Md. Saiful Islam | Soil | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam | Soil | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is a Professor of Soil Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Yokohama National University, Japan, and has completed several postdoctoral fellowships in Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. His research focuses on soil health, environmental sustainability, and climate-smart agriculture. With over 200 scientific publications and extensive international collaborations, he is widely recognized for his contributions to soil science and has received multiple national and international research awards.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has built a remarkable academic and research career in soil science, with a strong focus on sustainable soil management, environmental health, and climate resilience. His scholarly outputs, leadership roles, and global presence make him a standout candidate for both the Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award and the Best Researcher Award. He brings not just quantity but depth and diversity to soil research, touching on issues from microplastics in aquaculture to humic acid in climate adaptation.

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Yokohama National University, Japan. He earned his MSc in Soil Science and BSc in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, securing top academic positions. He has also completed four postdoctoral fellowships at renowned institutions including the University of Tokyo, Yokohama National University, Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

💼Experience

Dr. Islam is a Professor in the Department of Soil Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh. He has progressed through academic roles from Lecturer to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor at PSTU. He has also served as a teaching mentor at Yokohama National University and as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo. In addition to his teaching and research, he has held administrative positions such as Department Chairman and Director of the Central Laboratory at PSTU.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Islam’s research primarily centers on soil health, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental sustainability. He investigates the impact of land management practices on soil quality, nutrient cycling, and agricultural productivity. His work aims to develop innovative solutions for soil conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development. Through global partnerships and high-impact publications, his research contributes significantly to advancing environmental and agricultural sciences.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam possesses strong skills in soil analysis, nutrient management, environmental monitoring, and sustainable land use. He is proficient in laboratory techniques, field-based research, data analysis, and scientific writing. His expertise extends to supervising postgraduate research, securing competitive grants, and managing multidisciplinary research projects. He is also skilled in international collaboration, academic leadership, and capacity building in higher education.

🏆Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous national and international recognitions for his academic excellence and impactful research. He was awarded the BAS Gold Medal in Biological Science by the Government of Bangladesh . He has received multiple Best Researcher Medal Awards from PSTU and the Young Scientist Award from Yokohama National University. His international accolades include prestigious fellowships from JSPS, JASSO, and Prince of Songkla University, along with President Scholarships from Thailand and research awards from Malaysian institutions. He has also received merit-based scholarships from BAU and Grameen Bank during his academic career.

📚 Publications

Title: Microplastic pollution in aquaculture species: Quantification and characterization in Tilapia and Pangas
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2026
Journal: Aquaculture

Title: Assessing the impact of eucalyptus trees on soil chemical properties in rice fields
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports

Title: Comprehensive assessment of marsh soil health index in beel aquaculture systems of coastal Bangladesh
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Aquaculture International

Conclusion:

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is highly deserving of both awards. His research is not only prolific but also mission-aligned with the objectives of preserving soil ecosystems, advancing global agricultural resilience, and building scientific leadership in environmental sustainability. With slight enhancements in community engagement and policy translation, his profile would become even more compelling.

Rajan Bhatt | Soil Science | Excellence in Soil Research

Dr. Rajan Bhatt | Soil Science | Excellence in Soil Research

Dr. Rajan Bhatt, Punjab Agricultural University, India

Dr. Rajan Bhatt is a Senior Soil Scientist and Associate Professor at Punjab Agricultural University, India. With a Ph.D. in Soil Science, his research focuses on soil moisture dynamics, resource conservation technologies, and sustainable water management in agriculture. He has received multiple national and international awards for his contributions to climate-smart agriculture and soil health improvement.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Rajan Bhatt is an established and highly decorated soil scientist with more than two decades of research experience. His work is grounded in sustainability, resource conservation, and soil-water relationships in agro-ecosystems. He has made measurable impacts through research publications, awards, farmer outreach, and academic engagement. His dedication is evident from his prolific output and sustained excellence in soil science, agronomy, and environmental conservation.

🎓 Education

Dr. Rajan Bhatt holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science, awarded in July 2015 by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. His doctoral research focused on soil physics and water management. He completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture with a specialization in Soil and Water Conservation from the same university in January 2003. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture in 2000 from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. His higher secondary and matriculation education were completed at Khalsa College and Parbhakar Senior Secondary School in Amritsar, respectively. He also qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2004 conducted by ICAR, New Delhi in the subject of Soil Science – Soil Physics and Soil & Water Conservation.

