19 September 2026 – Prof. (Dr.) Khalid Rehman Hakeem, a professor at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a leading researcher in plant ecophysiology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, and a Fellow of the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI), has been awarded the 2nd 2025 IETI James Crabbe Award for Life and Environmental Sciences. This prestigious honor, presented by IETI, not only recognizes his outstanding interdisciplinary contributions to advancing life and environmental sciences but also celebrates his long-standing dedication to shaping IETI’s academic community and global collaborative impact – particularly in addressing critical challenges such as plantstress physiology, molecular biology, and environmental sustainability
Award Background: Celebrating Impactful Interdisciplinary WorkThe IETI James Crabbe Award for Life and Environmental Sciences is established to honor scholars whose engineering and/or technological research has made a significant, tangible impact in the fields of life and environmental sciences. Following the success of the 1st 2024 award (presented to Prof. Chih-Ming Kao for green soil and water treatment innovations), the 2nd 2025 edition continues this tradition of recognizing visionary researchers who bridge disciplines to drive sustainable solutions for the planet.
About FIETI Prof. Hakeem:
A plant biotechnologist & environmental scientist, he has spent 18 years leading teaching and discovery. After earning his Ph.D. in Botany from Jamia Hamdard (2011) and completing post-doctoral training at UPM (2012-16), he now directs the Plant Biotech Unit at Princess Dr. Najlaa Centre, KAU. He also serves as visiting professor at Daffodil International University and maintains research affiliations with Chandigarh, Chitkara & INTI.With 200+ papers, 80 chapters and 100+ books (Springer, Elsevier) cited >13,000 times, his work deciphers abiotic-stress signalling, breeds salt-/metal-tolerant crops, and advances phytoremediation, soil-reclamation & bioenergy. An FRSB (UK) and member of ASPB & AFOB, he sits on editorial boards and has been listed in Marquis Who’s Who 2014-20. He founded the Mother Hajrah Foundation to deliver rural healthcare. Within IETI he actively contributes to journals and conferences, fosters collaboration between IETI and external institutions, and nominates qualified Fellows and Members—continually expanding the Institute’s scientific reach and global network.