Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

Published on 06/01/202606/01/2026 by Soil Scientist

Mr. Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

Hacettepe University | Turkey

Melih Altay is a researcher in geomatics engineering with a strong specialization in photogrammetry, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing. His research is centered on integrating deep learning and machine learning methods with multi-source Earth observation data to address complex geospatial problems. He has developed and applied advanced AI-based segmentation, object detection, and classification approaches for analyzing optical and SAR satellite imagery, with particular emphasis on forest fire assessment, water surface detection, and agricultural land monitoring. His work contributes to improving the accuracy and automation of geospatial data extraction from high-resolution satellite platforms such as PlanetScope and Sentinel series. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration of GIS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, offering scalable solutions for environmental monitoring, land-use analysis, and spatial decision support. Through peer-reviewed conference publications, he has contributed comparative evaluations of deep learning architectures and innovative workflows that enhance geospatial analysis efficiency and reliability. Overall, his work reflects a forward-looking approach to geomatics engineering, emphasizing intelligent automation, high-resolution spatial analytics, and the practical application of AI technologies in Earth observation and digital twin systems.

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Phenology aware agricultural boundary extraction using segment anything model and planet scope imagery (zero shot learning approach)– Advances in Space Research

Hossam Hassan | Soil Biology | Editorial Board Member

Published on 22/11/2025 by Soil Scientist

Prof. Hossam Hassan | Soil Biology | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Hossam Hassan | Kut University College | Iraq

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Admasu Moges | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Published on 22/11/2025 by Soil Scientist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Admasu Moges | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Admasu Moges | Debre Berhan University | Ethiopia

Dr. Admasu Moges (PhD) is an Assistant Professor of Applied Ecology with extensive academic, research, and community engagement experience across higher education and environmental management sectors. He has taught a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in ecology, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, wildlife ecology, and plant sciences, while also supervising more than twenty MSc students to successful completion. His research profile reflects strong scholarly productivity, with 11 published documents, 136 citations by 125 documents, and an h-index of 5, demonstrating consistent contributions to applied ecological science. Dr. Moges has led and participated in multiple research initiatives, including major projects on wetland ecology, highland forest conditions, and ecosystem services, supported by both international and institutional funding bodies. His role as principal investigator in projects related to tropical wetlands and sustainable forest management highlights his expertise in biodiversity assessment and ecosystem monitoring. In addition to research and teaching, he has served in key administrative and academic leadership roles, contributing significantly to departmental coordination, research committees, and academic quality enhancement. He has reviewed more than twenty manuscripts for national and international journals, strengthening scientific rigor within his field. Overall, his work integrates teaching, research, and community service to advance applied ecology and sustainable environmental management.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Published on 19/11/2025 by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma | Manipal University | India

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma has established a significant scientific presence through impactful research spanning plant biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, medicinal plant conservation, and sustainable bioscience innovation. His scholarly influence is reflected in 757 citations from 717 citing documents, demonstrating broad recognition and applicability of his findings across diverse research communities. With a portfolio of 62 peer-reviewed documents, his work has advanced micropropagation techniques, optimized in vitro regeneration systems, explored endophytic fungal diversity, and contributed to the biosynthesis of eco-friendly nanoparticles with antimicrobial and therapeutic potential. His h-index of 14 underscores the consistent relevance and academic value of his contributions, which have shaped new directions in plant tissue culture, phytochemical enhancement, biogenic nanomaterial development, and bioresource conservation. Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma’s research further integrates molecular, biochemical and nanotechnological approaches to address challenges related to medicinal plant preservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative biological solutions for health and environmental applications. His cumulative scientific output reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge that supports societal benefit, industry innovation, and the progressive development of biosciences through interdisciplinary and forward-looking research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Dadhich, A., Dhar, I., Choudhary, R., Sharma, Y., Sharma, M. M., & Jain, R. (n.d.). Lignin-driven valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to functional biochar for advanced wastewater remediation: A review.

Dadhich, A., Sharma, Y., Verma, A. K., Nema, R., & Sharma, M. M. (n.d.). Bacoside-A from Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.: Molecular targets, preclinical insights, and therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus and neurodegeneration.

