Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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.

Alemayehu kiflu | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alemayehu kiflu | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu, Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu is a Lecturer and Researcher at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, specializing in soil science. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Hawassa University, where he also completed his MSc. His research focuses on soil chemistry, fertility, classification, and land use impacts on soil properties. Dr. Kiflu has expertise in soil survey, sampling techniques, and laboratory analysis, including spectrophotometric methods. He has published extensively on phosphorus dynamics, soil reclamation, and problem soils in Ethiopia. With over 15 years of academic experience, he plays a key role in teaching and advancing soil research for sustainable agriculture.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu is a highly qualified researcher with a strong track record in soil science. His research contributions have addressed critical issues related to soil fertility, acid soil management, and land use impacts. His expertise in laboratory techniques and field studies, combined with his extensive teaching experience, positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Alemayehu Kiflu holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Hawassa University, which he completed in April 2018. Prior to that, he earned his MSc in Soil Science from the same university in 2007. His academic journey began with a BA degree in Geography from Bahir Dar University, awarded in 2003.

💼Experience

Since July 2007, Alemayehu has been serving as a Lecturer and Researcher at Hawassa University, College of Agriculture. He has played a key role in teaching various Soil Science courses and has held multiple positions within the university. His research contributions primarily focus on soil chemistry, genesis, and fertility, where he has actively participated in numerous studies.

🔬Research Focus

Alemayehu’s research primarily revolves around soil chemistry, fertility, and classification. He has extensively studied the effects of different land use systems on soil properties, the characterization of problem soils in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, and phosphorus availability in acid and sodic soils under various reclamation approaches. His work contributes to soil management strategies aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

🛠️Skills

Alemayehu possesses strong laboratory skills and is proficient in operating various soil science laboratory instruments, including Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers and Spectrophotometers. His expertise extends to fieldwork, particularly in soil classification, soil survey, and sampling techniques, which are crucial for soil research and management.

🏆Awards

His contributions to soil science have been recognized through his extensive research and publications, particularly in the areas of land use effects on soil properties, soil fertility management, and phosphorus fractionation in different soil conditions.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Interactions among Acid Soil Management Practices Enhance Grain Yield and Economic Benefit of Barley Production

    • Authors: C. Adamu, Chigign; W.G. Worku, Walelign Girmay; B. Abate, Berhanu; A. Kiflu, Alemayehu
    • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
    • Year: 2025
  • Title: Morphological and physiological plasticity of tomato in response to Azolla fern, a novel organic fertilizer of environmentally friendliness

    • Authors: Y.G. Zeleke, Yenetiru Getaw; A. Haile, Ashenafi; A. Kiflu, Alemayehu; H. Alemayehu, Habtamu
    • Journal: Heliyon
    • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Alemayehu Kiflu is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, to further strengthen his profile, he could enhance his research visibility, secure more funding, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Overall, his work significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture and soil management, making him a deserving nominee for this recognition.

Muhammad Asad Ullah | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammad Asad Ullah | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammad Asad Ullah, University of the Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad Asad Ullah is an MSc (Hons.) student in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. His research at the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB) focuses on integrating UAV-based high-throughput phenotyping with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to enhance wheat breeding for drought tolerance. He has expertise in fieldwork, laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and computational statistics. His work contributes to precision breeding and crop resilience under abiotic stress. He has published research on plant genomics and actively participates in international conferences and scientific discussions.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Mr. Muhammad Asad Ullah is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given his diverse contributions to crop genetics, plant stress tolerance, and sustainable agriculture. His publications in high-quality journals and collaboration with international researchers make him a valuable asset to the scientific community. However, improving research funding, citation impact, conference engagement, and policy-oriented contributions could further strengthen his profile.

🎓 Education

Muhammad Asad Ullah is currently pursuing an MSc (Hons.) in Plant Breeding and Genetics at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, with a CGPA of 3.40/4.00. His master’s research focuses on unraveling genetic factors associated with early-stage drought tolerance in wheat using multispectral imaging. He previously earned a BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture with a specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, achieving a CGPA of 3.50/4.00. His undergraduate thesis explored the responsiveness of wheat genotypes to zinc application under drought conditions.

