Janet Leandro Marmolejo | Soil Biology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Janet Leandro Marmolejo | Soil Biology | Research Excellence Award

College of Postgraduates | Mexico

Janet Leandro Marmolejo is an accomplished agricultural and livestock professional with strong expertise in health, microbiology, parasitology, and animal production systems. Her background spans hands-on roles in cattle, buffalo, sheep, turkey, and swine management, where she has applied biosecurity measures, disease prevention strategies, and reproductive evaluation techniques to enhance productivity. She has contributed significantly to silvopastoral systems, dairy and meat operations, and reproductive studies, including work with andrological examinations in buffalo. Janet has overseen the implementation of good livestock practices, feed formulation, monitoring of productive and reproductive indicators, and the development of animal health protocols. Her experience managing dual-purpose cattle, native turkeys, and buffalo herds demonstrates strong diagnostic, behavioral assessment, and disease-control capabilities. As an advisor in sheep production, she has managed vaccination schedules, reproductive monitoring, herd performance, and resource planning. In swine units, her responsibilities have included clinical sampling, nutritional adjustments, sanitary procedures, and growth monitoring. Janet’s academic foundation in genetic resources, livestock productivity, agricultural engineering, and zootechnics complements her extensive field experience, enabling her to integrate scientific knowledge with practical livestock management. Her diverse expertise positions her as a versatile professional capable of contributing to research, industrial, livestock, and agronomic sectors.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Leandro Marmolejo, J., Crosby Galván, M. M., Crosby Galván, E. M., Vallejo Hernández, L. H., Sánchez-Torres Esqueda, M. T., Cortez Romero, C., & Améndola Massiotti, R. D. (2025). The metabolism of Streptomyces avermitilis isolated from agricultural soils during the four seasons of the year. Applied Microbiology, 5(4), 138.

Marmolejo, J., & Ahedo, A. (2023). Métodos de rotación de calendarios sanitarios en corrales de engorda de ovinos de la raza Suffolk [Design]. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo.

Leandro, J. M. (2023, June 30). Determinación de los indicadores morfométricos reproductivos en machos de búfalo de agua (Bubalus bubalis) mediante examen andrológico con el uso del electro-eyaculador en Costa Rica [Conference poster]. 4º Congreso Nacional Estudiantil en Biología, Educación Ambiental y Agricultura Orgánica.

Leandro, J. M. (2023, June 28). Evaluación etológica en dos tipos de ambiente y su respuesta productiva en pavos doble pechuga (Meleagris gallopavo Linn) [Conference poster]. 4º Congreso Nacional Estudiantil en Biología, Educación Ambiental y Agricultura Orgánica.

Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

Jain University | India

Dr. Shivanand Pawar’s research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing sustainable rural development through evidence-based community education interventions. His work focuses on assessing how structured community engagement can drive measurable progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, particularly within rural settings. By designing and implementing a comprehensive Sustainable Rural Community Development Module, he conducted an empirical study involving women, farmers, and youth, applying quantitative interviews, focus group discussions, observational follow-ups, and pre- and post-intervention assessments to examine shifts in awareness, participation, and community-led action. The study generated valuable insights into how targeted education can strengthen human capital, enhance local capacities, and support long-term sustainability outcomes. His intervention model emphasizes participatory learning, social inclusion, and empowerment as core drivers of development, ultimately positioning community education as a transformative tool for rural advancement. The research has resulted in recognized scholarly contributions, including an award-winning paper on human capital and sustainable development. His academic impact is reflected in an h-index of 2, citation count of 22, and an i10-index of 1, indicating growing influence in the field of social work and sustainable development research. These metrics highlight both the relevance and emerging impact of his contributions toward advancing community-centered development practices.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Pawar, S. (2025). Human capital and stakeholder engagement intervention: A women empowerment pathway to achieve sustainable community development in water, sanitation, and hygiene at Vaijapur Village of Karnataka, India.

Pawar, S. (2023). Influence of decision-making styles and affective styles on academic procrastination among students.

