Geoffrey Hammond | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Hammond | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emeritus at University of Bath, United Kingdom

Prof. Geoffrey P. Hammond is Professor Emeritus at the University of Bath and the founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment (I•SEE). A mechanical engineer with a rich interdisciplinary background in environmental protection and business management, his career spans decades of impactful research and leadership.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background & Career:

Professor Geoffrey Hammond is Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath** and founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment (I•SEE). He began his academic journey after early engineering work in the UK refrigeration industry and teaching in Uganda under Voluntary Services Overseas.

🔬 Research Interests & Contributions:

Prof. Hammond’s work spans technology assessment of energy systems, industrial decarbonisation, and low-carbon transition pathways. His multidisciplinary approach blends thermodynamics, environmental footprinting, and life-cycle assessment.
He co-originated the widely-used Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) and has published extensively on sustainable energy.

📚 Honors & Awards:

He is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including:
🏅 Dufton Silver Medal (1984)
🏅 George Stephenson Prize (2009)
🏅 James Watt Medal (2015 & 2021)
🏅 Baker Medal (2019 & 2023)
In 2019, he was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) for his significant contributions to sustainable energy and the environment.

🌍 Policy & Advisory Roles:

Prof. Hammond has advised UK Government departments such as BEIS, Defra, and the Climate Change Committee. He has contributed internationally through consulting in Sri Lanka and Taiwan, and served on various regional environmental and climate action boards in the UK.

📝 Editorial & Academic Leadership:

He is Editor-in-Chief of the ICE journal “Energy” and serves on editorial boards for several energy and environment journals. He was also appointed Output Assessor on Energy and Sustainability for the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

📣 Keynote Engagements:

He has delivered keynote addresses at high-profile international conferences, including the opening keynote at ICAE2018 in Hong Kong.

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 9,535

  • Citations since 2020: 3,784

  • h-index: 51

  • h-index since 2020: 32

  • i10-index: 104

  • i10-index since 2020: 67

Publication Top Notes:

  • Embodied energy and carbon in construction materials
    G.P. Hammond, C.I. Jones
    Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Energy, 161(2), 87–98
    2008Citations: 1371

  • Developing transition pathways for a low carbon electricity system in the UK
    T.J. Foxon, G.P. Hammond, P.J.G. Pearson
    Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(8), 1203–1213
    2010Citations: 483

  • Development of design for remanufacturing guidelines to support sustainable manufacturing
    W.L. Ijomah, C.A. McMahon, G.P. Hammond, S.T. Newman
    Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 23(6), 712–719
    2007Citations: 453

  • Embodied carbon
    G. Hammond, C. Jones, E.F. Lowrie, P. Tse
    The Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE), Version 2.0, 16
    2011Citations: 390

  • Exergy analysis of the United Kingdom energy system
    G.P. Hammond, A.J. Stapleton
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
    2001Citations: 352

  • Improved data correlations for buoyancy-driven convection in rooms
    F. Alamdari, G.P. Hammond
    Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, 4(3), 106–112
    1983Citations: 281

  • Time to give due weight to the ‘carbon footprint’ issue
    G. Hammond
    Nature, 445(7125), 256
    2007Citations: 226

  • Techno-economic appraisal of fossil-fuelled power generation systems with carbon dioxide capture and storage
    G.P. Hammond, S.S.O. Akwe, S. Williams
    Energy, 36(2), 975–984
    2011Citations: 224

  • Environmental life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic conversion to ethanol: a review
    A.L. Borrion, M.C. McManus, G.P. Hammond
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(7), 4638–4650
    2012Citations: 223

  • Sustainability and the built environment at and beyond the city scale
    M.R.C. Doughty, G.P. Hammond
    Building and Environment, 39(10), 1223–1233
    2004Citations: 187

 

Stefan Gordanic | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Dr Stefan Gordanic |  Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at  Institute for Medicinal Plants Research “Dr Josif Pančic”,  Serbia

Stefan Gordanić is a researcher at the Institute for Medicinal Plants Research “Dr. Josif Pančić” in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia. He specializes in the study of medicinal plants and their potential therapeutic applications. Stefan is actively involved in scientific research and has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field of plant-based medicine. He is passionate about exploring the bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants and their impact on human health.

