Baoping Zhao | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Baoping Zhao | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

Deputy Dean | Inner Mongolia agriculturial University | China

Prof. Baoping Zhao, a distinguished researcher at Neimenggu Agricultural University, Hohhot, China, is a leading specialist in crop science, stress physiology, and sustainable agronomy whose work advances resilient cereal production and soil–plant health. His research focuses on understanding plant responses to salinity, drought, heavy-metal stress, microplastic contamination, and nutrient limitations, while developing innovative strategies to improve oat, buckwheat, and wheat performance under challenging environmental conditions. Emerging interests include multi-omics–guided crop improvement and nature-based soil amendments that enhance both yield and ecological sustainability. With a strong record of 70 publications, over 430 citations, and an h-index of 10, he has contributed extensively through collaborative, high-impact studies. His professional experience spans key academic roles in plant science research, where he has led and co-led projects revealing how crops respond to salinity and drought stress, including integrated germination and field assessments that identify saline–alkali-tolerant oat germplasm, molecular insights into drought-responsive pathways using multi-omics tools, and proteomic analysis of root respiratory metabolism under salt stress. Among his notable contributions are breakthroughs in improving crop resilience, such as demonstrating how fulvic acid enhances oat growth and grain yield under water-deficit by regulating antioxidant systems and carbon assimilation, and how manganese–zinc fertilizers mitigate cadmium toxicity in wheat, reducing potential human-health risks through safer grain production practices. His work has also illuminated the environmental risks posed by microplastics in agricultural soils, showing their effects on soil properties and buckwheat performance, thus informing soil-health monitoring and sustainable land-management policies. Through open-access contributions that strengthen global scientific accessibility, his research findings support innovations in crop breeding, fertilizer management, and climate-adaptive agriculture, offering practical applications for both farmers and industry stakeholders. Driven by the vision of building resilient agroecosystems, Prof. Zhao aims to translate advanced plant-response knowledge into solutions that enhance food security, protect soil ecosystems, and promote sustainable agricultural transformation. His ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration positions him as a key contributor to global efforts in adapting agriculture to environmental change while supporting healthier, more productive cropping systems for future generations.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Effects of preservatives and drying methods on the nutrient composition and mould counts of hay and pellet processing of oats. Scientific Reports.

2. Testing of saline–alkali tolerance in oat germplasm through integrated germination and field performance assessments. Agronomy.

3. Potential impacts of microplastic particle size and type on soil properties and buckwheat performance. Agronomy.

4. Fulvic acid enhances oat growth and grain yield under drought deficit by regulating ascorbate–glutathione cycle, chlorophyll synthesis, and carbon-assimilation ability. Agronomy.

5. Foliar application of manganese–zinc fertilizer mitigated the harmful effects of cadmium on wheat and reduced human health risks. Sustainability.

Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alice Olatunji | Crop Science & Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Assistant | IITA/University Canada West | Nigeria

Dr. Alice Adenike Olatunji is a distinguished agricultural scientist specializing in yam agronomy and genotype performance evaluation, with a research focus on enhancing crop productivity and resilience under diverse environmental conditions. Her primary research centers on the agronomic performance, genetic improvement, and yield stability of elite White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes cultivated across multiple agroecological zones in Nigeria. As a Senior Research Officer at CGIAR, Montpellier, France, Dr. Olatunji contributes to global agricultural research through the development of sustainable practices and data-driven varietal selection frameworks. Her seminal work, including publications in the Agronomy journal and preprints in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, has provided vital insights into genotype-environment interactions influencing yam yield stability. Dr. Olatunji’s research outcomes have informed breeding strategies, agricultural policies, and sustainable food security programs, offering practical pathways for improving smallholder farmer livelihoods and advancing resilient yam production systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative research and innovation, she continues to bridge scientific knowledge with real-world agricultural needs, driving forward the CGIAR mission of transforming food, land, and water systems. Her impact vision emphasizes strengthening food system resilience, enhancing crop adaptation to climate variability, and empowering farmers through science-led agricultural innovation that contributes to global goals for nutrition security and sustainable development.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Agronomy, 14(9), 2093. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092093

