Asifa Qureshi | Soil Biology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Asifa Qureshi | Soil Biology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Asifa Qureshi, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, India

Dr. Asifa Qureshi is a Senior Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, India. With a background in Microbiology, she holds a Ph.D. from Nagpur University, where her research focused on the biotransformation of nitrophenols by microorganisms. Dr. Qureshi has extensive experience in environmental microbiology and bioprocesses, having worked at NEERI since 1994. She has published over 50 research papers and book chapters, with significant contributions to environmental toxicology and biotransformation studies. She is a recognized Ph.D. supervisor and Associate Professor at AcSIR, CSIR, New Delhi, and has guided numerous Ph.D. students. Dr. Qureshi has received several honors, including the National Merit Scholarship and various awards for her research.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Asifa Qureshi has demonstrated exceptional leadership, research innovation, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly women in research. Her expertise in environmental microbiology and bioprocesses, along with her dedication to enhancing public health and sustainability, places her in an excellent position for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Dr. Qureshi’s recognition within the scientific community, her record of publications, and her leadership in research institutions all highlight her as a role model for women researchers.

🎓 Education

Dr. Asifa Qureshi holds a B.Sc. from Nagpur University (1991), where she earned distinction with 78.88%, securing the 7th merit position in the university. She completed her M.Sc. in Microbiology with 64% (first division) from the Haffkine Institute for training, testing, and Research, University of Mumbai (1993). She later pursued a B.Ed. from Govt College, Nagpur, with a first division in 1994. Dr. Qureshi earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology from Nagpur University in 2001 with a research focus on the biotransformation of nitrophenols by selected microorganisms.

💼Experience

Dr. Qureshi has been a part of CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur since 1994, where she has held various positions. Currently, she serves as a Senior Principal Scientist (Scientist F) since September 2022. Previously, she was a Principal Scientist (Scientist E2) from 2016 to 2022, Senior Scientist (E1) from 2012 to 2016, and Scientist C from 2008 to 2012. Before joining NEERI, she worked as a Lecturer in Biotechnology at Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur (2000-2004), and as a Research Scholar at CSIR-NEERI (1994-1999).

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Qureshi has made significant contributions to research with 50 publications, including 49 research papers and eight book chapters. She has presented at 31 national and international conferences. Her research work has been widely acknowledged, with over 2,830 gene sequences and 52 genome sequences listed in GenBank. Her research primarily focuses on environmental microbiology, biotransformation, and environmental toxicology, particularly the biotransformation of nitrophenols.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Asifa Qureshi possesses a diverse skill set in the fields of environmental microbiology, biotransformation, and environmental toxicology. She has expertise in the biotransformation of hazardous compounds, particularly nitrophenols, using microorganisms. Dr. Qureshi is skilled in conducting advanced microbiological research, managing environmental bioprocesses, and applying molecular tools to analyze microbial behavior in contaminated environments. Her proficiency extends to gene sequencing and genome analysis, with a strong track record in publishing research in international journals. Additionally, she is adept at supervising Ph.D. students, designing and conducting experiments, and presenting scientific findings at conferences. Her leadership in research and academic settings reflects her strong communication, mentoring, and project management abilities.

🏆Awards

Dr. Qureshi has received several accolades throughout her career. She was awarded the National Merit Scholarship (1999) by the Ministry of Human Resource Development for standing 7th in the merit list at Nagpur University. She also received a Short Term Training Program (STTP) grant from DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology in 2004. Her work was recognized with prizes at the International Conference on Molecular Tools in Environmental Toxicology (MOLTOX) in 2009 and at the BRSI conference in 2017, both held at NEERI. Additionally, she is a recognized Ph.D. supervisor in Microbiology at RTMNU and an Associate Professor at AcSIR, CSIR, New Delhi. Dr. Qureshi has supervised six Ph.D. students and currently has four Ph.D. students registered.

📚 Publications

  • Antibiotic Resistance Dissemination and Mapping in the Environment Through Surveillance of Wastewater

    • Authors: N.P. Raju, Neenu P., A. Ansari, Aamir G., Patil, Gandhali A., A.A. Qureshi, Asifa A.