Profile:

Education:

  • 2018: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop Farming), University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia
  • 2018–2019: Master of Science in Agriculture (Land and Water Management), University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia
  • 2019–2024: Ph.D. Studies in Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Professional Experience:

  • 2018–2019: Agricultural Advisory Service, PSSS Loznica
  • 2019–2020: Zemun Polje (ZP) Maize Institute
  • 2020–Present: Institute for Medicinal Plant Research “Dr. J. Pancic”, Belgrade, Serbia

Progress in Research Position:

  • 2020–Present: Research Trainee, Institute for Medicinal Plant Research “Dr. J. Pancic”, Belgrade, Serbia
  • 2022–Present: Research Associate, Institute for Medicinal Plant Research “Dr. J. Pancic”, Belgrade, Serbia

Publication Top Notes:

  • The Natural Habitats, Nutrients, and Heavy Metal Status of Wild Steppe Peony Populations in Serbia
    Marković, T., Tanasić, B., Gordanić, S., Lukić, M., Radanović, D.
    Horticulturae, 2024, 10(9), 972.
  • Improvement in Sustainable Production of Medicinal Herbs-Mint, Lemon Balm, and Marshmallow
    Simić, D., Janković, S., Popović, V., Nikolić, D., Gordanić, S.
    Agriculture and Forestry, 2024, 70(2), pp. 49–59.
  • Nutritional and Phytochemical Comparative Analysis of Conventional/Organic Maize Grain Before and After Subjection to Accelerated Aging Test – A Preliminary Study
    Golijan Pantović, J., Petronijević, R., Gordanić, S., Lekić, S., Kostić, A.Ž.
    Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 2024, 52(2), 13581.
  • A Detailed Survey of Agroecological Status of Allium ursinum Across the Republic of Serbia: Mineral Composition and Bioaccumulation Potential
    Gordanić, S.V., Kostić, A.Ž., Krstić, D., Marković, T., Moravčević, D.
    Heliyon, 2023, 9(11), e22134.
  • The Seed Traits Associated with Dormancy and Germination of Herbaceous Peonies, Focusing on Species Native in Serbia and China
    Marković, T., Prijić, Ž., Xue, J., Lukić, M., Gordanić, S.
    Horticulturae, 2022, 8(7), 585.
  • In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidative Activities of the Extracts of Petals of Paeonia lactiflora and Calendula officinalis Incorporated in the New Forms of Biobased Carriers
    Batinić, P.M., Milošević, M.D., Lukić, M.M., Bugarski, B.M., Marković, T.Lj.
    Food and Feed Research, 2022, 49(1), pp. 23–35.
  • Phytochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Allium ursinum L. Cultivated on Different Soil Types – A Preliminary Study
    Stefan, G., Dragoja, R., Sandra, V., Đorđe, M., Aleksandar, Ž.K.
    Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 2022, 34(11), pp. 904–914.
  • Seed Health Treatments in Organic Seed Production
    Golijan-Pantović, J., Sečanski, M., Gordanić, S.
    Agriculture and Forestry, 2022, 68(4), pp. 41–57.

 

Anwesha Mondal | Biofertilizer | Young Scientist Award

Ms Anwesha Mondal |  Biofertilizer |  Young Scientist Award

Research Scholar at  University of Calcutta,  India

Anwesha Mondal is a passionate researcher in Taxonomy and Ecology, currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Botany from the University of Calcutta. She completed her undergraduate studies in Botany with honors from Bethune College, Calcutta University, in 2017. Her research experience includes a project on Butterfly pollination on Lantana camara, and she is presently working on her dissertation titled “Phytosociology of the herb & ground covering flora under the Sal forest of Jhargram”.

Publication profile:

🎓 Academic Achievements:

  • M.P. (WBBSE): 90.12% (2011)
  • H.S. (WBCHSE): 79% (2013)
  • B.Sc. in Botany Honors (Calcutta University): 66.5% (2017)
  • Master’s in Botany (University of Calcutta): 61% (up to Semester III)
  • SET (State Eligibility Test) Qualified in Life Science (2018)

🔬 Key Skills:

  • Expertise in Microscopy (simple and compound)
  • PowerPoint & Poster Presentations
  • Sketching & Documentation

🌱 Research Experience:

  • Project on Butterfly Pollination (Lantana camara, 2017)
  • Dissertation on Phytosociology of herb & ground covering flora in the Sal forest of Jhargram (ongoing)

