Shiv Kumar Shivandu | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shiv Kumar Shivandu | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Young Professional at Indian Agricultural Research Institute India

Shiv Kumar Shivandu is a dedicated PhD scholar at the ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute, specializing in sustainable horticulture practices. His research focuses on plant growth regulators, micronutrient management, and climate-resilient fruit production, with notable work on enhancing flowering, fruit quality, and yield in litchi under sub-tropical conditions. Shiv’s prior studies also include optimizing pre-sowing treatments and grafting techniques in mango. His innovative approach integrates AI, IoT, and green technologies to improve agricultural practices, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. Shiv has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, addressing key areas such as crop regulation and precision agriculture. He is an active member of professional organizations like Krishi Kumbh and AAISA and has contributed to projects like the updation of People Biodiversity Registers in Himachal Pradesh. Despite the promising impact of his work, Shiv’s research profile could benefit from increased industry collaborations and a broader publication record.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
ORCID Profile 

Education:

Shiv Kumar Shivandu is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Fruit Science at the prestigious ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, specializing in sustainable horticulture practices. His academic journey is marked by a deep focus on plant growth regulators, micronutrient management, and climate-resilient fruit production. As a Ph.D. scholar, Shiv has dedicated significant effort to understanding the impact of various agricultural practices on fruit quality and yield, particularly in litchi cultivation under sub-tropical conditions. He has also conducted research on optimizing pre-sowing treatments and grafting techniques in mango. Shiv’s academic background is complemented by his active involvement in reviewing scientific manuscripts for reputed journals, showcasing his scholarly contribution to the field. His research endeavors reflect a commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT into agriculture. Through his academic achievements, Shiv Kumar Shivandu has positioned himself as a promising young researcher in the field of fruit science.

Professional Experience:

Shiv Kumar Shivandu is a dedicated PhD scholar in the Department of Fruit Science at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, specializing in sustainable horticulture practices. With a strong academic foundation, his research focuses on enhancing fruit production through innovative techniques such as the application of plant growth regulators and micronutrient management. Shiv’s work on improving flowering, fruit quality, and yield in litchi, especially under sub-tropical conditions, has been instrumental in advancing horticultural practices. He has also explored optimizing pre-sowing treatments and grafting techniques in mango, further demonstrating his expertise in fruit science. Beyond research, Shiv has contributed to projects like the updation of People Biodiversity Registers in Himachal Pradesh and has reviewed scientific manuscripts for reputed journals. His involvement in integrating AI, IoT, and green technologies into agriculture reflects his commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning him as a promising researcher in the field of sustainable agriculture.

Research Interest:

Shiv Kumar Shivandu’s research interests are centered around sustainable horticultural practices, with a focus on enhancing fruit production under climate-resilient conditions. His primary area of expertise lies in the application of plant growth regulators and micronutrient management to improve growth, flowering, fruit quality, and yield in crops such as litchi. Shiv’s work also explores innovative techniques like pre-sowing treatments and grafting methods to optimize fruit production, particularly in mango cultivation. Additionally, his research integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to promote precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices. By leveraging green technologies, Shiv aims to address challenges in climate change, resource management, and crop productivity. His work contributes to the development of strategies that ensure long-term agricultural sustainability while improving the quality and yield of horticultural crops, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the environment.

Award and Honor:

Shiv Kumar Shivandu has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in the field of sustainable horticulture, earning recognition for his significant contributions to fruit science. As a PhD scholar specializing in plant growth regulators, micronutrient management, and climate-resilient fruit production, Shiv’s research has focused on enhancing fruit quality and yield in crops like litchi and mango. His work on integrating AI, IoT, and green technologies in agriculture reflects his commitment to advancing sustainability and precision agriculture. Shiv has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable insights to the field. Additionally, he has actively participated in projects such as updating the People Biodiversity Registers in Himachal Pradesh. His expertise and research have positioned him as a promising young professional in agricultural science. Shiv Kumar Shivandu’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and scientific advancement has earned him recognition and respect within the academic community, making him a notable figure in the field of agricultural research.

