Xiaobo Zhong | Soil Biology | Distinguished Soil Science Achievement

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Dr. Xiaobo Zhong | Soil Biology | Distinguished Soil Science Achievement

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong | Institut Pasteur | France 

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong is a microbiologist whose research explores the structural and molecular mechanisms that govern bacterial morphogenesis and intercellular interactions. His work focuses on the bacterial cell wall, a multifunctional structure critical for maintaining shape, division, and environmental adaptability. Through advanced techniques such as cryo-electron tomography, he investigates how bacterial cell surface architectures enable microbial communication and phenomena like microbial hitchhiking, where non-motile species utilize motile counterparts for dispersal. His studies have revealed key molecular players in cell wall biosynthesis, including cellulose synthase complexes and stomatin-like proteins that organize membrane microdomains under stress conditions. His research contributions, published in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Trends in Microbiology, and mBio, have expanded understanding of cell envelope biology and stress adaptation in filamentous actinobacteria. His work bridges structural biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, advancing insight into microbial physiology and antibiotic resistance. In addition to research, he has supervised and mentored graduate and undergraduate students and contributed to several international conferences through oral and poster presentations. His ongoing investigations at the Pasteur Institute continue to advance integrative structural cell biology with applications in microbial biotechnology and antibiotic discovery.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Zhong, X., & Claessen, D. (2025). Cellulose biosynthesis and function in Streptomyces. Trends in Microbiology.

Zhong, X., Baur, S. S. M., Ongenae, V. M. A., Guerrero Egido, G., Shitut, S., Du, C., Vijgenboom, E., van Wezel, G. P., Carrion Bravo, V., Briegel, A., & Claessen, D. (2025). The stomatin-like protein StlP organizes membrane microdomains to govern polar growth in filamentous actinobacteria under hyperosmotic stress. Nature Communications.

Zhong, X., Nicolardi, S., Ouyang, R., Wuhrer, M., Du, C., van Wezel, G. P., Vijgenboom, E., Briegel, A., & Claessen, D. (2024). CslA and GlxA from Streptomyces lividans form a functional cellulose synthase complex. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 90(4), e02087-23.

Anis Bensadi | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anis Bensadi | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anis Bensadi | Shenzhen Technology University | China

Dr. Anis Bensadi is an accomplished academic and researcher in Economics and Finance, currently serving as Associate Professor at Shenzhen Technology University, China. His scholarly work integrates risk management, investment banking, and sustainable finance, with a strong emphasis on the intersection of digital transformation and energy transition. His research explores innovative financial models that promote renewable energy integration and sustainability across global economies, including studies on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, e-governance, and green financing for agricultural development in BRICS nations. With extensive experience in academia and the banking sector, he has contributed to advancing financial risk assessment frameworks and sustainable investment strategies. His research has been featured in reputed journals such as Nature Scientific Reports and Energy Policy. Actively engaged in international academic collaboration, he has presented at leading conferences on green and sustainable finance in Hong Kong, Sydney, Macau, and Singapore. Through his teaching and professional engagements, he fosters critical understanding of economic policy, market risk, and sustainable development practices, bridging the gap between theory and financial innovation to support resilient, low-carbon economic systems.

Profiles:  Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bensadi, A. (2025, October 29). Subnational heterogeneity in climate-smart agriculture green finance and irrigation efficiency across seven African nations. Scientific Reports.

Bensadi, A., & Liu, Z. (2025, October 14). Assessing sustainable energy transition pathways in the Philippines: An integrated TAM-TOE-TPB approach. Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution.

Bensadi, A. (2024, November 26). Assessing the impact of renewable energy integration on energy efficiency within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Scientific Reports.

