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

Dilawar Abbas | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

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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

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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

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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
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0

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1,594

Documents
111

h-index
21

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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

Halit Karagoz | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Halit Karagoz | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Ege University | Turkey

Dr. Halit Karagoz’s research portfolio reflects a comprehensive and multidisciplinary contribution to field crops science, with a strong emphasis on crop breeding, stress physiology, and sustainable agricultural practices. His work integrates classical and modern approaches in plant breeding, including cold tolerance screening, mutagenesis, polyploidy induction, genetic diversity analysis, and population structure assessment in cereals and medicinal–aromatic plants. A significant body of his research focuses on wheat, barley, triticale, and endemic oregano species, addressing agronomic performance, quality traits, and adaptation to abiotic stresses such as cold and drought. He has also made notable contributions to the application of plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for improving plant growth, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and essential oil composition, thereby supporting environmentally friendly and sustainable production systems. His studies employ molecular, epigenetic, and agro-morphological tools to advance crop improvement and conservation of local genetic resources. The scientific impact of this work is reflected in an h-index of 7, with publications receiving citations across 146 citing documents and a documented corpus of 9 indexed research outputs, demonstrating recognized influence within the fields of crop science, plant genetics, and sustainable agriculture.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

160
120
80
40
0

Citations
152

Documents
9

h-index
7

Citations

Documents

h-index


View Scopus Profile

Properties and Ornamental Significance of Prometheum sempervivoides (Fisch. ex Bieb.) H. Ohba Naturally Grown in Erzurum

– Journal of Agricultural Production, 2020

Influence of Plant Growth–Promoting Rhizobacteria on Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Physiological Traits of Sugar Beet under Variable Irrigation Regimes

– ÇOMÜ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi, 2020

Effects of Indole Acetic Acid–Producing Bacteria and Hormonal Treatments on Essential Oil Composition of Satureja hortensis L.

– Frontiers in Environmental Microbiology, 2019

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Origanum rotundifolium L. Genotypes Using the SCoT Marker System

– Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2026

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Genotypes for Cold Tolerance, Agronomic Performance, and Quality Traits

– Crop and Pasture Science

Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

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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.

View Orcid Profile


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

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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

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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

Santhoshkumar Jayakodi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Santhoshkumar Jayakodi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Saveetha School of Engineering | India 

Dr. Santhoshkumar is a dedicated researcher and academic whose work spans nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, biochemistry, drug delivery, toxicology, ecotoxicology, food safety and environmental biology, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary applications. He has contributed extensively to scientific research with 43 published documents, collectively cited 824 times by 761 different sources, reflecting the impact and visibility of his work in the scientific community. His scholarly influence is further evidenced by an h-index of 15, indicating a consistent record of high-quality publications. His doctoral research on nano-herbal formulations addressing cardiotoxicity and earlier work exploring antibacterial properties of essential oils demonstrate his ability to translate biological concepts into innovative applications. He possesses strong technical expertise in cell culture involving zebrafish, albino rats and animal models, as well as hands-on proficiency in operating advanced analytical instruments such as LC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR, HPLC, SEM and DLS. His academic role includes mentoring numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and contributing to academic committees such as NAAC-related initiatives. In addition to teaching and research responsibilities, he has participated in organizing international scientific events and remains active in multiple professional societies related to biology, biotechnology, chemical sciences and technical skill development, enhancing both scientific collaboration and community engagement.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Jayakodi, S. (2025). Role of proteins in phytoremediation and mycoremediation for heavy metal removal: A focus on protein-based remediation. International Journal of Phytoremediation.

  • Palani, B., Vajjiravelu, R., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). A comprehensive review of traditional medicinal plants and their role in ovarian cancer treatment. South African Journal of Botany.

  • Vajjiravelu, R., Palani, B., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). Bioinspired nanoparticles mediated from bioactive plants and their therapeutic application in liver cancer. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

  • Palani, B., Vajjiravelu, R., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). Bioactive compounds for inhibiting mutated gene (BRCA1 and BRCA2) signaling pathway in ovarian cancer treatment. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

  • Sowmiya, A., Jayakodi, S., Selvam, K. A., & Sangeetha, K. (2024). In silico molecular docking of cyclic peptides against TEM-1 beta-lactamases for effective antimicrobial drug development. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 18(3), Article 16.

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.

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