Haider Mannan | Eating Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haider Mannan | Eating Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Western Sydney University | Australia

Dr. Haider Mannan is a Tenured Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Translational Health Research Institute and School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, where he has served since 2015, progressing from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer through his exceptional contributions to research, teaching, and academic leadership. He holds a PhD in Biostatistics/Epidemiology from the University of Western Australia, alongside master’s degrees in Biostatistics/Epidemiology and Sociology from the University of Western Ontario, and earlier degrees in Statistics from the University of Dhaka. His research focuses on chronic disease risk prediction, eating disorders and obesity, preventive health modelling, and advanced biostatistical methods using large-scale administrative and longitudinal datasets. With over 89 peer-reviewed publications—including 45 in Q1 journals, 34 as first author, and several widely cited works informing health policy—he has advanced understanding of obesity trends, cardiovascular disease risk modelling, mental health interventions, and maternal-child health outcomes. His career spans leading roles at institutions such as James Cook University, Monash University, the University of Sydney, and international research bodies across Canada and Bangladesh, where he contributed to epidemiological modelling, clinical trials, and public health strategy. Dr. Mannan’s contributions have shaped preventive health policy through impactful studies abstracted by global organisations including the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the American Mindfulness Research Association, with his research on childhood obesity attracting nationwide media coverage in Australia. He has secured over one million AUD in competitive grants as co-investigator and led funded projects on preventive health and treatment outcomes. A recipient of the DVC’s Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research Award (2020), he also serves as Associate Editor of BMC Public Health and Guest Editor for journals such as Nutrients and Frontiers in Psychology, in addition to being an active reviewer for numerous high-impact journals. He is a committed academic mentor, having supervised multiple doctoral, master’s, and medical students to award-winning completions. Dr. Mannan envisions a future where precision epidemiology, predictive modelling, and integrative public health strategies enable earlier interventions for chronic disease and mental health risks. His work continues to influence health systems, driving innovations that improve health equity, inform resource planning, and enhance clinical and population-level decision-making worldwide.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Purpura, M., Lowery, R. P., Wilson, J. M., Mannan, H., Münch, G.,(2018). Analysis of different innovative formulations of curcumin for improved relative oral bioavailability in human subjects. European Journal of Nutrition, 57(3), 929–938.

2. da Luz, F. Q., Sainsbury, A., Mannan, H., Touyz, S., Mitchison, D., & Hay, P. (2017). Prevalence of obesity and comorbid eating disorder behaviors in South Australia from 1995 to 2015. International Journal of Obesity, 41(7), 1148–1153.

3. Walls, H. L., Magliano, D. J., Stevenson, C., Backholer, K., Mannan, H. R., Shaw, J., ... (2010). Projected progression of the prevalence of obesity in Australia. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 4(S1), Proceedings of 2009 Australia

4. Walls, H. L., Stevenson, C. E., Mannan, H. R., Abdullah, A., Reid, C. M., McNeil, J. J., ... (2011). Comparing trends in BMI and waist circumference. Obesity, 19(1), 216–219.

5. Slewa-Younan, S., Yaser, A., Guajardo, M. G. U., Mannan, H., Smith, C. A.,(2017). The mental health and help-seeking behaviour of resettled Afghan refugees in Australia. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 11(1), 49.

 

Dr. Nagarathna TK | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Nagarathna TK | Plant Physiology | Excellence in Research Award

