Dilawar Abbas | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Dilawar Abbas | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dilawar Abbas is an emerging researcher in agricultural and insect sciences whose work integrates biological control, integrated pest management (IPM), insect ecology, and applied entomology to address critical challenges in sustainable crop protection. His research spans insect behavior and interactions, physiology, morphology, taxonomy, molecular biology, toxicology, and the application of entomopathogenic nematodes, with a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible pest management strategies. He has conducted laboratory-based investigations on insect diapause intensity and overwintering survival, combining physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches to elucidate mechanisms of cold tolerance and diapause regulation in major agricultural pests. Complementing this experimental work, his applied research experience includes field-based pest identification, monitoring, and management across diverse cropping systems, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of IPM implementation under real agricultural conditions. This integrated perspective bridges fundamental insect biology with practical pest control solutions aimed at improving crop yield, quality, and sustainability. His research outputs reflect growing scholarly impact, with 14 published documents that have received 19 citations across 17 citing documents and an h-index of 3, demonstrating early but meaningful contributions to the scientific literature. Collectively, his work highlights strong potential for continued innovation in sustainable pest management, ecological research, and biologically based control strategies within modern agricultural systems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

20
15
10
5
0

Citations
19

Documents
14

h-index
3

Citations

Documents

h-index

Climate-driven insect pest outbreaks and associated food security risks: adaptive strategies for resilient agricultural systems

– Review Article

Siran Wang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Siran Wang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Siran Wang is a leading researcher in animal nutrition and forage science whose work centers on improving silage quality, feed efficiency, and sustainable livestock production through microbial and fermentation-based innovations. His research focuses on forage processing and efficient utilization, screening and application of functional lactic acid bacteria, and the development and utilization of unconventional feed resources, with particular emphasis on enhancing nutritional value, safety, and stability of animal feeds. He has made substantial contributions to understanding microbial communities, fermentation mechanisms, and their practical application in silage systems, especially under diverse agro-ecological conditions. Dr. Wang plays an active academic service role across multiple high-impact journals, serving as section editor, early-career editorial board member, lead guest editor and guest associate editor for numerous international special issues and research topics related to agriculture, microbiology, fermentation, plant science, and animal science, several of which have resulted in large collections of published peer-reviewed papers. His editorial leadership reflects strong recognition within the scientific community for his expertise in silage microbiology and forage utilization. Dr. Wang has published 111 scientific documents, which have received 1,594 citations across 977 citing documents, and he holds an h-index of 21, highlighting the impact, consistency, and relevance of his research contributions to agricultural and animal science.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

1600
1200
800
400
0

Citations
1,594

Documents
111

h-index
21

Citations

Documents

h-index

Application of Fermentation Technology in Animal Nutrition: Second Edition

– Fermentation
 

Biological delignification and anaerobic fermentation of wheat straw as a sustainable strategy for crop straw utilization

– Industrial Crops and Products
 

Effects of biological lignin depolymerization on rice straw enzymatic hydrolysis, anaerobic fermentation performance, and in vitro ruminal digestibility

– International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
 

Effects of biological and antifungal additives on ensiling quality, in vitro digestibility, gas production, and aerobic stability of fermented total mixed rations containing wet brewers’ grains

– Acta Prataculturae Sinica
 

Influence of growth stage and storage duration on fermentation traits, microbial community dynamics, functional shifts, and pathogenic risk in fermented Italian ryegrass

– LWT

Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

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

Wei Dong | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Wei Dong | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University | China 

Dong Wei is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in hydraulic machinery and hydrodynamics, with a strong record of scientific leadership and technical innovation. He serves as an Associate Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Northwest A&F University and is actively engaged in national and professional service related to hydropower, pumping systems, and energy conversion equipment. His research contributions span fundamental theory, engineering applications, and standardization, reflecting both academic depth and practical relevance. He has led 20 competitive research and industry-supported projects at national, provincial, and enterprise levels, demonstrating sustained research capacity and management expertise. His scholarly output includes 53 research documents, with 60 published papers overall, of which 40 are indexed in SCI/EI databases and 10 are recognized as top-tier Q1 publications. His work has attracted significant academic attention, accumulating 443 citations across 364 citing documents, and he maintains an h-index of 12, indicating consistent research impact. In addition to publications, he holds 10 authorized patents, has edited or co-edited a specialized textbook, and has contributed to the formulation of two national technical standards, underscoring his role in advancing both scientific knowledge and engineering practice in the field of hydraulic and hydropower equipment.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

600
400
200
100
0

Citations
445

Documents
53

h-index
12

Citations

Documents

h-index

View Scopus Profile


Research on Cavitation Energy Characteristics of a Mixed-Flow Pump Based on Entropy Production Theory and Multi-Resolution Dynamic Mode Decomposition (MRDMD)


– International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2026


Analysis of Transient Entropy Generation Loss Mechanisms under Variable-Speed Operating Conditions of a Pump-Turbine


– Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery (Nongye Jixie Xuebao), 2025


Multi-Objective Optimization of Control Strategies for Variable-Speed Regulation in Pump Mode of Pump-Turbines


– Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 2025


Multiscale Pressure Fluctuation Characteristics and Vortex–Enthalpy Interaction in a Cavitating Mixed-Flow Pump


– Physics of Fluids, 2025


Optimization of Centrifugal Pump Performance and Excitation Force Using Machine Learning and Enhanced NSGA-III


– Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 2025

Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

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

Upma Bhatt | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

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

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

Lutfi Pirlak | Agriculture | Soil and Sustainable Development

Dr. Lutfi Pirlak | Agriculture | Soil and Sustainable Development

Lutfi Pirlak | Selcuk University | Turkey

Prof. Lütfi Pırlak is a Professor of Horticulture at Selcuk University, Turkey. His research focuses on fruit growing, breeding, and sustainable horticultural practices, with particular expertise in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, soil–plant interactions, and crop resilience under calcareous and saline conditions. He has published extensively in international journals and contributed to advancing environmentally friendly approaches that enhance plant nutrition, yield, and soil health. Prof. Pırlak is recognized for his role in integrating soil microbiology with horticulture to support sustainable agricultural development.

Profile

Orcid

Summary

Prof. Pırlak’s academic journey reflects decades of dedication to fruit growing and breeding, with a strong focus on soil–plant–microbe interactions. His expertise in PGPR, soil stress mitigation, and sustainable horticulture has produced innovative approaches to overcome calcareous soils, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies. His work not only contributes to scientific advancement but also supports sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological stewardship.

Education

Prof. Lütfi Pırlak obtained his Bachelor degree in Agricultural Engineering from Atatürk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture in Erzurum, Turkey. He continued his academic journey with a Master of Science in Horticulture at the Natural and Applied Science Institute of Atatürk University, where he gained specialized knowledge in horticultural sciences. He later completed his Doctorate in Fruit Growing and Breeding at the same institution, demonstrating advanced expertise in plant production and genetic improvement.

Experience

Prof. Pırlak began his academic career as a Research Assistant at Atatürk University, where he focused on fruit growing and breeding. He then served as Assistant Professor and later as Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture. His professional growth continued when he was promoted to Professor at Selcuk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture in Konya, Turkey, where he has been actively contributing to teaching, research, and academic leadership. His extensive career reflects a strong commitment to advancing horticultural science and fruit crop improvement.

Research Focus

His research primarily emphasizes fruit growing and breeding with a special focus on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and their effects on plant nutrition, growth, yield, and stress tolerance. He has investigated the interactions between soil conditions, microorganisms, and fruit crops such as apple, blackberry, strawberry, cherry, and citrus. His work contributes to sustainable horticultural practices, genetic improvement of fruit species, and innovative approaches in overcoming soil-related challenges such as salinity and calcareous conditions.

Skills

He possesses advanced communication and organizational skills, with high proficiency in English at a professional level. He is competent in computer applications, especially Microsoft Office programs, and has working knowledge of HTML. His skills extend to research design, data analysis, academic writing, and effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.

Awards

Prof. Pırlak has an outstanding publication record in internationally refereed journals, reflecting his significant scientific contributions. While specific awards are not detailed in the CV, his research achievements and academic recognition highlight his influence in horticultural sciences.

Publications

Effects of Some Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Growth and Nutrition of Apple Cv. “Braeburn” under High Lime Soil Condition
Authors: Ipek, Muzaffer; Arikan, Seyma; Esitken, Ahmet; Pirlak, Lutfi; Turan, Metin; Donmez, Mesude Figen
Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis (2021)


Influence of Bacterial Inoculation on Growth and Plant Nutrition of Peach Grafted in Different Rootstocks in Calcareous Soil
Authors: Ipek, Muzaffer; Arikan, Seyma; Esitken, Ahmet; Pirlak, Lutfi; Donmez, Mesude Figen; Turan, Metin
Journal: Sains Malaysiana (2021)


Effects of Bacteria and IBA on the Rooting of Citrange Citrus Rootstocks Cuttings
Authors: Pirlak, Lutfi; Cinar, Mustafa
Journal: Alinteri Journal of Agriculture Sciences (2020)


Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Mitigate Deleterious Combined Effects of Salinity and Lime in Soil in Strawberry Plants
Authors: Arikan, Seyma; Ipek, Muzaffer; Esitken, Ahmet; Pirlak, Lutfi; Donmez, Mesude Figen; Turan, Metin
Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition (2020)


Phenological, Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Some Promising Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Genotypes in Konya
Authors: Ipek, Muzaffer; Arikan, Seyma; Pirlak, Lutfi; Esitken, Ahmet
Journal: Erwerbs-Obstbau (2019)

Conclusion

Considering his extensive research on soil biology, plant nutrition, and sustainable crop production systems, Prof. Lütfi Pırlak is highly suitable for recognition in the field of Soil and Sustainable Development. His strengths lie in his innovative use of beneficial microbes for soil health, his application of sustainable strategies in horticulture, and his commitment to advancing environmentally friendly agricultural solutions. With further integration of broader crop systems and socio-environmental perspectives, his work can provide even greater contributions toward global sustainable development goals.

Collins Oduro | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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

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.