Marie Ange Akaffou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Marie Ange Akaffou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Doctorante at Institut National Felix Houphouet Boigny de Yamoussoukro (INP-HB) , Côte d’Ivoire

Marie Ange Akaffou has contributed significantly to agricultural and microbial research through two notable publications. In her recent 2025 article published in Agronomy, titled “Phylogenetic Diversity and Symbiotic Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium Strains Nodulating Glycine max in Côte d’Ivoire”, she and her co-authors investigated the genetic diversity and symbiotic performance of Bradyrhizobium strains in soybean cultivation. This study holds importance for improving nitrogen fixation and crop productivity in West African agriculture. Her earlier 2020 publication in Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, titled “Genetic Diversity of Exotic and Local Eggplants (Solanum spp.) Cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire Based on ISSR Markers”, focused on assessing the genetic variability of eggplant varieties using molecular markers, contributing to conservation and crop improvement strategies. Both publications highlight her strong foundation in plant genetics and microbiology, her commitment to addressing food security, and her ability to conduct impactful research with practical applications in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | ORCID Profile 

Akaffou Marie Ange has accumulated diverse and impactful professional experience in the fields of agricultural and biological research. Her journey includes multiple doctoral research internships that provided international exposure and hands-on laboratory training. In 2023, she completed a six-month doctoral internship at PHIM in Montpellier, France, focusing on advanced research in plant and microbial sciences. Prior to that, she undertook two internships at LCM in Dakar, Senegal (six months in 2022 and four months in 2021), where she gained valuable experience in molecular biology and team-based scientific projects. She also worked at LBVM INPHB Yamoussoukro from 2018 to 2019, further developing her technical skills and research acumen. Additionally, she engaged in practical farm management in Yamoussoukro (2014–2015) and completed a teaching internship in life and earth sciences at Lycée Khalil Daloa. Her broad range of experiences demonstrates strong adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills across research, education, and applied agricultural contexts.

Award and Honor

Marie Ange Akaffou has steadily built a promising academic and research career, earning recognition for her dedication to agricultural science and biotechnology. While specific named awards and honors are not listed, her selection for competitive international doctoral internships in prestigious institutions such as PHIM in Montpellier, France, and LCM in Dakar, Senegal, reflects the high regard for her academic and research capabilities. These opportunities are often granted based on merit and research potential, signifying her excellence in the field. Additionally, her successful publications in peer-reviewed international journals—including Agronomy and Biodiversitas—further underscore her contributions to scientific knowledge and the broader research community. Her involvement in collaborative, interdisciplinary projects across countries also indicates peer recognition and trust in her scientific rigor. With her growing research portfolio, she is well-positioned for future accolades and honors within the global scientific community, particularly in the fields of sustainable agriculture, plant genetics, and soil microbiology.

Research Skill

Akaffou Marie Ange’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant and animal production improvement, soil microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology, with a focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. She is particularly interested in understanding the genetic and microbial mechanisms that influence crop yield and animal health, aiming to develop innovative and eco-friendly agricultural practices. Her doctoral research is centered on applying molecular biology techniques to improve the efficiency and resilience of biological systems in agriculture. Marie Ange also explores the role of soil microbial communities in nutrient cycling and plant growth, contributing to sustainable land use and food security. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates laboratory experiments with field research, supported by computational analysis using R and Python. With a strong commitment to addressing real-world agricultural challenges, she is dedicated to developing practical solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment, especially in the context of African and global food systems.

Conclusion

Akaffou Marie Ange is a highly motivated early-career researcher with a strong foundation in agricultural and biological sciences, enriched by international research experience and technical competence in computational tools. Her multidisciplinary expertise, commitment to research, and international internships make her a deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award. With continued focus on publishing and global collaboration, she is well-positioned to become a future leader in sustainable agriculture and life sciences research.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Phylogenetic Diversity and Symbiotic Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium Strains Nodulating Glycine max in Côte d’Ivoire

Authors: Marie Ange Akaffou, Romain Kouakou Fossou, Anicet Ediman Théodore Ebou, Zaka Ghislaine Claude Kouadjo-Zézé, Chiguié Estelle Raïssa-Emma Amon, Clémence Chaintreuil, Saliou Fall, Adolphe Zézé

Year: 2025

Citation: Akaffou MA, Fossou RK, Ebou AET, Kouadjo-Zézé ZGC, Amon CERA, Chaintreuil C, Fall S, Zézé A. Phylogenetic Diversity and Symbiotic Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium Strains Nodulating Glycine max in Côte d’Ivoire. Agronomy. 2025 Jul 17. DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15071720

  • Title: Genetic diversity of exotic and local eggplants (Solanum spp.) cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire based on ISSR markers

Authors: N’Guessan Olivier Konan, Marie Ange Akaffou, Léonard Kouadio, Doffou Sélastique Akaffou, Guy Mergeai

Year: 2020

Citation: Konan NO, Akaffou MA, Kouadio L, Akaffou DS, Mergeai G. Genetic diversity of exotic and local eggplants (Solanum spp.) cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire based on ISSR markers. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity. 2020 Jul 21;21(8):3790–3797. DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d210830