Syamlal Sasi | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award 

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

Workiye Getnet Abera | Sustainable Agriculture | Editorial Board Member 

Mr. Workiye Getnet Abera | Sustainable Agriculture | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer and Researcher | Debre Tabor University | Ethiopia

Workiye Getnet Abera is a dedicated researcher and lecturer specializing in Chemical and Food Engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable materials, food quality enhancement, and green bioprocessing technologies. His research centers on developing bio-based products, optimizing agro-industrial waste conversion, and advancing innovative materials such as antimicrobial biolubricants, biodegradable films, and functional food products; emerging interests include circular bioeconomy strategies and eco-friendly polymer alternatives. He has served as a lecturer, researcher, and reviewer at Debre Tabor University since 2024 in the School of Chemical Engineering, following four impactful years at Dilla University where he contributed to teaching and research in Food Engineering. His key scientific contributions include the synthesis and optimization of antimicrobial biolubricants derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and lactic acid, the development of biodegradable bioplastic films from banana peel starch blended with cellulosic fibers, and advancements in gluten-free sorghum bread formulation enriched with sweet lupin flour, all of which demonstrate innovation in material science, sustainability, and food technology. In addition to his research outputs, he has provided extensive peer-review service across leading journals in food science, polymer research, environmental chemical engineering, and biomass valorization, supporting academic quality and scientific integrity. His work collectively contributes to global sustainability efforts by creating environmentally responsible alternatives to petroleum-based products, improving food system resilience, and promoting value-added utilization of agricultural residues. With a forward-looking vision, Workiye aims to strengthen the role of green engineering in driving industrial innovation, enhance the accessibility of sustainable materials, and support science-based solutions to environmental and societal challenges worldwide.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

1. Abera, W. G. (2024). Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of antimicrobial biolubricant derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and lactic acid. Heliyon, e38972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38972

2. Abera, W. G. (2024). Quality assessment of gluten-free sorghum bread prepared with sourdough and the addition of sweet lupin flour. CYTA – Journal of Food, Article 2397022. https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2024.2397022

3. Abera, W. G. (2023). Synthesis and characterization of bioplastic film from banana (Musa Cavendish species) peel starch blended with banana pseudo-stem cellulosic fiber. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-04207-8

Baoping Zhao | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Baoping Zhao | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

Deputy Dean | Inner Mongolia agriculturial University | China

Prof. Baoping Zhao, a distinguished researcher at Neimenggu Agricultural University, Hohhot, China, is a leading specialist in crop science, stress physiology, and sustainable agronomy whose work advances resilient cereal production and soil–plant health. His research focuses on understanding plant responses to salinity, drought, heavy-metal stress, microplastic contamination, and nutrient limitations, while developing innovative strategies to improve oat, buckwheat, and wheat performance under challenging environmental conditions. Emerging interests include multi-omics–guided crop improvement and nature-based soil amendments that enhance both yield and ecological sustainability. With a strong record of 70 publications, over 430 citations, and an h-index of 10, he has contributed extensively through collaborative, high-impact studies. His professional experience spans key academic roles in plant science research, where he has led and co-led projects revealing how crops respond to salinity and drought stress, including integrated germination and field assessments that identify saline–alkali-tolerant oat germplasm, molecular insights into drought-responsive pathways using multi-omics tools, and proteomic analysis of root respiratory metabolism under salt stress. Among his notable contributions are breakthroughs in improving crop resilience, such as demonstrating how fulvic acid enhances oat growth and grain yield under water-deficit by regulating antioxidant systems and carbon assimilation, and how manganese–zinc fertilizers mitigate cadmium toxicity in wheat, reducing potential human-health risks through safer grain production practices. His work has also illuminated the environmental risks posed by microplastics in agricultural soils, showing their effects on soil properties and buckwheat performance, thus informing soil-health monitoring and sustainable land-management policies. Through open-access contributions that strengthen global scientific accessibility, his research findings support innovations in crop breeding, fertilizer management, and climate-adaptive agriculture, offering practical applications for both farmers and industry stakeholders. Driven by the vision of building resilient agroecosystems, Prof. Zhao aims to translate advanced plant-response knowledge into solutions that enhance food security, protect soil ecosystems, and promote sustainable agricultural transformation. His ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration positions him as a key contributor to global efforts in adapting agriculture to environmental change while supporting healthier, more productive cropping systems for future generations.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Effects of preservatives and drying methods on the nutrient composition and mould counts of hay and pellet processing of oats. Scientific Reports.

