Prof. Sadegh Alijani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sadegh Alijani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Sadegh Alijani, University of Tabriz, Iran

Sadegh Alijani is an Iranian professor specializing in animal breeding, genetics, and statistical methods in livestock science. He earned his B.Sc. in Animal Science from the University of Shahid Chamran, followed by an M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Tabriz, and a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran, consistently ranking first in his academic programs. Dr. Alijani has extensive teaching experience at the University of Tabriz, where he has lectured on subjects ranging from genetics and statistics to experimental design and advanced statistical methods across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. His research focuses on the application of Bayesian statistics, genetic markers, and molecular genetics in animal breeding. He has served in administrative roles, including Deputy of the Khalat Poushan Research Station and Head of the Central Laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture. With a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and a history of supervising numerous M.Sc. theses, Dr. Alijani continues to contribute significantly to the fields of animal genetics and statistical modeling.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SCOPUS

🏆 Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Sadegh Alijani is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his exceptional academic achievements, sustained research output, and impactful teaching and leadership roles over more than two decades in the field of animal breeding, molecular genetics, and statistical methods.

🎓 Educational Background

  • B.Sc. in Animal Science
    📍 University of Shahid Chamran – 1992
    🏅 Rank: 1st

  • M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics
    📍 University of Tabriz – 1997
    🏅 Rank: 1st
    📘 Thesis: “Efficiency of advanced statistical methods in animal breeding and genetics and their application in breeding of native Turkey of Azarbaijan”

  • Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics
    📍 University of Tehran – 2009
    🏅 Rank: 1st
    📘 Thesis: “Major genes detection in farm animals using Bayesian statistical methods and genetic markers”

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

  • 🧮 Application of statistics in animal breeding (M.Sc.) — 2003–Present

  • 📊 Advanced statistical methods (SAS) (M.Sc.) — 1999–Present

  • 🧬 Genetics (B.Sc.) — 2000–Present

  • 🎲 Statistics and probability (B.Sc.) — 1999–Present

  • 🧪 Experimental design in animal science (B.Sc.) — 2004–Present

  • 🐔 Poultry breeding (B.Sc.) — 1999–Present

  • 📉 Estimation of variance–covariance (Ph.D.) — 2012–Present

  • 📈 Linear model in animal breeding (Ph.D.) — 2012–Present

🏢 Academic and Administrative Positions

  • Lecturer (1999–2003)

  • Assistant Professor (2003–2013)

  • Associate Professor (2013–2021)

  • Professor (2021–Present)
    📍 University of Tabriz

  • 🧪 Deputy of Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture – 1999–2000

  • 🧫 Head of Central Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture – 2011–2014

🧑‍🎓 Graduate Supervision 

  1. 🐮 Genetic parameters in Sarabi cattle

  2. 🧬 Kappa casein polymorphism in Holstein & native cattle

  3. 🌡️ Heat stress impact on broilers

  4. 🐑 Growth traits in Lori sheep

  5. 🍗 Broiler performance with different fat sources

  6. 🐥 Cottonseed meal in broiler diet

  7. 🧵 Fleece characteristics in hybrid sheep

  8. 🩸 Vitamin supplementation effects in calves

  9. 🐄 Genetic potential via test-day records (Zanjan Univ.)

  10. 🍼 Lactation curve studies (Zanjan Univ.)

🏆 Achievements & Honors

  • 📚 Ranked 1st in B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. studies

  • 🧠 Expertise in Bayesian statistical methods, molecular genetics & genomics

  • ✍️ Published over 15+ research papers in international journals

  • 💻 Specialized in SAS software and advanced modeling

  • 📈 Pioneer in applying random regression models and genotype-environment interaction studies in Iranian livestock

  • 🎓 Active mentor for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in animal breeding

Publication Top Notes:

Application of a random forest algorithm to estimate marker effects and identify candidate genes for reproductive traits in Iranian Holstein dairy cattle

Effect of Dietary Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) Supplemented with Enzyme Blend on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Status in Laying Hens

Searching for Possible Association between Six Microsatellite Markers and Suppression of Mite Reproduction (SMR) Trait in Honey Bees

