Dr. Muhammad Qadir | Biopesticides | Young Scientist Award 

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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.

Featured Publications

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Cleyton de Almeida Araújo | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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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

Chrispin Kaphaika | Agri-food systems and innovation | Young Researcher Award

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Chrispin Kaphaika | Agri-food systems and innovation | Young Researcher Award

Chrispin Kaphaika | Agri-food systems and innovation - Research and Innovation Specialist/Technology Transfer Officer at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi

Chrispin K. Kaphaika is an intellectual property management specialist and innovation advocate with deep expertise in technology transfer, agribusiness entrepreneurship, and research commercialization. With an interdisciplinary academic background and a strong orientation toward inclusive development, Chrispin supports enterprise growth, innovation-driven policies, and sustainable commercialization strategies. Their professional focus integrates agribusiness economics, startup support, and IP policy reform. Chrispin thrives in multicultural research and institutional settings, consistently driving impact through capacity building, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration aimed at fostering inclusive economic transformation in Malawi and beyond.

ACADEMIC PROFILE

ORCID

EDUCATION

Chrispin holds a PhD candidacy in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship at LUANAR, and a Master's in Intellectual Property from Africa University. They also completed an MSc in Agricultural and Applied Economics at LUANAR, with a specialization in climate economics through a joint program with NMBU. Chrispin’s academic journey began with a BSc in Agricultural Economics at LUANAR. This multidisciplinary education equipped them with solid analytical, economic, and legal knowledge, enabling a unique perspective in areas like technology commercialization, innovation policy, and startup support across agriculture and allied industries.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chrispin’s experience spans roles at LUANAR, University of Cape Town, CIIER, UNICEF, and various consulting projects. They currently serve as Technology Transfer Specialist at LUANAR and Co-Director at CIIER Consult. They have led national research initiatives, coordinated innovation projects, and managed IP portfolios. Their practical contributions include supporting university TTO functions, drafting commercialization agreements, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. With years of experience in research assistance and tutoring, they continue to build networks and support systems that drive institutional innovation and entrepreneurial success across multiple sectors.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Chrispin’s research interests lie at the intersection of intellectual property rights, agribusiness development, and sustainable innovation systems. They explore how IP and commercialization mechanisms can foster entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture and food systems. Their focus extends to climate economics, policy impact evaluation, seed system adoption, and biofortified crop technologies. They are deeply engaged in assessing innovation ecosystems and contributing to frameworks that enable equitable access to knowledge, increase technology adoption, and support inclusive economic empowerment through research-led enterprise development.

AWARD AND HONOR

Chrispin has received several accolades recognizing their leadership and research excellence. These include the Research Award for Outstanding Contribution, Best Graduate and Best Student Awards in Intellectual Property Studies, and multiple Leadership Awards. These honors reflect their commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and contributions to institutional and national innovation ecosystems. Their accolades are a testament to their consistent pursuit of high standards in both scholarly and professional capacities, particularly in shaping the future of IP and innovation in agriculture and beyond.

RESEARCH SKILL

Chrispin is highly skilled in technology transfer, IP policy design, commercialization strategies, and innovation management. They are proficient in patent search and drafting, market analysis, IP valuation, contract negotiation, and institutional policy development. With experience conducting field research, facilitating focus groups, and managing research ethics, they effectively bridge research and practice. Their ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and mentor early-career innovators underlines their capacity to lead innovation platforms and enhance institutional research translation across academic and entrepreneurial domains.

PUBLICATIONS

Chrispin’s publications reflect their research interest in seed systems, agricultural innovation, and pro-nutritional technology adoption. Notable works include: "More Interventions, Low Adoption: To What Extent Are the Existing Seed Sources to Blame?" and "Does the Adoption of Pro-nutritional Technologies Spur Farmers’ Yields? Evidence from Biofortified Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato in Rural Malawi." These contributions underscore their commitment to evidence-based policy reform and inclusive innovation. Their research is informed by practical field experience and aims to generate insights that support transformative agricultural development.

CONCLUSION

Chrispin K. Kaphaika exemplifies leadership in research commercialization and intellectual property management with a passion for agribusiness transformation and institutional innovation. Their trajectory reflects a rare blend of academic depth, professional engagement, and policy insight. With a vision anchored in inclusive development, Chrispin continues to contribute to building ecosystems that empower communities, elevate startups, and promote knowledge-driven economies. Their career is a model of how multidisciplinary expertise and dedication to equity can drive meaningful change across education, research, and enterprise.

