HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-02: Plant Genetic Resources, Genomic Diversity and Scientific Evidence for Biodiversity Conservation and Policy Support

Research expertise and potential contribution

I am Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Azhar Nadeem, Associate Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Mersin University, Türkiye, and Adjunct Professor at Samarkand State University, Uzbekistan. My research focuses on plant genomics, genetic diversity, germplasm characterization, molecular biotechnology, and the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources.

My expertise includes next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA molecular markers, genetic diversity and population structure analysis, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and molecular characterization of agriculturally important plant genetic resources, particularly cereals and legumes.

Within the Horizon Europe topic HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-02, I am interested in contributing scientific evidence, molecular characterization, and genomic approaches to support the implementation of European and global biodiversity policies and strategies.

Potential contributions to the project include:

• Assessment and documentation of plant genetic diversity and agrobiodiversity across different geographical and agroecological environments.

• Molecular characterization of plant genetic resources to support biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and sustainable utilization.

• Application of DNA molecular markers and next-generation sequencing technologies to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and genetic relationships among plant populations.

• Identification of genetically distinct, locally adapted, and potentially valuable plant genetic resources for conservation and sustainable agricultural development.

• Development and analysis of genomic and phenotypic datasets to provide scientific evidence for biodiversity assessment and conservation strategies.

• Contribution to the development of standardized approaches for plant genetic resource documentation, biodiversity data management, and scientific information sharing.

• Evaluation of the contribution of crop genetic diversity and underutilized plant species to agrobiodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems.

• Translation of scientific findings into evidence-based recommendations to support biodiversity conservation strategies, sustainable management of genetic resources, and science–policy dialogue.

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 books published by Springer. I have also been recognized among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier (2023–2026).

My international academic experience and research collaborations provide a foundation for interdisciplinary cooperation involving plant genetic resources, biodiversity research, molecular characterization, and sustainable agricultural development.

Expected collaboration

I am interested in joining an international Horizon Europe consortium as a research partner, particularly in work packages involving plant biodiversity assessment, genetic resource characterization, molecular biodiversity monitoring, genomic data generation, agrobiodiversity conservation, and scientific evidence generation for biodiversity policies.

I welcome collaboration with European universities, biodiversity research institutes, botanical gardens, gene banks, conservation organizations, environmental agencies, policy research organizations, and international networks working on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

My objective is to contribute plant genomics and molecular biodiversity expertise to strengthen the scientific evidence base for biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of plant genetic resources, and the effective implementation of European and global biodiversity strategies.