Pawar, S. (2022). Internet gaming disorder among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic: A case report of Kerala students, India

Pawar, S. (2022). Psychological wellbeing status of Schedule Caste during COVID-19 pandemic of Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

Yogendra ND | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Yogendra ND | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Yogendra ND | Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) | India

Dr. Yogendra N.D. is an accomplished agricultural scientist whose research spans agronomy, soil science, nutrient management, and crop improvement, with a strong focus on rice, millet, sorghum, and maize production systems. His contributions, reflected through 24 published documents, 103 citations, and an h-index of 5, highlight his impactful work on silicon nutrition, soil test–based fertilizer management, seaweed liquid extract applications, nitrogen-use efficiency, and sustainable cropping systems. His studies on real-time nitrogen management using tools like the Leaf Color Chart, along with investigations into silicon sources for enhanced nutrient uptake, have provided valuable insights for improving crop productivity and soil health. He has also conducted significant research on critical micronutrient limits, tillage practices, spentwash utilization, and targeted yield approaches to reduce input costs while maintaining soil fertility. His publications in recognized scientific journals demonstrate his consistent commitment to advancing evidence-based agronomic practices that support sustainable farming. Through his interdisciplinary approach and problem-solving orientation, he continues to contribute to optimized fertilizer use, improved nutrient dynamics, and climate-smart agricultural strategies that strengthen productivity and resource efficiency across diverse cropping systems.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Prakhyath, K. M., Yogendra, N. D., Arul Prakash, T., Padalia, R. C., Veeragurunathan, V., Gopalakrishnan, V. A. K., & Ghosh, A. (2025). Seaweed sap from Solieria chordalis enhances growth, yield and essential oil quality in rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.) varieties. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology.

Prakhyath, K. M., Sharma, P. M., Pragadheesh, V. S., Gopalakrishnan, V. A. K., Veeragurunathan, V., Ghosh, A., & Yogendra, N. D. (2025). Comparative evaluation of formulated and Gracilaria edulis derived seaweed extract in enhancing growth, yield, quality and economics of Artemisia pallens Wall. ex. DC. South African Journal of Botany.

Xiaobo Zhong | Soil Biology | Distinguished Soil Science Achievement

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Dr. Xiaobo Zhong | Soil Biology | Distinguished Soil Science Achievement

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong | Institut Pasteur | France 

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong is a microbiologist whose research explores the structural and molecular mechanisms that govern bacterial morphogenesis and intercellular interactions. His work focuses on the bacterial cell wall, a multifunctional structure critical for maintaining shape, division, and environmental adaptability. Through advanced techniques such as cryo-electron tomography, he investigates how bacterial cell surface architectures enable microbial communication and phenomena like microbial hitchhiking, where non-motile species utilize motile counterparts for dispersal. His studies have revealed key molecular players in cell wall biosynthesis, including cellulose synthase complexes and stomatin-like proteins that organize membrane microdomains under stress conditions. His research contributions, published in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Trends in Microbiology, and mBio, have expanded understanding of cell envelope biology and stress adaptation in filamentous actinobacteria. His work bridges structural biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, advancing insight into microbial physiology and antibiotic resistance. In addition to research, he has supervised and mentored graduate and undergraduate students and contributed to several international conferences through oral and poster presentations. His ongoing investigations at the Pasteur Institute continue to advance integrative structural cell biology with applications in microbial biotechnology and antibiotic discovery.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Zhong, X., & Claessen, D. (2025). Cellulose biosynthesis and function in Streptomyces. Trends in Microbiology.

Zhong, X., Baur, S. S. M., Ongenae, V. M. A., Guerrero Egido, G., Shitut, S., Du, C., Vijgenboom, E., van Wezel, G. P., Carrion Bravo, V., Briegel, A., & Claessen, D. (2025). The stomatin-like protein StlP organizes membrane microdomains to govern polar growth in filamentous actinobacteria under hyperosmotic stress. Nature Communications.

Zhong, X., Nicolardi, S., Ouyang, R., Wuhrer, M., Du, C., van Wezel, G. P., Vijgenboom, E., Briegel, A., & Claessen, D. (2024). CslA and GlxA from Streptomyces lividans form a functional cellulose synthase complex. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 90(4), e02087-23.

Samuel Bamidele | Soil Health | Soil Health Advocate Award

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Mr. Samuel Bamidele | Soil Health | Soil Health Advocate Award

KerTec | United States 

Samuel Oluwapamilerin Bamidele is a soil scientist and environmental professional whose academic and research contributions span soil health, land management, ecological restoration, and climate-resilient agriculture. His work integrates biogeochemical analysis, environmental compliance, and geospatial assessment to support sustainable land-use practices and regenerative systems. With publications addressing soil carbon sequestration, erosion vulnerability, wetland dynamics, and digital soil suitability mapping, he has advanced knowledge in both temperate and tropical landscapes. His scholarly output includes 3 indexed documents, with 22 citations across 21 citing sources, and an h-index of 3, reflecting growing impact within the soil and environmental sciences community. Beyond research, he has contributed to field-based soil health monitoring, restoration project design, regulatory compliance reporting, and interdisciplinary collaborations with conservation agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders. He has delivered talks in scientific societies, participated in podcasts, and engaged in leadership initiatives promoting soil sustainability and agricultural innovation. His roles in mentoring, committee service, peer review, and professional societies demonstrate his commitment to capacity-building and global soil health advocacy. With expertise spanning laboratory analysis, field coordination, GIS-based assessment, and technical writing, he represents a rising voice in advancing soil conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management at local, national, and international levels.

