Ketema Tulu | Soil | Best Industrial Research Award

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Dr. Ketema Tulu | Soil | Best Industrial Research Award

Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Ethiopia

đź“š Dr. Ketema Tafess Tulu is an Associate Professor specializing in Microbial Genomics, with a strong academic and research background in pharmaceutical and microbial sciences. His work focuses on genomic characterization, microbial diversity, and the application of genomic tools in health and environmental microbiology. He actively contributes to national and international scientific communities through research, publication, and collaboration.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Microbial Genomics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2020)

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Vaccinology, Pasteur Institute, France (2013)

  • M.Sc. in Tropical & Infectious Diseases, Addis Ababa University (2010)

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Addis Ababa University (2006)

🎖 Awards & Recognition:

  • The Hong Kong Fellowship Award (2016–2019)

  • Certificate of Outstanding Graduate, Addis Ababa University (2010 & 2006)

  • Vaccinology Scholarship – Pasteur Institute, Paris (2013)

đź“š Professional Appointments:

  • Director, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, ASTU (2021–present)

  • Vice Director, Research & Publication, Arsi University (2015–2016)

  • Vice Dean, Research & Community Service, Arsi University (2014–2015)

  • Department Head, Veterinary Sciences, Gondar University (2007–2008)

🔬 Research Projects (Selected):

  • EpiGen-Ethiopia: Co-PI – Scalable pathogen genomic epidemiology (2023–2028)

  • Bioprospecting Streptomyces: PI – Antibiotic-producing bacteria (2022–2025)

  • Metal Nanoparticles & Indigenous Plants: PI – Antimicrobial and antimalarial studies (2022–2023)

  • TB Diagnostic Innovation: Co-PI – Drug-resistant tuberculosis validation (2016–2019)

🧪 Laboratory & Institutional Development:

  • Led establishment of Microbiology & Natural Product Labs at ASTU

  • Chair of capacity building for the EDCF project in collaboration with Seoul National University

  • Coordinated procurement for 12 research labs under ASTU’s Pharmaceutical Science Institute

🌍 Membership & Editorial Roles:

  • Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Technology and Innovative Knowledge

  • Member of Ethiopian Society of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Ethiopian Medical Association, and Ethiopian Veterinary Association

Citation:

  • Total Citations: 626 (by 605 documents)

  • Total Documents: 28

  • h-index: 12

Publication Top Notes:

  • Bioprospecting secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties from soil bacteria in high-temperature ecosystems
    Microbial Cell Factories, 2024-12-19.
    DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02589-6

  • Diversity of culturable bacterial isolates and their potential as antimicrobial agents against human pathogens from Afar region, Ethiopia
    Microbiology Spectrum, 2024-11-05.
    DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01810-24

  • Genetic mechanisms of co-emergence of INH-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains during the standard course of antituberculosis therapy
    Microbiology Spectrum, 2024-03-11.
    DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02133-23

  • Evaluation of the effect of therapeutic durations on small ruminant bacterial pneumonia
    BMC Veterinary Research, 2024-02-24.
    DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03917-z

  • Isolation and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Bacterial Pathogens from Community-Acquired Pneumonia at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
    Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2024-01.
    DOI: 10.1155/2024/8710163

  • Review on Desirable Microbial Phytases as a Poultry Feed Additive: Their Sources, Production, Enzymatic Evaluation, Market Size, and Regulation
    International Journal of Microbiology, 2024-01.
    DOI: 10.1155/2024/9400374

  • Citric Acid Catalyst-Assisted Bioactive Glass with Hydrogen Peroxide for In Vitro Bioactivity and Biodegradability Using Sol-Gel Method
    International Journal of Biomaterials, 2023-10-27.
    DOI: 10.1155/2023/9911205

  • Spatiotemporal Distribution of Tuberculosis in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia: A Hotspot Analysis
    Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2023-09.
    DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090437

  • Identification of serotypes of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida from pneumonic cases of sheep and goats and their antimicrobial sensitivity profiles in Borana and Arsi zones, Ethiopia
    Scientific Reports, 2023-06-02.
    DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36026-2

 

Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil Fertility | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa |  Soil Fertility | Best Academic Researcher Award

University of Yaoundé 1,  Cameroon

Professional Profile: Jean Baptiste Biloa is an expert in soil sciences with a focus on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling. He has extensive experience in research, teaching, and consulting on international projects, particularly in soil analysis, natural resource management, and geomatic tools.

