Jianling Fan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Jianling Fan |  Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Professor at School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Jianling Fan is a Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology. He holds a Ph.D. from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Fan has a strong research background in soil carbon and nitrogen transformation, ecosystem carbon cycle modelling, and environmental effects. He worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2014-2017) and became a full professor at Nanjing University in 2018. Dr. Fan has made significant contributions to soil science, receiving over 3,300 citations and being named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University in 2023-2024.

Profile:

Academic & Professional Background 🎓

Prof. Dr. Jianling Fan holds a Ph.D. from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He completed his NSERC Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2014-2017). Since 2018, he has served as a full professor at Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology. His research primarily focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen transformations and ecosystem carbon cycle modelling. He was named among the Top 2% Scientists globally by Stanford University in 2023-2024.

Research Interests 🌍

  1. Soil Carbon & Nitrogen Transformation: Studying their environmental impacts, particularly related to greenhouse gas emissions.

  2. Ecosystem Carbon Cycle Modelling: Focused on improving carbon cycle estimations for large-scale agricultural systems.

Research Contributions & Achievements 🌿

  • Research Projects: Completed 9 research projects (5 as Principal Investigator and 4 as main researcher), with 3 ongoing projects.

  • Citations: 3389 citations with an H-index of 32 (Google Scholar).

  • Publications: Authored 52 SCI journal articles and 26 in CNKI (Chinese).

  • Patents: Holder of 7 Chinese patents.

  • Books: Published various books related to soil science and carbon cycling.

Consultancy & Collaborations 🤝

Prof. Dr. Fan collaborates extensively with scientists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and many research institutions in China. He has also engaged in 2 consultancy/industry projects.

Professional Memberships 🔗

  • Soil Science Society of China

  • American Society of Agronomy (ASA)

  • Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)

  • Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

  • Canadian Society of Soil Science

Innovations & Groundbreaking Research 🌟

  • Dr. Fan has made pioneering contributions to understanding the effects of atmospheric nitrogen and sulphur deposition on soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. His studies have led to improved carbon input estimation methods in agricultural ecosystems.

  • He developed energy analysis systems incorporating soil organic carbon changes, overcoming limitations of existing methods and expanding their applications.

Awards & Recognition 🏆

Prof. Dr. Fan’s groundbreaking work has earned him recognition in Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists List (2023-2024), marking him as one of the leading experts in his field.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 3389

  • Citations Since 2020: 2551

  • H-index: 32

  • H-index Since 2020: 28

  • i10-index: 42

  • i10-index Since 2020: 39

Publication Top Notes:

  • Root distribution by depth for temperate agricultural crops
    J Fan, B McConkey, H Wang, H Janzen
    Field Crops Research, 189, 68-74, 510 citations, 2016

  • Wheat straw-derived biochar amendment stimulated N2O emissions from rice paddy soils by regulating the amoA genes of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
    Y Lin, W Ding, D Liu, T He, G Yoo, J Yuan, Z Chen, J Fan
    Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 113, 89-98, 210 citations, 2017

  • Importance of heterotrophic nitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in a cropland soil: evidences from a 15N tracing study to literature synthesis
    Z Chen, W Ding, Y Xu, C Müller, T Rütting, H Yu, J Fan, J Zhang, T Zhu
    Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 91, 65-75, 185 citations, 2015

  • Nutrient addition reduces carbon sequestration in a Tibetan grassland soil: Disentangling microbial and physical controls
    R Luo, Y Kuzyakov, D Liu, J Fan, J Luo, S Lindsey, JS He, W Ding
    Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 144, 107764, 164 citations, 2020

  • Excessive sulfur supply reduces cadmium accumulation in brown rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    JL Fan, ZY Hu, N Ziadi, X Xia, CYH Wu
    Environmental Pollution, 158(2), 409-415, 156 citations, 2010

  • Effect of long-term compost and inorganic fertilizer application on background N2O and fertilizer-induced N2O emissions from an intensively cultivated soil
    W Ding, J Luo, J Li, H Yu, J Fan, D Liu
    Science of the Total Environment, 465, 115-124, 140 citations, 2013

  • Nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment accelerates soil organic carbon loss in alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
    R Luo, J Fan, W Wang, J Luo, Y Kuzyakov, JS He, H Chu, W Ding
    Science of the Total Environment, 650, 303-312, 138 citations, 2019

  • Carbon sequestration in an intensively cultivated sandy loam soil in the North China Plain as affected by compost and inorganic fertilizer application
    J Fan, W Ding, J Xiang, S Qin, J Zhang, N Ziadi
    Geoderma, 230, 22-28, 124 citations, 2014

  • Influence of 20–year organic and inorganic fertilization on organic carbon accumulation and microbial community structure of aggregates in an intensively cultivated sandy loam soil
    H Zhang, W Ding, X He, H Yu, J Fan, D Liu
    PLoS One, 9(3), e92733, 104 citations, 2014

