numerous publications in high-impact international journals over the last decade. Her work spans topics like plant physiology, virus-free plant production, and environmental sustainability, which makes her a valuable contributor to the field.
• Leadership in Research: With her habilitation degree, Dr. Dridi is qualified to supervise research, highlighting her leadership in the academic and scientific community. Her co-authorship of a book on best practices in artichoke farming also points to her contribution to practical agricultural development.
• Focus on Environmental Sustainability: Dr. Dridi’s research on sustainable agriculture, including the ecological assessment of heavy metal pollution and the use of plant-based agents, is highly relevant to current global challenges in sustainable food production and environmental conservation.

Areas for Improvement:

• Visibility in Gender-Specific Research: While Dr. Dridi has a rich academic and research background, there is little focus on gender-specific research or contributions that directly address the advancement of women in science or agriculture. Enhancing visibility in this area could strengthen her candidacy for a women-focused research award.
• Involvement in Advocacy for Women in Science: Although Dr. Dridi is highly accomplished, there is no mention of involvement in programs, initiatives, or advocacy efforts aimed at promoting women in STEM or agriculture. Expanding her influence in this domain would further align her profile with the goals of the Women Research Award.

Education

🎓 Prof. Dridi holds an impressive academic background in agricultural and biological sciences. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences from Ghent University, Belgium, in 2003, specializing in biotechnology and plant genetics. She also holds a Habilitation degree in Agronomic Sciences from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, and two engineering certificates in Horticulture Sciences from ENSH, France, and Chott-Mariem, Tunisia.

Experience

💼 Since 2019, Prof. Dridi has been a Professor at the High Institute of Agronomy of Chott-Mariem, Tunisia, following her roles as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor since 2005. Her career began as an engineer and researcher at the National Agronomic Research Institute of Tunisia, before moving to academic teaching and research. Her early work includes research at the National Museum of Natural History, Paris, and leading a laboratory in vitro production in France.

Research Focus

🔬 Prof. Dridi’s research focuses on biotechnology, plant physiology, and genetics. She is passionate about in vitro tissue culture techniques for virus-free plant production, with an emphasis on sustainable and innovative methods for horticultural development, particularly artichokes and other horticultural crops. Her work also extends to studying the environmental impacts of agriculture.

Awards and Honours

🏅 Prof. Dridi has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to agronomy, receiving honorable mentions for her Ph.D. thesis and engineering dissertations. She has also co-authored a Guide de bonnes pratiques for organic artichoke farming, which reflects her commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

Publications – Top Notes

Clotting and Proteolytic Activity of Wild Thistles (2023)

Onopordum Nervosum Flowers as Antioxidant Agents (2023)

Comparative Study of Tunisian Pepper Accessions (2022)

Effect of Vermicompost on Tomato Growth under Salt Stress (2022)

Conclusion:

Dr. Bouthaina Dridi is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Research Award due to her extensive academic background, leadership in agronomic sciences, and impactful research contributions in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. However, her candidacy could be further strengthened by highlighting more gender-specific initiatives or contributions to advancing women in the scientific community. Despite this, her research excellence and leadership make her a strong contender for the award.