Marwa Atwa | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marwa Atwa | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marva Atwa | Plant Pathology Research Institute | Egypt

Dr. Marwa Abdalla Mahmoud Atwa, Associate Professor at the Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, has made notable contributions to sustainable legume disease management through her research on biological control and plant–microbe interactions. Her scientific focus integrates microbial biofertilizers, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and induced systemic resistance to combat soil-borne pathogens in faba bean, chickpea, soybean, and lupine. With an h-index of 1, 2 Scopus-indexed documents, and 4 citations, her work demonstrates impactful specialization in eco-friendly plant disease suppression and crop productivity enhancement. Dr. Atwa has investigated the synergistic effects of beneficial microbes such as Rhizobium, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Rhizophagus intraradices to induce resistance against root rot and damping-off diseases. Her research outcomes emphasize integrating biological and biochemical inducers for developing environmentally sustainable plant protection strategies. As an active member of professional societies and editorial boards, she contributes to advancing phytopathology knowledge dissemination. Her studies in journals like Scientific Reports and EC Microbiology underline her commitment to developing biocontrol approaches and resistance induction mechanisms that align with global goals for sustainable agriculture, soil health preservation, and reduction in chemical fungicide dependency.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Atwa, M. A. M., El-Abeid, S. E., & El-Blasy, S. A. S. (2025). Evaluating individual and mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for controlling Rhizoctonia root rot in lupine.

Ibrahim Ahmad | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Ibrahim Ahmad | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture | Australia 

Ibrahim Ahmad is a veterinary scientist and Ph.D. researcher in Agriculture (Animal Science) at the University of Tasmania, specialising in sustainable livestock production and enteric methane mitigation. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, a Master’s in Veterinary Medicine by research, and ongoing doctoral work focused on anti-methanogenic feed additives using Asparagopsis seaweed, he brings over a decade of progressive experience in veterinary practice, meat inspection, animal welfare, biosecurity, zoonotic disease control, ruminant nutrition and livestock systems research. His published body of work spans tuberculosis in livestock, zoonotic diseases, methane reduction strategies, and ruminant microbiome responses, with 14 peer-reviewed documents, 73 citations, and an h-index of 6, reflecting both productivity and research influence across animal health and agricultural science. He has presented at international conferences, contributed as a reviewer to multiple journals, and maintains active research networks across Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and beyond. His current doctoral research, backed by major scholarships such as the Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship and Tim Healey Memorial Scholarship, aims to improve climate-smart livestock systems with scalable on-farm solutions for methane reduction without compromising productivity or welfare. His academic memberships and international collaborations further consolidate his growing impact on veterinary research and sustainable agriculture.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Ahmad, I., Rawnsley, R. P., Bowman, J. P., & Omede, A. A. (2025). Rumen microbiome response to methane inhibition. Microbiology Australia.

Ahmad, I., Rawnsley, R. P., Bowman, J. P., & Omede, A. A. (2025). Limitations in feeding red seaweed Asparagopsis species for enteric methane mitigation in ruminants. Journal of Dairy Science.

Ahmad, I., Bowman, J., Rawnsley, R., & Omede, A. (2025, June 26). Feed-grade biochar supplementation for enteric methane emissions reduction: Potential anti-methanogenic myths and emerging facts [Conference presentation]. ANZBIG Conference, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia.

Omede, A., Raedts, P., Ahmad, I., Talbot, J., Dolbey, B., & Rawnsley, R. (2024, July 8). Effect of transition feeding of Asparagopsis-oil (Asp-oil) on sheep performance. In Proceedings of the 35th Biennial Conference of the Australian Association of Animal Sciences (p. 389). Australian Association of Animal Sciences.

Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Saliha Ahmad | Case Western Reserve University | United States

Dr. Saliha Ahmad, a PhD candidate in Biology at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), is an emerging researcher specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Her scientific contributions focus on unraveling the mechanisms through which beneficial microbes enhance plant tolerance to environmental stress, combining molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field-based ecological approaches. She has co-authored 3 peer-reviewed publications, which have collectively received 125 citations across 123 documents, resulting in an h-index of 3—reflecting her growing impact in microbial and environmental sciences. Dr. Ahmad’s publications in high-quality journals such as Plant and Soil, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research explore microbial detoxification, biosorption, and plant–soil–microbe interactions. She is currently leading an innovative project supported by the Research Foundation of the American Rhododendron Society, aimed at developing microbiome-based bioinoculants (“Yogurt for your Plants”). Her strong command of molecular techniques, sequencing data analysis in R, and experimental design, coupled with awards like the Greer Memorial Conference Award (2024) and Oglebay Research Fund, highlight her excellence and potential as a future leader in sustainable plant–microbiome research.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Ali, B., Hafeez, A., Ahmad, S., Javed, M. A., et al. (2022). Bacillus thuringiensis PM25 ameliorates oxidative damage of salinity stress in maize via regulating growth, leaf pigments, antioxidant defense system, and stress-responsive gene expression. Frontiers in Plant Science.