💼Experience

Muhammad Asad Ullah is currently conducting his MSc research at the National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), NARC, Pakistan, where he specializes in UAV-based high-throughput phenomics and genomic research. His work integrates multispectral imaging, machine learning models, and genomic analyses such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify key QTLs and potential candidate genes regulating important traits. Previously, he was involved in breeding and evaluating exotic tomato genotypes in the arid climate of Layyah, sourcing germplasm from the Netherlands Genebank and crossing them with local varieties to enhance adaptation.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on integrating advanced high-throughput phenomics and genomics approaches to improve crop breeding. He employs UAV-based high-throughput phenotyping techniques combined with GWAS to accelerate breeding and enhance genomic selection accuracy, particularly in wheat. His work contributes to understanding plant responses to abiotic stress and improving crop resilience through precision breeding.

🏆Awards

Muhammad Asad Ullah has received several accolades, including a Certificate of Appreciation for being the best Class Representative during his BSc (Hons.) studies in 2023. He won the college sports gala badminton tournament in 2018 and was awarded a merit-based solar panel by the Punjab Provincial Government in 2014. In 2012, he secured first position in the English speech competition at the Punjab Youth Festival.

🛠️Skills

He possesses extensive expertise in laboratory techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microplate spectroscopy. His field experimentation skills include digital phenotyping through UAV-based imaging, root system analysis, and floral trait assessment. He is proficient in R, Python, MATLAB, SAS, and Origin Lab for statistical and genomic data analysis, along with software such as PiX4D mapper, Agisoft Metashape, and GIS for UAV-based phenotyping. His experience extends to machine learning regression models and genomic analysis tools like Structure, Tassel, and TB tools.

Publications

  • Screening and Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm in Response to Soil Salinity Stress at Germination Stage

    • Journal: Agronomy
    • Authors: Alia Anwar, Javaria Tabassum, Shakeel Ahmad, Muhammad Ashfaq, Adil Hussain, Muhammad Asad Ullah, Nur Shuhadah Binti Mohd Saad, Abdelhalim I. Ghazy, Muhammad Arshad Javed
    • Year: 2025
  • Comprehensive Identification of GASA Genes in Sunflower and Expression Profiling in Response to Drought

    • Journal: BMC Genomics
    • Authors: Muhammad Asad Ullah, Muhammad Awais Ahmed, Latifa AlHusnain, Muhammad Abu Bakar Zia, Muneera D. F. AlKahtani, Kotb A. Attia, Mohammed Hawash
    • Year: 2024
  • Genetically Modified Crops Global Regulation: Implications for Food Security and Environmental Sustainability

    • Journal: Not Specified
    • Authors: Muhammad Asad Ullah
    • Year: 2024
  • Unveiling Genetic Threads: Phenotypic Exploration of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasms for Heritability and Trait Associations

    • Journal: Journal of Physical, Biomedical and Biological Sciences
    • Authors: Muhammad Asad Ullah
    • Year: 2024
  • Morphological Characterization of Diverse Wheat Genotypes for Yield and Related Traits Under Drought Condition

    • Journal: International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences
    • Authors: Muhammad Asad Ullah
    • Year: 2023
  • Physiological Response of Wheat Genotypes Toward Zinc Regimens

    • Journal: International Journal of Natural and Engineering Sciences
    • Authors: Muhammad Asad Ullah
    • Year: 2023

Conclusion:

Mr. Muhammad Asad Ullah is an outstanding researcher with significant contributions to plant sciences, his chances of winning the Best Researcher Award would be further enhanced by securing grants, improving citation impact, and increasing international visibility. If these areas are addressed, he would be an excellent choice for the award.

Yuan-Hsiou Chang | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub, CIHEAM Bari, Italy

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a distinguished researcher at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), Italy. With a Ph.D. in irrigation system modernization and an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management, his work focuses on sustainable agriculture, water scarcity solutions, and IoT-based precision irrigation. Dr. Ayoub has extensive expertise in soil mapping, irrigation automation, and climate change mitigation, combining cutting-edge technologies like drones and microcontrollers to enhance water use efficiency. A recipient of multiple academic awards, he is committed to advancing innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub has a robust research profile, addressing critical agricultural and environmental challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. His contributions to irrigation modernization, precision agriculture, and IoT-based solutions position him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. With his strong publication record, technical skills, and leadership in academia and research, he exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher. However, additional efforts to amplify the visibility and impact of his work could further solidify his position as a global research leader.

