ASFAW ADUGNA | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. ASFAW ADUGNA | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sr. Maize Breeder & Breeding Lead – Africa from Advanta Seeds Ltd., Kenya

Dr. Asfaw Adugna Ageru is a distinguished plant breeder specializing in maize and sorghum, with over two decades of experience in agricultural research and development across Africa. Currently serving as the Senior Maize Breeder and Maize Breeding Lead for Africa at Advanta Seeds Ltd., a UPL Group company, he is based in Eldoret, Kenya. Dr. Adugna’s career encompasses significant roles at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), where he contributed to the development and release of multiple crop varieties tailored to diverse agro-ecological zones. His expertise extends to leading collaborative projects with international institutions, focusing on crop improvement, genetic diversity, and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Adugna’s work has been instrumental in enhancing food security and resilience among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Adugna holds a Ph.D. in Applied Genetics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, completed between 2008 and 2012. His doctoral research included a collaborative component at The Ohio State University, USA, where he served as a visiting research scientist. He earned his M.Sc. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, in 2002, and a B.Sc. in Plant Production and Dryland Farming from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, in 1997. Further enhancing his expertise, Dr. Adugna obtained certificates in Private Public Partnership from Galilee International Management Institute, Israel, in 2021, and in Business Strategy from Cornell University, USA, in 2019.

Professional Experience

Dr. Adugna’s professional journey began at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), where he served from 1998 to 2013 in various capacities, including Senior Researcher in Sorghum and Millets Breeding. He later joined Advanta Seeds Ltd., taking on roles such as Sorghum Breeding Lead for Africa and currently, Senior Maize Breeder and Maize Breeding Lead for Africa. His responsibilities have encompassed leading breeding programs, coordinating research projects, and overseeing the development and release of improved crop varieties. Dr. Adugna has also contributed to international collaborations, serving as a visiting research scientist at The Ohio State University and participating in numerous global training programs and workshops.

Research Interests

Dr. Adugna’s research interests focus on plant breeding, genetics, and the development of crop varieties adapted to diverse environmental conditions. He has a particular interest in the genetic improvement of maize and sorghum, aiming to enhance yield, drought tolerance, and resistance to pests and diseases. His work also explores the implications of crop-wild gene flow on the environment and the utilization of molecular markers in breeding programs. Dr. Adugna is committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security through scientific innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Adugna possesses a comprehensive skill set in plant breeding and genetics, including expertise in conventional breeding techniques, molecular marker-assisted selection, and genomic analysis. He is adept at designing and implementing breeding programs, conducting field trials, and analyzing data to inform decision-making. His proficiency extends to project management, grant writing, and collaboration with international research institutions. Dr. Adugna’s skills have been instrumental in the successful development and release of multiple crop varieties across Africa.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Adugna has received several accolades recognizing his contributions to agricultural research. He was awarded a scholarship by the Agricultural Research and Training Program (ARTP) of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research to pursue his M.Sc. studies. Additionally, he received a Ph.D. research grant from the Biotechnology, Biodiversity Interface (BBI) program of USAID, facilitating his doctoral studies at Addis Ababa University and The Ohio State University. Dr. Adugna’s work has been acknowledged through invitations to contribute to reports by organizations such as The World Bank Group and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Conclusion

Dr. Asfaw Adugna Ageru’s extensive experience in plant breeding, coupled with his commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security, positions him as a leading figure in agricultural research in Africa. His contributions to the development of improved maize and sorghum varieties have had a significant impact on smallholder farmers, enhancing productivity and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Dr. Adugna’s collaborative approach, engaging with international research institutions and contributing to global agricultural initiatives, underscores his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and practical solutions in agriculture. His work continues to inspire and drive progress in the field of plant breeding and genetics.

Publications Top Notes

  • Efforts in Maize (Zea mays L.) Breeding for Coping With Multiple Stresses in Sub‐Saharan Africa

    • Year: 2025

    • Author(s): Asfaw Adugna

  • Expression of Concern: AFLP-Based Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Relationships with Agronomic Traits in Rice Germplasm from North Region of Iran and World Core Germplasm Set

    • Year: 2019

    • Author(s): K. Sorkheh, M. Masaeli, M.H. Chaleshtori, A. Adugna, S. Ercisli

  • Pulses-millets crop diversification by smallholders and their potential for sustainable food and nutrition security

    • Year: 2018

    • Author(s): M. Tesfai, U.S. Nagothu, A. Adugna

  • Study of growth and physiological characters in stay-green QTL introgression Sorghum bicolor (L.) lines under post-flowering drought stress

    • Year: 2018

    • Author(s): S. Sintayehu, A. Adugna, M. Fetene, A. Tirfessa, K. Ayalew

  • Indirect estimates reveal the potential of transgene flow in the crop-wild-weed Sorghum bicolor complex in its centre of origin, Ethiopia

