Lei Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China, and a Visiting Scholar at the Robotics Laboratory of Texas State University. He holds a Doctor of Engineering in Mechatronics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and specializes in mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery, and robotics. With leadership in numerous national and provincial research projects, he has published over 40 academic papers and holds more than 70 patents. He is an active member of IEEE and serves as an editor and reviewer for several international journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang’s extensive research in mechatronics, agricultural machinery, and robotics has positioned him as a leader in his field. His ability to integrate complex engineering solutions with real-world applications is exemplified by his numerous patents, high-impact publications, and successful project leadership. As a professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and a visiting scholar at Texas State University, he continues to influence the next generation of engineers and researchers. His contributions not only advance technical knowledge but also promote innovation in sustainable agricultural practices and automation.

🎓 Education

Lei Zhang holds a Doctor of Engineering degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the Shenyang Research Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He earned his Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology, Beijing Polytechnic University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology.

💼Experience

Lei Zhang is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, where he has served since 2008 in various academic roles including Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Master’s Supervisor. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Robotics Laboratory of Texas State University. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Assistant Lecturer at Shandong Second Vocational College.

🔬Research Focus

Lei Zhang’s research focuses on mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery, and robotics. He has led and participated in multiple high-level research projects, including a sub-project under the National Key Research and Development Program of the 14th Five-Year Plan, two National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, and several initiatives sponsored by provincial departments and industry partners. His work has led to the publication of over 40 academic papers, with more than 30 indexed by SCI and EI.

🛠️Skills

Professor Zhang possesses extensive expertise in mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery equipment, and robot technology. His technical strengths are further demonstrated by his portfolio of over 40 invention patents and 36 utility model patents. He is highly skilled in managing and executing research projects and has successfully led numerous national and provincial-level research initiatives as well as enterprise-commissioned projects.

🏆Awards

Lei Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to science and technology. He was awarded the Second Prize in the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award in 2017 for his work on adjustable-presser-foot thread-breakage-responsive wide-format embroidery machines. In 2021, he earned the Third Prize in the same award category for the development and industrial application of multi-head wide-format ultra-high-speed embroidery equipment.

📚 Publications

Title: Lightweight Classification of Lotus Seedpod Quality Using Improved YOLOv3-Tiny Model
Authors: L. Zhang; H. Yan; Y. Jia; B. Ye; Z. Ma
Year: 2024
Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao / Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering

Title: Analysis and Optimization of Low-Resistance Animal Bionic Subsoiling Shovel Based on EDEM
Authors: L. Zhang; X. Wang; J. Chen; H. Wang; Y. Cao
Year: 2024
Journal: Agriculture (Switzerland)

Title: Optimization Design and Experiment of Cam-Elliptical Gear Combined Vegetables Curved Surface Labeling Mechanism
Authors: L. Zhang; H. Zhou; J. Chen; Y. Liu; X. Zhang
Year: 2024
Journal: Frontiers in Robotics and AI

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang’s excellence in research, patent contributions, and project leadership makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His groundbreaking work in agricultural machinery and robotics showcases his potential to drive further advancements in technology that address real-world challenges. While opportunities for greater global collaboration and outreach exist, Prof. Zhang’s current body of work undeniably positions him as a leading researcher, deserving recognition for his innovative contributions to both academia and industry.

Dorota Pikula | Soil | Soil Fertility Improvement Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikula | Soil | Soil Fertility Improvement Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikula, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, Poland

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikuła is a researcher at the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, Poland, specializing in soil organic matter, humic substances, and soil fertility management. She holds a habilitation in agricultural sciences and a Ph.D. in agronomy from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on soil carbon dynamics, fertilization effects, nitrogen fixation, and the environmental impact of agricultural practices. With extensive experience in scientific publishing, policy advisory, and long-term field experiments, she has received multiple awards from the Polish Ministry of Agriculture. She has authored over 500 publications and actively contributes to sustainable agriculture and soil conservation strategies.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikuła is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Soil Fertility Improvement Award, given her extensive contributions to soil organic matter studies, long-term field experiments, and sustainable fertilization practices. Her research has significantly impacted both scientific understanding and practical agricultural applications. She has also been recognized nationally for her work in soil fertility and nutrient management. However, to further strengthen her profile, she could focus on global-scale research collaborations, innovation-driven contributions, and leadership in large-scale international projects.

