Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Bari "Aldo Moro" | Italy

Dr. Nicoletta De Vietro is a Researcher in Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (D.B.B.A.) of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro,” where she is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center for Risk Analysis and Management in Health and Environmental Emergencies (C.I.R.S.A.). She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, with advanced specialization in chromatographic and analytical techniques. Her primary research focuses on gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry for the characterization of biological, environmental, and food matrices, while her emerging interests explore innovative material development through non-equilibrium plasma processes for applications in packaging, biomedicine, and surface engineering. Over her academic career, she has held teaching and research roles in analytical chemistry, contributing to cutting-edge experimental methods that integrate chromatographic analysis with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and surface modification techniques such as deposition, grafting, and etching in cold plasmas. Dr. De Vietro has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, reviews, and patents, advancing both fundamental analytical methods and their industrial applications, particularly in environmental monitoring and food safety. Her contributions include novel methodological approaches for trace analysis and material functionalization, with implications for health risk assessment and sustainable technologies. She has been recognized through competitive research grants and has served as guest editor and peer reviewer for several leading scientific journals. Actively engaged in the international scientific community, she contributes to editorial boards, evaluates manuscripts for high-impact journals, and collaborates in interdisciplinary research networks. Through her research, Dr. De Vietro aims to bridge analytical innovation with real-world challenges, enhancing scientific understanding of complex matrices while supporting industry and regulatory bodies in improving environmental quality, public health, and technological advancement.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1.  Cometa, S., Bonifacio, M. A., Bellissimo, A., Pinto, L., Petrella, A., De Vietro, N., Iannaccone, G., Baruzzi, F., & De Giglio, E. (2022). A green approach to develop zeolite–thymol antimicrobial composites: Analytical characterization and antimicrobial activity evaluation. Heliyon, 8(9), e09551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09551

2. Aresta, A., De Santis, S., Carocci, A., Barbarossa, A., Ragusa, A., De Vietro, N., Clodoveo, M. L., Corbo, F., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of commercial animal and vegetable milks’ lipid profile and its correlation with cell viability and antioxidant activity on human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Molecules, 26(18), 5645. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185645

3. Aresta, A. M., De Vietro, N., Clodoveo, M. L., Amirante, R., Corbo, F., Schena, F. P., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol in human urine after intake of extra virgin olive oil produced with an ultrasounds-based technology. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 206, 114204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114204

4. De Vietro, N., Aresta, A. M., Picciariello, A., Rotelli, M. T., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of VOCs in surgical resected tissues from colorectal cancer patients by solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 6910. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156910

5. Mongioví, C., Lacalamita, D., Morin-Crini, N., Gabrion, X., Ivanovska, A., Sala, F., Placet, V., Rizzi, V., Gubitosa, J., Mesto, E., De Vietro, N., Crini, G., & Cosma, P. (2021). Use of chènevotte, a valuable co-product of industrial hemp fiber, as adsorbent for pollutant removal. Part I: Chemical, microscopic, spectroscopic and thermogravimetric characterization of raw and modified samples. Molecules, 26(15), 4574. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154574

Sherif Ramzy | Food safety | Global Food Systems Innovator Award 

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Prof. Dr. Sherif Ramzy | Food safety | Global Food Systems Innovator Award 

