Waseem Ahmed Khattak | Plant Physiology | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Waseem Ahmed Khattak | Plant Physiology | Young Researcher Award

Quaid e Azam University,  Pakistan

Waseem Ahmed Khattak is currently pursuing a Master’s in Plant Sciences at Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad. His research focuses on the impact of chitosan-coated urea nanofertilizers on tomato plants. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Science and Technology Bannu. His academic interests include plant physiology, mycology, and environmental studies.

Profile:

Academic Background:

  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil): Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad (2022–2024)

    • Thesis: Impact of Chitosan Coated Urea Nanofertilizers on the Solanum Lycopersicum L. (Tomato): A Biochemical and Morphological Assessment for Enhanced Crop Production

    • Specialization: Plant Physiology and Mycology

    • Courses: Transgenic Research, Mycosymbiosis, Environmental Pollution, Research Writing & Methodology, and more.

  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): University of Science and Technology Bannu (2017–2021)

    • Thesis: Allelopathic Effect of Euphorbia Helioscopia L. Aqueous Seed Extract on Maize and Toxicity of Heavy Metal (HgCl2) on Maize

    • Specialization: Botany

    • Courses: Plant Physiology, Mycology, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Environmental Biology, and more.

Research and Projects:

  • Durshal UST Bannu Startup Incubation

  • Green Urban Development Pakistan (In collaboration with the US Embassy, School of Leadership Foundation, and Institute of Urbanism)

  • Virtual Clinical Internship

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Improving patient care with machine learning: A game-changer for healthcare
    AH Shahid, WA Khattak
    Appl Res Artif Intell Cloud Comp 5 (1), 150-63 (2022)

  2. Ethical considerations and challenges in the deployment of natural language processing systems in healthcare
    WA Khattak, F Rabbi
    International Journal of Applied Health Care Analytics 8 (5), 17-36 (2023)

  3. Enhancing urban health: machine learning applications in environmental management
    I Malik, WA Khattak
    Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure for Cities and Societies 8 (1), 1-21 (2023)

  4. Mitigating heavy metal pollution in agriculture: A multi-omics and nanotechnology approach to safeguard global wheat production
    M Anas, WA Khattak, S Fahad, N Alrawiq, HS Alrawiq, NR Abdelsalam, …
    Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 100584 (2024)

  5. Therapeutic potential and agricultural benefits of curcumin: a comprehensive review of health and sustainability applications
    M Anas, A Falak, A Khan, WA Khattak, SG Nisa, Q Aslam, KA Khan, …
    Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Applied Sciences, 1-16 (2024)

  6. Personalized healthcare in the age of AI: A comprehensive overview of its applications and limitations
    MM Amri, V Kumar, WA Khattak, D Pandey, A Kundu
    International Journal of Intelligent Automation and Computing 4 (1), 20-34 (2021)

  7. Symbiotic Synergy: Unveiling Plant-Microbe Interactions in Stress Adaptation
    M Anas, A Khalid, MH Saleem, K Ali Khan, W Ahmed Khattak, S Fahad
    Journal of Crop Health 77 (1), 1-21 (2025)

  8. Developing Scalable Data Infrastructure for Retail E-Commerce Growth in Emerging East Asian Markets
    A Raza, WA Khattak
    Journal of Human Behavior and Social Science 6 (7), 32-41 (2022)

  9. Microbial Interactions and Bacterial Responses to Metal Stress in Plants: Mechanisms, Adaptations, and Applications for Sustainable Agriculture
    M Anas, A Falak, S Hassan, WA Khattak, MH Saleem, KA Khan, A Khalid, …
    Journal of Crop Health 77 (1), 36 (2025)

  10. Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Characterization and Its Applications in Inducing Disease Resistance Against Spot Blotch Disease in Wheat by Enhancing Its Resistance
    A Kamal, J Yang, M Batool, U Ara, WA Khattak, D Touhami, RM Aljowaie, …
    Journal of Crop Health 77 (1), 1-12 (2025)

  11. Big Data for Sustainability: A Holistic Approach to Environmental Conservation and Resource Management
    H Ali, WA Khattak
    Journal of Sustainability Studies (2025)

  12. Restoring wheat productivity and nutrient balance under cadmium stress through reducing toxicity, metal uptake, and oxidative damage using selenium nanoparticles
    AJ Abbasi, M Anas, M Elahi, A Khan, WA Khattak, MH Saleem, S Fahad, …
    Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 89, 127644 (2025)