🎓 Education

Dorota Pikuła holds a habilitated doctorate in agricultural sciences with a specialization in agriculture and horticulture from the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation State Research Institute, awarded in 2019. Her postdoctoral research focused on the environmental and production effects of crop cultivation in rotations with varying organic matter inflow. She earned her master’s degree in engineering from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, in 2000, specializing in Environmental Protection. Her master’s thesis investigated heavy metal fractions in soils fertilized with sewage sludge. She later obtained a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences in agronomy from the same university in 2006, where she studied the influence of selected physicochemical properties of soil on heavy metal content in fodder plants.

💼Experience

Dorota Pikuła has extensive professional experience in agricultural science, research, and publishing. She worked as an editor and agrotechnical advisor from 2002 to 2006 for agricultural publications such as Agro-Spółdzielca and Poradnik Rolniczy. In 2006, she joined the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation State Research Institute in Puławy as a senior research and technical specialist. Since 2016, she has been working as an adjunct researcher in the Department of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous research projects, including studies on soil organic matter quality, humic substances, nitrogen fixation, and the environmental impact of different agricultural practices.

🔬Research Focus

Dorota Pikuła specializes in soil organic matter, humic substances, and soil fertility management. Her research explores soil organic carbon dynamics, the impact of fertilization and crop rotation on soil quality, and the role of humic acids in improving soil fertility. She has conducted extensive work on nitrogen fixation, soil contamination with heavy metals, and the long-term effects of manure application on soil health. She has also contributed to the development of soil quality assessment methods and indicators.

🛠️Skills

Dorota Pikuła possesses expertise in soil science, agricultural chemistry, and environmental protection. She is skilled in analyzing soil organic matter composition, conducting long-term field experiments, and evaluating the environmental effects of different farming practices. Her proficiency extends to scientific publishing, training agricultural professionals, and contributing to policy development on sustainable agriculture. She is an active member of several scientific organizations and has authored over 500 popular science publications, demonstrating her ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical knowledge for farmers and policymakers.

🏆Awards

Dorota Pikuła has received several prestigious awards from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. In 2015, she was recognized for her contributions to rational fertilizer management. In 2023, she was awarded for her work on protecting water sources from phosphorus pollution caused by agricultural activities. In 2024, she received another award for developing and implementing a method for determining humic substance content in fertilizers and plant aids.

📚 Publications

  • The Composition of the Organic Matter Fractions of Loamy Sand after Long-Term FYM Application without Liming (2022) – Agronomy – Dorota Pikuła, O. Ciotucha
  • Changes in Relationships between Humic Substances and Soil Structure following Different Mineral Fertilization of Vitis vinifera L. in Slovakia (2022) – Agronomy – V. Šimanský, E. Wójcik‐Gront, J. Horváthová, Dorota Pikuła, T. Lošák, A. Parzych, M. Lukac, E. Aydın
  • Effect of the Degree of Soil Contamination with Heavy Metals on Their Mobility in the Soil Profile in a Microplot Experiment (2021) – Agronomy – Dorota Pikuła, W. Stępień
  • Materia organiczna istotnym elementem żyzności gleb (2020) – Studia i Raporty IUNG-PIB – Dorota Pikuła
  • Selected chemical properties of sandy soil after 36 years of differential fertilization with mineral nitrogen and manure without liming in two crop rotation (2020) – Soil Science Annual – Dorota Pikuła
  • Zbiór zaleceń dobrej praktyki rolniczej mający na celu ochronę wód przed zanieczyszczeniem azotanami pochodzącymi ze źródeł rolniczych (2019) – IUNG-PIB – Dorota Pikuła
  • Praktyki zapobiegające stratom węgla organicznego z gleby (2019) – Środowiskowe Aspekty Gospodarki Nawozowej – Dorota Pikuła
  • Soil properties and productivity in two long-term crop rotations differing with respect to organic matter management on an Albic Luvisol (2019) – Scientific Reports – Dorota Pikuła, S. Martyniuk, M. Kozieł

Conclusion:

Dr. Pikuła is a strong candidate for the Research for Soil Fertility Improvement Award due to her pioneering research on soil fertility, strong publication record, practical impact on agriculture, and policy contributions. While she already has an impressive portfolio, enhancing international collaboration, innovation, and leadership in large-scale initiatives would further strengthen her standing for this prestigious award.

