Navdeep Singh | Soil Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Navdeep Singh | Soil Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Western Kentucky University | United States

Dr. Navdeep Singh is a researcher specializing in Soil Physics and Hydrology, with strong expertise in soil water management, conservation practices, and sustainable agriculture. His research focuses on understanding soil pore architecture, hydrological processes, and greenhouse gas dynamics under conservation tillage, cover cropping, and integrated crop–livestock systems, using advanced tools such as X-ray computed tomography and simulation modeling. He has held key academic research roles at Western Kentucky University and collaborated extensively with multidisciplinary teams addressing soil health and climate-smart agriculture. Dr. Singh’s major contributions include high-impact studies on soil structural dynamics, water availability, carbon sequestration, and management-driven improvements in agroecosystem resilience, influencing best management practices and soil health assessment frameworks. His work supports evidence-based agricultural policies and field-scale decision-making. Driven by an impact-oriented vision, Dr. Singh aims to advance sustainable land-use systems that enhance productivity, conserve water resources, mitigate climate impacts, and strengthen global food security through science-based innovation.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations
260

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14

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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

Nuria Pedrol | Sustainable Weed Management | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuria Pedrol | Sustainable Weed Management | Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor | University of Vigo | Spain

Dr. Nuria Pedrol is a distinguished researcher in Plant Ecophysiology, Allelopathy, Weed Control, and Organic Farming, with a strong focus on plant interactions, stress physiology, and sustainable weed management. Her research primarily explores the biochemical and ecological roles of allelochemicals in plant–plant interactions, natural bioherbicide development, and plant responses to abiotic stress, alongside emerging interests in green manure-based weed suppression and soil restoration. She has served as a researcher and faculty member at the University of Vigo, contributing to leading projects on environmental sustainability and crop protection. She has co-authored notable scientific books and handbook chapters, and her transcriptomic studies in Arabidopsis have deepened understanding of plant detoxification mechanisms. With high-impact publications, refined biochemical methodologies, and sustainable agriculture innovations, her work promotes low-chemical-input farming and improved soil health. Guided by a vision of climate-adaptive and eco-friendly agriculture, she aims to advance natural-product herbicides and ecological crop management for global food security and environmental conservation.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations
1,150

Documents
39

h-index
17

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Muhammad Atif Irshad | Innovation | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Muhammad Atif Irshad | Innovation | Editorial Board Member

Assistant Professor | University of Lahore | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Atif Irshad is a dedicated environmental scientist specializing in nanotechnology-based solutions for sustainable water and soil management, with a strong research emphasis on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticle synthesis, wastewater remediation, and plant stress physiology. His work explores advanced oxidation processes, eco-friendly nanomaterials for pollutant removal, and nature-derived treatments for industrial effluents, positioning him at the forefront of innovation in environmental safety and sustainable agriculture. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at The University of Lahore, Pakistan, he contributes extensively to academic development through teaching, research supervision, and departmental coordination roles. Previously, he served as a Lecturer at the same institution and worked as a research scholar in industrial environmental projects, where he applied scientific principles to real-world wastewater challenges. Dr. Irshad’s notable contributions include developing TiO₂ nanoparticle-based antifungal solutions for wheat rust, pioneering field-scale applications of nanomaterials for cadmium adsorption, and introducing green-synthesized nanomaterials to reduce environmental toxicity—advancements that collectively support safer food systems and cleaner water resources. His research has further contributed to improved wastewater treatment protocols within paint, pulp, and paper industries through the use of plant-based extracts and advanced oxidation technologies. With over 600 citations, an h-index of 10, and widely recognized publications, his scientific influence continues to expand across environmental nanotechnology and sustainable remediation disciplines. Driven by a vision of environmentally responsible innovation, Dr. Irshad aims to bridge scientific research with societal and industrial needs by developing scalable, nature-inspired, and cost-effective technologies that strengthen global environmental resilience and agricultural sustainability.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Irshad, M. A., & Others. (2021). Synthesis, characterization and advanced sustainable applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles: A review.

2. Irshad, M. A., & Others. (2020). Synthesis and characterization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles by chemical and green methods and their antifungal activities against wheat rust.

3. Irshad, M. A., & Others. (2021). Effect of green and chemically synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles on cadmium accumulation in wheat grains and potential dietary health risk: A field investigation.

