Ms. Jin Young Kim | Agri | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jin Young Kim | Agri – PhD student at Hankyong National University, South Korea

Jin Young Kim is a promising young researcher in the field of plant molecular genetics, specializing in genome editing and functional genomics of crop plants. As a Ph.D. candidate at Hankyong National University, South Korea, Kim’s work stands at the intersection of biotechnology and agriculture, with a particular focus on enhancing crop traits through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Kim has made significant contributions to improving antioxidant activity in tomatoes and stress tolerance in rice, striving to address real-world challenges in food quality and climate-resilient agriculture. Their early career trajectory and publication record position them as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Academic Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Jin Young Kim completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticultural Biotechnology in 2021 at Hankyong National University, where a passion for plant molecular biology and crop improvement was first cultivated. In 2023, Kim earned a Master of Science from the same institution, with a thesis focused on “A study on Generation and Functional Analysis of Gene Edited Lines for SGR, GAD by CRISPR/Cas9 System in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).” Their education provided a solid foundation in plant genetics, biotechnology tools, and molecular techniques, which are now being refined and expanded at the Ph.D. level.

🧪 Experience

Kim’s academic experience is deeply rooted in laboratory research and collaborative projects in the field of horticultural biotechnology. During their M.S. and Ph.D. training, Kim has contributed to multiple gene editing projects involving tomatoes and rice, targeting genes associated with antioxidant activity, abiotic stress response, and energy metabolism. The candidate has participated in both basic and applied research, from gene cloning and transcriptome analysis to phenotype characterization in knockout lines. These experiences have developed Kim’s technical expertise and cultivated their understanding of translational research in agricultural innovation.

🌱 Research Interests

Jin Young Kim’s research focuses on the generation of high-functionality crops through genome editing, with core interests in antioxidant biosynthesis, stress physiology, and plant gene function. Current research activities include:

Development of high-antioxidant tomatoes using CRISPR/Cas9
Functional genomics of starch biosynthesis genes in rice
Analysis of pre-harvest sprouting candidate genes
Production of antimicrobial peptides in plant tissues
Through these diverse projects, Kim seeks to contribute to both scientific advancement and sustainable agriculture, particularly by improving food quality, resilience, and nutritional value through molecular approaches.

🏅 Awards

Though still early in their academic career, Jin Young Kim’s rapid growth and significant research output exemplify the caliber worthy of recognition. Their collaborative work in high-impact journals, involvement in cutting-edge plant science, and dedication to precision breeding techniques demonstrate their eligibility for the Best Researcher Award. Continued contributions are likely to bring further accolades as Kim gains greater recognition in the global scientific community.

📚 Selected Publications

🧪 “Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of CRISPR/Cas9-edited tomato SGR1 knockout (KO) line” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024) – Highlights enhanced antioxidant capacity; cited by multiple studies on functional food development.

🧬 “Transcriptome and metabolite profiling of tomato SGR-knockout null lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022) – A foundational study in metabolic analysis of edited lines.

🌾 “Knockout of OsGAPDHC7 Gene Encoding Cytosolic Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Affects Energy Metabolism in Rice Seeds” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024) – Demonstrated the link between gene knockout and rice seed vitality.

🌿 “A Knockout of the OsGAPDHC6 Gene Reacts Sensitively to Abiotic Stress in Rice” – Genes (2025) – Offers new insights into plant stress adaptation via gene editing.

🌞 “Overexpression of orange gene (OsOr-R115H) enhances heat tolerance in rice” – Genes (2021) – Explored abiotic stress resistance, highly cited in heat tolerance research.

🌾 “ABA and Pre-Harvest Sprouting Differences in Knockout Lines of OsPHS3” – Plants (2025) – Important for cereal crop improvement under climate variability.

🍚 “Genome editing of golden SNP-carrying lycopene epsilon-cyclase (LcyE) gene in rice” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022) – An advanced example of CRISPR/HDR application in nutritional enhancement.