Professor | University of Agricultural Sciences | India

Dr. T.K. Nagarathna currently serves as Professor of Crop Physiology and Scientific Officer to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, where she also coordinates and heads the Project Planning and Monitoring Cell. She holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agriculture and a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the same university, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Florida, USA, under the prestigious Raman Fellowship Award. With a prolific academic portfolio, her research primarily focuses on crop modeling, stress physiology, plant variety protection, and climate resilience in agriculture. She has authored over 130 scientific publications, including 53 refereed journal articles, multiple technical bulletins, research notes, conference proceedings, and book chapters, alongside two published books—Protection and Registration of Plant Varieties in India (2023) and Plant Growth & Stress Physiology (2024). A seasoned research leader, Dr. Nagarathna has spearheaded numerous national projects funded by the PPV&FR Authority, RKVY, and other government agencies, addressing hybrid seed production, DUS characterization, molecular-assisted selection, and enhancement of oilseed and cereal crop productivity. Her academic mentorship includes guiding postgraduate and doctoral students while contributing to advisory committees across agricultural disciplines. An active contributor to institutional development, she has facilitated the establishment of key research infrastructures worth several crores, including Seed Health Testing Laboratories and advanced molecular facilities. Her international engagements span training and collaborative programs across Germany, the USA, the Philippines, and Turkey, emphasizing global integration in agricultural innovation. Recognized for her scientific excellence, she is the recipient of honors such as the IRRI-India Resident Fellowship and multiple national research awards. Dr. Nagarathna further extends her influence through significant editorial contributions, notably as Chief Editor of the Plant Variety Journal of India, a bilingual national journal published by the PPV&FR Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. She has organized and led numerous international webinars, workshops, and expert committee meetings, fostering advancements in genome editing, DUS guidelines, and plant breeders’ rights. A life member of several prestigious scientific societies, she remains a driving force in shaping agricultural policy, research innovation, and farmer-centric technology dissemination in India’s crop science landscape. She has 27 citations from 4 publications, with an h-index of 4.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Shashi, B. K., Sharan, S., & Hittalamani, S. (2007). Micronutrient composition, antinutritional factors, and bioaccessibility of iron in different finger millet (Eleusine coracana) genotypes. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Science, 20(3), 583–585.

2. Nagarathna, M., Shankar, A. G., & Udayakumar. (2010). Assessment of genetic variation in zinc acquisition and transport to seed in diversified germplasm lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 6(1), 171–178.

3. Nagarathna, T. M., Shadakshari, Y. G., & Ramanappa. (2011). Molecular analysis of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) genotypes for high oleic acid using microsatellite markers. Helia, 34, 63–68.

4. Nagarathna, Y. G., Prasad, T. G., Bagyaraj, D. J., & Shadakshari. (2007). Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza and phosphorus levels on growth and water use efficiency in sunflower at different soil moisture status. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 3(2), 221–229.

5. Nagarathna, K. T., Shadakshari, Y. G., Parama, V. R. R., & Jagadish. (2012). Examination of root characters, isotope discrimination, physiological and morphological traits and their relationship used to identify the drought tolerant sunflower. Helia, 35, 1–8.

Noah Adamtey | Soil Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Noah Adamtey | Soil Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | International Water Management Institute | Ghana

Dr. Noah Adamtey is a distinguished Agronomist and Environmental Scientist, currently serving as Senior Researcher in Resource Recovery and Agri-food Systems at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Ghana. He earned his BSc in Agricultural Science and MPhil in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana, followed by a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana in collaboration with IWMI and Eawag-Sandec, Switzerland, and later pursued a Habilitation at the University of Giessen, Germany, focusing on resource recovery and use efficiency in farming systems. With over two decades of expertise, Dr. Adamtey’s research spans agroecology, bio-circular economy, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, sustainable water use, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. He has led and collaborated on several international projects, including long-term farming systems comparison trials across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, significantly advancing knowledge on organic versus conventional agriculture. His extensive publication record includes impactful articles in Applied Soil Ecology, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, and Global Environmental Change, as well as contributions to book chapters, training manuals, and technical guides. Dr. Adamtey’s research has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2025 IWMI Board of Governors Award, the 2021 Louis Malassis International Scientific Award for Agroecology, and the 2019 Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research Award. Beyond research, he contributes to academia as a lecturer at the University of Giessen and University of Hohenheim, Germany, and has been instrumental in curriculum development for agricultural institutions in Africa. He is also an active reviewer for leading journals, including Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, Agronomy Journal, and Sustainability. Through his scientific leadership, teaching, and international collaborations, Dr. Adamtey continues to influence sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food security worldwide

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications 

1. Adamtey, N., Musyoka, M. W., Zundel, C., Cobo, J. G., Karanja, E., Fiaboe, K. K. M., ... (2016). Productivity, profitability and partial nutrient balance in maize-based conventional and organic farming systems in Kenya. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.

2. Adamtey, N., Cofie, O., Ofosu-Budu, K. G., Ofosu-Anim, J., Laryea, K. B., & Forster, D. (2010). Effect of N-enriched co-compost on transpiration efficiency and water-use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) under controlled irrigation. Agricultural Water Management.

