Syamlal Sasi | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award 

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Mr. Syamlal Sasi | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award 

PhD Student | Australian National University | Australia

Syamlal Sasi is a researcher and technology innovator specializing in aquaculture, agri-tech solutions, plasma technology, IoT-integrated farming systems, and sustainable agriculture, widely recognized for advancing modern farming practices through science-driven innovations. His research focus centers on applying cold atmospheric plasma for agricultural and aquaculture enhancement, hydroponic productivity improvement, and resource-efficient cultivation, alongside emerging interests in space-agriculture, nutrient-enriched water generation using extraterrestrial regolith, nano/micro-bubble systems, and plasma–plant metabolite synergy. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the integration of advanced engineering with crop and aquaculture ecosystems, exploring next-generation farming tools aimed at scalability and climate resilience. Professionally, he has served in impactful leadership and R&D roles, including Director of Business and Product Research at BudMore PTY Ltd., Canberra, Australia, where he leads technology development for smart-farming platforms and commercial agri-solutions, and previously as CEO at Sygul Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Kochi, India, guiding product innovation and agricultural technology deployment. Earlier, he contributed in data and business technology domains at Cognizant, India, building a foundation for data-driven agri-intelligence systems that later shaped his research initiatives. His key contributions include the development of plasma-assisted aquaponics and hydroponics systems, research demonstrating enhanced plant growth on simulated Martian regolith through water chemistry optimization, and investigations into RONS-enhanced nutrient delivery using plasma-enabled irrigation, which have opened new perspectives in extraterrestrial farming possibilities. He has also explored antimicrobial enhancement through plasma-secondary metabolite interactions, presenting new pathways for reducing chemical usage in crop disease management. His work has produced influential publications across journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Trends in Biotechnology, collectively strengthening scientific understanding of plasma-for-agriculture interfaces. Several of his studies contribute directly to circular bio-production and food security models, positioning his work as a foundation for future agri-technology transitions. Through his role in research and startup technology development, Syamlal has contributed to smart-farming digitization, remote monitoring systems, and AI-based aquaculture productivity enhancement, supported by grants including the Productization Grant 2022–23 (Kerala Startup Mission) and the Smart Farming to Improve Aquaculture Productivity RKVY-RAFTAAR Grant. His continued mission is to bridge agricultural science with scalable technology, fostering sustainable aquaculture systems, low-resource food production, and climate-adaptive cultivation solutions. With a strong commitment to innovation-driven agriculture, he envisions transforming farming into a tech-empowered, environmentally harmonious sector, enabling farmers to enhance yield with reduced input cost, expanding productivity through precision management tools, and exploring space-based cultivation for future food security. His work ultimately strives to the impact global agriculture by integrating plasma science, IoT frameworks, and smart agro-industries, shaping a future where technology amplifies natural growth potential while securing food sustainability for earth and beyond.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Sasi, S., Prakash, P., Poiré, R., Hu, T., Weerasinghe, J., Levchenko, I., Prasad, K., & Alexander, K. (2025). Can cold atmospheric plasma make water enriched with minerals from Martian or Lunar regolith more suitable for hydroponic plant growth? Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 100904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100904

2. Sasi, S., Prakash, P., Hayden, S., Dooley, D., Poiré, R., Hu, T., Weerasinghe, J., Levchenko, I., Prasad, K., & Alexander, K. (2025). Enhanced plant growth on simulated Martian regolith via water chemistry optimisation: The role of RONS and nano/micro-bubbles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26, 78318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178318

3. Prasad, K., Sasi, S., Weerasinghe, J., Levchenko, I., & Bazaka, K. (2023). Enhanced antimicrobial activity through synergistic effects of cold atmospheric plasma and plant secondary metabolites: Opportunities and challenges. Molecules, 28, 27481. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28227481

4. Sasi, S., Prasad, K., Weerasinghe, J., Bazaka, O., Ivanova, E. P., Levchenko, I., & Bazaka, K. (2023). Plasma for aquaponics. Trends in Biotechnology, 41(1), 54–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.08.001

