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., GarzĂłn, 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.

Santhoshkumar Jayakodi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Santhoshkumar Jayakodi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Saveetha School of Engineering | India 

Dr. Santhoshkumar is a dedicated researcher and academic whose work spans nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, biochemistry, drug delivery, toxicology, ecotoxicology, food safety and environmental biology, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary applications. He has contributed extensively to scientific research with 43 published documents, collectively cited 824 times by 761 different sources, reflecting the impact and visibility of his work in the scientific community. His scholarly influence is further evidenced by an h-index of 15, indicating a consistent record of high-quality publications. His doctoral research on nano-herbal formulations addressing cardiotoxicity and earlier work exploring antibacterial properties of essential oils demonstrate his ability to translate biological concepts into innovative applications. He possesses strong technical expertise in cell culture involving zebrafish, albino rats and animal models, as well as hands-on proficiency in operating advanced analytical instruments such as LC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR, HPLC, SEM and DLS. His academic role includes mentoring numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and contributing to academic committees such as NAAC-related initiatives. In addition to teaching and research responsibilities, he has participated in organizing international scientific events and remains active in multiple professional societies related to biology, biotechnology, chemical sciences and technical skill development, enhancing both scientific collaboration and community engagement.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Jayakodi, S. (2025). Role of proteins in phytoremediation and mycoremediation for heavy metal removal: A focus on protein-based remediation. International Journal of Phytoremediation.

  • Palani, B., Vajjiravelu, R., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). A comprehensive review of traditional medicinal plants and their role in ovarian cancer treatment. South African Journal of Botany.

  • Vajjiravelu, R., Palani, B., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). Bioinspired nanoparticles mediated from bioactive plants and their therapeutic application in liver cancer. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

  • Palani, B., Vajjiravelu, R., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). Bioactive compounds for inhibiting mutated gene (BRCA1 and BRCA2) signaling pathway in ovarian cancer treatment. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

  • Sowmiya, A., Jayakodi, S., Selvam, K. A., & Sangeetha, K. (2024). In silico molecular docking of cyclic peptides against TEM-1 beta-lactamases for effective antimicrobial drug development. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 18(3), Article 16.

Moises Ascenio | Soil Erosion | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Moises Ascenio | Soil Erosion | Best Researcher Award

 Mr. Moises Ascenio, National Institute of Agrarian Innovation, Peru

Mr. Moises Ascencio is a researcher at the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), Peru. He specializes in soil and water resource management, GIS applications, and environmental restoration. With extensive experience in analyzing vegetation cover, soil erosion, and land use impacts, he has contributed to several projects aimed at sustainable development in the Peruvian Amazon. Moises is also an author of peer-reviewed publications, including a study on soil erosion using RUSLE, published in Geosciences.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Mr. Moises Ascencio is a skilled and committed researcher with expertise in environmental restoration, GIS, and soil management. His accomplishments demonstrate innovation and practical application, making him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” While his current portfolio is impressive, expanding his publication record, engaging in leadership roles, and fostering international collaborations could further elevate his standing.

🎓 Education

Moises Ascencio holds specialized training in photogrammetry and RPAS drone operations from GEOGIS Engineers and Advisors (2024). His advanced skills include digital image processing, atmospheric and radiometric correction with Sentinel-2 images, and geographic information systems (GIS) at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. He also possesses certifications in Excel specialization, workplace safety, and office automation. Additionally, Moises has linguistic capabilities in intermediate Portuguese and basic English.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Moises has held various roles across prominent organizations, contributing significantly to environmental and GIS-related projects. At INIA, he worked as a research assistant, analyzing vegetation cover, rainfall, soil, and topography in the Neshuya sub-basin. His role at IZARE involved GIS software utilization and territorial analysis for urban projects. He has also contributed to urban reforestation efforts, socio-environmental projects, and genetic material collection through positions at Yanapaqui Corporation, Reforesta Peru, and Proveedora Huaychulo. Moreover, he designed and implemented an urban tree inventory for the Municipality of Miraflores.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research expertise lies in land use impact on soil erosion, forest conservation, and restoration of degraded areas. Moises has conducted baseline studies, supported operational forestry management, and utilized GIS and drone technologies for monitoring environmental changes. His contributions are further enhanced by active involvement in forestry research and editorial work.

 

Awards

Moises earned first place in the “1st Edition Recognition for Innovation in the Use of Data and Mapbiomas Peru Products for Conservation and Sustainability” in 2024. He has also contributed to academic knowledge by publishing the article “Impacts of Land Use on Soil Erosion: RUSLE Analysis in a Sub-Basin of the Peruvian Amazon (2016–2022)” in the journal Geosciences.

 

Skills

Moises is proficient in GIS software, RPAS drone operations, and data analysis using Python and Excel. His extracurricular activities reflect a commitment to professional growth, including memberships in research circles, editorial committees, and volunteering groups. He has also contributed to safety protocols, waste management, and fire prevention measures in forestry operations.

Publications

Publication Title:
Impacts of Land Use on Soil Erosion: RUSLE Analysis in a Sub-Basin of the Peruvian Amazon (2016–2022)

Journal:
Geosciences

Year:
2025

Authors:
Moises Leonardo Ascencio Sanchez, Cesar Franco Padilla Castro, Christian Alonso Riveros Lizana, Rosa MarĂ­a Hermoza-EspezĂşa, Dayan Atalluz-Ganoza, Richard Andi SolĂłrzano Acosta

Citation:
Ascencio Sanchez, M. L., Padilla Castro, C. F., Riveros Lizana, C. A., Hermoza-Espezúa, R. M., Atalluz-Ganoza, D., & Solórzano Acosta, R. A. (2025). Impacts of Land Use on Soil Erosion: RUSLE Analysis in a Sub-Basin of the Peruvian Amazon (2016–2022). Geosciences, 15(1), Article 15.

Conclusion:

Based on his strengths and contributions, Mr. Moises Ascencio is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work aligns with the award’s criteria of impactful, innovative, and applied research. Addressing areas for improvement will ensure continued growth and reinforce his standing as a leading researcher in environmental science.