Building on the legacy of Ilse Wallentin
Dr. Aliyeh Salehi, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Organic Farming (IfÖL), has a passion for agroecology, organic farming, soil-plant nutrition, crop production, biodiversity and medicinal plant research that resonates with the pioneering spirit of Dr. Ilse Wallentin.
Dr Salehi's journey began in Iran and brought her to Austria in 2016 through a highly prestigious scholarship programme at the ÖAW. Much like Dr. Wallentin, her research career has been characterized by a commitment to advancing our understanding of plant science, specifically of medicinal and aromatic plants. For her PhD, Dr. Salehi established a collaboration between Iran and Austria, focusing on "Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the production potential of intercropped medicinal plants". Her main focus was on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum).
Under the supervision of her promoter in Iran, Prof. Sina Fallah, together with Professor Hans-Peter Kaul (BOKU, Vienna) and Professor Karin Zitterl-Eglseer (Vetmeduni, Vienna), Dr. Salehi investigated the diverse bioactive compounds found in these medicinal plants. Her work examined antioxidants, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids and related compounds, providing valuable insights to the scientific community.
Building on the legacy of Dr. Ilse Wallentin, Dr. Salehi has established a robust area of research that links past and present. Recognising Dr. Wallentin's pioneering work in 1924 on 'Stand width experiments with Coriandrum sativum, Pimpinelle anisum and Digitalis lanata', Dr. Salehi has ventured into related areas, combining historical research with contemporary challenges and opportunities.
Inspired by Dr. Wallentin's rich legacy, Dr. Salehi continues to make significant progress in medicinal plant research. Currently involved in various EU projects, she remains keen to establish new research projects focusing on medicinal plants under Central European conditions.
