Kamal Taheri | Soil | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Kamal Taheri | Soil | Research Excellence Award

Kermanshah Regional Water Company | Iran 

Mr. Kamal Taheri is a highly accomplished hydrogeology expert with extensive research and professional contributions centered on karst and groundwater systems, particularly in complex hard-rock and covered karst environments. His scholarly output includes 19 research documents, which have received 700 citations across 613 citing documents, reflecting the strong academic and applied impact of his work, with an h-index of 12. His research portfolio spans karst hydrogeology, groundwater sustainability and vulnerability assessment, water quality monitoring, hydrogeochemistry, environmental isotopic techniques, geophysics, and deep water well site selection in karst terrains. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, edited volumes, and a substantial body of technical consultancy reports that bridge scientific research with large-scale water supply and groundwater management applications. His academic contributions extend to graduate-level teaching and training in groundwater and karst hydrogeology, with a strong emphasis on practical methodologies such as drilling strategies, geophysical investigations, and water allocation planning. In addition, he has played a significant role in scientific publishing through editorial leadership in water resources and geology journals. His interdisciplinary interests further encompass sinkhole studies, geoarchaeology, geotourism, and advanced conceptual modeling, strengthening the integration of science, management, and visualization in hydrogeological research.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

1000
750
500
250
0

Citations
700

Documents
19

h-index
12

Citations

Documents

h-index


  View Scopus Profile        View Orcid Profile


Assessment of alluvial aquifer intrinsic vulnerability by a generic DRASTIC model: a discussion on data adequacy and pragmatic results

– Environment, Development and Sustainability


An intrinsic vulnerability approach to assess an overburden alluvial aquifer exposure to sinkhole-prone area; results from a Central Iran case study

– Geocarto International


Hawraman Summer Camps: The Last Legacy of Water Scarcity Adaptation in the Western Zagros Karst Territory

– Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation


Human-Karst Landscape Interactions and the Anthropo-Karstosphere: Toward a Nexus of Geoethics, Groundwater, and a Sustainable Society

– Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation


Assessment of Alluvial Aquifer Intrinsic Vulnerability by a Generic Drastic Model; A Discussion on Data Adequacy and Pragmatic Results

– Research Square

Orhan Dengiz | Soil | Excellence in Soil Research

Prof. Dr. Orhan Dengiz | Soil | Excellence in Soil Research

Ondokuz Mayis University | Turkey

Dr. Orhan Dengiz is a distinguished soil scientist specializing in soil genesis, soil survey and mapping, land evaluation, land use planning, and land degradation and desertification. His research focuses on land suitability modelling, land quality assessment for specific land uses, soil formation in the Black Sea Region, and processes driving land degradation. He is actively involved in national and international soil science communities and contributes to scientific leadership through editorial and advisory roles. His scholarly impact is reflected in 151 published documents, 2,359 citations from 1,685 citing documents, and an h-index of 25, highlighting the significance and influence of his research in soil science and sustainable land management.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

2500
1800
1200
600
0

Citations
2,359

Documents
151

h-index
25

Citations

Documents

h-index

View Scopus Profile

Titus Ngmenzuma | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Titus Ngmenzuma | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Titus Ngmenzuma | Tshwane University of Technology  | South Africa

Dr. Titus Yeliku-ang Ngmenzuma’s research focuses on advancing plant–microbe interactions to promote sustainable agricultural productivity through innovative microbial applications. His work spans crop science disciplines including agronomy, plant physiology, soil microbial diversity, and phylogenetic studies, with a particular emphasis on the role of rhizobia in enhancing soil fertility and legume productivity. He has explored genomic biodiversity among native rhizobia in African soils using DNA fingerprinting, coupled with biochemical and functional characterizations to identify strains with strong plant growth–promoting and ecological adaptation traits. His research integrates glasshouse and field evaluations of diverse legume–rhizobium symbioses, assessing nodulation, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass accumulation, and grain yield to determine symbiotic effectiveness. Additionally, he employs nitrogen and carbon isotope analyses to elucidate nutrient cycling and the functional relationships between nitrogen fixation and carbon assimilation in symbiotic systems. Through his interdisciplinary collaborations and mentorship roles, he contributes to developing sustainable biofertilizer technologies and capacity building in microbial ecology and crop improvement. His scientific outputs collectively aim to strengthen agricultural resilience and productivity through environmentally responsible microbial innovations and integrated soil fertility management.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