  • Effect of application of dairy manure, effluent and inorganic fertilizer on nitrogen leaching in clayey fluvo-aquic soil: A lysimeter study
    J Fan, J Xiao, D Liu, G Ye, J Luo, D Houlbrooke, S Laurenson, J Yan, …
    Science of the Total Environment, 592, 206-214, 99 citations, 2017

  • Soil autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration in response to different N fertilization and environmental conditions from a cropland in Northeast China
    Z Chen, Y Xu, J Fan, H Yu, W Ding
    Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 110, 103-115, 96 citations, 2017

  • Dominant effects of organic carbon chemistry on decomposition dynamics of crop residues in a Mollisol
    Y Xu, Z Chen, S Fontaine, W Wang, J Luo, J Fan, W Ding
    Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 115, 221-232, 88 citations, 2017

  • Nitrogen fertilization stimulated soil heterotrophic but not autotrophic respiration in cropland soils: A greater role of organic over inorganic fertilizer
    Z Chen, Y Xu, Y He, X Zhou, J Fan, H Yu, W Ding
    Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 116, 253-264, 81 citations, 2018

  • Grazing improves C and N cycling in the Northern Great Plains: A meta-analysis
    X Wang, BG McConkey, AJ VandenBygaart, J Fan, A Iwaasa, …
    Scientific Reports, 6(1), 33190, 78 citations, 2016

  • Crop rotation, tillage system, and precipitation regime effects on soil carbon stocks over 1 to 30 years in Saskatchewan, Canada
    É Maillard, BG McConkey, MS Luce, DA Angers, J Fan
    Soil and Tillage Research, 177, 97-104, 77 citations, 2018

  • Increasing crop yields and root input make Canadian farmland a large carbon sink
    J Fan, BG McConkey, BC Liang, DA Angers, HH Janzen, R Kröbel, …
    Geoderma, 336, 49-58, 73 citations, 2019

  • Thirty-year amendment of horse manure and chemical fertilizer on the availability of micronutrients at the aggregate scale in black soil
    J Fan, W Ding, Z Chen, N Ziadi
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 19, 2745-2754, 70 citations, 2012

  • Harvest index–yield relationship for estimating crop residue in cold continental climates
    J Fan, B McConkey, H Janzen, L Townley-Smith, H Wang
    Field Crops Research, 204, 153-157, 65 citations, 2017

  • Organic fertilizers have divergent effects on soil N2O emissions
    T He, J Yuan, J Luo, W Wang, J Fan, D Liu, W Ding
    Biology and Fertility of Soils, 55, 685-699, 60 citations, 2019

  • Extreme rainfall and snowfall alter responses of soil respiration to nitrogen fertilization: a 3‐year field experiment
    Z Chen, Y Xu, X Zhou, J Tang, Y Kuzyakov, H Yu, J Fan, W Ding
    Global Change Biology, 23(8), 3403-3417, 60 citations, 2017

Gizaw Tilahun | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Mr.  Gizaw  Tilahun | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research,  Ethiopia

Gizaw Wegayehu Tilahun is a skilled plant breeder and agronomist with over 7 years of experience in research, particularly in plant breeding, agronomy, crop protection, and participatory breeding. He specializes in barley, potatoes, garlic, vegetables, and highland seed spices. He is currently a Researcher I at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Kulumsa Center, where he conducts extensive research on crop improvement and disease management. His work involves improving crop varieties for better resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and he actively engages smallholder farmers in applying advanced agricultural technologies.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSc. in Plant Breeding – Hawassa University, Ethiopia (2022)
    Thesis: Phenotypic Variability and Participatory Selection of Food Barley Genotypes for Moisture Stress

  • BSc. in Plant Science – Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia (2015)

Professional Experience:

  • Researcher I (2024 – Present) – Focus on potato, garlic, vegetables, spices, root, and tuber crops, proposal writing, data collection, and analysis.

  • Associate Researcher (2022 – 2024) – Conducted research on various crops and their performance under different conditions.

  • Assistant Researcher II (2018 – 2022) – Contributed to studies on vegetables, potatoes, and root crops.

  • Agronomist Supervisor at Almeta Impex (2016), managing disease, insect, and nutrient deficiency monitoring.