Genomic Selection Signatures in Two French and Swedish Holstein Cattle Breeds Provide Evidence for Several Potential Candidate Genes Linked to Economic Traits

Molecular Screening of Varroa-Resistant Trait of Honey Bee Colonies based on NorpA2 Candidate Gene Polymorphism: A Genetic Case-Control Study

Supplementation of broiler chicken diets with bovine lactoferrin improves growth performance, histological parameters of jejunum and immune-related gene expression

 

Nontobeko Mvubu | Molecular Biology Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nontobeko Mvubu | Molecular Biology Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Nontobeko Mvubu, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Dr. Nontobeko Eunice Mvubu is a dedicated Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. With a strong academic background and a PhD in Microbiology (2016), she has been advancing her field through impactful research, particularly focusing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and bioinformatics. She has over five years of experience in higher education, excelling in teaching and supervising students across multiple levels. Her achievements include supervising 11 Honours, 6 Masters, and 1 PhD student to completion, funded by both national and international grants. Dr. Mvubu has authored 12 publications in Q1 and Q2 journals and contributed significantly to advancing understanding in her field through innovative research and academic excellence. 🌍📚

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Researcher Suitability Summary for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nontobeko E. Mvubu’s professional accomplishments and qualifications make her a compelling candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Below is an evaluation of her strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion regarding her suitability for this prestigious recognition.

Education 🎓

Dr. Mvubu has an extensive academic background:

  • PhD in Microbiology (2013–2016, University of KwaZulu-Natal) – Specialized in molecular and cellular responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • MSc in Microbiology (2011–2013, converted to PhD, University of KwaZulu-Natal).
  • BSc Honours in Microbiology (2010, University of KwaZulu-Natal).
  • BMedSc in Physiology (2007–2009, University of KwaZulu-Natal).
  • Matric (2006, Impoqabulungu Secondary).
    Her academic foundation combines rigorous training with a focus on microbiology and physiology, paving the way for her groundbreaking research. 📖🧬

Experience 💼

Dr. Mvubu began her academic journey as a Lecturer in 2017, rising to Senior Lecturer in 2023. She has taught undergraduate modules in genetics, microbiology, and physiology, with courses ranging from RDNA202 to advanced topics like MICR701 and MMGY7ALM1. She coordinates modules, develops curricula, and integrates innovative pedagogies in her teaching. Dr. Mvubu also actively mentors graduate and postgraduate students, contributing to their academic success. Her experience extends to being a reviewer for international journals and managing research grants, showcasing her leadership and collaborative skills. 🏫✨

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Mvubu’s research focuses on Mycobacterium tuberculosis, delving into transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation, strain heterogeneity, and host-pathogen interactions. Her bioinformatics expertise drives studies on inflammasomes, lipid metabolism, and molecular signatures in infectious diseases. She is also exploring novel diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies using systems biology approaches. Her work bridges microbiology and computational science, contributing to global health solutions. 🌐🧫

Awards 🏆

Dr. Mvubu has received several accolades, including:

  • KRITH Collaborative Grant Award (2011).
  • NRF Thuthuka Funding (Post-PhD Track: 2018, 2021).
  • European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership Fellowship (2021).
  • South African Medical Research Council (MRC) Grant (2022).
    These awards recognize her innovative research and commitment to tackling health challenges in infectious diseases. 🌟💡

Publications Top Notes 📜

Dr. Mvubu’s impactful publications include:

Canonical pathways, networks and transcriptional factor regulation by clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells

CITED: 37

Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains induce strain-specific cytokine and chemokine response in pulmonary epithelial cells

CITED: 31

Lineage-specific differences in lipid metabolism and its impact on clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

CITED: 15

Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Maternal Immune Activation Promotes Autism-Like Phenotype in Infected Mice Offspring

CITED: 14

Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains exhibit differential and strain-specific molecular signatures in pulmonary epithelial cells

CITED: 12

Clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis exhibit differential lipid metabolism-associated transcriptome changes in in vitro cholesterol and

infection models

CITED: 8

Infection of pulmonary epithelial cells by clinical strains of M. tuberculosis induces alternate splicing events

CITED: 7