Shahid Hussain | Soil Quality | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shahid Hussain | Soil Quality | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shahid Hussain | Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology| Pakistan 

Shahid Hussain, Ph.D., is a prolific researcher in finance and behavioral economics with a strong focus on investment decision-making, financial inclusion, green finance, and sustainable economic practices. His research portfolio spans topics such as behavioral biases in investment, digital financial literacy, fintech adoption, gender diversity in financial decisions, and corporate social responsibility, contributing empirical insights from both developing and developed economies. With 69 documents published across high-impact journals including SSCI- and Scopus-indexed outlets, his work has garnered 69 citations, reflecting significant academic influence. Shahid has explored the intersections of technology, sustainability, and finance, investigating how artificial intelligence, green product innovation, and digital financial tools shape organizational and individual financial behavior. His research also delves into monetary policy impacts, risk tolerance, and the role of religiosity and investor sentiment in shaping financial well-being. He has applied advanced quantitative and mixed-methods approaches using tools such as SmartPLS, SPSS, Stata, and EViews, ensuring methodological rigor. Shahid’s contributions have practical implications for banking, microfinance, and policy frameworks, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth. With an h-index reflecting his scholarly impact, his work continues to advance knowledge in behavioral finance, financial technology, and sustainable economic strategies, bridging theoretical inquiry with actionable insights for academia, industry, and policy development.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Aziz, A., & Hussain, S. (2025). Eco-leadership: Mediation of environmental corporate social responsibility policies in promoting pro-environmental behavior. International Journal of Ethics and Systems.

  • Hussain, S., & Abdel-Razzaq, A. I. M. (2025). Sun-powered solutions: Rural residential solar investment for climate and air quality policies. Sustainable Futures, 12, 101435.

  • Hussain, S., & Rehman, K. U. (2025, October 23). Green talent management and innovative work practices: The moderating role of artificial intelligence and transactional leadership: A case study in higher education. SN Business & Economics.

Marwa Atwa | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Fehmida Rashied | Soil Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Fehmida Rashied | Soil Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Fehmida Rashied | National Institute of Technology Srinagar | India 

Ms. Fehmida Rashied is an emerging researcher in analytical and organic chemistry with a strong foundation in chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, pesticide residue analysis, toxicology, and natural products. She has gained hands-on expertise in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques through training at premier institutions such as NIT Srinagar, SKUAST-Kashmir, and the Geological Survey of India. Her professional skills span HPLC, GC, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS/MS, and method validation for pesticides, heavy metals, and natural products, along with proficiency in sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, and quantification across diverse matrices. She has contributed to impactful research projects, including the synthesis of natural product-based polymer composites and carbon quantum dots. Her publication record reflects collaborative research contributions in biomedical chromatography, pesticide residue detection, and cancer-related studies. She has authored 3 documents, which have received 6 citations, resulting in an h-index of 2, highlighting the initial visibility and impact of her scholarly work. She has also presented at international conferences on agriculture, natural products, and climate change, and participated in webinars and high-end workshops in nanotechnology and analytical chemistry. With strong digital skills, communication abilities, and dedication to scientific growth, she continues to build research expertise aligned with contemporary challenges in food safety, toxicology, and natural product chemistry.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Jan, I., Rashied, F., Malik, N. A., Mukhtar, M., Dudwal, R., & Kataria, A. (Year). Detection of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables involving different chromatographic techniques (LC–MS/MS, GC–MS/MS, GC and HPLC). Journal of Biomedical Chromatography.

