Dr. Radhouane Chaffai, an Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet (ISBST), the University of Manouba (UMA), Tunisia, boasts over three decades of teaching experience across educational levels, from colleges and high schools to universities. His research, spanning approximately 30 years, focuses on plant physiology, particularly examining plant responses to heavy metals such as aluminum, cadmium, copper and zinc. Dr. Chaffai has mentored and co-supervised numerous students in their final-year projects, master's, and PhD theses. His academic journey began with a Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (DEA) at the University of Tunis El Manar in 1997, culminating in a PhD in Biology from the University of Carthage, Tunisia, in 2003. In 2008, he earned the prestigious JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers, engaging in collaborative research with Professor Hiroyuki Koyama at Gifu University's Plant Cell Technology Laboratory from 2009to 2011. Dr. Chaffai has an extensive publication record in international peer-reviewed journals and actively presents at national and international conferences. His consistent involvement in these academic forums underscores his notable scholarly contributions and efforts in fostering successful research collaborations among his peers. Dr. Markkandan Ganesan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Presidency University, Kolkata, India. Concurrently, he serves as the coordinator at the School of Biotechnology within Presidency University. Possessing extensive expertise in various plant biology and plant molecular biological techniques, including photobiotechnology and biofuels, Dr. Ganesan obtained his PhD from Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli, India. Subsequently, he conducted postdoctoral research at Jeju National University in South Korea. He was selected through an open recruitment for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Foreign Researchers at Gifu University in Japan. At Presidency University, he leads a research group dedicated to advancing the development of transgenic turfgrass. Additionally, his investigations have focused on the effects of abiotic stress, particularly heavy metal and acid soil stress, on plant root development. Dr. Ganesan has an extensive publication record, with over 30 research and review papers published in peer-reviewed international journals and books. Moreover, he has actively presented his research findings in numerous international and national-level conferences and meetings. Dr. Ganesan’s remarkable contributions to the field of biotechnology have earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors, underscoring the significance of his scholarly endeavors. Dr. Ameur Cherif holds the position of Microbiology Professor at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet (ISBST) and heads the LR Biotechnology and Bio-Geo Resources Valorization (LR11ES31). Presently, he serves as the Vice-President of Scientific Research at Manouba University (UMA), Tunisia. Dr. Cherif's academic journey commenced with a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences in 1995, followed by a master’s degree in genetics and molecular biology in 1997. Subsequently, he earned his doctoral degree in microbiology in 2001. He directed the Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet (ISBST) from 2010 to 2014. Specializing in molecular microbial ecology and biotechnology, his expertise focuses on microbial-mediated degradation and detoxification of pollutants in contaminated environments. Dr. Cherif's research delves into the phylogeny and ecology of extremophilic microbes, symbionts, commensals, and pathogen microbiota across various hosts. He concentrates on plant growth-promoting rhizobia and the biotechnological applications of active biomolecules. His prolific research has garnered recognition through publications in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, he actively engaged in the European Cost Action FA 0701, partnered in various EU FP7, Tempus, Erasmus, H2020 projects, and holds significant roles on various review and editorial committees. Prof. Cherif boasts an impressive publication record of over 80 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.