2. Olatunji, A. A., Gana, A. S., Tolorunse, K. D., Agre, P. A., Adebola, P., & Asfaw, A. (2024). Agronomic performance and yield stability of elite White Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes grown in multiple environments in Nigeria. Preprints, 2024080964. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0964.v1

Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem | Agronomy |  Best Researcher Award

Professor/Dean | University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Ather Nadeem is a distinguished researcher specializing in Weed Science and Agronomy, with a particular focus on nano herbicides, herbicide resistance, allelopathy, and sustainable fodder production systems. His research explores the interactions between crops and weeds, emphasizing innovative and eco-friendly weed management approaches, plant–plant biochemical interactions, and the optimization of fertilizer and nutrient application for enhanced yield and quality. Serving as a leading academic at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan, Dr. Nadeem has played a vital role in advancing agricultural science through his extensive teaching, research supervision, and collaborative projects aimed at improving productivity and environmental sustainability. His scholarly contributions encompass over a hundred peer-reviewed publications, including highly cited works such as “Pesticides: Impacts on Agriculture Productivity, Environment, and Management Strategies” and “Can Hormesis of Plant-Released Phytotoxins Be Used to Boost and Sustain Crop Production?” which collectively demonstrate his commitment to balancing agricultural efficiency with environmental health. His pioneering studies on the integrated use of microbial and synthetic nitrogen sources, drought tolerance mechanisms, and sustainable fodder production have provided practical insights into mitigating climate change impacts on crop systems. Dr. Nadeem’s expertise extends beyond laboratory research to field-level innovations, influencing regional agricultural practices and policy discussions related to weed management and food security. Recognized for his remarkable academic metrics with over 5,000 citations, an h-index of 43, and an i10-index of 127, his research continues to shape new paradigms in agro-ecosystem management and resource-efficient farming. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific leadership, Dr. Nadeem envisions a future where advanced biotechnological and ecological principles drive resilient and sustainable agriculture. His ongoing work contributes profoundly to global innovation in sustainable crop protection, positioning him as a key figure in the advancement of eco-agronomic research and an advocate for science-led agricultural transformation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Sharar, M. S., & Mahmood, N. (2002). Response of maize (Zea mays L.) fodder to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 352–354.

2. Khan, B. A., Nadeem, M. A., Nawaz, H., Amin, M. M., Abbasi, G. H., Nadeem, M., & Ali, M. (2023). Pesticides: Impacts on agriculture productivity, environment, and management strategies. Emerging Contaminants and Plants: Interactions, Adaptations and Remediation, 219.

3. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tanveer, A., & Husnain, A. (2002). Effect of different levels of nitrogen and harvesting times on the growth, yield and quality of sorghum fodder. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 1(4), 304–307.

4. Nadeem, M. A., Ahmad, R. A. R., & Ahmad, M. S. (2004). Effects of seed inoculation and different fertilizer levels on the growth and yield of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 3(4), 299–303.*

5. Ayub, M., Nadeem, M. A., Tahir, M., Ibrahim, M., & Aslam, M. N. (2009). Effect of nitrogen application and harvesting intervals on forage yield and quality of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.). Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 7(2), 185–189.

Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Clay Sneller | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Professor | The Ohio State University | United States

Dr. Clay Sneller is a distinguished researcher and professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in Plant Breeding and Quantitative Genetics. His research primarily focuses on improving genetic diversity, yield stability, and environmental resilience in major crops such as soybean and wheat. He has significantly contributed to understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying yield potential, drought tolerance, and symbiotic nitrogen fixation, offering innovative strategies for sustainable agricultural productivity. Over his extensive career, Dr. Sneller has held key academic roles driving advanced crop improvement programs and mentoring future agricultural scientists. His collaborative research has produced impactful publications on topics like genomic prediction of wheat landraces, the relationship between genetic variance and parental diversity in soybean, and marker-assisted introgression of yield-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs). His pioneering studies, including “Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential” and “Genomic selection for wheat traits and trait stability,” have guided global plant breeding strategies and influenced both policy and practice in agricultural biotechnology. With an h-index of 42 and over 5,800 citations, Dr. Sneller’s scholarly contributions have shaped the scientific understanding of crop genetics and breeding efficiency. His work bridges the gap between molecular genetics and practical agronomy, advancing the development of resilient, high-yield cultivars adapted to climate variability. Driven by a vision to enhance food security through science-led innovation, Dr. Sneller continues to contribute to the global effort toward sustainable crop production, genetic resource conservation, and next-generation breeding technologies that empower farmers and strengthen agricultural systems worldwide