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Phycosynthesis of nanoiron particles and their applications – A review”
    A. Mondal, A. Mukherjee, R. Pal
    Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 102986 (2023)
  • “Nano iron loaded algal biomass: For better yield, amino acid and iron content in rice – A ‘nano-phycofertilizer’”
    A. Mondal, S. Paul, R. Pal, S. Paul
    Algal Research, 103573 (2024)
  • “Spirulina biomass loaded with iron nanoparticles: A novel biofertilizer for the growth and enrichment of iron content in rice plants”
    A. Mondal, I. Dey, A. Mukherjee, A. Ismail, G.G. Satpati, S. Banerjee, S. Paul, …
    Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 103387 (2024)

 

Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Zahoor Ahmad |  Crop Physiology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  University of Central Punjab, Pakistan

Associate Professor, Campus Coordinator University of Central Punjab, Constituent Punjab College Bahawalpur.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • Post-Doctorate: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Ph.D. in Crop Physiology: University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (Completed on December 13, 2015)
    • Thesis Title: Maize (Zea mays L.) Responses to Supplemental Foliar Applied Phosphorus under Drought Stress
  • M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2011)
    • Thesis Title: Response of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Foliar Applied Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Agronomy/Crop Physiology): University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan (2009)
  • Intermediate (F.Sc. Pre-medical): BISE Bahawalpur (2005)
  • Matric (Science): BISE Bahawalpur (2002)

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Head of Botany Department: Constituent College of University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur (October 2, 2020 – Present)
  • Post-Doctoral Researcher: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey (January 17 – September 17, 2020)
  • Visiting Faculty Member: Department of Life Sciences (Botany), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (October 4, 2017 – January 10, 2020)
  • Lecturer: Allama Iqbal College Bahawalpur (September 15, 2017 – December 31, 2019)
  • Assistant Professor: Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan (July 19, 2016 – July 18, 2017)

Research Interests:

  • Understanding the physiological limitations to crop productivity under field and controlled conditions.
  • Exploring abiotic stress tolerance (drought, salinity, heavy metals, heat) through foliar application of nutrients and trace elements.
  • Identifying morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits for enhanced stress tolerance in crops.
  • Screening germplasm for stress tolerance traits and developing methodologies for productivity enhancement under abiotic stress conditions.

Conclusion:

Considering Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s research focus, academic background, professional experience, publication record, and contribution to crop physiology under abiotic stress conditions, he seems to be a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His work is significant for improving crop resilience and productivity, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural sciences.

Citations:

  • 1,729 Citations from 1,395 documents
  • 91 Documents authored
  • h-index of 22

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modulating Physiological and Antioxidant Responses in Wheat Cultivars via Foliar Application of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) Under Arsenic Stress Conditions
    Ahmad, Z., Younis, R., Ahmad, T., Alharby, H.F., Alsamadany, H. (2024). Silicon, 16(12), 5199–5211.
  • Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience: Unrevealing Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, and Root Attributes Against Cadmium and Drought Stress
    Sabir, A., Waraich, E.A., Ahmad, M., Ahmad, Z., Bibi, S. (2024). Silicon, 16(7), 3095–3109. (1 Citation)
  • Improving Alkaline Stress Tolerance in Maize through Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Investigation of Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidants, and Ion Balance
    Alsamadany, H., Alharby, H.F., Ahmad, Z., Alzahrani, Y.M., Almaghamsi, A. (2024). Silicon, 16(5), 2233–2244.
  • Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
    Sana, S., Binyamin, A., Ramzan, M., Avila-Quezada, G.D., Abd-Allah, E.F. (2024). Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
  • Perspectives of Nanoparticles as Priming Agents for Amelioration of Abiotic Stresses in Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Iqbal, M.A., Ahmed, S., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 117–137).
  • Prospects of Nanotechnology for Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Amelioration in Field Crops
    Ahmad, Z., Waraich, E.A., Barutçular, C., Ahmad, M., Bano, S. (2024). In The Nanotechnology Driven Agriculture: The Future Ahead (pp. 67–84).
  • Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield
    Siuda, A., Artyszak, A., Gozdowski, D., Ahmad, Z. (2024). Agriculture (Switzerland), 14(1), 86.
  • Ecofriendly Management of Insect Pests for Sustainable Agriculture
    Abbasi, A., Asif, A., Ahmad, Z., Saleha, A., Zafar, Z. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 2, pp. 931–957. (1 Citation)
  • Climate Change and Global Crop Production
    Ahmad, Z., Ahmad, T., Abbasi, A., Sana, S., Jameel, J. (2023). In Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Volume 1, pp. 27–56. (1 Citation)
  • Silicon-Mediated Growth, Physiological, Biochemical and Root Alterations to Confer Drought and Nickel Stress Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)
    Ishaq, H., Waraich, E.A., Hussain, S., Ahmad, Z., Saifullah. (2023). Silicon, 15(15), 6579–6589. (1 Citation)