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.

Samia Daldoul | Agricultural | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Samia Daldoul | Agricultural | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Samia Daldoul, Centre of biotechnology of borj cedria, Tunisia

Dr. Samia Daldoul is an Assistant Professor at the Centre of Biotechnology of Borj Cedria, Tunisia, specializing in plant biotechnology and molecular biology. She earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis in 2010, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center of Biotechnology, Technopark of Borj-Cédria, Tunisia. Her research focuses on plant stress responses, particularly in grapevines, investigating mechanisms of tolerance to salinity, drought, and diseases through genomics, transcriptomics, and biotechnology approaches. She has been actively involved in numerous international research collaborations, including DAAD-funded projects in Germany and COST actions in Europe.

 

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Samia Daldoul is an outstanding researcher in plant biotechnology, specializing in grapevine stress responses and abiotic stress tolerance. Her contributions are scientifically relevant, internationally recognized, and impactful in the context of sustainable agriculture. She has a strong publication record, international collaborations, and interdisciplinary expertise, making her an excellent candidate for the Women Researcher Award.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Samia Daldoul earned her Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunisia, in 2010. Following her doctoral studies, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in 2011 at the Center of Biotechnology, Technopark of Borj-Cédria, Tunisia.

 

💼Experience

Since 2012, Dr. Daldoul has held a permanent position as an Assistant Professor at the Center of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria in Tunisia. She has also participated in multiple international fellowships and research collaborations, notably through the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) program in Germany, where she worked with teams specializing in genomics, genetic engineering, virology, and plant pathology. Additionally, she undertook a short-term scientific mission funded by the European Network COST in France, focusing on grapevine defense mechanisms and stress adaptation.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Daldoul specializes in plant biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on grapevine responses to abiotic and biotic stresses, particularly salinity and drought. Her research integrates genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics approaches to understand plant resilience mechanisms. She has been actively involved in international research projects addressing viticulture sustainability, grapevine improvement through omics technologies, genome editing, and epigenetic mechanisms for crop adaptation to climate change.

 

Awards

Dr. Daldoul has received multiple prestigious fellowships from DAAD, allowing her to work with leading research institutions in Germany. She has also contributed to several high-impact international projects, including those funded by the European Union and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

 

Skills

With extensive expertise in molecular biology, plant genetics, and biotechnology, Dr. Daldoul is skilled in advanced gene sequencing, transcriptome analysis, functional genomics, and bioinformatics. She also has experience in plant stress physiology, cell culture techniques, and genetic transformation. Her proficiency extends to project management and international scientific collaboration.

 

Publications

  • Deciphering the regulatory networks involved in mild and severe salt stress responses in the roots of wild grapevine Vitis vinifera spp. sylvestris – Daldoul, S., Hanzouli, F., Boubakri, H., Mliki, A., Gargouri, M. (2024) – 0 citations.

 

  • Evidence of an active role of resveratrol derivatives in the tolerance of wild grapevines (Vitis vinifera ssp. sylvestris) to salinity – Hanzouli, F., Zemni, H., Gargouri, M., Vincenzi, S., Daldoul, S. (2024) – 0 citations.

 

  • Stilbene production as part of drought adaptation mechanisms in cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) roots modulates antioxidant status – Hanzouli, F., Daldoul, S., Zemni, H., Mliki, A., Gargouri, M. (2024) – 0 citations.

 

  • Enhancing biological activities and phenolic content of wild grapevine roots by severe drought stress – Daldoul, S., Hanzouli, F., Fares, N., Mliki, A., Gargouri, M. (2024) – 1 citation.

 

  • A Tunisian wild grape leads to metabolic fingerprints of salt tolerance – Daldoul, S., Gargouri, M., Weinert, C., Mliki, A., Nick, P. (2023) – 5 citations.

 

  • Ectopic expression of a grapevine alkaline α-galactosidase seed imbibition protein VvSIP enhanced salinity tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants – Ben-Amar, A., Daldoul, S., Allel, D., Wetzel, T., Mliki, A. (2023) – 3 citations.