Sandeep Bhatia | Soil Fertility | Sustainable Soil Practices Award

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Dr. Sandeep Bhatia | Soil Fertility | Sustainable Soil Practices Award

Dr. Sandeep Bhatia | Galgotias University | India

Dr. Sandeep Bhatia is an accomplished academician and researcher serving as an Associate Professor in the field of Computer Science and Engineering, with extensive expertise in the Internet of Things (IoT), Embedded Systems, Microcontrollers, Sensors, and AI/ML applications. His research primarily focuses on smart agriculture, IoT-driven automation, and embedded system design, integrating advanced sensor networks and intelligent computing techniques for sustainable development. With a prolific research portfolio of 45 published documents, 439 citations, and an h-index of 12, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of IoT-based intelligent systems. Dr. Bhatia has authored multiple books, book chapters, and presented papers in reputed international and national conferences, along with several patents in innovative embedded solutions. He has developed a MOOC course titled Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Design, broadcasted through digital learning platforms to enhance student accessibility and engagement. As a reviewer and organizer of conferences, workshops, and FDPs, he actively promotes academic collaboration and technological innovation. His professional achievements reflect a commitment to bridging research, teaching, and real-world applications in IoT and embedded system domains, fostering next-generation solutions for digital and sustainable transformation.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bhatia, S., Ashraf, G., Naib, B. B., & Gautam, D. (2024). An intelligent credit card fraud detection using a classification algorithm. In Innovations in Data Analytics: Selected Papers of ICIDA (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Vol. 972).

Bhatia, S., Mallikarjun, B., Goel, N., Dandeva, D., Sharma, N., & Naib, B. B. (2024). Detection of posture using MS-IoT-based solution to provide timely treatment. In Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Childhood Trauma in Rural Communities. IGI Global.

Bhatia, S., Naib, B. B., Goel, N., Agarwal, B., Mallikarjun, B., & Arvindhan, M. (2024, February). A new era in weather forecasting: Harnessing the potential of machine learning. In 2024 IEEE International Conference on Computing, Power and Communication Technologies (IC2PCT). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Bhadauria, R. V. S., Mehrotra, K., Malik, J., Goel, A. K., & Naib, B. B. (2023). A comparative analysis and design criteria of MAC, SMAC, and TMAC protocols in wireless sensor network. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computing Communication and Networking Technologies (ICCCNT 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Goel, N., Ahlawat, V., Naib, B. B., & Singh, K. (2023). A comprehensive review of IoT reliability and its measures. In Resource Management and Efficiency in Cloud Computing Environments. IGI Global.

Bhatia, S., Mallikarjun, B., Naib, B. B., & Goel, A. K. (2023). Algo-indicator based trading in stock market. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Smart Electronics and Communication (ICOSEC 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Gautam, D., Kumar, S., & Verma, S. (2023). Automatic seat identification system in smart transport using IoT and image processing. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Intelligent Communication and Computational Techniques (ICCT 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Naib, B. B., & Ashraf, G. (2023). Credit card fraud detection using classification algorithm. TechRxiv.

Bhatia, S., Jaffery, Z. A., & Mehfuz, S. (2023). Development and analysis of IoT-based smart agriculture system for heterogeneous nodes. In 2023 International Conference on Recent Advances in Electrical, Electronics and Digital Healthcare Technologies (REEDCON 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S. (2023). Development of IoT enabled framework for LPG gas leakage detection and weight monitoring system. IEEE Conference Publication.

Sohel Rana | Soil | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Sohel Rana | Soil | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Sohel Rana | Central South University  | China

Dr. Abhijeet Das is a research consultant specializing in water resources and GIS, with extensive expertise in hydrological modeling, environmental assessment, and spatial analysis. His academic and research contributions focus on surface water quality, pollution vulnerability, and sustainable water management across major Indian river basins such as the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani. He has authored 94 research documents and received 256 citations across 130 referencing works, reflecting his growing academic impact and research visibility. His h-index of 9 underscores his consistent scholarly contributions and influence in environmental geoinformatics, water quality modeling, and GIS-integrated decision systems. Dr. Das’s research integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing to advance predictive models for hydrological vulnerability and environmental sustainability. His innovative methodologies for water quality mapping, pollution source apportionment, and spatial decision support have supported both academic advancements and applied water governance frameworks. Through numerous international collaborations and conference presentations, his work has contributed to global initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), promoting scientific innovation for sustainable resource management.