 

 

Houda Orchi |  Crop Diseases | FutureFarming Leadership Award

Ms  Houda Orchi |  Crop Diseases | FutureFarming Leadership Award

Phd Student |  ENSEM |  Morocco

ORCHI Houda, born on May 22, 1994, is a Moroccan PhD student specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision at The National School of Electricity and Mechanics, University of Hassan II Casablanca. Supervised by Dr. Mohamed Sadik and Dr. Mohammed Khaldoun, her research focuses on developing a platform for detecting and identifying crop diseases. She holds an Engineer degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the National School of Applied Sciences of Tetouan and a B2 German certificate from the Goethe Institute. Houda has diverse professional experience, including a full-time role as a Research Assistant at UQAM’s computer science laboratory and various internships with notable organizations such as OCP, Renault Nissan, and Peugeot-Citroën. Her technical expertise spans AI, computer vision, mechatronics, robotics, automotive technology, and embedded systems. Houda is proficient in managing multiple tasks under pressure and excels in manufacturing and product development environments.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Qualification:

2019 – Present: PhD student in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision at The National School of Electricity and Mechanics, University of Hassan II Casablanca, supervised by Dr. Mohamed Sadik and Dr. Mohammed Khaldoun. Thesis Title: Development of Detection and Identification of Crop Diseases Platform. 2018 – 2019: German Certificate B2 from the Goethe Institute. 2014 – 2018: Engineer Degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the National School of Applied Sciences of Tetouan. 2012 – 2014: Preparatory Cycle at the National School of Applied Sciences. 2011 – 2012: High School Diploma in Mathematical Sciences A.

💼 Professional Experience:

31 October 2023 – Present: Research Assistant at Computer Science Laboratory, UQAM. 01 February – 30 June 2018: Mechatronics Engineer at OCP Jorf Lasfar – worked on clock synchronization and data exchange automation. 01 July – 01 September 2017: Internship at Renault Nissan – responsible for the design and installation of a conveyor in the assembly department. 02 August – 02 September 2016: Initiation internship at Savola Maroc – focused on repair and maintenance of engines and pumps. 01 July – 01 August 2016: Observation internship at Sopriam Peugeot – engaged in automotive diagnostics and engine repair.

🔧 Skills and Technical Knowledge:

Technical Skills: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Internet of Things, Mechanical Production, Machine Design, Mechatronics Systems, Robotics, Theory of Mechanisms, Industrial Design, General Technology, Automotive Technology, Automation, and Instrumentation. Additional Knowledge: Embedded Systems, Electrical Networks, Signals, Project and Quality Management, Production Management, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Economy, Relational Database, General Accounting.

Research Focus: Crop Diseases

Houda’s current research is centered on the development of a platform for the detection and identification of crop diseases using artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies. This innovative work aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability by providing precise and timely identification of various crop diseases, thereby enabling better management and treatment strategies. 🌱📊

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • On Using Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things for Crop Disease Detection: A Contemporary Survey
    • Authors: H. Orchi, M. Sadik, M. Khaldoun
    • Journal: Agriculture, Volume 12, Issue 1, Article 9, 2021
    • Citations: 98
  • Real-Time Detection of Crop Leaf Diseases Using Enhanced YOLOv8 Algorithm
    • Authors: H. Orchi, M. Sadik, M. Khaldoun, E. Sabir
    • Conference: 2023 International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing (IWCMC)
    • Citations: 10
  • Automation of Crop Disease Detection Through Conventional Machine Learning and Deep Transfer Learning Approaches
    • Authors: H. Orchi, M. Sadik, M. Khaldoun, E. Sabir
    • Journal: Agriculture, Volume 13, Issue 2, Article 352, 2023
    • Citations: 9
  • A General Survey on Plants Disease Detection Using Image Processing, Deep Transfer Learning, and Machine Learning Techniques
    • Authors: H. Orchi, M. Sadik, M. Khaldoun
    • Conference: Ubiquitous Networking: 7th International Symposium, UNet 2021, Virtual Event
    • Citations: 4
  • A Novel Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Crop Disease Detection Using BEGAN
    • Authors: H. Orchi, M. Sadik, M. Khaldoun
    • Conference: International Symposium on Ubiquitous Networking, 267-283, 2022
    • Citations: 2