Selected Publications:

  • Tilahun, G.W., Zeleke, A.A., & Limeneh, D.F. (2025). Agronomic Evaluation and Genetic Variability Studies on Fenugreek. Ecological Genetics and Genomics

  • Tilahun, G.W., Fufa, N., et al. (2024). Stability and Performance of Potato Varieties in Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research

  • Tilahun, G.W., Galalcha, D.T., et al. (2023). Genetic Diversity of Ethiopian Coriander Accessions. International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management

Memberships:

  • Ethiopian Crop Science Society

  • Ethiopian Horticulture Science Society

  • Coffee Science Society

  • Protection Science Society

Parastoo Majidian | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr  Parastoo  Majidian |  Plant Breeding |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization,  Iran

Dr. Parastoo Majidian is an Assistant Professor in the Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department at the Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding with a specialization in Genetic Engineering and Molecular Genetics from Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Her research focuses on plant genetics, breeding, molecular biology, proteomics, and stress resistance in crops. Dr. Majidian has extensive teaching experience in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and plant physiology at various academic institutions. She has conducted workshops on soybean and camelina cultivation and is a member of several scientific societies in genetics, biotechnology, and agronomy.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Breeding – Genetic Engineering & Molecular Genetics (2016) – Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
    • Thesis: Evaluation of artificial regulation system in Bacillus subtilis in order to transcriptional control
  • M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering – Plant Biotechnology (2011) – Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
    • Thesis: Genetic diversity of apricot cultivars using SSR and AFLP markers
  • B.Sc. in Plant Pathology (2007) – University of Mazandaran

🧪 Research & Expertise:

✅ Plant Genetics & Breeding | ✅ Genetic Engineering | ✅ Proteomics | ✅ Molecular Biology
✅ Plant Physiology | ✅ Biometric & Statistical Genomics | ✅ Abiotic & Biotic Stress Resistance

🏫 Teaching & Academic Contributions:

  • Lecturer at Payam Noor University & Sana Institute of Higher Education
  • Courses: Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Plant Breeding & Physiology
  • Conducted multiple workshops on soybean and camelina cultivation & breeding

🏆 Honors & Achievements:

  • Research grant recipient, Ministry of Science, Research & Technology (2014-2015)
  • Researcher at Kobe University, Japan (2014-2015) & ABRII, Iran (2009-2011)
  • Member of Iranian Genetic Society, Iranian Biotechnology Society, Iranian Agronomy & Plant Breeding Society

Citations:

Citations: 366 (since 2020: 288)
h-index: 8 (since 2020: 6)
i10-index: 6 (since 2020: 5)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Metabolic engineering of microorganisms for biofuel production – Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 82, 3863-3885 (2018)
  • Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni responses to salt stress and chitosan elicitor – Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants (2020)
  • Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a monomorphic or polymorphic species? – Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research 12 (3), 753-762 (2014)
  • Molecular variability and genetic relationship and structure of Iranian Prunus rootstocks revealed by SSR and AFLP markers – Scientia Horticulturae 172, 258-264 (2014)
  • Integration of molecular and geographical data analysis of Iranian Prunus scoparia populations in order to assess genetic diversity and conservation planning – Scientia Horticulturae 247, 49-57 (2019)
  • Achieving agricultural sustainability through soybean production in Iran: Potential and challenges – Heliyon 10 (2024)
  • Assessment of Iranian apricot cultivars resistant, susceptible, and mutant to late spring frost – Journal of Plant Molecular Breeding 4 (2), 9-16 (2016)
  • Identification of self-compatibility and self-incompatibility genotypes in almond and some Prunus species using molecular markers – (2012)
  • Bacillus subtilis GntR regulation modified to devise artificial transient induction systems – The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology 62 (6), 277-285 (2016)
  • Study of some morphological responses of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) to chitosan elicitor under salt stress – Journal of Crop Breeding 12 (33), 150-161 (2020)
  • Commercial Iranian olive cultivars: morphological traits, molecular diversity, and genetic structure – The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 91 (4), 404-411 (2016)
  • First report of a set of genetic identities in Prunus rootstocks by SSR markers – Journal of Plant Molecular Breeding 4 (1), 17-25 (2016)
  • Salinity Stress in Plants: Challenges in View of Physiological Aspects – Abiotic Stress in Crop Plants – Ecophysiological Responses and Molecular (2024)
  • The potential application of biochar and salicylic acid to alleviate salt stress in soybean (Glycine max L.) – Heliyon 10 (4) (2024)
  • Phylogenetic relationships among Iranian and Spanish date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) revealed by microsatellite markers – The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 89 (2), 115-120 (2014)
  • Evaluation of genetic relationships of some apricot accessions using fluorescent-AFLP markers – XIII Eucarpia Symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics 976, 265-269 (2013)
  • Deciphering genotype-by-environment interaction in new soybean lines based on multiple traits using different adaptability and stability methods – Food Science and Nutrition (2024)
  • Changing trends of soil properties and canola yield under maize rotation by sulfur treatments – Applied Soil Research 10 (3), 66-77 (2022)
  • Response of Aloysia citriodora L. to treatments of titanium dioxide nanoparticle and salt stress – Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences 14 (2), 557-567 (2021)
  • Management of sulfur application on some morphological properties and yield of L17 promising canola line – Journal of Crop Breeding 12 (36), 205-215 (2020)

 

Elham Shadkam | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Elham Shadkam |  Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Khayyam University,  Iran

