Forough Sanjarian | Secondary Metabolite | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Forough Sanjarian | Secondary Metabolite | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member at National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.

Dr. Forough Sanjarian is a seasoned plant molecular biologist affiliated with the National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran. Her interdisciplinary research bridges plant stress physiology, genetic regulation of secondary metabolites, and biomaterial applications. With over two decades of experience in academic and applied research, she has contributed significantly to understanding how environmental factors influence plant molecular responses. She has received a research scholarship from NIGEB and was a guest scientist at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Vienna, Austria.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

  • Ph.D. in Biology (2001–2006)
    Razi University, Faculty of Science, in collaboration with the National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.

  • M.Sc. in Biology (1995–1998)
    Tehran University, Faculty of Science, Iran.

  • B.Sc. in Biology (1991–1995)
    Isfahan University, Faculty of Science, Iran.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sanjarian has served as a Researcher at the National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB) since 2002, contributing to advancements in plant biotechnology, genetic expression, and stress physiology. She previously worked as an Invited Tutor in Molecular Biology at Azad University (1998–2006), where she taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students.

Research Interest 

  • Plant molecular biology and gene expression under abiotic stress

  • Secondary metabolite biosynthesis (e.g., monoterpenes, thymol)

  • Hormetic responses to low-dose gamma irradiation

  • Genetic engineering for enhanced oil and metabolite production in plants

  • Development of biomaterials for medical applications (e.g., wound dressings)

Google Scholar Profile (est.):

  • Total Citations: ~500+

  • h-index: ~10

  • Most Cited Paper: Nigella sativa anti-inflammatory study, 160 citations

Top Noted Publication

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Seeds and Callus of Nigella sativa L. Extracts on Mix Glial Cells with Regard to Their Thymoquinone Content

  • Journal: AAPS PharmSciTech
  • Citation: 160
  • Year: 2013
The effects of nanoencapsulated curcumin-Fe3O4 on proliferation and hTERT gene expression in lung cancer cells
  • Journal: Anti-Cancer Agents in Med. Chem.
  • Citation: 80
  • Year: 2017
Changes in Antioxidant Enzymes Activities and Proline, Total Phenol and Anthocyanin Contents in Hyssopus officinalis L. Plants Under Salt Stress
  • Journal: Acta Biologica Hungarica
  • Citation: 57
  • Year: 2016
Transcriptional Responses in Root Tissue of Bread Wheat Reveal Drought Avoidance Mechanisms
  • Journal: PLOS ONE
  • Citation: 37
  • Year: 2019
Comparative Study of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Plasmid DNA Extraction
  • Journal: Analytical Biochemistry
  • Citation: 36
  • Year: 2016

Conclusion

Dr. Zhigang Shang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Engineering. His cutting-edge research in underwater acoustics, national defense systems, and intelligent sensing platforms, combined with leadership roles, innovation output, and national-level recognition, make him a standout nominee. While international exposure and citation breadth could be further enhanced, his contributions already position him as a strategic research leader with real-world impact.

 

Zhigang Shang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhigang Shang | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Harbin Engineering University, China.

Dr. Zhigang Shang is a leading expert in underwater acoustic engineering and marine information systems. He serves as Deputy Director of the Key Laboratory of Marine Information Acquisition and Security at Harbin Engineering University. With a Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and extensive experience in national defense research, he has led and participated in over 20 major national and military R&D projects. Dr. Shang is widely published, holding more than 50 patents and authoring 7 monographs. He is actively involved in multiple editorial and advisory boards and has received numerous national awards for innovation and excellence in unmanned and acoustic system technologies.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. Zhigang Shang earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Information Engineering (Underwater Acoustics) from Harbin Engineering University in 2010. He then completed his Ph.D. at the Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 2015, where he specialized in acoustic signal processing and underwater sensing technologies.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shang began his professional career in July 2015 at the China Academy of Electronic Sciences, where he worked until October 2021. Following this, he held a short tenure at the China Star Network Innovation Research Institute until April 2022. Since then, he has been a faculty member at Harbin Engineering University, where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Key Laboratory of Marine Information Acquisition and Security, under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Dr. Shang holds several academic and professional positions, including:

  • Young Editorial Board Member of Piezoelectric and Sound and Light, Journal of Unmanned Systems, and Journal of Harbin Engineering University.