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., & Sneller, C. H. (2004). Crop transformation and the challenge to increase yield potential. Trends in Plant Science, 9(2), 70–75.

2. Carter, T. E. Jr., Nelson, R. L., Sneller, C. H., & Cui, Z. (2004). Genetic diversity in soybean. In Soybeans: Improvement, Production, and Uses (Vol. 16, pp. 303–416).

3. Sinclair, T. R., Purcell, L. C., King, C. A., Sneller, C. H., Chen, P., & Vadez, V. (2007). Drought tolerance and yield increase of soybean resulting from improved symbiotic N₂ fixation. Field Crops Research, 101(1), 68–71.

4. Sneller, C. H., Kilgore‐Norquest, L., & Dombek, D. (1997). Repeatability of yield stability statistics in soybean. Crop Science, 37(2), 383–390.

5. Crossa, J., Jarquín, D., Franco, J., Pérez-Rodríguez, P., Burgueño, J., & Sneller, C. H. (2016). Genomic prediction of gene bank wheat landraces. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 6(7), 1819–1834.*

Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

Dr. Dario Gaudioso | Seed Science | Excellence in Innovation Award

PhD researcher | Università degli studi di Firenze | Italy

Dr. Dario Gaudioso is a distinguished researcher specializing in molecular plant pathology, with expertise in plant health, quarantine pathogens, and molecular biology. His research primarily focuses on developing rapid, economical, and high-throughput diagnostic strategies for the detection of quarantine plant pathogens, using Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens as a model organism. He also explores innovative, eco-friendly biotechnological approaches for sustainable crop protection and microbial interactions in leguminous plants. Currently serving as a PhD researcher at the Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology (DAGRI), University of Florence, Dr. Gaudioso also contributes as a Scientific Communicator and OpenLab Operator, bridging science and public understanding. His prior work as a Research Fellow at the same institution strengthened his contributions to applied plant pathology and diagnostic microbiology. Among his significant scientific outputs are publications such as Isolation of a Novel Microplastic-Degrading Bacterial Strain in Chemosphere (2025), Fly High: Volatile Organic Compounds for the Early Detection of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens in Agronomy (2025), and Exploiting Bacterial Pigmentation for Non-Destructive Detection of Seed-Borne Pathogens in Sensors (2024). He has also contributed to the book Innovative Detection of the Quarantine Plant Pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens published in Plant Pathology (2022), and to reviews on multidrug transporters in Microorganisms (2024), highlighting his diverse contributions across microbiology and plant science. As an active member of prestigious organizations, including the British Society for Plant Pathology, the Italian Society of Plant Pathology, and the Italian Association for Plant Protection, he continuously engages with the international scientific community. His research outputs integrate molecular diagnostics, sensor technologies, and microbial ecology to advance sustainable agriculture and improve global plant biosecurity frameworks. Through his innovative and interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Gaudioso envisions a future where sustainable diagnostic solutions enable effective management of plant diseases, safeguard agricultural biodiversity, and support resilient food systems. His scientific vision emphasizes strengthening global plant health surveillance, fostering early detection methods that reduce economic losses and environmental impact, and promoting a collaborative framework that bridges science, technology, and sustainability to address emerging agricultural challenges.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Gaudioso, D. (2025). Isolation of a novel microplastic-degrading bacterial strain: A promising agent for low-density polyethylene remediation. Chemosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144400

