Prof. Dr. Carlos Pimentel | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award
Carlos Pimentel is a distinguished Brazilian agronomist and Full Professor at the Crop Science Department of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Over his career, he has developed an exceptional body of work in the field of plant physiology and crop ecophysiology, particularly emphasizing sustainable agriculture in marginal environments. His academic journey, extensive international collaborations, and impactful research have positioned him as a leading authority in understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses.
Profile
Education
Carlos Pimentel completed his undergraduate degree in Agronomy at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro between 1974 and 1977. He pursued postgraduate studies in France, earning a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (D.E.A.) in Plant Physiology in 1979 and a Doctorat de l’Université in 1985 from Université Paris VII under the supervision of Prof. Vieira da Silva. He further enriched his expertise through multiple post-doctoral fellowships in France and at the University of Illinois, USA, supported by Brazilian funding agencies such as CNPq and CAPES.
Professional Experience
Throughout his career, Professor Pimentel has held numerous academic and research leadership positions. Beginning as an Assistant Professor in 1987, he became Head of the Crop Science Department and a founding member of its postgraduate council. Since 1993, he has served as Full Professor. Internationally, he has collaborated with research centers in Senegal and the United States. He has contributed actively to professional societies, including roles as Treasurer, Fiscal Counselor, and Editorial Advisor for the Brazilian Society of Plant Physiology and journals like Bragantia and Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants.
Research Interests
Carlos Pimentel’s research focuses on crop ecophysiology, aiming to develop genotypes that are efficient in water and nutrient usage. His work is particularly relevant to sustainable agriculture in low-input and climate-challenged environments. He studies plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, nutrient deficiency, and high temperature—pressing concerns under global climate change. Additionally, his research explores resistance to biotic stresses, such as rust in pearl millet. His efforts have led to the release of two improved cultivars, ENA 1 and ENA 2, targeted at smallholder farmers.
Awards and Recognition
Carlos Pimentel received the Best Research Award in the Science Father Awards, presented during the 11th Edition of the International Research Excellence and Best Paper Awards in 2023. This recognition underscores his decades-long contribution to plant physiology and sustainable agriculture.
Selected Publications and Citations
Among his notable publications are high-impact articles cited extensively by researchers worldwide. These include:
- Alves, D. M. S. et al. (2024). Top dressing of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer increases yield and leads to biofortification of a local cowpea genotype. Scientia Horticulturae, 334, 113204.
Cited by 8 articles. - Ferreira, W. M. et al. (2022). Cowpea: A low-cost quality protein source for food safety in marginal areas for agriculture. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 29, 103431.
Cited by 14 articles. - Goncalves, F. V. et al. (2020). Protein, Phytate and Minerals in Grains of Commercial Cowpea Genotypes. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 92, 1–16.
Cited by 19 articles. - Macedo, D. C. et al. (2019). Photoinhibition under drought in a thermotolerant common bean. Biologia Plantarum, 63, 465–473.
Cited by 22 articles. - Pimentel, C. et al. (2013). In vivo temperature limitations of photosynthesis in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 91, 84–89.
Cited by 43 articles. - Bernacchi, C. et al. (2003). In vivo temperature response functions for photosynthesis modeling. Plant & Cell Environment, 26, 1419–1430.
Cited by 195 articles. - Pimentel, C. et al. (1999). Intrinsic water use efficiency in Phaseolus vulgaris under drought. Physiologia Plantarum, 106, 184–189.
Cited by 60 articles.
Collectively, his research has accumulated over 3,600 citations on ResearchGate, with an h-index of 25, reflecting both productivity and impact.
Conclusion
Carlos Pimentel exemplifies academic excellence and research leadership in plant physiology. His contributions span fundamental understanding and applied solutions for sustainable agriculture. With internationally recognized publications, high citation metrics, and cultivar development for challenging environments, his nomination represents a strong candidate for research distinction. His work continues to influence current and future agricultural science, making him a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.