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.

Shabana Wazir | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Shabana Wazir | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Shabana Wazir, Central Cotton Research Institute, Pakistan

Mrs. Shabana Wazir is a Scientific Officer (Entomology) at the Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. With extensive research experience in insect pest management, she specializes in insecticide resistance, biological control, and integrated pest management strategies for cotton pests. Her work focuses on the genetics and toxicity of insecticides, the impact of environmental factors on natural enemies, and sustainable pest control methods. She has participated in international conferences and training programs and has received multiple academic honors.

Profile

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Google Scholar

Summary:

Mrs. Shabana Wazir is a highly qualified entomologist with strong research expertise in insect pest management. Her extensive experience, academic excellence, and significant contributions to cotton pest control make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to applied research, with valuable publications and participation in international conferences.

🎓 Education

Shabana Wazir holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, completed in 2022 with an impressive CGPA of 3.98/4.00. She also earned an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Entomology) from the same institution in 2006 with a CGPA of 3.79/4.00. Her undergraduate studies include a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Entomology) from BZU, completed in 2004 with a CGPA of 3.76/4.00. Additionally, she completed her F.Sc. (Pre-Medical) from Government Degree College for Women, Multan, and her Matriculation (Science Group) from Sultan Foundation High School, securing top academic positions throughout her educational journey.

💼Experience

Dr. Wazir is currently serving as a Scientific Officer (Entomology) at the Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan, a role she has held since May 2014. In this position, she focuses on studying insecticide resistance mechanisms, evaluating toxicity and risk assessments of insecticides, analyzing fitness cost parameters of resistant insect populations, and integrating chemical, biological, and cultural measures for pest management in cotton crops. She also conducts research on the impact of host plants and environmental factors on insect behavior and control strategies.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Wazir’s research primarily revolves around insect pest management, particularly in cotton crops. Her studies cover insecticide resistance mechanisms, biological control of mealybugs, the impact of host plants on pest populations, and the integration of pest management strategies. She has also conducted significant research on aphid management in canola through various insecticides, sowing dates, and seed treatments. Her expertise includes mass rearing of beneficial insects such as Chrysoperla carnea and Menochilus sexmaculatus, as well as studying the biology of major insect pests like the American bollworm and aphids.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Wazir is proficient in various statistical analysis and research tools, including GenStat, MSTAT-C, and Microsoft Office. She has also completed a Computer Literacy Program and has hands-on experience with research methodologies for insecticide resistance, biological control techniques, and pest management strategies. Her work involves extensive field and laboratory research, with a strong focus on sustainability and integrated pest management in agriculture.

🏆Awards

Dr. Wazir has received multiple accolades for her academic and professional achievements. She was ranked second in her M.Sc. (Hons.) program and among the top five students in her B.Sc. (Hons.) batch. She has also participated in prestigious international conferences and training programs, including the Beltwide Cotton Conference in the USA (2015) and the Integrated Agriculture and Rural Development Training in Japan (2017). Additionally, she has completed specialized training courses on biological safety, non-chemical pest management, and cotton production technology, further enhancing her expertise in agricultural entomology.

📚 Publications

  • Title Effect of soil types and moisture contents on the pupation behavior and adult emergence of Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera Tephritidae)
  • Authors M M U Mamoon-Ur-Rashid Muhammad M U S Wazir Shabana R M K Ullah Rana Muhammad Kaleem A S Aldawood Abdulrahman S Aldawood
  • Journal International Journal of Tropical Insect Science
  • Year 2025

Conclusion:

Mrs. Wazir is a well-deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her impactful research in entomology and pest management. While she has already made significant contributions, further expanding her international collaborations, high-impact publications, and research funding initiatives will strengthen her candidacy for future recognitions. Given her expertise, dedication, and ongoing contributions to entomological research, she is a strong contender for the award.

Wenbin Sun | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun, Lanzhou University of Technology, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun is an agricultural scientist and Associate Professor at Lanzhou University of Technology, China. His research focuses on plant-endophyte interactions, phytohormone metabolism, and crop stress resistance. He has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects and published extensively in high-impact journals. With expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology, his work advances sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. He teaches bioinformatics, microbiology, and pharmaceutical technology while contributing to innovations in plant-microbe relationships and phytoremediation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun is a leading researcher in plant microbiology, bioinformatics, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong academic record, multiple funded projects, and high-impact publications. His research in endophyte-plant interactions, stress resistance, and microbial ecology has significant scientific and practical value.

🎓 Education

Wenbin Sun holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science and serves as an Associate Professor at the Experimental Center, School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, China. His academic background in agricultural science and biotechnology provides a strong foundation for his research in molecular plant-microbe interactions and crop stress resistance.

💼Experience

He has extensive experience in both teaching and research. His teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses such as Bioinformatics (Theory & Lab) and Microbiology Laboratory, as well as a graduate course on Pharmaceutical Industry and Technology (Theory). As a researcher, he has led multiple projects, including the Youth Science Fund of Gansu Natural Science Foundation and the General Program of Gansu Natural Science Foundation. He has also contributed as a co-investigator in major National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, advancing research in plant-endophyte interactions and stress resistance.

