Collins Oduro | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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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

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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.

Sher Shah Hassan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Sher Shah Hassan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sher Shah Hassan, Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan

Sher Shah Hassan is an Agricultural Engineer and climate expert currently serving as a Team Lead and MRV/GIS Expert at the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan. With extensive experience in GIS, remote sensing, climate risk assessment, and energy efficiency, he has played a key role in Pakistan’s GHG inventory, mitigation policies, and adaptation monitoring. He has collaborated with international organizations, including CITEPA (France), the World Bank, UNDP, and PIK (Germany), contributing to climate transparency frameworks and sustainable agricultural strategies. His research focuses on geospatial data analysis, machine learning applications in climate science, and sustainable land and water management.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Sher Shah Hassan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his contributions to air pollution and climate change research in Pakistan, his use of geospatial techniques, and his work’s direct impact on policymaking. However, to enhance his profile further, he could focus on expanding his research globally, publishing more independent work, and increasing international collaborations.

🎓 Education

Sher Shah Hassan holds a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan, graduating in 2017 with a CGPA of 3.58/4.00. His undergraduate thesis focused on “Spatial Flood Risk Analysis of Chenab River from Marala to Qadirabad Based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).” He is currently completing an MSc in Soil and Water Engineering at the same university, with a CGPA of 3.18/4.00. His master’s research integrates geospatial machine learning and multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable mangrove management in the Indus Delta, Pakistan.

💼Experience

Sher Shah Hassan has extensive experience in climate impact research, GIS applications, and agricultural engineering. He currently serves as Team Lead and MRV/GIS Expert at the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Pakistan, where he specializes in data collection, stakeholder engagement, and climate impact analysis. Since May 2021, he has also been the Team Leader for Mitigation & Adaptation at the Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA), France, where he contributes to GHG inventory management, climate transparency, and adaptation monitoring in Pakistan.

🔬Research Focus

Sher Shah Hassan’s research focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agricultural practices, GIS-based environmental monitoring, energy efficiency in agriculture, and water resource management. His work integrates geospatial technologies and machine learning for sustainable land-use planning and climate resilience.

🛠️Skills

His expertise in GIS and remote sensing applications, climate risk assessment, agricultural engineering, geospatial data analysis, energy efficiency strategies, mitigation and adaptation policy development, stakeholder engagement, and technical report writing. He is also proficient in multi-criteria decision analysis, machine learning applications in climate science, and institutional capacity building.

🏆Awards

Throughout his career, he has been engaged in national and international climate research collaborations, contributing to policy frameworks and transparency mechanisms for climate adaptation. His contributions to Pakistan’s climate action strategies, particularly in MRV systems and energy efficiency, have been instrumental in shaping policy interventions.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Assessing smog trends and sources of air pollutants across northeastern districts of Punjab, Pakistan using geospatial techniques 
  • Authors: M.A. Goheer (Muhammad Arif), S.S. Hassan (Sher Shah Hassan), A.S. Sheikh (A. S.), M.A. Uzair (Muhammad Ali), T.N. Satti (T. N.)
  • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 
  • Year of Publication: 2025

Conclusion:

 Mr. Sher Shah Hassan is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research aligns with pressing environmental challenges, and his findings have both scientific merit and policy implications. However, strengthening his global reach and independent research contributions could make his candidacy even stronger.

Ze Zhang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ze Zhang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ze Zhang, Shihezi University, China

Prof. Ze Zhang is the Director of the Department of Smart Agriculture and an Associate Professor at the College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Crop Cultivation and Farming Systems from Shihezi University. His research focuses on smart agriculture, agricultural remote sensing, and precision farming technologies, particularly in cotton production. He has authored 57 research papers, multiple books, and holds several patents on nitrogen diagnosis and soil nutrient management. With an h-index of 13 and 1,179 citations, his contributions have significantly advanced precision agriculture and digital farming innovations.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Ze Zhang has made outstanding contributions to smart agriculture, particularly in remote sensing applications for cotton production. His research, patents, and leadership in digital farming demonstrate his excellence in precision agriculture. His ability to secure research funding and publish extensively highlights his commitment to advancing agricultural technology. While he is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, enhancing global collaborations, industry engagement, and mentorship could further strengthen his profile.