Conclusion:

Shiv Kumar Shivandu is a promising young researcher with a strong focus on sustainable horticulture, particularly in the areas of plant growth regulators, micronutrient management, and climate-resilient fruit production. His research on enhancing flowering, fruit quality, and yield in litchi, along with his work on optimizing grafting techniques in mango, demonstrates his dedication to improving agricultural practices. His contributions to integrating AI, IoT, and green technologies into agriculture further highlight his innovative approach. While his research output is commendable, expanding his involvement in consultancy projects, increasing collaborations with other institutions, and further enhancing his publication and patent portfolio would strengthen his profile. Nevertheless, Shiv’s work has significant potential to advance sustainable agricultural practices, and his commitment to innovation makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions are impactful, and with continued growth in his professional journey, he is poised for even greater success in the field.

Publications Top Noted:

Title: Integrating artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) for enhanced crop monitoring and management in precision agriculture
Authors: Kushagra Sharma, Shiv Kumar Shivandu
Year: 2024

 

Xuefeng Shen | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Best Researcher Award | 3695

Prof. Xuefeng Shen | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Best Researcher Award

Professor / Associate Dean at Guangdong Ocean University, China

Prof. Xuefeng Shen is a distinguished academic and researcher at Guangdong Ocean University, holding the position of Professor and Associate Dean. He earned his doctoral degree in agriculture from China Agricultural University, specializing in crop cultivation and stress physiology. Prof. Shen has led multiple research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Provincial Natural Science Foundation. With over 60 published academic papers and 6 national invention patents, his contributions to agricultural research have been significant. He is also the author of two books, Agricultural Standardized System and Peanut High-efficiency Cultivation. In recognition of his work, Prof. Shen has received the third prize for agricultural technology promotion in Guangdong Province and an award for young teachers from the 16th Huo Yingdong Education Foundation. He actively participates in the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops and weed control, and serves as Vice Chairman of the Zhanjiang Tropical Agriculture Society.

Professional Profile :

Scopus Profile

Education :

Prof. Xuefeng Shen earned his doctoral degree in agriculture from China Agricultural University, one of the leading institutions in China. His academic journey has been focused on crop cultivation and stress physiology, areas in which he has made significant contributions through both research and innovation. Throughout his education, Prof. Shen developed a deep understanding of agricultural sciences, particularly the challenges and solutions related to crop growth under stress conditions. His educational foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career as a researcher and educator. Over the years, he has continued to build on his academic expertise, leading multiple research projects funded by both the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Provincial Natural Science Foundation. His academic background has also enabled him to author several influential publications, including books on agricultural systems and high-efficiency cultivation, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field of agricultural research.

Professional Experience:

Prof. Xuefeng Shen is an accomplished academic with extensive experience in agricultural research, particularly in crop cultivation and stress physiology. He holds the position of Professor and Associate Dean at Guangdong Ocean University, where he has led several groundbreaking research projects. Prof. Shen has successfully presided over five projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Provincial Natural Science Foundation. He has published over 60 academic papers and holds six national invention patents, demonstrating his strong research capabilities and innovative approach. In addition to his research, Prof. Shen has authored books such as Agricultural Standardized System and Peanut High-efficiency Cultivation, contributing valuable knowledge to the field. His leadership extends beyond academia as he serves as the Vice Chairman and Executive Director of the Zhanjiang Tropical Agriculture Society. His recognition includes prestigious awards, such as the third prize for agricultural technology promotion in Guangdong Province and the Young Teacher Award from the Huo Yingdong Education Foundation.

Research Interest:

Prof. Xuefeng Shen’s research interests primarily focus on crop cultivation and stress physiology, with a particular emphasis on improving agricultural productivity under challenging environmental conditions. His work explores the mechanisms by which crops respond to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, aiming to develop more resilient and high-yielding crop varieties. Prof. Shen has been involved in several projects related to the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops and weed control in farmland, addressing key challenges in modern agriculture. He has contributed significantly to the development of agricultural technologies that enhance crop stress resistance and efficiency. In addition to his research on crop physiology, Prof. Shen’s work extends to the creation of agricultural standardized systems and the promotion of high-efficiency cultivation techniques, particularly in peanuts. His innovative approach is reflected in his numerous publications and national patents, which have the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and improve food security.

