Dr. Basma Najar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award
University of Pisa, Tunisia
Dr. Basma Najar is a Tunisian researcher specializing in plant sciences, particularly phytochemical analysis of aromatic and medicinal plants. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bioactive Substances from the University of Pisa, she has published 61 papers, garnering 814 citations and an H-index of 16. Her postdoctoral work includes advanced research at prestigious institutions like UniversitĆ© Libre de Bruxelles, focusing on the analysis of essential oils, volatile compounds, and cancer cell lines. Dr. Najar is proficient in multiple languages and employs advanced statistical techniques to derive insights from her data. Her contributions extend to practical applications in agriculture and food safety, exemplified by her participation in cross-border projects. Committed to advancing scientific knowledge, Dr. Najar’s work positions her as a prominent figure in her field, inspiring future generations of women researchers.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Basma Najar’s educational background is robust and comprehensive, laying a strong foundation for her research career in plant sciences and phytochemistry. She obtained her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bioactive Substances from the University of Pisa, Italy, in 2018, with a thesis focusing on the aroma profile and essential oil composition of aromatic plants. Her academic journey began with a Masterās degree in the Production and Development of Aquatic Ecosystems from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunis, Tunisia (2004ā2007). She also holds a Bachelorās degree in Life Sciences from the Faculty of Sciences of GabĆ©s, Tunisia (1999ā2003). Additionally, Dr. Najar is pursuing a National Scientific Qualification for the position of Associate Professor in Botany, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her academic credentials. This strong educational background has equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in her field and contribute significantly to research and academia.
Professional Experience
Dr. Basma Najar has extensive professional experience in the field of plant sciences, primarily focusing on phytochemical analysis and cancer research. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at UniversitĆ© Libre de Bruxelles (Nov 2023 ā Oct 2024), where she conducts HPLC and LCMSMS analyses of the Senne River water under the guidance of Professor P. V. Antwerpen. Previously, she held similar positions at the same institution and at the University of Pisa, focusing on GCMS analyses and the extraction of bioactive compounds from various plant species. Her work includes significant contributions to projects involving the characterization of volatile compounds and the biological activity of aromatic and edible plants. Dr. Najar’s research also encompasses cancer cell culture studies, where she investigates the effects of plant extracts on cancer cell lines. Her diverse experience reflects her dedication to advancing knowledge in phytochemistry and its applications in health and agriculture.
Research Interests
Dr. Basma Najar’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant sciences and pharmacognosy, focusing on the phytochemical analysis of aromatic and medicinal plants. Her work emphasizes the composition and biological activity of essential oils, volatile compounds, and secondary metabolites. Dr. Najar employs advanced analytical techniques such as HPLC, GCMS, and chemometric analyses to explore the phytochemical profiles of various plant species, aiming to identify their potential health benefits and applications in food safety and agriculture. Additionally, she investigates the effects of plant extracts on cancer cell lines, contributing to the understanding of their therapeutic potential. Her research also includes exploring the sensory profiles of crops, such as tomatoes, and the impact of environmental factors on their yield and quality. Through her multifaceted research, Dr. Najar aims to advance knowledge in phytochemistry, enhance agricultural practices, and contribute to the development of natural products with medicinal properties.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Basma Najar has received several awards and honors that recognize her contributions to the field of plant sciences and her commitment to research excellence. Among her notable achievements is her National Scientific Qualification for the position of Associate Professor in Botany, demonstrating her academic prowess and standing within the scientific community. Additionally, Dr. Najar’s impactful research has led to significant recognition in various journals, with her work published in reputable scientific publications boasting high impact factors. Her research has garnered citations, reflecting the influence and relevance of her findings in the field. Furthermore, her active participation in international collaborations and conferences showcases her dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering connections within the scientific community. These honors highlight Dr. Najarās role as a leading researcher, inspiring future generations and promoting the importance of women in science and research.
Conclusion
Basma Najar is a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award, given her impressive academic credentials, substantial research contributions, and diverse expertise. Her work not only advances knowledge in plant sciences and phytochemistry but also holds practical implications for food safety and agricultural practices. By addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing the impact of her publications and increasing her visibility in the scientific community, Basma could further strengthen her candidacy. Her ongoing commitment to research and contribution to the field positions her as an exemplary role model for aspiring women researchers.
Publications Top Noted
- Title: Salinity Impact on Yield, Quality and Sensory Profile of āPisanelloā Tuscan Local Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Closed Soilless Cultivation
Authors: Cela, F., Carmassi, G., Najar, B., Venturi, F., Incrocci, L.
Year: 2024
Citation Points: Horticulturae, 10(6), 570. Open access. - Title: Exploring the Volatile Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Edible Flower Hydrosols with Insights into Their Spontaneous Emissions and Essential Oil Chemistry
Authors: Najar, B., Pieracci, Y., Fratini, F., Bozzini, M.F., Marchioni, I.
Year: 2024
Citation Points: Plants, 13(8), 1145. Open access. - Title: Phytochemical, Nutritional and Mineral Content of Four Edible Flowers
Authors: Marchioni, I., Gabriele, M., Carmassi, G., Pistelli, L., Najar, B.
Year: 2024
Citation Points: Foods, 13(6), 939. Open access. - Title: Phytonutritional Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Eight New Edible Flowers
Authors: Marchioni, I., Rodolfi, M., Najar, B., Machado, J., Pistelli, L.
Year: 2024
Citation Points: Natural Product Research, 38(21), pp. 3728ā3734. Open access. - Title: Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity against Listeria monocytogenes of Essential Oils from Seven Salvia Species
Authors: Bozzini, M.F., Pieracci, Y., Ascrizzi, R., Flamini, G., Fratini, F., Najar, B.
Year: 2023
Citation Points: Foods, 12(23), 4235. Open access. - Title: Phytonutritional and Aromatic Profiles of Tulbaghia simmleri Beauv. Edible Flowers During Cold Storage
Authors: Marchioni, I., Najar, B., Copetta, A., Ruffoni, B., Pistelli, L.
Year: 2023
Citation Points: Advances in Horticultural Science, 37(1), pp. 25ā32. Open access. - Title: Potassium Nitrate and Ascorbic Acid Priming Improved Tissue Chemical Composition and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Sprouts
Authors: Zrig, A., Yousif Sidahmed Elsheikh, S., Hamouda, F., Hassan, A.H.A., AbdElgawad, H., Najar, B.
Year: 2023
Citation Points: ACS Omega, 8(39), pp. 35975ā35987. Open access. - Title: Recent Advances in the Incorporation of Polysaccharides with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Functions to Preserve the Quality and Shelf Life of Meat Products
Authors: Ben Akacha, B., Michalak, M., Najar, B., Garzoli, S., Ben Hsouna, A.
Year: 2023
Citation Points: Foods, 12(8), 1647. Open access. - Title: Valorization of an Old Variety of Triticum aestivum: A Study of Its Suitability for Breadmaking Focusing on Sensory and Nutritional Quality
Authors: Bianchi, A., Venturi, F., Zinnai, A., Clemente, C., Sanmartin, C., Najar, B.
Year: 2023
Citation Points: Foods, 12(6), 1351. Open access. - Title: Production of Bioactive and Aroma Volatile Compounds of Lawsonia inermis L. Cultivated Under Different Growth Conditions
Authors: Pistelli, L., Najar, B., Di Renzo, G., De Leo, M., Scartazza, A.
Year: 2023
Citation Points: Natural Product Research, Article in Press.