Christian Siewert | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Christian Siewert | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Christian Siewert | University of Applied Sciences Dresden | Germany 

Dr. Christian Siewert is a German soil scientist and ecologist with more than three decades of academic and international experience. Holding a Ph.D. in natural sciences from the Soil Research Centre in Müncheberg and a Habilitation in soil science from the Technical University of Berlin, he has built a distinguished career across research, teaching, and international collaboration. Since 2005, he has served as a full professor, currently at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences, where he focuses on ecological sciences, soil fertility, land use technologies, environmental monitoring, and scientific publication activities. His professional record spans leadership roles, international project coordination, and contributions to over 14 EU strategic partnership research projects, including SUMCULA on sustainable cultural landscape management. With academic engagements across regions such as Russia, Eastern Europe, New Zealand, South America, and Japan, he has demonstrated long-standing expertise in cross-border ecological initiatives. Dr. Siewert has authored 32 scientific documents, which have collectively earned 809 citations, reflecting his influence in his field. His publication impact is further evidenced by an h-index of 15, underscoring the significance and reach of his scholarly contributions. Alongside 60 scientific publications and six patents, his work integrates research excellence with teaching, innovation, and global scientific cooperation.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Krahl, I., Tokarski, D., Kučerík, J., Schwitzky, E., & Siewert, C. (2025). New approach to experimental soil health definition using thermogravimetric fingerprinting. Agronomy.

  • Tokarski, D., Šimečková, J., Kučerík, J., Kalbitz, K., Demyan, M. S., Merbach, I., Barkusky, D., Ruehlmann, J., & Siewert, C. (2019). Detectability of degradable organic matter in agricultural soils by thermogravimetry. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science.

  • David, J., Weissmannová, H. D., Steinmetz, Z., Kabelíková, L., Demyan, M. S., Šimečková, J., Tokarski, D., Siewert, C., Schaumann, G. E., & Kučerík, J. (2019). Introducing a soil universal model method (SUMM) and its application for qualitative and quantitative determination of poly(ethylene), poly(styrene), poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) microplastics in a model soil. Chemosphere.

  • Tokarski, D., Kučerík, J., Kalbitz, K., Demyan, M. S., Merbach, I., Barkusky, D., Ruehlmann, J., & Siewert, C. (2018). Contribution of organic amendments to soil organic matter detected by thermogravimetry. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science.

  • Kučerík, J., Tokarski, D., Demyan, M. S., Merbach, I., & Siewert, C. (2018). Linking soil organic matter thermal stability with contents of clay, bound water, organic carbon and nitrogen. Geoderma.

Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Saliha Ahmad | Case Western Reserve University | United States

Dr. Saliha Ahmad, a PhD candidate in Biology at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), is an emerging researcher specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Her scientific contributions focus on unraveling the mechanisms through which beneficial microbes enhance plant tolerance to environmental stress, combining molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field-based ecological approaches. She has co-authored 3 peer-reviewed publications, which have collectively received 125 citations across 123 documents, resulting in an h-index of 3—reflecting her growing impact in microbial and environmental sciences. Dr. Ahmad’s publications in high-quality journals such as Plant and Soil, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research explore microbial detoxification, biosorption, and plant–soil–microbe interactions. She is currently leading an innovative project supported by the Research Foundation of the American Rhododendron Society, aimed at developing microbiome-based bioinoculants (“Yogurt for your Plants”). Her strong command of molecular techniques, sequencing data analysis in R, and experimental design, coupled with awards like the Greer Memorial Conference Award (2024) and Oglebay Research Fund, highlight her excellence and potential as a future leader in sustainable plant–microbiome research.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Ali, B., Hafeez, A., Ahmad, S., Javed, M. A., et al. (2022). Bacillus thuringiensis PM25 ameliorates oxidative damage of salinity stress in maize via regulating growth, leaf pigments, antioxidant defense system, and stress-responsive gene expression. Frontiers in Plant Science.

Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Leipzig | Germany

Dr. Riffat Rahim is an accomplished soil scientist with a strong research portfolio and international experience across Germany, Canada, and Pakistan. She has contributed significantly to soil chemistry, rhizosphere processes, mucilage dynamics, salinity management, and phosphorus behavior in calcareous soils. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Bonn, a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Soil Science from Bahauddin Zakariya University. She has authored 4 scientific documents, accumulated 40 citations, and holds an h-index of 4, reflecting the visibility and impact of her publications. Her work spans experimental studies, pore-scale simulations, and field-relevant investigations, with research outputs published and additional manuscripts under review. She has presented at major platforms such as the EGU General Assembly, World Congress of Soil Science, DBG Germany conferences, and international workshops on spectroscopy and bioeconomy. Professionally, she serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Rostock and has held roles as a Visiting Scientist, Doctoral Researcher, and Research Assistant in leading institutions. Her technical mastery includes XANES, GC, HPLC, tomography, atomic absorption, and advanced data analysis using Python, R, and Origin. She is multilingual and experienced in laboratory management, project execution, and scientific communication.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Nazir, M. J., Hussain, M. M., Albasher, G., Iqbal, B., Khan, K. A., Rahim, R., Li, G., & Du, D. (2024). Glucose input profit soil organic carbon mineralization and nitrogen dynamics in relation to nitrogen-amended soils. Journal of Environmental Management.

Elma Hrustemovic | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Elma Hrustemovic | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Elma Hrustemovic | University of Sarajevo Veterinary Faculty | Bosnia

Elma Hrustemovic is a doctoral student at the University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health. An Academic Specialist in Clinical Microbiology, she is actively engaged in research on foodborne pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and molecular diagnostics. With over 40 scientific contributions, including peer-reviewed papers, conference presentations, and book chapters, she combines advanced laboratory expertise with a strong commitment to public health and food safety.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Elma Hrustemovic is a promising and dedicated researcher whose expertise in microbiology, public health, and food safety positions her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her combination of academic excellence, leadership, and impactful research demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global health challenges.

Education

Elma Hrustemovic is a Doctoral Student in the third year of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo. She has completed an integrated graduate and postgraduate academic program in Veterinary Medicine, accumulating comprehensive expertise in the field. She holds the title of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and is an Academic Specialist in Veterinary Medicine in Clinical Microbiology. Her academic background also includes a postgraduate specialist degree in Clinical Microbiology and advanced professional training in public health management, internal auditing for the public health sector, and governance for management and supervisory boards of companies with state capital involvement.

Experience

Elma is an active researcher and a dedicated member of the research team at the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She is engaged in multiple scientific projects focusing on the detection, identification, and antibiotic resistance profiling of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. Her work involves applying molecular techniques such as RealTime PCR, sequencing, and next-generation sequencing, alongside traditional microbiological methods. She has coordinated and contributed to various research work packages covering sampling, laboratory analysis, molecular confirmation, sequencing, antibiotic resistance testing, data harmonization, and dissemination of scientific findings.

Research Focus

Her research primarily targets the prevalence, distribution, and antibiotic resistance of foodborne pathogens, with a strong emphasis on public health safety and food quality assurance. She is involved in studies examining the genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp., the public health impact of antimicrobial resistance, and the development of molecular detection and identification protocols. Her scholarly contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, and ongoing book and manual authorships in the field of genetically modified organisms, microbiological safety, and pathogen control in the food chain.

Skills

Elma possesses advanced expertise in clinical microbiology, including isolation, identification, and characterization of microorganisms using microscopic, cultural, biochemical, and molecular methods. She is skilled in antibiotic sensitivity testing, serological diagnostics, immunoprophylaxis, and interpretation of microbiological results. Her technical proficiency extends to digital tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Joomla, Adobe Photoshop, and database management systems.

Awards

Elma has been recognized for her leadership and scientific engagement, serving as President of the Technical Committee for the VIII Student Congress “Food–Nutrition–Health” at the University of Sarajevo. She has actively contributed to both domestic and international scientific forums through oral presentations, posters, and published research.

Publications

Title: Testing the effectiveness of 6% domestic vinegar on the reduction of Campylobacter species in chicken meat production
Author: Elma Hrustemovic
Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Elma Hrustemovic is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. With continued growth in global collaborations and applied research outcomes, she has the potential to become a leading figure in her field.