  13. BASIC CONCEPT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
    WAK Atika Noor, Aina Nawaz, Adnan Khattak, Muhammad Anas
    IMPACT OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE ON HUMAN HEALTH 1, 1-16 (2025)

  14. Regulatory Considerations for Biocompatible Light Emitters
    S Arfan, R Saleem, L Irshad, M Anas, W Ahmed Khattak, M Majeed, J Naz, …
    Tailored Light Emitters For Biomedical Applications: Diagnostic, Therapeutic … (2025)

  15. Tailored Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) for Next-Generation Biomedicine
    M Mobeen, A Oladokoun, M Hussain, I Fatima, J Naz, M Anas, …
    Tailored Light Emitters For Biomedical Applications: Diagnostic, Therapeutic … (2025)

  16. Development of Biofortified Crops through Marker‐Assisted Selection
    MA Ghafar, M Majeed, KZ Maqbool, WA Khattak, UA Khan, A Rafique
    Crop Biofortification: Biotechnological Approaches for Achieving Nutritional … (2025)

  17. Exploration of science of remote sensing and GIS with GEE
    SUD Rahimoon, K Yamamoto, MA Ghafar, MM Anwar, M Majeed, …
    Google Earth Engine and Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation, 49-76 (2025)

  18. Environmental resilience: navigation of lead and beneficial elements in soil
    S Kousar, D Ahmad, WA Khattak, MM Anwar, M Majeed, GM Shah, …
    Beneficial Elements for Remediation of Heavy Metals in Polluted Soil, 221-240 (2025)

  19. EDTA-enhanced phytoextraction: leveraging Ricinus communis for the decontamination of Pb and Cd in agricultural soils
    M Anas, WA Khattak, W Sarfraz, N Khalid, N Naeem, M Farid, MH Saleem, …
    Plant Growth Regulation, 1-14 (2024)

  20. FOREST DEPLETION AND HEALTH HAZARDS: ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN IMPACTS OF TOBACCO CURING PRACTICES IN PUNJAB AND KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN
    F Maula, Z Sher, M Asif, WA Khattak
    Voyage Journal of Scientific Research and Exploration 1 (2), 1-13 (2024)

 

Setia Sari Girsang | Plant Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Setia Sari Girsang | Plant Nutrition |  Best Researcher Award

Research Professor at National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia

Setia Sari Br Girsang, Ph.D., is a distinguished Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, specializing in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. She leads research on precision agriculture, soil fertility, and sustainable land management for optimizing agricultural productivity in diverse environments.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Soil Science – Universitas Sumatera Utara (2000)

  • M.Sc. in Soil Science – Universitas Sumatera Utara (2007)

  • B.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Science – University of the Philippines Los Baños (2016)

🔍 Research & Publications:

Dr. Girsang has spearheaded multiple studies on nutrient management, biofertilizers, and land-use sustainability, contributing to leading international journals. Her recent works include research on site-specific nutrient management for rice, phosphate solubilization in shallots, and biomass waste utilization for corn production.

📚 Notable Contributions:

  • Published books on lowland rice production challenges and Arabica coffee export potential

  • Registered local rice and coconut varieties

  • Received 20 years of Satya’s Satyalancana Karya award (2023)

🌍 International Engagement:

Dr. Girsang has participated in global training programs in Australia and Indonesia, focusing on agricultural policy and sustainability standards.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Soil aeration and relationship to inorganic nitrogen during aerobic cultivation of irrigated rice on a consolidated land parcel
    Soil and Tillage Research, 202, 104647 (2020)

  2. Simulating rice and maize yield potential in the humid tropical environment of Indonesia
    European Journal of Agronomy, 101, 10-19 (2018)

  3. A new site-specific nutrient management approach for maize in the favorable tropical environments of Southeast Asia
    19th World Congress of Soil Science, Soil Solutions for a Changing World, 1-6 (2010)

  4. Rice yield and relationships to soil properties for production using overhead sprinkler irrigation without soil submergence
    Geoderma, 352, 277-288 (2019)

  5. The distribution and impact of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on maize production in North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 484 (1), 012099 (2020)

  6. Assessing the Challenges and Opportunities of Agricultural Information Systems to Enhance Farmers’ Capacity and Target Rice Production in Indonesia
    Sustainability, 15 (2), 1114 (2023)