3. Adamtey, N., Cofie, O., Ofosu-Budu, G. K., Danso, S. K. A., & Forster, D. (2009). Production and storage of N-enriched co-compost. Waste Management.

4. Neither, W., Schneidewind, U., Armengot, L., Adamtey, N., Schneider, M., ... (2017). Spatial-temporal soil moisture dynamics under different cocoa production systems. Catena.

5. Atandi, J. G., Haukeland, S., Kariuki, G. M., Coyne, D. L., Karanja, E. N., ... (2017). Organic farming provides improved management of plant parasitic nematodes in maize and bean cropping systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.

 

Mohsin Tanveer | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohsin Tanveer | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography | China

Dr. Mohsin Tanveer is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, where he advances research in plant molecular physiology and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Tasmania, Australia, focusing on tissue-specific reactive oxygen species signaling and ionic homeostasis in quinoa and spinach under salinity stress, following M.Sc. (Hons) and B.Sc. (Hons) degrees in Agronomy from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. His key research interests include molecular biology and climate change, nutrient metabolism, abiotic stress tolerance, and halophyte physiology, supported by several international projects under young talent programs. Dr. Tanveer has an extensive publication record with high-impact contributions to The Crop Journal, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Trends in Plant Science, and Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, alongside co-editing books with Springer on topics such as mineral biofortification and stress tolerance in plants. His scientific impact has been recognized globally, being ranked among the top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier since 2021 and listed among Australia’s top 40 rising stars in agricultural research. Over the course of his career, he has received multiple honors, including the University of Tasmania HDR Scholarship and international research fellowships. Beyond his research, he actively contributes to academic publishing as an editorial board member for leading journals including Plant Growth Regulation, BMC Plant Biology, Frontiers in Agronomy, Frontiers in Plant Science, Antioxidants, Biology, and Agriculture-MDPI. His work bridges plant physiology, molecular biology, and agronomy, with a strong focus on advancing food security and crop resilience under changing climatic conditions, establishing him as a leading figure in plant stress biology and sustainable agriculture research. He has 8671 citations from 104 publications, with an h-index of 47.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus
Featured Publications 

Aifani Confidence Tahulela | Sustainable Waste Management | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Aifani Confidence Tahulela | Sustainable Waste Management | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Aifani Confidence Tahulela is a distinguished researcher currently serving as Research Coordinator at the BRICS Research Institute, Durban University of Technology, South Africa, where she develops and leads collaborative research strategies across BRICS nations. She is pursuing her PhD at Durban University of Technology, building on her academic foundation with an MTech and BTech in Public Management (both Cum Laude) from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and a National Diploma from the Central University of Technology. Her research focuses on sustainable waste management, circular economy development, and international cooperation on environmental governance. She has authored impactful publications, including contributions to Sustainable Waste Management: Policies and Case Studies (Springer, 2020), and recent studies in Sustainability and Taylor & Francis volumes addressing global environmental cooperation and household waste management. Dr. Tahulela’s international recognition includes multiple awards such as the Best Research Paper Award at HAMID University, Qatar (2021), BRICS Postgraduate Forum Best Paper Award (2022), Space Science PhD Award (2022), and Project Leader of the Year, BRICS (2023). She has also secured competitive scholarships from the National Research Foundation, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the China Scholarship Council. Beyond her research, she has contributed to academic development through roles at North West University and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, organizing workshops, supervising theses, and mentoring early-career researchers. Her expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, supported by proficiency in SPSS, NVIVO, and Atlas.ti. Dr. Tahulela also plays an active role in international academic collaboration, having organized major conferences such as the 10th World Toilet Association International Conference on Waste, Water, and Sanitation. With her strong editorial contributions and her commitment to advancing global sustainability dialogues, she continues to make significant scholarly and policy impacts in the fields of sustainable development and environmental governance.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. 1. Tahulela, A. C., & Ballard, H. H. (2019). Developing the circular economy in South Africa: Challenges and opportunities. Sustainable Waste Management: Policies and Case Studies: 7th IconSWM—ISWMAW.