Rui Zhang | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rui Zhang | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rui Zhang, Aalto University, Finland

Dr. Rui Zhang is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University, Finland, specializing in digital twin technologies, AI-integrated construction monitoring, and geotechnical engineering. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Sheffield, UK, and has conducted research across leading institutions including Nanyang Technological University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His work focuses on the integration of sensing systems, advanced numerical modeling, and machine learning to enhance infrastructure performance and safety in complex civil environments.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Rui Zhang demonstrates excellence in high-impact, interdisciplinary research in civil and geotechnical engineering with a forward-looking focus on digital transformation in infrastructure. His international academic trajectory, technical depth, and commitment to mentorship position him as an outstanding candidate for a Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Rui Zhang has a strong academic foundation in civil engineering, having pursued a PhD from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, where he specialized in advanced geotechnical modeling. His postgraduate education also includes a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and Solid Mechanics from Lanzhou University in China, with additional research experience at I-Shou University in Taiwan. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Zhengzhou University.

💼Experience

Rui Zhang has accumulated rich international research and academic experience through postdoctoral and research fellow roles in esteemed institutions. At Aalto University in Finland, he worked on developing digital twin systems for monitoring building construction processes using integrated sensing technologies and neurosymbolic reasoning. As a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, he contributed to the development of a city-scale digital twin for underground transportation infrastructure. At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, he focused on leak detection in pipelines using smart sensing systems, AI techniques, and wavelet signal analysis. During his doctoral studies, he specialized in limit analysis for unsaturated soil problems using Discontinuity Layout Optimization. His early research activities included nonlinear mechanics and pavement material analysis using stochastic finite element methods.

🔬Research Focus

Rui Zhang’s research interests span across digital twin systems, geotechnical engineering, structural health monitoring, AI-integrated modeling, soil-structure interaction, and tunnel infrastructure. He has a particular focus on applying physics-based and AI-enhanced computational methods to complex civil engineering problems including underground space behavior, pipeline diagnostics, and automated construction process monitoring.

🛠️Skills

He possesses strong technical skills in geomechanics, numerical modeling, and AI applications such as machine learning and deep learning for civil engineering systems. Rui is proficient in MATLAB, ANSYS, AutoCAD, and LabVIEW, and has hands-on experience with experimental setups, sensor integration, and data analytics. He is also adept in using BIM modeling tools and simulation platforms for smart construction and infrastructure management.

🏆Awards

Rui Zhang is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), showcasing his commitment to excellence in academic teaching and mentorship. He has served as a reviewer for leading journals including Acta Geotechnica, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, and Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, he holds a position on the Youth Editorial Board of the International Journal of Smart Construction, where he contributes to advancing digital twin technologies in construction.

📚 Publications

Title: Automated finite element analysis of burst capacity for corroded pipelines
Author: Rui Zhang
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Conclusion:

Dr. Rui Zhang is a highly deserving nominee for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His strengths in digital construction, computational geomechanics, and AI-integrated infrastructure monitoring are not only timely but crucial for the future of resilient and intelligent built environments. With continued leadership and broader dissemination of his work, he is poised to become a global leader in the field.

BARATHKUMAR | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Barathkumar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Barathkumar, Adhiyamaan College of Agriculture and Research, India

Mr. Barathkumar S is an Assistant Professor in Soil Science at Adhiyamaan College of Agriculture and Research, India. He holds an M.Sc. (Ag.) in Soil Science from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and specializes in soil fertility, spatial soil mapping, and precision agriculture. His research focuses on soil quality assessment, geospatial analysis, and sustainable nutrient management. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to advancing soil health and sustainable farming practices through innovative teaching and applied research.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Mr. Barathkumar is a young, dynamic soil scientist whose research is rooted in real-world agricultural and environmental challenges. His scientific contributions span advanced spatial mapping, AI-integrated soil diagnostics, and environmental health—making his work highly relevant to modern agricultural sustainability and digital soil science.

