Md. Saiful Islam | Soil | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

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Dr. Md. Saiful Islam | Soil | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is a Professor of Soil Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Yokohama National University, Japan, and has completed several postdoctoral fellowships in Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. His research focuses on soil health, environmental sustainability, and climate-smart agriculture. With over 200 scientific publications and extensive international collaborations, he is widely recognized for his contributions to soil science and has received multiple national and international research awards.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has built a remarkable academic and research career in soil science, with a strong focus on sustainable soil management, environmental health, and climate resilience. His scholarly outputs, leadership roles, and global presence make him a standout candidate for both the Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award and the Best Researcher Award. He brings not just quantity but depth and diversity to soil research, touching on issues from microplastics in aquaculture to humic acid in climate adaptation.

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Yokohama National University, Japan. He earned his MSc in Soil Science and BSc in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, securing top academic positions. He has also completed four postdoctoral fellowships at renowned institutions including the University of Tokyo, Yokohama National University, Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

đź’ĽExperience

Dr. Islam is a Professor in the Department of Soil Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh. He has progressed through academic roles from Lecturer to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor at PSTU. He has also served as a teaching mentor at Yokohama National University and as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo. In addition to his teaching and research, he has held administrative positions such as Department Chairman and Director of the Central Laboratory at PSTU.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Islam’s research primarily centers on soil health, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental sustainability. He investigates the impact of land management practices on soil quality, nutrient cycling, and agricultural productivity. His work aims to develop innovative solutions for soil conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development. Through global partnerships and high-impact publications, his research contributes significantly to advancing environmental and agricultural sciences.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam possesses strong skills in soil analysis, nutrient management, environmental monitoring, and sustainable land use. He is proficient in laboratory techniques, field-based research, data analysis, and scientific writing. His expertise extends to supervising postgraduate research, securing competitive grants, and managing multidisciplinary research projects. He is also skilled in international collaboration, academic leadership, and capacity building in higher education.

🏆Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous national and international recognitions for his academic excellence and impactful research. He was awarded the BAS Gold Medal in Biological Science by the Government of Bangladesh . He has received multiple Best Researcher Medal Awards from PSTU and the Young Scientist Award from Yokohama National University. His international accolades include prestigious fellowships from JSPS, JASSO, and Prince of Songkla University, along with President Scholarships from Thailand and research awards from Malaysian institutions. He has also received merit-based scholarships from BAU and Grameen Bank during his academic career.

đź“š Publications

Title: Microplastic pollution in aquaculture species: Quantification and characterization in Tilapia and Pangas
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2026
Journal: Aquaculture

Title: Assessing the impact of eucalyptus trees on soil chemical properties in rice fields
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports

Title: Comprehensive assessment of marsh soil health index in beel aquaculture systems of coastal Bangladesh
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Aquaculture International

Conclusion:

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is highly deserving of both awards. His research is not only prolific but also mission-aligned with the objectives of preserving soil ecosystems, advancing global agricultural resilience, and building scientific leadership in environmental sustainability. With slight enhancements in community engagement and policy translation, his profile would become even more compelling.

Yonggan Zhao | Soil Salinity | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao | Soil Salinity | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao, Tsinghua University, china

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao is a leading researcher in saline soil reclamation at Tsinghua University, China. Holding a doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, his work focuses on developing innovative technologies for improving saline-alkali soils and enhancing grain production. He has completed eight major research projects, published 25 SCI-indexed papers, authored five books, and holds 20 patents. His large-scale reclamation initiatives have added 7,866 hectares of arable land and increased grain production by 70 million kilograms annually. As Director of the Saline-Alkali Soil Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry, he actively contributes to sustainable land management and food security.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao stands out as a leading researcher in saline soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. His pioneering work in using flue gas desulfurization gypsum and biochar for soil improvement has transformed large-scale agricultural lands in China. With a strong research portfolio, numerous patents, and high-impact publications, he has made significant contributions to both academia and industry.

 

🎓 Education

Yonggan Zhao holds a doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and currently serves as a Supervisor at Tsinghua University. His research focuses on saline soil reclamation technology, with innovative findings that have been successfully applied to large-scale reclamation practices.

 

🌱Professional Memberships

He serves as the Director of the Saline-Alkali Soil Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry (ID: 024124304), demonstrating his leadership in the field.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on salinity management and strategies to enhance grain production capacity in saline-alkali soils, addressing a crucial challenge in sustainable agriculture.

 

 

Contributions and Impact

Yonggan Zhao’s groundbreaking work has unveiled key mechanisms in using flue gas desulfurization gypsum to improve saline-alkali soils. He has proposed innovative techniques for salt and alkali removal while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility. His large-scale reclamation initiatives have successfully added 7,866 hectares of arable land, boosting grain production by 70 million kilograms per year. These efforts have also secured RMB 460 million in technical service funding, reflecting the substantial economic and environmental benefits of his work.

Publications

    • Applying biochar and flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the root zone to improve saline-alkali soil quality and sunflower yield
      • Authors: Tian, R., Wang, S., Liu, J., Yang, J., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
      • Year: 2024
      • Citations: 2
    • Advances in invention patents related to flue gas desulfurization gypsum amendments for ameliorating saline-alkali soils
      • Authors: Li, M., Tian, R., Li, R., Li, Y., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Qinghua Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Tsinghua University
      • Year: 2024
      • Citations: 0
    • A quantitative assessment of the dynamic process and potential capacity of using gypsum to reclaim sodic soil
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Xu, L., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments
      • Year: 2023
      • Citations: 3

 