Dr. Elham Shadkam is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khayyam University, Mashhad, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, where she specialized in simulation optimization for multi-objective problems in supply chain management.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering – Isfahan University of Technology (2015) 🏅
    Thesis: Simulation Optimization for Multi-Objective Problems in Supply Chain Management
  • M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering – K.N. Toosi University of Technology (2010) 🏆
  • B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering – Sadjad University of Technology (2007) 🎖️

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Khayyam University (2013–Present)
  • Former Head & Deputy Head, Industrial & Mechanical Engineering Department, Khayyam University (2014–2023)
  • Visiting Fellow, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia (2023–2024) 🌍
  • Research Assistant, Strategic Planning Initiative in Construction Management, UNSW (2024)

🏆 Achievements & Recognition:

  • Top Researcher at Khayyam University (2021) 🥇
  • Ranked 1st in MSc & BSc programs in Industrial Engineering 🏅
  • Member of the Young Researchers Club (Brilliant Talents) ✨
  • Exceptional Academic Performance: Ranked in top 0.2% (MSc) & 0.5% (BSc) in National Exams 🎯

Citations:

Citations: 708 (645 since 2020)
h-index: 16 (16 since 2020)
i10-index: 20 (19 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • A novel artificial intelligent approach: Comparison of machine learning tools and algorithms based on optimization DEA Malmquist productivity index for eco-efficiency evaluation
    M. Mirmozaffari, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, K. Kabirifar, R. Yazdani, …
    International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 15(3), 523-550 (2021) – Citations: 70

  • Cuckoo optimization algorithm in reverse logistics: A network design for COVID-19 waste management
    E. Shadkam
    Waste Management & Research, 40(4), 458-469 (2022) – Citations: 65

  • An integrated strategic framework for large-scale crop planning: Sustainable climate-smart crop planning and agri-food supply chain management
    A. Hajimirzajan, M. Vahdat, A. Sadegheih, E. Shadkam, H. El Bilali
    Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, 709-732 (2021) – Citations: 49

  • A novel hybrid parametric and non-parametric optimisation model for average technical efficiency assessment in public hospitals during and post-COVID-19 pandemic
    M. Mirmozaffari, R. Yazdani, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, L.S. Tavassoli, …
    Bioengineering, 9(1), 7 (2021) – Citations: 47

  • Developing a novel integrated generalised data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate hospitals providing stroke care services
    M. Mirmozaffari, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, M. Yazdani
    Bioengineering, 8(12), 207 (2021) – Citations: 42

  • Evaluation the efficiency of cuckoo optimization algorithm
    E. Shadkam, M. Bijari
    arXiv preprint arXiv:1405.2168 (2014) – Citations: 41

  • Multi-objective simulation optimization for selection and determination of order quantity in supplier selection problem under uncertainty and quality criteria
    E. Shadkam, M. Bijari
    The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (2015) – Citations: 39

  • A hybrid COA-constraint method for solving multi-objective problems
    E. Shadkam, N. Jahani
    arXiv preprint arXiv:1509.08302 (2015) – Citations: 34

  • VCS and CVS: New combined parametric and non-parametric operation research models
    M. Mirmozaffari, R. Yazdani, E. Shadkam, L.S. Tavassoli, R. Massah
    Sustainable Operations and Computers, 2, 36-56 (2021) – Citations: 32

  • An integrated artificial intelligence model for efficiency assessment in pharmaceutical companies during the COVID-19 pandemic
    M. Mirmozaffari, R. Yazdani, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, M. Mahjoob, …
    Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 156-167 (2022) – Citations: 29

 

Zhizhou Ren | Agricultural Products | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Zhizhou Ren | Agricultural Products |  Best Researcher Award

postgraduate at College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Zhizhou Ren is a postgraduate researcher specializing in smart agriculture and non-destructive detection of agricultural products. His work focuses on integrating hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and deep learning for efficient wheat disease detection. He has published two SCI papers in high-impact journals and developed the GFNN model, achieving 98.76% accuracy in disease identification. Ren has contributed to four major collaborative projects and holds one patent. As a member of the China Electronics Society, he actively engages in research that enhances precision agriculture and food security.

Profile:

🔬 Research Focus:

Zhizhou Ren specializes in smart agriculture and non-destructive detection of agricultural products. His research integrates hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and deep learning algorithms to detect wheat diseases efficiently.

📚 Key Contributions:

  • Developed the GFNN model for detecting VOCs using an electronic nose, achieving 98.76% accuracy in wheat disease detection.
  • Published two SCI papers in Q1 and Q2 journals, including Agriculture-Basel and International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
  • Holds one patent and has contributed to four major collaborative projects funded by Jiangsu Province.

🏆 Achievements & Collaborations:

  • Active member of the China Electronics Society.
  • Engaged in consultancy and industry projects, contributing to agricultural disease management and food security.
  • Participated in prestigious research programs, including the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province.