Gelase Nkurunziza | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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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

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.

Belen Araceli Kettler | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Belen Araceli Kettler | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Belen Araceli Kettler, National University of Northeast, Argentina

Dr. Belén Araceli Kettler is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of the Northeast, Argentina. Her research focuses on crop physiology, particularly the effects of abiotic stress on maize growth and productivity. With a strong background in natural resources and plant production, she has been actively involved in national and international research collaborations, including a current research fellowship at Kansas State University. Dr. Kettler has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications and research projects in partnership with academic institutions and private agribusiness companies, and she is recognized for her analytical expertise, teamwork, and commitment to advancing agricultural science.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Belén Araceli Kettler is a highly capable and accomplished researcher specializing in crop physiology with a particular focus on abiotic stress impacts on maize production. Her academic trajectory, extensive research involvement, peer-reviewed publications, and international collaborations underscore her scientific excellence and dedication. She combines strong analytical skills with practical applications, bridging fundamental research and agronomic challenges in subtropical Argentina. Her commitment to teaching and mentoring also contributes significantly to capacity building in her field.

🎓 Education

Dr. Belén A. Kettler is currently completing her Doctorate in Natural Resources with a specialization in Crop Physiology at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina, under the mentorship of Dr. C. S. Carrera and Dr. N. Neiff. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the same university and began a Master’s in Plant Production, which she discontinued after being offered a doctoral position. Over her academic journey, she has undertaken numerous specialized courses, consistently achieving distinguished or excellent marks.

💼Experience

Dr. Kettler has extensive academic and research experience. She has served as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Northeast since January 2019. Her international experience includes a research scholar position at Kansas State University in the United States, beginning in May 2025. She has held multiple research fellowships through CONICET and the Scientific and Technical Commission of her home university. These roles span from undergraduate to doctoral research, focusing on crop physiology, environmental stress impacts, and ecophysiology.

🔬Research Focus

Her research focuses on the physiological and ecophysiological responses of crops, particularly maize, to abiotic stresses such as high temperatures and drought. Her work investigates how these stressors impact growth, yield components, kernel development, respiration, and dry matter allocation. She has collaborated with international partners and contributed to breeding and modeling research, including QTL analysis and genomic prediction under stress conditions.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Kettler possesses strong teamwork capabilities and a high level of analytical thinking. She is proficient in statistical software such as Infostat, R Studio, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Excel. Her skill set also includes intermediate-level knowledge in crop modeling systems like DSSAT and APSIM. She demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous learning and applies critical thinking to research and teaching.

🏆Awards

Dr. Kettler has been supported by national and university-level research fellowships, including those from CONICET and the Scientific and Technical Commission of the National University of Northeast. She has also contributed to several funded research projects, notably on oxidative stress in crops, physiological responses to environmental stressors, and conservation studies of vascular plants.

📚 Publications

Title: Climatic constraints for rainfed maize production in the Northeastern subtropical region of Argentina
Year: 2025
Authors: Kettler, B. A., Nalli Sonzogni, F. D., Neiff, N., Boscarino, S., Maddonni, G. Á.
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Climatology

Conclusion:

Dr. Kettler is a well-qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her consistent research excellence, international engagement, and impactful contributions to crop science. Addressing areas such as increased leadership visibility and interdisciplinary approaches could further elevate her candidacy. Overall, she embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher with both scientific rigor and practical relevance, making her highly suitable for recognition as a Best Researcher.

Lei Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China, and a Visiting Scholar at the Robotics Laboratory of Texas State University. He holds a Doctor of Engineering in Mechatronics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and specializes in mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery, and robotics. With leadership in numerous national and provincial research projects, he has published over 40 academic papers and holds more than 70 patents. He is an active member of IEEE and serves as an editor and reviewer for several international journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang’s extensive research in mechatronics, agricultural machinery, and robotics has positioned him as a leader in his field. His ability to integrate complex engineering solutions with real-world applications is exemplified by his numerous patents, high-impact publications, and successful project leadership. As a professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and a visiting scholar at Texas State University, he continues to influence the next generation of engineers and researchers. His contributions not only advance technical knowledge but also promote innovation in sustainable agricultural practices and automation.