🔬Research Focus

His research centers on molecular mechanisms of phytohormone metabolism mediated by plant-endophyte interactions and the role of phytohormones in endophyte-regulated crop stress resistance and quality formation. His studies on endophytic fungi and bacteria provide valuable insights into enhancing crop resilience, improving secondary metabolite production, and optimizing sustainable agricultural practices. His work has significant implications for soil health, phytoremediation, and microbial biotechnology applications.

🛠️Skills

He specializes in molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant-microbe interactions, and microbial ecology. His research integrates genomic and phosphoproteomic analyses to understand plant-endophyte relationships and their role in improving crop stress resistance. His expertise in phytohormone metabolism, endophyte-regulated quality formation, and plant stress adaptation positions him as a key contributor to agricultural sustainability and biotechnology advancements.

🏆Awards

His expertise and contributions to plant microbiology have been recognized through multiple research grants from prestigious institutions. His role as a principal investigator in competitive funding programs reflects his leadership in agricultural research. His scholarly work has been published in high-impact journals such as Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, Rhizosphere, Journal of Fungi, Biology, and the Journal of Environmental Management, highlighting his research excellence.

📚 Publications

  • Diversity, growth promoting potential and anti-fungal properties of culturable endophytic bacteria isolated from Codonopsis pilosula roots
    Author(s): N. Zhu, H. Wang, W. Sun, W. Luo, Y. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology

  • Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Potato Tuber Reveals a Correlation Between Phosphorylation Site Occupancy and Protein Attributes
    Author(s): W. Sun, Y. Wang, F. Zhang
    Year: 2020
    Journal: Plant Molecular Biology Reporter

  • Seasonally Driven Microecological Changes Among Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacteria and Their Effects on the Carbohydrate Content of Codonopsis pilosula from Lintao County, Gansu Province, China
    Author(s): H. Wang, S. Li, X. Guo, W. Sun, F. Leng, C. Yu, Y. Wang
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Rhizosphere

  • Genomic Characteristics and Comparative Genomics Analysis of the Endophytic Fungus Paraphoma chrysanthemicola DS-84 Isolated from Codonopsis pilosula Root
    Author(s): W. Sun, M. Feng, N. Zhu, F. Leng, M. Yang, Y. Wang
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Journal of Fungi

  • Paraphoma chrysanthemicola Affects the Carbohydrate and Lobetyolin Metabolism Regulated by Salicylic Acid in the Soilless Cultivation of Codonopsis pilosula
    Author(s): W. Sun, C. Luo, Y. Wu, M. Ding, M. Feng, F. Leng, Y. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Biology

  • Potential Function of Plant-Growth-Promoting Endophytic Serratia fonticola CPSE11 from Codonopsis pilosula in Phytoremediation of Cadmium Ion (Cd²⁺)
    Author(s): M. Yang, Y. Fu, S. Hu, F. Leng, Y. Zhuang, W. Sun, Y. Wang
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By expanding international collaborations, industry applications, and public engagement, he can further enhance his global recognition and research influence.

Sher Shah Hassan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Sher Shah Hassan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sher Shah Hassan, Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan

Sher Shah Hassan is an Agricultural Engineer and climate expert currently serving as a Team Lead and MRV/GIS Expert at the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan. With extensive experience in GIS, remote sensing, climate risk assessment, and energy efficiency, he has played a key role in Pakistan’s GHG inventory, mitigation policies, and adaptation monitoring. He has collaborated with international organizations, including CITEPA (France), the World Bank, UNDP, and PIK (Germany), contributing to climate transparency frameworks and sustainable agricultural strategies. His research focuses on geospatial data analysis, machine learning applications in climate science, and sustainable land and water management.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Sher Shah Hassan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his contributions to air pollution and climate change research in Pakistan, his use of geospatial techniques, and his work’s direct impact on policymaking. However, to enhance his profile further, he could focus on expanding his research globally, publishing more independent work, and increasing international collaborations.

🎓 Education

Sher Shah Hassan holds a BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan, graduating in 2017 with a CGPA of 3.58/4.00. His undergraduate thesis focused on “Spatial Flood Risk Analysis of Chenab River from Marala to Qadirabad Based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA).” He is currently completing an MSc in Soil and Water Engineering at the same university, with a CGPA of 3.18/4.00. His master’s research integrates geospatial machine learning and multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable mangrove management in the Indus Delta, Pakistan.

💼Experience

Sher Shah Hassan has extensive experience in climate impact research, GIS applications, and agricultural engineering. He currently serves as Team Lead and MRV/GIS Expert at the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Pakistan, where he specializes in data collection, stakeholder engagement, and climate impact analysis. Since May 2021, he has also been the Team Leader for Mitigation & Adaptation at the Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA), France, where he contributes to GHG inventory management, climate transparency, and adaptation monitoring in Pakistan.

