Zitong Gao | Disease Management | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Zitong Gao | Disease Management | Research Excellence Award

School of Nursing, Dalian University | China

Zitong Gao is a dedicated nursing researcher currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at the School of Nursing, Dalian University, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has developed a strong foundation in quantitative research methods and data analysis, actively participating in studies related to chronic disease management and evidence-based nursing care. Her academic and clinical experience includes a comprehensive clinical internship at the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, with rotations in internal medicine, surgery, and other essential departments, where she contributed to patient assessment, nursing care planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is proficient in statistical software such as SPSS, Mplus, Excel, and Stata, supporting her growing involvement in drafting manuscripts and contributing to scholarly research. As an early-career researcher, she is building her academic profile, with initial contributions submitted for publication and plans to expand her work in quantitative nursing research, particularly focused on geriatric health and chronic illness management. She holds a nurse qualification certificate and has demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, and analytical skills. Motivated by a passion for advancing patient outcomes and nursing knowledge, she aims to contribute significantly to academic research and professional nursing practice in the coming years.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Gao, Z., Qin, H., Yue, T., Li, Y., & Huo, M. (2025). Latent transition of social participation and its relationship with frailty among older adults with chronic non-communicable diseases in China: A national longitudinal study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

Janéne Strydom | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Janéne Strydom | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij | South Africa

Dr. Janéne Strydom is a South African horticultural scientist and leading viticulture researcher. She holds a PhD in Horticultural Science (2025), an MSc in Viticulture (2006), and a BSc in Viticulture & Enology (1999) from Stellenbosch University. Since 1999, she has served at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, progressing from Research Technician to Researcher, where she leads major national projects on table grape production, water management, mesoclimate effects, and grape quality from vineyard to shelf. Her research focuses on physiological responses of table grapes to microclimate, irrigation regimes, canopy management, biostimulants, and ripening dynamics—contributing extensively to improving cultivar quality and production systems in South Africa. Dr. Strydom has delivered numerous international conference presentations, published peer-reviewed journal articles, supervised technology-transfer initiatives, and served on scientific committees, including the editorial board of the South African Journal of Enology and Viticulture. She has also contributed to industry advisory panels and review committees for the South African Table Grape Industry. Through her applied research, leadership, and continuous engagement with growers, Dr. Strydom has significantly advanced modern viticultural practices and strengthened scientific understanding of table grape physiology.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Strydom, J., Volschenk, C. G., van der Rijst, M., de Palma, L., Novello, V., di Lorenzo, R., Pisciotta, A., Raath, P. J., & Hunter, J. J. (2025). Physiological response of Crimson Seedless table grape vines to controlled irrigation conditions in different micro-climatic environments. Plants.

Strydom, J., Hunter, J. J., van der Rijst, M., Volschenk, C. G., de Palma, L., Novello, V., di Lorenzo, R., & Pisciotta, A. (2023). Biochemical responses of Crimson Seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapevines to altered micro-climatic conditions and different water treatments in the Breede River Valley of South Africa . In GIESCO 2023: Diverse Germplasm and Precision Technologies for Varied and Changing Climates.

Strydom, J., Hunter, J. J., Volschenk, C. G., van der Rijst, M., de Palma, L., Novello, V., di Lorenzo, R., & Pisciotta, A. (2023). Physiological responses of Crimson Seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapevines to altered micro-climatic conditions and different water treatments in the Breede River Valley of South Africa. In GIESCO 2023: Diverse Germplasm and Precision Technologies for Varied and Changing Climates.

Strydom, J. (2017). Effect of a combination of three biostimulants on Flame Seedless grape quality in the Berg River Valley region of South Africa. In Proceedings of the 8th International Table Grape Symposium.

Strydom, J. (2014). Effect of CPPU (N-(2-chloro-4-pyridinyl)-N’-phenylurea) and a seaweed extract on Crimson Seedless grape quality. In Proceedings of the 7th International Table Grape Symposium.