  7. Impact of climate change on fall armyworm attack on maize in Karo District, North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 484 (1), 012111 (2020)

  8. Factors affecting rice yield productivity in tidal swamp of South Sumatra
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 648 (1), 012164 (2021)

  9. Evaluation of land suitability and factors influencing the development of shallots (Allium cepa L.) in North Padang Lawas, North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 648 (1), (2021)

  10. Diversity of insects on shallot (Allium ascalonicum Linn) grown under semi-organic and conventional cultivation in Simalungun Regency
    Jurnal Agroteknologi, 7 (2), 390-399 (2019)

  11. Canopy-dwelling insect abundance in semi-organic and conventional shallot cultivation
    Jurnal Online Pertanian Tropik, 5 (2), 268-275 (2018)

  12. Mid-season adjustment of nitrogen fertilizer for rice with two plant spacings
    Field Crops Research, 302, 109081 (2023)

  13. Environmental, social, and economic challenges in lowland rice production
    Closing Rice Yield Gaps in Asia: Innovations, Scaling, and Policies for Sustainable Intensification (2023)

  14. Reduction of rice yield gap by fertilizer and new varieties in North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 484 (1), 012061 (2020)

  15. Nutrient manager for rice: A mobile phone and internet application increases rice yield and profit in rice farming
    Indonesian Center for Rice Research, Sukamandi, West Java, Indonesia (2012)

  16. The role of rhizosphere microbes as phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers in shallot: A review
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1255 (1), 012003 (2023)

  17. Rice seed system model in North Sumatra: Supporting the World Food Barn Program 2045
    Penerbit BRIN (2021)

  18. Assessing rice production sustainability under future land use and population in Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia
    Landscape Online, 1103-1103 (2022)

Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at  Institute for Plant Protection and Environment,  Serbia

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment in Belgrade, Serbia. He specializes in forage crop genetics, seed quality assessment, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade in 2016, focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Expertise:

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is an accomplished plant scientist specializing in forage crop genetics, seed quality, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade (2016), focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

🔬 Research & Professional Experience:

  • Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (2012–present)
    • Head of the Laboratory for Seed Quality Testing
    • Specializes in seed quality assurance, genetic improvement, and molecular breeding
    • Oversees ISO/IEC 17025:2017 implementation in laboratory testing
  • Research Assistant at the Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac (2006–2011)
    • Focused on selection and breeding of perennial legumes

📑 Research Contributions & Impact:

✅ 167 scientific publications in international and national journals
✅ Key researcher in multiple national projects on forage breeding, genetic improvement, and sustainable livestock production
✅ Member of national commissions for soybean variety recognition
✅ Active in scientific societies, including the Society of Geneticists and Plant Breeders of Serbia

🛠 Skills & Achievements:

✔ Expertise in genetic variability, plant breeding, and seed technology
✔ Strong background in laboratory quality management and risk analysis
✔ Fluent in English and proficient in computer applications
✔ Experienced in international collaboration and research supervision

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 104
  • h-index: 6
  • Total Publications: 21
  • Cited Documents: 97

Publication Top Notes:

  • Seed Quality and Seedling Growth After Applying Ecological Treatments to Crimson Clover Seeds
    Plants, 2025-03-07. DOI: 10.3390/plants14060839
    Authors: Ratibor Štrbanović, Branimir Šimić, Mariana Stanišić, Dobrivoj Poštić, Nenad Trkulja, Violeta Oro, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Dynamics of Moisture Release from Maize Husks as a Function of Crop Density
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49481
    Authors: Marijneka Tabaković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ivana Živković, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ljubiša Kolarić, Mile Sečanski, Rade Stanisavljević, Violeta Oro

  • Evaluation of the Quality Indicators of Pepper Hybrid Seeds During Germination
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49491
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Nenad Pavlović, Sanja Đurović, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Quality of Alfalfa Seeds from Different Regions of Serbia During Storage Up to 42 Months
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49467
    Authors: Rade Stanisavljević, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Violeta Oro, Jasmina Milenković, Marijenka Tabaković, Dragoslav Đokić

  • Application of Alternative Methods of Crop Protection in Sustainable Agriculture
    Selekcija i Semenarstvo, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/SelSem2301043T
    Authors: Marijenka Tabaković, Vesna Dragičević, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ivana Živković, Milan Brankov, Sveto Rakić, Violeta Oro