Buthelezi, H. P., Yeliku-Ang Ngmenzuma, T., Udeh, E. L., & Mohale, K. C. (2025). Symbiotic N₂ fixation and nutrient uptake of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Pseudomonas fluorescens under simulated drought conditions. Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Munyengabe, A., Kamogelo, L. S., Yeliku-ang Ngmenzuma, T., & Banda, M. F. (2024). The potential of Helichrysum splendidum (Thunb.) Less. for the restoration of sites polluted with coal fly ash. Plants, 13(18), 2551.

Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad | Soil | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad | Soil | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad | Drainage Research Institute | Egypt

Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad is an accomplished Assistant Researcher at the National Water Research Center, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt, specializing in irrigation and drainage engineering. His research focuses on improving agricultural drainage systems, enhancing water quality management, and promoting sustainable reuse of marginal water resources. He has conducted extensive applied research on subsurface drainage, open channel hydraulics, and water quality monitoring across the Nile Delta, contributing to national efforts in optimizing drainage water utilization. His academic background in water resources systems supports his expertise in simulation modeling, hydrology, and hydraulic design. He is proficient in advanced tools such as HEC-RAS, WMS, Drainmod, GIS software, and AutoCAD Civil 3D, which he applies to model and analyze water systems for better management practices. He has also participated in several international training programs and workshops focusing on water quality assessment, irrigation and drainage management, and water governance, strengthening his global perspective on sustainable water resources development. His technical proficiency, research acumen, and collaborative approach make him a valuable contributor to advancing water management strategies and innovative solutions in irrigation and drainage engineering.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

Badr, O., Abdelmonem, Y., Sallam, G., & Riad, P. (2025, December 31). Recycled drain envelopes for problematic calcareous soils. Water Science.

Alexis Chavez | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Alexis Chavez | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Alexis Chavez | KU Leuven | Belgium

Ivan Alexis Chavez Flores is a dedicated civil and environmental engineer whose academic and professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to sustainable water management and climate resilience. His educational background encompasses advanced training in water resources engineering, hydrological modeling, ecosystem-based adaptation, and integrated watershed management, complemented by specialized certifications in tools such as SWAT, WEAP, ARCGIS, and HEC-RAS. His expertise bridges engineering principles with environmental sustainability, focusing on optimizing water use efficiency, mitigating hydrological extremes, and applying nature-based solutions to address climate change impacts. With international academic experience spanning institutions such as KU Leuven, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Universidad Mayor de San Simón, he integrates global perspectives into local and regional water management practices. His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining hydrology, ecology, and policy to promote resilient ecosystems and community-based water governance. Through his work, he contributes to advancing hydrological modeling, improving watershed management strategies, and fostering climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. His achievements have been recognized through international scholarships and awards that highlight his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to capacity building in environmental and engineering education across Latin America and beyond.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

Chavez Flores, I. A., Mendoza Paz, S., Villazón Gómez, M. F., Willems, P., & Gobin, A. (2025). Impacts of climate change on the hydropower potential of a multipurpose storage system project in the Bolivian Andes. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies.

Núñez Mejía, S., Villegas-Lituma, C., Crespo, P., Córdova, M., Gualán, R., Ochoa, J., Guzmán, P., Ballari, D., Chávez, A., Mendoza Paz, S., et al. (2023). Downscaling precipitation and temperature in the Andes: Applied methods and performance—A systematic review protocol. Environmental Evidence.

Chavez Flores, I. A., Villazon, M., Inturias, D., Pardo, P., & Aldunate, C. (2024). Tomo 1: Crítica, análisis y relleno de las series de tiempo hidrométricas de la Amazonia Boliviana: Ajuste de curvas de descarga H-Q. FAO Bolivia.