Profiles:  Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Rana, S., Nie, Z., Islam, N., Mahiuddin, M. N., & Shamshad, A. (2025, December). Quantifying particle shape effects on soil compaction behavior of pebbles and rubbles. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering.

  • Ali, S., Nie, Z., Ismail, A. S., & Rana, S. (2024, May 1). Assessing changes in geotechnical properties of soil caused by oil contaminants. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1335(1), 012029.

  • Rana, S., Nie, Z., Ali, S., & Ismail, A. S. (2024, May 1). Impact of industrial solid waste on soil geotechnical properties. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1335(1), 012030.

Adriana Favacho Curty | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Adriana Favacho Curty | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Adriana Favacho curty | State University of Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Dr. Adriana Favacho Curty’s research exemplifies scientific innovation in environmental and soil sciences, focusing on microplastic contamination in coastal and sandy sediments. Her postdoctoral work at Rio de Janeiro State University integrates advanced spectroscopic and X-ray techniques to develop methodologies for polymer characterization using Compton/Rayleigh scattering ratios. By combining FT-IR, Raman, and micro-XRF analyses, she establishes chemometric profiles that link plastic morphotypes to elemental compositions, contributing to the understanding of microplastic-metal interactions and their ecological implications. Her studies bridge environmental engineering, physics, and marine ecology, supporting the creation of standardized protocols for sampling, extraction, and quantification of microplastics in coastal environments. Through collaborative work at BIOTEMA and LIETA laboratories, she enhances analytical precision in assessing contamination pathways and pollutant adsorption mechanisms. Her publications and presentations in prominent scientific platforms demonstrate a consistent effort to improve methodologies for environmental risk evaluation and marine pollution monitoring. Beyond her experimental research, her consultancy experience in environmental and infrastructure projects strengthens her applied perspective on sustainable urban and coastal management. Dr. Curty’s contributions significantly advance the scientific understanding of plastic pollution and its integration into soil and aquatic systems, reinforcing the global framework for sustainable coastal ecosystem management.

Profile:  Orcid

Featured Publications

Curty, A. F., Tsuyama, F., Cunha, P. M. O. M., Anjos, M. J., & Salomão, A. L. S. (2025, October 29). Metals’ adsorption onto environmental microplastics at shoreline sediments. X-Ray Spectrometry. Advance online publication.

Abhijeet Das | Data Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abhijeet Das | Data Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abhijeet Das | C. V. Raman Global University | India

Dr. Abhijeet Das is a research consultant specializing in water resources and GIS, with extensive expertise in hydrological modeling, environmental assessment, and spatial analysis. His academic and research contributions focus on surface water quality, pollution vulnerability, and sustainable water management across major Indian river basins such as the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani. He has authored 94 research documents and received 256 citations across 130 referencing works, reflecting his growing academic impact and research visibility. His h-index of 9 underscores his consistent scholarly contributions and influence in environmental geoinformatics, water quality modeling, and GIS-integrated decision systems. Dr. Das’s research integrates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing to advance predictive models for hydrological vulnerability and environmental sustainability. His innovative methodologies for water quality mapping, pollution source apportionment, and spatial decision support have supported both academic advancements and applied water governance frameworks. Through numerous international collaborations and conference presentations, his work has contributed to global initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), promoting scientific innovation for sustainable resource management.

Profile:  Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Das, A. (2025). Drinking water resources suitability assessment in Brahmani River, Odisha based on pollution index of surface water utilizing advanced water quality methods. Scientific Reports.