Li Sui | Fungal Ecology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Li Sui | Fungal Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Li Sui is a distinguished Researcher at the Institute of Plant Protection, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, where he has contributed to plant–microbe interactions, fungal endophytes, and biological control for over 15 years. He earned his PhD in Ecology from Northeast Normal University (2019), following a Master’s degree in Biophysics and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology from Jilin Agricultural University. His research focuses on endophytic entomopathogenic fungi, elevated CO₂–plant–microbe interactions, microbial biocontrol mechanisms, and eco-friendly pest management. Dr. Sui has led multiple national and provincial research projects, including major grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology. He has published impactful studies in Pest Management Science, BioControl, Frontiers in Microbiology, Virulence, and Biological Control, contributing significantly to maize, soybean, and sunflower protection strategies. His research record includes h-index: 10, citations: 296, and documents: 34. Dr. Sui has received prestigious recognitions, including the Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Progress Awards (First Class, 2017; Second Class, 2021) for innovations in green pest management. He continues to advance sustainable agriculture by integrating fungal symbiosis and biocontrol technology for improved crop resilience.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chang, Y., Lin, X., Sui, J., Li, Q., Zhao, Y., Sui, L., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Endophytic Beauveria spp. enhance tomato growth and resistance to Botrytis cinerea via transcriptomic regulation. Journal of Fungi.

Guo, W., Lu, Y., Du, S., Li, Q., Zou, X., Zhang, Z., & Sui, L. (2024). Endophytic colonization of Beauveria bassiana enhances drought stress tolerance in tomato via “water spender” pathway. International Journal of Molecular Sciences,

Dawit Dibekulu | Literature | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Dawit Dibekulu | Literature | Research Excellence Award

Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Dr. Dawit Dibekulu Alem is an Assistant Professor of English Literature at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with a strong academic background including a PhD in Literature from Bahir Dar University, an MA in TEFL from Debre Markos University, and a BA in English Language and Literature from Woldia University. His research productivity is reflected in an estimated h-index of 1, over 4 published documents, and  1 citations, demonstrating his growing influence in applied linguistics and literary studies. He previously served at Mekdela Amba University as Assistant Professor, Research and Community Service Coordinator, Industry Linkage Director, and ELIC Coordinator. His research interests include language assessment, literature and comparative literature, psychoanalysis, cultural studies, CALL, language-learning strategies, curriculum design, educational psychology, and material development. Dr. Dawit is an active reviewer for international journals such as PLOS ONE, the International Journal of Psychology and Counselling, IJLLT, AERJ, and several others. He has published widely in reputable journals and presented multiple papers at national and international conferences. His academic journey is marked by excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, and professional service, and he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of English studies in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Artificial Intelligence in African Higher Education: Uses, Misuses, and Ethical Dilemmas. Ayenew, G., Dibekulu, D., & Menberu, A. W. (2025). Artificial intelligence in African higher education: Uses, misuses, and ethical dilemmas. Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Adolescents’ Social Media Usage and Their Premarital Sexual Attitude in Bole Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Quantitative Exploration. Weldesenbet, S. A., Dibekulu, D., & Addis, A. (2025). Adolescents’ social media usage and their premarital sexual attitude in Bole Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A quantitative exploration. Sexuality & Culture. Advance online publication.

Exploring Ambivalence: A Psychoanalytic Analysis of Emotional Complexity in Selected Amharic Novels. Dibekulu, D., Surineni, K., Dagnew, T., & G/Meskel, T. (2025). Exploring ambivalence: A psychoanalytic analysis of emotional complexity in selected Amharic novels.

Female Beauty as a Symbol of the Nation in Selected Ethiopian Novels in English: An Intertextual Study. Guadu, A., & Dibekulu, D. (2025). Female beauty as a symbol of the nation in selected Ethiopian novels in English: An intertextual study. Forum for Linguistic Studies.

Mourning in Selected Contemporary Amharic Novel: A Meta-Psychological Perspective. Dibekulu, D., Dagnew, T., & G. Meskel, T. (2024). Mourning in selected contemporary Amharic novel: A meta-psychological perspective. European Journal of Trauma and Dissociation,

Megersa Adugna | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research award

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Mr. Megersa Adugna | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research award

