Haruna Uemori | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 Ms. Haruna Uemori | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Haruna Uemori, Okayama Prefectural University, Japan

Ms. Haruna Uemori is a doctoral student in Nutrition at Okayama Prefectural University, Japan. Her research focuses on the isolation, purification, and structural analysis of polyphenols and other functional compounds from medicinal plants. She is particularly interested in the biological activities of natural products, with recent work highlighting tannins from Eucalyptus camaldulensis with aluminum detoxification properties. Alongside her academic pursuits, she works in the R&D Division at Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., contributing to the development of botanical extracts for health applications.

Profile

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Summary:

Ms. Haruna Uemori is an emerging researcher with strong academic credentials and valuable industry experience. Her research on ellagitannins from Eucalyptus camaldulensis is both innovative and applicable, addressing environmental detoxification with natural compounds. Her dual roles in academia and industry reflect a balanced and application-driven approach to research. She possesses solid technical skills, a strong publication foundation, and a clear research direction aligned with contemporary scientific priorities in nutrition and phytochemistry.

🎓 Education

Haruna Uemori holds a Bachelor of Nutrition (2017–2021) and a Master of Nutrition (2021–2023) from Okayama Prefectural University, Japan. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Nutrition at the same university, having commenced her doctoral studies in April 2024. Her academic training has provided a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of nutrition and natural product chemistry.

đź’ĽExperience

Since April 2023, Haruna has been working in the R&D Division at Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., a company known for the development and commercialization of botanical extracts. In this role, she is involved in advanced analysis using precision instruments such as LC-MS and NMR. Her work also includes the isolation of various compounds from food and medicinal plants, contributing to the discovery and development of functional ingredients.

🔬Research Focus

Her current research centers on polyphenols, with a specific interest in isolating and purifying functional compounds from various plants and medicinal herbs. A notable achievement includes the identification of tannins with aluminum detoxification activity derived from Eucalyptus camaldulensis. This research explores plant-based detoxification mechanisms and their potential health and nutritional applications, representing a significant contribution to both science and industry.

🛠️Skills

Haruna is a registered dietitian, certified in March 2021, and has developed a specialized skill set in analytical chemistry, natural product isolation, and compound structure elucidation. Her expertise spans the use of cutting-edge technologies for chemical analysis and a deep understanding of polyphenols and plant-based bioactive compounds. She is particularly skilled in identifying and purifying functional molecules and evaluating their biological activities.

🏆Awards

Haruna has submitted a research manuscript based on her doctoral work, underscoring her contributions to the academic community. Although formal awards are not listed, her ability to integrate academic research with industrial applications highlights her as a promising researcher in the fields of nutrition and natural product chemistry.

đź“š Publications

Title: Ellagitannin Oligomers from Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves and Their Role in the Detoxification of Aluminum
Author: Haruna Uemori
Year: 2025
Journal: Molecules

Conclusion:

Ms. Haruna Uemori is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, particularly within the domains of natural product chemistry, functional foods, and environmental health. With continued contributions, international engagement, and leadership development, she is poised to become a leading figure in her field. Her demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence and innovation makes her a deserving nominee for this recognition.

Soner Soylu | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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 Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is a Professor of Plant Pathology at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey. His research focuses on fungal and bacterial plant diseases, including pathogen identification, biological control, and antimicrobial activity of natural products. With a Ph.D. from Imperial College London, he has led numerous national and international research projects and published extensively in top-tier journals. Prof. Soylu is recognized for his contributions to plant disease management and serves on editorial boards of several scientific journals.

Profile

Scopus

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is a distinguished academic whose work is rooted in rigorous scientific research and meaningful contributions to plant pathology and crop protection. His career reflects dedication to high-quality research, mentorship, and international collaboration. He is recognized both for foundational work in disease identification and for applied studies targeting sustainable solutions to plant health challenges.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Imperial College London in 1998. His academic foundation in plant protection and pathology was further strengthened by rigorous research training and international exposure during his doctoral studies. This educational background laid the groundwork for his specialization in fungal and bacterial plant diseases.

đź’ĽExperience

Prof. Soylu is a full-time Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has led and contributed to 85 research projects funded by universities, government agencies, the European Union, and private organizations. In addition to academic research, he has also been involved in six consultancy and industry-sponsored projects. He has played a crucial role in supervising numerous MSc and Ph.D. theses and serves as Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Member for various prestigious scientific journals.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Soylu’s primary research areas include plant fungal and bacterial diseases, focusing particularly on the identification and control of soilborne and seedborne pathogens. He investigates the use of natural substances and beneficial microorganisms to manage plant diseases, with a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable solutions. His work contributes to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions and plant immune responses, especially through the molecular identification of obligate pathogens and post-harvest diseases. His contributions to mycology and bacteriology are recognized for their practical implications and scientific excellence.

🛠️Skills

Prof. Soylu possesses extensive expertise in molecular and morphological identification of plant pathogens, evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of natural products including essential oils and nanoparticles, and the study of induced resistance mechanisms in plants. He is skilled in applying biological control methods using beneficial microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and antagonistic fungi. His proficiency extends to research design, data analysis, publication, and collaborative scientific leadership across interdisciplinary teams.