2. Gaudioso, D. (2025). On the effectiveness of ozone treatments: A silver bullet for plant health? Agronomy, 15(3), 567. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030567

3. Gaudioso, D. (2025). Fly high: Volatile organic compounds for the early detection of the seed-borne pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens. Agronomy, 15(2), 497. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020497

4. Gaudioso, D. (2024). Exploiting bacterial pigmentation for non-destructive detection of seed-borne pathogens by using photoacoustic techniques. Sensors, 24(23), 7616. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237616

5. Gaudioso, D. (2024). Multidrug and toxic compound extrusion transporters: Ubiquitous multifaceted proteins in microbes, plants, and their interactions. Microorganisms, 12(12), 2433. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122433

Fleming Sena Campos | Livestock Production | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Fleming Sena Campos | Livestock Production | Best Academic Researcher Award

Professor | USEB | Brazil

Dr. Fleming Sena Campos is currently a Visiting Professor at the Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia (UESB), Brazil, where he contributes extensively to research and teaching in Animal Science, particularly in ruminant nutrition and forage production. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science (Zootechny) from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), with a sandwich doctorate at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, under the supervision of Dr. Karen Ann Beauchemin. He earned his M.Sc. in Zootechny from the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) and his B.Sc. in Animal Science from UESB, complemented by a specialization in Ruminant Nutrition from FAZU, Minas Gerais. His research focus encompasses ruminant nutrition, forage conservation, biosaline agriculture, and sustainable livestock systems in semi-arid regions, integrating microbial biotechnology and forage physiology to optimize animal productivity under climate stress. Over the years, Dr. Campos has held key research positions, including as a CNPq Researcher at EMBRAPA Semiárido, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), and a CAPES PNPD Researcher at the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA). His major contributions involve advancing sustainable feeding systems through biosaline forage production, microbial inoculants for silage improvement, and soil-water management strategies for semi-arid environments. He has coordinated and collaborated on several national research projects addressing biosaline systems, forage integration, and microbial modulation in ruminant nutrition, generating impactful publications and practical innovations for livestock sustainability. His work has been supported by leading Brazilian funding agencies, including CNPq, CAPES, and FAPEMA, and he has been honored with competitive postdoctoral and development research grants recognizing his scientific excellence. Dr. Campos actively serves as a peer reviewer for agricultural journals and participates in collaborative networks linking academia and industry to promote adaptive livestock technologies. His vision is to foster innovation in sustainable animal production by integrating biotechnology, water-efficient agriculture, and ecological principles—empowering farmers in semi-arid regions to build climate-resilient systems that enhance food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental balance. He has 740 citations from 95 publications, with an h-index of 16.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Borges, E. N., Araújo, C. A., Monteiro, B. S., Silva, A. S., Albuquerque, L. F., Araújo, G. G. L., Campos, F. S., Gois, G. C., Souza, R. C., & Araújo, A. O. (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(2), 1–10.

2. Nascimento, D. B., Magalhães, A. L. R., Teodoro, A. L., Gois, G. C., Santos, K. C., Amaral, T. N. E., Araújo, C. A., Silva, P. B., Severo, F. 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, 66(4), 1–9.

3. Araújo, C. A., de Araújo, G. G. L., de Araújo, K. L. G., de Araújo, J. S., Campos, F. S., Lima, D. O., Gois, G. C., Voltolini, T. V., da Silva, T. G. F., & Magalhães, A. L. R. (2025). Different planting densities improve the nutritional composition of cactus pear in Semi-arid region. Food and Humanity, 5(1), 100616.

4. Pontes, K. S., Oliveira, G. M., Campos, F. S., Moura, C. M. S., Araújo, C. A., Silva, J. A., Silva, T. R. R., Lima, J. S., & Gois, G. C. (2025). Fatores que influenciam a composição centesimal da carne ovina. Observatorio de la Economía Latinoamericana, 23(2), e10076.