Citations:

Citations: 948 (All), 947 (Since 2020)
h-index: 11 (All), 11 (Since 2020)
i10-index: 11 (All), 11 (Since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • QPLEX: Duplex Dueling Multi-Agent Q-Learning
    J. Wang, Z. Ren, T. Liu, Y. Yu, C. Zhang
    Ninth International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2021) – 550 citations

  • Exploration via Hindsight Goal Generation
    Z. Ren, K. Dong, Y. Zhou, Q. Liu, J. Peng
    Thirty-third Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2019) – 99 citations

  • Towards Understanding Cooperative Multi-Agent Q-Learning with Value Factorization
    J. Wang, Z. Ren, B. Han, J. Ye, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fifth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2021) – 61 citations

  • Proximal Exploration for Model-guided Protein Sequence Design
    Z. Ren, J. Li, F. Ding, Y. Zhou, J. Ma, J. Peng
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 47 citations

  • Generalizable Episodic Memory for Deep Reinforcement Learning
    H. Hu, J. Ye, G. Zhu, Z. Ren, C. Zhang
    Thirty-eighth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2021) – 43 citations

  • Off-Policy Reinforcement Learning with Delayed Rewards
    B. Han, Z. Ren, Z. Wu, Y. Zhou, J. Peng
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 41 citations

  • Learning Long-Term Reward Redistribution via Randomized Return Decomposition
    Z. Ren, R. Guo, Y. Zhou, J. Peng
    Tenth International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2022 Spotlight) – 39 citations

  • On the Estimation Bias in Double Q-Learning
    Z. Ren, G. Zhu, H. Hu, B. Han, J. Chen, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fifth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2021) – 24 citations

  • Self-Organized Polynomial-Time Coordination Graphs
    Q. Yang, W. Dong, Z. Ren, J. Wang, T. Wang, C. Zhang
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 13 citations

  • Efficient Meta Reinforcement Learning for Preference-based Fast Adaptation
    Z. Ren, A. Liu, Y. Liang, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Thirty-sixth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2022) – 12 citations

  • Object-Oriented Dynamics Learning through Multi-Level Abstraction
    G. Zhu, J. Wang, Z. Ren, Z. Lin, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fourth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI 2020) – 11 citations

  • Full-Atom Peptide Design based on Multi-modal Flow Matching
    J. Li, C. Cheng, Z. Wu, R. Guo, S. Luo, Z. Ren, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Forty-first International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2024) – 7 citations

  • Enhancing Protein Mutation Effect Prediction through a Retrieval-Augmented Framework
    R. Guo, R. Wang, R. Wu, Z. Ren, J. Li, S. Luo, Z. Wu, Q. Liu, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Thirty-eighth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2024) – 1 citation

  • Bridging Distribution Gaps: Invariant Pattern Discovery for Dynamic Graph Learning
    Y. Jin, M. Wang, Y. Xiong, Z. Ren, C. Huo, F. Zhu, J. Zhang, G. Wang, H. Chen
    World Wide Web 27 (4), 44 (2024)

 

Girma Ganebo | farmers | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr Girma Ganebo | farmers |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at  Wolaita Sodo University ,  Ethiopia

Dr. Girma Gata Ganebo is an Ethiopian scholar and development expert specializing in Agricultural Economics and Development Economics. He was born in Wolaita/Shanto and is currently based in Boditi, Ethiopia.

Profile:

🔹 Academic Background 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics – Wolaita Sodo University (2013-2017)
  • MA in Development Economics – Arba Minch University (2007-2008)
  • BA in Economics – Arba Minch University (1997-2000)
  • Diploma in Geography – Awasa College of Teachers Education (1995-1997)

🔹 Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Girma has held various leadership and research roles in economic development, finance, and urban infrastructure projects, including:

  • Senior Secondary School Teacher (1998)
  • Head of Economic Development, Population & Statistics Division – Damot Pulasa District (1999-2001)
  • Executive Manager – Shanto Town Municipality (2002)
  • Head of Finance & Economic Development Office – Damot Pulasa District (2004-2006)
  • Senior M&E Officer – Wolaita Zone Urban & Construction Development Department (2009-2017)

🔹 Skills & Research Contributions 📊

  • Expertise in economic development, project evaluation, and impact assessment
  • Proficient in data analysis tools (SPSS, STATA, R, E-Views)
  • Conducted studies on climate change risk mitigation and economic sustainability
  • Consultancy services in business and investment

🔹 Languages & Training 🌍

  • Fluent in English, Amharic, and Wolaitagna
  • Certified in strategic communication, finance, leadership, and strategic planning

Publication:

  • Can asset accumulation weigh the welfare status of mung bean farmers in lowland areas of South Ethiopia?