🏆Awards

Prof. Soylu’s research has earned him national and international recognition, with 135 publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals. His citation metrics are notable, with an H-index of 20 on Web of Science/Scopus and 32 on Google Scholar, totaling over 5,025 citations. His work has led to numerous first reports of plant diseases in Turkey, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural biosecurity. His contributions to plant pathology and biological control have made him a highly respected figure in the scientific community.

đź“š Publications

Title: Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with citrus wood diseases in the eastern Mediterranean region of TĂĽrkiye
Authors: Kurt, Ĺž., Uysal, A., Guarnaccia, V., Soylu, S., OÄźuz, M.
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology

Title: Disease prevalence, incidence, morphological and molecular characterisation of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae causing collar rot disease on peanut plants in Turkey
Authors: Ă–zkaya, S., Soylu, S., Kara, M., BilaloÄźlu, Ä°., Lavkor, I.
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection

Title: Morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium incarnatum as a causal disease agent of pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit rot
Authors: Soylu, S., Atay, M., Kara, M., Soylu, E.M., Kurt, Ĺž.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Phytopathology

Title: First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii on okra in TĂĽrkiye
Authors: Soylu, S., Kara, M., Soylu, E.M., Uysal, A., Kurt, Ĺž.
Year: 2023 (assumed)

Title: Molecular characterization of stem gall disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (= Agrobacterium biovar 1) on Citrus trees as a new host, in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey
Authors: Bozkurt, İ.A., Soylu, S., Kara, M., Altan, B., Çarpar, H.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection

Title: Determination of the chemical composition and antifungal activity of wood vinegar (pyroligneous acid) against the onion bulb rot disease caused by Fusarium proliferatum
Authors: Kara, M., Soylu, S., Soylu, E.M., Kurt, Ĺž., TĂĽrkmen, M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Gesunde Pflanzen

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research track record, leadership in academic publishing, and impact on sustainable agricultural practices strongly align with the values and criteria of this award. With further engagement in innovation and global visibility, his contributions will continue to inspire and advance the field significantly.

Setia Sari Girsang | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Setia Sari Girsang | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang, Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang is a Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia, specializing in soil science and plant nutrition. With over two decades of experience, she leads research on sustainable agriculture, precision fertilization, and the utilization of biofertilizers in sub-optimal lands. Her work supports improved food security and environmental sustainability in Indonesia.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang exemplifies scientific excellence and leadership in agricultural and environmental research. Her extensive experience, impactful research outputs, and commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices contribute to food security and rural development in Indonesia. She is an active contributor to both academic literature and national innovation programs, and her work directly benefits communities in challenging agro-ecological settings.

🎓 Education

Setia Sari Br Girsang, Ph.D., holds a robust academic background in soil science. She earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from Universitas Sumatera Utara in 2000, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field from the same university in 2007. Her foundational education was completed with a Bachelor’s degree in Soil and Environmental Science from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2016. This academic journey has firmly established her expertise in soil and plant nutrition, environmental science, and sustainable agricultural practices.

đź’ĽExperience

Dr. Girsang currently serves as a Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) within the Agricultural and Food Research Organization. Since 2022, she has also led a research group focused on developing location-specific innovation technologies for managing dry, wet, acidic, and other sub-optimal lands. Prior to this, from November 2021 to September 2024, she was a Senior Researcher at the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development under the Ministry of Agriculture. Her leadership and research roles have been instrumental in advancing agricultural resilience and environmental sustainability in Indonesia.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Girsang specializes in soil science and plant nutrition, with a focus on precision agriculture, nutrient management, and sustainable farming. Her recent research includes developing information systems for precision fertilization of rice, enhancing regional agricultural commodities, optimizing rice production using zinc-solubilizing microbes, and utilizing rhizosphere microbes for phosphate management. She has also explored the use of biomass waste to improve corn productivity on acidic dry land and studied nitrogen efficiency in sorghum as an alternative animal feed.

🛠️Skills

Her expertise spans soil fertility, plant nutrition, nutrient cycling, microbial biofertilizers, precision agriculture, and sustainable land management. She has significant experience in using modeling tools like cellular automata and artificial neural networks to predict land use changes and agricultural outcomes. Additionally, she has contributed to knowledge-sharing through international training programs on agricultural policy and sustainability standards.

🏆Awards

In 2023, she was honored with the Satyalancana Karya Satya award for 20 years of dedicated service, recognizing her significant contributions to the agricultural research sector and her commitment to advancing food security and sustainable development in Indonesia.

đź“š Publications

  • Title: Site-specific nutrient management for rice using soil properties to adjust phosphorus and potassium supply from compound NPK fertilizer
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Girsang, S.S.; Castillo, R.L.; Buresh, R.J.
    Journal: Field Crops Research

  • Title: Impact of certified rice seed on farmers’ income in Simalungun District, North Sumatra
    Year: [Year not specified]
    Authors: Savitri, S.; Setyaningrum, W.F.; Parhusip, D.; Sayaka, B.; de Brauw, A.
    Journal: [Conference Paper – No journal source available]

Conclusion:

Dr. Setia Sari Girsang is a highly suitable and deserving nominee for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her achievements embody the spirit of this award—demonstrating not only technical brilliance but also leadership, mentorship, and societal relevance. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past contributions but also inspire continued excellence and innovation from women researchers in agriculture and environmental science across Southeast Asia and beyond.