Prof. Dr. Asghari Bano | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor Asghari Bano is a globally recognized plant physiologist with over four decades of impactful contributions to plant sciences, microbiology, and biotechnology. Currently affiliated with the Department of Biosciences at the University of Wah, she is also engaged in international academic collaboration from Canada. Her scientific vision has fostered innovation in sustainable agriculture, microbial interactions, and stress physiology, elevating her standing as a leading scholar and mentor in biosciences. Her postdoctoral studies across prestigious institutions in Germany and the USA have enriched her interdisciplinary perspective and bolstered global outreach.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Dr. Bano earned her Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Glasgow, UK, in 1983, preceded by an M.Sc. in Plant Physiology, Microbiology, and Plant Pathology from Dhaka University in 1978, and a B.Sc. in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry. Her research journey began with her M.Phil thesis on the effects of potassium naphthenates on maize and culminated in her doctoral thesis exploring Rhizobium and Frankia’s role in nitrogen fixation in Alnus glutinosa and Faba vulgaris. These foundational works have directed much of her future scientific inquiries.

Professional Experience

Professor Bano’s academic service spans 39 years post-Ph.D., predominantly at Quaid-i-Azam University, where she served as Professor, Chairperson, and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences. Her leadership extended to the University of Wah, where she continues her academic duties. Additionally, she held teaching and research roles in Dhaka University and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council before her doctoral studies. She has undertaken multiple postdoctoral fellowships including prestigious AVH (Germany), Fulbright (USA), and Canadian Ministry of Science and Technology fellowships, further enriching her scientific acumen.

Research Interests

Her core research interests include plant-microbe interactions, abiotic stress physiology, allelopathy, plant hormones, and the application of nanotechnology in agriculture. She has made substantial contributions to understanding plant responses under drought, salinity, and microbial inoculation, and she has developed eco-friendly strategies using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Her pioneering insights into signal transduction, root-shoot communication, and metabolite profiling have informed sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced crop resilience mechanisms.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Bano is a recipient of international honors such as the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Fulbright Senior Fellowship, and funding support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Canada. Her research excellence has been consistently recognized through invitations to lead research projects, review scientific papers, and present at international conferences. She remains a role model for women in science and continues to mentor early-career researchers globally.

Selected Publications

1. Bano A. & Hillman J.R. (1986). Effect of abscisic acid on nodule morphology and nitrogenase activity in Faba vulgaris. Annals of Botany, 58(2), 281–283. Cited by 70+ articles.

2. Bano A., Dorffling K., Bettin D., & Hahn H. (1993). Abscisic acid and cytokinins as root-to-shoot signals in rice under drought. Australian J. Plant Physiology, 20(1), 109–115. Cited by 120+ articles.

3. Bano A., Hansen H., Dorffling K., & Hahn H. (1994). Drought-stress-induced hormonal changes in sunflower. Phytochemistry, 37(2), 345–347. Cited by 100+ articles.

4. Mehnaz S., Mirza M.S., Haurat J., Bally R., Normand P., Bano A., & Malik K.A. (2000). 16S rRNA analysis of rhizospheric bacteria from rice. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 47(2), 110–117. Cited by 95+ articles.

5. Bano A. & Harper J.E. (2002). Role of plant growth regulators on soybean nodulation. Functional Plant Biology, 29(1), 965–974. Cited by 80+ articles.

6. Bakht J., Bano A., & Dominy P. (2006). Cold tolerance in chickpea and membrane function. Journal of Experimental Botany, 57(14), 3707–3715. Cited by 130+ articles.

7. Hadi F. & Bano A. (2009). Use of Parthenium hysterophorus for lead remediation. Weed Biology and Management, 9, 307–314. Cited by 60+ articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Asghari Bano exemplifies the qualities of a “Best Researcher Award” nominee through her prolific academic career, pioneering research in plant stress physiology and biotechnology, and her global outreach as a scientific mentor. Her publication record, marked by high-impact contributions and international collaborations, reflects her consistent pursuit of research excellence. She has profoundly influenced sustainable agriculture, advanced knowledge on plant-environment interactions, and continues to inspire a new generation of researchers. Her comprehensive academic profile and international reputation make her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.