 

Alula Tafesse Shirko | Farmers | Top Researcher Award

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Dr Alula Tafesse Shirko | Farmers |  Top Researcher Award

Dean at  Wolaita Sodo AVET College,  Ethiopia

Dr. Alula Tafesse Shirko is an Assistant Professor at Wolaita Sodo University and currently serves as the Dean of Wolaita Sodo Agricultural Vocational Training College in Ethiopia. He holds a strong academic background and expertise in agricultural sciences, specializing in agricultural education and vocational training. Dr. Alula has contributed significantly to the development of agricultural training programs aimed at improving local farming practices and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region. His leadership roles at both the university and vocational training college highlight his dedication to the advancement of agricultural education in Ethiopia.

Profile:

Education:

  • PhD in Agricultural Economics (2016-2021), Haramaya University, Ethiopia
    Dissertation: Technical Efficiency, Commercialization, and Food & Nutrition Security Impacts of Moringa in SNNP Region, Ethiopia
  • MSc in Natural Resource Economics and Policy (2010-2012), Hawassa University, Ethiopia
  • BSc in Natural Resource Economics and Management (2007-2009), Mekelle University, Ethiopia

Administrative and Academic Positions:

  • Dean, Wolaita Sodo Agricultural Vocational Training College (January 2024 – Present)
  • Head, Department of Agricultural Economics, Wolaita Sodo University (2021-2023, 2014-2016)
  • Assistant Professor, Wolaita Sodo University (2016 – 2024)
  • Lecturer, Wolaita Sodo University (2013 – 2016)
  • Lecturer, Mekelle University (2012-2013)
  • Graduate Assistant, Mekelle University (2009-2012)

Grants and Research Funding:

  • Wolaita Sodo University Research Fund: Integrated watershed management for sustainable fish production for enhanced youth job creation and food security in Wolaita Area, Ethiopia (Completed, 250,000 ETB)
  • Ethiopian Ministry of Science and Higher Education Scholarship: PhD research on Moringa commercialization, food security, and technical efficiency (Completed, 60,000 ETB)
  • SNNPR and Wolaita Sodo University Research Fund: Assessing development bottlenecks of mixed agricultural production system in Southern Ethiopia (Completed, 1.5m ETB)

Workshop and Conference Participation:

  • Presenter at Fourth Annual International Research Conference (2015, Wolaita Sodo University)
  • Curriculum reviewer at Curriculum Validation Workshop (2021, Worabe University)

Dr. Tafesse is a seasoned academic and researcher with significant contributions to agricultural economics and policy. He holds leadership roles in both academia and research, with a focus on food security, agricultural efficiency, and rural development.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Can asset accumulation weigh the welfare status of mung bean farmers in lowland areas of South Ethiopia?
    Gata, G., Kuma, B., Tafesse, A., Habte, Z. (2025). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101611.
  • Status and determinants of multi-dimensional poverty in Wolaita Sodo Town, southern Ethiopia
    Esrael, E., Worku, A., Cucchi, C., Recha, J.W., Tafesse, A. (2025). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101562.
  • Assessment of cumulative incidences of mung bean crop production in lowlands of south Ethiopia through multiple factor analysis
    Gata, G., Kuma, B., Tafesse, A. (2024). Heliyon, 10(10), e31012.
  • Digital tools and welfare: adoption determinants among ginger producers in Southern and Central Ethiopia
    Gizachew, F., Kuma, B., Tafesse, A., Lambamo, A. (2024). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1443775.
  • Effect of credit constraint on yield: the case of ginger producers in southern and central Ethiopia
    Tilore, F.G., Shano, B.K., Shirko, A.T., Hawitibo, A.L. (2024). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1334799.
  • Impact of credit on household food security: The case of Omo microfinance institution in southern Ethiopia
    Boltana, A., Tafesse, A., Belay, A., Recha, J.W., M.Osano, P. (2023). Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 14, 100903.
  • Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Income Diversification in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia
    W/kidan, A., Tafesse, A. (2023). Advances in Agriculture, 2023, 6038569.
  • Irrigated Onion Production Efficiency in Humbo District, Southern Ethiopia
    Tafesse, A., Dema, S., Belay, A. (2023). Cogent Economics and Finance, 11(1), 2207928.
  • Determinants of maize farmers market participation in Southern Ethiopia: Emphasis on demographic, socioeconomic and institutional factors
    Tafesse, A., Gechere, G., Asale, A., Demissie, T.D., Solomon, D. (2023). Cogent Food and Agriculture, 9(1), 2191850.
  • Cassava Production Efficiency in Southern Ethiopia: The Parametric Model Analysis
    Tafesse, A., Mena, B., Belay, A., Endalamaw, T.B., Solomon, D. (2021). Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 758951.