5. Zanine, A. M., Neto, T. M., Ferreira, D. J., Santos, E. M., Parente, H. N., Parente, M. O. M., Santos, F. N. S., Campos, F. S., Sousa, F. C. S., Reis, S. S., Olivera-Viciedo, D., & Rodrigues, A. A. (2025). Ecophysiological management using light interception technology with the AccuPar equipment: Quality versus quantity of forage. Agriengineering, 7(3), 224–239.

6. Silva, A. G., Araújo, G. G. L., Campos, F. S., Moraes, S. A., Gois, G. C., Silva, T. S., Emerenciano Neto, J. V., & Voltolini, T. V. (2020). Fermentation profile and nutritional quality of silages composed of cactus pear and maniçoba for goat feeding. Journal of Agricultural Science (Online), 8(1), 1–9.

Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Nicoletta De Vietro | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Bari "Aldo Moro" | Italy

Dr. Nicoletta De Vietro is a Researcher in Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (D.B.B.A.) of the University of Bari “Aldo Moro,” where she is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center for Risk Analysis and Management in Health and Environmental Emergencies (C.I.R.S.A.). She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, with advanced specialization in chromatographic and analytical techniques. Her primary research focuses on gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry for the characterization of biological, environmental, and food matrices, while her emerging interests explore innovative material development through non-equilibrium plasma processes for applications in packaging, biomedicine, and surface engineering. Over her academic career, she has held teaching and research roles in analytical chemistry, contributing to cutting-edge experimental methods that integrate chromatographic analysis with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and surface modification techniques such as deposition, grafting, and etching in cold plasmas. Dr. De Vietro has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, reviews, and patents, advancing both fundamental analytical methods and their industrial applications, particularly in environmental monitoring and food safety. Her contributions include novel methodological approaches for trace analysis and material functionalization, with implications for health risk assessment and sustainable technologies. She has been recognized through competitive research grants and has served as guest editor and peer reviewer for several leading scientific journals. Actively engaged in the international scientific community, she contributes to editorial boards, evaluates manuscripts for high-impact journals, and collaborates in interdisciplinary research networks. Through her research, Dr. De Vietro aims to bridge analytical innovation with real-world challenges, enhancing scientific understanding of complex matrices while supporting industry and regulatory bodies in improving environmental quality, public health, and technological advancement. She has 975 citations from 48 publications, with an h-index of 17.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1.  Cometa, S., Bonifacio, M. A., Bellissimo, A., Pinto, L., Petrella, A., De Vietro, N., Iannaccone, G., Baruzzi, F., & De Giglio, E. (2022). A green approach to develop zeolite–thymol antimicrobial composites: Analytical characterization and antimicrobial activity evaluation. Heliyon, 8(9), e09551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09551

2. Aresta, A., De Santis, S., Carocci, A., Barbarossa, A., Ragusa, A., De Vietro, N., Clodoveo, M. L., Corbo, F., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of commercial animal and vegetable milks’ lipid profile and its correlation with cell viability and antioxidant activity on human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Molecules, 26(18), 5645. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26185645

3. Aresta, A. M., De Vietro, N., Clodoveo, M. L., Amirante, R., Corbo, F., Schena, F. P., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol in human urine after intake of extra virgin olive oil produced with an ultrasounds-based technology. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 206, 114204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114204

4. De Vietro, N., Aresta, A. M., Picciariello, A., Rotelli, M. T., & Zambonin, C. (2021). Determination of VOCs in surgical resected tissues from colorectal cancer patients by solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Applied Sciences, 11(15), 6910. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156910

5. Mongioví, C., Lacalamita, D., Morin-Crini, N., Gabrion, X., Ivanovska, A., Sala, F., Placet, V., Rizzi, V., Gubitosa, J., Mesto, E., De Vietro, N., Crini, G., & Cosma, P. (2021). Use of chènevotte, a valuable co-product of industrial hemp fiber, as adsorbent for pollutant removal. Part I: Chemical, microscopic, spectroscopic and thermogravimetric characterization of raw and modified samples. Molecules, 26(15), 4574. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154574

