Eric LEGBA | Soil Fertility | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Eric LEGBA | Soil Fertility | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Eric LEGBA, World Vegetable Center, Benin

Eric C. LEGBA is a Research Assistant Agronomist at the World Vegetable Center, West and Central Africa, based at the IITA-Benin Campus in Cotonou. He holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Sustainable Cropping Systems. His research focuses on soil fertility management, crop productivity enhancement, and sustainable agriculture. Eric has led studies on intercropping techniques, organic fertilization, and the use of Black Soldier Fly frass as an organic amendment. He has collaborated with international research institutions and contributed to capacity-building programs, influencing sustainable farming practices across West Africa.

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Summary:

Mr. Eric Legba is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award, given his contributions to sustainable agriculture, soil fertility management, and innovative farming techniques. His work has direct applications in improving agricultural practices, particularly in Africa, and his affiliation with the World Vegetable Center adds credibility to his research. His publications and technical reports demonstrate a commitment to bridging scientific research and real-world agricultural solutions.

 

🎓 Education

Eric C. LEGBA holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Sustainable Cropping Systems. His academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in soil fertility, crop nutrition, agronomic trials, and sustainable agricultural practices.

đź’ĽExperience

As a Research Assistant Agronomist at the World Vegetable Center, West and Central Africa, based at the IITA-Benin Campus in Cotonou, Eric LEGBA has been actively involved in multiple research and development initiatives. He has worked extensively on intercropping techniques, organic fertilization trials, and sustainable agricultural technologies. His research projects include maize-mungbean intercropping, okra variety evaluations, and nutrient management using organic amendments such as Black Soldier Fly frass. In addition to research, he has contributed to consultancies and training programs focused on improving agricultural sustainability in West Africa.

🔬Research Focus

Eric LEGBA’s research focuses on sustainable cropping systems, soil fertility improvement, and innovative crop technologies. His studies emphasize the use of organic amendments, including Black Soldier Fly frass, to enhance soil health and crop yield. He has collaborated with international research institutions such as CIMMYT, IWMI, IFAD, and national organizations, contributing to capacity building, policy recommendations, and farmer training programs. His work aims to advance agroecological practices and optimize fertilization strategies for improved vegetable production.

Awards

Eric LEGBA has received recognition for his contributions to sustainable agriculture and soil fertility management. He has been nominated for the Young Scientist Award, showcasing his impactful research and commitment to advancing agronomic practices.

Skills

His expertise encompasses soil fertility management, crop productivity enhancement, agronomic trials, sustainable cropping technologies, and agroecology. He has extensive experience in project implementation, research collaborations, and consultancy work aimed at promoting evidence-based agricultural practices. His technical skills include intercropping techniques, organic fertilization strategies, and the development of improved tools for sustainable farming.

 

Publications

2025

  • Productivity and Profitability of Maize-Mungbean and Maize-Chili Pepper Relay Intercropping Systems for Income Diversification and Soil Fertility in Southern Benin
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, L Pawera, R Srinivasan – Sustainability 17 (3), 1076

2024

  • Organic mulching
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Staking of fruit vegetable plants
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Low inputting of fertilizers for safe and sustainable vegetable production
    L Dossou, EC Legba, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Use of sticky traps in vegetable production for sustainable pest management
    L Dossou, EC Legba, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Citizen science informs demand-driven breeding of opportunity crops
    R Voss, K de Sousa, S N’Danikou, AJ Shango, LA Aglinglo, MA Laporte, EC Legba, et al. – bioRxiv, 2024.07.31.605211

2023

  • Technical report on safe and sustainable vegetable production activities in Benin
    E Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Ramasamy – International Food Policy Research Institute

 

  • Preferences of market gardeners for traditional vegetables and associated factors in urban areas of southern Benin
    TA Kouévi, CK Adé, S N’Danikou, RL Mongbo, C Komlan, EC Legba, et al. – Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture and Society 11 (5)

 

  • Developing improvement strategies for management of the Sisrè berry plant [Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach & Thonn.) Daniell] based on end-user perspectives
    DA Tchokponhoué, EC Legba, S N’Danikou, D Nyadanu, HO Oselebe, et al. – Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 7, 1252036

 

  • Guide pratique de culture de l’amarante et de multiplication des semences
    LA Aglinglo, A Sidibe, S N’Danikou, EC Legba, A Nantoume-Dolo, et al. – ResearchGate

2020

  • Fiche technique synthĂ©tique pour la production de la carotte (Daucus carota L.)
    EC Legba, LA Aglinglo, RA Francisco, CA Houdegbe, et al. – DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.32623.66729

 

Conclusion:

With a solid research foundation and international collaborations, Mr. Legba has great potential to make further contributions to sustainable food production. Strengthening his profile through increased citations, securing research funding, mentoring young scientists, and integrating interdisciplinary approaches would enhance his candidacy. Overall, he is a highly competitive nominee for the award and has the potential to become a leading figure in sustainable agricultural research.