Chavez Flores, I. A. (2024). Tomo 2: Crítica, análisis y relleno de las series de tiempo hidrométricas de la Amazonia Boliviana: Análisis, crítica y relleno de la información hidrométrica y caudales. FAO Bolivia. ISBN 978-9917-0-3689-0

Chavez Flores, I. A., & Villazon, M. F. (2020). Análisis, crítica y relleno de las series continuas hidrológicas de la Amazonía Boliviana

Sandeep Bhatia | Soil Fertility | Sustainable Soil Practices Award

Dr. Sandeep Bhatia | Soil Fertility | Sustainable Soil Practices Award

Dr. Sandeep Bhatia | Galgotias University | India

Dr. Sandeep Bhatia is an accomplished academician and researcher serving as an Associate Professor in the field of Computer Science and Engineering, with extensive expertise in the Internet of Things (IoT), Embedded Systems, Microcontrollers, Sensors, and AI/ML applications. His research primarily focuses on smart agriculture, IoT-driven automation, and embedded system design, integrating advanced sensor networks and intelligent computing techniques for sustainable development. With a prolific research portfolio of 45 published documents, 439 citations, and an h-index of 12, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of IoT-based intelligent systems. Dr. Bhatia has authored multiple books, book chapters, and presented papers in reputed international and national conferences, along with several patents in innovative embedded solutions. He has developed a MOOC course titled Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Design, broadcasted through digital learning platforms to enhance student accessibility and engagement. As a reviewer and organizer of conferences, workshops, and FDPs, he actively promotes academic collaboration and technological innovation. His professional achievements reflect a commitment to bridging research, teaching, and real-world applications in IoT and embedded system domains, fostering next-generation solutions for digital and sustainable transformation.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Bhatia, S., Ashraf, G., Naib, B. B., & Gautam, D. (2024). An intelligent credit card fraud detection using a classification algorithm. In Innovations in Data Analytics: Selected Papers of ICIDA (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, Vol. 972).

Bhatia, S., Mallikarjun, B., Goel, N., Dandeva, D., Sharma, N., & Naib, B. B. (2024). Detection of posture using MS-IoT-based solution to provide timely treatment. In Identifying, Treating, and Preventing Childhood Trauma in Rural Communities. IGI Global.

Bhatia, S., Naib, B. B., Goel, N., Agarwal, B., Mallikarjun, B., & Arvindhan, M. (2024, February). A new era in weather forecasting: Harnessing the potential of machine learning. In 2024 IEEE International Conference on Computing, Power and Communication Technologies (IC2PCT). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Bhadauria, R. V. S., Mehrotra, K., Malik, J., Goel, A. K., & Naib, B. B. (2023). A comparative analysis and design criteria of MAC, SMAC, and TMAC protocols in wireless sensor network. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computing Communication and Networking Technologies (ICCCNT 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Goel, N., Ahlawat, V., Naib, B. B., & Singh, K. (2023). A comprehensive review of IoT reliability and its measures. In Resource Management and Efficiency in Cloud Computing Environments. IGI Global.

Bhatia, S., Mallikarjun, B., Naib, B. B., & Goel, A. K. (2023). Algo-indicator based trading in stock market. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Smart Electronics and Communication (ICOSEC 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Gautam, D., Kumar, S., & Verma, S. (2023). Automatic seat identification system in smart transport using IoT and image processing. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Intelligent Communication and Computational Techniques (ICCT 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S., Naib, B. B., & Ashraf, G. (2023). Credit card fraud detection using classification algorithm. TechRxiv.

Bhatia, S., Jaffery, Z. A., & Mehfuz, S. (2023). Development and analysis of IoT-based smart agriculture system for heterogeneous nodes. In 2023 International Conference on Recent Advances in Electrical, Electronics and Digital Healthcare Technologies (REEDCON 2023). IEEE.

Bhatia, S. (2023). Development of IoT enabled framework for LPG gas leakage detection and weight monitoring system. IEEE Conference Publication.