  • Das, A. (2025). An optimization-based framework for water quality assessment and pollution source apportionment employing GIS and machine learning techniques for smart surface water governance. Discover Environment.

  • Das, A., & Mishra, S. (2025). Reimagining biofiltration for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment.

Charles Tumuhe | Agroecology | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Charles Tumuhe | Agroecology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Charles Tumuhe | Uganda Martyrs University | Uganda

Tumuhe Charles Lwanga is an accomplished agroecologist and development practitioner whose work integrates agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate resilience to advance sustainable agricultural systems across Africa. His research and field engagements emphasize ecological farming, natural resource management, and community-driven approaches to food security. Through his leadership in regional advocacy programs under the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, he has contributed to strengthening agroecological networks and policy dialogues in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Senegal. His experience extends to research coordination, project evaluation, and farmer capacity-building initiatives promoting agroecological transformation and rural empowerment. With a strong academic foundation in agroecology and food systems, his scholarly output reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and participatory research. His work has been cited in five academic documents, supported by four publications, demonstrating growing recognition in the scientific and policy communities. His current h-index of 1 highlights his emerging impact within the field of agroecology and sustainable food systems. Combining academic rigor with grassroots engagement, he continues to influence policy, education, and advocacy efforts that drive ecological integrity, food justice, and resilience in African farming landscapes.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Tumuhe, C. L., Katusiime, D., Ssekamatte, D., Muloi, J. M., Kamau, H., Bwambale, B. B., Kaire, S., Slivesteri, S., Naigaga, H., Mugabo, I., & Audain, K. (2025). Advancing agroecology through networking in Uganda. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.

Gabriele Rodine Ngassa Tchoumi | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

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Ms. Gabriele Rodine Ngassa Tchoumi | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Gabriele Rodine Ngassa Tchoumi | University of Dschang | Cameroon

Gabrièle Rodine Ngassa Tchoumi is an emerging agricultural scientist and engineer dedicated to advancing sustainable and organic farming practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Her research and professional focus center on improving soil fertility, crop production, and natural plant protection strategies to enhance agricultural productivity while preserving ecosystem health. She has contributed to studies on the use of black soldier fly frass as an eco-friendly biofertilizer, demonstrating its potential to improve soil quality and crop yield sustainably. With experience in agribusiness, vocational training, and crop management, she integrates theory and practice to empower young farmers and promote environmentally responsible agricultural entrepreneurship. Her expertise spans data analysis, project planning, and sustainable development, reinforced by international training from institutions such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, the European Union, and the International Labour Organization. She has actively participated in scientific conferences addressing phytopathology, biosciences, and climate-resilient farming, underscoring her commitment to research-driven agricultural innovation. Through her work, she advocates for education, sustainability, and innovation as cornerstones of agricultural transformation, contributing meaningfully to food security and environmental resilience in developing regions.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Dzepe, D., Mbenda, T. K., Ngassa, G., Mube, H., Chia, S. Y., Aoudou, Y., & Djouaka, R. (2022). Application of Black Soldier Fly frass, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) as sustainable organic fertilizer for lettuce, Lactuca sativa production. Open Journal of Applied Sciences.

Hamed Abdeh Keykha | Soil | Sustainable Soil Practices Award

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Dr. Hamed Abdeh Keykha | Soil | Sustainable Soil Practices Award