Mohsin Tanveer | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohsin Tanveer | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography | China

Dr. Mohsin Tanveer is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, where he advances research in plant molecular physiology and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Tasmania, Australia, focusing on tissue-specific reactive oxygen species signaling and ionic homeostasis in quinoa and spinach under salinity stress, following M.Sc. (Hons) and B.Sc. (Hons) degrees in Agronomy from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. His key research interests include molecular biology and climate change, nutrient metabolism, abiotic stress tolerance, and halophyte physiology, supported by several international projects under young talent programs. Dr. Tanveer has an extensive publication record with high-impact contributions to The Crop Journal, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Trends in Plant Science, and Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, alongside co-editing books with Springer on topics such as mineral biofortification and stress tolerance in plants. His scientific impact has been recognized globally, being ranked among the top 2% of scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier since 2021 and listed among Australia’s top 40 rising stars in agricultural research. Over the course of his career, he has received multiple honors, including the University of Tasmania HDR Scholarship and international research fellowships. Beyond his research, he actively contributes to academic publishing as an editorial board member for leading journals including Plant Growth Regulation, BMC Plant Biology, Frontiers in Agronomy, Frontiers in Plant Science, Antioxidants, Biology, and Agriculture-MDPI. His work bridges plant physiology, molecular biology, and agronomy, with a strong focus on advancing food security and crop resilience under changing climatic conditions, establishing him as a leading figure in plant stress biology and sustainable agriculture research. He has 8671 citations from 104 publications, with an h-index of 47.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus
Featured Publications 

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

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

 

Prof. Sue Walker | Agrometeorology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sue Walker | Agrometeorology | Best Researcher Award

Principal Researcher Agromet | ARC-NRE & UFS | South Africa

Prof. Sue Walker is an Affiliated Emeritus Professor of Agrometeorology at the University of the Free State and a Principal Specialist Researcher in Agrometeorology at the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of California, Davis, and advanced diplomas in Project Management and Innovation & Design Thinking. Prof. Walker’s research focuses on the development of climate services for agricultural systems, climate-smart agriculture, crop-climate modeling, and adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions. She has authored over 131 peer-reviewed scientific articles and 40 book chapters, contributing significantly to areas like water-energy-food nexus, crop modeling, and the application of seasonal forecasts in agriculture. Her work includes notable projects such as the “Climate-Wise Women” initiative and the “Rain for Africa” project. Prof. Walker has received several prestigious awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship, a South African National Research Foundation B3-rating, a fellowship with the South African Society of Crop Production, and the Bram Fischer Oxford-South Africa Award. She has served as Chair of the World Meteorological Organization's OPAG on Agrometeorological Services and as a representative to WMO-CAgM and ICID Working Groups. Additionally, she serves on the Editorial Committee of the South African Journal of Plant and Soil. Her work emphasizes participatory rural appraisal methods, decision support tools for farmers, and the integration of climate services into agricultural development strategies. With extensive global experience from over 54 countries, she remains a leading expert in building resilience against climate variability in the agricultural sector. She has 3039 citations from 2600 documents across 115 publications, with an h-index of 30.

Profiles:  Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

Publications 

1. Kumssa, D. B., Joy, E. J. M., Ander, E. L., Watts, M. J., Young, S. D., Walker, S., ... (2015). Dietary calcium and zinc deficiency risks are decreasing but remain prevalent. Scientific Reports, 5(1), 10974.

2. Tsubo, M., Walker, S., & Ogindo, H. O. (2005). A simulation model of cereal–legume intercropping systems for semi-arid regions: I. Model development. Field Crops Research, 93(1), 10–22.

3. Tsubo, M., Walker, S., & Mukhala, E. (2001). Comparisons of radiation use efficiency of mono-/inter-cropping systems with different row orientations. Field Crops Research, 71(1), 17–29.

4. Gandure, S., Walker, S., & Botha, J. J. (2013). Farmers' perceptions of adaptation to climate change and water stress in a South African rural community. Environmental Development, 5, 39–53.

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