Marzena Banach | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Marzena Banach | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Assistant Professor | Poznan University of Technology | Poland

Dr. Marzena Banach is a researcher specializing in smart city technologies, environmental monitoring systems, and hardware-efficient artificial intelligence. Her research focuses on intelligent air-pollution sensing, remote sensing analytics, low-power embedded systems, and AI-driven environmental prediction models, with emerging interests in sustainable urban infrastructure and smart architectural solutions. She has held key research roles in multidisciplinary projects addressing smart cities, intelligent transportation systems, and environmental data acquisition, contributing extensively to both academic and applied research initiatives. Dr. Banach’s major contributions include the development of hardware-optimized sensor architectures, novel neural-network training schemes for air-quality prediction, and high-resolution pollution mapping frameworks deployed in dense urban environments. Her work has advanced real-time environmental monitoring, informed sustainable urban planning, and strengthened data-driven decision-making in smart city ecosystems. Through her research, she aims to bridge intelligent electronics, environmental sustainability, and urban innovation to support resilient, technology-enabled cities worldwide.

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Ahsen Işık Özgüven | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

Norther Cyprus | Cyprus International University | Cyprus

Ahsen Işık Özgüven is a distinguished researcher specializing in horticulture and plant physiology, with a strong emphasis on fruit science and sustainable crop production systems. Her research focus centers on fruit crop physiology, irrigation strategies, plant growth regulators, and varietal adaptation, with emerging interests in improving yield stability, fruit quality, and stress resilience under diverse agro-ecological conditions. She has held key academic and research roles at Cyprus International University and has collaborated extensively with national and international agricultural research programs. Her major contributions include pioneering studies on deficit irrigation, fruit cracking physiology, and hormonal regulation in crops such as pomegranate, strawberry, pistachio, tomato, and hazelnut, significantly influencing horticultural management practices. Through high-impact publications and applied research, her work bridges fundamental plant physiology with practical solutions for growers, contributing to sustainable agriculture, efficient water use, and enhanced food security at regional and global scales.

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Pomegranate growing in Turkey

– Options Méditerranéennes, Série A: Séminaires Méditerranéens, 2000

Important diseases of pomegranate fruit and control possibilities in Turkey

– I International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits, 2006

Hormone physiology of preharvest fruit cracking in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

– X International Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production, 2005

Panayotis Kalozoumis | Hydroponics | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Panayotis Kalozoumis | Hydroponics | Research Excellence Award

Post-Doc researcher | Agricultural univerisity of Athens | Greece

Panayotis Kalozoumis is a researcher specializing in theoretical physics and applied mathematics, with a strong focus on wave dynamics, local symmetries, non-Hermitian systems, and PT-symmetric photonic, acoustic, and quantum structures. His research explores wave control, scattering phenomena, topological states, and symmetry-induced transport mechanisms, addressing both fundamental physics and emerging applications in nanostructures and quantum technologies. He has held key academic and research positions as Assistant Professor in Informatics and Engineering at Hellenic American University, Research Associate at the University of Patras and the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, and Postdoctoral Researcher at leading European institutions in Germany and France. Dr. Kalozoumis has made significant contributions through high-impact theoretical models, analytical frameworks for symmetry-driven wave propagation, and advances in PT-symmetry and topological physics, reflected in numerous peer-reviewed publications. His impact vision centers on advancing predictive theories that bridge mathematics, physics, and engineering to enable next-generation photonic, phononic, and quantum devices with global scientific and technological relevance.

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Guillermo Pratta | Crop Science | AgriInnovator in Academia Award

Dr. Guillermo Pratta | Crop Science | AgriInnovator in Academia Award

Investigador Principal | CONICET | Argentina

Guillermo Pratta is a researcher specializing in plant genetics, crop improvement, and quantitative genetics, with a strong focus on horticultural and agroecological systems. His research addresses genetic variability, gene expression regulation, and the identification of quantitative trait loci associated with fruit quality, stress tolerance, and disease resistance, alongside emerging work on agroecological aptitude and genetic resource conservation. He serves as a faculty member at the National University of Rosario and is affiliated with CONICET, contributing to both academic research and applied breeding programs. Dr. Pratta’s key contributions include advances in tomato genomics, multivariate genetic analysis, identification of resistance genes, and the development of genetic resources for sustainable crop production. His work integrates molecular, statistical, and breeding approaches to enhance crop performance and resilience. Through translational research and international publications, he aims to support sustainable agriculture, strengthen food systems, and foster innovation in plant breeding and genetic resource management.

