Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Demir | Precision Farming | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Isparta University of Applied Sciences | Turkey

Dr. Sinan Demir is an Assistant Professor at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, within the Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. He earned his PhD from Isparta University of Applied Sciences in 2021, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for monitoring oil rose (Rosa damascena mill.) gardens and developing yield prediction models. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree at Suleyman Demirel University, where he researched high-resolution satellite imagery applications for detecting poppy (Papaver somniferum) cultivation areas. His academic and research pursuits concentrate on digital agriculture, remote sensing, hyperspectral imaging, geographic information systems (GIS), and machine learning applications in agriculture. Dr. Demir has made significant contributions through publications in prestigious journals such as Environment, Development and Sustainability; Natural Hazards; Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment; and Trees, Forests and People. His work includes advanced studies on erosion assessment using Google Earth Engine, yield prediction through UAV multispectral imagery, and digital mapping of burn severity. He has authored several book chapters, notably on machine learning algorithms and remote sensing applications in agriculture. Dr. Demir actively participates in national and international research projects, including TUBITAK-supported initiatives focusing on hyperspectral data applications in agriculture and soil property classification using machine learning techniques. His editorial responsibilities include serving as an editor for the journal "Veri Bilimi". In addition to his research, Dr. Demir plays an important role in shaping future agricultural scientists by teaching courses such as Remote Sensing and GIS, Digital Agriculture, Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques, and Integration of UAV Data in Geographic Systems at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. His contributions have been recognized through competitive scholarships like the TÜBİTAK Doctoral Scholarship Program, and he has held multiple jury memberships for thesis evaluations. Dr. Demir’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and innovative research methodologies positions him as a notable researcher in his field.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

1.Alaboz, P., Dengiz, O., Demir, S., & Şenol, H. (2021). Digital mapping of soil erodibility factors based on decision tree using geostatistical approaches in terrestrial ecosystem. Catena.
Cited: 60 times

2. Şenol, H., Alaboz, P., Demir, S., & Dengiz, O. (2020). Computational intelligence applied to soil quality index using GIS and geostatistical approaches in semiarid ecosystem. Arabian Journal of Geosciences.
Cited: 50 times

3. Demir, S., & Dursun, I. (2024). Assessment of pre-and post-fire erosion using the RUSLE equation in a watershed affected by the forest fire on Google Earth Engine: the study of Manavgat River Basin. Natural Hazards.
Cited: 28 times

4. Alaboz, P., Demir, S., & Dengiz, O. (2021). Assessment of various pedotransfer functions for the prediction of the dry bulk density of cultivated soils in a semiarid environment. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis.
Cited: 25 times

5. Alaboz, P., Demir, S., & Dengiz, O. (2020). Determination of spatial distribution of soil moisture constant using different interpolation model case study, Isparta Atabey Plain. Journal of Tekirdag Agricultural Faculty.
Cited: 23 times

Dr. Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu | Irrigation & Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | International Water Management Institute | Ghana

Birhanu Zemadim Birhanu is a distinguished research scientist and Deputy Country Representative at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Ghana, with over 23 years of experience across Eastern, Southern, Western, and Central Africa, as well as Asia. He holds a PhD and MSc in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Bahir Dar University. His key research areas include sustainable farming systems, water and land management, multifunctional landscapes, climate actions, and research for impact. Dr. Birhanu has made significant contributions through over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, nine book chapters, multiple technical reports, and several conference presentations, highlighting innovative practices in integrated watershed management, agroecological intensification, and sustainable intensification of mixed farming systems. He has played a pivotal role in major projects like Africa RISING, ResComm Tanzania, and Nature+ Solutions, advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural development. His exemplary contributions have been recognized by several awards, such as Best Scientific Paper (ICRISAT Research Program) and Outstanding Resource Mobilizer. He holds a certificate in Leadership Essentials from Cornell University. Additionally, Dr. Birhanu serves as an editorial contributor to various scientific journals, supervises graduate research, and fosters knowledge exchange and capacity building in the water management domain. His expertise extends to hydrological modeling, GIS and remote sensing applications, and participatory research methods, contributing extensively to climate-resilient agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Awulachew, S. B., Bekele, S., Awulachew, S., & Molden, D. (2013). The Nile River Basin.
Cited 111 times.

2. Tadese, M. T., Kumar, L., Koech, R., & Zemadim, B. (2019). Hydro-climatic variability: A characterisation and trend study of the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. Hydrology, 6(2), 35.
Cited 81 times.

3. Akinseye, F. M., Ajeigbe, H. A., Traore, P. C. S., Agele, S. O., Zemadim, B., … (2020). Improving sorghum productivity under changing climatic conditions: A modelling approach. Field Crops Research, 246, 107685.
Cited 79 times.

4. Melesse, A. M., & Abtew, W. (2016). Landscape dynamics, soils and hydrological processes in varied climates. Springer International Publishing.
Cited 66 times.

5. Schmidt, E., & Zemadim, B. (2015). Expanding sustainable land management in Ethiopia: Scenarios for improved agricultural water management in the Blue Nile. Agricultural Water Management, 158, 166–178.
Cited 58 times.