Wollega University | Ethiopia

Megersa Tadesse Adugna is a lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Wollega University, where he has served since November 2022, following an earlier role as assistant lecturer. He holds a master’s degree in Chemical (Process) Engineering from Adama Science and Technology University and a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Wollega University. His research expertise centers on green catalysis, biomass valorization, heterogeneous catalysts, photocatalysis, and hydrogen production, particularly demonstrated in his work on the “Synthesis of Furfural from Xylose Using Carbon-Based Bifunctional Solid Acid Catalyst” published in International Journal of Chemical Engineering (2024).  More recently, he contributed to a study on Zn–Al-doped nanocomposites for dye removal published in Scientific Reports (2025). According to Google Scholar, with several citations to his work. He is experienced in curriculum development, student supervision, lab management, and community engagement, and has also earned professional certifications such as E-SHE from Arizona State University. His academic commitment is complemented by his drive for sustainable engineering solutions, and he continues to mentor students and advance research in green and renewable chemical technologies.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Adugna, M. T., Tefera, Z. T., & Yilma, M. (2024). Synthesis of furfural from xylose using carbon-based bifunctional solid acid catalyst in the biphasic system. International Journal of Chemical Engineering.

Matla, S., Talathoti, G., Adugna, M. T., Bate, T. L., King, P., & Vangalapati, M. (2025). Sustainable synthesis of Zn/Al-doped nanocomposite from bio-waste: Characterization and RSM-guided brilliant blue dye adsorption optimization. Scientific Reports.

Joseph Ngatchou-Wandji | Mathematical Statistics | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Joseph Ngatchou-Wandji | Mathematical Statistics | Research Excellence Award

Université de Lorraine | France

Joseph Ngatchou-Wandji is a Full Professor jointly appointed at Université de Rennes (EHESP) and at Université de Lorraine’s Institut Élie Cartan de Lorraine (IECL), where he leads work in the Probabilities & Statistics group. He earned his doctorate in applied mathematics/statistics from Université Paris 13 (1995) and obtained his Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) in 2006. Prior to his current position, he was Associate Professor at Université de Caen (1997–2009). His extensive teaching portfolio spans undergraduate to postgraduate courses in probability, time series, and spatio-temporal models, at institutions in France (e.g., EHESP, Télécom Nancy, École Polytechnique) and abroad (Lebanon, Gabon, Tunisia, Benin). His research focuses on estimation and hypothesis testing in time series and spatio-temporal models, change-point detection, CHARN (Conditional Heteroscedastic Autoregressive Nonlinear) models, and nonparametric inference. He has supervised about forty master’s theses and over a dozen PhD dissertations, and has published ~ 50 research papers. He is also frequently invited abroad (e.g., South Africa, China, USA), serves on many PhD juries, and is active in national academic governance and statistical associations. In addition to his academic achievements, he authored a 204-page novel, Le vent du printemps, and holds a 4th dan in karate. According to his ResearchGate profile, he has 258 Citations and 30 Documentation an h-index ≈ 18.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Ngatchou-Wandji, J., & Co-authors. (2025). Testing for the zero-altered Poisson distribution with positive data. Statistica Neerlandica.

Ngatchou-Wandji, J., & Co-authors. (2025). Goodness-of-fit tests for discrete response models with covariates. Statistical Papers.

Ngatchou-Wandji, J., & Co-authors. (2025). Omnibus diagnostic procedures for vector multiplicative errors models. Statistical Papers.

Dekui Zhang | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Dekui Zhang | Host-Pathogen Interactions | Best Researcher Award

The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University | China

Prof. Dr. De-Kui Zhang is a distinguished gastroenterologist and Principal Investigator recognized for his extensive research in Helicobacter pylori infection, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastrointestinal motility disorders, and behavioral gastroenterology. He received advanced academic training in clinical gastroenterology and molecular pathogenesis, progressing to a leading research and academic role in China. With over h-index of 19, 1345 citations, and 116 total documents, he has significantly shaped current understanding of host–pathogen interactions and chronic microbial infection. He has including four NSFC grants, advancing molecular models of microbial pathogenesis and contributing to clinical diagnostic innovations. His scholarly contributions include co-editing the academic volume Health Management of Gastritis, while his leadership roles in national academic committees—particularly within the Helicobacter pylori Group of the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology—underscore his influence on clinical guidelines and national research priorities. His work has been recognized with prestigious distinctions such as the Gansu Provincial Scientific Progress Second Prize, highlighting his impact on improving digestive health outcomes. Prof. Zhang continues to mentor emerging medical scientists and strengthen national collaborations, contributing broadly to translational gastroenterology research and patient care advancement.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Ma, X., Li, M., Wang, X., Xu, H., Jiang, L., Wu, F., Wei, L., Qi, G., & Zhang, D. (2024). Dihydromyricetin ameliorates experimental ulcerative colitis by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps formation via the HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway. International Immunopharmacology.