💼Experience

Dr. Bhatt is currently serving as Associate Professor (Soil Science) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Amritsar, Punjab Agricultural University. His designation also includes Senior Soil Scientist. With a career deeply embedded in research, extension, and teaching, he has contributed significantly through his role at PAU-KVK Amritsar. He has organized and participated in numerous training programs, seminars, and workshops nationally and internationally and has also delivered keynote lectures on modern agricultural technologies and soil health management.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Rajan Bhatt’s research primarily focuses on soil moisture dynamics in rice-wheat cropping systems, a field in which he is recognized globally as the first to delineate such dynamics during the intervening period. His work emphasizes resource conservation technologies, sustainable soil and water management, and climate-resilient agriculture. He actively explores zero tillage, integrated nutrient and water use efficiency, and the application of precision agriculture techniques. His research has practical implications for increasing land and water productivity and enhancing farmer livelihoods through sustainable soil management strategies.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Rajan Bhatt possesses advanced expertise in soil physics, water management, resource conservation technologies, and soil moisture dynamics. He is proficient in climate-smart agriculture practices, soil and water conservation planning, and sustainable farming technologies. His skills extend to training, capacity building, scientific communication, and guiding young researchers. His competence in interpreting field-scale data and delivering actionable scientific insights has been well recognized in academic and professional platforms.

🏆Awards

Dr. Bhatt has earned more than 25 prestigious awards over the span of his career. These include the Best Publication Award by Dr. Y S Parmar University, Best Paper and Poster Awards from Soil Conservation Society of India and other reputed organizations, Young Scientist Awards from Bioved Society, Samagra Society, Gochar Mahavidyalaya, and the Royal Association of Science-led Socio-Cultural Advancement. He received the Best Researcher Award 2021 from Science Father and Outstanding Scientist Award 2022 from VDGOOD Professional Association. Notable recognitions include the Springer PAWEES Best Paper Award 2022 (Japan), Best Researcher in Soil Science 2022, and the Best Outstation Scientist Award 2022–23 from Punjab Agricultural University. He has also been honored with the Gold Medal Award 2023 at the 32nd National Conference by the Soil Conservation Society of India. His consistent contributions to soil science have earned him awards in multiple international and national conferences for both oral and poster presentations.

📚 Publications

Title: Suitable Integrated Farming System Models in Terms of Energetics, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Employment Generation for the Small and Marginal Farmers
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2024
Journal: Sustainability


Title: Optimizing Nutrient and Energy Efficiency in a Direct-Seeded Rice Production System: A Northwestern Punjab Case Study
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2024
Journal: Agronomy


Title: Soil Carbon and Biochemical Indicators of Soil Quality as Affected by Different Conservation Agricultural and Weed Management Options
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Land


Title: Increasing the Efficiency of the Rice–Wheat Cropping System through Integrated Nutrient Management
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Sustainability


Title: The Biosynthesis, Mechanism of Action, and Physiological Functions of Melatonin in Horticultural Plants: A Review
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Horticulturae


Title: Tillage Crop Establishment and Irrigation Methods Improve the Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum): Water Use Studies, and the Biological Properties and Fertility Status of Soil
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Agronomy

Conclusion:

Dr. Rajan Bhatt is a highly deserving candidate for the “Research for Excellence in Soil Research” Award. His contributions are not only academically significant but also highly relevant to the pressing needs of sustainable agriculture, climate change resilience, and rural livelihoods. With a few enhancements in international collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation, his profile could become even more impactful at a global level.

Hossein Bashari | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari, Isfahan University Of Technology, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari is a faculty member at the Natural Resources Department, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. He specializes in rangeland and desert ecosystem management, with a strong focus on ecological modeling, Bayesian Belief Networks, and decision support systems for sustainable land use. Dr. Bashari earned his PhD from the University of Queensland, Australia, and has led numerous research projects on rangeland functionality, climate impact modeling, and habitat conservation. With a distinguished record of scientific publications and graduate supervision, he is recognized for advancing interdisciplinary approaches to natural resource management in arid and semi-arid environments.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari is a seasoned researcher with a strong academic foundation, interdisciplinary expertise, and a significant portfolio of published work in environmental and natural resource management. His unique focus on decision-support tools and ecological modeling for arid and semi-arid ecosystems addresses pressing environmental challenges. His teaching, supervision, and research leadership further reinforce his contribution to science and education.

🎓 Education

Dr. Hossein Bashari holds a PhD in Natural Resource Management from the University of Queensland, Australia, awarded in 2006. He earned his MSc in Range Management from Tehran University in 1998 and his BSc in Range Management and Watershed from Gorgan University in 1996. His doctoral research focused on developing processes and tools to support adaptive management in complex rangeland systems, while his master’s thesis investigated forage quality and its comparison with livestock feed requirements in different rangeland conditions.

