Sara Godena | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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Innovative Research Award

Sara Godena
Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Croatia

Sara Godena
Affiliation Institute of Agriculture and Tourism
Country Croatia
Scopus ID 36760599700
Documents 36
Citations 388
h-index 11
Subject Area Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Event International Soil Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-1937-4611

Sara Godena is a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Croatia whose documented scholarly activity falls within Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Her research profile includes plant health, olive production, biological control, plant-derived antimicrobial agents, and sustainable approaches to agricultural disease management. Her reported research record comprises 36 documents, 388 citations, and an h-index of 11. [1]

Abstract

Sara Godena’s research portfolio demonstrates a focus on practical agricultural and plant-health challenges, particularly those affecting olive cultivation. Recent studies address olive-associated fungal and bacterial pathogens, essential oils, plant-based agents, olive mill wastewater, pathogen diversity, and varietal susceptibility. These themes connect biological research with environmentally conscious disease-management strategies and contribute to the development of alternatives to conventional chemical control. [2]

Keywords

Olive pathology; plant health; biological control; essential oils; plant-based agents; Botryosphaeriaceae; Pseudomonas savastanoi; olive mill wastewater; sustainable agriculture; agricultural microbiology.

Introduction

Olive production is affected by diverse fungal and bacterial organisms that can influence plant health and productivity. Godena’s recent publications investigate these challenges through pathogen characterization, antimicrobial evaluation, varietal assessment, and exploration of plant-derived or agricultural by-product-based interventions. Such research is relevant to integrated plant disease management and the broader objective of reducing reliance on conventional inputs. [3]

Research Profile

The research profile combines plant pathology, microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, and sustainable crop protection. Published work examines both pathogen biology and potential control measures, creating a research pathway from identification and characterization toward application-oriented disease management.

Research Contributions

  • Assessment of olive-associated Botryosphaeriaceae diversity and pathogenicity in Istria, Croatia. [5]
  • Investigation of plant-based agents and essential oils for antimicrobial and antifungal activity. [3]
  • Evaluation of olive mill wastewater as a potential source of bioactive compounds for plant disease management. [2]

Publications

Selected recent publications include studies in Horticulturae, Agronomy, Agriculture, Plants, and Microorganisms. The 2025 Horticulturae article examines physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity of olive mill wastewaters against Botryosphaeriaceae, while related studies investigate plant-based growth promoters, green bactericides, essential oils, fungal pathogens, and bacterial disease susceptibility. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Research Impact

The reported 388 citations and h-index of 11 indicate measurable scholarly visibility within the researcher’s indexed publication record. [1] The thematic continuity of the publications also demonstrates relevance to sustainable crop protection, especially where biological activity, plant-derived compounds, and agricultural residues can be evaluated as components of integrated management.

Award Suitability

The documented publication record, citation profile, and research emphasis provide a scholarly basis for consideration for the Innovative Research Award associated with the International Soil Scientist Awards. Particular relevance arises from research connecting agricultural production with plant protection and environmentally oriented approaches to pathogen management. Award consideration should be based on the complete nomination dossier and independent evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

Sara Godena’s research profile reflects sustained engagement with agricultural and biological sciences, with notable emphasis on olive health, plant pathogens, biological activity, and sustainable crop-protection approaches. Her indexed research output and recent publications provide a coherent foundation for academic recognition in innovative agricultural research.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Sara Godena, Author ID 36760599700. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/36760599700
  2. MDPI. (2025). Integrated Analysis of Olive Mill Wastewaters: Physicochemical Profiling, Antifungal Activity, and Biocontrol Potential Against Botryosphaeriaceae. Horticulturae, 11(7), 819. DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae11070819
  3. MDPI. (2025). Potential of Plant-Based Agents as Next-Generation Plant Growth-Promotors and Green Bactericides Against Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi. Agronomy, 15(4), 819. DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15040819
  4. MDPI. (2025). Antifungal Efficacy of Essential Oils and Their Predominant Components Against Olive Fungal Pathogens. Agriculture, 15(3), 340. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15030340
  5. MDPI. (2024). Diversity and Pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae Species Isolated from Olives in Istria, Croatia, and Evaluation of Varietal Resistance. Plants, 13(13), 1813. DOI: 10.3390/plants13131813
  6. MDPI. (2024). Varietal Susceptibility of Olive to Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi and the Antibacterial Potential of Plant-Based Agents. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1301. DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071301

Workneh Kenea | Agricultural Science | Research Excellence Award

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Research Excellence Award

Workneh Kenea
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopia

Workneh Kenea
Affiliation Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
Country Ethiopia
Scopus ID 57221618379
Documents 2
Citations 21
h-index 1
Subject Area Agricultural Science and Innovation
Event International Soil Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-2609-7747

Workneh Kenea is a researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopia, whose work focuses on sustainable crop production, soil fertility management, fertilizer optimization, and agricultural innovation. His research integrates agronomic experimentation with evidence-based decision-making to improve maize productivity under diverse environmental conditions. Through peer-reviewed publications, he has contributed to the development of practical nutrient management strategies that support sustainable agricultural production and resource-efficient farming systems.[1]

Abstract

The Research Excellence Award recognizes sustained scholarly contributions that advance scientific understanding and practical innovation. Workneh Kenea’s research emphasizes sustainable maize production, fertilizer management, and multi-criteria evaluation of agricultural systems. His publications address key challenges in improving crop productivity while balancing environmental sustainability, nutrient-use efficiency, and resilient agricultural practices. These studies contribute evidence supporting improved agronomic recommendations for Ethiopia and comparable agroecological regions.[2][3]

Keywords

Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Maize Production, Soil Fertility, Fertilizer Optimization, Crop Management, Nutrient Management, Agricultural Innovation, Multi-Criteria Assessment, Ethiopia.