  2. 2. Tahulela, A. C. (2017). Effect of social norms and attitudes towards domestic waste in a selected formal settlement in the Western Cape, South Africa. Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

  3. 3. Tahulela, A. C., Tshikovhi, N., & Netswera, F. (2023). BRICS and global environmental cooperation: An assessment of sustainability pathways beyond COP26. Taylor & Francis.

  4. 4. Tahulela, A. C., Hashemi, S., & Lourens, M. E. (2025). Household waste disposal under structural and behavioral constraints: A multivariate analysis from Vhembe District, South Africa. Sustainability.

  5. 5. Liang, X., Liang, C., Guan, J., & Tahulela, A. (2023). Emerging trends and strategic responses in quantitative empirical research on cultural novelty. Journal of Sociology and Ethnology.

 

Dr. Irshad Ahmad | Agri Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Irshad Ahmad | Agri Nanotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Jamia Millia Islamia | India

Dr. Irshad Ahmad is a dedicated researcher and academician currently serving as Guest Faculty in Applied Chemistry at Bakhtiyarpur College of Engineering, Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Bihar. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Sciences with a specialization in Materials Science from Jamia Millia Islamia, complemented by an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Nanotechnology and a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Aligarh Muslim University. His primary research interests lie in the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials for water purification and environmental sustainability, with significant contributions in developing molecularly imprinted nanomaterials for the removal of heavy metals and pharmaceutical contaminants from aqueous solutions. Dr. Ahmad has published extensively in reputed journals, including the Journal of Materials Research and Technology and the International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, with his works gaining recognition in international conferences such as the Indian Science Congress, NASI sessions, and the International Conference on Advances in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology. He has received multiple awards and honors, including scholarships from the AMU Alumni Association Michigan, USA, in recognition of his academic excellence, and has been invited as an editorial board member for prestigious journals such as the Journal of Metallic Material Research and the Journal of Composite Materials. His technical expertise spans advanced experimental techniques including spectroscopy, chromatography, electron microscopy, and thermal analysis, which he has applied extensively in his research on nanomaterials. Through his publications, conference presentations, and editorial contributions, Dr. Ahmad has significantly advanced research in nanotechnology and materials science, particularly in addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions, establishing himself as a committed researcher and academic contributor in the field. He has 130 citations from 7 documents, with an h-index of 3.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. 1. Synthesis and Characterization of Molecular Imprinted Nanomaterials for the Removal of Heavy Metals, Journal of Materials Research and Technology (JMRT).
  2. 2. Synthesis, Characterization of Silica Nanoparticles and Adsorption Removal of Cu²⁺ Ions in Aqueous Solution, International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering (IJETAE).

  3. 3. Synthesis and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Ferrite (SiO₂@Fe₂O₃) Nanomaterials for the Removal of Nickel (Ni²⁺ Ions) from Aqueous Solution, Journal of Materials Research and Technology (JMRT).

  4. 4. Synthesis and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Magnetite Nanomaterials as a Novel Adsorbent for the Removal of Nolvadex from Aqueous Solution , Journal of Nanostructures in Chemistry (JNSC).

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Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Zululand | South Africa

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi is a dedicated Plant Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, where he specializes in Plant Sciences and supervises both Honours and Master’s students. He obtained his PhD and MSc in Botany, as well as a BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the University of Zululand, supported by additional training in DNA sequencing, PCR, and data science through institutions including DNABiotec and Harvard University. His research focuses on plant diversity, indigenous crop variation, metabolomics, molecular genetics, and nutritional profiling, with a strong emphasis on conserving and utilizing indigenous genetic resources for sustainable food security. Dr. Buthelezi has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Biodiversitas, Plants, Food Chemistry: X, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, highlighting genetic, nutritional, and phytochemical variations in crops like Lagenaria siceraria. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for international journals including South African Journal of Botany, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, and BMC Plant Biology. His academic career is marked by innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and significant student mentorship, ensuring high pass rates even during the challenges of remote learning. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Buthelezi has been actively engaged in community projects, knowledge exchange on indigenous plants, and collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has served on the Department of Agriculture Research Committee and the University of Zululand Human Research Ethics Committee, where he provides expert guidance on research and ethics in science. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing plant sciences, Dr. Buthelezi continues to strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge systems, modern biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Google Scholar

Publications

1. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., & Ntuli, N. R. (2019). Morphological variation and heritability studies of Lagenaria siceraria landraces from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity.

2. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Variation in shoot, peduncle and fruit growth of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants.

3. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, South Africa. Food Chemistry: X.

4. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Nutritional variation on sequentially harvested shoots and fruits of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants

5. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Diversity in fruit phytochemical composition among Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Preprints.

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Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi | Plant Science | Young Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Zululand | South Africa

Dr. Lungelo Given Buthelezi is a dedicated Plant Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture at the University of Zululand, South Africa, where he specializes in Plant Sciences and supervises both Honours and Master’s students. He obtained his PhD and MSc in Botany, as well as a BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the University of Zululand, supported by additional training in DNA sequencing, PCR, and data science through institutions including DNABiotec and Harvard University. His research focuses on plant diversity, indigenous crop variation, metabolomics, molecular genetics, and nutritional profiling, with a strong emphasis on conserving and utilizing indigenous genetic resources for sustainable food security. Dr. Buthelezi has authored and co-authored several impactful publications in high-ranking journals such as Biodiversitas, Plants, Food Chemistry: X, and the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, highlighting genetic, nutritional, and phytochemical variations in crops like Lagenaria siceraria. He has also contributed as a peer reviewer for international journals including South African Journal of Botany, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, and BMC Plant Biology. His academic career is marked by innovative teaching methods, curriculum development, and significant student mentorship, ensuring high pass rates even during the challenges of remote learning. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Buthelezi has been actively engaged in community projects, knowledge exchange on indigenous plants, and collaborations with the Agricultural Research Council and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has served on the Department of Agriculture Research Committee and the University of Zululand Human Research Ethics Committee, where he provides expert guidance on research and ethics in science. Recognized for his scholarly contributions, leadership in academia, and dedication to advancing plant sciences, Dr. Buthelezi continues to strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge systems, modern biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. He has 21 citations from  across 11 publications, with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., & Ntuli, N. R. (2019). Morphological variation and heritability studies of Lagenaria siceraria landraces from northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity.

2. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Variation in shoot, peduncle and fruit growth of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants.

3. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Phytochemical composition of Lagenaria siceraria fruits from KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, South Africa. Food Chemistry: X.

4. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2024). Nutritional variation on sequentially harvested shoots and fruits of Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Plants

5. Buthelezi, L. G., Mavengahama, S., Sibiya, J., Mchunu, C. N., & Ntuli, N. R. (2023). Diversity in fruit phytochemical composition among Lagenaria siceraria landraces. Preprints.

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Dr. D. K. Meena | Fisheries Resources Management | Outstanding Contribution Award

Dr. D. K. Meena | Fisheries Resources Management | Outstanding Contribution Award

Senior Scientist | ICAR | India

Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Meena is a Senior Scientist at ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, Kolkata, India, specializing in fisheries resources management, aquaculture nutrition, and waste-to-wealth innovations. He earned his Ph.D. in Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology, MFSc in Fish Nutrition, Biochemistry, and Physiology, and BFSc in Fisheries Science. Over the years, Dr. Meena has contributed extensively to fish nutrigenomics, herbal therapy, feed technology, aquatic toxicology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His pioneering work includes valorization of non-conventional resources for eco-friendly fish feed, commercialization of “CIFRI CAGE GROW,” and development of the “RESHMEEN” feed series using silkworm pupae and black soldier fly larvae. His publications on probiotics, immunostimulants, and environmental sustainability in aquaculture are widely cited. Dr. Meena has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Young Scientist Award from the Academy of Environmental Biology, Fellowships of Environmental Biology, Fisheries and Life Sciences, Biotic and Environmental Research, and the Zoological Society of India. He has also received multiple best presentation awards at international and national forums. As an active science promoter, he has trained over 10,000 fishers, students, and officers, organized workshops, and contributed to policy documents for NITI Aayog and NFDB. Dr. Meena serves in editorial roles across numerous reputed journals such as Frontiers in Aquatic Physiology, Scientific Reports, PLOS ONE, Advances in Agriculture, and International Aquatic Research, besides guest-editing special issues in leading journals. His contributions in consultancy, environmental conservation, and aquaculture technology standardization further highlight his impactful career dedicated to sustainable fisheries and ecological innovation. He has 1838 citations from 1669 documents across 98 publications, with an h-index of 20.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Publications

1. Meena, D. K., Das, P., Kumar, S., Mandal, S. C., Prusty, A. K., Singh, S. K., Akhtar, M. S., … (2013). Beta-glucan: An ideal immunostimulant in aquaculture (a review). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry.

