Deepmala Sehgal | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Deepmala Sehgal | Biochemistry | Research Excellence Award

Syngenta UK Limited | United Kingdom 

Deepmala Sehgal’s research centers on advancing genomics-assisted strategies to strengthen weed management and crop improvement through cutting-edge molecular and quantitative genetics. Her work focuses on uncovering non-target site resistance genes in major weed species using approaches such as QTL mapping, TWAS, and GWAS, supported by the development of specialized panels and populations. She also designs high-throughput KASP assays to efficiently detect target-site resistance mutations across diverse weed genomes. Beyond weed genomics, her expertise extends to wheat genetics, where she has led major initiatives in genetic improvement and genomics-enabled breeding. A significant component of her work involves optimizing genomic selection models for complex traits by evaluating SNP- and haplotype-based prediction systems and integrating GWAS-identified loci alongside epistatic interactions to enhance predictive accuracy. Her scientific contributions are reflected in 2,284 citations, 75 scientific documents, and an h-index of 28, highlighting her influence in plant genomics and quantitative genetics. Her combined focus on innovation, high-resolution genetic analysis, and application-driven breeding solutions positions her at the forefront of modern crop and weed genomics research.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Sehgal, D., Martín-Sanz, A., Sayago, A., Perraki, A., & Kaundun, S. S. (2025). Prevalence of two acetolactate synthase target site resistance mutations in sunflower broomrape from Europe as determined by robust kompetitive allele-specific assays (KASP). Pest Management Science.

Kokhmetova, A., Rathan, N. D., Sehgal, D., Ali, S., Zeleneva, Y., Kumarbayeva, M., Bolatbekova, A., Krishnappa, G., Keishilov, Z., Kokhmetova, A., Mukhametzhanov, K., & Bakhytuly, K. (2025). Genetic dissection of Septoria tritici blotch and Septoria nodorum blotch resistance in wheat using GWAS. Frontiers in Plant Science.

Nabila BELYAGOUBI-BENHAMMOU | Biochemistry |Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Nabila BELYAGOUBI-BENHAMMOU | Biochemistry |Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nabila BELYAGOUBI-BENHAMMOU,  University of Tlemcen, Algeria

Prof. Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou is a Professor and researcher at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria, specializing in phytochemistry, natural products, and microbial ecology. She leads research on bioactive substances, medicinal plants, and their pharmacological and cosmetic applications. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Natural Product Research and Applications (JNPRA) and coordinates the Master’s program in Bioactivities, Analysis, and Control of Essential and Vegetable Oils (BAACHEV). Her work includes a patent on Anabasis articulata for breast cancer treatment. Prof. Belyagoubi-Benhammou has received national recognition for her contributions to academia and research.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Nabila Belyagoubi-Benhammou is a highly accomplished researcher and academic leader with a strong portfolio in phytochemistry, bioactive compounds, and natural products research. Her work on medicinal plants, essential oils, and their pharmacological applications has contributed significantly to the field. She has demonstrated excellence in research, mentorship, academic leadership, and scientific publishing. Her patent on an anticancer plant extract further underscores her innovative contributions.

🎓 Education

Professor Belyagoubi-Benhammou Nabila holds a Ph.D. in Biology and obtained her University Habilitation in 2014, specializing in Biology. She earned a Magister degree in 2006 in Natural Substances, Biological Activities, and Syntheses (NSBAS) from Abou Bekr Belkaid University, Algeria. Her academic journey began with a State Engineering diploma in Analysis and Quality Control (AQC) in 2003 from the same university, following her Baccalaureate in Natural Science and Life (NSL) in 1997.

💼Experience

She is a Professor and permanent teacher-researcher at Tlemcen University, where she leads Team 2 in the Natural Products Laboratory, focusing on the Phytochemistry of Bioactive Substances and Microbial Ecology. Since 2021, she has served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Natural Product Research and Applications (JNPRA). She is also responsible for the Master’s training program in Bioactivities, Analysis, and Control of Essential and Vegetable Oils (BAACHEV).

🔬Research Focus

Her research explores the phytochemistry and biological activities of medicinal and aromatic plants, with a particular focus on antioxidant, pharmacological, and cosmetic properties. She has contributed to multiple research projects, including the characterization of plant extracts from Algeria, the valorization of marine algae metabolites, and the investigation of Pistacia atlantica for its bioactive potential. Her work also extends to environmental sustainability through the biotherapeutic and cosmetological applications of compounds derived from liquid olive by-products. She has developed a patent for a powerful extract of Anabasis articulata for breast cancer treatment, highlighting her contributions to cancer research.

🏆Awards

She achieved the first position at the national level for promotion to the Professor grade in 2020, marking a significant milestone in her academic career.

🛠️Skills

She possesses expertise in phytochemistry, natural product extraction, instrumental analysis, microbiology, and biochemistry. Her proficiency extends to teaching courses on plant metabolites, analysis techniques, dairy technology, and process engineering. She has international research exposure through short-term internships in France and Turkey, further enhancing her expertise in organic synthesis, food biotechnology, and natural product chemistry.

📚Publications

  • Monteleone, V., Ben Menni, D., Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Canini, A., & Gismondi, A. (2024). Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. food aqueous extract triggers oxidative stress-induced senescence and reduces metastatic power in MDA-MB-231 cells. Journal of Functional Foods.

     

  • Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Belyagoubi, L., Benmahieddine, A., Sarabandi, K., & Jafari, S. M. (2024). Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) unripe fruit extract as a source of phytochemicals with anti-tyrosinase, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology.

     

  • Belyagoubi-Benhammou, N., Belyagoubi, L., Benmahieddine, A., Canini, A., & Gismondi, A. (2024). Nutraceutical content and biological properties of lipophilic and hydrophilic fractions of the phytocomplex from Pistacia atlantica Desf. buds, roots, and fruits. Plants.

Conclusion:

Prof. Belyagoubi-Benhammou is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening her global engagement, expanding interdisciplinary research, and increasing international funding opportunities could further enhance her profile. Her contributions to natural product research and pharmacology make her highly deserving of this recognition.