🎓 Education

Barathkumar S holds a Master of Science in Agriculture with a specialization in Soil Science from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, completed in October 2024 with an impressive OGPA of 8.91 out of 10. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture from the College of Agricultural Technology, Theni, Tamil Nadu, in 2022, securing a CGPA of 7.55. His foundational education includes Higher Secondary School (HSC) and Secondary School (SSLC) education from Sri Vidya Mandir Matric Higher Secondary School in Krishnagiri, where he scored 1088 out of 1200 and 483 out of 500, respectively, demonstrating academic excellence throughout.

💼Experience

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Soil Science at Adhiyamaan College of Agriculture and Research, Hosur since November 2024, Barathkumar has developed and taught undergraduate courses in fundamentals of soil science, problematic soils, and remote sensing. He has guided innovative student projects and conducted institutional events such as Soil Day’25. His academic involvement is complemented by active participation in research, publishing numerous peer-reviewed research, review, and popular science articles on soil and water mapping, AI in agriculture, soil fertility, and sustainable farming.

🔬Research Focus

Barathkumar’s research focuses on soil chemistry, fertility, conservation, and precision agriculture. He has conducted field and laboratory studies on soil quality, including spatial soil assessments in industrial zones using ArcGIS and geostatistical models. His recent works include heavy metal contamination analysis, nutrient prediction using multivariate time-series models, and AI-driven soil nutrient diagnostics. He has also explored environmental impacts of industrial effluents, groundwater quality assessment, and the application of liquid biofertilizers and radioisotopes in sustainable agriculture. His broader research interests lie in carbon dynamics, agroecosystem resilience, and integrating AI with soil health strategies for improved crop productivity.

🛠️Skills

Barathkumar is proficient in ArcGIS Pro software, which he used to map the soil of the ACAR farm, and has expertise in geostatistical analysis, laboratory techniques, soil quality assessment, scientific research, and statistical analysis. His skillset extends to scientific writing, remote sensing applications, and innovative classroom instruction. He also demonstrates strong capabilities in time management and interdisciplinary collaboration.

🏆Awards

He has participated in prestigious programs including the India International Science Festival’s Young Scientists Conference, the European Astronomy Contest “Catch a Star,” and various astronomy observation events. Notable academic conferences include his participation in the 8th Agricultural Graduate Students Conference (AGSC 2023), themed around the globalization of agriculture, where he engaged with contemporary discussions on food, feed, and fuel.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Advancements in Soil Quality Assessment: A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning and AI-Driven Approaches for Nutrient Deficiency Analysis
    Authors: S. Barathkumar, K.M. Sellamuthu, K. Sathyabama, P. Malathi, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 56(2), 251–276

  • Title: Effects of Artificial Soil Fertility Gradient Strategy on the Soil Fertility, Nutrient Uptake and Growth Attributes of Chakravarthi Keerai (Chenopodium album)
    Authors: R. Arulmani, K.M. Sellamuthu, S. Maragatham, P. Malathi, R. Rajeswari, et al.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 36(12), 519–529

  • Title: A Geostatistical Study of Heavy Metal Contamination and Soil Quality in Industrial Areas of Erode and Namakkal
    Authors: S. Barathkumar, A. Chitra Devi
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 1–21

  • Title: Multivariate Time Series Models for Soil Nutrient and Yield Prediction in Site Specific Integrated Nutrient Management
    Authors: A. Chitra Devi, S. Maragatham, R. Santhi, S. Srivastava, P. Dey, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 1–19

  • Title: Groundwater Quality Assessment in Selected Polluted Hotspots of Tamil Nadu, India Using Geospatial and Statistical Approaches
    Authors: S. Barathkumar, K.M. Sellamuthu, K. Sathyabama, P. Malathi, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Desalination and Water Treatment, 322, 101047

Conclusion:

Mr. S. Barathkumar is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work demonstrates originality, relevance, and future promise. With continued support, he is well-positioned to become a leading researcher in soil science and precision agriculture both nationally and globally.