Nafiseh Rangzan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an Associate Professor at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran. Her research focuses on soil chemistry, soil pollution, soil fertility, soil organic matter, and soil amendments. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly through her work on the effects of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar on plant growth under salinity stress. Dr. Rangzan has published widely in journals and authored a book, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. She is an active member of the academic community and holds editorial roles in scientific journals.

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Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan’s contributions to soil chemistry and sustainable agriculture are substantial. Through her work on organic amendments and soil health, she has significantly influenced agricultural practices, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where salinity stress poses a major challenge. Her research provides practical solutions to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient uptake in crops, and foster environmental sustainability.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an accomplished academic with extensive training in soil science. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, specializing in soil chemistry and environmental sustainability. Her academic journey has equipped her with a solid foundation in the study of soil fertility, soil pollution, and soil organic matter. This expertise has shaped her research and professional career, enabling her to contribute significantly to the field of soil amendments and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an Associate Professor at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran. She has a strong background in soil science, particularly in soil chemistry, soil pollution, and soil fertility. Throughout her career, Dr. Rangzan has been actively involved in research focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, such as the utilization of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar to enhance plant growth under salinity stress. Her work has been crucial in advancing the understanding of soil organic matter and amendments, contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, Dr. Rangzan has held editorial positions in scientific journals and participated in various academic and professional collaborations.

🔬Research Focus

Her primary areas of research include soil chemistry, soil pollution, soil fertility, soil organic matter, and soil amendments. Her ongoing research explores the effect of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar on plant growth under salinity stress, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices.

 

 

Awards

Nafiseh has made significant contributions to her field and has published extensively. She has authored a book and numerous journal articles, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in soil science.

 

Skills

Her expertise spans soil management, environmental sustainability, and agricultural practices. She is skilled in conducting research, data analysis, and contributing to industry projects. Additionally, she has contributed to the scientific community through her editorial roles and professional memberships.

Publications

  • Title: Some plant growth promoting traits of Streptomyces species isolated from various crop rhizospheres with high root colonization ability of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
    Authors: Saraylou, M., Nadian Ghomsheh, H., Enayatizamir, N., Rangzan, N., St. Clair Senn, S.
    Journal: Applied Ecology and Environmental Research
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 4

 

  • Title: Tillage, crop establishment, and weed management for improving productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil physicochemical properties in soybean-wheat cropping system
    Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Zan, N.R.
    Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 4

 

  • Title: Weed management and conservation tillage for improving productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability of wheat in soybean (Glycine max)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system
    Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Rangzan, N.
    Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Effect of tillage and residue management on productivity of soybean and physico-chemical properties of soil in soybean-wheat cropping system
    Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Rangzan, N., Behera, U.K., Das, T.K.
    Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 15

 

  • Title: Prediction of the solubility of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and lead in metal-contaminated soils
    Authors: Zan, N.R., Datta, S.P., Rattan, R.K., Dwivedi, B.S., Meena, M.C.
    Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 29

Conclusion:

Dr. Rangzan is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her impressive academic output, innovative approach to soil management, and active contributions to scientific communities. While there are opportunities for further development, particularly through broadening her research methodologies and increasing her international collaboration, her work is already making a meaningful difference in the field of soil science and sustainable agriculture. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past achievements but also encourage further contributions to addressing global agricultural challenges.

