Hossein Bashari | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari, Isfahan University Of Technology, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari is a faculty member at the Natural Resources Department, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. He specializes in rangeland and desert ecosystem management, with a strong focus on ecological modeling, Bayesian Belief Networks, and decision support systems for sustainable land use. Dr. Bashari earned his PhD from the University of Queensland, Australia, and has led numerous research projects on rangeland functionality, climate impact modeling, and habitat conservation. With a distinguished record of scientific publications and graduate supervision, he is recognized for advancing interdisciplinary approaches to natural resource management in arid and semi-arid environments.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hossein Bashari is a seasoned researcher with a strong academic foundation, interdisciplinary expertise, and a significant portfolio of published work in environmental and natural resource management. His unique focus on decision-support tools and ecological modeling for arid and semi-arid ecosystems addresses pressing environmental challenges. His teaching, supervision, and research leadership further reinforce his contribution to science and education.

🎓 Education

Dr. Hossein Bashari holds a PhD in Natural Resource Management from the University of Queensland, Australia, awarded in 2006. He earned his MSc in Range Management from Tehran University in 1998 and his BSc in Range Management and Watershed from Gorgan University in 1996. His doctoral research focused on developing processes and tools to support adaptive management in complex rangeland systems, while his master’s thesis investigated forage quality and its comparison with livestock feed requirements in different rangeland conditions.

💼Experience

Dr. Bashari is an Assistant Professor at the Natural Resources Faculty of Isfahan University of Technology, Iran. He has extensive academic and field experience in rangeland and desert ecosystem analysis, modeling, and management. He has supervised numerous graduate students and has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting work on ecological modeling, land use change, and environmental impacts. His academic career is complemented by field research on plant ecology, soil analysis, habitat modeling, and the development of decision support systems.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Bashari’s research primarily explores the application of Bayesian Belief Networks in natural resources and wildlife management. He focuses on modeling rangeland and desert ecosystems, developing diagnostic and predictive decision support systems, and assessing environmental changes using remote sensing and spatial analysis. His work integrates theoretical modeling with applied conservation and land use planning, particularly under conditions of climate change and ecological uncertainty.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Bashari possesses advanced expertise in ecological modeling, remote sensing, and the development of decision support tools using Bayesian Belief Networks. He is skilled in ecosystem function analysis, land condition assessment, GIS, and landscape function analysis. His academic strengths include designing and teaching courses on rangeland ecosystems, desert ecosystems, and plant identification. He demonstrates strong capabilities in research design, data analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic supervision.

🏆Awards

He received a scholarship from Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology for his PhD studies. He was awarded first place in the national MSc entrance examination for Range Management in 1997 and earned second runner-up for best student paper/poster at the 2006 Cutting Edge Conference hosted by the Australian Rangeland Society.

📚 Publications

Title: Developing habitat suitability models for the endangered plant species Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian using management data: Application of Bayesian belief network
Year: 2025
Journal: Environmental Challenges (Open Access)


Title: Extracted of polysaccharides from the roots of Eremurus persicus bioss plant / polyvinyl alcohol: Design and characterization of cellular scaffold for cell culture applications
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules


Title: Prioritizing the Risk of Multiple Invasive Species in the Semiarid Rangelands of Iran: An Ecological Approach to Multicriteria Decision-Making
Year: 2025
Journal: Ecology and Evolution (Open Access)

Conclusion:

Dr. Hossein Bashari is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in domains related to environmental science, ecosystem modeling, and sustainable land management. His research is scientifically robust, methodologically advanced, and practically impactful. With minor enhancements in international collaboration and updated outputs, he stands out as a strong, well-rounded contender for this prestigious recognition.

Sivaranjani S | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sivaranjani S | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sivaranjani S, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, India

Dr. Sivaranjani S is a Scientist-C at the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, North East Regional Centre, India. She holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, with expertise in carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics. With a strong academic foundation, including a Gold Medal in M.Sc. Agriculture (Soil and Water Conservation) from Banaras Hindu University, her research focuses on forest soil health, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management in the Indian Himalayan Region. Dr. Sivaranjani has contributed to numerous national and international projects and publications, earning multiple awards for her scientific excellence.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Sivaranjani S is a dedicated and impactful researcher whose work is helping shape our understanding of soil respiration and its environmental drivers in the Himalayan region. Her contributions to ecological modeling and climate-soil interaction studies are well-recognized and align closely with the objectives of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also aids in conservation planning and sustainable ecosystem management.

