Integrating Field-Based Biodiversity Assessment, Plant Genomics and Molecular Characterization

Research expertise and potential contribution

I am Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Azhar Nadeem, an Associate Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Mersin University, Türkiye, with extensive research experience in plant genomics, genetic diversity, molecular characterization, and the evaluation of plant genetic resources.

My research expertise includes next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA molecular markers, germplasm characterization, genetic diversity and population structure analysis, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and molecular approaches for the characterization and conservation of plant genetic resources, particularly in cereals and legumes.

Within the Horizon Europe topic HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01, I am interested in contributing to the integration of in-situ biodiversity observations, molecular characterization, and genomic information towards comprehensive and interoperable biodiversity observation frameworks.

Potential contributions to the project include:

• Field-based characterization and assessment of plant genetic diversity across different agroecological environments.

• Molecular characterization of plant genetic resources using DNA markers and next-generation sequencing technologies.

• Assessment of genetic diversity, population structure, and genetic relationships among plant populations and accessions.

• Generation and analysis of molecular and phenotypic datasets to complement remote-sensing-based biodiversity observations.

• Integration of field-based observations, georeferenced information, and molecular diversity data for comprehensive biodiversity assessment.

• Development of standardized genomic and phenotypic datasets to support biodiversity documentation, monitoring, conservation, and data sharing.

• Contribution to interdisciplinary research connecting plant genomics, biodiversity monitoring, genetic resource conservation, and digital data management.

Research experience and collaboration capacity

I have participated in several national and international research projects, including ERA-NET SusCrop, COST Actions, TÜBİTAK 1001, 1003 and 1007 programmes, TAGEM-funded projects, and university-funded research projects.

My scientific contributions include more than 100 SCI/SCIE-indexed publications, over 4,700 citations, an h-index of 34, and seven edited Springer books. I have also been recognized among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier (2023–2026).

I am interested in joining a Horizon Europe consortium as a research partner and collaborating with universities, research institutes, biodiversity organizations, remote sensing specialists, and bioinformatics groups.

I particularly welcome opportunities involving field-based biodiversity assessment, plant genetic resources, molecular biodiversity characterization, genomic data generation, and integration of molecular and phenotypic information into interoperable biodiversity observation systems.

Collaboration objective: To contribute advanced plant genomics and molecular characterization approaches to strengthen biodiversity assessment, monitoring, documentation, and conservation through international interdisciplinary research collaboration.