Professor | National Research Centre | Egypt

Dr. Sherif Ramzy Mohamed is a Professor of Food Toxicology and Contaminants at the National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt, where he has served since 2018 following earlier roles as Assistant Professor (2013) and researcher. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology (2008), preceded by an M.Sc. (2002) and B.Sc. (1997) in the same specialization. His research centers on food toxicology, mycotoxins, food contaminants, rapid detection techniques, biodegradation mechanisms, and non-traditional strategies for food safety risk mitigation. Emerging interests include smartphone-integrated diagnostic systems, microbial enzymatic degradation of toxins, fungal genomics, and sustainable biocontrol technologies. Over his career at NRC and through joint Egyptian-Chinese scientific collaborations, he has led major projects on the early warning, monitoring, and prevention of mycotoxins in grain supply chains, securing international research partnerships and grants. Among his key contributions are the development of manganese dioxide nanoribbon-based sensors for aflatoxin B1 detection, smartphone-controlled infrared spectrometry for fumonisin identification, genome-based interventions to reduce toxin biosynthesis, and innovative biological mechanisms for toxin degradation. He has also co-developed methods for eliminating fungal contaminants via autophagy control and pioneered research on bacterial strains capable of degrading zearalenone and other estrogenic toxins. His work has resulted in multiple patents, including a 2023 international patent on enzymatic biodegradation of zearalenone and earlier patents on rice straw applications and antiviral botanical extracts. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers in Q1 and Scopus-indexed journals and vetted more than 150 manuscripts. His roles extend to editorial boards of international journals such as Annals of Food and Nutrition Research, Nutrition and Food Toxicology, Universal Journal of Food Science and Technology, and Journal of Food Technology and Food Chemistry. He is a fellow of the Board of Quality Standards (BU-FBQS) and an active member of professional bodies including the Egyptian Society of Natural Toxins, Asia Society of Researchers, and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals. His honors include multiple research productivity awards from the NRC and the Khayria Naguib Prize (2015). Through his scientific advisory work, conference participation, and supervision of postgraduate theses, he has shaped food safety research in Egypt and internationally. His long-term vision is to reduce the economic and health burden of foodborne contaminants by developing rapid, affordable detection tools, eco-safe biodegradation technologies, and evidence-based policies that enhance global food security, public health protection, and industrial innovation. He has 1007 citations from 33 publications, with an h-index of 15.

Profiles:  Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Abdel-Wahhab, M. A., Hassan, N. S., El-Kady, A. A., Mohamed, Y. A., El-Nekeety, A. A., Sherif, R. M., Sharaf, H. A., & Mannaa, F. A. (2010). Red ginseng extract protects against aflatoxin B1 and fumonisins-induced hepatic pre-cancerous lesions in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(3), 733–742.

2. Cai, X., Liang, M., Ma, F., Zhang, Z., Tang, X., Jiang, J., Guo, C., Ramzy Mohamed, S., Abdel Goda, A., Dawood, D. H., Yu, L., & Li, P. (2022). Nanozyme-strip based on MnO₂ nanosheets as a catalytic label for multi-scale detection of aflatoxin B1 with an ultrabroad working range. Food Chemistry, 377, 131965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131965

3. Yu, C., Liu, X., Zhang, X., Zhang, M., Gu, Y., Ali, Q., Mohamed, M. S. R., Xu, J., Shi, J., Gao, X., et al. (2021). Mycosubtilin produced by Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633 inhibits growth and mycotoxin biosynthesis of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Toxins, 13(11), 791. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins13110791

4. Shena, G., Kanga, X., Sua, J., Qiua, J., Liu, X., Xu, J., Shi, J., & Mohamed, S. R. (2022). Rapid detection of fumonisin B1 and B2 in ground corn samples using smartphone-controlled portable near-infrared spectrometry and chemometrics. Food Chemistry, 384, 132487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132487

5. Hu, J., Wang, G., Hou, M., Du, S., Han, J., Yu, Y., Gao, H., He, D., Shi, J., Lee, Y.-W., Mohamed, S. R., Dawood, D. H., Hong, Q., Liu, X., & Xu, J. (2023). New hydrolase from Aeromicrobium sp. HA for the biodegradation of zearalenone: Identification, mechanism, and application. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 71(5), 2411–2420. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06410

Xiufeng Xing | Agri Policy | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Xiufeng Xing | Agri Policy | Best Scholar Award