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

  • Wastewater surveillance of open drains for mapping the trajectory and succession of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in 23 cities of Maharashtra state (India) during June 2022 to May 2023

    • Authors: S. Matra, Sejal, H. Ghode, Harshada, V. Rajput, Vinay, K. Karmodiya, Krishanpal, M.S. Dharne, Mahesh Shantappa

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Heliyon

  • Insights into the functionality of biofilm-forming bacterial consortia as bioavailability enhancers towards biodegradation of pyrene in hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

    • Authors: P.J. Yesankar, Prerna J., A.A. Qureshi, Asifa A.

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

  • Comprehensive Review on Bio-Based Treatments for Polyvinyl Chloride Plastic

    • Authors: N. Hatwar, Neha, A.A. Qureshi, Asifa A.

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Dr. Asifa Qureshi is an ideal candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her outstanding contributions to the field of environmental science, her academic leadership, and her dedication to the advancement of women in science make her a standout choice. With continued public engagement and further international collaboration, Dr. Qureshi’s impact on the scientific community and society will only grow, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Hui Cao | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Hui Cao | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hui Cao, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Hui Cao is a Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, China, specializing in soil microbial diversity and its ecological functions. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on microbial community structure, carbon and nitrogen cycling, and microbial interactions in agricultural soils. Dr. Cao has led several national research projects and published extensively in international journals. He also serves as Deputy Director of the Soil Ecological Professional Committee of the Soil Science Society of China.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Hui Cao is a seasoned soil microbiologist with a prolific research career focused on microbial ecology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental safety. His publications, funded projects, patents, and leadership roles reflect a strong commitment to research excellence. His work is multidisciplinary, collaborative, and geared toward solving real-world problems in agriculture and environmental science.

🎓 Education

Hui Cao earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, between 1998 and 2001. Prior to that, he obtained his M.S. in Soil Science from Nanjing Agricultural University in 1998, following a B.S. in Geography from Anhui Normal University in 1991.

💼Experience

Hui Cao is currently a Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, a position he has held since December 2012. His work encompasses both teaching and research. From 2006 to 2012, he served as an Associate Professor at the same university. His early career included a postdoctoral fellowship at Nanjing Agricultural University from 2002 to 2006, as well as a research assistant role at the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences from 2001 to 2002.

🔬Research Focus

Mr. Cao has led or participated in numerous research projects funded by national and provincial bodies. Notably, he is involved in projects exploring the metabolic functions of dark carbon dioxide bacteria driven by redox processes in paddy soils, bio-depolymerisation of plastics, and tillage and fertilization technologies for coastal farmlands. He has published widely in respected journals such as Microbiome, The ISME Journal, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, and Journal of Hazardous Materials, with over 40 publications between 2017 and 2025.

🛠️Skills

Hui Cao’s research primarily centers on soil microbial diversity and its ecological functions. He has extensive expertise in microbial community analysis, carbon and nitrogen cycling in soil systems, myxobacterial predation mechanisms, and microbial-mediated biodegradation. His work also covers soil amendment effects on microbial networks, plastic-degrading bacteria, and environmental microbiology in both agricultural and urban contexts.

🏆Awards

Hui Cao has been recognized for his contributions to the field through multiple patents, including methods for detecting Salmonella and E. coli in soil and identifying plant growth-promoting bacteria. From 2016 to 2025, he has served as the Deputy Director of the Soil Ecological Professional Committee under the Soil Science Society of China.

📚 Publications

Title: Abundant taxa enhanced stability of fungal communities according to reduced nitrogen fertilization
Year: 2025
Authors: Han H., Zhang B., Liu H., Cao H., Wang F.
Journal: Soil and Tillage Research

Title: Reapplication of glyphosate mitigates fitness costs for soil bacterial communities
Year: 2025
Authors: Liu H., Zhang C., Zhang B., Han H., Cao H.
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Title: Discovery of a polyester polyurethane-degrading bacterium from a coastal mudflat and identification of its degrading enzyme
Year: 2025
Authors: Zhang L., Cao K., Liu H., Cui Z., Cao H.
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

Title: Sex, health status and habitat alter the community composition and assembly processes of symbiotic bacteria in captive frogs
Year: 2024
Authors: Liu S., Imad S., Hussain S., Yu X., Cao H.
Journal: BMC Microbiology

Title: Spatiotemporal evolution and assembly processes of ammonia-oxidizing prokaryotic communities in 1,000-year-old coastal reclaimed soils
Year: 2024
Authors: Hussain S., Yin Y., Liu S., Cao H., Wang F.
Journal: Pedosphere

Title: Competitive relationships due to similar nutrient preferences reshape soil bacterial metacommunities
Year: 2024
Authors: Han H., Liu H., Zhang B., Li C., Cao H.
Journal: Science of the Total Environment

Conclusion:

Mr. Hui Cao is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His sustained research output, innovative contributions, and leadership in soil microbiology make him a compelling candidate. Strengthening his international collaborations and visibility through awards and outreach would further solidify his position as a leading researcher in his field.