💼Experience

Dr. Bashari is an Assistant Professor at the Natural Resources Faculty of Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. He has extensive academic and field experience in rangeland and desert ecosystem analysis, modeling, and management. He has supervised numerous graduate students and has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting work on ecological modeling, land use change, and environmental impacts. His academic career is complemented by field research on plant ecology, soil analysis, habitat modeling, and the development of decision support systems.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Bashari’s research primarily explores the application of Bayesian Belief Networks in natural resources and wildlife management. He focuses on modeling rangeland and desert ecosystems, developing diagnostic and predictive decision support systems, and assessing environmental changes using remote sensing and spatial analysis. His work integrates theoretical modeling with applied conservation and land use planning, particularly under conditions of climate change and ecological uncertainty.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Bashari possesses advanced expertise in ecological modeling, remote sensing, and the development of decision support tools using Bayesian Belief Networks. He is skilled in ecosystem function analysis, land condition assessment, GIS, and landscape function analysis. His academic strengths include designing and teaching courses on rangeland ecosystems, desert ecosystems, and plant identification. He demonstrates strong capabilities in research design, data analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic supervision.

🏆Awards

He received a scholarship from Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology for his PhD studies. He was awarded first place in the national MSc entrance examination for Range Management in 1997 and earned second runner-up for best student paper/poster at the 2006 Cutting Edge Conference hosted by the Australian Rangeland Society.

📚 Publications

Title: Developing habitat suitability models for the endangered plant species Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian using management data: Application of Bayesian belief network
Year: 2025
Journal: Environmental Challenges (Open Access)


Title: Extracted of polysaccharides from the roots of Eremurus persicus bioss plant / polyvinyl alcohol: Design and characterization of cellular scaffold for cell culture applications
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules


Title: Prioritizing the Risk of Multiple Invasive Species in the Semiarid Rangelands of Iran: An Ecological Approach to Multicriteria Decision-Making
Year: 2025
Journal: Ecology and Evolution (Open Access)

Conclusion:

Dr. Hossein Bashari is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in domains related to environmental science, ecosystem modeling, and sustainable land management. His research is scientifically robust, methodologically advanced, and practically impactful. With minor enhancements in international collaboration and updated outputs, he stands out as a strong, well-rounded contender for this prestigious recognition.

Jun Meng | Soil | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng | Soil | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng is a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Zhejiang University and specializes in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, biochar technology, and microplastic environmental risk assessment. Dr. Meng has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top environmental science journals and has led multiple national and provincial research projects. His work contributes to sustainable soil management and environmental protection through innovative approaches in soil chemistry and pollutant mitigation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Jun Meng is a well-qualified, highly impactful researcher in the fields of soil science, environmental remediation, and microplastic pollution. His body of work reflects a mature research trajectory marked by high-impact publications, successful grant acquisition, and technological innovation through patents. His contributions are both academically rigorous and practically relevant, addressing key environmental challenges in China and globally.

🎓 Education

Dr. Jun Meng earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Zhejiang University in 2014, where he developed a strong foundation in soil chemistry, environmental remediation, and pollutant dynamics. His academic training emphasized interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex environmental challenges, particularly related to soil contamination and restoration.

💼Experience

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Meng worked at Zhejiang University from 2014 to 2018, contributing to several key research initiatives. In 2018, he joined the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology as an Associate Professor. In this role, he has continued to lead research in soil remediation, biochar applications, and microplastic pollution, while mentoring students and managing funded national and provincial-level projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Meng’s research primarily focuses on the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, biochar production and its environmental applications, as well as the environmental behavior and health risk assessment of microplastics. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in environmental risk assessment, soil microbiome interactions, and the development of novel biochar-based materials. His work also includes investigating the transformation and mobility of potentially toxic elements within the soil-plant system.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Jun Meng possesses extensive expertise in soil science, particularly in the areas of heavy metal contamination, biochar production and application, and microplastic behavior in terrestrial environments. His skills include environmental risk assessment, soil microbiome analysis, field experiment design, and advanced analytical techniques for tracing pollutant transformation and mobility. He is also experienced in interdisciplinary research collaboration and the practical application of lab-scale innovations to field-scale environmental solutions.

