Nagendra Verma | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 08/11/2025 by CAD Awards

Dr. Nagendra Verma | Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Research specialist| St. Cloud State University | United States

Dr. Nagendra Verma is a highly accomplished biomedical scientist specializing in cellular and molecular biology, molecular oncology, and regenerative medicine, with over a decade of international research experience. His work focuses on the therapeutic and regulatory roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs in ocular and cancer biology, particularly exploring their applications in corneal wound healing, stem cell regulation, and STAT3-dependent cancer inhibition. Dr. Verma has authored 11 research publications, cited 104 times by 95 documents, achieving an h-index of 7. His research demonstrates a strong command of molecular diagnostics, genomics, and biophysical methodologies, contributing to significant advancements in understanding disease mechanisms and developing novel therapeutic interventions. He has collaborated extensively within interdisciplinary academic and industrial environments, reflecting his ability to integrate scientific innovation with translational potential. As an active member of global scientific societies such as ARVO, RAPS, and AAMI, Dr. Verma also serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for numerous international journals, including Scientific Reports, Cells, and Molecular Vision. His contributions extend beyond research through mentoring students, presenting at international conferences, and earning recognition for excellence in scientific investigation. Dr. Verma’s work continues to bridge molecular insights with therapeutic innovation, emphasizing precision, collaboration, and impactful discovery in biomedical science.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Verma, N., Franchitto, M., Zonfrilli, A., Cialfi, S., Palermo, R., & Talora, C. (2019). DNA damage stress: Cui prodest? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(5), 1073.
Verma, N., Khare, D., Poe, A. J., Amador, C., Ghiam, S., Fealy, A., Ebrahimi, S., Shadrokh, O., Song, X.-Y., Santiskulvong, C., et al. (2023). MicroRNA and protein cargos of human limbal epithelial cell-derived exosomes and their regulatory roles in limbal stromal cells of diabetic and non-diabetic corneas. Cells, 12.
Verma, N., Arora, S., Singh, A. K., & Kumar, A. (2025). Extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs in cornea health and disease: Diagnostic potential and therapeutic implications. Targets, 3(32).
Verma, N., Arora, S., Singh, A. K., & Ahmed, J. (2025). Unlocking the potential of exosomes (extracellular vesicles): Drug delivery advancements and therapeutics in ocular diseases. RSC Pharmaceutics, 1(97).
Verma, N., & Arora, S. (2025). Navigating the global regulatory landscape for exosome-based therapeutics: Challenges, strategies, and future directions. Pharmaceutics, 17(990).
Arora, S., & Verma, N. (2024). Advancing organic electronics through the lens of ionic liquids and polymerized ionic liquids: A review. RSC Applied Polymers.
Arora, S., & Verma, N. (2024). Exosomal microRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in corneal diseases. Molecular Vision, 30, 92–106.
De Blasio, C., Verma, N., Moretti, M., Cialfi, S., Zonfrilli, A., Franchitto, M., Truglio, F., De Smaele, E., Ichijo, H., Naguro, I., Screpanti, I., & Talora, C. (2021). Functional cooperation between ASK1 and p21(Waf1/Cip1) in the balance of cell-cycle arrest, cell death, and tumorigenesis of stressed keratinocytes. Cell Death Discovery, 7(1), 75.
De Blasio, C., Zonfrilli, A., Franchitto, M., Mariano, G., Cialfi, S., Verma, N., Checquolo, S., Bellavia, D., Palermo, R., Benelli, D., Screpanti, I., & Talora, C. (2019). PLK1 targets NOTCH1 during DNA damage and mitotic progression. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 294(47), 17941–17950.
Yue, P., Zhu, Y., Brotherton-Pleiss, C., Fu, W., Verma, N., Chen, J., Nakamura, K., Chen, W., Chen, Y., Alonso-Valenteen, F., Mikhael, S., Medina-Kauwe, L., Kershaw, K. M., Celeridad, M., Pan, S., Limpert, A. S., Sheffler, D. J., Cosford, N. D. P., Shiao, S. L., & Turkson, J. (2022). Novel potent azetidine-based compounds irreversibly inhibit STAT3 activation and induce antitumor response against human breast tumor growth in vivo. Cancer Letters, 534, 215613.