 

🎓 Education

Ze Zhang received his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Shihezi University in 2008, followed by a Master’s degree in Plant Nutrition from the same university in 2011. He completed his Ph.D. in Crop Cultivation and Farming Systems at Shihezi University in 2015.

 

💼Experience

Ze Zhang is currently the Director of the Department of Smart Agriculture and an Associate Professor at the College of Agriculture, Shihezi University. He has been actively involved in research, teaching, and innovation, particularly in the fields of smart agriculture and agricultural remote sensing.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on smart agriculture, agricultural remote sensing, and precision farming technologies. His work addresses key challenges in cotton production by developing innovative solutions for monitoring, decision-making, and management efficiency, reaching internationally recognized standards.

Awards

Ze Zhang has contributed significantly to agricultural science, as evidenced by his h-index of 13, 57 research papers, and 1,179 literature citations. He has published multiple books on digital agriculture, precision irrigation, and cotton monitoring. He has also developed patented methods for nitrogen nutrition diagnosis in cotton and soil nutrient management using GIS and remote sensing.

 

Skills

Ze Zhang specializes in precision agriculture, agricultural remote sensing, nitrogen diagnosis in crops, smart farming technologies, and cotton production management. His expertise extends to integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

 

Publications

  • A Model for Fat Content Detection in Walnuts Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

    • Authors: L. Luo, H. Zhang, Y. Wang, C. Feng, Z. Zhang
    • Journal: Horticulturae
    • Year: 2024

 

  • Warming Effect of the Desert Regulates Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Cotton Verticillium Wilt for the Oasis Agriculture Ecosystem

    • Authors: Y. Gui, C. Huang, J. Zhou, X. Lv, L. Zhang
    • Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    • Year: 2024

 

  • Comprehensive Growth Monitoring Index Using Sentinel-2A Data for Large-Scale Cotton Production

    • Authors: H. Wang, Q. Yao, Z. Zhang, X. Lv, L. Zhang
    • Journal: Field Crops Research
    • Year: 2024

 

  • “Image-Spectral” Fusion Monitoring of Small Cotton Samples Nitrogen Content Based on Improved Deep Forest

    • Authors: S. Qin, Y. Ding, T. Zhou, Z. Zhang, L. Zhang
    • Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
    • Year: 2024

 

  • Modeling of Cotton Yield Estimation Based on Canopy Sun-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence

    • Authors: H. Wang, Y. Ding, Q. Yao, Z. Zhang, Z. Gao
    • Journal: Agronomy
    • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Prof. Ze Zhang is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research, leadership, and technological advancements in smart agriculture position him as a top contender. Addressing minor areas for improvement could further elevate his impact and reinforce his contributions to agricultural science on a global scale.

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub, CIHEAM Bari, Italy

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a distinguished researcher at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), Italy. With a Ph.D. in irrigation system modernization and an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management, his work focuses on sustainable agriculture, water scarcity solutions, and IoT-based precision irrigation. Dr. Ayoub has extensive expertise in soil mapping, irrigation automation, and climate change mitigation, combining cutting-edge technologies like drones and microcontrollers to enhance water use efficiency. A recipient of multiple academic awards, he is committed to advancing innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub has a robust research profile, addressing critical agricultural and environmental challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. His contributions to irrigation modernization, precision agriculture, and IoT-based solutions position him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. With his strong publication record, technical skills, and leadership in academia and research, he exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher. However, additional efforts to amplify the visibility and impact of his work could further solidify his position as a global research leader.

 

🎓 Education

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim has a robust educational background focused on agricultural engineering and water resources management. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture Sciences (Agricultural Engineering Program) from Cairo University. Later, he earned an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management: Irrigated Agriculture from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM), where he was ranked first in his class. His master’s thesis explored comparative assessment of irrigation design criteria in Egypt. Ahmed also pursued advanced research studies as part of his Ph.D. at Bari Aldo Moro University and conducted doctoral research at the University of California, Davis. His work at UC Davis focused on hydraulic analysis of furrow irrigation systems using gated pipes under variable soil conditions, leveraging advanced technologies like drones, soil mapping tools, and automation. Additionally, he has a diploma in Laser Applications in Meteorology, Photochemistry, and Agriculture from Cairo University’s National Institute for Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES).