Profile:  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Tobore, A., Oyerinde, G. T., Senjobi, B., & Bamidele, S. (2023). Geospatial soil suitability assessment for maize (Zea mays) production in derived savanna of Agricultural Research and Training, Oyo State, Nigeria. Jordan Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

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 Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cameroon

Jean Baptiste Biloa is an agro-pedologist and soil scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cameroon. His expertise lies in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling, with a strong background in soil classification, agroforestry systems, and natural resource management. He has contributed to several research projects on soil characterization, cocoa agroforestry, and agricultural sustainability. Jean Baptiste holds a Master’s in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé 1 and is completing a PhD in Agro-pedology. He is skilled in GIS, data analysis, hydrological modeling, and geophysical studies. A member of various professional organizations, he actively works on advancing sustainable soil management in tropical ecosystems.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa is a highly competent agro-pedologist and soil scientist with significant contributions to soil fertility, cocoa agroforestry systems, and environmental modeling. His research has practical implications for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, supported by strong technical expertise and leadership in soil science organizations.

🎓 Education

Jean Baptiste Biloa has an extensive academic background in agro-pedology and soil sciences. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé 1 in 2014, followed by a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences in 2015. He has pursued a PhD in Agro-pedology at the same university since 2019, with his defense pending. His academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling.

💼Experience

Jean Baptiste Biloa has accumulated years of experience in soil sciences, research, teaching, and consultancy. From 2023 to 2024, he served as a Soil Resources Expert for the Soil, Water, and Climate Project (ProSEC) at the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR). In this role, he managed soil sample analyses, installed agro-meteorological stations and soil sensors in Cameroon and Germany, and trained IRAD staff in soil water modeling using Hydrus 1D. From 2022 to 2023, he worked as a Temporary Lecturer at the University of Ebolowa, ENSET, and ISABEE, where he taught general pedology, agro-pedology, and environmental science.

🔬Research Focus

Jean Baptiste Biloa’s research interests are centered on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling. His work explores the variability of soil organic carbon and nutrient content across different agricultural systems, the impact of land use changes on soil quality, and the role of agroforestry in soil fertility management. He has conducted hydrological and hydrogeological studies and examined the influence of factors such as cocoa farm age, slope, and shade on soil fertility. His research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and improved soil management strategies.

🛠️Skills

He possesses strong skills in environmental modeling using Hydrus 1D, SWAT, and AquaCrop, as well as mapping tools such as Global Mapper, Surfer, and Google Earth. His data analysis expertise includes proficiency in XLSTAT, R, JMP SAS, JAMOVI, ODK, and Kobo Collect. He is experienced in soil classification systems such as WRB, CPCS, Soil Taxonomy, and FAO standards. Additionally, he has hands-on knowledge of integrated soil fertility management, geophysical techniques for mineral prospecting, and the use of GPS for field data collection.

🏆Awards

Jean Baptiste Biloa has earned several professional certifications that complement his expertise in soil sciences. In 2021, he obtained a Certificate in Environmental Technology. He was also recognized with the Inspire Hackathon Innovation Award in 2020. In 2019, he received multiple certifications, including Open Data Management for Agriculture, Nutrition, and Land (GODAN/FAO), Global Access to Agricultural Research (AGORA), and Agricultural Data Management, Sharing, and Services for Agricultural Development (FAO).

📚 Publications

  • Title: Influence of cocoa farm age, slope, and shade rate on cocoa soils fertility.
  • Author: iloa, J. B., Abossolo, A. M., Giweta, M. H., Onana, A. A., & Masso, M. C. 
  •  Journal: Environmental Challenges
  • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to soil fertility management and agricultural sustainability aligns well with global research priorities. While further enhancing his citation impact, grant funding, and interdisciplinary collaborations could solidify his position as a leading researcher, his current track record already demonstrates exceptional merit and potential for this recognition.

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.