Dr. Sasan Aliniaeifard (22 March 1981–21 March 2025)
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Dr. Sasan Aliniaeifard, a distinguished researcher and associate professor at the Department of Horticulture at the University of Tehran (Iran), lost his life in a car accident along with his beloved wife Maryam Seifikalhor and son. His untimely death is an irreplaceable loss for the international scientific community, especially in controlled environment agriculture and plant physiology.
Dr. Aliniaeifard was born on March 22, 1981, and from a young age he pursued his passion for horticulture. He earned his Master of Science in Horticulture from the University of Tabriz in Iran in 2007. He completed his PhD in Philosophy in 2014 at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, within the prestigious Horticulture & Product Physiology Group. His doctoral research laid the foundation for a prolific scientific career focused on understanding the complex interactions between plants and their environments. He was considered a pioneer in controlled environment agriculture.
Dr. Aliniaeifard participated in several editions of the GreenSys Symposium of the International Society of Horticultural Sciences, participating as a member of several Scientific Committees. On this occasion he had kindly agreed to collaborate again with the GreenSys2025 Symposium as a member of the Scientific Committee, so from the Organization Committee and with the approval of the rest of the members of the Scientific Committee we decided to keep him as an honorary member.
His research focused mainly on photosynthesis and responses of plants to light and vapor pressure deficit, advancing the knowledge of the effect of environmental factors on the physiological responses of plants. He directed his efforts towards improving productivity and plant quality in controlled environment agricultural systems, such as greenhouses, vertical farms, plant factories, growth chambers, the main topics of the GreenSys 2025 Symposium. His 117 publications had more than 3200 citations, reflecting the great international impact of his scientific work.
In addition to his great scientific work, Dr. Aliniaeifard was characterized throughout his career by his willingness to collaborate with young students. The many students he trained and helped develop their work in various countries, so his legacy will last over time.
From the Organizing Committee of GreenSys 2025 and with the approval of the Scientific Committee and the ISHS board, it has been decided to honour his memory creating the special award “Dr. Sasan Aliniaeifard”. This award will be given to the best oral presentation by a young researcher at the GreenSys2025 symposium, as a complement to the existing Young Minds Awards for all ISHS conferences in honour of the Prof. Jens Wünsche.
In agreement with the ISHS, the Acta Horticulturae of the GreenSys2025 symposium will be dedicated to Dr. Sasan Aliniaeifard.
Rest in peace Dr. Sasan Aliniaeifard, your person and scientific legaby will be remembered for eternity.
Greenhouses in Baluchestan Province (Iran)
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