Mohammad Mosaferi | Soil | Soil Toxicology Research Award

Prof. Mohammad Mosaferi | Soil | Soil Toxicology Research Award

Prof.Mohammad Mosaferi, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Prof. Mohammad Mosaferi is a professor of Environmental Health Engineering at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed a sabbatical at UCL-Birkbeck, London. His research focuses on water quality, arsenic contamination, environmental epidemiology, and wastewater treatment. With over two decades of academic and administrative experience, he has published extensively, achieving an H-index of 20 (Scopus) and 27 (Google Scholar). Prof. Mosaferi is an active member of multiple scientific associations and serves on editorial boards of prominent journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Mohammad Mosaferi is a highly qualified environmental health expert with significant contributions to soil toxicology, particularly in the areas of arsenic and heavy metal contamination. His interdisciplinary research approach, teaching, and leadership roles make him a valuable asset in addressing global soil contamination issues. His work effectively bridges the gap between environmental toxicology and public health, emphasizing sustainable solutions.

 

 

🎓 Education

Mohammad Mosaferi earned his B.Sc. in Environmental Health Engineering from the College of Abureyhan, University of Tehran, Iran, in 1996. He completed his M.Sc. in Environmental Health Engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1999 and subsequently obtained his Ph.D. in the same field from the same institution in 2005. During his doctoral studies, he undertook a sabbatical leave with the London Arsenic Group at the Research School of Earth Sciences, UCL-Birkbeck, London, under the supervision of Prof. Karen Hudson-Edwards (2004–2005).

 

đź’ĽExperience

Prof. Mosaferi currently serves as a full professor in the Department of Environmental Health Engineering at the Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (since 2014). Previously, he held positions as an associate professor (2011–2014) and assistant professor (2005–2011) in the same department. He has also served as Deputy of Education at the Faculty of Health (2013–2016) and Head of the Department of Environmental Health Engineering (2006–2010). Additionally, he was an honorary research assistant at the Department of Earth Sciences, College of Birkbeck, UCL, London, UK (2004–2009). Prof. Mosaferi has been actively involved in administrative roles, including leadership positions in environmental committees, strategic councils, and research groups at both national and provincial levels.

 

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Mosaferi’s research interests encompass water quality and treatment, the environmental and health impacts of arsenic, environmental epidemiology, wastewater treatment, environmental health impact assessment, waste management, and passive defense. His work emphasizes public health solutions and sustainable environmental practices.

 

 

Awards and Honors

Prof. Mosaferi has received multiple accolades, including being named Selected Researcher in Environmental Protection for East Azerbaijan Province and Selected Young Researcher by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran. He achieved first rank in entrance exams and academic courses at the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels, reflecting his consistent academic excellence.

 

International Participation

Prof. Mosaferi actively engages in international collaboration and training, including participation in the 8th International Course on Alternative Methods for the Reduction of Pesticide Use in Izmir, Turkey (2018). His international involvement underscores his commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.

Skills

Prof. Mosaferi is an expert in designing and managing water treatment systems, assessing environmental and health impacts of development projects, analyzing pollutants using advanced methods, and addressing public health challenges through environmental health engineering.

 

Publications

  • “A comprehensive review of cyclic activated sludge processes in wastewater treatment: Current perspectives and future challenges”
    Authors: Mosaferi, M., Shekoohiyan, S., Behnami, A., Allaeaiea, H., Pourakbar, M.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Experimental and numerical study of efficient sulfate reduction and heavy metal elimination from real acid mine drainage”
    Authors: Afsar, E., Nejaei, A., Mosaferi, M.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Importance of Quality of Groundwater Resources in Transboundary River with Emphasis on Hydro-geochemical Properties, Case study: Aras Transboundary River (Northern Iran)”
    Authors: Ghayurdoost, F., Firouzsalari, N.Z., Nikmaram, S., Baba, A., Mosaferi, M.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Evaluation of cumulative exposures to multiple pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits in the Northwest of Iran: a risk assessment using Monte Carlo Simulation”
    Authors: Abbaszadeh, L., Maleki, N.S., Mosaferi, M., Asl Hashemi, A., Safari, G.H.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Interplay of arsenic exposure and cigarette smoking on oxidative DNA damage in healthy males”
    Authors: Nemati-Mansour, S., Mosaferi, M., Babaie, J., Nikniaz, L., Miri, M.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

 

  • “Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation”
    Authors: Rahmati, F., Sethi, D., Shu, W., Thomson, A., Price, G.W.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

 

  • “Investigating the types and amounts of pesticides used in agriculture in the East Azerbaijan province”
    Authors: Mosaferi, M., Yahyazadeh, J., Mohammadian, Y., Moshtaghi, F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Mosaferi is an excellent candidate for the Research for Soil Toxicology Research Award. His strong academic background, impactful research, and commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges position him as a leader in the field. However, he could further strengthen his application by emphasizing more soil-specific toxicology research and highlighting his recent work through increased outreach and collaborations. Overall, his expertise and achievements make him a compelling contender for this recognition.