Dr. Jinzhu Lu – Artificial Intelligence – Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jinzhu Lu - Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture - Best Researcher Award

Xihua University - China

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus

ORCID

SUMMARY

Dr. Jinzhu Lu is a dedicated scholar in Agricultural Engineering, specializing in agricultural robotics, non-destructive testing, and precision equipment for crops like potatoes and tea. She serves as Associate Professor and lab head at Xihua University, leading innovative agricultural automation projects. Her academic exposure includes a doctorate from Zhejiang University and a visiting term at the University of Florida. With an impactful record of publications, awards, and professional contributions, Dr. Jinzhu Lu represents a blend of research excellence and applied technological innovation in modern agriculture.

EDUCATION

Dr. Jinzhu Lu earned her Doctor of Engineering in Agricultural Engineering from Zhejiang University, focusing her thesis on spectral imaging for leaf disease detection. She was mentored by Prof. Huanyu Jiang and Dr. Reza Ehsani. Additionally, she pursued academic exchange as a visiting student at the University of Florida under the China Study Abroad Council. Her foundational training includes a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Electrification and Automation, setting the stage for her specialization in robotics and sensor-based agricultural systems.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Since January 2019, Dr. Jinzhu Lu has served as Associate Professor and head of the Agricultural Robot Laboratory at Xihua University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. Previously, She was a lecturer in the same institution. She also undertook a visiting scholar position at the University of Aberdeen in 2024. Her leadership has been pivotal in guiding student innovation, contributing significantly to national and international competitions. Her involvement in various research and academic committees reflects her active engagement in the broader agricultural engineering community.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Dr. Lu’s research focuses on agricultural robotics, non-destructive testing, and precision agriculture. She is particularly interested in machine vision applications for tea bud detection, disease identification, and robotic operations in orchards and tea gardens. Her work integrates sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and automation to enhance crop monitoring and productivity. She has recently led projects on hyperspectral imaging for fruit phenotyping and precision seeding in potatoes, showcasing her ability to merge practical field challenges with advanced technological solutions.

AWARD AND HONOR

Dr. Jinzhu Lu received the Best Paper Award from Agriculture Journal in 2021 and her students have achieved top ranks in national robotics and innovation competitions. These include CSAE 2023, CRAIC 2023, and various agricultural equipment design contests from 2018 to 2022. She was recognized as a young scientific talent by Sichuan Province and holds a senior membership in the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering. Her editorial contributions to peer-reviewed journals further reflect her standing in the scientific community.

RESEARCH SKILL

Dr. Jinzhu Lu possesses strong expertise in machine vision, hyperspectral imaging, deep learning, and robotics for agricultural applications. She designs and implements intelligent systems for crop inspection, disease classification, and harvesting precision. Her technical acumen includes using YOLO models, convolutional neural networks, and spectral analysis. With experience in prototyping, sensor integration, and AI algorithm deployment, she bridges engineering and agriculture effectively. Her laboratory leadership has advanced hands-on experimentation and field-ready agricultural automation systems.

PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Jinzhu Lu has authored numerous influential research papers in top journals such as Agriculture, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, and Frontiers in Plant Science. Her works cover topics like hyperspectral phenotyping, tea bud detection using YOLO algorithms, and nondestructive ripeness assessment in citrus. Notably, she has co-developed several patents and submitted further applications, reinforcing the applied nature of her research. Her studies often include interdisciplinary collaborations and have gained relevance across plant science, AI, and engineering domains.

  • Title: Phenotyping of navel orange based on hyperspectral imaging technology
    Author(s): Qi Wang, Jinzhu Lu, Yuanhong Wang, Kaiqian Peng, Zongmei Gao
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

  • Title: In situ nondestructive identification of citrus fruit ripeness via hyperspectral imaging technology
    Author(s): Qi Wang, Jinzhu Lu, Yuanhong Wang, Fajun Miao, Senping Liu, Qiyang Shui, Junfeng Gao, Yingwang Gao
    Journal: Plant Methods

  • Title: A method of identification and localization of tea buds based on lightweight improved YOLOV5
    Author(s): Yuanhong Wang, Jinzhu Lu, Qi Wang, Zongmei Gao
    Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science

  • Title: Research on Device and Sensing Technology for Precision Seeding of Potato
    Author(s): Jinzhu Lu, Senping Liu, Qi Wang, Min Liao
    Journal: Agriculture

CONCLUSION

Dr. Jinzhu Lu stands out as an innovative researcher whose work bridges technology and agricultural sciences. Her contributions to robotics, plant imaging, and AI-driven diagnostics have advanced both academic inquiry and practical farming solutions. With a clear vision for intelligent agriculture and a strong track record of mentorship, patents, and publications, she is shaping the future of smart farming. Her ongoing engagements and recognitions affirm her leadership and continued potential in agricultural engineering research and innovation.