Rystay Kushanova | Plant Genetic Resources | Best Academic Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Dr. Rystay Kushanova | Plant Genetic Resources | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Kazakhstan.

Dr. Kushanova Rystay Zharmagalievna is a seasoned Senior Researcher with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and over 25 years of experience in the field of crop science and genetic conservation. Based at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, she has led numerous scientific expeditions to collect and conserve wild relatives of staple crops, playing a pivotal role in genetic resource management in Kazakhstan. Her expertise spans plant breeding, elite seed production, and agricultural biodiversity, with over 50 scientific publications to her name. Dr. Kushanova’s work supports sustainable agricultural innovation and crop improvement efforts critical to the region’s food security.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Sciences

  • Specialized in Plant Genetics and Breeding

  • Advanced training in genetic resource conservation, elite seed production, and agronomic research methodologies

  • Over 25 years of continuous academic and field research experience in Kazakhstan’s leading agricultural research institutions

Professional Experience

Senior Researcher – Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing

  • Department of Gene Pool of Agricultural Crops

    • Spearheaded scientific expeditions across Kazakhstan to collect and conserve wild relatives of major crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and alfalfa

    • Managed the long-term storage, study, and cataloguing of genetic resources crucial for future crop improvement

  • Plant Breeding & Seed Production

    • Engaged in breeding programs for wheat, barley, oats, and oilseed crops

    • Contributed to the development and scaling of elite seed production systems

    • Supported national agricultural development goals through innovation in crop selection and seed quality improvement

Research Interest 

  • Genetic resource conservation of wild and cultivated agricultural species

  • Plant breeding and cultivar development of cereals and oilseeds

  • Seed technology and elite seed production systems

  • Adaptation strategies for crops in arid and semi-arid regions

  • Agrobiodiversity and gene pool management

Author Metrics:

  • Total Publications: 50+

    • RINZ-indexed: 15

    • KOKSON-indexed: 20

    • Scopus-indexed: 5

  • Contributed to international conferences, research collaborations, and national scientific development initiatives

Top Noted Publication

Photosynthetic Activity of Spring Wheat on Chernozem Soil under Diverse Mineral Nutrition in Northern Kazakhstan

Authors:

  • T.Z. Aidarbekova

  • T. Zh. Aidarbekova

  • Abilzhan A. Khussainov

  • Gulsum T. Syzdykova

  • I. A. Nurpeissov

  • R. Zh. Kushanova

Published In:
Sabrao Journal of Breeding and Genetics, 2024

Main Focus:
This study investigates the photosynthetic performance of spring wheat cultivated on chernozem (black soil) under varying mineral nutrition regimes in Northern Kazakhstan. The goal is to determine how different fertilizer treatments influence the photosynthetic efficiency, growth dynamics, and overall productivity of spring wheat—an essential cereal crop for the region.

Conclusion

Dr. Rystay Kushanova is highly suitable for the Best Academic Researcher Award, especially given her pioneering contributions to plant genetic resource conservation, elite seed systems, and national agricultural development in Kazakhstan. Her decades-long career, impact on crop sustainability, and leadership in field research exemplify academic excellence rooted in applied science.

While increasing her international collaborations and Scopus-indexed output would elevate her profile further, her current achievements are already compelling and deserving of high recognition.

Simona Proietti | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Dr. Simona Proietti | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at IRET CNR, Italy

Dr. Simona Proietti is a distinguished researcher at the Italian National Research Council (CNR), specializing in plant physiology, biochemistry, and carbohydrate metabolism. Her work explores the relationship between photosynthetic products and environmental conditions, with an emphasis on enhancing plant growth and nutraceutical properties. A pioneer in space research, Dr. Proietti has contributed to the development of Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for food production in extreme environments such as space missions. Her expertise includes biochemical procedures, chromatography techniques, and plant cultivation under controlled conditions.

