Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Cecilia Dini | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Cecilia Dini | National Council for Scientific and Technical Research | Argentina

Dr. Cecilia Dini is a distinguished scientist whose research bridges chemistry, microbiology, and food technology to advance the revalorization of ancient and non-traditional crops for modern food applications. Her work focuses on unlocking the nutritional, functional, and industrial potential of underutilized Andean roots and tubers such as ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), and Jerusalem artichoke, positioning these crops as valuable resources for sustainable food systems. Through two completed research projects and ongoing investigations on Argentinian oca, she has significantly contributed to understanding the biochemical composition, starch characteristics, and functional properties of these species. Her studies have demonstrated how root- and tuber-derived biopolymers, including fructans and resistant starches, can serve as healthy dietary fibers and versatile ingredients for gluten-free products and functional foods. Dr. Dini’s research not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also supports local farming systems by promoting the use of resilient, climate-adaptive crops. She has published 28 peer-reviewed papers in indexed journals, with her research earning over 550 citations across 475 documents and achieving an H-index of 14 (Scopus) and 17 (Google Scholar), reflecting her strong scientific impact. Her collaborative efforts with international research institutions such as Texas A&M University (USA), IATA (Spain), and the National University of Ambato (Ecuador) have fostered interdisciplinary innovation and global knowledge exchange in crop utilization and food processing. In addition to journal publications, she has authored book chapters on non-cereal starch resources, cassava-derived ingredients, and nutritional analyses of Andean roots, contributing extensively to literature in food science and agricultural biotechnology. Dr. Dini’s body of work exemplifies excellence in research translation—bridging laboratory insights with industrial applications, supporting sustainable crop diversification, and contributing to global food security through science-driven valorization of ancient crops.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Dini, C. (2025). Characterization of commercial olluco (Ullucus tuberosus) tubers from La Plata, Argentina: Potential as a source of starch, flour, and soluble dietary fiber. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

Dini, C., Garzón, R., & Rosell, C. M. (2025). Breadmaking potential of Andean roots and tuber starches from ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), and arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza). Starch – Stärke.

Santhoshkumar Jayakodi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Santhoshkumar Jayakodi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Saveetha School of Engineering | India 

Dr. Santhoshkumar is a dedicated researcher and academic whose work spans nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, biochemistry, drug delivery, toxicology, ecotoxicology, food safety and environmental biology, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary applications. He has contributed extensively to scientific research with 43 published documents, collectively cited 824 times by 761 different sources, reflecting the impact and visibility of his work in the scientific community. His scholarly influence is further evidenced by an h-index of 15, indicating a consistent record of high-quality publications. His doctoral research on nano-herbal formulations addressing cardiotoxicity and earlier work exploring antibacterial properties of essential oils demonstrate his ability to translate biological concepts into innovative applications. He possesses strong technical expertise in cell culture involving zebrafish, albino rats and animal models, as well as hands-on proficiency in operating advanced analytical instruments such as LC-MS, GC-MS, FTIR, HPLC, SEM and DLS. His academic role includes mentoring numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and contributing to academic committees such as NAAC-related initiatives. In addition to teaching and research responsibilities, he has participated in organizing international scientific events and remains active in multiple professional societies related to biology, biotechnology, chemical sciences and technical skill development, enhancing both scientific collaboration and community engagement.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Jayakodi, S. (2025). Role of proteins in phytoremediation and mycoremediation for heavy metal removal: A focus on protein-based remediation. International Journal of Phytoremediation.

  • Palani, B., Vajjiravelu, R., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). A comprehensive review of traditional medicinal plants and their role in ovarian cancer treatment. South African Journal of Botany.

  • Vajjiravelu, R., Palani, B., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). Bioinspired nanoparticles mediated from bioactive plants and their therapeutic application in liver cancer. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

  • Palani, B., Vajjiravelu, R., Shanmugam, R., & Jayakodi, S. (2025). Bioactive compounds for inhibiting mutated gene (BRCA1 and BRCA2) signaling pathway in ovarian cancer treatment. Biomedical Materials & Devices.