2. De, B. C., Meena, D. K., Behera, B. K., Das, P., Das Mohapatra, P. K., & Sharma, A. P. (2014). Probiotics in fish and shellfish culture: Immunomodulatory and ecophysiological responses. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry.

3. Kumar, V., Roy, S., Meena, D. K., & Sarkar, U. K. (2016). Application of probiotics in shrimp aquaculture: Importance, mechanisms of action, and methods of administration. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture.

4. Sarkar, U. K., Mishal, P., Borah, S., Karnatak, G., Chandra, G., Kumari, S., … (2020). Status, potential, prospects, and issues of floodplain wetland fisheries in India: Synthesis and review for sustainable management. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture.

5. Meena, M. D., Dotaniya, M. L., Meena, B. L., Rai, P. K., Antil, R. S., Meena, H. S., … (2023). Municipal solid waste: Opportunities, challenges and management policies in India: A review. Waste Management Bulletin.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Demir | Precision Farming | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Demir | Precision Farming | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor | Isparta University of Applied Sciences | Turkey

Dr. Sinan Demir is an Assistant Professor at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, within the Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. He earned his PhD from Isparta University of Applied Sciences in 2021, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring oil rose (Rosa damascena mill.) gardens and developing yield prediction models. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree at Suleyman Demirel University, where he researched high-resolution satellite imagery applications for detecting poppy (Papaver somniferum) cultivation areas. His academic and research pursuits concentrate on digital agriculture, remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging, geographic information systems (GIS), and machine learning applications in agriculture. Dr. Demir has made significant contributions through publications in prestigious journals such as Environment, Development and Sustainability; Natural Hazards; Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment; and Trees, Forests and People. His work includes advanced studies on erosion assessment using Google Earth Engine, yield prediction through UAV multispectral imagery, and digital mapping of burn severity. He has authored several book chapters, notably on machine learning algorithms and remote sensing applications in agriculture. Dr. Demir actively participates in national and international research projects, including TUBITAK-supported initiatives focusing on hyperspectral data applications in agriculture and soil property classification using machine learning techniques. His editorial responsibilities include serving as an editor for the journal "Veri Bilimi". In addition to his research, Dr. Demir plays an important role in shaping future agricultural scientists by teaching courses such as Remote Sensing and GIS, Digital Agriculture, Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques, and Integration of UAV Data in Geographic Systems at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. His contributions have been recognized through competitive scholarships like the TÜBİTAK Doctoral Scholarship Program, and he has held multiple jury memberships for thesis evaluations. Dr. Demir’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and innovative research methodologies positions him as a notable researcher in his field.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

1.Alaboz, P., Dengiz, O., Demir, S., & Şenol, H. (2021). Digital mapping of soil erodibility factors based on decision tree using geostatistical approaches in terrestrial ecosystem. Catena.
Cited: 60 times

2. Şenol, H., Alaboz, P., Demir, S., & Dengiz, O. (2020). Computational intelligence applied to soil quality index using GIS and geostatistical approaches in semiarid ecosystem. Arabian Journal of Geosciences.
Cited: 50 times

3. Demir, S., & Dursun, I. (2024). Assessment of pre-and post-fire erosion using the RUSLE equation in a watershed affected by the forest fire on Google Earth Engine: the study of Manavgat River Basin. Natural Hazards.
Cited: 28 times

4. Alaboz, P., Demir, S., & Dengiz, O. (2021). Assessment of various pedotransfer functions for the prediction of the dry bulk density of cultivated soils in a semiarid environment. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis.
Cited: 25 times

5. Alaboz, P., Demir, S., & Dengiz, O. (2020). Determination of spatial distribution of soil moisture constant using different interpolation model case study, Isparta Atabey Plain. Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty.
Cited: 23 times