Amadou Issoufou | Agricultural | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amadou Issoufou | Agricultural | Best Academic Researcher Award

University Dan Dicko Dankoulodo de Maradi | Niger 

Mrs. Ritu Dahiya is a dedicated academic and researcher whose work spans diabetes-related complications, ocular drug discovery, biomarker identification, and the pharmacology of infectious diseases. With a growing research footprint reflected through an h-index of 2, eight documents, and eight citations, she contributes meaningfully to advancing pharmacological science and healthcare innovation. Her professional journey includes expertise in understanding the mechanisms of retinopathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy, along with a strong orientation toward translational ocular therapeutics. She has actively supported scientific communities as a resource person, evaluator, and judge across diverse academic platforms, demonstrating her commitment to research dissemination and academic leadership. Alongside her research achievements, she has cultivated strong organizational capabilities by coordinating academic conferences, establishing collaborations, initiating skill-development programs, and facilitating industry-academia interactions. Her experience extends to curriculum enhancement, program coordination, and student development through seminars, webinars, and certificate courses. Additionally, she has contributed to teaching pharmacology and science education at multiple levels, enriching learners’ conceptual understanding and practical insights. Overall, her profile reflects a balanced blend of research excellence, academic service, and pedagogical commitment within the pharmaceutical and life sciences domain.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Kanda, R. Z., Da, S. S., Maârouhi, I. M., Issoufou, A. A., & Ouattara, D. (n.d.). Assessment of climate change impact on future distribution of palm trees in Niger, West Africa. Discover Sustainability.

Fahim Hussain Shah | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Fahim Hussain Shah | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Quaid e Azam University | Pakistan 

Mr. Fahim Hussain Shah is a dynamic and results-driven Plant Scientist specializing in agricultural biotechnology, phytopathology, and molecular biology, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable crop improvement and resilience. With a proven research foundation supported by 54 citations, 4 scientific documents, and an h-index of 2, he brings both analytical depth and practical insight to plant science challenges. His expertise spans molecular biology techniques, plant–microbe interaction studies, and disease diagnostics, supported by strong statistical analysis and data interpretation capabilities that enhance the quality and impact of his scientific work. He is proficient in applying biotechnology tools to understand plant health, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to global food security initiatives. Known for producing clear, well-structured scientific writing and peer-reviewed research contributions, he actively collaborates across teams and disciplines to drive meaningful outcomes. His ability to integrate laboratory skills with modern digital tools, including AI-assisted analysis and professional computer applications, further strengthens his adaptability in contemporary research environments. Motivated to contribute to academia, biotechnology sectors, or environmental research institutes, he aims to support the development of sustainable agricultural practices and cutting-edge biotechnological innovations through dedicated research and problem-solving.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

1. Ishaq, M., Khan, M. B., Shah, F. H., Fiaz, M., & Khalid, A. N. (2024). A new species of Agaricus; Agaricus totalaiiensis in section Minores from Pakistan [Preprint]. https://doi.org/10.3897/arphapreprints.e133080

2. Ullah, T., Ullah, K., Saba, M., & Shah, F. H. (2023). Conocybe karakensis sp. nov. (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from Pakistan. Phytotaxa, 584(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.584.3.1

3. Azeem, M. A., Shah, F. H., Ullah, A., Ali, K., Jones, D. A., Khan, M. E. H., & Ashraf, A. (2022). Biochemical characterization of halotolerant Bacillus safensis PM22 and its potential to enhance growth of maize under salinity stress. Plants, 11(13), 1721. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131721

Marzena Matejczyk | Agricultural | Soil Toxicology Research Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Marzena Matejczyk | Agricultural | Soil Toxicology Research Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Marzena Matejczyk | Bialystok University of Technology | Poland