🎓 Education

Lei Zhang holds a Doctor of Engineering degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the Shenyang Research Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He earned his Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology, Beijing Polytechnic University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology.

💼Experience

Lei Zhang is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, where he has served since 2008 in various academic roles including Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Master’s Supervisor. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Robotics Laboratory of Texas State University. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Assistant Lecturer at Shandong Second Vocational College.

🔬Research Focus

Lei Zhang’s research focuses on mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery, and robotics. He has led and participated in multiple high-level research projects, including a sub-project under the National Key Research and Development Program of the 14th Five-Year Plan, two National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, and several initiatives sponsored by provincial departments and industry partners. His work has led to the publication of over 40 academic papers, with more than 30 indexed by SCI and EI.

🛠️Skills

Professor Zhang possesses extensive expertise in mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery equipment, and robot technology. His technical strengths are further demonstrated by his portfolio of over 40 invention patents and 36 utility model patents. He is highly skilled in managing and executing research projects and has successfully led numerous national and provincial-level research initiatives as well as enterprise-commissioned projects.

🏆Awards

Lei Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to science and technology. He was awarded the Second Prize in the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award in 2017 for his work on adjustable-presser-foot thread-breakage-responsive wide-format embroidery machines. In 2021, he earned the Third Prize in the same award category for the development and industrial application of multi-head wide-format ultra-high-speed embroidery equipment.

📚 Publications

Title: Lightweight Classification of Lotus Seedpod Quality Using Improved YOLOv3-Tiny Model
Authors: L. Zhang; H. Yan; Y. Jia; B. Ye; Z. Ma
Year: 2024
Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao / Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering

Title: Analysis and Optimization of Low-Resistance Animal Bionic Subsoiling Shovel Based on EDEM
Authors: L. Zhang; X. Wang; J. Chen; H. Wang; Y. Cao
Year: 2024
Journal: Agriculture (Switzerland)

Title: Optimization Design and Experiment of Cam-Elliptical Gear Combined Vegetables Curved Surface Labeling Mechanism
Authors: L. Zhang; H. Zhou; J. Chen; Y. Liu; X. Zhang
Year: 2024
Journal: Frontiers in Robotics and AI

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang’s excellence in research, patent contributions, and project leadership makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His groundbreaking work in agricultural machinery and robotics showcases his potential to drive further advancements in technology that address real-world challenges. While opportunities for greater global collaboration and outreach exist, Prof. Zhang’s current body of work undeniably positions him as a leading researcher, deserving recognition for his innovative contributions to both academia and industry.

Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Santosh Marahatta, Agriculture and Forestry University , Nepal

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. He holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University and specializes in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has led numerous national and international projects and published extensively on rice-based cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic innovations. Prof. Marahatta is actively involved in university leadership, editorial boards, and government agricultural committees, contributing significantly to research, education, and policy in Nepal’s agricultural sector.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Marahatta exemplifies excellence in agricultural research with a focus on sustainability, productivity, and innovation. His research addresses critical agronomic challenges through practical, field-based solutions. His leadership in academia, commitment to mentoring, and scholarly contributions mark him as a transformative figure in Nepal’s agricultural research landscape.

🎓 Education

Dr. Santosh Marahatta holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where his dissertation focused on conservation agriculture and site-specific nutrient management in intensive rice-based systems in Nepal’s western foothills. He completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture (Agronomy) with distinction from the same university, conducting research on rice varieties and fertility practices in southern Chitwan. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University as well.

💼Experience

Dr. Marahatta currently serves as an Associate Professor of Agronomy at the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Nepal. His academic career spans over a decade, with prior roles including Assistant Professor (both permanent and temporary) at Tribhuvan University and AFU. He also served as an agronomist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council and as a lecturer at the Himalayan College of Agricultural Science and Technology. He is actively engaged in university governance and curriculum development as a Senate Member, Academic Council Member, Faculty Board Member, and Head of the Department of Agronomy at AFU. Additionally, he serves on multiple editorial boards and government-appointed agricultural committees and has led or contributed to numerous national and international research and development projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Marahatta’s research is deeply rooted in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. His work emphasizes zero tillage, direct seeding of rice, and the use of biofertilizers, slow-release nitrogen sources, and tools like NDVI and SPAD meters to improve nutrient efficiency. He has published extensively on cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic interventions for enhancing productivity in Nepal’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in a range of research and statistical software, including MS Office Suite, Mstat, GenStat, SPSS, DSSAT, R Studio, SigmaPlot, and Adobe Photoshop. Dr. Marahatta communicates effectively in Nepali, English, and Hindi and has participated in numerous international workshops and training programs, reinforcing his expertise in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

🏆Awards

During his academic career, Dr. Marahatta was honored with the prestigious Tribhuvan University Merit Scholarship throughout his B.Sc. studies, awarded to the top 15% of students at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.