Introduction

Modern agricultural research increasingly emphasizes sustainable intensification through improved nutrient management, precision agronomy, and resource-efficient production systems. Research undertaken by Workneh Kenea aligns with these priorities by evaluating fertilizer recommendations, crop management practices, and sustainability indicators that support higher productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. His work provides practical knowledge applicable to researchers, extension services, and agricultural producers.[2]

Research Profile

Workneh Kenea is affiliated with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). According to the provided scholarly metrics, his research profile includes two indexed publications, twenty-one citations, and an h-index of one. His research interests encompass sustainable crop production, fertilizer recommendation, soil nutrient management, crop productivity, and agricultural innovation. His studies integrate experimental field research with quantitative analytical approaches to improve maize production systems.[1]

Research Contributions

  • Evaluated sustainability of maize production systems using a comprehensive multi-criteria assessment framework integrating agronomic, economic, and environmental indicators.[2]
  • Redesigned and validated fertilizer recommendations for maize under varying plant population densities across major agricultural regions of Ethiopia.[3]
  • Contributed to evidence-based nutrient management strategies aimed at improving fertilizer-use efficiency and crop productivity.[3]
  • Supported sustainable agricultural innovation through applied agronomic research with practical relevance for farming systems and policy development.[2]

Publications

  1. Assessing the Sustainability of Maize Production Under Various Crop Management Practices Using a Multi-Criteria Assessment Approach.
    Sustainability, 2026.
    DOI:
    10.3390/su18126024
  2. Redesigning and Validation of Fertilizer Use in Maize for Variable Plant Densities in Central Rift Valley and Jimma in Ethiopia.
    PLOS ONE, 2024.
    DOI:
    10.1371/journal.pone.0304004

Research Impact

The published research contributes to improved understanding of sustainable maize production and nutrient management within Ethiopian farming systems. By evaluating fertilizer recommendations and sustainability metrics, the studies provide information that can support improved agricultural productivity, efficient resource utilization, and evidence-based agronomic decision-making. These contributions demonstrate the importance of integrating experimental research with sustainability assessment methodologies.[2][3]

Award Suitability

Workneh Kenea’s scholarly contributions demonstrate a commitment to agricultural innovation through applied research addressing sustainable crop production and fertilizer management. His peer-reviewed publications, practical research outcomes, and focus on improving agricultural productivity align with the objectives of the Research Excellence Award, recognizing scientific work that advances sustainable agricultural development through rigorous investigation and practical application.[2][3]

Conclusion

Workneh Kenea has established an emerging research profile focused on sustainable agriculture, nutrient management, and maize production systems. His contributions support evidence-based improvements in fertilizer recommendations and sustainability assessment, reflecting the role of applied agricultural research in addressing food security and environmental stewardship. Collectively, these achievements provide a strong academic foundation for recognition through the Research Excellence Award.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus Author Details: Workneh Kenea, Author ID 57221618379. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57221618379
  2. Kenea, W. et al. (2026). Assessing the Sustainability of Maize Production Under Various Crop Management Practices Using a Multi-Criteria Assessment Approach. Sustainability, 18(12), 6024.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126024
  3. Kenea, W. et al. (2024). Redesigning and Validation of Fertilizer Use in Maize for Variable Plant Densities in Central Rift Valley and Jimma in Ethiopia. PLOS ONE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304004
  4. ORCID. (n.d.). ORCID Record for Workneh Kenea.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2609-7747

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yangilar | Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yangilar | Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yangilar is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Agriculture, with a strong specialization in food science, nutrition, and functional food development. She is affiliated with Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, where she contributes to both teaching and research within the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her work focuses on improving the nutritional quality, safety, and functional properties of food products, with particular emphasis on dairy technology, plant-based alternatives, probiotics, and bioactive compounds. Dr. Yangilar has an extensive publication record in internationally recognized journals, covering topics such as functional yogurts, fermented foods, antioxidant activity, and innovative food processing techniques. She has also supervised numerous postgraduate theses and led research projects aimed at developing sustainable and health-oriented food solutions. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she plays an active role in scientific committees, editorial activities, and academic administration. Her contributions bridge the gap between agricultural science and human health, promoting innovation in food systems and supporting the development of nutritionally enhanced products aligned with modern dietary needs.

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Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

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Ege University | Turkey

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Hacettepe University | Turkey

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