Liu, N., Luo, Q., Gou, L., Shen, X., & Zhang, D. (2024). Knowledge and practices of Helicobacter pylori infection management among physicians in Gansu Province, China: A cross-sectional study. Helicobacter.

Gou, L., Yang, X., Yun, J., Ma, Z., Zheng, X., Du, H., & Zhang, D. (2024). Roles of the components of the cag-pathogenicity island encoded type IV secretion system in Helicobacter pylori. Future Microbiology. Advance online publication.

Ma, X., Li, J., Li, M., Qi, G., Wei, L., & Zhang, D. (2024). NETs in fibrosis: Bridging innate immunity and tissue remodeling. International Immunopharmacology.

Xu, H., Huang, K., Shi, M., Gong, H., Han, M., Tian, W., Wang, X., & Zhang, D. (2024). MicroRNAs in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric cancer: Function and clinical application. Pharmacological Research,

Jing Guo | Plant Ecology | Excellence in Plant Ecology

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Dr. Jing Guo | Plant Ecology | Excellence in Plant Ecology

Zhejiang A&F University | China

Dr. Jing Guo is a lecturer at the College of Landscape Architecture, Zhejiang A&F University, specializing in community ecology, biodiversity conservation, and plant–microbe interactions. She earned her Ph.D. in Ecology from Northeast Normal University in 2019, completing part of her doctoral research at Pennsylvania State University as a Joint Ph.D. Candidate, after receiving her bachelor’s degree from the same institution. Prior to her current appointment, she conducted postdoctoral research at Zhejiang University, where she investigated plant–soil–microbe feedbacks and forest ecosystem processes. Dr. Guo has contributed to several major national and provincial research programs, including the National Key R&D Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Young Scientists Fund), and the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Exploration Program, serving both as principal investigator and collaborator. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Communications Biology, Plants, Forests, Plant and Soil, and Ecological Engineering, contributing to an estimated. With growing recognition for her research in fragmented forest ecosystems and microbial ecology, Dr. Guo continues to advance ecological theory and applied conservation, aiming to support sustainable forest management and biodiversity resilience.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Guo, J., Chu, L., Ye, X., King, W. L., Shao, J., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Chen, C., & Yu, M. (2025). Low soil phosphorus and high symbiotic fungal richness inhibits plant aboveground biomass in fragmented forests in China. Communications Biology.

Liu, J., Liu, W., Wu, J., Wei, B., Guo, J., Zhong, L., & Yu, M. (2023). Responses of plant species diversity and biomass to forest management practices after pine wilt disease. Forests,.

Guo, J., Wei, B., Liu, J., Eissenstat, D. M., Yu, S., Gong, X., Wu, J., He, X., & Yu, M. (2023). Linkages between plant community composition and soil microbial diversity in Masson pine forests. Plants.

Guo, J., Gong, X., Yu, S., Wei, B., Chu, L., Liu, J., He, X., & Yu, M. (2023). Response of soil microbial diversity to forest management practices after pine wilt disease infection. Forests.

Yates, C. F., Guo, J., Bell, T. H., Fleishman, S. M., Bock, H. W., Trexler, R. V., Eissenstat, D. M., & Centinari, M. (2021). Tree-induced alterations to soil properties and rhizoplane-associated bacteria following 23 years in a common garden. Plant and Soil

Paloma Moncalean | Plant Biotechnology | Excellence in Plant Research

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Dr. Paloma Moncalean | Plant Biotechnology | Excellence in Plant Research