 

💼Experience

Ahmed has accumulated significant experience in research, consultancy, project management, and technical innovation. Since March 2021, he has been a Researcher and Consultant at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, contributing to regional projects, teaching courses on solar energy and irrigation systems, and designing field experiments with modern technologies like IoT and 3D printing. From 2017 to 2021, during his Ph.D., he focused on modernization of traditional irrigation systems, employing automation and soil mapping technologies to enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Ahmed also worked as a Technical Officer for the UNDP’s Low-Emission Capacity Building Project, where he managed climate change mitigation activities, stakeholder coordination, and training programs. His earlier roles include working as an Optical Emission Spectrometry Analyst with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) and as a Technical Office Engineer for Green Hills International, where he contributed to irrigation and drainage system designs for large-scale landscape projects like Uptown Cairo.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub’s research is dedicated to tackling global challenges in climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable agriculture. His primary areas of focus include the modernization of irrigation systems, such as furrow and drip irrigation, to enhance efficiency and uniformity. He leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate irrigation management tools, including tensiometers and infiltration devices. Ahmed also specializes in utilizing soil mapping technologies and remote sensing, such as drones and multi-spectral cameras, to advance precision agriculture. His work emphasizes improving water distribution systems, studying the impact of soil variability on irrigation performance, and developing affordable, sustainable solutions for precision irrigation to optimize water use and increase crop productivity.

 

Awards

Ahmed has been recognized for his academic and professional excellence with several awards. He was ranked first in the CIHEAM M.Sc. Program (2014–2015) and second in his undergraduate class at Cairo University’s Agricultural Engineering Department (2010). These distinctions highlight his commitment to academic and research excellence.

Skills

Dr. Ayoub has a versatile skill set encompassing technical, research, and organizational capabilities. He is proficient in CAD design, Python programming, C++ (Arduino IDE), GIS tools like ArcGIS, and image processing software such as Pix4D. His research expertise includes irrigation modeling tools like DSSAT, AquaCrop, CropWat, and Daily ET0, as well as advanced soil analysis technologies like Veris U3 mapping systems and Pario meter devices. With strong digital competence, he designs IoT applications, integrating 3D printing and automation using microcontrollers like ESP32. Ahmed’s organizational skills are demonstrated through his leadership roles as a lab supervisor, internal auditor for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and coordinator of youth networks such as MedYWat. Fluent in English (IELTS 7.5) and proficient in Italian, he excels in communication, delivering technical webinars, and managing training programs.

Publications

  • Title: Forecasting Blue and Green Water Footprint of Wheat Based on Single, Hybrid, and Stacking Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms Under Diverse Agro-Climatic Conditions in Nile Delta, Egypt
    Authors: Lotfy, A.A., Abuarab, M.E., Farag, E., Abdelmoneim, A.A., Mokhtar, A.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Advancements in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration Estimation: A Comprehensive Review of Temperature-Based Models
    Authors: Derardja, B., Khadra, R., Abdelmoneim, A.A.A., Deflorio, A.M., Volden, E.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

 

  • Title: Towards Affordable Precision Irrigation: An Experimental Comparison of Weather-Based and Soil Water Potential-Based Irrigation Using Low-Cost IoT-Tensiometers on Drip Irrigated Lettuce
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Elkamouh, A., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

 

  • Title: OptGate: A New Tool to Design and Analyze the Performance of Conventional and Self-Compensating Gated Pipe Systems
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R.
    Journal: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Soil Moisture Tensiometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Micromachines
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Double Ring Infiltrometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R., Bhanot, M., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 13

Conclusion:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his substantial contributions to agricultural engineering and sustainability. His innovative research, technical expertise, and dedication to capacity-building make him a deserving nominee. By further enhancing the dissemination and societal application of his research, he can elevate his profile and continue to make transformative contributions to global agricultural and environmental sustainability.