4. Irshad, M. A., & Others. (2019). Synthesis and application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles for removal of cadmium from wastewater: Kinetic and equilibrium study.

5. Irshad, M. A., & Others. (2023). Application of nanomaterials for cadmium adsorption for sustainable treatment of wastewater: A review.

Dr. Muhammad Qadir | Biopesticides | Young Scientist Award 

Dr. Muhammad Qadir | Biopesticides | Young Scientist Award 

Postdoctorate | Hunan University | China

Dr. Muhammad Qadir is a distinguished researcher at the Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, specializing in Stress Physiology, Plant-Microbe Interactions, and Molecular Biology. His research primarily focuses on understanding how beneficial microbes and endophytes can mitigate heavy metal toxicity, enhance stress tolerance, and improve crop productivity under adverse environmental conditions. Emerging interests in his work include microbial-assisted phytoremediation, hormone-mediated plant resilience, and the molecular mechanisms underlying stress signaling in plants. Dr. Qadir has contributed extensively to the field through his collaborative research on microbial biotechnology, demonstrating how endophytic fungi and rhizobacteria can alleviate metal stress, optimize antioxidant systems, and enhance phytoremediation efficiency in crops like soybean, sunflower, and Brassica species. His seminal works, including studies on Pantoea conspicua, Acinetobacter bouvetii, and Aspergillus niger, have provided vital insights into microbe-driven soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. As a research scientist, he has held key academic positions within Hunan University, contributing to cross-disciplinary projects bridging microbiology, environmental science, and plant molecular genetics. Among his significant achievements are publications in high-impact journals such as Chemosphere, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Agronomy, along with groundbreaking findings on phytohormone-producing microbes that enhance tolerance to heavy metals and drought. His investigations into eco-friendly bio-remediation technologies have influenced the design of sustainable crop management systems and advanced understanding of microbial ecology in agriculture. With over 785 citations, an h-index of 15, and numerous collaborative studies addressing climate resilience and soil health, Dr. Qadir’s scientific influence extends across global agroecological innovation. His vision emphasizes integrating microbial biotechnology into sustainable food systems, aiming to develop resilient crops capable of thriving under environmental stress while maintaining ecological balance. Through his pioneering research, Dr. Qadir continues to contribute significantly to global scientific efforts toward ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural innovation in the face of climate challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Zahoor, M., Irshad, M., Rahman, H., Qasim, M., Afridi, S. G., Qadir, M., & Hussain, A. (2017). Alleviation of heavy metal toxicity and phytostimulation of Brassica campestris L. by endophytic Mucor sp. MHR-7. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 142, 139–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.024

2. Qadir, M., Hussain, A., Hamayun, M., Shah, M., Iqbal, A., & Murad, W. (2020). Phytohormones producing rhizobacterium alleviates chromium toxicity in Helianthus annuus L. by reducing chromate uptake and strengthening antioxidant system. Chemosphere, 258, 127386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127386

3. Husna, H., Hussain, A., Shah, M., Hamayun, M., Iqbal, A., & Qadir, M. (2022). Heavy metal tolerant endophytic fungi Aspergillus welwitschiae improves growth, ceasing metal uptake and strengthening antioxidant system in Glycine max L. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(11), 15501–15515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16518-3

4. Hussain, A., Shah, M., Hamayun, M., Iqbal, A., Alataway, A., & Qadir, M. (2023). Phytohormones producing rhizobacteria alleviate heavy metals stress in soybean through multilayered response. Microbiological Research, 266, 127237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2023.127237

5. Qadir, M., Hussain, A., Shah, M., Hamayun, M., Iqbal, A., Irshad, M., & Sayyed, A. (2022). Comparative assessment of chromate bioremediation potential of Pantoea conspicua and Aspergillus niger. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 424, 127314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.127314

Noah Adamtey | Soil Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Noah Adamtey | Soil Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | International Water Management Institute | Ghana