Dr. Proietti has collaborated on groundbreaking international projects like EDEN ISS, ReBUS, and the MELiSSA Project, furthering innovations in plant-based life support systems and sustainable food production technologies.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Horticultural Science (2001–2004)
    • Faculty of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
  • Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences (1991–1994)
    • University of Tuscia, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Viterbo, Italy
  • CNR Scholarship (1997–1998)
    • Focus: Regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation to different light intensities

Professional Experience

  • Researcher, CNR (2012–present)
    • Leads scientific and technical roles in projects related to plant metabolism, nutraceutical studies, and space research, with a focus on Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) for long-duration space missions.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, CNR (IBAF/IRET) (2004–2012)
    • Contributed to projects on carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthetic product allocation in crops and forest plants under varying environmental and cultivation conditions.
  • Research Collaborations & Projects:
    • 2018: ReBUS – In-situ Resource Bio-Utilization for life support in space, funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
    • 2014: EDEN ISS – Ground demonstration of plant cultivation technologies for food safety on the ISS and future space missions (Horizon 2020).
    • 2011: Inflatable greenhouse for space plant food production and life support, funded under Italy-US bilateral collaboration (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
    • 2009: Research activity for the MELiSSA Project – Food characterization in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II and ESA.
    • 2005: On-board experiment during the ENEIDE Mission in collaboration with the University of Tuscia.

Research Interest

  • Carbohydrate Metabolism: Physiological and biochemical control of carbohydrate synthesis, accumulation, and source-sink relationships in crops and forest plants under varying environmental conditions and cultivation techniques.
  • Nutraceutical Metabolites: Analysis of metabolites with nutraceutical value in food crops grown under diverse conditions.
  • Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS): Production of high-quality food plants for extreme environments, including space missions and long-duration extraterrestrial explorations.
  • Lignocellulosic Biomass: Role of carbohydrates in determining the quality and chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass for biorefineries.
  • Analytical Techniques Expertise: IC and HPLC chromatography, spectrophotometry, enzymatic activity studies, and biochemical procedures for plant metabolite quantification.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Yield, Fructans Accumulation, and Nutritional Quality of Young Chicory Plants as Related to Genotype and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Moscatello, S., Battistelli, A., Mattioni, M., Proietti, S.
Journal: Agronomy, 2023, 13(7), Article ID: 1752
Citations: 4
Abstract: Investigates the effects of genotype and nitrogen fertilization on yield, fructans accumulation, and the nutritional quality of young chicory plants.

Title: Lutein/β-carotene ratio in extra virgin olive oil: An easy and rapid quantification method by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Portarena, S., Anselmi, C., Leonardi, L., Brugnoli, E., Baldacchini, C.
Journal: Food Chemistry, 2023, 404, Article ID: 134748
Citations: 11
Abstract: Introduces a rapid quantification method using Raman spectroscopy for determining the lutein/β-carotene ratio in extra virgin olive oil.

Title: Light Intensity Affects the Assimilation Rate and Carbohydrates Partitioning in Spinach Grown in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Proietti, S., Paradiso, R., Moscatello, S., Saccardo, F., Battistelli, A.
Journal: Plants, 2023, 12(4), Article ID: 804
Citations: 15
Abstract: Examines how varying light intensities influence assimilation rates and carbohydrate partitioning in spinach under controlled environmental conditions.

Title: Substrate and fertigation management modulate microgreens production, quality and resource efficiency
Authors: Paglialunga, G., El Nakhel, C., Proietti, S., De Pascale, S., Rouphael, Y.
Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023, 7, Article ID: 1222914
Citations: 4
Abstract: Studies the impact of substrate and fertigation management on microgreens production, resource efficiency, and quality traits.

Title: Applying productivity and phytonutrient profile criteria in modelling species selection of microgreens as Space crops for astronaut consumption
Authors: Izzo, L.G., El Nakhel, C., Rouphael, Y., De Pascale, S., Aronne, G.
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14, Article ID: 1210566
Citations: 2
Abstract: Focuses on species selection for space cultivation based on productivity and phytonutrient profiles, emphasizing microgreens for astronaut nutrition.

Title: Defining growth requirements of microgreens in space cultivation via biomass production, morpho-anatomical and nutritional traits analysis
Authors: Amitrano, C., Paglialunga, G., Battistelli, A., Rouphael, Y., De Pascale, S.
Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14, Article ID: 1190945
Citations: 10
Abstract: Analyzes biomass production, morpho-anatomical, and nutritional traits of microgreens to establish growth requirements for space cultivation.

Conclusion

Dr. Simona Proietti’s exceptional contributions to plant physiology, space research, and sustainable food production make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative work on Bio-regenerative Life Support Systems and nutraceutical studies in plants exemplifies the transformative impact of her research. Addressing areas such as greater grant leadership and public engagement could further amplify her influence in the scientific community. Overall, her achievements align well with the award’s objectives, and she is a highly deserving nominee.