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.

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.