  • Changes in Quality Indicators of Different Cucumber Hybrid Seeds During Five Years of Aging
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/jpea27-42793
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Ivana Živković, Marija Milivojević, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Influence of the Presence of Weeds and Other Impurities in Natural Alfalfa Seed on Finishing Machines Work and Seed Quality During Three Years
    Romanian Agricultural Research, 2023. DOI: 10.59665/rar4025
    Authors: Dragoslav Đokić, Dragan Terzić, Jasmina Knežević, Aleksandar Vuković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Rade Stanisavljević

 

Zaryab Murad | Plant Growth | Young Scientist Award

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Mr Zaryab Murad |  Plant Growth  |  Young Scientist Award

Ph.D. Scholar at  Huazhong Agriculture University, China

Zaryab Murad, born on April 14, 1996, is a Pakistani national currently residing in Wuhan, Hubei, China. With a solid academic background in Soil and Environmental Sciences, he is pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Huazhong Agriculture University. Zaryab completed both his Master of Sciences (Hons) and Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) in Agriculture at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. His research focuses on the effects of bentonite clay and biochar on soil contamination and plant growth. Professionally, he has served as a Field Survey Project Manager at TAMEER-E-KHALAQ Foundation, where he works towards improving food security and agricultural practices. Additionally, he has held the position of Agriculture Policy Officer at the Agriculture Extension Department in KP, Pakistan. Fluent in Urdu and proficient in English, Zaryab has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including being a Gold Medalist at his alma mater. His technical skills include expertise in MS Office, Endnote, Statistics 8.1, Graphpad, and Sigmaplot.

Profile: 

Education and Training:

Zaryab Murad is a Doctoral candidate in Soil Science at Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan, China, with a focus on soil and environmental sciences. He completed his Master of Sciences (Hons) and Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) in Agriculture at The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. His research includes the effects of bentonite clay and biochar on soil contamination and plant growth. He has gained hands-on experience with various soil analysis techniques, including using Flame Photometers and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers.

Work Experience:

Currently, Zaryab is a Field Survey Project Manager at TAMEER-E-KHALAQ Foundation, where he focuses on agricultural development and food security. He has previously served as an Agriculture Policy Officer at the Agriculture Extension Department in KP, Pakistan. His work involves enhancing production, facilitating value addition, and improving crop varieties.

Honors and Awards:

  • Gold Medalist, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, 2022

Certificates and Trainings:

  • Attended workshops and congresses on sustainable soil management and weed science.
  • Participated in the HZAU Happy Festival at Huazhong Agriculture University.

Research Focus: Plant Growth

Zaryab Murad’s research focuses on enhancing plant growth through innovative soil management techniques. His work primarily investigates the effects of soil amendments, such as bentonite clay and biochar, on the phytoavailability of heavy metals and overall plant health. Zaryab’s research aims to improve crop yields and soil fertility while mitigating contamination effects. His studies include evaluating how biochar and other amendments can stabilize heavy metals in soil and enhance the growth of various crops, particularly in contaminated environments. This research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by improving soil conditions and plant resilience against pollutants.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Murad, Z., Bibi, S., Ahmad, S.E.Y., Manan, U., & Younas, M. (2024). Stabilization of Cd in Soil by Biochar and Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Artificially Contaminated Soil. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 40(1), 231–245.
  • Khan, U., Irfan, M., Murad, Z., Waleed, M., & Kamal, A. (2023). Enhancing Lettuce Growth and Cadmium and Lead Tolerance Through Biochar and Bacteria. Gesunde Pflanzen, 75(6), 2685–2696.
  • Ilyas, M., Khan, M.J., Murad, Z., Ullah, A., & Farhan. (2023). Biofortification of Iron in Wheat Varieties Using Different Methods of Application. Gesunde Pflanzen, 75(5), 2177–2185.
  • Murad, Z., Ahmad, I., Waleed, M., Hashim, S., & Bibi, S. (2022). Effect of Biochar on Immobilization of Cadmium and Soil Chemical Properties. Gesunde Pflanzen, 74(1), 151–158.
  • Tariq, M., Khan, M.O., Hussain, A., Khalil, M.K., Muhammad, S., & Murad, Z. (2021). Impact of Soil and Foliar Application of Various Zinc Sources on the Yield and Uptake by Onion Under Agroclimatic Condition of Swat. International Journal of Agricultural and Statistical Sciences, 17, 2363–2376.