    • Year: 2017

    • Author(s): A. Adugna, E. Bekele

  • AFLP-Based Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Relationships with Agronomic Traits in Rice Germplasm from North Region of Iran and World Core Germplasm Set

    • Year: 2016

    • Author(s): K. Sorkheh, M. Masaeli, M.H. Chaleshtori, A. Adugna, S. Ercisli

  • Assessment of recent bottlenecks and estimation of effective population size in the Ethiopian wild sorghum using simple sequence repeat allele diversity and mutation models

    • Year: 2015

    • Author(s): A. Adugna, E. Bekele

  • Analysis of in situ diversity and population structure in Ethiopian cultivated Sorghum bicolor (L.) landraces using phenotypic traits and SSR markers

    • Year: 2014

    • Author(s): A. Adugna

  • Status and trends of food security in Ethiopia (Book Chapter – Duplicate Entries with Slight Metadata Variations)

    • Year: 2014

    • Author(s): M. Tesfai, A. Adugna, U.S. Nagothu

  • Ecotypic variation for seed dormancy, longevity and germination requirements in wild/weedy Sorghum bicolor in Ethiopia: Implications for seed mediated transgene dispersal and persistence

    • Year: 2013

    • Author(s): A. Adugna

 

Sajad Rostami | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sajad Rostami | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Associate Professor from Shahrekord University, Iran

Sajad Rostami is a dedicated researcher and academic with a strong background in nanotechnology, polymer science, and biomedical engineering. With extensive hands-on experience in laboratory research and industrial settings, he has established himself as a promising innovator in the field of materials science. His expertise lies in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials, drug delivery systems, and polymer-based composites for medical applications. Sajad has demonstrated a keen ability to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications, contributing to numerous interdisciplinary projects involving both academia and industry. His contributions include co-authoring peer-reviewed publications, participating in scientific conferences, and actively collaborating with international researchers. In addition to his technical knowledge, he has honed his analytical and critical thinking skills through rigorous experimentation and data interpretation. Known for his work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative nature, Sajad continues to push the boundaries of science by pursuing innovative approaches to address current challenges in biomedicine and material engineering. He is also passionate about mentoring students and participating in educational outreach programs. As he advances in his career, Sajad aims to leverage his interdisciplinary knowledge to develop smart and sustainable materials that can significantly impact the fields of healthcare, diagnostics, and environmental protection.

Professional Profile

Education

Sajad Rostami’s educational journey reflects his commitment to academic excellence and specialization in materials science and nanotechnology. He obtained his Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran. During his doctoral studies, he focused on the design and development of nanomaterials for drug delivery applications, with a strong emphasis on polymer-based carriers and targeted delivery systems. His dissertation work involved extensive synthesis and surface functionalization of nanoparticles for enhanced therapeutic performance and controlled release mechanisms. Prior to his Ph.D., Sajad earned his Master’s degree in Polymer Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), one of the top-ranked engineering institutions in Iran. His master’s thesis centered on the development of novel biocompatible polymers for use in biomedical applications. He also completed his undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering, which laid the foundation for his understanding of chemical processes, thermodynamics, and process optimization. Throughout his academic career, Sajad has received various scholarships and recognitions for his outstanding academic performance and research contributions. His educational background combines theoretical depth with practical laboratory training, positioning him as a well-rounded researcher equipped to tackle modern challenges in material science and bioengineering.

Professional Experience

Sajad Rostami has cultivated a robust professional portfolio through a blend of academic research, industrial collaboration, and scientific project management. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University, he was involved in developing advanced drug delivery systems and polymer-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications. During his tenure, he led multiple projects that combined polymer chemistry with nanotechnology to create materials that mimic biological functions. He also served as a Research Associate in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies, contributing to the scaling-up of nanoformulations and optimizing synthesis protocols for commercial applications. Additionally, Sajad has gained valuable teaching experience, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in subjects such as nanomaterials, polymer science, and chemical engineering principles. His role as a scientific consultant for biotech startups has allowed him to apply his research knowledge to solve real-world problems, particularly in the development of biocompatible materials and diagnostic platforms. He is proficient in project planning, laboratory management, and scientific communication, often leading interdisciplinary teams in publishing research papers and submitting grant proposals. Sajad’s professional experience reflects his versatility and adaptability in both academic and industry-focused research environments, making him a valuable contributor to cutting-edge innovations in materials and biomedical sciences.

