Innovative Research Award

Afef Najjari
University of Tunis El Manar

Afef Najjari is a Tunisian researcher affiliated with the University of Tunis El Manar whose scholarly work spans bioinformatics, microbiome science, metagenomics, microbial ecology, and molecular biology. Her research activities have contributed to the understanding of microbial diversity in environmental, agricultural, and biomedical contexts. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies, she has participated in studies addressing microbiota characterization, metagenomic exploration, and microbial functional analysis. Her publication record and citation impact demonstrate sustained engagement within the international scientific community.[1]

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the academic achievements and scientific contributions of Afef Najjari. Her research focuses on bioinformatics-driven investigations of microbial communities, environmental metagenomics, agricultural microbiology, and host-associated microbiomes. Through collaborative studies employing sequencing technologies and computational analysis, she has contributed to knowledge generation in microbial diversity, ecosystem functionality, and disease-associated microbiota.[2]

Keywords

Bioinformatics, Metagenomics, Microbiome Research, Microbial Ecology, 16S rRNA Sequencing, Shotgun Metagenomics, Environmental Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Agricultural Microbiology, Computational Biology.

Introduction

Advances in sequencing technologies have transformed microbiological research, enabling comprehensive investigations of microbial ecosystems. Afef Najjari’s work is situated within this evolving scientific landscape, integrating molecular biology and bioinformatics methodologies to explore microbial populations across environmental and biological systems. Her studies provide insights into biodiversity, microbial interactions, and functional capacities of complex microbial communities.[3]

Research Profile

With an established publication record and measurable citation impact, Afef Najjari has participated in research projects spanning environmental microbiology, host-associated microbiomes, microbial genomics, and biotechnology. Her investigations frequently employ next-generation sequencing, comparative microbial analyses, and computational interpretation of large-scale biological datasets.[1]

Research Contributions

• Investigation of microbial diversity in Tunisian saltern ecosystems using integrated amplicon and shotgun metagenomic approaches.
• Characterization of microbiome alterations associated with Alzheimer’s disease through salivary microbiome profiling.
• Comparative microbiota studies involving honeybee populations from North Africa.
• Research on insect-associated microbial communities, including Bemisia tabaci microbiota.
• Contributions to microbial genomics and biotechnologically relevant enzyme discovery.

Publications

• Hybrid whole-genome sequencing of Penicillium crustosum CTM10622 uncovering a thermostable alkaline serine lipase.
• Integrated metagenomic assessment of Tunisian saltern microbial diversity and functionality.
• Salivary microbiome dysbiosis in Alzheimer’s disease patients.
• Comparative microbiota analysis of Apis mellifera populations from Tunisia and Algeria.
• Microbiota characterization of Bemisia tabaci through Illumina sequencing.

Research Impact

The impact of Najjari’s research is reflected through more than one thousand citations and an h-index of 18. Her publications contribute to advancing knowledge in microbial ecology, environmental genomics, and microbiome science. The interdisciplinary nature of her work facilitates connections between ecological research, biotechnology, agriculture, and human health applications.[1]

Award Suitability

Afef Najjari demonstrates qualities aligned with the objectives of the Innovative Research Award. Her scientific portfolio illustrates consistent engagement with emerging molecular methodologies, collaborative international research, and the application of bioinformatics tools to complex biological questions. These contributions support recognition within the International Molecular Biologist Awards framework.[4]

Conclusion

Afef Najjari has established a noteworthy research profile through contributions to bioinformatics, microbiome science, and microbial genomics. Her scholarly activities continue to support scientific understanding of microbial systems across environmental, agricultural, and biomedical domains, making her a relevant candidate for academic recognition within international molecular biology communities.

External Links

• Scopus Author Profile
• Award Website

References

1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Afef Najjari, Author ID 14525670900. Scopus.
   https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=14525670900
2. Mechri S, Najjari A, et al. (2026). Hybrid whole-genome sequencing of Penicillium crustosum CTM10622 uncovers a highly thermostable alkaline serine lipase. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
3. Mechri S, Najjari A, et al. (2026). Unraveling the taxonomic diversity and functional potential of Tunisian salterns via metagenomics. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114714
4. Hamdi A, Stathopoulou P, Gharbi A, Saadouli I, Najjari A, et al. (2026). Salivary microbiome dysbiosis in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
   DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251393229
5. Najjari A, Naccache C, Ben Amor S, Djebbi S, Khemakhem MM. (2026). Microbiota comparative analysis of Apis mellifera populations from Tunisia and Algeria. Symbiosis.
6. Najjari A, Naccache C, Abdelkefi N, Elloumi M, Mezghani-Khémakhem M. (2025). Microbiota of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci by 16S rDNA Illumina sequencing. Microbiology Research.