Master's Supervisor | Qingdao University of Technology | China

Dr. Xiufeng Xing currently serves as a faculty member at Qingdao University of Technology, China, specializing in population, resources, and environmental economics with an additional academic interest in higher education studies. She holds advanced degrees in economics and has developed a strong interdisciplinary foundation that enables her to bridge socio-economic analysis with sustainable development policy. Her research primarily explores inclusive growth, environmental responsibility, and the economics of education, while her emerging interests focus on global energy market fluctuations and the socio-economic impacts of crises such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts. Over the course of her academic career, Dr. Xing has published more than 40 peer-reviewed research papers addressing pressing issues such as the evaluation of shared prosperity in developing regions, the effects of COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict on global oil and natural gas prices, and comparative analyses of hybrid versus traditional teaching models in higher education settings. Complementing her journal contributions, she is also the author of four scholarly books—Inclusive Growth, Corporate Environmental Responsibility, The Marketization of Urban Water Industry, and The Marketization of Domestic Service—which collectively reflect her commitment to equitable economic policy and sustainable industrial practice. Alongside her research, she has taken on key teaching responsibilities, delivering courses in environmental economics, macroeconomics, and microeconomics, where she is recognized for integrating real-world case studies into economic theory instruction. Dr. Xing has contributed to strategic policy discussions through her evidence-based evaluations of water industry reform, corporate accountability frameworks, and social service market mechanisms. She has been acknowledged through competitive research grants and institutional commendations for her leadership in advancing sustainability-focused economic analytics. Beyond authorship, she actively serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals in the domains of development economics and environmental policy and maintains membership in several professional economic and educational societies, where she contributes to collaborative research initiatives and scholarly evaluation panels. Her growing influence in the academic sphere is reflected in her role in shaping curricula and advising on macroeconomic planning within institutional and regional contexts. Driven by a vision to promote equitable prosperity through data-driven policymaking, Dr. Xiufeng Xing strives to advance frameworks that balance economic growth with social inclusion and ecological responsibility. Her work not only informs scholarly dialogue but also supports governments, industries, and educational institutions in making informed decisions that align long-term economic resilience with public welfare.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Xing, X., & Wang, Y. (2025). The evaluation of shared prosperity: A case from China. Sustainability, 17(2), 621. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020621

2. Xing, X., Cong, Y., Wang, Y., & Wang, X. (2023). The impact of COVID-19 and war in Ukraine on energy prices of oil and natural gas. Sustainability, 15(19), 14208. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914208

3. Xing, X., & Saghaian, S. (2022). Learning outcomes of a hybrid online virtual classroom and in-person traditional classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability, 14(9), 5263. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095263

4. Xing, X. (2020). Spillovers of urban road infrastructure investment and operation: A case study using synthetic control methods. Business, Management and Economics Research, 6(10), 100–110.*

5. Xing, X. (2019, June). Does university class size matter? Evidence from course micro data. In Proceedings of the Education and Economics Conference 2019.

Mather Khan | Food Security and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mather Khan | Food Security and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at University of Missouri | United States

Dr. Mather A Khan is a distinguished Plant Molecular Biologist with over a decade of research expertise focused on metal homeostasis, crop nutrition, and abiotic stress adaptation. His work integrates advanced molecular techniques, yeast systems, and multi-omics approaches to uncover plant-environment interactions. Dr. Khan has led independent research programs and published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to plant stress biology. He emphasizes sustainable agricultural solutions, aligning his research with global food security goals. As a mentor and innovator, Dr. Khan supports interdisciplinary collaboration to advance scientific understanding and develop practical solutions to agricultural challenges.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar 

Education

Dr. Mather A Khan completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Hamdard University, New Delhi, India, where his thesis focused on Fusarium wilt resistance in chickpea using sulfur and microbial consortium. He earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India, with research on the chemopreventive role of green tea at CNCI, Kolkata. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biosciences from the University of Calcutta, India. Additionally, Dr. Khan completed a specialized Certificate Program in Preparing Tomorrow's Leaders for Science at the University of Missouri, USA.

Professional Experience

Dr. Khan is currently a Scientist at the University of Missouri, where he pioneers integrative molecular and systems biology research to decode iron sensing mechanisms in plants. He previously served as Senior Scientist at Heinrich Heine University in Germany, where he led projects to enhance iron bioavailability in legumes and developed innovative protein interaction pipelines. As a Research Scientist and Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Missouri, he assembled Arabidopsis transcription factor libraries and advanced single-cell proteomics. His contributions include mentoring over 15 researchers and coordinating high-profile scientific discussions, with a strong focus on precision nutrient uptake and sustainable crop engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Khan’s research focuses on understanding plant nutrient homeostasis, particularly iron sensing, uptake, and transport mechanisms. He employs multi-omics strategies, high-throughput yeast one-hybrid and yeast two-hybrid platforms, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to uncover molecular interactions regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. His work extends to developing tissue-specific expression systems for trait improvement and engineering advanced metal transporters to enhance nutrient use efficiency in crops. Dr. Khan emphasizes integrating transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data to reveal complex regulatory networks. His research contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving crop resilience and nutritional quality in the face of global environmental challenges.