 

  • The root transcriptome dynamics reveals new valuable insights in the salt-resilience mechanism of wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) – Daldoul, S., Hanzouli, F., Hamdi, Z., Mliki, A., Gargouri, M. (2022) – 10 citations.

 

  • First report of grapevine Virus L in grapevine in Tunisia – Ben Amar, A., Daldoul, S., Zemni, H., Olmos, A., Ruiz-García, A.B. (2020) – 5 citations.

Conclusion:

Dr. Daldoul’s research contributions align well with the objectives of the Women Researcher Award, particularly in advancing sustainable agriculture, plant stress tolerance, and biotechnological applications. Given her strong scientific impact, international collaborations, and focus on climate resilience, she is a highly suitable candidate. However, expanding her leadership role, outreach, and grant acquisition would further solidify her candidacy.

Yuan-Hsiou Chang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yuan-Hsiou Chang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Yuan-Hsiou Chang, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Yuan-Hsiou Chang is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Intelligent Production Engineering at National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. He holds a Ph.D. in Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering from National Taiwan University and is a licensed architect and interior designer. Renowned for his work in sustainable design, ecological engineering, and smart agriculture, he has authored numerous SCI-indexed papers and holds multiple patents. Dr. Chang is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the National Innovation Award, and his research focuses on green building materials, water quality improvement, and amphibian conservation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Yuan-Hsiou Chang is a highly accomplished researcher with extensive contributions to ecological engineering, sustainability, and smart agriculture. His innovative methodologies and impactful research align well with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge practical application and academic rigor underscores his suitability for this recognition.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Yuan-Hsiou Chang earned his Ph.D. in Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering from National Taiwan University, demonstrating a profound understanding of sustainable design, ecological engineering, and smart agriculture.

 

💼Experience

Dr. Chang is a Full Professor and Chair of the Department of Intelligent Production Engineering at National Taichung University of Science and Technology. He has established a reputation as a licensed architect and interior designer with significant contributions to academic and industrial advancements.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Chang’s research emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, ecological engineering, water quality improvement, amphibian conservation, and the development of green building materials. His work includes numerous SCI-indexed papers and patents, showcasing innovation in both environmental and engineering sciences.

 

Awards

Dr. Chang has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Innovation Award, in recognition of his groundbreaking research and technological advancements.

 

Skills

Dr. Chang possesses a versatile skill set, including expertise in sustainable design, ecological restoration, amphibian conservation, green building materials, artificial neural networks, and intelligent aquaponics systems.

Publications

  • The ecological waterfront design for Bufo bankorensis by using artificial neural network methods
    • Authors: Chuang, T.-F.; Chang, Y.-H.
    • Journal: Ecological Engineering
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 2

 

  • A new design concept of an ecological corridor for frogs to improve ecological conservation
    • Authors: Chuang, T.-F.; Chang, Y.-H.
    • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 7

 

  • Evaluation of the water quality and farming growth benefits of an intelligence aquaponics system
    • Authors: Huang, C.-C.; Lu, H.-L.; Chang, Y.-H.; Hsu, T.-H.
    • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 5

 

  • The compare organic farm and conventional farm to improve sustainable agriculture, ecosystems, and environment
    • Authors: Lu, H.-L.; Chang, Y.-H.; Wu, B.-Y.
    • Journal: Organic Agriculture
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 16

 

  • Using intelligence green building materials to evaluate color change performance
    • Authors: Lee, Y.-L.; Chang, Y.-H.; Li, J.-L.; Lin, C.-Y.
    • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 0

 

  • A pilot study of river design for slope stability and frog ecology
    • Authors: Chang, Y.-H.; Chuang, T.-F.
    • Journal: Landscape and Ecological Engineering
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Using green water farm to improve ecological restoration
    • Authors: Chang, Y.-H.; Zhuang, T.-J.; Chuang, T.-F.; Lu, H.-L.; Chen, P.-Y.
    • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 0

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Chang’s diverse expertise, research excellence, and innovative contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. To further strengthen his candidacy, promoting international collaborations and enhancing citation impact through greater dissemination of his work would solidify his already robust credentials. Prof. Dr. Yuan-Hsiou Chang embodies the qualities of a world-class researcher dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges through science and innovation.