Tahir Mehmood | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tahir Mehmood | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Tahir Mehmood, University of the Punjab, Lahore Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Tahir Mehmood (Gold Medalist) is a renowned Pakistani academician and scientist in the field of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. He serves as a Professor at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and is recognized for his extensive contributions to biochemistry, bioactive compounds, and microbial biotechnology. With over 19 years of teaching and research experience, including international training from France, he has demonstrated leadership in scientific innovation. His dedication has earned him national acclaim, including the Productive Scientist title by the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology and numerous academic distinctions throughout his career.

Publication Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education Background

Prof. Dr. Tahir Mehmood earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology from the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), University of Strasbourg, France, under a prestigious HEC overseas merit scholarship. His doctoral thesis focused on cognitive defects caused by RSK2 gene mutation. Prior to that, he completed an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and a BSc in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Botany from the University of Karachi. His academic journey has consistently reflected a First-Class academic standing, demonstrating excellence across all educational milestones.

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience

Prof. Mehmood holds over 19 years of teaching and research experience, with nearly 13 years post-Ph.D. He has served in various capacities including Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and now Professor at institutions such as the University of the Punjab, University of Sargodha, and University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. His academic services span both inland and international domains, particularly during his PhD tenure in France. His positions have also included curriculum development roles, PhD supervision, and organizing numerous scientific events.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Tahir Mehmood has earned numerous accolades, including a Gold Medal in Biochemistry (2024), HEC Merit Scholarship for Ph.D., Shahbaz Sharif Youth Laptop Award, and inclusion in the Directory of Productive Scientists of Pakistan by PCST. He received awards for best publication from MDPI, France language certifications, and has frequently chaired sessions at national and international scientific conferences. Universities have honored him with shields for academic performance, teaching, and administrative excellence. His peer recognition includes 1st position selections by foreign referees for faculty appointments.

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Mehmood’s research focuses on molecular and biochemical exploration of plant-based bioactive compounds, phytochemicals, and essential oils for use in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. He is involved in transforming agro-wastes into valuable bio-products such as biovanillin, biofuels, and enzymes. He also studies cancer mechanisms, anti-diabetic, anti-aging agents, and antioxidants from indigenous flora. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with applied biotechnology, aiming for sustainable health and environmental solutions through biotransformation and molecular analysis.

📌 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Tahir Mehmood stands as a highly accomplished academic leader and scientist, whose impactful research, international collaboration, and academic mentorship contribute significantly to biochemistry and biotechnology. His prolific publication record, numerous awards, and leadership roles within academic institutions mark him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. He continues to shape scientific knowledge and inspire young researchers in Pakistan and beyond through his dedication and scholarly excellence.

📚 Publications

  1. Valorization of Fruit Peels into Biovanillin using Enterobacter hormaechei
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Fermentation | Impact Factor: 5.123 | Cited by: 40+

  2. Microbial conversion of pomegranate peels to biovanillin
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery | Impact Factor: 4.987 | Cited by: 30+

  3. Biotransformation of wheat straw into biovanillin
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery | Impact Factor: 4.987 | Cited by: 25+

  4. Laccase enzyme optimization from Fomes fomentarius
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery | Impact Factor: 4.987 | Cited by: 20+

  5. Rhoifolin and its antidiabetic effect
    Year: 2025 | Journal: Pharmaceuticals | Impact Factor: 4.3 | Cited by: 15+

  6. Molecular evolution of activating transcription factors
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity | Impact Factor: 7.310 | Cited by: 35+

  7. DNA Barcoding of Catharanthus roseus
    Year: 2024 | Journal: Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University | HEC Recognized | Cited by: 10+

  8. Y-STRs in Ethnic Groups of Pakistan
    Year: 2022 | Journal: BMC Genomics | Impact Factor: 3.5 | Cited by: 22+

  9. Bioconversion of apple peels to PHB
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery | Impact Factor: 4.987 | Cited by: 18+

  10. Antioxidant Potential of Withania somnifera
    Year: 2022 | Journal: Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine | Impact Factor: 2.547 | Cited by: 12+

 

Mrs. Polina Vesselova | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Polina Vesselova | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

leading researcher, Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Kazakhstan

Vesselova Polina Vasilyevna is a distinguished botanist with an impressive career spanning over 38 years, including 31 years dedicated to scientific research and education 🌱📚. Her profound contributions to plant biodiversity, conservation, and agrobiodiversity in Kazakhstan have been widely acknowledged both locally and internationally. She has served as the head of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, mentoring future scholars with dedication and expertise. Her collaborations stretch across continents, with academic engagements in the USA, Russia, and multiple international publications and projects in Europe and Asia 🌍.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Background

Polina began her academic journey at Kazakh State University (KazGU) in Almaty, where she laid the foundation for her future in botany. Her deep-rooted interest in plant sciences evolved through consistent scholarly engagement, including internships at the Missouri Botanical Garden (USA) and the Komarov Botanical Institute (Russia) in 2014, enriching her global perspective on botanical sciences 🌿✈️.

🏢 Professional Experience

Polina’s professional path is rooted in two primary institutions. From 1991 to 2022, she was a leading figure at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction in Almaty, contributing to major botanical studies 🌼. Simultaneously, she worked with KazEkoProekt LLP (1999–2011), enhancing environmental and ecological project implementation 🌳. She has also actively led academic programs and supervised numerous research students, making her a pillar in Kazakhstan’s botanical education and research.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Though not explicitly listed, Polina’s role as the responsible executor of national scientific and technical programs, and her leadership in high-level international projects like “Flora of the Tien Shan – Green Path of Central Asia”, stand as strong indicators of her professional recognition 🥇🌍. Her invitations to prominent international institutions and numerous publications in Q2 and Q3 journals reflect the scholarly community’s respect for her work.

🔬 Research Focus

Polina’s research primarily revolves around the botanical diversity, conservation of wild relatives of cultivated plants, plant biodiversity in protected areas, and sustainable agrobiodiversity management 🌾🌍. Her focus aligns with global ecological priorities, including contributions to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation. She has led efforts on understanding Kazakhstan’s flora, especially in the Tien Shan region, making significant strides toward green economy transitions 🌿📊.

🔚 Conclusion

Vesselova Polina Vasilyevna exemplifies a lifelong commitment to botany through research, education, and environmental stewardship 🌱💚. Her work continues to influence conservation policy, scientific understanding, and botanical education in Central Asia and beyond. Her over 180 publications, including 9 collective monographs, mark her as a key contributor to modern botanical sciences in Kazakhstan and globally.

📝 Publication Top Notes 

Crop wild relatives of Kazakhstani Tien Shan: Flora, vegetation, resources
Journal: Plant Diversity, 2020 – Q2 (Percentile 79%)
Citations: 5

Current Growth Conditions of Populus Diversifolia Schrenk and Populus Pruinosa Schrenk in the Syr-Darya Valley
Journal: OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences, 2022 – Q3 (Percentile 45%)

Supplement to the flora of the State National Natural Park “Altyn-Emel” (Republic of Kazakhstan)
Journal: Turczaninowia, 2018 – Q3 (Percentile 30%)
Citations: 1

IAPT Chromosome Data 29/2
Journal: Taxon, 2019 – Q2 (Percentile 67%)
Citations: 1

Complete Plastid Genome Sequences of Four Salsoleae s.l. Species: Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses
Journal: Biomolecules, 2024 (Full text access restricted)
Citations: 1