Effimia Papatheodorou | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou, AUTh University, Thessaloniki, Greece

 

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou is a distinguished Professor at the Department of Ecology, School of Biology, AUTh University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Her research focuses on soil microbial ecology, exploring microbial responses to disturbances, soil enzyme functions, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a PhD in Ecology from AUTH, she has contributed extensively to understanding soil restoration and crop productivity. Prof. Papatheodorou has led numerous research projects and published extensively in high-impact journals. She also holds leadership roles in academic administration and international research collaborations, reflecting her dedication to advancing ecological science and sustainable practices.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou is an eminent researcher whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of soil microbial ecology and sustainable agricultural practices. Her leadership in research projects and contributions to high-impact publications underscore her eligibility for this award. Her engagement in international collaborations and academic administration further reflects her dedication to ecological science.

 

🎓 Education

Effimia M. Papatheodorou holds a Diploma in Biology from the School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, AUTH (1989) and a PhD in Ecology from the same institution (1996). Her dissertation focused on vegetation dynamics and nutrient recycling in Mediterranean ecosystems.

 

💼Experience

Currently a Professor at the Department of Ecology, School of Biology, AUTH, she has held this role since 2021. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor (2015–2021), Assistant Professor (2006–2015), and Lecturer (2000–2006). She has also contributed significantly to academic administration, including her tenure as Head of the Department of Ecology and Deputy President at AUTH.

 

🔬Research Focus

Her research primarily investigates the responses of soil microbial communities to environmental disturbances, microbial interactions and their influence on crop productivity, and the role of soil enzymes and nematodes in ecosystem functionality. She is also actively engaged in studying the restoration of degraded soils.

 

Awards

She has served as a guest editor for several prestigious journals, such as Microorganisms and Agronomy, and is an active member of numerous scientific committees, including the COST Action “Root Benefit” and the Collaborative International Research Network “Bug-Net.”

 

Skills

Prof. Dr. Papatheodorou has extensive expertise in soil ecology, microbial dynamics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her proficiency includes advanced research methodologies, project coordination, and academic leadership. She has contributed to over two decades of research projects funded by national and international bodies.

 

Publications

  • Title: Connections between soil microbes, land use, and European climate: Insights for management practices
    Authors: Stamou, G.P., Panagos, P., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: The Differentiations in the Soil Nematode Community in an Agricultural Field after Soil Amendment Using Composted Coffee Waste in Various Concentrations
    Authors: Kekelis, P., Argyropoulou, M.D., Theofilidou, A., Aschonitis, V., Monokrousos, N.
    Journal: Agronomy
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Recurring heavy rainfall resulting in degraded-upgraded phases in soil microbial networks that are reflected in soil functioning
    Authors: Stamou, G.P., Monokrousos, N., Papapostolou, A., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Soil Ecology Letters
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Deterministic versus stochastic control in β-diversity, abundance and co-occurrence patterns of a soil nematode assemblage living in a Mediterranean soil
    Authors: Stamou, G.P., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Applied Soil Ecology
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

 

  • Title: Interventions Change Soil Functions and the Mechanisms Controlling the Structure of Soil Microbial Communities
    Authors: Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Microorganisms
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1

 

  • Title: The Invasion of Alien Populations of Solanum elaeagnifolium in Two Mediterranean Habitats Modifies the Soil Communities in Different Ways
    Authors: Karmezi, M., Krigas, N., Papatheodorou, E.M., Argyropoulou, M.D.
    Journal: Plants
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

 

  • Title: Use of Microbially Treated Olive Mill Wastewaters as Soil Organic Amendments; Their Short-Term Effects on the Soil Nematode Community
    Authors: Dimou, M.D., Monokrousos, N., Katapodis, P., Argyropoulou, M.D., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Diversity
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her expertise, leadership, and societal impact align with the award’s criteria. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further strengthen her candidacy and amplify her influence in the scientific and global community.