  • Sowmiya, A., Jayakodi, S., Selvam, K. A., & Sangeetha, K. (2024). In silico molecular docking of cyclic peptides against TEM-1 beta-lactamases for effective antimicrobial drug development. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 18(3), Article 16.

Collins Oduro | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Collins Oduro | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Collins Oduro, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Dr. Collins Oduro is an agricultural economist and researcher affiliated with Lincoln University, New Zealand. His expertise spans agribusiness management, food security, and rural development, with a focus on institutional analysis and project evaluation in Sub-Saharan Africa. A recipient of the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand PhD Scholarship, Dr. Oduro has collaborated with international organizations and universities to address challenges in market access, value chains, and sustainable development. His work bridges academic research and practical implementation to improve livelihoods and resilience in agricultural communities.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Collins Oduro’s academic journey reflects a rare blend of research depth, policy engagement, and field-level impact. His work on institutional dynamics and food insecurity offers fresh perspectives for solving persistent problems in African agriculture. With a strong foundation in teaching, research, and agribusiness strategy, he exemplifies the qualities of a transformative researcher.

🎓 Education

Collins Oduro holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Lincoln University in New Zealand. He earned an MPhil in Agricultural Administration from the University of Ghana with coursework spanning Agribusiness, Economics, Extension, and Law. He also holds a BSc in Agricultural Science from the University of Cape Coast, with a focus on Economics, Agribusiness, and Sciences. He has received professional certifications in entrepreneurship and value chains from Wageningen UR in the Netherlands and KNUST in Ghana. Additionally, he completed foundational training in computer literacy at the African Virtual University.

💼Experience

Collins has extensive experience in agribusiness, economic research, rural development, teaching, and administration. He served as Director of Berean Generation NGO in Ghana and as a researcher at Lincoln University. He contributed to research and consultancies with international institutions such as IFAD, University of Ghana, University of Nairobi, University of Guelph, and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. His agribusiness roles have included work in horticulture, quality assurance, export operations, and market access across New Zealand and Ghana. His professional journey also includes experience in municipal agricultural development and academic teaching in international school systems.

🔬Research Focus

Collins Oduro’s research focuses on agricultural economics, food security, rural development, and institutional analysis in project performance. He investigates the causes of food insecurity in Africa through institutional lenses and seeks innovative frameworks for project evaluation. His ongoing studies include the role of community entry strategies in West African project success and the development of new tools to assess performance and sustainability in agricultural initiatives.

🛠️Skills

He possesses strong capabilities in agribusiness management, economics, project evaluation, value chain development, data analysis, teaching, and capacity building. Additional skills include strategic planning, institutional analysis, business plan development, community entry strategy design, and human resource management. He is also proficient in leadership, communication, time management, and computer applications.

🏆Awards

He received the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand PhD Scholarship and was a finalist in the Three Minute Thesis Competition at Lincoln University. He was a two-time finalist in the Africa Category of the Australia Awards. His work on agricultural development earned him recognition from Ghanaian national media and educational institutions for outstanding academic results and international project supervision.

📚 Publications

Title: Several Initiatives but Little Results: A Novel Approach to Offer an Institutional Explanation for Food Insecurity in Ghana
Author: Collins Oduro, A. Renwick, J. O. Akotey
Year: 2025
Journal: World Food Policy

Title: Pineapple Production and Household Poverty Alleviation Indicators: The Case of Pineapple Farmers in the Akuapem South District of Ghana
Author: Collins Oduro
Year: 2016
Journal: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing

Conclusion:

Dr. Oduro is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His achievements, leadership, and forward-thinking research position him as a rising thought leader in agricultural development. With minor enhancements in global academic engagement and collaborative visibility, his contributions could become even more influential in shaping agricultural policy and practice worldwide.