📚 Publications

Title
Improving soil health and crop productivity through conservation agriculture and nitrogen management in rice–mustard–maize systems

Authors
Santosh Marahatta, Shrawan Kumar Sah, Andrew M. McDonald, Jagadish Timsina, Krishna Prasad Devkota

Journal
Field Crops Research

Year of Publication
2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is a visionary agronomist whose sustained academic output, impactful research, and leadership make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His work is not only shaping sustainable agricultural practices in Nepal but also serving as a model for developing countries worldwide. With continued focus on innovation and collaboration, he is well-positioned to achieve even greater influence in global agricultural science.

Diana Feliciano | Science Integration | Best Scholar Award

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Prof. Dr. Diana Feliciano | Science Integration | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Diana Feliciano, Teesside University, United Kingdom

Prof. Dr. Diana Feliciano is a Professor of Climate Change and Sustainable Economic Development at Teesside University, United Kingdom. She holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Aberdeen, an MSc in Economics from the Portuguese Catholic University, and a BEng Hons in Engineering from the University of Lisbon. Her research focuses on climate change mitigation, sustainable land use, carbon sequestration, and agricultural policy. With extensive experience in academia and policy advisory roles, she has worked with institutions like the Committee on Climate Change, UNESCO, and the University of Aberdeen. She has secured prestigious research grants from UKRI, EU Horizon Europe, and the Wellcome Trust, leading projects on greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable food systems, and environmental policy integration.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Diana Feliciano is a highly accomplished researcher in climate change and sustainability, with extensive contributions to academia, policy, and global environmental initiatives. Her ability to secure competitive funding, collaborate internationally, and influence policy decisions makes her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award.

 

🎓 Education

Professor Diana Feliciano holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, where she researched the contribution of rural land uses to greenhouse gas-neutral regions. She earned an MSc in Economics from the Portuguese Catholic University, focusing on the effectiveness of forest owners’ associations in Portugal. She also holds a BEng Hons in Engineering, specializing in forestry and natural resource management, from the University of Lisbon.

💼Experience

Professor Feliciano is currently a Professor of Climate Change and Sustainable Economic Development at Teesside University International Business School. She is also a Defra R&D Fellow working on embedding evidence in the Environmental Improvement Plan. Previously, she was a transdisciplinary scientist at the University of Aberdeen, a senior analyst for the Committee on Climate Change in London, and a researcher at UNESCO’s International Social Science Council in Paris. She has also worked as a research assistant and teaching assistant in Portugal and Scotland.

🔬Research Focus

Her research spans climate change mitigation, sustainable land use, and socio-economic aspects of environmental policy. She has extensively studied carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her work integrates economic and environmental sciences to develop policies supporting climate resilience, sustainable food systems, and land-use management.

Awards

She has secured numerous prestigious grants, including funding from UKRI, EU Horizon Europe, Wellcome Trust, and the World Bank. She has led and participated in projects on carbon capture, sustainable food systems, and agricultural policy. She has also held leadership roles in international research collaborations, including COST Action FP1201 and NERC-funded projects.

Publications

Environmental, Social and Economic Perceptions of Local Food Production: A Case Study of Aberdeenshire Farmers’ Markets

Authors: Wardle, J.M., Sorathia, A., Smith, P., & Feliciano, D.M.S.
Year: 2024
Citations: 1
Journal: Scottish Geographical Journal

Assessing the Area of Suitable Land for Climate Change Mitigation with Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) in Scotland

Authors: Abimbola, I., & Feliciano, D.M.S.
Year: 2022
Citations: 1
Journal: Land

Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Climate Change Risk in a Central America Hotspot

Authors: Feliciano, D.M.S., & Sobenes, A.
Year: 2022
Citations: 6
Journal: Regional Environmental Change

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Diana Feliciano is highly suitable for the Research for Best Scholar Award, given her exceptional academic achievements, research impact, and policy contributions. While she could further enhance her influence through increased citations, high-impact publications, and expanded public engagement, her current standing in the scientific community makes her a strong contender for this prestigious recognition.