NEIKER | Spain

Dr. Paloma Moncaleán Guillén is a leading plant biotechnologist specializing in in vitro tissue culture, somatic embryogenesis, and forest biotechnology, with an extensive research career at NEIKER-BRTA, where she currently serves as Principal Investigator. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Premio Extraordinario, 2000) from the University of Oviedo, where she also obtained her Licenciatura in Biological Sciences. Dr. Moncaleán pioneered the in vitro culture and plant physiology research line at NEIKER, developing advanced protocols for somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in Pinus species, alongside molecular, physiological, and morphological marker applications in juvenile and mature tissues. Her current work focuses on epigenetic modulation under abiotic stress to enhance stress tolerance in somatic plants. She has accumulating an estimated h-index of 22, over 1421 citations, and more than 73 research documents. Dr. Moncaleán has led competitive national and international projects, contributed to major technology-transfer initiatives in Spain, Chile, and Argentina, and serves on editorial boards of top journals including Frontiers in Plant Science, PLANTS, FORESTS, and Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture. Recognized for her leadership, she coordinates the IUFRO Unit 2.09.02 and continues advancing forest biotechnology for sustainable and resilient forestry systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Hurtado, M., Suarez-Álvarez, S., Castander-Olarieta, A., Montalbán, I. A., Goicoechea, P. G., López de Heredia, U., Marino, D., & Moncaleán, P. (2025). Physiological and molecular response to drought in somatic plants from Pinus radiata embryonal masses induced at high temperatures. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Ochatt, S. J., Akin, M., Chan, M. T., Dolgov, S. V., Eimert, K., Flachowsky, H., Guo, W. W., Jiménez, V. M., Lambardi, M., Moncaleán, P., et al. (2025). Research is rendering the recalcitrant woody plants amenable to biotechnological approaches. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture.

Montalbán, I. A., Castander-Olarieta, A., Marques do Nascimento, A. M., Suárez-Álvarez, S., Herrán, A., Polesi, L. G., Back, F., Steiner, N., Guerra, M. P., & Moncaleán, P. (2024). Genetic stability, amino acid, and polyamine profile analyses in radiata pine somatic embryos maturated at high temperatures. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture.

Montalbán, I. A., Castander-Olarieta, A., Marques do Nascimento, A. M., Suárez-Álvarez, S., Herrán, A., Polesi, L. G., Steiner, N., Guerra, M. P., & Moncaleán, P. (2023). Genetic stability, amino acid and polyamine profile analyses in radiata pine somatic embryos maturated at high temperatures.

Ayala, L. P. E., Luna, C. V., Brugnoli, E. A., Espasandin, F. D., Duarte, M. J., González, A. M., Gauchat, M. E., Moncaleán Guillén, P., & Sansberro, P. A. (2023). Cryopreservation of mature zygotic embryos, shoot bud regeneration, and field establishment of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii × Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis in vitro-derived plants. Trees.

Wenbin Zhang | Precision Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Wenbin Zhang | Precision Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Kunming University | China

Professor Wenbin Zhang, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic in mechanical and electrical engineering at Kunming University, serving as a full professor and master’s adviser in the Department of Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering. Over nearly fifteen years of teaching, he has developed and authored laboratory guidebooks for measurement technology, PLC application, and mechanical innovation design. His research focuses on condition monitoring, intelligent fault diagnosis, signal processing, and innovation in mechanical design. He leads a major project funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, as well as a provincial innovation-team initiative, and has built a key laboratory and research team at his university. He has published over 100 papers, with more than 50 in EI or SCI-indexed journals, and holds over 100 national patents. According to his Google Scholar profile, he has an h-index of 11, 394 citations, and 82 Documentation, highlighting his strong research influence. Through his integrated excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, Dr. Zhang is recognized as a technological leader in Yunnan Province and is part of the “Yunnan 10,000 Talents Program.”

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Zhang, W., Wang, Y., Tan, Y., Guo, D., & Pu, Y. (Year not provided). Application of adaptive local iterative filtering and permutation entropy in gear fault recognition. Mathematical Problems in Engineering.

Zhang, W., Min, J., Wang, Y., Pu, Y., Jiang, J., Guo, D., & Yu, L. (2022). Application of adaptive local iterative filtering in axis trace purification of turbine generator rotor. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology.

Cui, B., Guo, P., & Zhang, W. (2023). Research on fault diagnosis of rolling bearing based on the MCKD-SSD-TEO with optimal parameters. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology.

Guo, P., Cui, B., & Zhang, W. (2024). Cross-device target migration intelligent diagnosis method of wind power gearbox faults. Measurement Science and Technology

Zhao, C., Yin, Z., Zhang, W., Guo, P., & Ma, Y. (2024). Identification of apple watercore based on ConvNeXt and Vis/NIR spectra. Infrared Physics and Technology,