🎓 Education

Dr. Sivaranjani S holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, with a specialization in carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics across various vegetation covers. She earned her M.Sc. in Agriculture (Soil and Water Conservation) from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, where she secured a Gold Medal with an impressive 88.90%. She also completed her B.Sc. (Agriculture) from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University with a strong academic record of 84%.

💼Experience

Currently serving as Scientist C at the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, North East Regional Centre, Dr. Sivaranjani brings a robust research background in soil health and ecosystem-based climate adaptation. Her previous roles include serving as a Research Associate at FRI and as a DST-INSPIRE Fellow, during which she made impactful contributions to forest soil research and conservation strategies. She has participated as Co-Principal Investigator in six significant national and regional research projects focusing on environmental impact, forest fire effects, and social assessments for hydroelectric projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Sivaranjani’s research primarily focuses on soil science, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land management in the fragile ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan Region. Her doctoral work contributed to a deeper understanding of forest soil carbon dynamics under various vegetation types. Currently, her research supports climate adaptation and biodiversity resilience through ecosystem-based approaches. She has also contributed to the national preparation of forest soil health cards and continues to integrate scientific research with conservation-oriented field implementation.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Sivaranjani is skilled in soil carbon modeling, agroforestry, water quality assessment, nutrient management, and forest ecosystem analysis. Her expertise spans various domains including ecological monitoring, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable agricultural systems. She has authored or co-authored over 25 research articles in reputed journals, published one book, and contributed to eight book chapters. She serves as a reviewer for journals such as Scientific Reports and Soil Science, and is affiliated with professional bodies including the National Institute of Ecology and the British Ecological Society.

🏆Awards

Dr. Sivaranjani has received several accolades for her academic and research excellence. These include the “Young Researcher Award 2021” from the Institute of Scholars (InSC), Bangalore, and a travel grant from the British Ecological Society to present at the XXII Dokuchaev International Scientific Conference in Russia, where she also won second prize in oral presentation. Additionally, she secured third prize in a poster presentation at the Summit on Climate Resilient Mountain Agriculture, received the DST-INSPIRE Fellowship during her Ph.D., and was awarded a Gold Medal for topping her M.Sc. program. She has also won a Best Paper Award at an international agricultural conference and earned academic accolades as early as 2005 through a state-level science talent search.

📚 Publications

Title:
Modeling soil respiration: Seasonal variability and drivers in pine and broad-leaved forests of the lower Himalayas

Authors:
Sivaranjani, S.; Sarkar, Mriganka Shekhar; Panwar, Vijender Pal; Mishra, Arun Pratap; Rathnayake, Upaka Sanjeewa

Year:
2025

Journal:
Trees, Forests and People

Conclusion:

Dr. Sivaranjani is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her research demonstrates scientific excellence, societal relevance, and a strong foundation for future contributions to environmental science. With continued growth in collaborative and interdisciplinary dimensions, she is poised to be a leading figure in Himalayan ecosystem research and environmental sustainability.

Taiji Kou | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou, Henan University of Science and Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou is a Professor and Dean at the Department of Resources and Environmental Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen cycles, sustainable agricultural production, and nutrient management in major crops. He has authored over 96 research papers, published seven books, and holds ten patents. He is also an executive director of the Henan Soil Society and an expert evaluator for national research projects.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou is a distinguished researcher with a solid track record in soil science and sustainable agriculture. His work has contributed significantly to nutrient management strategies, improving agricultural productivity while addressing environmental challenges. With numerous publications, patents, and international research exposure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Taiji Kou holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China, obtained in June 2007. He earned his M.Sc. in Soil Science from Henan Agricultural University in 2004 and his B.Sc. in Soil and Agricultural Chemistry from the same institution in 1999.

💼Experience

Taiji Kou has been part of the Department of Resources and Environmental Science at Henan University of Science & Technology, China, since 2007, where he progressed from Lecturer (2007-2010) to Associate Professor (2010-2019) and then to Professor (2019-present). He also worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2009-2012), and later at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in the School of Agriculture and Food (2016-2017).