    • Water regime enhances the effects of flue gas desulfurization gypsum on the reclamation of highly saline-sodic soil
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Liu, J., Li, Y.
      • Journal: Land Degradation and Development
      • Year: 2023
      • Citations: 5
    • Practical application of high-sodicity wasteland reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the Songnen Plain of China
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Zhou, Y., Xu, L.
      • Journal: Land Degradation and Development
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 6
    • Prospects of using flue gas desulfurization gypsum to ameliorate saline-alkaline soils
      • Authors: Zhao, Y., Wang, S., Li, Y., Liu, J., Zhuo, Y.
      • Journal: Qinghua Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Tsinghua University
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 10
    • Suitable application of flue gas desulphurized gypsum to improve the sunflower yield in saline-alkali soil in the Hetao irrigation areas of Inner Mongolia
      • Authors: Li, M., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Li, E., Zhong, S.
      • Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 10
    • Progress in Research and Engineering Application of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum to Reclaim Saline-Alkali Land
      • Authors: Tian, R., Zhang, W., Li, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, S.
      • Journal: Ranshao Kexue Yu Jishu/Journal of Combustion Science and Technology
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 2

 

    • Fertility and biochemical activity in sodic soils 17 years after reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum (Open Access)
      • Authors: Zhao, Y.-G., Wang, S.-J., Liu, J., Li, Y., Zhang, W.-C.
      • Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture
      • Year: 2021
      • Citations: 14

Conclusion:

Given his outstanding research achievements, leadership in soil science, and impactful contributions to sustainable agriculture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening his global collaborations and increasing the international impact of his work could further solidify his reputation as a world-leading researcher in this field.

Katsuyuki Minami | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Katsuyuki Minami | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Dr. Katsuyuki Minami, Kitasato University, Japan

Prof. Dr. Katsuyuki Minami is an Emeritus Professor at Kitasato University, Japan, and a distinguished expert in agricultural and environmental sciences. With a Ph.D. in Agriculture from Tohoku University, he has held prominent roles, including Vice President of Kitasato University and Director General of the National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on soil science, plant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. A recipient of numerous awards, including the Japan Prize of Agricultural Science and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, he has made significant contributions to global agricultural and environmental sustainability.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Katsuyuki Minami is an eminent scholar whose work in soil science, plant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture has significantly advanced global agricultural practices. His leadership roles, international recognition, and impactful research place him as a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His career exemplifies a blend of scientific excellence and societal impact, addressing vital challenges in sustainability.

 

🎓 Education

Katsuyuki Minami earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, in 1971. Following his doctoral studies, he began his career at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Japan, where he served at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences. His academic and professional journey includes roles such as Director General at the National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences (2000), Professor at Kitasato University (2005), and later Vice President of Kitasato University (2006). In 2012, he became an Emeritus Professor at Kitasato University and the Principal of the Agricultural College of the Institute for Agriculture, Health, and the Environment. He retired in 2020 after an illustrious career.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Prof. Dr. Katsuyuki Minami has extensive experience spanning academia, research, and leadership in agricultural and environmental sciences. After earning his Ph.D. in Agriculture from Tohoku University in 1971, he began his career at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Japan, serving at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences. In 2000, he was appointed Director General of the National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, where he oversaw groundbreaking research in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Minami’s research focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, and agro-environmental systems. His work has been instrumental in advancing knowledge in soil science, plant nutrition, and environmental conservation, contributing significantly to global agricultural sustainability and environmental protection.

 

Awards

Dr. Minami’s contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Award of the Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition (1990), the Direct Award from the Agency of the Environment (1991), and the Special Award of the Nikkei Global Environment Award (1995). In 1996, he received the Japan Prize of Agricultural Science and the Award of Yomiuri Agricultural Science. His international recognition includes the Yuan T. Lee International Award (1998) and an appreciation letter from the IPCC for contributing to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize (2008). In 2019, he was honored with The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, Japan.

 

Skills

Dr. Minami is renowned for his expertise in agricultural science, soil science, and agro-environmental research. His leadership roles reflect his skills in scientific administration, research innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

Publications

  • “Cultural Understanding of Soil from a Japanese Perspective”
    Authors: Hirai, H., Minami, K.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Soil is a living substance”
    Author: Minami, K.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 3

 

  • “Emission, production, and oxidation of methane in a Japanese rice paddy field”
    Authors: Yagi, K., Kumagai, K., Tsuruta, H., Minami, K.
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 12

 

  • “Soil and humanity: Culture, civilization, livelihood and health”
    Author: Minami, K.
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 40

 

  • “Challenges of reducing excess nitrogen in Japanese agroecosystems”
    Authors: Yagi, K., Minami, K.
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 7

 

  • “N cycle, N flow trends in Japan, and strategies for reducing N2O emission and NO3- pollution”
    Author: Minami, K.
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 10

 

  • “Policy implications of human-accelerated nitrogen cycling”
    Authors: Mosier, A.R., Bleken, M.A., Chaiwanakupt, P., Minami, K., et al.
    Year: 2001
    Citations: 67

 

  • “Methane emission from rice fields in China: Measurements and influencing factors”
    Authors: Cai, Z.C., Tsuruta, H., Minami, K.
    Year: 2000
    Citations: 136

 

  • “Agricultural sector”
    Authors: Erda, L., Cerri, C.C., Frisvold, G., Minami, K., et al.
    Year: 2000
    Citations: 1

 

  • “A quantitative model for estimating mean annual soil loss in cultivated land using 137Cs measurements”
    Authors: Yang, H., Zhao, Q., Yang, H., Du, M., Minami, K.
    Year: 2000
    Citations: 16

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Katsuyuki Minami’s contributions to agricultural and environmental sciences make him exceptionally well-suited for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His strengths, particularly in impactful research and leadership, are complemented by opportunities to embrace emerging technologies and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognizing him with this award would honor his legacy while encouraging ongoing innovation in sustainable agriculture.