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Ferdinando Branca | Urban Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Ferdinando Branca | Urban Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Full Professor | University of Catania | Italy

Ferdinando Branca is a senior researcher and academic specializing in horticultural science, plant genetics, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong focus on vegetable crop improvement and agrobiodiversity conservation. His research centers on Brassica crops, plant stress physiology, bioactive compounds, and the development of resilient, high-quality cultivars under Mediterranean and climate-stressed environments, integrating molecular markers, phenotyping, and sustainable production systems. He has held long-term academic positions at the University of Catania, progressing through research and professorial roles and currently serving as a Full Professor in agricultural and environmental sciences. His key contributions include advances in Brassica germplasm characterization, identification of stress- and disease-resistance traits, and innovations in sustainable and organic horticultural practices with relevance to breeding and policy-oriented agrobiodiversity management. His impact vision emphasizes translating plant genetic research into sustainable food systems, supporting climate adaptation, biodiversity preservation, and global innovation in horticulture and crop resilience.

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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.

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Idan Kopler | Precision Livestock Farming | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Idan Kopler | Precision Livestock Farming | Research Excellence Award

Project manager | MIGAL Galilee Research Institute Ltd  | Israel

Idan Kopler is an interdisciplinary environmental researcher specializing in ecosystem ecology, hydrology, climate–vegetation interactions, and data-driven agri-environmental systems. His research focus centers on understanding how temperature, drought, and soil moisture regulate ecosystem processes across forested and managed landscapes, with emerging interests in the socio-environmental dimensions of precision livestock farming and technology adoption. Kopler has held research-oriented academic roles, contributing to cross-sector collaborations that bridge ecological science with applied agricultural systems. His key contributions include advancing empirical evidence on growth-limiting climatic drivers at montane treelines, quantifying soil–vegetation–water interactions in Mediterranean forests, and evaluating farmer perceptions of benefits and risks associated with precision livestock farming technologies in the European context. Through integrative field measurements, modeling, and stakeholder-focused analyses, his work supports evidence-based decision-making. Kopler’s impact vision is to strengthen climate-resilient land and livestock systems by aligning ecological insight with practical innovation, informing sustainable management, policy dialogue, and responsible technological adoption across diverse environments.

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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

Muhammad Faheem | Robotics in Agriculture | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Muhammad Faheem | Robotics in Agriculture | Editorial Board Member

Assistant Professor | University of Agriculture | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Faheem is a distinguished researcher specializing in Agricultural Mechanization, Robotics in Agriculture, Intelligent Automation, and Control Engineering, with a strong body of work advancing smart and sustainable farming technologies. His research focuses on developing autonomous systems, machine-vision tools, and sensor-based intelligent solutions that enhance precision agriculture, optimize resource efficiency, and improve post-harvest handling processes, with emerging interests in deep-learning applications, multisensory navigation, and automated crop-quality assessment. With key academic appointments, including his role as Assistant Professor at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and research affiliation with Jiangsu University, China, he has contributed extensively to engineering innovative systems for real-time agricultural problem-solving. Dr. Faheem’s major contributions include pioneering CNN-based defect detection frameworks for photovoltaic cells, intelligent sensor-guided variable-rate spraying systems, and advanced autonomous navigation technologies for multi-crop field environments; he has also significantly advanced post-harvest robotics through novel vibration-reduction mechanisms and fruit-handling models, in addition to impactful work on sustainable technologies such as smart composting, biogas systems, and solar thermal collectors. His research has influenced diverse areas including climate-responsive agricultural management, disease-detection systems using deep learning, and high-precision fruit-picking robotics—contributions reflected in widely cited publications across leading journals in energy engineering, environmental sciences, precision agriculture, and smart automation. Dr. Faheem’s impact vision centers on accelerating the global transition toward intelligent, autonomous, and environmentally responsible farming systems by integrating robotics, machine learning, and sensor fusion into practical agricultural operations. Through his interdisciplinary work, he aims to contribute to resilient food production, reduced environmental footprints, and enhanced technological adoption in agriculture worldwide, ensuring that innovations in automation and sustainability directly benefit farmers, industry stakeholders, and the broader scientific community.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications 

1. Akram, M. W., Li, G., Jin, Y., Chen, X., Zhu, C., Zhao, X., Khaliq, A., Faheem, M., et al. (2019). CNN-based automatic detection of photovoltaic cell defects in electroluminescence images. Energy, 189, 116319.

2. Abbas, I., Liu, J., Faheem, M., Noor, R. S., Shaikh, S. A., Solangi, K. A., & Raza, S. M. (2020). Different sensor-based intelligent spraying systems in agriculture. Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 316, 112265.

3. Xie, B., Jin, Y., Faheem, M., Gao, W., Liu, J., Jiang, H., Cai, L., & Li, Y. (2023). Research progress of autonomous navigation technology for multi-agricultural scenes. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 211, 107963.

4. Javed, T., Afzal, I., Shabbir, R., Ikram, K., Zaheer, M. S., Faheem, M., Ali, H. H., et al. (2022). Seed coating technology: An innovative and sustainable approach for improving seed quality and crop performance. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 21(8), 536–545.

5. Ajmal, M., Shi, A., Awais, M., Mengqi, Z., Zihao, X., Shabbir, A., Faheem, M., et al. (2021). Ultra-high temperature aerobic fermentation pretreatment composting: Parameters optimization, mechanisms and compost quality assessment. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(4), 105453.

 

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