Dr. Hamed Abdeh Keykha | London South Bank University | United Kingdom

Dr. Hamed Abdeh Keykha’s research focuses on advancing sustainable ground improvement and soil stabilization techniques within the fields of geotechnical and geological engineering. His work integrates innovative biogeochemical approaches such as microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and CO₂-induced carbonate precipitation (CICP) to enhance soil strength, reduce contamination, and promote carbon sequestration. As a Research Fellow under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions program at the London South Bank University, he investigates environmentally friendly engineering methods for stabilizing problematic soils and mitigating dust pollution. His academic contributions include more than twenty peer-reviewed journal publications and an international patent on the stabilization of sandy soils and fine dusts through CO₂-induced mineral carbonation. Dr. Keykha’s research bridges the gap between earth resource engineering and environmental sustainability by focusing on soil biocementation, mineral carbonation processes, and geotechnical applications for sustainable construction. His collaborations with international institutions have strengthened global research in ground improvement technologies and green engineering materials. Through his combined academic, industrial, and field experience, he continues to contribute to innovative solutions addressing geotechnical challenges, environmental remediation, and the sustainable utilization of earth resources.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Keykha, H. A., Joshi, S., Mavroulidou, M., Mohamadzadeh Romiani, H., & Asadi, A. (2025). Carbonate mineral formation by microalgae: Precipitation potential and morphological analysis. Minerals, 15(11), 1096.

Mohamadzadeh Romiani, H., Keykha, H. A., Talebi, M., Asadi, A., & Kawasaki, S. (2023). Green soil improvement: Using carbon dioxide to enhance the behaviour of clay. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Ground Improvement.

Keykha, H. A., Zangani, A., Mohamadzadeh Romiani, H., Asadi, A., Kawasaki, S., & Radmanesh, N. (2023). Characterizing microbial and CO₂-induced carbonate minerals: Implications for soil stabilization in sandy environments. Minerals, 13(7), 976.

Keykha, H. A., Mohamadzadeh Romiani, H., Zarei, A., & Asadi, A. (2022). Stabilization of petroleum-contaminated sandy soil using CO₂-induced magnesite precipitation. International Journal of Environmental Research, 16(4), Article 473.

Fariya Abubakari | Soil Fertility | Excellence in Innovation

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Dr. Fariya Abubakari | Soil Fertility | Excellence in Innovation

Dr. Fariya Abubakari | Murdoch University | Australia

Fariya Abubakari is an accomplished agricultural scientist whose research focuses on soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and sustainable agricultural production. Her PhD research at Murdoch University explores potassium leaching and availability in sandy soils of southwest Western Australia, with significant emphasis on soil pH influence, nutrient release kinetics, and predictive modeling using Hydrus 1D. She has also contributed to projects such as N2Africa and OFRA, enhancing nitrogen fixation in smallholder systems and optimizing fertilizer use across African savannah zones. Her publications address critical agricultural issues including soil acidity, climate change impacts, and food security. In addition to academic research, she has peer-reviewed papers for several international journals and delivered presentations at major global soil and climate conferences. Her interdisciplinary work integrates environmental sustainability, soil management, and technology-driven solutions for enhancing crop productivity. Through her involvement in organizations like End Ecocide Ghana and Global Call for Climate Actions, she has advocated for climate resilience, renewable energy, and ecosystem protection. Her research, outreach, and global engagement reflect a strong commitment to advancing soil science and contributing to sustainable food systems in both African and Australian agricultural landscapes.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Determinants of household food security and climate change impacts on agriculture in Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(7), 178–183.

Abubakari, F., Tetteh, F. M., Abubakari, F., Tuffour, H. O., & Aduwu, A. (2016). Strategies for improving nodulation and nitrogen fixation of leguminous crops to enhance production in smallholder farming systems. Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology, 4(4), 185–190.

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Effects of climate changing on food crop production system in Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(4), 76–79.

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2014). Analysis of production and marketing constraints of tomato among rural farmers in Talensi Nabdam District of Upper East Region of Ghana. IJASRT in EESs, 4(1).

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Effects of fertilizer subsidy on the yield of crops among rural farmers in Sudan Savannah and Guinea Savannah zones of Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(4), 80–85.

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2014). Effects of awareness of fertilizer subsidy on the yield of crops among rural farmers in Ghana. [Unpublished manuscript].

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Farmers’ perception on soil erosion problems and conservation methods among rural farmers in Talensi-Nabdam districts of Upper East Region of Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research (Forthcoming).