Ajay Thakur| Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on 13/05/2025 by CAD Awards

Dr. Ajay Thakur| Biotechnology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Principal Scientist,ICAR-Central Potato research Institute,India

Profile:

Google Scholar

ORCID Profile

Education:

Dr. Ajay Kumar Thakur holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, awarded in 2008. His academic journey in the life sciences began with a B.Sc. in Forestry from the same university in 2000, followed by an M.Sc. in Biotechnology in 2003. He completed his 10+2 education in 1996 under the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBSE), Dharamshala. His academic background has laid a strong foundation in plant biotechnology, molecular biology, and forestry sciences.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Thakur has over 17 years of research and extension experience in agricultural biotechnology, especially in the areas of potato and mustard genetics. He began his career as a Scientist Probationer at the ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad in 2008. He subsequently served at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Rapeseed-Mustard and ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan in progressive roles from Scientist to Senior Scientist. From 2021, he joined ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, where he was promoted to Principal Scientist in January 2023. His roles have consistently focused on research and extension services, emphasizing crop improvement using biotechnological and genomic tools.

Skills:

Dr. Thakur is highly skilled in molecular biology techniques, marker-assisted selection, functional genomics, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics. He has extensive experience with CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing platforms, plant transformation protocols, and the development of transgenic and hybrid lines. His technical expertise also includes handling multi-institutional and multidisciplinary research collaborations.

Research Interests:

Dr. Thakur specializes in molecular breeding, genetic enhancement, functional genomics, and genome editing in crop plants, particularly in Indian mustard and potato. His work integrates advanced tools like microsatellite markers, CRISPR genome editing, and transcriptomics to develop crop varieties that are high-yielding, stress-resilient, and nutritionally superior. He has played a pivotal role in developing hybrids, characterizing germplasm, and addressing challenges like aphid resistance, bacterial wilt, and climate change resilience in crops.

Honors and Awards:

Throughout his career, Dr. Thakur has received several accolades for his scientific contributions and leadership in agricultural biotechnology. His involvement in national-level projects, consistent promotions, and leadership roles reflect his excellence in research. He has also served as a mentor for young scientists under various research grants and has played a key role in the training of junior researchers and students

Publication :

Genetic engineering strategies for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and quality enhancement in horticultural crops: a comprehensive review
Authors: N Parmar, KH Singh, D Sharma, L Singh, P Kumar, J Nanjundan, YJ Khan, AK Thakur, et al.
Journal: 3 Biotech 7, 1–35
Cited by: 248
Year: 2017
SSR marker variations in Brassica species provide insight into the origin and evolution of Brassica amphidiploids
Authors: AK Thakur, KH Singh, L Singh, J Nanjundan, YJ Khan, D Singh
Journal: Hereditas 155, 1–11
Cited by: 67
Year: 2018
Current achievements and future prospects of genetic engineering in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss.)
Authors: AK Thakur, N Parmar, KH Singh, J Nanjundan
Journal: Planta 252, 1–20
Cited by: 51
Year: 2020
Plant regeneration and genetic transformation studies in petiole tissue of Himalayan poplar (Populus ciliata Wall.)
Authors: AK Thakur, S Sharma, DK Srivastava
Journal: Current Science, 664–668
Cited by: 48
Year: 2005
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity assessment in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties using SSR markers
Authors: DK Chauhan, JA Bhat, AK Thakur, S Kumari, et al.
Journal: Indian Journal of Biotechnology 14, 504–510
Cited by: 36
Year: 2015
Achievements and prospects of genetic engineering in poplar: a review
Authors: AK Thakur, P Kumar, N Parmar, RK Shandil, A Aggarwal, G Gaur, et al.
Journal: New Forests
Cited by: 35
Year: 2021
Genetic diversity in leafy mustard (Brassica juncea var. rugosa) as revealed by agro-morphological traits and SSR markers
Authors: D Sharma, J Nanjundan, L Singh, SP Singh, N Parmar, MS Sujith Kumar, et al.
Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants 26, 2005–2018
Cited by: 33
Year: 2020
Breeding and genomics interventions in Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) improvement – A mini review
Authors: AK Thakur, KH Singh, D Sharma, N Parmar, J Nanjundan
Journal: South African Journal of Botany 125, 457–465
Cited by: 30
Year: 2019
Genetic diversity in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson] as revealed by agronomic traits and RAPD markers
Authors: KH Singh, R Shakya, AK Thakur, DK Chauhan, JS Chauhan
Journal: National Academy Science Letters 36(4), 419–427
Cited by: 28
Year: 2013
In vitro plant regeneration through direct organogenesis in Populus deltoides clone G48 from petiole explants
Authors: AK Thakur, A Saraswat, DK Srivastava
Journal: Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 21, 23–29
Cited by: 28
Year: 2012