Yousra Mukhtar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on 11/11/2025 by Soil Scientist

Dr.Yousra Mukhtar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yousra Mukhtar | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology | India

Dr. Yousra Mukhtar is a dedicated entomologist specializing in Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) and pollinator ecology, with significant expertise in insect biodiversity assessment and sustainable pest control strategies. Her research has documented 75 non-Apis bee species, including over 30 first records from the northwestern Himalayas of India, enriching knowledge on native pollinator diversity and ecosystem services. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications focusing on pest dynamics, pollinator behavior, and eco-friendly pest management approaches that enhance agroecosystem resilience. As a researcher and educator, she has contributed to advancing understanding of the interlinkages between pollination ecology and integrated pest management, promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Her scholarly contributions are recognized through 13 research documents, 19 citations, and an h-index of 2, reflecting her growing academic impact. Beyond research, she has actively engaged in scientific communities through leadership roles, conference presentations, and peer-review activities for reputed international journals. Dr. Mukhtar’s work exemplifies a strong commitment to pollinator conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and the development of sustainable IPM strategies that align with global goals for agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Pest management practices impact Helicoverpa armigera infestation and foraging behaviour of pollinators in sunflower. International Journal of Pest Management.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Expanding Megachile diversity: First record of nine Megachile species (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from Jammu, India and the broader North-Western Himalayas. Oriental Insects.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Non-Apis bee diversity in Jammu, India, with first records from the region and the northwestern Himalayas. National Academy Science Letters.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2024). Harmonizing pest control and beneficial organism conservation in sunflower ecosystems through integrated pest management. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.

Upma Bhatt | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Published on 09/10/202509/10/2025 by Soil Scientist

Dr. Upma Bhatt | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Upma Bhatt | Case Western Reserve University | India

Dr. Upma Bhatt is a dedicated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plant Physiology and Stress Biology at IIT Delhi under the DBT-RA program, recognized for her outstanding contributions to abiotic stress research, chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, and desiccation tolerance mechanisms in plants. With a strong academic foundation culminating in a Ph.D. in Botany from Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU), Udaipur, she has built an impressive research portfolio comprising 22 publications, 249 citations, and an h-index of 9, reflecting her growing influence in the field of plant science. Her expertise spans plant stress physiology under drought, salinity, and submergence conditions; photosynthetic efficiency analysis using advanced JIP-test and Triple JIP techniques; and developmental studies on embryo physiology and seed priming. Dr. Bhatt’s commitment to sustainable plant biotechnology and nanoparticle phytotoxicity studies further enhances the applied relevance of her work. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Best Researcher and Young Scientist Awards, underscoring her excellence in innovative plant research. With a passion for developmental physiology and collaborative research, Dr. Bhatt continues to explore the intricate mechanisms underlying plant adaptation and resilience, contributing significantly to advancing stress biology and agricultural sustainability.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Bhatt, U.,(2025). Veterinary medicines: An emerging threat to soil, water, and plants. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution.

Bhatt, U.,(2025). Impact of synthetic and herbal dyes on photosynthesis and ROS scavenging enzyme activities in Spirodela polyrhiza. Scientific Reports.

Gelase Nkurunziza | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on 19/09/2025 by Soil Scientist

Mr. Gelase Nkurunziza | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Makerere University | Burundi

Gelase Nkurunziza is a dedicated agricultural researcher and plant breeder with strong expertise in maize improvement and biotechnology, currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at Makerere University, Uganda, where he has been enrolled since March 2022. He holds an MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems from Makerere University (2017) and a BSc in Agronomy from the University of Burundi (2008). He further enhanced his skills in molecular biology through a competitive ABCF Fellowship at the BecA ILRI Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2018, focusing on molecular breeding in maize. Professionally, Nkurunziza has extensive experience in maize research, beginning his career as a researcher in the maize program at ISABU, Gisozi Research Station, Burundi (2008–2013), before advancing to maize plant breeder and research activity coordinator at ISABU from 2016 to 2018. His work has contributed significantly to maize breeding strategies, addressing challenges in seed systems and improving crop productivity. Proficient in English and French, with good skills in speaking, writing, reading, and understanding, he bridges international research collaborations effectively. With a clear focus on applying plant breeding innovations to enhance food security, Nkurunziza continues to build a career dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture in Africa.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Genome-wide association study of biological nitrogen fixation traits in mini-core cowpea germplasm

Identifying Optimal Lines for Enhanced Symbiotic Performance in a Mini‐Core Collection of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]

Genetic and Environmental Effects on Nodulation and Yield Among Selected Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) Genotypes in Uganda

Performance and inheritance of yield and maize streak virus disease resistance in white maize and yellow conversions

