Prof. Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili | Medicinal plants | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili | Medicinal plants | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili , Shahid beheshti University, Iran

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili ๐ŸŒฟ is a professor at Shahid Beheshti University, Iran, specializing in medicinal plants. Born on August 23, 1974, in Yazd, Iran ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ท, he has contributed significantly to plant biotechnology, secondary metabolite production, and phytochemistry. With a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran and international research experience in Spain ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ, he is recognized for his impactful teaching and research in plant cell culture, genetics, and metabolic engineering ๐Ÿงฌ. As head and deputy director at the Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Dr. Mirjalili continues to advance innovations in medicinal plant science. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒฑ

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili is exceptionally well-suited for the Best Researcher Award, given his pioneering work in medicinal plant biotechnology, metabolic engineering, and plant-derived pharmaceuticals. With decades of sustained academic excellence, research leadership, and international collaboration, his contributions directly impact healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and pharmaceutical sciences.

๐Ÿ“˜ Education & Experience

๐ŸŽ“ Education

  • B.Sc. in Horticultural Science, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran (1994โ€“1998) ๐ŸŽ“

  • M.Sc. in Horticultural Science (Medicinal Plants), University of Tehran (1999โ€“2000) ๐ŸŒฟ
    Thesis: Adaptation and essential oil composition of lemongrass landraces

  • Ph.D. in Physiology and Breeding of Medicinal Plants, University of Tehran (2004โ€“2009) ๐Ÿงช
    Thesis: Withania species and hairy root culture for withanolide production

  • Ph.D. training in University of Barcelona, Spain ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ (2006โ€“2007)

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

  • Master Research Fellow, University of Tehran (1999โ€“2000) ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ

  • Researcher, Shahid Beheshti University (2001โ€“2004) ๐Ÿ”ฌ

  • Ph.D. Research Fellow, University of Tehran (2004โ€“2008) ๐Ÿ“–

  • Professor, Shahid Beheshti University (Since 2022) ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

  • Head, Agriculture Department (2009โ€“2011) ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

  • Deputy of Education (Since 2016) ๐Ÿ“š

๐Ÿš€ Professional Development

Dr. Mirjalili has demonstrated consistent growth as a scholar and educator in the field of medicinal plant sciences ๐ŸŒฑ. His professional trajectory includes academic leadership, extensive teaching at graduate levels, and advanced research in plant biotechnology and metabolic engineering ๐Ÿงฌ. He has taught multiple MSc and PhD-level courses including Plant Biotechnology, Plant Stress Physiology, and Tissue Culture since 2009 ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ. A key contributor to curriculum development and student mentoring, he has also undertaken international scientific training in Spain ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ. His professional development continues through active research, collaboration, and publication in high-impact scientific journals ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐Ÿ“„.

๐Ÿงช Research Focusย 

Dr. Mirjaliliโ€™s research is centered on the biotechnology of medicinal and aromatic plants ๐ŸŒฟ. He investigates genetic and phytochemical diversity, optimization of in vitro culture systems (like hairy roots and cell suspensions), and metabolic engineering for enhanced production of secondary metabolites ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿ’Š. His work also explores the transformation of plant systems via Agrobacterium and the study of endophytes for their bioactive compound potential ๐Ÿงซ. The overarching goal is sustainable production of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and therapeutic use, making his contributions crucial to plant-based drug development ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’ก.

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honorsย 

  • ๐Ÿ† Selected Researcher of Iran โ€“ Ministry of Science, Research & Technology (2023)

  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ Distinguished Teacher of the Year โ€“ Shahid Beheshti University (2015)

  • ๐Ÿงช Distinguished Researcher of the Year โ€“ Shahid Beheshti University (2013)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Ph.D. Scholarship Recipient โ€“ Ministry of Science, Research & Technology, Iran (2005)

Publication Top Notes:

1. Steroidal Lactones from Withania somnifera, an Ancient Plant for Novel Medicine

  • Authors: M.H. Mirjalili, E. Moyano, M. Bonfill, R.M. Cusido, J. Palazรณn

  • Journal: Molecules, Vol. 14(7), pp. 2373โ€“2393

  • Year: 2009

  • Cited by: 820

  • Summary: A comprehensive review of steroidal lactones (withanolides) derived from Withania somnifera, focusing on their medicinal potential, biosynthesis, and future prospects in pharmaceutical development.

2. Production of the Anticancer Drug Taxol in Taxus baccata Suspension Cultures: A Review

  • Authors: S. Malik, R.M. Cusidรณ, M.H. Mirjalili, E. Moyano, J. Palazรณn, M. Bonfill

  • Journal: Process Biochemistry, Vol. 46(1), pp. 23โ€“34

  • Year: 2011

  • Cited by: 491

  • Summary: Reviews advancements in biotechnological methods for producing the anticancer drug taxol from Taxus baccata suspension cultures, including genetic and metabolic engineering strategies.

3. Essential Oil Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Thymus caramanicus at Different Phenological Stages

  • Authors: S.N. Ebrahimi, J. Hadian, M.H. Mirjalili, A. Sonboli, M. Yousefzadi

  • Journal: Food Chemistry, Vol. 110(4), pp. 927โ€“931

  • Year: 2008

  • Cited by: 398

  • Summary: Investigates how essential oil composition and antibacterial properties of Thymus caramanicus vary across growth stages, with implications for its use in food and pharmaceutical industries.

4. Biotechnological Production of Taxol and Related Taxoids: Current State and Prospects

  • Authors: O. Expรณsito, M. Bonfill, E. Moyano, M. Onrubia, M.H. Mirjalili, R.M. Cusidรณ, et al.

  • Journal: Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry

  • Year: 2009Cited by: 186

  • Summary: Explores biotechnological innovations for producing taxol and similar taxoids, detailing production platforms such as cell cultures, genetic engineering, and elicitation techniques.

5. Phytochemical and Morphological Characterization of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad Populations from Iran

  • Authors: J. Hadian, M. Hossein Mirjalili, M. Reza Kanani, A. Salehnia, P. Ganjipoor

  • Journal: Chemistry & Biodiversity, Vol. 8(5), pp. 902โ€“915

  • Year: 2011

  • Cited by: 163

  • Summary: Provides a detailed chemical and morphological analysis of different Iranian populations of Satureja khuzistanica, a medicinal plant known for high thymol content and therapeutic properties.

Conclusion:

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili exemplifies what the Best Researcher Award aims to honor: innovation, impact, and leadership in a critical scientific domain. His decades-long research into the biotechnology of medicinal plants not only advances academic knowledge but also serves global health and sustainability goals. His scientific depth, educational commitment, and national recognition make him a model candidate for this award.