conclusion:

Dr. Ajay Kumar Thakur is highly suitable for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award, particularly given his significant contributions in agricultural biotechnology, leadership of cutting-edge genome editing projects, and alignment with national food security priorities

Hasnain Moavia| Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 29/03/2025 by CAD Awards

Mr Hasnain Moavia| Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Junior Research Assistant, Nanjing Forestry University, Pakistan

Hasnain Moavia is a promising researcher with strong technical expertise and a deep commitment to advancing our understanding of plant physiology and environmental issues. His academic achievements, research experience, leadership in mentoring, and publications highlight his significant potential. His current research interests in plant-microbe interactions and the molecular biology of abiotic stresses show promise in addressing crucial environmental challenges, particularly in regions impacted by heavy metal contamination.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education :

Master of Science (MS) in Botany
10/09/2022 – Current
Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
Field of Study: Botany
Final Grade: 3.97/5
Thesis: Investigation on Plant Diversity in Heavy Metal Contaminated Sites in Northern Jiangsu Province

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Botany
20/11/2016 – 21/12/2020
Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Field of Study: Botany
Final Grade: 3.50/4

Professional Experience:

M.Phil. Research
20/03/2021 – 10/05/2023
Department of Botany, Nanjing Forestry University

Designed and executed a comprehensive fieldwork study to assess the growth and health of plants under different stress conditions.
Utilized various physiological and biochemical laboratory techniques to analyze soil and plant samples.
Assisted in supervising and training junior researchers and students in lab techniques, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment.
Gathered, compiled, and analyzed data using statistical software like IBM SPSS and Microsoft Excel to draw meaningful conclusions from experimental results.

Research Skills:

Microsoft Office
Google Docs
IBM SPSS (IBM Analytics)
Microsoft Excel
Endnote
Reference Management Software (Zotero, EndNote)
Origin Lab

Research Focus :

Soil Ecology
Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology of Abiotic Stresses (petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, drought, etc.)
Plant-Microbe Interactions

Publication :

Zhang, K., Cen, R., Moavia, H., Shen, Y., Ebihara, A., Wang, G., Yang, T., Sakrabani, R., Singh, K., & Feng, Y. (2024).
The role of biochar nanomaterials in the application of environmental remediation and pollution control.
Liu, G., Ke, D., Moavia, H., Ling, C., Zhang, Y., & Shen, Y. (2024).
Ecological Concrete-Based Modular System for Heavy Metal Removal in Riparian Transition Zones: Design, Optimization and Performance Evaluation.

conclusion:

Hasnain Moavia’s research experience, academic performance, technical skills, and contributions to environmental science position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ongoing focus on environmental sustainability, combined with his international exposure and proficiency in multiple languages, gives him a unique edge in contributing to global environmental solutions. With further emphasis on expanding his research network and leadership roles, he has the potential to continue making significant contributions to the field of botany and environmental science.