Stability in performance of normal and nutritionally enhanced highland maize hybrid genotypes in Eastern Africa

Collins Oduro | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Published on 26/07/2025 by Soil Scientist

Dr. Collins Oduro | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Collins Oduro, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Dr. Collins Oduro is an agricultural economist and researcher affiliated with Lincoln University, New Zealand. His expertise spans agribusiness management, food security, and rural development, with a focus on institutional analysis and project evaluation in Sub-Saharan Africa. A recipient of the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand PhD Scholarship, Dr. Oduro has collaborated with international organizations and universities to address challenges in market access, value chains, and sustainable development. His work bridges academic research and practical implementation to improve livelihoods and resilience in agricultural communities.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Collins Oduro’s academic journey reflects a rare blend of research depth, policy engagement, and field-level impact. His work on institutional dynamics and food insecurity offers fresh perspectives for solving persistent problems in African agriculture. With a strong foundation in teaching, research, and agribusiness strategy, he exemplifies the qualities of a transformative researcher.

🎓 Education

Collins Oduro holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Lincoln University in New Zealand. He earned an MPhil in Agricultural Administration from the University of Ghana with coursework spanning Agribusiness, Economics, Extension, and Law. He also holds a BSc in Agricultural Science from the University of Cape Coast, with a focus on Economics, Agribusiness, and Sciences. He has received professional certifications in entrepreneurship and value chains from Wageningen UR in the Netherlands and KNUST in Ghana. Additionally, he completed foundational training in computer literacy at the African Virtual University.

💼Experience

Collins has extensive experience in agribusiness, economic research, rural development, teaching, and administration. He served as Director of Berean Generation NGO in Ghana and as a researcher at Lincoln University. He contributed to research and consultancies with international institutions such as IFAD, University of Ghana, University of Nairobi, University of Guelph, and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. His agribusiness roles have included work in horticulture, quality assurance, export operations, and market access across New Zealand and Ghana. His professional journey also includes experience in municipal agricultural development and academic teaching in international school systems.

🔬Research Focus

Collins Oduro’s research focuses on agricultural economics, food security, rural development, and institutional analysis in project performance. He investigates the causes of food insecurity in Africa through institutional lenses and seeks innovative frameworks for project evaluation. His ongoing studies include the role of community entry strategies in West African project success and the development of new tools to assess performance and sustainability in agricultural initiatives.

🛠️Skills

He possesses strong capabilities in agribusiness management, economics, project evaluation, value chain development, data analysis, teaching, and capacity building. Additional skills include strategic planning, institutional analysis, business plan development, community entry strategy design, and human resource management. He is also proficient in leadership, communication, time management, and computer applications.

🏆Awards

He received the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand PhD Scholarship and was a finalist in the Three Minute Thesis Competition at Lincoln University. He was a two-time finalist in the Africa Category of the Australia Awards. His work on agricultural development earned him recognition from Ghanaian national media and educational institutions for outstanding academic results and international project supervision.

📚 Publications

Title: Several Initiatives but Little Results: A Novel Approach to Offer an Institutional Explanation for Food Insecurity in Ghana
Author: Collins Oduro, A. Renwick, J. O. Akotey
Year: 2025
Journal: World Food Policy

Title: Pineapple Production and Household Poverty Alleviation Indicators: The Case of Pineapple Farmers in the Akuapem South District of Ghana
Author: Collins Oduro
Year: 2016
Journal: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing

Conclusion:

Dr. Oduro is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His achievements, leadership, and forward-thinking research position him as a rising thought leader in agricultural development. With minor enhancements in global academic engagement and collaborative visibility, his contributions could become even more influential in shaping agricultural policy and practice worldwide.

Liming Zhang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 04/07/2025 by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liming Zhang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liming Zhang, Hainan University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liming Zhang is a food science researcher at Hainan University, China. She specializes in the development of bioactive and nanoparticle-enhanced films for food packaging, with a focus on controlled release of natural preservatives and quality maintenance during storage. Dr. Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University and has conducted extensive research on the application of active packaging in perishable food products like freshwater fish and mushrooms. Her work contributes to advancing sustainable and functional food preservation technologies.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Liming Zhang has built a solid foundation in food packaging and preservation research. Her studies on active films and their role in texture stabilization and microbial control represent a significant contribution to sustainable food technologies. Her research is well-timed, methodologically sound, and addresses major global food safety and quality issues.