Dr. Noah Adamtey is a distinguished Agronomist and Environmental Scientist, currently serving as Senior Researcher in Resource Recovery and Agri-food Systems at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Ghana. He earned his BSc in Agricultural Science and MPhil in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana, followed by a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Ghana in collaboration with IWMI and Eawag-Sandec, Switzerland, and later pursued a Habilitation at the University of Giessen, Germany, focusing on resource recovery and use efficiency in farming systems. With over two decades of expertise, Dr. Adamtey’s research spans agroecology, bio-circular economy, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, sustainable water use, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. He has led and collaborated on several international projects, including long-term farming systems comparison trials across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, significantly advancing knowledge on organic versus conventional agriculture. His extensive publication record includes impactful articles in Applied Soil Ecology, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, and Global Environmental Change, as well as contributions to book chapters, training manuals, and technical guides. Dr. Adamtey’s research has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2025 IWMI Board of Governors Award, the 2021 Louis Malassis International Scientific Award for Agroecology, and the 2019 Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research Award. Beyond research, he contributes to academia as a lecturer at the University of Giessen and University of Hohenheim, Germany, and has been instrumental in curriculum development for agricultural institutions in Africa. He is also an active reviewer for leading journals, including Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, Agronomy Journal, and Sustainability. Through his scientific leadership, teaching, and international collaborations, Dr. Adamtey continues to influence sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food security worldwide

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications 

1. Adamtey, N., Musyoka, M. W., Zundel, C., Cobo, J. G., Karanja, E., Fiaboe, K. K. M., ... (2016). Productivity, profitability and partial nutrient balance in maize-based conventional and organic farming systems in Kenya. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.

2. Adamtey, N., Cofie, O., Ofosu-Budu, K. G., Ofosu-Anim, J., Laryea, K. B., & Forster, D. (2010). Effect of N-enriched co-compost on transpiration efficiency and water-use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) under controlled irrigation. Agricultural Water Management.

3. Adamtey, N., Cofie, O., Ofosu-Budu, G. K., Danso, S. K. A., & Forster, D. (2009). Production and storage of N-enriched co-compost. Waste Management.

4. Neither, W., Schneidewind, U., Armengot, L., Adamtey, N., Schneider, M., ... (2017). Spatial-temporal soil moisture dynamics under different cocoa production systems. Catena.

5. Atandi, J. G., Haukeland, S., Kariuki, G. M., Coyne, D. L., Karanja, E. N., ... (2017). Organic farming provides improved management of plant parasitic nematodes in maize and bean cropping systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment.

 

Mohsin Tanveer | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohsin Tanveer | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography | China

Dr. Mohsin Tanveer is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, where he advances research in plant molecular physiology and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Tasmania, Australia, focusing on tissue-specific reactive oxygen species signaling and ionic homeostasis in quinoa and spinach under salinity stress, following M.Sc. (Hons) and B.Sc. (Hons) degrees in Agronomy from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. His key research interests include molecular biology and climate change, nutrient metabolism, abiotic stress tolerance, and halophyte physiology, supported by several international projects under young talent programs. Dr. Tanveer has an extensive publication record with high-impact contributions to The Crop Journal, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Trends in Plant Science, and Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, alongside co-editing books with Springer on topics such as mineral biofortification and stress tolerance in plants. His scientific impact has been recognized globally, being ranked among the top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier since 2021 and listed among Australia’s top 40 rising stars in agricultural research. Over the course of his career, he has received multiple honors, including the University of Tasmania HDR Scholarship and international research fellowships. Beyond his research, he actively contributes to academic publishing as an editorial board member for leading journals including Plant Growth Regulation, BMC Plant Biology, Frontiers in Agronomy, Frontiers in Plant Science, Antioxidants, Biology, and Agriculture-MDPI. His work bridges plant physiology, molecular biology, and agronomy, with a strong focus on advancing food security and crop resilience under changing climatic conditions, establishing him as a leading figure in plant stress biology and sustainable agriculture research. He has 8671 citations from 104 publications, with an h-index of 47.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus
Featured Publications 

Prof. Dr. Mercy Manyuchi | Bio-Fertilizers | Women Researcher Award

Prof.Dr. Mercy Manyuchi | Bio-Fertilizers | Women Researcher Award

Prof.Dr. Mercy Manyuchi | Bio-Fertilizers - Director at SustainableTech Environmental Management Company, Zimbabwe

Prof. Dr. Eng. Mercy Manyuchi is a distinguished chemical engineer and academic leader with a rich portfolio in sustainable engineering. With extensive experience in academia, research, innovation, and leadership, Prof. Manyuchi has contributed significantly to the fields of waste valorisation, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability. Currently serving as Professor Extraordinarius at UNISA and former Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg, Prof. Manyuchi has held several high-impact academic and consultancy roles. Recognized globally for contributions to sustainability, this profile highlights a strong foundation in engineering education, groundbreaking research initiatives, and impactful publications that support the global sustainability and circular economy agenda.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Prof. Manyuchi holds a Doctor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, complemented by an MScEng from Stellenbosch University and a BEng from the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe. Additionally, executive leadership training was completed through an EMBA at Bindura University and an Executive Diploma at the Zimbabwe Institute of Management. This educational trajectory highlights a strong blend of technical and managerial competencies, positioning Prof. Manyuchi as a dynamic leader in the intersection of engineering, research, and sustainable development.

