Lijun Shi | Animal Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lijun Shi | Animal Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lijun Shi is a distinguished researcher at the Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China, where he has been contributing since 2019. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Genetics & Breeding from Henan Agricultural University (2010–2014) and continued at China Agricultural University to complete both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Animal Genetics & Breeding (2014–2019). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lijun Shi’s research focuses on animal genomics, molecular breeding, and multiomics approaches to improve livestock traits, including reproduction, disease resilience, and milk quality. He has authored 47 publications, accumulating over 831 citations, with an h-index of 16, reflecting his impactful contributions to functional genomics in pigs and cattle. His work includes genome-wide association studies, transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, and integrative analyses to identify candidate genes and molecular mechanisms underlying key phenotypes. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lijun Shi collaborates extensively, with over 170 co-authors, highlighting his interdisciplinary and global research influence.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, H., Zhou, C., Zhang, M., Yuan, N., Huang, X., Xiang, J., Wang, L., & Shi, L. (2023, December 11). Transcriptomics yields valuable information regarding the response mechanisms of Chinese Min pigs infected with PEDV. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Shi, L., Li, H., Huang, X., Shu, Z., Li, J., Wang, L., Yan, H., & Wang, L. (2023, January). Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome revealed biological basis of sows from estrus to lactation. iScience, 26, 105825.

Shi, L., Li, H., & Wang, L. (2023, January 5). Genetic parameters estimation and genome molecular marker identification for gestation length in pigs. Frontiers in Genetics, 13, 1046423.

Shi, L., Li, H., Gao, X., & Wang, L. (2022, August). Genome‐wide association study of three litter traits in Yorkshire pigs. Animal Genetics, 53(4), 431–442.

Shi, L., Zhang, L., Wang, L., Liu, X., Gao, H., Hou, X., Zhao, F., Yan, H., Cai, W., & Wang, L. (2022, June 1). Identifying long non-coding RNAs and characterizing their functional roles in swine mammary gland from colostrogenesis to lactogenesis. Animal Bioscience, 35(6), 1010–1024.

Mesfin Hailemariam | Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam | Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia

Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam Habtegebriel is a dedicated agricultural researcher at Wolkite Agricultural Research Centre under EIAR since 2011. 🎓 He holds a BSc in Plant Science, MSc in Plant Breeding and Genetics, and is currently a PhD candidate in Applied Genetics at Debre Berhan University. 🧬 His research primarily focuses on soybean breeding, disease resistance, and yield stability across Ethiopia. 🌾 He has authored several peer-reviewed publications and technical papers, and has contributed to the release of new soybean varieties. 🏅 Mesfin is an active member of professional societies like CSSE and ECS and has received multiple recognitions for his contributions.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Academic Background & Professional Training

Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam earned his BSc in Plant Science (2008–2010) and completed his MSc in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Jimma University in 2015. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Genetics at Debre Berhan University. 🧬 Throughout his career, he has enriched his expertise through several short-term trainings, including Crop Research Techniques, Soybean Genetics, and Molecular Biology (MoBiLab) at institutions like Addis Ababa University and EIAR. 📚 His practical experience spans multiple research centers, including Kulumsa, Holeta, and Pawe Agricultural Research Centres. 🧪 His academic and training background reflects a deep commitment to advancing plant science in Ethiopia

🔬 Agricultural Research Experience

Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam has over a decade of dedicated experience in agricultural research, primarily focusing on field crops improvement. 🌱 He began his career as Junior Researcher I in 2011 and advanced to Junior Researcher II in 2012. By 2014, he became an Assistant Researcher, progressing to Assistant Researcher II by 2017. 🧪 From 2019 to 2021, he served as an Associate Researcher, and since October 2020, he has held the position of Researcher I. 👨‍🔬 Throughout his career, Mesfin has contributed significantly to crop enhancement programs across Ethiopia, showcasing his expertise in sustainable agricultural development.

🏅 Recognitions and Contributions

Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam has been honored for his outstanding contributions to agricultural research and crop development in Ethiopia. 🌾 In 2020, he received recognition for the best research case team proposal and review by EIAR/Jimma Research Centre. 🏆 He played a key role in the release of high-performing soybean varieties, including “JM-CLK/CRFD-15-SD” in both 2020 and 2021, and “SCS-1” in 2022, endorsed by the National Crop Releasing Committee. 🌱 These achievements highlight his commitment to innovation and sustainable crop improvement, significantly impacting Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity and food security.