🔬Research Focus

Sher Shah Hassan’s research focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agricultural practices, GIS-based environmental monitoring, energy efficiency in agriculture, and water resource management. His work integrates geospatial technologies and machine learning for sustainable land-use planning and climate resilience.

🛠️Skills

His expertise in GIS and remote sensing applications, climate risk assessment, agricultural engineering, geospatial data analysis, energy efficiency strategies, mitigation and adaptation policy development, stakeholder engagement, and technical report writing. He is also proficient in multi-criteria decision analysis, machine learning applications in climate science, and institutional capacity building.

🏆Awards

Throughout his career, he has been engaged in national and international climate research collaborations, contributing to policy frameworks and transparency mechanisms for climate adaptation. His contributions to Pakistan’s climate action strategies, particularly in MRV systems and energy efficiency, have been instrumental in shaping policy interventions.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Assessing smog trends and sources of air pollutants across northeastern districts of Punjab, Pakistan using geospatial techniques 
  • Authors: M.A. Goheer (Muhammad Arif), S.S. Hassan (Sher Shah Hassan), A.S. Sheikh (A. S.), M.A. Uzair (Muhammad Ali), T.N. Satti (T. N.)
  • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 
  • Year of Publication: 2025

Conclusion:

 Mr. Sher Shah Hassan is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research aligns with pressing environmental challenges, and his findings have both scientific merit and policy implications. However, strengthening his global reach and independent research contributions could make his candidacy even stronger.

Mary Etuk | Soil Water Management | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mary Etuk | Soil Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mary Etuk, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigeria

Dr. Mary Etuk is a distinguished hydrogeologist with expertise in groundwater management, isotope geochemistry, and soil-water interactions. She holds a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she focused on aquifer vulnerability assessment in semi-arid regions. As a Research Fellow, she has contributed to international projects with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and UNESCO, addressing groundwater sustainability and contamination in Africa. Currently serving at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigeria, she integrates scientific research with policy implementation to improve water quality and environmental sustainability. Her work has led to significant advancements in hydrogeology, geospatial analysis, and water resource management.

 

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Mary Etuk is an accomplished hydrogeologist with extensive experience in groundwater vulnerability assessment, isotope geochemistry, and sustainable water resource management. Her research is highly relevant to addressing groundwater pollution and sustainability issues in rapidly urbanizing regions, particularly in Nigeria and the Sahel. She has actively participated in international research collaborations and contributed to policy implementation, bridging science and governance.

 

🎓 Education

Mary Nsikanabasi Etuk holds a Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she conducted research on aquifer vulnerability assessment in semi-arid regions, focusing on Abuja, North Central Nigeria. She earned her M.Sc. in Hydrogeology from the same university, analyzing the impact of waste disposal practices on surface and groundwater in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Calabar, where she conducted detailed field mapping of Nyaje and its environs.

 

💼Experience

Dr. Etuk is a Research Fellow at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, applying isotope geochemistry and spatial analytical techniques to water resource management and contaminant hydrogeology in developing countries. She was previously a Research Fellow at the University of Pisa, contributing to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) project on sustainable groundwater management in the Sahel region. Since 2018, she has also served as a Factory Inspector I at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Lafia, ensuring the provision and quality of potable water in workplaces. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Bank Teller at Aso Savings and Loans PLC, a Project Manager and Consultant for WaterAid Nigeria, and an Assistant Lecturer at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Etuk specializes in hydrogeology, aquifer vulnerability, groundwater contamination, isotope geochemistry, and water resource management. Her work emphasizes the application of geospatial techniques and multi-tracer approaches to assess groundwater pollution and sustainability in rapidly urbanizing regions. She is actively engaged in international projects addressing groundwater challenges in Africa, particularly within the Sahel region.

 

Awards and Honors

Dr. Etuk has participated in multiple high-profile research projects, including IAEA’s Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on nitrate contamination in fast-growing cities and various technical cooperation projects on sustainable groundwater utilization. She has delivered invited keynote speeches and conference presentations at international events, including the UNESCO Pavilion Side Event, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference, and the European Geosciences Union General Assembly.

 

Skills

She possesses strong skills in digital tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as social media communication platforms like Skype and WhatsApp. Her technical expertise includes groundwater vulnerability assessments, GIS applications, isotope hydrogeology, hydrogeochemical modeling, and environmental impact assessments.

 

Publications

  • Title: An integrated geoinformatics and hydrogeological approach to delineating groundwater potential zones in the complex geological terrain of Abuja, Nigeria
    Authors: Etuk, M.N., Igwe, O., Egbueri, J.C.
    Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 16

 

  • Title: Vulnerability mapping as a tool to foster groundwater protection in areas subject to rapid population expansion: The case study of Abuja Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)
    Authors: Etuk, M., Viaroli, S., Ogbonnaya, I., Re, V.
    Journal: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5

Conclusion:

Dr. Mary Etuk is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to hydrogeology, international collaborations, and policy-relevant research. Strengthening her publication record, expanding her research focus beyond Nigeria, and leading major international projects could further enhance her candidacy. However, based on her current achievements and impact, she is well deserving of recognition.