  • Senior Member of the Chinese Institute of Electronics.

  • Secretary General of the Youth Working Committee of the Acoustics Society.

  • Mentor at the Beijing Institute of Technology.

  • Recognized leader in Underwater Acoustic Engineering as noted in the Blue Book of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Research Interest 

Dr. Shang’s research focuses on:

  • Underwater acoustics

  • Marine information acquisition

  • Unmanned systems

  • Intelligent sensing

  • Signal processing

  • Acoustic stealth and detection technologies

  • Multimodal marine data fusion

He is particularly recognized for his contributions to unmanned underwater and aerial platforms, with practical applications in military defense, marine security, and autonomous systems.

Author Metrics

  • Academic Publications: 50+ peer-reviewed papers

  • National Invention Patents: 50+

  • Software Copyrights: 10+

  • Books/Monographs: 7

  • Major R&D and Military Projects: 20+

Awards:

  • Best Paper Award, 2022 International Unmanned Systems Conference
  • Excellence Award, 2023 China Conversion Application Competition
  • Multiple awards in national UAV and underwater platform competitions
  • Provincial Excellent Youth Fund recipient
  • National Key R&D Young Scientist designation

Top Noted Publication

1. DOA Estimation Exploiting a Single Moving Acoustic Vector Sensor: A Cramér-Rao Bound-Based Study

Authors: Qu, Xinghao; Shang, Zhigang; Qiao, Gang; Liu, Songzuo
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 2025
Citation Count: 0 (as of now)
Summary:
This study presents a novel method for Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimation using a single moving Acoustic Vector Sensor (AVS). The methodology is evaluated through a Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB)-based framework, providing theoretical limits and accuracy benchmarks for DOA performance. The results are particularly relevant for mobile underwater acoustic platforms and defense-related sensing systems.

2. Cross-Domain Communication Buoy System Based on Optimal Communication Link Selection

Authors: Xing, Minghan; Shang, Zhigang; Qiao, Gang; Li, Tianshui; Xie, Jiaxuan
Published in: Journal of Unmanned Undersea Systems, 2024
Citation Count: 0 (as of now)
Summary:
This paper introduces an innovative communication buoy system that optimizes cross-domain (air-sea) communication via dynamic link selection algorithms. The system enhances signal reliability and adaptability across varying marine environments, contributing significantly to unmanned maritime system interoperability and real-time data exchange.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhigang Shang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Engineering. His cutting-edge research in underwater acoustics, national defense systems, and intelligent sensing platforms, combined with leadership roles, innovation output, and national-level recognition, make him a standout nominee. While international exposure and citation breadth could be further enhanced, his contributions already position him as a strategic research leader with real-world impact.

 

Margarida Soares | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Margarida Soares | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Margarida Soares at CVR- CENTRO PARA A VALORIZAÇÃO DE RESÍDUOS, Portugal

Dr. Margarida Reis Soares is a multidisciplinary researcher specializing in the valorization of industrial and organic waste and the integration of circular economy principles. She holds a Master’s degree in Biological Engineering with a specialization in Technology in Chemical and Food Processing from the Universidade do Minho, Portugal. Currently, she serves as an investigator at the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and the Centro para a Valorização de Resíduos (CVR). Over the years, Dr. Soares has contributed to numerous European Union-funded projects, addressing eco-innovation, green technologies, and sustainability. Her research emphasizes creating environmentally friendly solutions for waste recovery and fostering green growth in industries.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Educational Details