🔬 Research Focus

Mr. Mesfin Hailemariam’s research primarily focuses on soybean breeding, genetic improvement, and crop protection in Ethiopia. 🌾 His work explores genotype evaluation, disease resistance (e.g., Asian Soybean Rust), and yield stability models. 🌱 He has contributed significantly to improving soybean varieties and analyzing their performance across different environments using AMMI and GGE models. 📊 Additionally, his studies in soybean value chains and market analysis contribute to enhancing agricultural practices and commercialization. His research aids in boosting food security and sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia. 🇪🇹 His extensive work impacts both the scientific and agricultural communities. 🌍

Publication Top Notes

  • Progresses in Breeding and Genetic Improvement of Soybean in Ethiopia: A Review
    🗓️ 2018
    A comprehensive review detailing advancements in soybean breeding and genetics within Ethiopia.
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  • Evaluation of Soybean Genotypes for Asian Soybean Rust in Southwestern Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2018
    Study evaluating soybean genotypes for resistance against Asian soybean rust in Ethiopia.
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  • First Report of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Causing Stem Rot on Soybean in Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2019
    Documentation of the first occurrence of stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on soybeans in Ethiopia.
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  • Challenges and Opportunities of Soybean Marketing in Chewaka District, Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2020
    Analysis of the soybean market dynamics, highlighting challenges and potential opportunities in Chewaka District.
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  • Soybean Value Chain Analysis in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2020
    Examination of the soybean value chain, identifying key stakeholders and bottlenecks in Jimma Zone.
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  • Adaptability and Stability for Soybean Yield by AMMI and GGE Models in Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2022
    Assessment of soybean genotypes’ adaptability and yield stability using AMMI and GGE models.
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  • Grain Yield Stability of Soybean for Different Stability Models Across Diverse Environments of Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2023
    Evaluation of soybean grain yield stability across various Ethiopian environments using different models.
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  • Interaction of Varieties and Fungicides Across Seasons and Locations for the Control of Asian Soybean Rust in Southwestern Ethiopia
    🗓️ 2022
    Study on the effectiveness of different soybean varieties and fungicide treatments against Asian soybean rust.

Birkneh Dosegnaw | Plant breeding | Research and Development Excellence Award

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Mr. Birkneh Dosegnaw | Plant breeding | Research and Development Excellence Award

Associate researcher, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia

Birkneh Kuru Dosegnaw is an Associate Researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (Pawe Agricultural Research Center) in Ethiopia. His expertise lies in plant breeding, focusing on sorghum, finger millet, maize, and tef. Birkneh holds an MSc in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Debre Markos University and a BSc in Plant Science from Wollo University. He has contributed significantly to research in genotype-environment interactions and yield stability, with publications in prestigious journals. His skills include data analysis, project coordination, and scientific writing. Birkneh is passionate about sustainable agricultural development and breeding for disease resistance. 🌾📊📚

Publication Profile

Orcid

Professional Experience 🌾

Birkneh Kuru Dosegnaw has a robust career in agricultural research, particularly in plant breeding. He is currently an Associate Researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (Pawe Agricultural Research Center), working on sorghum, finger millet, maize, and tef breeding programs since September 2024. Previously, Birkneh worked as an Associate Researcher for sorghum and finger millet breeding (2022–2024) and as Assistant Researcher I and II from 2018 to 2021. He began his career as a Junior Researcher in 2016 and later worked as a Junior Expert in field crop production and irrigation agronomy in 2015-2016. 🌱🔬

Education & Training 🎓

Birkneh Kuru Dosegnaw holds a Master’s degree (MSc) in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Debre Markos University, Ethiopia (2019-2021). His studies covered subjects like Agricultural Statistics, Plant Breeding Methods, Population Genetics, Crop Agronomy, Seed Science, and Evolutionary Biology. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Plant Science from Wollo University (2012-2014), where he focused on research methods, genetics, plant breeding, crop production, and seed technology. These educational foundations have equipped him with a solid understanding of plant science and breeding for agricultural advancement. 🌿📚

Research Focus

Birkneh Kuru Dosegnaw’s research primarily focuses on plant breeding and crop genetics with an emphasis on improving the yield stability and genotype-environment interactions of finger millet. His recent work, published in Field Crops Research, investigates the performance of finger millet genotypes under varying environmental conditions using statistical analysis methods like AMMI, GGE, and MTSI. His studies contribute to enhancing crop resilience and sustainability in humid lowland areas of Ethiopia. Through his work, he aims to optimize crop productivity and develop varieties that perform well across diverse environments. 🌱📊

 

Publication Top Notes

Genotype X environment interaction and yield stability of finger millet (Eleusine Coracana L.) genotypes based on AMMI, GGE and MTSI analysis in humid lowland areas of Ethiopia