Profile:

Academic Background:

  • 2019: PhD in Agro-pedology (defense pending), University of YaoundĂ© 1

  • 2015: Master’s in Earth Sciences, University of YaoundĂ© 1

  • 2014: Bachelor’s in Earth Sciences, University of YaoundĂ© 1

Certifications:

  • 2021: Certificate in Environmental Technology

  • 2020: Certificate of Appreciation – Inspire Hackathon Innovation Award

  • 2019: Certificate in Open Data Management for Agriculture, Nutrition, and Land (GODAN/FAO)

  • 2019: Certificate in Global Access to Agricultural Research (AGORA) – Research for Life

  • 2019: Certificate in Agricultural Data Management, Sharing, and Services for Agricultural Development (FAO)

Professional Experience:

  • 2023 – 2024: Soil Resources Expert, Soil, Water, and Climate Project (ProSEC), German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)

  • 2022 – 2023: Temporary Lecturer, University of Ebolowa, ENSET, and ISABEE

  • 2016 – 2023: Consultant and Student, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

  • 2018 – 2023: Consultant, GEOLAB SOLUTION & KOM

Technical Skills:

  • Environmental Modeling: Hydrus 1D, SWAT, AquaCrop

  • Mapping: Global Mapper, Surfer, Google Earth

  • Data Analysis: XLSTAT, R, JMP SAS, JAMOVI, ODK, Kobo Collect

  • Soil Management: Soil classification (WRB, CPCS, Soil Taxonomy, FAO)

  • Mineral Prospecting: Artisanal and semi-mechanized techniques, GPS usage

Scientific Publications:

  • “Influence of cocoa farm age, slope, and shade rate on cocoa soil fertility” (2025)

  • “Soil organic carbon and nutrient content across agricultural systems in the forest-savannah transition zone of Cameroon” (2025)

  • “Soil carbon and nutrient (NPK) content in tropical shifting cultivation systems under indigenous agricultural management practices: a review” (2025)

  • “Bioassay as a proxy for soil fertility and quality diagnosis in cocoa agroforestry systems” (2025)

  • “Variability of soil organic carbon and nutrient content across land uses and agriculturally induced land use changes in the forest-savannah transition zone of Cameroon” (2024)

Professional Affiliations:

  • President, Cameroonian Association for Soil Studies (ACES)

  • Member, GODAN (Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition)

  • Member, APS2 (Association for the Protection of Soil and Subsoil)

  • Member, Research4Life and the Global Soil Partnership (GSP)

  • Member, European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform (ESPP)

Publication:

  • Influence of cocoa farm age and slope, and shade rate on cocoa soils fertility

Manoj Shrivastava | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Manoj Shrivastava |  Soil Fertility |  Best Researcher Award

Principal Scientist at  ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute,  India

Dr. Shrivastava has over 25 years of experience in agricultural research, specializing in soil physics, soil fertility, soil microbiology, climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and system sustainability. He has collaborated with diverse stakeholders across government, international agencies, and NGOs, and has made significant contributions to research, training, and policy development in environmental soil science and plant nutrition.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Soil Biochemistry & Microbiology) – University of Mumbai, India (2008)
  • Postdoctoral at University of Texas at El Paso (2022) and University of South Australia (2010-11).
  • M.Sc. in Soil Science – G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India (1994)

Professional Experience:

  • Principal Scientist (2016-present) – ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
  • Senior Scientist (2013-2016) – ICAR-IARI
  • Scientific Officer (1999-2013) – Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Key Achievements:

  • Publications: Co-authored over 85 peer-reviewed research articles, edited 2 books, and holds 3 patents in agriculture and soil science.
  • Awards & Fellowships:
    • Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship (2021)
    • Cleanup Conference Fellowship, Australia (2019)
    • Best Researcher in Environmental Science by IARD (2020)
    • Excellence in Research Award by SVWS (2017)
    • Distinguished Scientist (Soil Science) by Venus International Foundation (2016)
  • Notable Research:
    • Developed a multinutrient soil extractant (Indian Patent No. 358936).
    • Created high-efficiency P and Zn fertilizers for climate-smart agriculture.
    • Bioremediation studies on heavy metals like Cd, Ni, Pb, and arsenic.

Research & Project Leadership:

Dr. Shrivastava has led or contributed to numerous large-scale projects, including:

  1. Climate Adaptation & Mitigation: Co-PI for adaptation-mitigation strategies for climate change, funded by ICAR (2021-2026).
  2. Soil Health & Pollution Mitigation: PI for projects on biogas bioslurry utilization and fly ash usage in agriculture.
  3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Co-PI on ICAR-funded projects assessing agricultural impacts on air pollution and emissions (2014-2021).