🧠 Conclusion

Jin Young Kim exemplifies the next generation of scientific leaders in plant biotechnology. Their commitment to using advanced molecular tools to address agricultural challenges is both timely and impactful. With a steadily growing portfolio of publications, interdisciplinary research experiences, and a focus on the practical implications of plant genome editing, Kim is making meaningful contributions to crop science and food security. Their work not only supports the scientific community but also responds to global needs for resilient, nutritious, and sustainable food systems. These achievements and research potential strongly support their nomination for the Best Researcher Award.

Prof. Dr. Rawia El-Motaium | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Plant Nutrition | Plant Research Department, Nuclear Research Center | Egypt

A distinguished professor with extensive expertise in agricultural science, plant nutrition, and environmental stress management, this individual has contributed significantly to the research community. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, USA, focusing on the tolerance of Prunus rootstocks to salt and boron, alongside an M.Sc. in soil sciences and agricultural sciences. She has taught in various countries, including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Egypt, and participated in numerous international workshops and research projects. Her research spans agricultural sustainability, environmental stress on plants, and waste management, utilizing advanced radiation technologies for agricultural applications.

Profile

Education
She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, where she specialized in plant nutrition and environmental stress, particularly focusing on the interaction of calcium with boron. Her educational background also includes an M.Sc. in Soil Sciences from the University of California, Riverside, and another M.Sc. from the University of Cairo, Egypt, where she explored the biochemical effects of gamma irradiation on bananas. Additionally, she completed a B.Sc. in Horticulture from the University of Cairo. Her academic training underpins her extensive research in plant nutrition, environmental stress, and waste management.

Experience
Her career as a professor and researcher spans decades, with notable roles as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Davis, and faculty positions at universities in Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Egypt. She has taught courses in plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and environmental pollution, among others. As a principal investigator, she led several high-profile research projects, including those funded by the USAID and IAEA, addressing issues such as the remediation of sewage water and sludge using nuclear technologies. She has collaborated internationally with experts from countries like the USA, Austria, India, and Argentina.

Research Interests
Her research interests are broad and multifaceted, primarily revolving around plant nutrition, physiology, and environmental stress management. She investigates nutrient interactions, particularly calcium and boron, as well as the use of stable and radioactive isotopes to study nutrient uptake and translocation in plants. Other key research areas include the impact of environmental stresses such as salinity, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metal contamination on plant growth. Additionally, she is deeply involved in waste management, focusing on composting and recycling sewage sludge and municipal waste for agricultural use. Her expertise also extends to the utilization of nuclear technologies, particularly gamma radiation, to treat sewage water and soil for improved crop productivity.

Awards
Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Peace Fellowship from USAID, which supported her M.Sc. studies, and the Mission Fellowship from the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education for her Ph.D. in the USA. She was also nominated for the Matrouh Governorate Shield and offered an internship with the United Nations in Geneva. Additionally, her work in agricultural and environmental sciences has earned her several international grants and honors, including the International Peace Scholarship and International Student Grants.

Publications
She has authored a number of influential publications in agricultural science, focusing on plant nutrition, environmental stress, and waste management. Some of her key publications include:

“Impact of Irradiated Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility and Crop Yields” (2000) – Journal of Environmental Management

“Nutrient Uptake and Interaction in Plants: The Role of Calcium and Boron” (2003) – Plant Physiology Journal

“Composting of Sewage Sludge for Agricultural Use: Environmental Implications” (2005) – Waste Management Journal

“Effects of Heavy Metals on Plant Growth and Soil Health” (2008) – Ecological Applications

“Radiation Technology for Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Remediation” (2011) – Environmental Science and Technology

“Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Nuclear Techniques in Crop Management” (2015) – Agricultural Research Journal

“Salinity Tolerance in Plants: Mechanisms and Approaches” (2017) – Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Journal

Her work has been cited in numerous studies, with articles on sewage sludge and wastewater treatment being particularly influential.

Conclusion
With a rich academic background, a broad range of teaching experiences, and significant contributions to agricultural and environmental sciences, this professor stands at the forefront of research on plant nutrition, environmental stress management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her pioneering work in utilizing nuclear techniques for environmental and agricultural remediation continues to have a lasting impact on both scientific research and practical applications in the field. Her leadership in international research projects, commitment to teaching, and numerous accolades reflect her dedication to advancing agricultural sciences for global sustainability.

Jin Young Kim | Agri | Best Researcher Award