November 2024: Prof. Beckley Ikhajiagbe – African Male Researcher of the Month

November 2024: Prof. Beckley Ikhajiagbe, African Male Researcher of the Month

Overview

Prof. Beckley Ikhajiagbe is a distinguished academic and researcher in the fields of Plant Ecophysiology and Environmental Biotechnology. He is a full professor at the University of Benin in Benin City, Nigeria, within the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology. With over two decades of experience in academia, Prof. Ikhajiagbe is recognized for his extensive contributions to plant science and environmental biotechnology, focusing on innovative and sustainable solutions to ecological challenges. His research integrates cutting-edge principles from bioeconomy, sustainable agronomy, gene-environment interactions, and biostatistics, making him a notable leader in his discipline across Africa.

Academic and Research Contributions

Prof. Ikhajiagbe’s academic interests are deeply rooted in Plant Ecophysiology, Remediation Biotechnology, Bioeconomy, and Plant Stress Coping Mechanisms. His work emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, plant-microbe interactions, and biotechnological applications for environmental restoration. As a prolific researcher, he has authored over 250 publications in peer-reviewed journals and books, with a citation index demonstrating significant influence in his field—1,759 citations and an h-index of 21, reflecting both the volume and impact of his work.

His research projects span diverse topics, including environmental mutagenesis, phytoremediation, soil bioremediation, environmental biotechnology, and phytotoxicity, with notable contributions to understanding and mitigating heavy metal and petroleum hydrocarbon pollution. Prof. Ikhajiagbe’s studies on bioaccumulation, biosorption, and the bioremediation of hazardous waste are essential resources for advancing environmental sustainability and plant-based solutions to pollution.

Mentorship and Supervision

Prof. Ikhajiagbe is committed to fostering the next generation of scientists, having supervised over sixty postgraduate students, including PhD, MPhil, and MSc candidates, within the last decade. His mentorship is notable for its international scope; through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), he has hosted over ten exchange students from various European universities in his laboratory for internships and collaborative research.

Leadership and Advisory Roles

Prof. Ikhajiagbe holds numerous influential positions in academia and beyond. He serves as an external examiner for postgraduate theses across Nigerian universities and is frequently called upon as a resource person for the Nigerian National Universities Commission’s accreditation panels. His advisory expertise extends to Africa’s Centres of Excellence, particularly in areas of Environmental Standards and Biosafety, and he is an esteemed External Assessor on several Appointment and Promotion Boards at research and academic institutions.

A member of the Technical Working Group of the Africa Biogenome Project (AfricaBP), Prof. Ikhajiagbe is dedicated to advancing the continent’s research infrastructure in plant genomics. His leadership also includes participation in editorial boards for prominent international journals, such as Frontiers in Plant Science, the African Journal of Health, Safety, and Environment, and more.

Awards, Grants, and Recognition

Over his career, Prof. Ikhajiagbe has received numerous awards and research grants from prestigious funding agencies, supporting his diverse projects in Bioeconomy, Plant Ecology, Microbiology, and Sustainable Agriculture. His scientific contributions have been acknowledged through his inclusion in SciVal’s 2023 list of 500 African Scholars in Agricultural and Biological Sciences. He also serves on review boards for major publishers like Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, and Taylor & Francis, providing valuable insights into double-blind peer-reviewed processes.

Professional Memberships and Community Engagement

Prof. Ikhajiagbe is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London (FLS), a member of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, the Nigerian Environmental Society, and the Genetics Society of Nigeria, among others. His involvement with the Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network reflects his dedication to the advancement of bioinformatics research in Nigeria.

Beyond academics, Prof. Ikhajiagbe is a devoted advocate for youth development. With over 15 years of experience as a youth coach, he actively contributes to community engagement and charitable initiatives, embodying a holistic approach to both professional and community life.

Research Areas of Expertise

• Plant Ecophysiology: Understanding plant adaptation, tolerance mechanisms, and responses to environmental stressors.
• Environmental Restoration Biotechnology: Developing and applying biotechnological approaches to restore polluted environments.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting bioeconomy-driven agricultural practices that balance productivity and environmental stewardship.
• Gene-Environment Interactions: Investigating how genetic factors and environmental conditions interact to influence plant growth and resilience.
• Plant-Microbe Interactions: Exploring symbiotic relationships between plants and microorganisms for improved plant health and soil fertility.
• Biostatistics in Research: Applying statistical methods to analyze and interpret biological data for robust research outcomes.

Editorial and Peer Review Activities

Prof. Ikhajiagbe is an editor and reviewer for various scientific journals. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Underutilized Legumes and serves on the Journal Advisory Board for the African Journal of Health, Safety, and Environment. His reputation as a meticulous reviewer has made him a valuable asset to several international publishers, including Elsevier, MDPI, Springer, and Science Alert.

Conclusion

Prof. Beckley Ikhajiagbe’s profound contributions to plant ecophysiology, environmental biotechnology, and sustainable agronomy mark him as a leading figure in his field. His work is not only advancing academic understanding but is also driving practical solutions to some of Africa’s and the world’s most pressing environmental issues.