Fariya Abubakari | Soil Fertility | Excellence in Innovation

Dr. Fariya Abubakari | Soil Fertility | Excellence in Innovation

Dr. Fariya Abubakari | Murdoch University | Australia

Fariya Abubakari is an accomplished agricultural scientist whose research focuses on soil fertility, nutrient dynamics, and sustainable agricultural production. Her PhD research at Murdoch University explores potassium leaching and availability in sandy soils of southwest Western Australia, with significant emphasis on soil pH influence, nutrient release kinetics, and predictive modeling using Hydrus 1D. She has also contributed to projects such as N2Africa and OFRA, enhancing nitrogen fixation in smallholder systems and optimizing fertilizer use across African savannah zones. Her publications address critical agricultural issues including soil acidity, climate change impacts, and food security. In addition to academic research, she has peer-reviewed papers for several international journals and delivered presentations at major global soil and climate conferences. Her interdisciplinary work integrates environmental sustainability, soil management, and technology-driven solutions for enhancing crop productivity. Through her involvement in organizations like End Ecocide Ghana and Global Call for Climate Actions, she has advocated for climate resilience, renewable energy, and ecosystem protection. Her research, outreach, and global engagement reflect a strong commitment to advancing soil science and contributing to sustainable food systems in both African and Australian agricultural landscapes.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Determinants of household food security and climate change impacts on agriculture in Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(7), 178–183.

Abubakari, F., Tetteh, F. M., Abubakari, F., Tuffour, H. O., & Aduwu, A. (2016). Strategies for improving nodulation and nitrogen fixation of leguminous crops to enhance production in smallholder farming systems. Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology, 4(4), 185–190.

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Effects of climate changing on food crop production system in Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(4), 76–79.

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2014). Analysis of production and marketing constraints of tomato among rural farmers in Talensi Nabdam District of Upper East Region of Ghana. IJASRT in EESs, 4(1).

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Effects of fertilizer subsidy on the yield of crops among rural farmers in Sudan Savannah and Guinea Savannah zones of Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research, 3(4), 80–85.

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2014). Effects of awareness of fertilizer subsidy on the yield of crops among rural farmers in Ghana. [Unpublished manuscript].

Abubakari, F., & Abubakari, F. (2015). Farmers’ perception on soil erosion problems and conservation methods among rural farmers in Talensi-Nabdam districts of Upper East Region of Ghana. Academic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Research (Forthcoming).

Marwa Atwa | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marwa Atwa | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marva Atwa | Plant Pathology Research Institute | Egypt

Dr. Marwa Abdalla Mahmoud Atwa, Associate Professor at the Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Cairo, Egypt, has made notable contributions to sustainable legume disease management through her research on biological control and plant–microbe interactions. Her scientific focus integrates microbial biofertilizers, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and induced systemic resistance to combat soil-borne pathogens in faba bean, chickpea, soybean, and lupine. With an h-index of 1, 2 Scopus-indexed documents, and 4 citations, her work demonstrates impactful specialization in eco-friendly plant disease suppression and crop productivity enhancement. Dr. Atwa has investigated the synergistic effects of beneficial microbes such as Rhizobium, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Rhizophagus intraradices to induce resistance against root rot and damping-off diseases. Her research outcomes emphasize integrating biological and biochemical inducers for developing environmentally sustainable plant protection strategies. As an active member of professional societies and editorial boards, she contributes to advancing phytopathology knowledge dissemination. Her studies in journals like Scientific Reports and EC Microbiology underline her commitment to developing biocontrol approaches and resistance induction mechanisms that align with global goals for sustainable agriculture, soil health preservation, and reduction in chemical fungicide dependency.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Atwa, M. A. M., El-Abeid, S. E., & El-Blasy, S. A. S. (2025). Evaluating individual and mixed arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for controlling Rhizoctonia root rot in lupine.