Nevein Messiha | soil microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevein Messiha | soil microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevein Messiha, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevein Messiha is a distinguished researcher at the Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. She specializes in crop science, soil fertility, plant breeding, contributing significantly to agricultural advancements through her research and publications. Dr. Messiha is recognized for her commitment to improving sustainable agricultural practices in Egypt and beyond.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevein Messiha exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher with over 27 years of specialized experience in plant pathology. Her contributions to environmentally friendly disease management solutions, coupled with her leadership in national research projects, have had significant scientific, environmental, and agricultural impacts. Her work addresses critical challenges in food security, sustainability, and soil health—key priorities for global agricultural research.

🎓 Education

Dr. Nevein A.S. Messiha holds a PhD in Plant Pathology and Soil Microbiology from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, earned between 2003 and 2006. Her doctoral research focused on managing bacterial wilt of potato, with special emphasis on pathogen survival and possible eradication methods. She earned her MSc in Plant Pathology and Physiology from Zagazig University (Benha branch) in Egypt between 1995 and 2001, where she studied the biological control of potato brown rot disease. She began her academic journey with a BSc in Plant Science from Cairo University (Bani Suef branch), completed between 1988 and 1992.

💼Experience

Dr. Messiha currently serves as the Head of the Bacteriology Plant Research Department at the Plant Pathology Institute (PPRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt, a position she has held since October 2017. Since 2007, she has worked on the Potato Brown Rot Project (PBRP), where she supervises PhD and MSc students and leads research projects focused on environmentally friendly approaches to disease management. She has also served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Bacterial Plant Disease Department, ARC, since 2015. Her experience includes two decades of involvement in EU-Egypt cooperative projects aimed at enhancing diagnostics and disease control for quarantine pathogens. Prior roles include assistant researcher, researcher, and laboratory trainer in national and international capacities. Her career reflects over 27 years of intensive work in plant pathology, particularly in bacterial disease management in potatoes.

🔬Research Focus

Her research is centered on sustainable disease management and soil health improvement, with a focus on controlling potato brown rot disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. She promotes non-chemical methods such as Biological Soil Disinfestation (BSD), crop rotation, and the use of biocontrol agents and organic amendments. She investigates microbial biodiversity, disease suppression mechanisms, and the enhancement of plant resistance through natural and biological means. Her work aims to integrate eco-friendly techniques to foster sustainable agricultural practices and safeguard plant health at both national and international levels.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Messiha is proficient in a range of molecular and microbiological techniques, including TaqMan Assay, LAMP, PCR-DGGE analysis, Sanger sequencing, and next-generation sequencing data analysis. She is skilled in using bioinformatics and gel documentation software such as Phoratix 1D Pro and BioEdit. Her statistical competencies include SPSS, SAS, and R. She has also been trained extensively in ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation systems, risk analysis, and quality management standards. Furthermore, she has expertise in diagnosing and identifying plant pathogenic bacteria in compliance with international phytosanitary standards.

🏆Awards

Dr. Messiha has led several national research projects funded by the Science and Technological Development Fund (STDF), including the REiNVEsT project (2019–2022) and another from 2012–2016 on environmentally friendly brown rot control. She has served as a reviewer for numerous international journals and is recognized for her contributions to improving biocontrol methods and diagnostics. Her leadership roles include department head, project leader, and advisor for graduate research. Her scholarly impact is reflected in an H-index of 11 and over 700 citations.

📚 Publications

Publication: Impact Of Glycyrrhizic Acid Ammonium Salt Nanoparticles And Salicylic Acid Nanoparticles On Ralstonia Solanacearum Suppression And Soil Microbial Biodiversity
Author: Messiha, Nevein A.S., El-Abeid, Sozan E., El-Tabakh, Mohamed A.M., Rashad, Mostafa A.M.M., Shoala, Tahsin
Year: 2025
Journal: Physiological And Molecular Plant Pathology

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nevein Messiha is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. While opportunities for greater international engagement and industry collaboration remain, her current achievements and future potential clearly place her among top candidates deserving of this recognition.