Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cecilia Dini | National Council for Scientific and Technical Research | Argentina

Dr. Cecilia Dini is a distinguished scientist whose research bridges chemistry, microbiology, and food technology to advance the revalorization of ancient and non-traditional crops for modern food applications. Her work focuses on unlocking the nutritional, functional, and industrial potential of underutilized Andean roots and tubers such as ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), and Jerusalem artichoke, positioning these crops as valuable resources for sustainable food systems. Through two completed research projects and ongoing investigations on Argentinian oca, she has significantly contributed to understanding the biochemical composition, starch characteristics, and functional properties of these species. Her studies have demonstrated how root- and tuber-derived biopolymers, including fructans and resistant starches, can serve as healthy dietary fibers and versatile ingredients for gluten-free products and functional foods. Dr. Dini’s research not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also supports local farming systems by promoting the use of resilient, climate-adaptive crops. She has published 28 peer-reviewed papers in indexed journals, with her research earning over 550 citations across 475 documents and achieving an H-index of 14 (Scopus) and 17 (Google Scholar), reflecting her strong scientific impact. Her collaborative efforts with international research institutions such as Texas A&M University (USA), IATA (Spain), and the National University of Ambato (Ecuador) have fostered interdisciplinary innovation and global knowledge exchange in crop utilization and food processing. In addition to journal publications, she has authored book chapters on non-cereal starch resources, cassava-derived ingredients, and nutritional analyses of Andean roots, contributing extensively to literature in food science and agricultural biotechnology. Dr. Dini’s body of work exemplifies excellence in research translation—bridging laboratory insights with industrial applications, supporting sustainable crop diversification, and contributing to global food security through science-driven valorization of ancient crops.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Dini, C. (2025). Characterization of commercial olluco (Ullucus tuberosus) tubers from La Plata, Argentina: Potential as a source of starch, flour, and soluble dietary fiber. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

Dini, C., Garzón, R., & Rosell, C. M. (2025). Breadmaking potential of Andean roots and tuber starches from ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), and arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza). Starch – Stärke.

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.

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.

Kaywan Ahmed | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kaywan Ahmed | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed, Tishk International University, Iraq

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed is a researcher and assistant lecturer at Tishk International University, Iraq. His expertise lies in civil engineering, with a focus on hydraulic structures, water resources, and environmental sustainability. He has taught various engineering courses and held multiple administrative roles, including Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Department and Head of the Exam Committee. His research explores soil-water interactions, scour prediction, and the application of GIS in environmental management. Dr. Ahmed has published extensively in international journals and actively contributes to academic conferences and innovation in engineering education.

Profile

Scopus

 

Summary:

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed’s strong academic and professional contributions to civil engineering, particularly in water management and environmental sciences, make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative research in predicting water quality and the impact of infrastructure on the environment is vital for sustainable development in the field of civil engineering.

🎓 Education

Kaywan Ahmed completed his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at Tishk International University, Erbil, in 2015. He then pursued a Master’s degree (MSc) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Supply and Hydraulic Structures at Gaziantep University, Turkey, from 2016 to 2018. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate at KNTU University in Tehran.

💼Experience

Kaywan has extensive experience in academia and civil engineering. He has been an Assistant Lecturer at Tishk International University since 2018, teaching courses such as Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resources, and Water Supply and Sewerage Systems. He has held multiple administrative roles, including Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Department, Head of the Exam Committee, and Interim Head of the International Relations and Diplomacy Department. His responsibilities have included supervising MSc students, managing academic activities, and supporting international collaborations. Before his academic career, he gained hands-on experience as an Assistant Engineer at Zozik Company and as a Volunteer at Qaiwan Company, where he was involved in construction projects, data collection, and technical support.

🔬Research Focus

Kaywan’s research primarily revolves around hydraulic engineering, water supply systems, and environmental sustainability. His published work includes studies on scour prediction at culvert outlets, the impact of COVID-19 on water consumption, and the use of waste materials in construction. He is currently working on several research projects, including the application of Remote Sensing and GIS in waste management, public attitudes toward environmental issues, and predictive modeling of hydraulic structures. His contributions to scientific literature demonstrate his commitment to advancing civil engineering and environmental sustainability.

Awards

Kaywan has been recognized for his academic excellence, ranking second out of 64 students in his Civil Engineering undergraduate program. He has received certificates for his participation in multiple international engineering conferences and was awarded second place in the Fifth National Innovation Competition in Engineering for his contributions with students. His leadership and research contributions have been acknowledged in various academic and professional circles.

Skills

Kaywan possesses strong research and management skills, with expertise in data analysis, project coordination, and technical problem-solving. He is proficient in multiple software applications, including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, ETABS, Flow-3D, SPSS, and Water CAD. Additionally, he has hands-on experience with surveying tools such as Total Station, Theodolite, and Level instruments. His ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, has been instrumental in his academic and professional success.

 

Publications

  • Title: Forecasting of monthly air quality index and understanding the air pollution in the urban city, India based on machine learning models and cross-validation
    Authors: C.B. Pande, Chaitanya Baliram; N. Radwan, Neyara; S. Heddam, Salim; S.C. Pal, Subodh Chandra; M.K. Pramanik, Malay Kumar
    Journal: Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: An efficient data fusion model based on Bayesian model averaging for robust water quality prediction using deep learning strategies
    Authors: M. Alizamir, Meysam; K. Moradveisi, Kayhan; K.O. Ahmed, Kaywan Othman; S. Kim, Sungwon; S. Heddam, Salim
    Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
    Year: 2025

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed’s research has the potential to significantly impact environmental engineering, particularly in the sustainable design and operation of water management systems. His dedication to advancing knowledge in his field, coupled with his leadership skills, positions him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award.

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.