 

🎓 Education

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim has a robust educational background focused on agricultural engineering and water resources management. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture Sciences (Agricultural Engineering Program) from Cairo University. Later, he earned an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management: Irrigated Agriculture from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM), where he was ranked first in his class. His master’s thesis explored comparative assessment of irrigation design criteria in Egypt. Ahmed also pursued advanced research studies as part of his Ph.D. at Bari Aldo Moro University and conducted doctoral research at the University of California, Davis. His work at UC Davis focused on hydraulic analysis of furrow irrigation systems using gated pipes under variable soil conditions, leveraging advanced technologies like drones, soil mapping tools, and automation. Additionally, he has a diploma in Laser Applications in Meteorology, Photochemistry, and Agriculture from Cairo University’s National Institute for Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES).

 

💼Experience

Ahmed has accumulated significant experience in research, consultancy, project management, and technical innovation. Since March 2021, he has been a Researcher and Consultant at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, contributing to regional projects, teaching courses on solar energy and irrigation systems, and designing field experiments with modern technologies like IoT and 3D printing. From 2017 to 2021, during his Ph.D., he focused on modernization of traditional irrigation systems, employing automation and soil mapping technologies to enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Ahmed also worked as a Technical Officer for the UNDP’s Low-Emission Capacity Building Project, where he managed climate change mitigation activities, stakeholder coordination, and training programs. His earlier roles include working as an Optical Emission Spectrometry Analyst with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) and as a Technical Office Engineer for Green Hills International, where he contributed to irrigation and drainage system designs for large-scale landscape projects like Uptown Cairo.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub’s research is dedicated to tackling global challenges in climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable agriculture. His primary areas of focus include the modernization of irrigation systems, such as furrow and drip irrigation, to enhance efficiency and uniformity. He leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate irrigation management tools, including tensiometers and infiltration devices. Ahmed also specializes in utilizing soil mapping technologies and remote sensing, such as drones and multi-spectral cameras, to advance precision agriculture. His work emphasizes improving water distribution systems, studying the impact of soil variability on irrigation performance, and developing affordable, sustainable solutions for precision irrigation to optimize water use and increase crop productivity.

 

Awards

Ahmed has been recognized for his academic and professional excellence with several awards. He was ranked first in the CIHEAM M.Sc. Program (2014–2015) and second in his undergraduate class at Cairo University’s Agricultural Engineering Department (2010). These distinctions highlight his commitment to academic and research excellence.

Skills

Dr. Ayoub has a versatile skill set encompassing technical, research, and organizational capabilities. He is proficient in CAD design, Python programming, C++ (Arduino IDE), GIS tools like ArcGIS, and image processing software such as Pix4D. His research expertise includes irrigation modeling tools like DSSAT, AquaCrop, CropWat, and Daily ET0, as well as advanced soil analysis technologies like Veris U3 mapping systems and Pario meter devices. With strong digital competence, he designs IoT applications, integrating 3D printing and automation using microcontrollers like ESP32. Ahmed’s organizational skills are demonstrated through his leadership roles as a lab supervisor, internal auditor for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and coordinator of youth networks such as MedYWat. Fluent in English (IELTS 7.5) and proficient in Italian, he excels in communication, delivering technical webinars, and managing training programs.

Publications

  • Title: Forecasting Blue and Green Water Footprint of Wheat Based on Single, Hybrid, and Stacking Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms Under Diverse Agro-Climatic Conditions in Nile Delta, Egypt
    Authors: Lotfy, A.A., Abuarab, M.E., Farag, E., Abdelmoneim, A.A., Mokhtar, A.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Advancements in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration Estimation: A Comprehensive Review of Temperature-Based Models
    Authors: Derardja, B., Khadra, R., Abdelmoneim, A.A.A., Deflorio, A.M., Volden, E.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

 

  • Title: Towards Affordable Precision Irrigation: An Experimental Comparison of Weather-Based and Soil Water Potential-Based Irrigation Using Low-Cost IoT-Tensiometers on Drip Irrigated Lettuce
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Elkamouh, A., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

 

  • Title: OptGate: A New Tool to Design and Analyze the Performance of Conventional and Self-Compensating Gated Pipe Systems
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R.
    Journal: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Soil Moisture Tensiometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Micromachines
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Double Ring Infiltrometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R., Bhanot, M., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 13

Conclusion:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his substantial contributions to agricultural engineering and sustainability. His innovative research, technical expertise, and dedication to capacity-building make him a deserving nominee. By further enhancing the dissemination and societal application of his research, he can elevate his profile and continue to make transformative contributions to global agricultural and environmental sustainability.