Jiyoung Lee | Soil Plant | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiyoung Lee | Soil Plant | Best Researcher Award

Jiyoung Lee | Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology | South Korea 

Jiyoung Lee, Ph.D., is a distinguished principal researcher whose career reflects consistent scientific contribution and leadership in biotechnology. Over the course of her research journey, she has authored 72 scholarly documents that demonstrate strong productivity and relevance across her field. Her work has accumulated 811 total citations, with these citations distributed across 774 citing documents, underscoring both the visibility and utility of her research outputs within the global academic community. With an h-index of 15, she has established a balanced record of sustained impact, indicating that at least 15 of her publications have each been cited 15 or more times. This metric highlights the depth and consistency of her influence rather than just the volume of her publications. Her role as a professor and senior-level researcher further amplifies her contributions through mentorship, collaboration, and scientific advancement. The combination of publication volume, citation reach, and h-index performance illustrates her ability to generate research that is not only high in quality but also meaningful to peers and practitioners. Her academic footprint reflects enduring engagement with innovative research themes and evolving scientific priorities, and she continues to contribute to the advancement of bioscience and biotechnology with a record that balances productivity, influence, and professional leadership.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Peng, Y., Lee, J. H., Kim, C. Y., & Lee, J. (2025). Halophyte-derived Kushneria strains enhance salt tolerance and rhizosphere dynamics in cabbage. Plant, Cell & Environment.

Kim, B. R., Jeong, Y. J., Kim, S., Kim, S. B., Lee, J., Lee, O. R., Kim, K. D., Jeong, J. C., Yang, B. W., & Kim, C. Y. (2025). Elicitor-mediated enhancement of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in cell suspension cultures of Lavandula angustifolia and in vitro biological activities of cell extracts. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Cho, D. H., Peng, Y., Humaira, Z., Park, Y. L., Kim, H. J., Jeong, R.-D., Kim, C. Y., & Lee, J. (2024). Flavobacterium capsici sp. nov., isolated from the rhizospheric soils of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Sng, B. J. R., Jeong, Y. J., Leong, S. H., Jeong, J. C., Lee, J., Rajani, S., Kim, C. Y., & Jang, I.-C. (2024). Genome-wide identification of cannabinoid biosynthesis genes in non-drug type Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivar. Journal of Cannabis Research.

Peng, Y., Jiang, L., Jeon, D., Cho, D., Kim, Y., Kim, C. Y., Lee, J. H., & Lee, J. (2024). Pseudoxanthomonas sp. JBR18, a halotolerant endophytic bacterium, improves the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis seedlings. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Peng, Y., Jiang, L., Jeon, D., Jeong, J. C., Kim, Y., Kim, C. Y., Lee, J. H., & Lee, J. (2023). Mitigation of salt stress in plants by the salt-tolerant bacterium Pantoea ananatis JBR3-16 isolated from sand sedge (Carex pumila Thunb.). Plant Growth Regulation.

Fangyuan Shen | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fangyuan Shen | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Xi’an University of Technology | China

Dr. Fangyuan Shen, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher at Xi’an University of Technology specializing in agricultural water-saving irrigation technology, soil microbiology, and efficient utilization of water and soil resources. His pioneering work has focused on the challenges of sediment-laden water in the Yellow River Basin, where he developed and applied muddy water film hole irrigation technology to enhance agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Dr. Shen has contributed significantly to sustainable water and soil management practices. He has published extensively in leading international journals, including Plant and Soil and Scientia Horticulturae, advancing global understanding of water-soil-plant interactions. His research contributions have been recognized with strong academic impact, reflected in an h-index of 12, more than 45 peer-reviewed documents, and over 620 citations across Scopus and Web of Science databases. In addition to his scholarly publications, Dr. Shen actively engages in collaborative projects that bridge science and practical agricultural applications, providing technical support to local farmers and policymakers. His dedication to innovation and excellence continues to drive forward the field of agricultural water management, ensuring sustainable solutions to global food and water security challenges.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Long-term impacts of stand density on soil fungal and bacterial communities for targeted cultivation of large-diameter Larix olgensis

  • Effects of thinning on absorptive root functional traits of Pinus koraiensis