Awards and Honor

Dr. Khan has received multiple honors for his contributions to plant molecular biology, including being a panelist for the National Science Foundation’s Division of Biological Infrastructure in 2024 and 2025. He was recognized as a Plantae Fellow by the American Society of Plant Biologists and awarded the Douglas D Randall Young Scientists Development Fund. His scientific impact is further validated by travel awards and participation in international conferences. Dr. Khan’s pioneering work in iron sensing and biofortification has earned him invitations to prestigious scientific meetings and key roles in research panels, reflecting his leadership and expertise in advancing global agricultural science.

Research Skill

Dr. Khan possesses a comprehensive technical skill set in molecular and synthetic biology, including advanced cloning techniques, vector design, and genome engineering with CRISPR-Cas9. His expertise extends to yeast system manipulation for functional gene analysis, protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions using Y1H/Y2H, Co-IP, and BiFC. In plant systems, he conducts genetic crossings, transient expression studies, and elemental analysis. He is proficient in multi-omics techniques such as RNA-seq, proteomics, metabolomics, and ionomics, alongside advanced microscopy and bioinformatics for data analysis. Dr. Khan integrates computational tools (R, Python) for data visualization and analysis, promoting innovative, data-driven solutions in plant molecular research.

Publications

Dr. Khan has an extensive publication record, contributing to high-impact journals in plant biology and molecular sciences. His recent work includes elucidating the role of bHLH35 in plant stress responses and age-dependent iron deficiency responses in Arabidopsis. He has co-authored studies on secondary metabolite biosynthesis, sustainability research comparing mung bean growth conditions, and molecular transport mechanisms in plants. Dr. Khan’s publications extend from mechanistic studies of phloem transporters to innovative methods in proteomics and metabolomics. His research is well cited, contributing substantially to the scientific understanding of plant nutrition, stress adaptation, and molecular biofortification strategies worldwide.

Khan, M. A., Castro-Guerrero, N., & Mendoza-Cozatl, D. G. (2014). Moving toward a precise nutrition: Preferential loading of seeds with essential nutrients over non-essential toxic elements. Frontiers in Plant Science, 5, 51.

Khan, M. A., Castro-Guerrero, N. A., McInturf, S. A., Nguyen, N. T., Dame, A. N., & Mendoza-Cozatl, D. G. (2018). Changes in iron availability in Arabidopsis are rapidly sensed in the leaf vasculature and impaired sensing leads to opposite transcriptional programs in leaves and roots. Plant, Cell & Environment, 41(10), 2263-2276.

Ram, M., Abdin, M. Z., Khan, M. A., & Jha, P. (2011). HPTLC fingerprint analysis: A quality control for authentication of herbal phytochemicals. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), 105–116.

Ram, M., Khan, M. A., Jha, P., Khan, S., Kiran, U., Ahmad, M. M., & Javed, S. (2010). HMG-CoA reductase limits artemisinin biosynthesis and accumulation in Artemisia annua L. plants. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 32(5), 859-866.

Jha, P., Ram, M., Khan, M. A., Kiran, U., & Abdin, M. Z. (2011). Impact of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on artemisinin content and yield in Artemisia annua L. Industrial Crops and Products, 33(2), 296–301.

Conclusion

Dr. Mather A Khan is a visionary researcher dedicated to advancing plant molecular biology for sustainable agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular techniques and systems biology to address critical issues in crop nutrition and abiotic stress resilience. With a passion for scientific discovery and mentorship, Dr. Khan continues to innovate high-throughput methodologies, paving the way for improved plant nutrient sensing and enhanced agricultural productivity. His commitment to global food security is demonstrated through collaborative research, impactful publications, and participation in international panels. Dr. Khan’s work exemplifies the integration of fundamental research with practical solutions for a sustainable future.

Dr. Marta Igual Ramo – Food Security & Nutrition – Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Marta Igual Ramo - Food Security & Nutrition - Best Researcher Award

Polytechnic University of Valencia - Spain

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

SCOPUS 

GOOGLE SCHOLAR 

SUMMARY

Dr. Marta Igual Ramo is a leading researcher in Food Technology at Universitat Politècnica de València. Her work bridges science and innovation to develop sustainable, health-enhancing foods using advanced technologies like 3D printing and extrusion. With over 120 publications, numerous international collaborations, and leadership in national and EU projects, she is highly regarded in agri-food research. She contributes actively to editorial boards, holds patents, and supervises doctoral research. Her efforts focus on nutrient bioaccessibility, agri-food waste upcycling, and the development of functional food products that align with circular economy principles.