Zhiyuan Li | Soil-Plant | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Zhiyuan Li | Soil-Plant | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Zhiyuan Li, Xinjiang Agricultural University, China

Dr. Zhiyuan Li is a Lecturer at Xinjiang Agricultural University, China, specializing in horticultural crop cultivation and molecular biology. His research focuses on the bioactive synthesis of plant natural products and the identification of plant stress resistance genes. He has published several SCI-indexed articles in journals such as Industrial Crops and Products and BMC Plant Biology. Dr. Li has led and contributed to multiple national research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. His expertise spans bioinformatics, genetics, and biochemistry, with significant contributions to improving plant stress tolerance and cultivation systems.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Zhiyuan Li is a promising young scientist with a solid research background in plant physiology, nitrogen metabolism, and secondary metabolite accumulation. His expertise in integrating multi-omics approaches (physiology, transcriptomics, metabolomics) highlights his ability to conduct advanced and interdisciplinary research. While he has made significant contributions to his field, expanding his research impact through high-impact publications, stronger citation networks, funding acquisition, and leadership roles would further solidify his candidacy for prestigious scientific awards.

 

🎓 Education

Zhiyuan Li is a Lecturer at the College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University. His academic background includes extensive research in horticultural crop cultivation and molecular biology.

 

💼Experience

Zhiyuan Li has been actively engaged in research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program of China. His work spans multiple research initiatives, including the Chinese Agriculture Research System and the Hainan Black Pepper Agriculture Research System. His expertise extends to plant stress resistance, bioinformatics, genetics, and biochemistry.

 

🔬Research Focus

His primary research interests include the bioactive synthesis of plant natural products and the identification of plant stress resistance genes. He has successfully screened and verified the key candidate gene CtWRKY41 involved in chrysanthemum tolerance to low-nitrogen stress. Additionally, he has identified the SOC1 gene responsible for improving cold resistance and flowering in Dendrobium. His contributions also include developing an efficient cultivation system for pepper and betel nut.

 

Awards 

Zhiyuan Li has contributed significantly to horticultural science, earning recognition for his research published in high-impact journals. His work has been cited in Industrial Crops and Products, BMC Plant Biology, Agronomy, and the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. He has also secured patents for his innovations, including HNSY-2024-1-000979.

Skills

Zhiyuan Li has mastered research methodologies related to bioinformatics, genetics, and biochemistry. His expertise in molecular biology allows him to explore plant stress resistance mechanisms and bioactive compound synthesis. His strong analytical skills and experience in plant cultivation make him a valuable contributor to horticultural research.

Publications

  • Li, Z., Jiang, H., Jiang, X., Yusupu, Y., Qin, Y. (2023). Low NO₃⁻ Levels Regulate Nitrogen Transport and Maintain the Productivity of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 42(9), 5523–5537. 0 citations

 

  • Li, Z., Jiang, H., Jiang, X., Zhang, L., Qin, Y. (2023). Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses reveal that low-nitrogen conditions improve the accumulation of flavonoids in snow chrysanthemum. Industrial Crops and Products, 197, 116574. 11 citations

 

  • Li, Z., Jiang, H., Liang, Z., Jiang, X., Qin, Y. (2023). Reduced Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer Affects the Carbon Metabolism of Leaves and Maintains the Number of Flowers in Coreopsis tinctoria. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 42(2), 922–934. 3 citations

 

  • Jiang, H., Li, Z., Jiang, X., Qin, Y. (2022). Comparison of Metabolome and Transcriptome of Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Two Colors of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 810422. 5 citations

 

  • Merdan, A., Aliya, B., Ailijiang, M., Li, Z.-Y. (2022). Effects of Drought Stress on Photosynthetic and Physiological Characteristics of Commonly used Green Shrubs in Urumqi. Water Saving Irrigation, (2), 48–53. 0 citations

 

  • Li, Z., Jiang, H., Yan, H., Ma, Y., Qin, Y. (2021). Carbon and nitrogen metabolism under nitrogen variation affects flavonoid accumulation in the leaves of Coreopsis tinctoria. PeerJ, 9, 12152. 21 citations

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhiyuan Li is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award based on his contributions to plant physiology and sustainable agriculture. If he continues to expand his research influence, secures more funding, and enhances his international collaborations, he will become a leading figure in his field. Applying for this award would be a valuable step in his career development, and he has a high chance of success.