Dr. Marzena Matejczyk is a distinguished environmental biotechnologist whose research focuses on the toxicity and genotoxicity of pharmaceuticals and their environmental impact on microbial systems. Her work integrates microbiology, environmental chemistry, and molecular biology to evaluate the ecological risks posed by pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater. With a robust publication record of 38 scientific documents, she has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge on microbial responses to toxic substances, particularly using Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida as model organisms. Her studies have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of genetic stress and biochemical alterations induced by emerging pollutants. Dr. Matejczyk has authored and co-authored numerous research papers in high-impact journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports and several chapters in scientific monographs. Her research excellence is reflected in her strong citation metrics, with a total of 1,322 citations, including 1,272 from external sources, and an h-index of 12, demonstrating both the visibility and influence of her scientific contributions. Beyond her publications, she has actively participated as a co-principal investigator in multiple national research grants, contributing to the development of innovative approaches for environmental monitoring and sustainable management of wastewater pollutants.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Matejczyk, M., Swislocka, R., Golonko, A., Lewandowski, W., & Hawrylik, E. (2018). Cytotoxic, genotoxic and antimicrobial activity of caffeic and rosmarinic acids and their lithium, sodium and potassium salts as potential anticancer compounds. Advances in Medical Sciences, 63(1), 14–21.

Hawrylik, E., & Matejczyk, M. (2018). Escherichia coli-Lux biosensor used to monitor the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of pharmacological residues in the environment. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 19(3), 5–12.

Matejczyk, M., Swiderski, G., Swislocka, R., Rosochacki, S. J., & Lewandowski, W. (2018). Seleno-L-methionine and L-ascorbic acid differentiate the biological activity of doxorubicin and its metal complexes as new anticancer drug candidates. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 49, 91–97.

Kalinowska, M., Bajko, E., Matejczyk, M., Kaczyński, P., Łozowicka, B., & Lewandowski, W. (2018). The study of anti-/pro-oxidant, lipophilic, microbial and spectroscopic properties of new alkali metal salts of 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(2), 463.

Matejczyk, M., Swislocka, R., Kalinowska, M., Swiderski, G., Lewandowski, W., Jabłońska-Trypuć, A., & Rosochacki, S. J. (2017). In vitro evaluation of biological activity of cinnamic, caffeic, ferulic and chlorogenic acids with use of Escherichia coli K-12 recA::gfp biosensor strain. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 74(2), 585–593.

Matejczyk, M., Swislocka, R., Kalinowska, M., Swiderski, G., Lewandowski, W., & Jabłońska-Trypuć, A. (2017). Monitoring of synergistic enhancement of caffeic acid on Escherichia coli K-12 recA::gfp strain treated with dacarbazine. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 74(2), 594–600.

Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cecilia Dini | National Council for Scientific and Technical Research | Argentina

Dr. Cecilia Dini is a distinguished scientist whose research bridges chemistry, microbiology, and food technology to advance the revalorization of ancient and non-traditional crops for modern food applications. Her work focuses on unlocking the nutritional, functional, and industrial potential of underutilized Andean roots and tubers such as ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), and Jerusalem artichoke, positioning these crops as valuable resources for sustainable food systems. Through two completed research projects and ongoing investigations on Argentinian oca, she has significantly contributed to understanding the biochemical composition, starch characteristics, and functional properties of these species. Her studies have demonstrated how root- and tuber-derived biopolymers, including fructans and resistant starches, can serve as healthy dietary fibers and versatile ingredients for gluten-free products and functional foods. Dr. Dini’s research not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also supports local farming systems by promoting the use of resilient, climate-adaptive crops. She has published 28 peer-reviewed papers in indexed journals, with her research earning over 550 citations across 475 documents and achieving an H-index of 14 (Scopus) and 17 (Google Scholar), reflecting her strong scientific impact. Her collaborative efforts with international research institutions such as Texas A&M University (USA), IATA (Spain), and the National University of Ambato (Ecuador) have fostered interdisciplinary innovation and global knowledge exchange in crop utilization and food processing. In addition to journal publications, she has authored book chapters on non-cereal starch resources, cassava-derived ingredients, and nutritional analyses of Andean roots, contributing extensively to literature in food science and agricultural biotechnology. Dr. Dini’s body of work exemplifies excellence in research translation—bridging laboratory insights with industrial applications, supporting sustainable crop diversification, and contributing to global food security through science-driven valorization of ancient crops.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Dini, C. (2025). Characterization of commercial olluco (Ullucus tuberosus) tubers from La Plata, Argentina: Potential as a source of starch, flour, and soluble dietary fiber. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

Dini, C., Garzón, R., & Rosell, C. M. (2025). Breadmaking potential of Andean roots and tuber starches from ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), and arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza). Starch – Stärke.

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.