🏆Awards

Dr. Meng has been recognized for his contributions to environmental research through multiple competitive research grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation. His innovative work has also led to several national and international patents, highlighting his contributions to applied environmental technologies. His publications have garnered significant academic impact, as reflected in his high citation count and H-index.

📚 Publications

Title: Three-year remediation evaluation for arsenic and cadmium co-contaminated acidic and alkaline paddy fields: Insights on availability, bioaccumulation, health risk, and cost
Authors: Liu, Jian; Xu, Xiangxue; Meng, Jun; Yang, Dong; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Title: Novel CS/MIL-53(Fe)/CdS type-II heterojunction with improved charge transfer: Mechanistic insights, photocatalytic activity, and toxicological evaluation
Authors: Yu, Zhuofan; Yang, Ye; Meng, Jun; Shen, Xiaofeng; Xue, Qingquan
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Title: Efficient conversion and deconstruction of waste straw using compound fungal agent: Fermentation optimization, nutrient enrichment and microbial community analysis
Authors: Liu, Bingyang; Wang, Qun; Shen, Linpei; Sun, Pengfei; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Title: Green synthesized nanoscale zero-valent iron impregnated tea residue biochar efficiently captures metal(loid)s for sustainable water remediation
Authors: Wang, Jie; Huang, Junhao; Meng, Jun; Li, Zhangtao; Ok, Yong Sik
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. His research excellence, innovation, and scientific leadership in soil remediation and environmental health place him among the top-tier young scholars in his field. With continued growth in international visibility and mentorship activities, he is poised to make even broader contributions to science and society in the years ahead.

Lili Dong | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lili Dong | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lili Dong, Shenyang Agricultural University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lili Dong is a researcher at Shenyang Agricultural University, China, specializing in ecology, biogeochemical cycles, and soil carbon dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Northeast Forestry University and has conducted extensive research on litter decomposition, soil respiration, and the effects of nitrogen deposition on ecosystems. With experience as a research assistant at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has led and contributed to multiple national and international research projects. Dr. Dong has received prestigious awards, including the Liang Xi Youth Science and Technology Award, and has published widely in high-impact journals on ecological processes and environmental sustainability.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Lili Dong is a highly accomplished researcher in ecological sciences with a strong publication record, competitive research funding, and international collaborations. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding soil carbon dynamics, nitrogen deposition, and ecosystem processes. She has received prestigious awards and recognition for her research excellence, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

🎓 Education

Lili Dong obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Information Engineering from Xinyang Normal University (2004–2008). She then pursued a Master’s degree in Phytochemistry at Northeast Forestry University (2009–2012) and later completed her Ph.D. in Ecology at the same university (2014–2017).

💼Experience

Since July 2017, Lili Dong has been a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. In September 2019, she was appointed as a Research Assistant at the same institute. She also gained overseas experience in 2019 through a research stay at the University of Minnesota.

🔬Research Focus

Her research primarily revolves around the carbon cycle, biogeochemical processes, litter decomposition, soil respiration, and ecological responses to global change. She is particularly interested in the effects of nitrogen deposition, especially organic nitrogen, on ecological processes and soil carbon pools. Her studies involve long-term field experiments in grasslands and forests in China, exploring the impact of different forms of nitrogen on litter decomposition and ecosystem functions. Additionally, she investigates the relationship between forest evolution and species secondary metabolites.

Awards

She has received several prestigious awards, including the Liang Xi Youth Science and Technology Award (Second Prize, 2019), the Science and Technology Award of Heilongjiang Province (Third Prize, 2018), and the First Prize of the Science and Technology Award of Provincial University (2018). She was also recognized with the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award and Outstanding Graduate Award from Heilongjiang Province and Northeast Forestry University in 2012.

Skills

Lili Dong is skilled in ecological research, soil and litter decomposition analysis, biogeochemical assessments, data interpretation, and scientific communication. She has extensive experience in field experiments, laboratory techniques, and interdisciplinary collaborations within environmental sciences.

Publications

 

  • Title: Deep return of straw improves topsoil health and maize productivity more efficiently than shallow return
    Authors: J. Li, X.X. Jin, J. Li, L. Dong, H. Zou
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Soil Use and Management

 

  • Title: Patterns and controlling factors of decomposition in distal shoot systems by branch order across 10 temperate tree species
    Authors: W. Gu, B. Berg, L. Dong, F.J. Yang, T. Sun
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Plant and Soil

 

Conclusion:

 Dr. Lili Dong is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Enhancing her leadership in large-scale projects, mentoring activities, and policy-oriented research could further strengthen her profile. However, her current track record already places her among top researchers in her field.