🎓 Education

Zhang Liming holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University, where she studied from September 2020 to June 2024 under the School of Food Science and Technology. She previously earned her Master’s degree in Food Engineering at Shandong University of Technology between September 2017 and December 2019. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Food Quality and Safety from Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, completed between September 2013 and July 2017.

💼Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher in the Department of Food Science and Engineering at Hainan University, Zhang Liming is engaged in advanced research in food preservation technologies. Her recent work has focused on the development of nanoparticle-enhanced bioactive films designed for the controlled co-delivery of bioactive compounds. These innovative films are engineered with specific physicochemical properties and release profiles. Additionally, she has conducted extensive research on the impact of active packaging films on the quality maintenance of refrigerated freshwater fish and mushrooms during storage, aiming to enhance shelf life and safety.

🔬Research Focus

Her research is centered on the application of nanotechnology and functional films in food packaging systems. She emphasizes the design of environmentally friendly and efficient delivery methods for natural preservatives, aiming to reduce food spoilage and extend product shelf life. This work contributes to sustainable food packaging solutions that align with global food safety and environmental goals.

🛠️Skills

Zhang Liming possesses deep technical expertise in bioactive packaging materials, nanotechnology in food systems, and food preservation methods. Her skills span the formulation and characterization of edible films, analysis of physicochemical and microbiological properties in food storage, and the integration of bioactive compounds into smart delivery systems. She is proficient in laboratory research techniques, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration in food science domains.

🏆Awards

Zhang Liming has earned recognition for her contributions to food science research, particularly in the field of active packaging and food preservation. Her innovative approach to material development and practical application in food safety has gained academic and professional acknowledgment, positioning her as a promising researcher in the field.

📚 Publications

Title: Comprehensive characterization of cold plasma/nanoparticles-functionalized gelatin active film and its application in tilapia fillets
Authors: Liming Zhang
Year: 2025
Journal: Food Research International
Title: Label-free quantitative proteomics to exploit the impact of active films on texture stabilization of refrigerated carp fillets
Authors: Liming Zhang
Year: 2025
Journal: Food Chemistry

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liming Zhang is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her innovative and applied research, growing publication record, and commitment to advancing food science position her as a promising leader in her field. With greater emphasis on global collaborations and visibility, she is poised to make an even broader impact in the future.

Yuan Song | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on 17/06/2025 by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song, Lanzhou University, China

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song is an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, China. He holds a PhD in Botany and completed joint training at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. His research focuses on molecular biology, epigenetics, and model plants. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, he has guided multiple graduate students and received awards for excellence in innovation and undergraduate mentorship.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song is a dedicated researcher with a strong background in plant molecular biology and epigenetics. His research addresses pressing issues in plant stress tolerance through innovative approaches in metabolic regulation. He has shown leadership in education and has made significant scientific contributions, particularly in understanding plant cold stress responses.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song holds a PhD in Botany from Lanzhou University, which he earned between 2007 and 2010. During this period, he also engaged in a Joint Training PhD program at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London Research and Development Centre, from October 2007 to November 2009. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his Master’s degree in Botany at Lanzhou University from 2004 to 2007. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree from Gansu Agricultural University, where he studied from 1999 to 2003.

💼Experience

Dr. Yuan Song has been serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, since May 2017. Prior to this, he worked as a Lecturer in the same institution for a decade, from July 2007 to May 2017. His long-standing academic involvement reflects his dedication to teaching and research in the field of life sciences.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song’s research is rooted in the fields of molecular biology, epigenetics, and plant science. His work emphasizes the molecular mechanisms in model plants, contributing to advancements in plant biology and biotechnology.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Yuan Song specializes in delivering advanced courses such as Epigenetics, Molecular Biology, and Model Plants. He has demonstrated strong mentorship abilities by supervising one doctoral student and eight master’s students, contributing to the academic growth of young researchers.

🏆Awards

He has received notable recognition for his contributions to education and innovation. In 2015, he was honored as the Outstanding Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project Instructor by Lanzhou University. In 2017, he was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Supervisor, showcasing his excellence in academic mentorship.

📚 Publications

Title: The AtHDA6-AtSK2 module promotes cold tolerance by enhancing shikimate metabolism and antioxidant activity
Year: 2025
Journal: The Plant Journal

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Yuan Song is well-suited for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his high-impact research, academic leadership, and mentoring record. Strengthening international collaborations and research funding visibility would further elevate his candidacy. Overall, he embodies the qualities of a forward-looking, impactful researcher in plant science.