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 2,084 (1,778 since 2019)
  • h-index: 21 (20 since 2019)
  • i10-index: 38 (34 since 2019)

Publication Top Notes

  • Hazardous heavy metals contamination of vegetables and food chain: Role of sustainable remediation approaches-A review
    S Kumar, S Prasad, KK Yadav, M Shrivastava, N Gupta, S Nagar, …
    Environmental Research, 179, 108792 (452 citations, 2019)
  • Environmental applications of chitosan and its derivatives
    SK Yong, M Shrivastava, P Srivastava, A Kunhikrishnan, N Bolan
    Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 233, 1-43 (131 citations, 2015)
  • KSM soil diversity and mineral solubilization, in relation to crop production and molecular mechanism
    M Shrivastava, PC Srivastava, SF D’souza
    Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture, 221-234 (94 citations, 2016)
  • Arsenic toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is influenced by sulfur supply: impact on the expression of transporters and thiol metabolism
    S Srivastava, JJ Akkarakaran, S Sounderajan, M Shrivastava, …
    Geoderma, 270, 33-42 (90 citations, 2016)
  • Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on growth and biochemical responses of wheat and maize
    A Srivastav, D Ganjewala, RK Singhal, VD Rajput, T Minkina, …
    Plants, 10 (12), 2556 (89 citations, 2021)
  • Phosphate-solubilizing microbes: diversity and phosphate solubilization mechanism
    M Shrivastava, PC Srivastava, SF D’souza
    Role of Rhizospheric Microbes in Soil: Volume 2: Nutrient Management and … (86 citations, 2018)
  • Utilisation of agro-industrial waste for sustainable green production: a review
    R Singh, R Das, S Sangwan, B Rohatgi, R Khanam, SKPG Peera, S Das, …
    Environmental Sustainability, 4 (4), 619-636 (78 citations, 2021)
  • Monitoring of engineered nanoparticles in soil-plant system: A review
    M Shrivastava, A Srivastav, S Gandhi, S Rao, A Roychoudhury, A Kumar, …
    Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 11, 100218 (71 citations, 2019)
  • Circular economy fertilization: Phycoremediated algal biomass as biofertilizers for sustainable crop production
    GK Sharma, SA Khan, M Shrivastava, R Bhattacharyya, A Sharma, …
    Journal of Environmental Management, 287, 112295 (67 citations, 2021)
  • Conservation agriculture had a strong impact on the sub-surface soil strength and root growth in wheat after a 7-year transition period
    S Mondal, D Chakraborty, TK Das, M Shrivastava, AK Mishra, …
    Soil & Tillage Research (63 citations, 2019)
  • Phytofiltration of arsenic from simulated contaminated water using Hydrilla verticillata in field conditions
    S Srivastava, M Shrivastava, P Suprasanna, SF D’souza
    Ecological Engineering, 37 (11), 1937-1941 (60 citations, 2011)
  • Protein for human consumption from oilseed cakes: A review
    R Singh, S Langyan, S Sangwan, B Rohtagi, A Khandelwal, …
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 101 (55 citations, 2022)
  • Bioremediation potential of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) for decontamination of cadmium in soil
    D Salaskar, M Shrivastava, SP Kale
    Current Science, 1359-1363 (51 citations, 2011)
  • Heavy metal hyperaccumulator plants: the resource to understand the extreme adaptations of plants towards heavy metals
    M Shrivastava, A Khandelwal, S Srivastava
    Plant-metal Interactions, 79-97 (39 citations, 2019)
  • Rock phosphate enriched post-methanation bio-sludge from kitchen waste based biogas plant as P source for mungbean and its effect on rhizosphere phosphatase activity
    M Shrivastava, SP Kale, SF D’Souza
    European Journal of Soil Biology, 47 (3), 205-212 (39 citations, 2011)
  • Production of biofuels options by contribution of effective and suitable enzymes: Technological developments and challenges
    R Singh, S Langyan, B Rohtagi, S Darjee, A Khandelwal, M Shrivastava, …
    Materials Science for Energy Technologies, 5, 294-310 (29 citations, 2022)
  • Integrated nutrient management reduced the nutrient losses and increased crop yield in irrigated wheat
    S Darjee, M Shrivastava, S Langyan, G Singh, R Pandey, A Sharma, …
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 69 (8), 1298-1309 (28 citations, 2023)
  • Effect of integrated and balanced nutrient application on soil fertility, yield and quality of Basmati rice
    P Srivastava, PC Srivastava, US Singh, M Shrivastava
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 55 (3), 265-284 (28 citations, 2009)
  • Survival of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria against DNA damaging agents
    M Shrivastava, YS Rajpurohit, HS Misra, SF D’Souza
    Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 56 (10), 822-830 (24 citations, 2010)
  • Zinc-and magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles modified with urea as smart nitrogen fertilizers
    B Sharma, M Shrivastava, LOB Afonso, U Soni, DM Cahill
    ACS Applied Nano Materials, 5 (5), 7288-7299 (23 citations, 2022)