EDUCATION

Marta Igual Ramo earned her Ph.D. in Food Technology from Universitat Politècnica de València. She also holds a Master’s degree in Marketing and Business Management for Agri-Food Industries and an Agricultural Engineering degree from the same university. Her educational background underpins a multidisciplinary approach to agri-food innovation, integrating technical, scientific, and business insights. Through continuous training in pedagogy and international research stays, she has built a robust academic foundation that supports her innovative work in functional food design, nutrient delivery systems, and sustainability in food processing technologies.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Igual Ramo has held various academic and research positions, including Researcher PhD at Universitat Politècnica de València and external lecturer roles in Spain and abroad. Her international engagements span institutions in Ecuador, Portugal, Romania, and Colombia. She has taught courses on food properties, bromatology, and analytical chemistry, and actively participated in Erasmus and EU-cooperation programs. As a project leader, she coordinates and participates in EU-funded innovation programs and national grants, advancing research in functional foods, waste valorization, and 3D food printing technologies.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Marta Igual Ramo's research interests focus on the innovation of food products through extrusion, 3D printing, and nutrient bioaccessibility. She investigates the recovery and enhancement of agri-food by-products, aiming to transform waste into value-added functional ingredients. Her scientific curiosity lies in improving food formulation, understanding compound stability during processing, and designing health-oriented foods. Her work aligns with global goals in sustainable development and circular economy, using multidisciplinary strategies to address food security, nutritional improvement, and waste reduction in the agri-food industry.

AWARD AND HONOR

Recognized for her scientific excellence, Marta Igual Ramo has received accolades such as the I3 accreditation for her research impact and teaching excellence. She serves as guest editor for high-impact journals like Foods, Molecules, and Agronomy, and holds editorial and committee roles in international conferences, including FCT 2024. Her work has earned over 2,100 citations and an h-index of 28, reflecting her significant influence in food science. Her innovative contributions to sustainable agri-food practices and product development have earned her national and international respect in academic and industrial sectors.

RESEARCH SKILL

Marta Igual Ramo demonstrates expertise in food processing technologies, particularly extrusion and 3D printing. She specializes in evaluating bioactive compound bioaccessibility, nutrient encapsulation, and physicochemical analysis. Her skills extend to analytical methods for food structure, in vitro digestion, and product formulation. Proficient in conducting multidisciplinary experiments, she integrates engineering and nutritional science to optimize product design. She is also skilled in international collaboration, research coordination, and dissemination. Her ability to translate scientific insights into practical applications for functional and sustainable foods underlines her strength as a food technology innovator.

PUBLCATIONS

  • Title: Effect of thermal treatment and storage on the stability of organic acids and the functional value of grapefruit juice
    Authors: NMN M. Igual, E. García-Martínez, MM Camacho
    Journal: Food Chemistry, Vol. 118, 2010, pp. 291–299

  • Title: Effect of processing on the drying kinetics and functional value of dried apricot
    Authors: M. Igual, E. García-Martínez, ME Martín-Esparza, N. Martínez-Navarrete
    Journal: Food Research International, Vol. 47(2), 2012, pp. 284–290

  • Title: Optimization of spray drying conditions for lulo (Solanum quitoense L.) pulp
    Authors: M. Igual, S. Ramires, LH Mosquera, N. Martínez-Navarrete
    Journal: Powder Technology, Vol. 256, 2014, pp. 233–238

  • Title: Changes in flavonoid content of grapefruit juice caused by thermal treatment and storage
    Authors: M. Igual, E. García-Martínez, MM Camacho, N. Martínez-Navarrete
    Journal: Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, Vol. 12(2), 2011, pp. 153–162

  • Title: Comparison of microwaves and conventional thermal treatment on enzymes activity and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit puree
    Authors: M. Benlloch-Tinoco, M. Igual, D. Rodrigo, N. Martínez-Navarrete
    Journal: Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, Vol. 19, 2013, pp. 166–172

CONCLUSION

Marta Igual Ramo is a transformative figure in food science, championing sustainable innovations that bridge cutting-edge technology and nutritional health. Her interdisciplinary research has led to significant advancements in extrusion, 3D printing, and waste valorization. Through her prolific scientific output, leadership in international projects, and dedication to teaching, she contributes extensively to the development of healthier, environmentally conscious food systems. Her work continues to inspire progress in agri-food research, making her a leading force in reshaping future food production and consumption models through science and innovation.