🔬Research Focus

Taiji Kou’s research primarily revolves around the soil carbon and nitrogen cycle, with an emphasis on understanding nutrient element interactions in major crops like wheat, rice, and corn under climate change conditions. His work aims to clarify the response mechanisms and develop regulatory technologies for sustainable agricultural production. He has authored 96 journal articles, including 20 SCI papers, published seven books, and holds ten patents related to soil science and agricultural innovation.

🛠️Skills

His expertise includes soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, efficient crop nutrition utilization, and sustainable agricultural production. He has specialized in analyzing the turnover of major nutrient elements in the crop-soil-air system and their response to climate and environmental changes.

🏆Awards

He has been recognized for his contributions through various grants and projects, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. He also plays an active role as an expert evaluator for national scientific foundations, talent projects, and education quality assessments.

📚 Publications

  • Publication: Melatonin: A Novel and Beneficial Substance in Sweet Potatoes Through Selenium Application

    • Authors: Xianghan Cheng, Xuan Yang, Quan Zhang, Wenbang Hou, Youjun Li, et al.

    • Journal: Food Chemistry

    • Year: 2025

  • Publication: Corrigendum to “Melatonin: A Novel and Beneficial Substance in Sweet Potatoes Through Selenium Application”

    • Authors: Xianghan Cheng, Xuan Yang, Quan Zhang, Wenbang Hou, Youjun Li, et al.

    • Journal: Food Chemistry

    • Year: 2025

  • Publication: Effects of Improving Copper-Contaminated Soil With Biochar and Humic Acid on Nutrient Uptake of Wheat Under Warming Conditions

    • Authors: Wangshu Yun, Dehong Liu, Taiji Kou, Lukuan Lai, Dongfang Xia

    • Journal: Agricultural Research in the Arid Areas

    • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong research background, innovative contributions, and leadership in academia make him a compelling nominee. Addressing minor improvements in global collaborations and industry partnerships could further enhance his profile for such prestigious recognitions.

Liang Zhao | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Liang Zhao | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liang Zhao, Moutai Institute, China

Prof. Liang Zhao is an Associate Professor at Moutai Institute, specializing in microbiology, fermentation science, and plant-microbe interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University and has extensive experience in microbial ecology and brewing research. His work focuses on rhizosphere microbial communities, endophytic bacteria, and their applications in sorghum cultivation and fermentation processes. He has led multiple research projects and holds several patents related to microbial applications in brewing and agriculture. His contributions have been published in high-impact journals, advancing the understanding of microbial diversity and biotechnology in fermentation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Liang Zhao is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to microbiology, fermentation science, and brewing engineering. His work has led to significant advancements in microbial community research, fermentation optimization, and plant-microbe interactions. His ability to translate research into patents and industry applications further solidifies his impact.

🎓 Education

Zhao Liang holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (2009-2015), where he also completed his Master’s degree in Microbiology (2006-2009). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from South China University of Tropical Agriculture, now Hainan University (2002-2006).

💼Experience

He has been an Associate Professor at Moutai College, Department of Brewing Engineering, since 2018. Prior to this, he completed postdoctoral research at Kweichow Moutai Distillery (Group) Co., Ltd. from 2015 to 2018, focusing on microbial applications in brewing science.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores microbial ecology, rhizosphere microbe interactions, endophytic bacteria, and fermentation microbiology. His work contributes significantly to understanding how root-associated microbes influence sorghum cultivation and its application in brewing processes.

🛠️Skills

Zhao Liang specializes in microbiology, microbial ecology, fermentation science, plant-microbe interactions, and metagenomics. His expertise includes molecular techniques for microbial characterization, microbial strain development, and biotechnological applications in brewing and agriculture.

🏆Awards

His contributions to microbiology and brewing science have been recognized through patents and research grants. His patented methodologies and microbial discoveries have applications in brewing, soil health, and plant growth promotion, highlighting his impact on both academic research and industrial biotechnology.

📚 Publications

  • Publication Title: Optimization of the fermentation process of Moutai-flavored Daqu with the addition of green tea: impacts on bacterial succession and endogenous factors
  • Authors: L. Zhao, Liang; X. Wang, Xiangyong; Z. Luo, Zhenbiao; Y. Zhong, Yanxia; X. Wang, Xinye
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology

Conclusion:

Prof. Zhao is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening international collaborations, increasing citations, and expanding mentorship efforts would further enhance his research profile and impact.