 

Richard Moyo | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Richard Moyo |  Food Security  |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Consultant at  University of Malawi,  Malawi

Richard Steven Moyo is a pragmatic and results-driven economist with over five years of hands-on experience in evidence-based monitoring and evaluation. His expertise includes economic modeling, data collection, survey design, data analysis, and preparing research reports. Richard specializes in health economics, public sector economics, and evidence-based decision-making, using tools such as STATA, R, and Excel for economic evaluation.

Profile:

Education:

  • Master of Arts in Economics (2024) – University of Malawi (Health Economics & Public Sector Economics)
  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (2019) – Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Professional Experience:

  • Associate Consultant (2022-Present) – ASPIRE Consultancy
    • Data Manager for the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP 1), overseeing customer satisfaction and willingness-to-pay surveys.
  • Research Fellow (2024-2025) – Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)
    • Co-author of the Malawi State of Environment Outlook Report, contributing to environmental research and policy.
  • Adjunct Lecturer (2024-Present) – University of Livingstonia
    • Teaching courses in Health Economics and Public Health.
  • Research Fellow (2024-Present) – University of Malawi
    • Conducted economic impact assessments on the Art sector and evaluated the Titukulane Project with IFPRI Malawi.
  • Research Supervisor/Data Analyst (2020-2023) – Center for Social Research (CSR)
    • Led impact evaluations of educational programs focused on reducing teenage pregnancies in Malawi.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (2020-2023) – Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
    • Conducted data analysis on market trends and evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 Urban Cash Transfer Intervention.

Skills Profile:

  • Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, STATA, R-Studio, SPSS.
  • Leadership: Led teams in the implementation and evaluation of multiple research projects.
  • Research: Conducted 4 baseline studies and 6 impact evaluations, achieving 20% savings in project budgets.

Publication Title Format:

  • Moyo, R., & Chirwa, G.C. (2025). The economic implications of noncommunicable diseases on food security and resilience in Malawi. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101646.
  • Moyo, R., Love, D., Mul, M., Mupangwa, W., & Twomlow, S. (2006). Impact and sustainability of low-head drip irrigation kits, in the semi-arid Gwanda and Beitbridge Districts, Mzingwane Catchment, Limpopo Basin, Zimbabwe. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 31(15-16), 885–892.

 

 

Francisco Guilhien Gomes Junior | Seed Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr Francisco Guilhien Gomes Junior |  Seed Technology |  Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Sao Paulo – Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Brazil

Francisco Guilhien Gomes Junior is a renowned researcher and professor at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Piracicaba, Brazil. He holds a Doctorate in Phytotechnics from USP/ESALQ and a Master’s degree in Production Systems from UNESP. His research mainly focuses on the application of image analysis techniques to evaluate seed and seedling characteristics, including their physical, chemical, and physiological aspects.

Profile:

Academic Background:

  • Doctorate (2009) in Phytotechnics, USP/ESALQ, Brazil
    Thesis: “Mechanical injuries in sweet corn seeds”
  • Master’s (2006) in Production Systems, UNESP, Brazil
    Thesis: “Nitrogen application in bean crops under no-till systems”
  • Bachelor’s (2003) in Agronomy, UNESP, Brazil

Awards & Recognitions:

  • 2024: Primeiro lugar no Desafio GDM Universidades
  • 2022: Best Paper at the IX Congresso Brasileiro de Soja
  • 2020: Premio “Lic. Anna Peretti” for scientific excellence at the First Argentine Seed Congress
  • 2016: Honorable Mention for research on mechanical injuries in corn seeds at USP/Esalq

Key Achievements:

  • Co-created Vigor-S, a system for seed vigor analysis used by soybean seed companies in Brazil.
  • Holds a patent for a device for acquiring and processing seedling images.
  • Currently an associate editor of the Journal of Seed Science and a vice-president-elect of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
  • Member of the Brazilian Association of Seed Technology (ABRATES) board of directors.

 

Citations:

Citation Count:

  • Total Citations: 1932
  • Citations Since 2020: 1077

H-index:

  • Total H-index: 28
  • H-index Since 2020: 18

i10-index:

  • Total i10-index: 53
  • i10-index Since 2020: 34

Publication Top Notes:

  • Testes de vigor baseados em desempenho de plântulas
    • Authors: FC Krzyzanowski, JB França-Neto, FG Gomes-Junior, J Nakagawa
    • Journal: Vigor de sementes: conceitos e testes
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 93
  • Effect of ultrasound technology on barley seed germination and vigour
    • Authors: AC Miano, VA Forti, HF Abud, FG Gomes-Junior, SM Cicero, …
    • Journal: Seed Science and Technology 43(2), 297-302
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 78
  • Vigor-S, a new system for evaluating the physiological potential of maize seeds
    • Authors: DOC Castan, FG Gomes-Junior, J Marcos-Filho
    • Journal: Scientia Agricola 75(2), 167-172
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 63
  • Avaliação da viabilidade de sementes de pinhão manso pelos testes de tetrazólio e de raios X
    • Authors: TLF Pinto, J Marcos Filho, VA Forti, C Carvalho, FG Gomes Junior
    • Journal: Revista Brasileira de Sementes 31, 195-201
    • Year: 2009
    • Citations: 61
  • Radiographic images and relationship of the internal morphology and physiological potential of broccoli seeds
    • Authors: HF Abud, SM Cicero, FG Gomes Junior
    • Journal: Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy 40, e34950
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 58
  • Automated image analysis of seedlings for vigor evaluation of common bean seeds
    • Authors: FG Gomes Junior, HMCP Chamma, SM Cicero
    • Journal: Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy 36, 195-200
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 58
  • Evaluation of priming effects on sweet corn seeds by SVIS
    • Authors: FG Gomes-Junior, VHV Mondo, SM Cicero, MB McDonald, MA Bennett
    • Journal: Seed Technology, 95-100
    • Year: 2009
    • Citations: 56
  • Assessment of physiological potential of cucumber seeds using the software Seedling Vigor Imaging System®(SVIS®)
    • Authors: AA Chiquito, FG Gomes Junior, J Marcos-Filho
    • Journal: Revista Brasileira de Sementes 34, 255-263
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 53
  • X-ray densitometry to assess internal seed morphology and quality
    • Authors: FG Gomes-Junior, JT Yagushi, UL Belini, SM Cicero, M Tomazello-Filho
    • Journal: Seed Science and Technology 40(1), 102-107
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 49
  • Cadmium exposure triggers genotype-dependent changes in seed vigor and germination of tomato offspring
    • Authors: MEA Carvalho, FA Piotto, ML Nogueira, FG Gomes-Junior, …
    • Journal: Protoplasma 255, 989-999
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 47

 

Run Gao | Forage silage | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr  Run  Gao |  Forage silage |  Best Researcher Award

Research associate at  Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences ,  China

Run Gao is a Research Associate at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from China Agricultural University in 2021. His research primarily focuses on forage production and processing utilization, with a particular interest in the anaerobic fermentation of forage. Gao has made significant contributions to this field, including the discovery of the Monascus fungus, which is present in triticale silage and may promote fermentation during the grain-filling to milk-ripening stages. He has published three SCI papers as the first author and is actively involved in ongoing research projects related to forage fermentation.

Profile:

Academic and Professional Background:

Run Gao earned his Ph.D. from China Agricultural University in 2021. He is currently a research associate at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, focusing on forage production and processing utilization. His work primarily involves the anaerobic fermentation of forage.

Research and Contributions:

Run Gao has made significant contributions to agricultural research, particularly in the area of forage fermentation. He discovered the fungus Monascus, which is present in triticale silage and may promote fermentation during the grain-filling to milk-ripening stages. He has published three SCI papers as the first author and is involved in ongoing research projects.

Research Areas:

  • Anaerobic fermentation of forage
  • Forage production and processing utilization

Citations:

  • Citations: 143
  • Cited Documents: 129
  • h-index: 8

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Effect of Harvest Maturity and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Inoculant on Dynamics of Fermentation Characteristics and Bacterial and Fungal Community of Triticale Silage
    Agriculture (Switzerland), 2024, 14(10), 1707.
  2. Transcriptomic analysis of ncRNAs and mRNAs interactions during drought stress in switchgrass
    Plant Science, 2024, 339, 111930.
  3. Genome-wide characterization of LBD transcription factors in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and the involvement of PvLBD12 in salt tolerance
    Plant Cell Reports, 2023, 42(4), pp. 735–748.
  4. Panicum virgatum improvement of coastal saline-alkali soil and its feeding values
    Pratacultural Science, 2023, 40(6), pp. 1551–1558.
  5. Membership function analysis for concentrate-to-forage ratio and ensiling time in total mixed ration fermentation
    Pratacultural Science, 2023, 40(10), pp. 2711–2720.
  6. Associative effects of ensiling mixtures of sweet sorghum and korshinsk pea shrub on fermentation quality, chemical composition, and in vitro rumen digestion characteristics
    Animal Science Journal, 2022, 93(1), e13700.
  7. Evaluation of Sweet Sorghum as a High-Quality Forage in Pasture-livestock Industry Development
    Chinese Journal of Grassland, 2021, 43(3), pp. 104–112.
  8. Effect of mixing alfalfa with whole-plant corn in different proportions on fermentation characteristics and bacterial community of silage
    Agriculture (Switzerland), 2021, 11(2), pp. 1–11, 174.
  9. Effects of replacing ensiled-alfalfa with fresh-alfalfa on dynamic fermentation characteristics, chemical compositions, and protein fractions in fermented total mixed ration with different additives
    Animals, 2021, 11(2), pp. 1–16, 572.
  10. Effects of applying lactic acid bacteria and molasses on the fermentation quality, protein fractions and in vitro digestibility of baled alfalfa silage
    Agronomy, 2021, 11(1), 91.