Award and Honor:

Prof. Xuefeng Shen has received numerous prestigious awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to the field of crop cultivation and stress physiology. Notably, he was awarded the third prize for agricultural technology promotion in Guangdong Province, recognizing his significant impact on advancing agricultural practices. Additionally, Prof. Shen was honored with the Young Teacher Award from the 16th Huo Yingdong Education Foundation, which acknowledges his excellence in teaching and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of agricultural scientists. These accolades, alongside his impressive academic achievements, including over 60 published papers and six national invention patents, underscore his leadership in agricultural research. Prof. Shen’s work continues to influence the agricultural community, and his role as a member of the Youth Editorial Committee of Guangdong Agricultural Science and his position as Vice Chairman of the Zhanjiang Tropical Agriculture Society further solidify his standing as a respected figure in agricultural science.

Conclusion:

Prof. Xuefeng Shen is a distinguished researcher with a remarkable track record in crop cultivation and stress physiology. His leadership in multiple projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Provincial Natural Science Foundation underscores his expertise and ability to secure significant research funding. With over 60 published academic papers and six national invention patents, Prof. Shen has made notable contributions to the agricultural field. His recognition through awards such as the third prize for agricultural technology promotion in Guangdong Province and the Young Teacher Award from the Huo Yingdong Education Foundation further solidifies his reputation as an accomplished researcher and educator. While expanding his industry collaborations and international presence could enhance the practical impact of his work, Prof. Shen’s research has already made a substantial contribution to advancing agricultural science. He is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with the potential for even greater global influence.

Publications Top Noted:

  • Mitigation Effect of Exogenous Nano-Silicon on Salt Stress Damage of Rice Seedlings
    Authors: Xiong, J., Yang, X., Sun, M., Zhao, L., Shen, X.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0
  • Effects of Exogenous Spermidine on Seed Germination and Physiological Metabolism of Rice Under NaCl Stress
    Authors: Yang, X., Xiong, J., Du, X., Zheng, D., Shen, X.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Spermidine augments salt stress resilience in rice roots potentially by enhancing OsbZIP73’s RNA binding capacity
    Authors: Shen, X., Dai, S., Chen, M., Huang, Y.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2
  • Optimizing Nitrogen Dosage and Planting Density to Improve Japonica Rice Yield
    Authors: Zhao, L., Zhou, H., Tang, L., Feng, N., Shen, X.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Analysis Reveals Complex Regulation Mechanisms Underlying Rice Roots’ Response to Salt Stress
    Authors: Xue, Y., Zhou, C., Feng, N., Liu, Y., Zhang, R.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2
  • Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis of salinity tolerance in response to foliar application of choline chloride in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    Authors: Huo, J., Yu, M., Feng, N., Zhao, L., Meng, F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Plant growth regulators mitigate oxidative damage to rice seedling roots by NaCl stress
    Authors: Wang, Y., Zhao, L.-M., Feng, N., Lu, X., Deng, P.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Comparative transcriptome analysis of gene responses of salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive rice cultivars to salt stress
    Authors: Fang, X., Mo, J., Zhou, H., Xu, J., Yang, S.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 9
  • Global Responses of Autopolyploid Sugarcane Badila (Saccharum officinarum L.) to Drought Stress Based on Comparative Transcriptome and Metabolome Profiling
    Authors: Yang, S., Chu, N., Feng, N., Shen, X., Zheng, D.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 9
  • Physiological mechanisms of ABA-induced salinity tolerance in leaves and roots of rice
    Authors: Chen, G., Zheng, D., Feng, N., Meng, F., Huang, A.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 49

 

Maryam Yousefi | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maryam Yousefi |  Sustainable Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Postdoc at  ZALF,  Germany

Dr. Maryam Yousefi is a prominent researcher specializing in environmental science and agricultural sustainability. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Berlin, Germany, focusing on “Living Labs in Agricultural Landscapes” under the supervision of Prof. Frank Ewert. Previously, she worked at ETH Zurich’s Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, where she explored “Enhancing biodiversity & resilience in crop production,” supervised by Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul and Prof. Johan Six.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Science
    Shahid Beheshti University, Iran
    2015-2021

    • Visitor, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (2018-2019)
  • M.S. in Natural Resource Engineering – Land Use Planning and Assessment
    Birjand University, Iran
    2010-2012
  • B.S. in Natural Resource Engineering – Environmental Science
    Hakim Sabzevari University, Iran
    2008-2010
  • A.S. in Environmental Science
    Birjand University, Iran
    2004-2006

🏆 Honors and Awards:

  1. Ranked 1st among B.S. students in Environmental Science, Hakim Sabzevari University.
  2. Granted direct admission to M.S. program by Birjand University’s Talent Student Office.
  3. Active member of the Young Researchers Club (2010-2018).
  4. Ranked 3rd among ~2000 participants in the Iranian Ph.D. entrance exam.