2. Testing of saline–alkali tolerance in oat germplasm through integrated germination and field performance assessments. Agronomy.

3. Potential impacts of microplastic particle size and type on soil properties and buckwheat performance. Agronomy.

4. Fulvic acid enhances oat growth and grain yield under drought deficit by regulating ascorbate–glutathione cycle, chlorophyll synthesis, and carbon-assimilation ability. Agronomy.

5. Foliar application of manganese–zinc fertilizer mitigated the harmful effects of cadmium on wheat and reduced human health risks. Sustainability.

Kobra Sadat Hasheminasab | Food Security | Editorial Board Member

Assist .Prof. Dr. Kobra Sadat Hasheminasab | Food Security | Editorial Board Member

Faculty Member | Soil and Water Research Institute | Iran

Dr. Kobra Sadat Hasheminasab Zavareh is a Research Assistant Professor at the Soil and Water Research Institute (SWRI), specializing in Analytical Chemistry with a strong focus on Food Security and Nutrition, health monitoring of agricultural products, and advanced Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) methodologies. Her research centers on developing innovative analytical techniques for detecting heavy metals, oil pollutants, and environmental contaminants in agricultural and biological samples, while her emerging interests include integrating nano-materials and microextraction systems to improve sensitivity and precision in environmental assessment. Over the course of her career, she has held key research and academic roles that highlight her expertise in environmental sample analysis, instrumental chemistry, and advanced extraction technologies. Dr. Hasheminasab has made notable contributions through the development of carbon-nanotube-assisted electromembrane extraction systems, pioneering work in microextraction and switchable-hydrophilicity solvent methods, and significant advancements in pollutant detection across water and agricultural matrices. Her innovations have enhanced the efficiency, selectivity, and reliability of analytical procedures widely adopted in environmental and food safety laboratories. With more than 570 citations, an h-index of 11, and a growing body of impactful publications, her scientific contributions continue to influence analytical chemistry research and applications. She envisions a future where precise, rapid, and accessible pollutant-monitoring tools strengthen global food safety frameworks, environmental health systems, and sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately ensuring safer food production and improved public health outcomes.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

1. Hasheminasab, K. S., et al. (2013). A new method for the enhancement of electromembrane extraction efficiency using carbon nanotube-reinforced hollow fiber for the determination of acidic drugs in spiked plasma.

2. Hasheminasab, K. S., et al. (2013). Development and application of carbon nanotube-assisted electromembrane extraction (CNTs/EME) for the determination of buprenorphine as a model of basic drugs from urine samples.

3. Hasheminasab, K. S., et al. (2014). Development of carbon-nanotube-assisted electromembrane extraction in the two-phase mode combined with GC for the determination of basic drugs.

4. Hasheminasab, K. S., et al. (2017). Switchable-hydrophilicity solvent-based microextraction combined with gas chromatography for determination of nitroaromatic compounds in water samples.

5. Hasheminasab, K. S., et al. (2015). Application of nonionic surfactant as a new method for enhancing electromembrane extraction performance for determination of basic drugs in biological samples.

Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Assistant | IITA/University Canada West | Nigeria

Dr. Alice Adenike Olatunji is a distinguished agricultural scientist specializing in yam agronomy and genotype performance evaluation, with a research focus on enhancing crop productivity and resilience under diverse environmental conditions. Her primary research centers on the agronomic performance, genetic improvement, and yield stability of elite White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes cultivated across multiple agroecological zones in Nigeria. As a Senior Research Officer at CGIAR, Montpellier, France, Dr. Olatunji contributes to global agricultural research through the development of sustainable practices and data-driven varietal selection frameworks. Her seminal work, including publications in the Agronomy journal and preprints in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, has provided vital insights into genotype-environment interactions influencing yam yield stability. Dr. Olatunji’s research outcomes have informed breeding strategies, agricultural policies, and sustainable food security programs, offering practical pathways for improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and advancing resilient yam production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative research and innovation, she continues to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world agricultural needs, driving forward the CGIAR mission of transforming food, land, and water systems. Her impact vision emphasizes strengthening food system resilience, enhancing crop adaptation to climate variability, and empowering farmers through science-led agricultural innovation that contributes to global goals for nutrition security and sustainable development.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Agronomy, 14(9), 2093. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092093

2. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Preprints, 2024080964. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0964.v1

Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Professor/Dean | University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem is a distinguished researcher specializing in Weed Science and Agronomy, with a particular focus on nano herbicides, herbicide resistance, allelopathy, and sustainable fodder production systems. His research explores the interactions between crops and weeds, emphasizing innovative and eco-friendly weed management approaches, plant–plant biochemical interactions, and the optimization of fertilizer and nutrient application for enhanced yield and quality. Serving as a leading academic at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan, Dr. Nadeem has played a vital role in advancing agricultural science through his extensive teaching, research supervision, and collaborative projects aimed at improving productivity and environmental sustainability. His scholarly contributions encompass over a hundred peer-reviewed publications, including highly cited works such as “Pesticides: Impacts on Agriculture Productivity, Environment, and Management Strategies” and “Can Hormesis of Plant-Released Phytotoxins Be Used to Boost and Sustain Crop Production?” which collectively demonstrate his commitment to balancing agricultural efficiency with environmental health. His pioneering studies on the integrated use of microbial and synthetic nitrogen sources, drought tolerance mechanisms, and sustainable fodder production have provided practical insights into mitigating climate change impacts on crop systems. Dr. Nadeem’s expertise extends beyond laboratory research to field-level innovations, influencing regional agricultural practices and policy discussions related to weed management and food security. Recognized for his remarkable academic metrics with over 5,000 citations, an h-index of 43, and an i10-index of 127, his research continues to shape new paradigms in agro-ecosystem management and resource-efficient farming. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific leadership, Dr. Nadeem envisions a future where advanced biotechnological and ecological principles drive resilient and sustainable agriculture. His ongoing work contributes profoundly to global innovation in sustainable crop protection, positioning him as a key figure in the advancement of eco-agronomic research and an advocate for science-led agricultural transformation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Sharar, M. S., & Mahmood, N. (2002). Response of maize (Zea mays L.) fodder to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 352–354.

2. Khan, B. A., Nadeem, M. A., Nawaz, H., Amin, M. M., Abbasi, G. H., Nadeem, M., & Ali, M. (2023). Pesticides: Impacts on agriculture productivity, environment, and management strategies. Emerging Contaminants and Plants: Interactions, Adaptations and Remediation, 219.

3. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tanveer, A., & Husnain, A. (2002). Effect of different levels of nitrogen and harvesting times on the growth, yield and quality of sorghum fodder. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 304–307.

4. Nadeem, M. A., Ahmad, R. A. R., & Ahmad, M. S. (2004). Effects of seed inoculation and different fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 3(4), 299–303.*

5. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tahir, M., Ibrahim, M., & Aslam, M. N. (2009). Effect of nitrogen application and harvesting intervals on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.). Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 7(2), 185–189.

Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Professor | The Ohio State University | United States

Dr. Clay Sneller is a distinguished researcher and professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in Plant Breeding and Quantitative Genetics. His research primarily focuses on improving genetic diversity, yield stability, and environmental resilience in major crops such as soybean and wheat. He has significantly contributed to understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying yield potential, drought tolerance, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, offering innovative strategies for sustainable agricultural productivity. Over his extensive career, Dr. Sneller has held key academic roles driving advanced crop improvement programs and mentoring future agricultural scientists. His collaborative research has produced impactful publications on topics like genomic prediction of wheat landraces, the relationship between genetic variance and parental diversity in soybean, and marker-assisted introgression of yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs). His pioneering studies, including “Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential” and “Genomic selection for wheat traits and trait stability,” have guided global plant breeding strategies and influenced both policy and practice in agricultural biotechnology. With an h-index of 42 and over 5,800 citations, Dr. Sneller’s scholarly contributions have shaped the scientific understanding of crop genetics and breeding efficiency. His work bridges the gap between molecular genetics and practical agronomy, advancing the development of resilient, high-yield cultivars adapted to climate variability. Driven by a vision to enhance food security through science-led innovation, Dr. Sneller continues to contribute to the global effort toward sustainable crop production, genetic resource conservation, and next-generation breeding technologies that empower farmers and strengthen agricultural systems worldwide

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., & Sneller, C. H. (2004). Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential. Trends in Plant Science, 9(2), 70–75.