Professional Experience

Prof. Manyuchi’s professional career spans over a decade of service in higher education, research, and consulting. Academic appointments include tenure at Harare Institute of Technology and a multi-level visiting professorship at the University of Johannesburg. Industry experience includes roles at ZimChem Refiners and Nestlé Zimbabwe. In leadership, Prof. Manyuchi directed departments, academic programs, and consultancy firms focused on sustainability. These roles were pivotal in leading engineering education reforms, developing environmental technologies, and managing cross-disciplinary teams. Their unique experience merges academic scholarship with industrial application, making valuable contributions to engineering practice and societal development.

Research Interest

Prof. Manyuchi’s current research focuses on the water-energy-food nexus and its alignment with sustainable development goals. Specialized areas include waste-to-energy technologies, biomass valorisation, biochar production, wastewater treatment, and circular economy innovations. Collaborative projects span local and international platforms, addressing global challenges through innovative green technologies. Their research also explores low-cost environmental engineering solutions for developing regions. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, Prof. Manyuchi aims to bridge scientific research and policy to promote climate resilience and sustainable urban development. The overarching objective is to engineer eco-efficient systems that benefit both society and the environment.

Award and Honor

Prof. Manyuchi has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. These include the Women Corporate Directors Award (2023), Green Talents Fellowship (Germany), Japanese Agricultural Researchers Award (2016), and the Presidential Research Award (Zimbabwe). Notably, Prof. Manyuchi has been a Tony Elumelu Foundation grantee and a World Energy Council Future Energy Leader. Many other accolades reflect contributions to entrepreneurship, engineering excellence, and sustainable innovation. These honors demonstrate a global appreciation of Prof. Manyuchi’s efforts in advancing environmental engineering and shaping future-ready solutions for global sustainability challenges.

Research Skill

Prof. Manyuchi is adept in experimental design, techno-economic assessments, process optimization, and life cycle analysis related to chemical and environmental engineering. Key skills include biomass valorisation, bioenergy systems modeling, and development of sustainable waste management technologies. Proficiency in supervising postgraduate research, conducting interdisciplinary projects, and publishing in high-impact journals showcases an ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical applications. Additional competencies include technology transfer, vermicomposting innovation, and environmental impact assessment. These skills are foundational to Prof. Manyuchi’s mission of developing technologies that contribute to cleaner, safer, and more resource-efficient communities.

Publications

Muisa, N., Nhapi, I., Ruziwa, W., & Manyuchi, M.M* (2020). Utilization of alum sludge as adsorbent for phosphorus removal in municipal wastewater: A review. Journal of Water Process Engineering.

Chaukura, Manyuchi, M.M* N., Gwenzi, W., & Tawenga, N. (2016). Biosorbents for the removal of synthetic organics and emerging pollutants: Opportunities and challenges for developing countries. Environmental Development.

Phiri, Manyuchi, M.M*. (2013). Vermicomposting in solid waste management: A review. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Technology.

Manyuchi,M.M*, Phiri, A., Muredzi, P., & Chitambwe, T. (2013). Comparison of vermicompost and vermiwash bio-fertilizers from vermicomposting waste corn pulp. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology.

Manyuchi M.M*, CMEM. (2018). Potential to use municipal waste bio char in wastewater treatment for nutrients recovery.

Conclusion 

Prof. Dr. Eng. Mercy Manyuchi exemplifies a rare combination of academic brilliance, practical innovation, and leadership in the domain of sustainable chemical engineering. From impactful research and transformative teaching to international collaborations and industry contributions, Prof. Manyuchi has consistently championed green technologies and environmental resilience. With a forward-thinking approach, the work continues to inspire new solutions in waste valorisation, climate adaptation, and circular economy systems. As a mentor, researcher, and policy advocate, Prof. Manyuchi remains at the forefront of global sustainability efforts, building a legacy grounded in science, service, and societal impact.