 

N.C. Mondal | Soil Pollution | Best Researcher Award

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Dr N.C.  Mondal |  Soil Pollution |  Best Researcher Award

Principal Scientist & Assoc. Prof. at  CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, India

Dr. N.C. Mondal is a distinguished Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute and an Associate Professor at the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) in Hyderabad, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Groundwater Geophysics from Osmania University, where he focused on contaminated groundwater delineation.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Groundwater Geophysics (2005) – Osmania University, India
  • M.Sc. (Tech.) in Exploration Geophysics (2000) – Banaras Hindu University, India
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics (1996) – University of Burdwan, India

Research Focus:

Dr. Mondal’s research centers on groundwater exploration and management, encompassing hydrochemistry, aquifer modeling, and the application of entropy theory in water resources. His notable contributions include:

  • Developing techniques for estimating groundwater potential zones using geophysical and remote sensing data.
  • Creating the Saline Water Mixing Index (SWMI) for assessing saline water intrusion in aquifers.
  • Innovating methods to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sources of groundwater pollution.
  • Designing an entropy-based model to evaluate natural groundwater reserves.
  • Implementing models for assessing hydrogeological vulnerability.

Professional Experience:

  • Principal Scientist (2020-present) – CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad
  • Senior Scientist (2016-2020) – CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute
  • BOYSCAST Fellow (2009-2010) – Texas A&M University, USA

Awards and Recognition:

  • Fellow, Geological Society of India (GSI) (2022)
  • National Geoscience Award (2017) – Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India
  • Best Researcher Award, VDGOOD Professional Association (2021)

Memberships:

  • International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)
  • Geological Society of India (GSI)
  • Association of Global Groundwater Scientists (AGGS)

Citations:

Citations: 4,085 (since 2019: 2,334)
h-index: 33 (since 2019: 24)
i10-index: 66 (since 2019: 48)

Publication Top Notes

  • Deciphering potential groundwater zone in hard rock through the application of GIS
    R.K. Prasad, N.C. Mondal, P. Banerjee, M.V. Nandakumar, V.S. Singh
    Environmental Geology, 55, 467-475 (2008)
    Citations: 517
  • Determining the interaction between groundwater and saline water through groundwater major ions chemistry
    N.C. Mondal, V.P. Singh, V.S. Singh, V.K. Saxena
    Journal of Hydrology, 388(1-2), 100-111 (2010)
    Citations: 388
  • Identification of Groundwater Potential Zones Using RS, GIS, and AHP Techniques: A Case Study in a Part of Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), Maharashtra, India
    V.A. Kumar, N.C. Mondal, S. Ahmed
    Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 48(3), 497-511 (2020)
    Citations: 224
  • Anthropogenic nitrate in groundwater and its health risks in the view of background concentration in a semi-arid area of Rajasthan, India
    A. Rahman, N.C. Mondal, K.K. Tiwari
    Scientific Reports, 11(9279), doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-88600-1 (2021)
    Citations: 148
  • Trace element concentration in groundwater of Pesarlanka Island, Krishna Delta, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.S. Singh, S.C. Puranik, V.P. Singh
    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 163, 215-227 (2010)
    Citations: 144
  • Hydrochemical characteristic of coastal aquifer from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.P. Singh, S. Singh, V.S. Singh
    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 175(1-4), 531-550 (2011)
    Citations: 141
  • Assessment of groundwater pollution due to tannery industries in and around Dindigul, Tamilnadu, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.K. Saxena, V.S. Singh
    Environmental Geology, 48, 149-157 (2005)
    Citations: 138
  • Use of hydrochemical parameters for the identification of fresh groundwater resources, Potharlanka Island, India
    V.K. Saxena, V.S. Singh, N.C. Mondal, S.C. Jain
    Environmental Geology, 44, 516-521 (2003)
    Citations: 96
  • Appraisal and evolution of hydrochemical processes from proximity basalt and granite areas of Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) in India
    S. Sonkamble, A. Sahya, N.C. Mondal, P. Harikumar
    Journal of Hydrology, 438, 181-193 (2012)
    Citations: 93
  • Improvement of groundwater quality due to fresh water ingress in Potharlanka Island, Krishna delta, India
    N.C. Mondal, V.S. Singh, V.K. Saxena, R.K. Prasad
    Environmental Geology, 55, 595-603 (2008)
    Citations: 93