Mustapha Najjari | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari, Faculté des Sciences Gabes, Tunisia

Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari is a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Gabes, Tunisia. With expertise in physics, his research focuses on transport phenomena in porous media, PEM Fuel Cells, and renewable energy technologies. He has published over 40 national and international articles and contributed extensively to numerical modeling and fluid dynamics studies. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Najjari is actively involved in teaching, mentoring Ph.D. students, and serving on editorial boards and academic committees.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His significant contributions to physics, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and fluid dynamics, position him as a leader in his field. His dedication to teaching, mentoring, and editorial activities further exemplify his commitment to academia. While there are opportunities to elevate his profile through enhanced citations, funding, and industry engagement, his track record demonstrates a strong foundation for recognition.

 

🎓 Education

He holds a Postdoctoral HDR (Habilitation Ă  Diriger des Recherches) from the Faculty of Sciences, Tunis, focusing on flow in porous media and PEM Fuel Cells (2008). His Ph.D. in Physics (2002) addressed boiling in porous media, and he earned his Master’s degree in 1995 and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1992.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Professor Najjari serves at the University of Gabes, Tunisia, and has been a part of the faculty since 1995, progressing from lecturer to professor. He has contributed significantly to research at the Laboratory of Processes, Energetics, Environment & Electrical Systems and other institutions. He has also been involved in national and international academic judging and distance learning initiatives.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on transport phenomena in porous media, PEM Fuel Cells, salt crystallization, and renewable energy technologies. He applies numerical modeling to investigate complex fluid dynamics, phase changes, and heat transfer in engineering and environmental contexts.

 

Awards

He has published over 40 national and international articles, reviewed for renowned journals like Springer and Elsevier, and contributed to the development of cutting-edge AI models for medical and engineering applications.

 

Skills

Mustapha Najjari is proficient in teaching advanced physics topics such as Statics, Dynamics, Electromagnetism, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Waves, and Modern Physics. He has expertise in Numerical Methods, Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Storage, and Surface Physics. His research skills include numerical simulation, phase change analysis, and modeling in porous media, with notable computer proficiency in tools like Fortran, Pascal, MS Office, and specialized graphing software.

 

Publications

  • “Analytical Analysis of the Effects of the Porosity Distribution on Liquid–Water Management in the Cathode of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell”
    • Authors: F. Khemili, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “Recent advancements in enhancing the efficiency of solar energy systems through the utilization of ferrofluids and magnetic fields”
    • Authors: Z. Mehrez, W. Maaoui, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 3

 

  • “Effects of the Porosity Distribution on Liquid–Water Transport in the Cathode of a PEMFC Fuel Cell” (Conference Paper)
    • Authors: F. Khemili, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “Extracting salt from soil with ceramic sheets”
    • Authors: F. Khemili, C. Gobaa, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “A web-based intelligent calculator for predicting viscosity of ethylene–glycol–based nanofluids using an artificial neural network model”
    • Authors: W. Maaoui, Z. Mehrez, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • “Numerical Modeling of the Influence of Gas Diffusion Layer Properties on Liquid Water Transport and Transient Responses in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell”
    • Authors: F. Khemili, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

 

  • “Estimation of nanofluids viscosity using artificial neural network: application on the lubricant poly-alpha-olefin boron nitride”
    • Authors: W. Maaoui, Z. Mehrez, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

 

  • “Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Wearable ECG for Elderly Patients” (Book Chapter)
    • Authors: N. Sakli, C. Baccouch, B.O. Soufene, S. Hedi, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3

 

  • “Dielectric Properties of Contaminated Soil by Salt Crystals”
    • Authors: W. Maaoui, F. Mezdari, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “Internet of Things (IoT) System with Matlab Interface for Multi-Patient ECG’s Monitoring” (Conference Paper)
    • Authors: N. Sakli, C. Baccouche, A. Zouinkhi, H. Sakli, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 0

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Najjari is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His impactful research, academic leadership, and dedication to addressing pressing global challenges align with the qualities of an outstanding researcher. Addressing the outlined areas for improvement could further enhance his candidacy in future evaluations.