I am Professor Khaled F. M. Salem, Ph.D., a Professor of Field Crop Biotechnology specializing in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Genomics, and Crop Biotechnology, with more than 30 years of academic, research, and international scientific experience.

My academic and research journey has taken me from classical plant breeding and genetics to modern genomics, genomic-assisted breeding, genetic resources, pre-breeding, GWAS, genomic prediction, biotechnology, and genome editing. My work is driven by a clear objective: to translate genetic diversity and advanced technologies into practical solutions for developing productive, resilient, and sustainable crops.

I am currently affiliated with the Department of Biology, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia, and the Department of Plant Biotechnology, University of Sadat City, Egypt. I have also conducted research and academic activities in Germany, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Spain, Italy, and Mexico, including scientific activities associated with the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK-Gatersleben), Germany, and international agricultural research environments.

I obtained my B.Sc. in Agricultural Science (Crop Science) with Excellent and Honors from Menoufiya University, Egypt, my M.Sc. in Crop Science and Plant Breeding, and my Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, with doctoral research conducted at IPK-Gatersleben.

My Research Interests

My current scientific interests include:

• Plant breeding and genetic improvement of field crops
• Genetic diversity, genetic resources, and germplasm characterization
• Pre-breeding and utilization of valuable genetic resources
• Genomics, GWAS, QTL discovery, and genomic prediction
• Genomic-assisted and data-driven breeding
• Seed systems and sustainable crop production
• Plant biotechnology and genetic engineering
• Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration
• Crop improvement under drought, salinity, and other abiotic stresses
• Genome editing and CRISPR-based crop improvement
• Integration of conventional breeding with genomics, biotechnology, and emerging technologies

I am particularly interested in developing approaches that combine classical breeding knowledge with modern genomic and biotechnological tools to accelerate genetic improvement and enhance crop performance under changing environmental conditions.

Scientific Publishing & Academic Leadership

In addition to research and teaching, I have a strong interest in scientific publishing, academic editing, peer review, and development of high-quality scientific resources.

I have contributed to more than 65 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and scientific contributions, and have served as a reviewer for numerous international scientific journals. I also participate in editorial activities and scientific book projects, with a particular interest in emerging technologies for sustainable agriculture and genome editing.

I enjoy working with researchers from different disciplines and countries and supporting international research collaboration, scientific writing, academic mentoring, and knowledge exchange.

Teaching & Mentoring

My teaching experience includes plant breeding, genetics, plant biotechnology, genetic engineering, crop science, and related biological sciences at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I am particularly committed to mentoring young researchers and helping students develop the scientific skills needed to move from research questions to robust experiments, meaningful data, high-quality publications, and practical agricultural applications.

My Professional Vision

Agriculture is entering a new era in which genomics, genome editing, artificial intelligence, advanced phenotyping, and precision breeding will increasingly complement traditional breeding.

I believe that the greatest impact will come not from replacing conventional breeding, but from integrating the strengths of different approaches.

My professional mission is to contribute to this transformation by connecting:

Genetic Resources → Genomics → Gene Discovery → Breeding → Biotechnology → Improved Crops

Ultimately, my goal is simple:

To help develop better crops, strengthen sustainable agriculture, advance scientific knowledge, and support the next generation of plant breeders and agricultural scientists.

I welcome opportunities for research collaboration, scientific editing, academic partnerships, book projects, postgraduate mentoring, conferences, and international initiatives focused on plant breeding, biotechnology, genomics, genome editing, and sustainable agriculture.