Dr. Hanane Boutaj holds a PhD in Biotechnology and Plant Pathology and currently serves as a Professor at Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy in Tangier. Her research focuses on plant–microbe interactions, particularly
the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant growth and resistance to pathogens. Notably, she has investigated the induction of early oxidative events in mycorrhizal olive trees in response to Verticillium wilt, demonstrating the protective effects of AMF against this disease. Additionally, Dr. Boutaj has contributed to comprehensive reviews on Moroccan medicinal plants for diabetes management, highlighting the antidiabetic properties of various species. With over 35 publications and more than 580 citations, her work significantly contributes to the fields of plant pathology and medicinal plant research.
Dr. Abdelilah Meddich is a prominent Professor in the Department of Biology at Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco, and a key figure in the field of plant biology and sustainable agriculture. With a distinguished academic and research career spanning decades, Dr. Meddich has established himself as an expert in the application of microbial biotechnology to improve plant productivity and resilience. His work is particularly renowned for its focus on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions.
Dr. Said Wahbi is a distinguished Researcher and Professor in the Department of Biology at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, Morocco. His extensive research focuses on plant physiology, particularly the interactions between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Dr. Wahbi has contributed significantly to understanding how AMF can enhance plant growth and resilience under various stress conditions, including salinity and pathogen attacks. With over 135 publications and more than 3,000 citations, Dr. Wahbi's research has had a profound impact on the fields of plant biology and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Zainab El Alaoui-Talibi is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh, Morocco. She has authored 52 publications, which have garnered over 850 citations, reflecting her significant contributions to the scientific community. Her research primarily focuses on the development of biodegradable and bioactive packaging materials. Notably, she has worked on chitosan-based films enriched with essential oils to inhibit multi-species biofilm formation, aiming to enhance food preservation. Through her extensive research and publications, Dr. El Alaoui-Talibi has made significant advancements in the fields of food packaging and plant pathology, promoting both food safety and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Allal Douira is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Biology at Ibn Tofaïl University in Kenitra, Morocco. Dr. Douira's research primarily focuses on plant–microbe interactions, particularly the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant growth and resilience. His studies have explored the diversity of AMF in various plant species, including date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) and Eryngium maritimum, providing valuable insights into their ecological roles and potential applications in sustainable agriculture. He has authored 381 publications, which have been cited over 3,800 times, reflecting his significant contributions to the scientific community. In addition to his work on AMF, Dr. Douira has investigated the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma asperellum against chickpea Fusarium wilt, demonstrating the potential of this fungus as a biocontrol agent. Through his extensive research and publications, Dr. Douira has made significant advancements in the fields of plant biology and sustainable agriculture, promoting environmentally friendly practices and contributing to the scientific understanding of plant–microbe interactions.
Dr. Abdelkarim Filali-Maltouf is a distinguished Researcher and Professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco, specializing in microbiology and molecular biology. Dr. Filali-Maltouf's research primarily focuses on plant–microbe interactions, particularly the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant growth and resilience. He has authored 269 publications, which have been cited over 3,300 times, reflecting his significant contributions to the scientific community. Through his extensive research and publications, Dr. Filali-Maltouf has made significant advancements in the fields of plant biology and sustainable agriculture, promoting environmentally friendly practices and contributing to the scientific understanding of plant–microbe interactions.
Mr. Cherkaoui El Modafar is a Full Professor and Director of the Center for Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering at Cadi Ayyad University. He has held key administrative roles, including Vice President of the University and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques. With expertise in agrobiotechnology, he serves as a consultant for national and international organizations and actively participates in the academic community. Mr. El Modafar has supervised 23 doctoral theses, published over 200 indexed articles (including 135 in high-impact journals), and presented over 220 scientific communications. He has also served as a reviewer for numerous scientific journals and participated in over 110 thesis defenses.