🔬 Academic and Project Experience:

  • Collaborator – Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (Iran)
    2020-2021
  • Project Manager – Agricultural Planning (Qazvin Province, Iran)
    2020
  • Project Manager – Land Use Planning (Gilan & Qazvin Provinces, Iran)
    2015-2018
  • Research Assistant – Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
    2016-2017
  • Lecturer – Payam Noor University, Iran
    2013

🌿 Sustainable Agriculture Research Focus:

    • Biodiversity & Resilience: Enhancing biodiversity and resilience in crop production systems to improve sustainability and productivity.
    • Ecosystem Services: Evaluating and optimizing ecosystem services provided by agricultural landscapes, such as pest control and soil health.
    • Agri-environmental Schemes: Assessing the effectiveness of intercropping and other agri-environmental schemes to support sustainable farming practices.
    • Living Labs: Implementing and studying living labs in agricultural landscapes to test and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
    • Landscape Ecological Modeling: Using landscape ecological models to understand and manage landscape carrying capacity and environmental impacts of agricultural activities.
    • Social-Ecological Systems: Exploring the interactions between social and ecological systems to develop integrated approaches for sustainable land use and management.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 255
  • Citations Since 2019: 235
  • h-index: 9
  • i10-index: 9

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modelling Landscape Ecological Assessments of Land Use and Cover Change Scenarios: Application to the Bojnourd Metropolitan Area (NE Iran)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, J Marull
    • Journal: Land Use Policy
    • Citations: 62
    • Year: 2020
  • Convenient Landfill Site Selection by Using Fuzzy Logic and Geographic Information Systems: A Case Study in Bardaskan, East of Iran
    • Authors: A Khorram, M Yousefi, SA Alavi, J Farsi
    • Journal: Health Scope
    • Citations: 45
    • Year: 2015
  • Land Use Change Detection Using Remote Sensing and Artificial Neural Network: Application to Birjand, Iran
    • Authors: M Ahmadizadeh, M Yousefi
    • Journal: Computational Ecology and Software
    • Citations: 28
    • Year: 2014
  • An Energy-Landscape Integrated Analysis to Evaluate Agroecological Scarcity
    • Authors: M Yousefi, A Darvishi, R Padró, S Barghjelveh, NM Dinan, J Marull
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Citations: 21
    • Year: 2020
  • Assessing Levels, Trade-offs, and Synergies of Landscape Services in the Iranian Province of Qazvin: Towards Sustainable Landscapes
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, NM Dinan, P Angelstam
    • Journal: Landscape Ecology
    • Citations: 16
    • Year: 2022
  • Comparison of Two Biophysical Indicators Under Different Landscape Complexity
    • Authors: M Yousefi, A Darvishi, E Tello, S Barghjelveh, NM Dinan, J Marull
    • Journal: Ecological Indicators
    • Citations: 14
    • Year: 2021
  • Assessment and Spatial Planning of Landscape Ecological Connectivity for Biodiversity Management (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, NM Dinan, S Barghjelveh, M Yousefi
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology
    • Citations: 14
    • Year: 2020
  • Investigating the Effect of Socio-economic Disturbance Resulting from Human Activities on Landscape Ecological Function Using HANPP Index (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, NM Mobarghei Dinan
    • Journal: Journal of Natural Environment
    • Citations: 13
    • Year: 2020
  • Evaluating the Correlation Between Pollination Ecosystem Service and Landscape Pattern Metrics (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, DN Mobargae
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology
    • Citations: 10
    • Year: 2021
  • Assessment of Light Pollution in Bojnord City Using Remote Sensing Data
    • Authors: A Khorram, M Yousefi, M Fardad
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering
    • Citations: 6
    • Year: 2014