Master’s Degree in Biological Engineering (Integrated Master’s Program)

  • Specialization: Technology in Chemical and Food Processing
  • Institution: Universidade do Minho, Portugal
  • Completion: November 2016
  • Thesis: “Estudo da Viabilidade da Diminuição das Temperaturas de Pasteurização Aplicadas aos Preparados Elaborados na Decorgel”
  • Graduation Grade: 17.07/20

Professional Experience

  • Investigator
    • Institution: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia / Centro para a Valorização de Resíduos (CVR), Portugal
    • Duration: November 2023 – Present
  • Researcher
    • Institution: Centro para a Valorização de Resíduos (CVR), Universidade do Minho, Portugal
    • Roles:
      • Investigated sustainable waste recovery and circular economy initiatives.
      • Collaborated on European Union-funded projects focused on eco-innovation and green technologies.
    • Duration: January 2017 – Present
  • Quality Control Laboratory Technician
    • Employer: Prozis, Portugal
    • Duration: July 2019 – July 2020

Research Interest

  • Valorization of industrial and organic waste.
  • Circular economy and sustainability strategies.
  • Development of eco-innovative materials using waste recovery.
  • Integration of bio-based processes in chemical and food engineering.
  • Technological solutions for green growth and environmental impact reduction.

Selected Research Projects

  • BioShoes4All (2023–Present): Innovation in sustainable bioeconomy for the footwear industry.
  • Mission2GG (2023–Present): Strategies for green growth, circularity, and eco-innovation.
  • RENew (2020–Present): Circular economy solutions for reintroducing construction waste.
  • VALORMAR (2017–Present): Valorization of marine resources through innovation.
  • EcoSustainable Rail (2016–Present): Development of eco-sustainable railway sleepers using mixed plastics.
  • UpCycle4Biz (2021–2023): Materials upcycling for promoting a circular economy.
  • Res2ValHum (2016–Present): Recovery of organic waste for humic substance production.

Publication Top Notes

“Peach processing wastes stabilization: Effect on the physical-chemical and microbiological properties”

  • Authors: Ribeiro, A., Soares, M., Valerio, N., Vilarinho, C., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: WASTES: Solutions, Treatments, and Opportunities IV – Selected Papers from the 6th International Conference Wastes, 2023, 2024, pp. 452–457.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.

“Pig meat processing wastes stabilization: Effect on the microbiological properties”

  • Authors: Ribeiro, A., Soares, M., Valerio, N., Vilarinho, C., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: WASTES: Solutions, Treatments, and Opportunities IV – Selected Papers from the 6th International Conference Wastes, 2023, 2024, pp. 458–464.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.

“An Experimental Setup for Plasma Gasification of Sewage Sludge”

  • Authors: Pacheco, N., Barbosa, F.V., Ribeiro, A., Teixeira, J.C.F., Vilarinho, C.
  • Source: Proceedings of the Thermal and Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, 2023, 2023-March, pp. 543–557.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.
  • Citations: 2.

“Challenges of Digital Waste Marketplace—The Upvalue Platform”

  • Authors: Soares, M., Ribeiro, A., Vasconcelos, T., Vilarinho, C., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: Sustainability (Switzerland), 2023, 15(14), 11235.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.
  • Citations: 2.

“Diving into Fish Valorisation: Review Opportunities and Analyzing Azorean Fish Data”

  • Authors: Valério, N., Soares, M., Vilarinho, C., Correia, M., Carvalho, J.
  • Source: Processes, 2023, 11(7), 1998.
  • Abstract and related documents: Disabled.
  • Citations: 5.

Conclusion

Dr. Margarida Soares is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the context of applied sustainability and circular economy research. Her work addresses global environmental challenges through innovative, practical solutions, and her involvement in EU-funded projects showcases her ability to collaborate on high-impact initiatives. However, to strengthen her candidacy further, she should focus on increasing her publication output, pursuing patents, and expanding her international footprint.