Vijayaram Srirengaraj | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Vijayaram Srirengaraj | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | Editorial Board Member

Post Doctor Research Fellow | Fisheries college jimei university | China

Dr. Srirengarajvijayaram is a biotechnology researcher specializing in probiotics, synbiotics, green nanoparticles, aquatic nutrients, and immunostimulants, with a strong focus on advancing sustainable aquaculture and innovative microbial therapeutics. His research explores the development of probiotic and synbiotic systems, nanoparticle-based nutrient enhancement, and biotherapeutic agents that improve aquatic animal health, optimize feed efficiency, and reduce antibiotic dependence, while his emerging interests delve into biopolymer-based encapsulation, nature-derived immunostimulants, and metagenomic profiling for ecosystem health monitoring. Dr. Vijayaram has held impactful academic and research positions, including serving as Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (India), Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Veterinary Medicine at National Chung Hsing University (Taiwan), and Postdoctoral Researcher in feed quality and testing at Jimei University Fisheries College (China), preceded by earlier faculty roles in biotechnology at institutions in Tamil Nadu, India. His key scientific contributions include highly cited works on green-synthesized metal nanoparticles, synbiotic delivery systems, immunostimulants, dietary biogenic promoters, sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture, and the synergistic application of nanoparticles with probiotics; he has advanced the understanding of microbial bioactivity, probiotic–host interactions, and nature-based nutrient formulations, and has contributed to reviews and conceptual developments that shape modern aquaculture biotechnology. His research outputs exceed 35 peer-reviewed publications across top journals in aquaculture, veterinary sciences, microbiology, and nanobiotechnology, including Reviews in Aquaculture, Annals of Animal Science, Biological Trace Element Research, Journal of Fish Diseases, and AIMS Microbiology, demonstrating a consistent record of scientific leadership. Dr. Vijayaram has also contributed to knowledge translation by reviewing manuscripts for leading journals, supporting global scientific quality and integrity in fisheries and aquaculture research. He received research funding from the University Grants Commission for his work on the bioprospecting potential of probiotic bacteria isolated from fish fauna, reflecting the significance and applicability of his work. With an overarching vision to promote safer, sustainable, and health-oriented aquaculture systems, Dr. Vijayaram aims to reduce environmental impacts, enhance food security, and pioneer microbe-driven innovations that benefit global aquaculture industries, public health, and the evolving landscape of eco-friendly biotechnological solutions.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Vijayaram, S., Tsigkou, K., Zuorro, A., Sun, Y.-Z., Rabetafika, H., & Razafindralambo, H. (2023). Inorganic nanoparticles for use in aquaculture. Reviews in Aquaculture. https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.12803

2. Vijayaram, S., Razafindralambo, H., Sun, Y.-Z., Vasantharaj, S., Ghafarifarsani, H., Hoseinifar, S. H., & Raeeszadeh, M. (2023). Applications of green synthesized metal nanoparticles — A review. Biological Trace Element Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-023-03645-9

3. Vijayaram, S., Ghafarifarsani, H., Vuppala, S., Nedaei, S., Mahendran, K., Murugappan, R., & Chou, C.-C. (2024). Selenium nanoparticles: Revolutionizing nutrient enhancement in aquaculture – A review. Biological Trace Element Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-024-04172-x

4. Vijayaram, S., Zuorro, A., Van Doan, H., Ringø, E., & Sun, Y.-Z. (2023). Beneficial roles of nutrients as immunostimulants in aquaculture: A review. Aquaculture and Fisheries. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf.2023.02.001

5. Arun, J., Jeyaraj, G. P., & Vijayaram, S. (2023). From concept to impact of a multispecies synbiotics for sustainable shrimp farming. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.8296733

D. K. Meena | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. D. K. Meena | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | Editorial Board Member

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.

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

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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.