2. Carter, T. E. Jr., Nelson, R. L., Sneller, C. H., & Cui, Z. (2004). Genetic diversity in soybean. In Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses (Vol. 16, pp. 303–416).

3. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., King, C. A., Sneller, C. H., Chen, P., & Vadez, V. (2007). Drought tolerance and yield increase of soybean resulting from improved symbiotic N₂ fixation. Field Crops Research, 101(1), 68–71.

4. Sneller, C. H., Kilgore‐Norquest, L., & Dombek, D. (1997). Repeatability of yield stability statistics in soybean. Crop Science, 37(2), 383–390.

5. Crossa, J., Jarquín, D., Franco, J., Pérez-Rodríguez, P., Burgueño, J., & Sneller, C. H. (2016). Genomic prediction of gene bank wheat landraces. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 6(7), 1819–1834.*

Cleyton de Almeida Araújo | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Cleyton de Almeida Araújo | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Professor | UNIVASF | Brazil

Dr. Cleyton de Almeida Araújo is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in Animal Science, with an emphasis on ruminant nutrition, forage management, and sustainable livestock production systems. His research primarily focuses on optimizing feed efficiency, improving forage quality, and developing eco-friendly livestock management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing animal productivity in semiarid regions. As an Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF), he plays a vital role in advancing experimental studies on silage fermentation, mineral balance in animal nutrition, and biosaline agriculture. Over the years, Dr. Araújo has authored numerous scientific articles in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to understanding forage preservation, carbohydrate fractionation, and the nutritional dynamics of alternative feed resources such as cactus pear and cassava shoots. His collaborative works have also examined the interplay between animal nutrition and environmental sustainability, highlighting innovative strategies for resource-limited ecosystems. Beyond his academic achievements, he has contributed to the scientific community through applied research that supports livestock farmers and policymakers in developing climate-resilient agricultural systems. His findings on feed substitution and silage improvement have practical implications for animal welfare, soil health, and rural livelihoods. Dr. Araújo’s scientific vision is rooted in bridging advanced nutritional science with sustainable production methods, fostering innovations that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Through his continued research and mentorship, he aims to strengthen the resilience of tropical livestock systems, contributing to global efforts in food security, ecological conservation, and rural development. He has 78 citations from 26 publications, with an h-index of 5.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Araújo, C. A., Lima, R. S., Oliveira, G. F., Nascimento, D. B., Campos, F. S., Gois, G. C., Silva, T. G. F., Magalhães, A. L. R., & Araújo, G. G. L. (2025). Carbohydrate fractionation and nitrogen compounds, mineral status, and gas production in arboreal cotton and cactus silages. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 77(1). https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-13274

2. Pereira, P. H. B., Oliveira, J. S., Guerra, R. R., Conceição, Â. I. da, Magalhães, A. L. R., Silva, D. K. de A., Bispo, S. V., Dias, G. G., Araújo, C. de A., & Valença, R. de L., et al. (2025). Forage cactus as a substitute for corn as an energy source in the finishing of feedlot lambs. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 57(6). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04502-8

3. Nascimento, D. B. do, Magalhães, A. L. R., Teodoro, A. L., Gois, G. C., Santos, K. C. dos, Amaral, T. N. E. de, Araújo, C. A. de, Silva, P. B. da, Severo, M. F. de S., & Campos, F. S. (2025). Chemical composition, mineral profile, carbohydrate fractionation, dry matter digestibility and in vitro gas production of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw at different phenological stages. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 68(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2023.2260770

4. Borges, E. N., Araújo, C. A. de, Monteiro, B. S., Silva, A. S., Albuquerque, L. de F., Araújo, G. G. L. de, Campos, F. S., Gois, G. C., Souza, R. C. de, & Araújo, A. O. de. (2025). Buffel grass pre-dried as a modulator of the fermentation, nutritional and aerobic stability profile of cactus pear silage. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 68(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00288233.2023.2212173

5. Silva, C. de S., Miranda, A. S. de, Novaes, J. J. da S., Araújo, C. A. de, Macedo, A. de, Araújo, J. S. de, Lima, D. O., Neto, J. V. E., Gois, G. C., & Araújo, G. G. L. de, et al. (2024). Fermentation profile, nutritional value and aerobic stability of mixed elephant grass and butterfly pea silages. Ciência Animal Brasileira, 25, e76994e. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-6891v25e-76994e

Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

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. She has 975 citations from 48 publications, with an h-index of 17.

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 

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