Research Interests

Sajad Rostami’s research interests lie at the intersection of nanotechnology, polymer science, and biomedical engineering. He is particularly fascinated by the development of smart nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery and regenerative medicine. His work involves designing and synthesizing functionalized polymers and nanocomposites with stimuli-responsive properties that can be tailored for specific therapeutic applications. A significant portion of his research focuses on biodegradable and biocompatible materials that mimic the extracellular matrix, supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration. He is also interested in surface modification techniques to improve the efficacy of drug carriers, enhance cellular uptake, and achieve controlled drug release. Additionally, Sajad explores the integration of nanomaterials with diagnostic platforms to create multifunctional systems for disease detection and monitoring. His interdisciplinary approach combines chemical engineering, materials science, and life sciences to address critical healthcare challenges. He is currently exploring the potential of natural and synthetic polymers for 3D bioprinting, scaffold fabrication, and wound healing applications. With a strong belief in the translational potential of science, Sajad seeks to bridge academic research with clinical needs by creating materials that not only perform well in vitro but also demonstrate effectiveness in in vivo environments. His research contributes to the advancement of personalized and precision medicine.

Research Skills

Sajad Rostami possesses an impressive array of research skills that span experimental techniques, analytical instrumentation, and scientific communication. He is highly skilled in the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, especially polymer-based drug delivery systems and nanocomposites. His technical expertise includes methods such as electrospinning, emulsion polymerization, and sol-gel processing for material fabrication. Sajad is proficient in various characterization tools including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. These techniques allow him to thoroughly analyze material morphology, composition, and surface properties. In addition, he has hands-on experience in drug release profiling, cytotoxicity assays, and in vitro cell culture studies, which are essential for biomedical applications. He is also adept at statistical analysis and using software tools such as MATLAB, Origin, and SPSS for data interpretation. Sajad’s research is often interdisciplinary, requiring collaboration with professionals from biology, chemistry, and engineering backgrounds. His effective communication skills enable him to write high-quality scientific articles, deliver impactful presentations, and participate in grant writing. Furthermore, he has mentored junior researchers, managed laboratory safety protocols, and maintained detailed documentation of experimental procedures. These diverse research skills have made him a competent and dependable scientific professional.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and research career, Sajad Rostami has received several awards and honors in recognition of his excellence in research and scholarly contributions. He has been the recipient of prestigious research scholarships during his Ph.D. studies, granted by the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), based on his academic achievements and research performance. His master’s thesis on biocompatible polymers earned distinction and was selected among the top theses in the field of polymer engineering. In recognition of his scientific publications in high-impact journals, he has been honored by his home institutions and invited to speak at national and international conferences. Sajad has also received awards for best poster and oral presentations in various scientific symposia, where he presented innovative findings related to drug delivery and nanomaterials. He has been acknowledged for his role in collaborative research projects, especially those with industrial partners, showcasing his ability to translate research into application. Moreover, he has actively participated in science outreach and mentoring activities, earning appreciation certificates for his contributions to student development programs. These accolades reflect his dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and service to the scientific community, reinforcing his role as an emerging leader in nanoscience and biomedical research.

Conclusion

Sajad Rostami is a dynamic and forward-thinking researcher whose work exemplifies the integration of materials science with biomedical innovation. With a strong educational foundation and diverse professional experiences, he has made significant contributions to the field of nanotechnology and polymer engineering. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds practical implications for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and medical diagnostics. By maintaining a multidisciplinary approach and a strong collaborative spirit, Sajad continues to explore new frontiers in the design of functional biomaterials. His dedication to mentoring, outreach, and academic leadership further highlights his commitment to shaping the next generation of scientists. With a blend of technical acumen, creativity, and perseverance, he remains focused on solving critical challenges in healthcare through material innovation. As he continues his professional journey, Sajad seeks to foster meaningful partnerships between academia and industry to facilitate the real-world application of his research. His vision is to develop smarter, safer, and more effective biomedical solutions that can positively impact patient lives. With an unwavering passion for science and a clear sense of purpose, Sajad Rostami stands as a valuable contributor to the global scientific community and a promising figure in the future of biomedical materials research.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Intensified biodiesel production through two-disk hydrodynamic reactors: process design and optimization using RSM
    Authors: Asghar Khodadadi, Sajad Rostami, Ebrahim Fayyazi
    Journal: Biofuels
    Year: 2025

  2. Optimization of methyl ester synthesis using gas/liquid phase pulsed discharge plasma in a novel oscillatory slug flow reactor
    Authors: Mohammadreza Asghari, Bahram Hosseinzadeh Samani, Rahim Ebrahimi, Sajad Rostami, Ebrahim Fayyazi
    Journal: Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    Year: 2024

  3. Development of plasma-activated water (PAW) system: molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study on almond aflatoxins
    Authors: Mohammad Javad Aarabi, Sajad Rostami, Bahram Hosseinzadeh Samani, Firouzeh Nazari
    Journal: Journal of Food Processing and Preservation
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1