Benkeblia Noureddine

Category : Biology - Biochemistry - Agronomy - Geology

BENKEBLIA Noureddine

Professor of Crop Science, Doctor in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Jamaica

Origins & Education

Born on August 23, 1960, Professor Noureddine Benkeblia completed his initial studies at the National Institute of Agronomy (INA) in Algiers, Algeria. He then pursued his academic training in Japan, where he obtained his Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at Kagoshima University. His multidisciplinary education covers the fields of biology, biochemistry, agronomy, and geology, with a specialization in crop physiology, biochemistry, and metabolomics.

Scientific Career

Professor Benkeblia currently holds several leadership and research positions at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Mona, Jamaica:

Head of Crop Science Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences
Head of Tree and Aromatic Crops Laboratory, Caribbean Centre for Research in Biotechnology
Academic Coordinator of Graduate Agriculture and Undergraduate Horticulture Programmes
Adjunct-Professor, Department of Chemistry
Principal Investigator, Caribbean Centre for Research in BioScience

His career is characterized by deep expertise in crop physiology and biochemistry, as well as metabolomics. His research primarily focuses on fresh crop preservation and shelf-life extension, making significant contributions to advances in sustainable agronomy and food security.

Distinctions & Recognition

Professor Benkeblia is a member of numerous learned societies and international organizations:

Canadian Society of Plant Science (CSPS)
Canadian Society of Agronomy (CSA)
International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS, Japan)
Jamaican Society for Agricultural Sciences (JAGRIS)
Japanese Society of Applied Glycoscience (JSAG)
Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS)
International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM)
Expert and Member of the Regional Experts Commission for the Caribbean, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) (2014-2019)
Board Member of the "Plant genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture" (PGRFA) authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Government of Jamaica (2014-2016)
Review Editor of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Member of Regional Economic and Scientific Commission in the Caribbean (CREES) of The Francophone University Agency (AUF) (2022-2026)
Expert of the Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway (CPAG), St. Michael, Barbados

He also holds several prestigious editorial positions:

Associate Editor: Canadian Journal of Plant Science
Academic Editor: PLOS Climate
Associate Editor: Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science
Associate Editor: Frontiers in Plant Science, Section: Crop and Product Physiology
Editorial Advisory Board – Book Series on Advances in Agroecology
Review Editor: Frontiers in Plant Science
Review Editor: Frontiers in Food Science and Technology
Topic Editor: Frontiers in Soil Sciences
Topic Editor: Frontiers in Genetics
Topic Editor: Frontiers Plant Science

Professor Benkeblia has received numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career:

• Award of the "Student of the Year" 1986, Ministry of Agriculture, Algeria

• Award of "Major Student" of the 16th Year Students, Institute of Agronomy, Mostaganem, Algeria

• JSPS Fellowship, Japan (2002-2004)

• Awarded the "ISHS Medal in Recognition of Meritorious Service to the ISHS" as Co-Convener of the Seminar "Horticultural Education and Training in the Age of Information, Bio and nanotechnology", 28th International Horticultural Congress, 2010, Lisbon, Portugal

• Awarded the "ISHS Medal in Recognition of Meritorious Service to the ISHS" as Convener of the 1st International Symposium on Tropical Horticulture, 2010, Kingston, Jamaica

• Award of the "Most Outstanding Researcher 2011", The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

• Award of the "Best Research Publication 2012", The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

• Award of the "Most Outstanding Researcher 2013", The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

• Awarded the "ISHS Medal in Recognition of Meritorious Service to the ISHS" as Convener of the Root and Tuber Crops: Sustaining Lives and Livelihoods into the Future Symposium", 29th International Horticultural Congress, 2014, Brisbane, Australia

• Award of the "Most Outstanding Researcher 2018", The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

• Award of the "Government of Jamaica - Meteorological Services Climate Branch" for contribution to the IPCC Land Report

• Award of the "Best Research Publication 2020", The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica

Impact & Influence

Professor Benkeblia's work has had a significant impact in the field of fresh crop preservation and shelf-life extension. His research in plant physiology, biochemistry, and metabolomics has contributed to the development of innovative techniques to improve the quality and sustainability of post-harvest agricultural products. These advances are particularly important in the context of challenges related to food security and climate change.

As an internationally recognized expert, he also contributes to the training of the next generation of scientists in the field of agronomy and horticulture. His role as an editor in several prestigious scientific journals allows him to influence the direction of research in these fields, particularly regarding crop adaptation to climate change and the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

His multiple affiliations with international organizations testify to his influence in the development of policies and strategies related to the management of plant genetic resources and the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.

Learn More

Contact:
Department of Life Sciences
The University of the West Indies
Mona Campus
Kingston 7, JAMAICA
Tel: +1 876 970 6849 ext. 3849
Fax: +1 876 702 4203
Mobile: +1 876 822 6810
Email: noureddine.benkeblia@uwimona.edu.jm

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