Ezzeddine Mosbah | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ezzeddine Mosbah | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Ezzeddine B. Mosbah is an agricultural and rural-development economist whose academic formation includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development from the National Agricultural Institute of Tunis (INAT, 2007), preceded by a specialized engineering degree in Economy and Rural Development (1996) and an agro-economist engineering degree (1993) from the same institute. With more than two decades of professional experience across ministries of Agriculture, Education, and Employment & Vocational Training in Tunisia and, since 2017, as Assistant Professor at King Faisal University (KSA), and previously at institutions in Tunisia, he has taught courses ranging from Agricultural Economics and Water Economics to Development Economics, Statistics, Operations Research, and Project Feasibility Studies. His research interests revolve around agricultural economics, rural development, labor and employment markets, efficiency and impact evaluation, environmental economics and waste management, food marketing (notably date-palm economics), water desalination, and econometric/operations-research methods. According to publicly available citation data, his h-index is 3 with 33 citations and 6 documented publications — a baseline that signals a career still consolidating its scholarly impact. Among his work is the monograph Rationaliser le Comportement Public: la Formation un Exemple (2015). Through empirical analyses of water-use efficiency, agricultural investment incentives, municipal waste impacts, technical efficiency of farms, and environmental sustainability, Mosbah contributes to policy-relevant knowledge in both MENA and Gulf contexts. His ongoing focus remains on efficiency measurement, sustainable rural development, and socio-economic evaluation of agricultural and environmental systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mosbah, E. B., & Dharmapala, P. S. (2022). Evaluating the effects of COVID-19 and vaccination on employment behaviour: A panel data analysis across the world. Sustainability.

Mosbah, E. B. (2021). Assessment of environmental and economic impacts of municipal solid wastes management system: A case study. Journal of Ecological Engineering.

Mosbah, E., Zaibet, L., & Dharmapala, P. S. (2020). A new methodology to measure efficiencies of inputs (outputs) of decision making units in data envelopment analysis with application to agriculture. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences.

Mosbah, E. B. (2025). Assessment of land cover changes and an exploration of their key factors at Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia (Working paper).

Mehdi Minbashi Moeini | Weed Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mehdi Minbashi Moeini | Weed Science | Best Researcher Award

Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection | Iran

Prof. Mehdi Minbashi Moeini is a leading weed scientist and agronomist whose academic career is built on a B.Sc. in Agronomy & Plant Breeding from Shiraz University, an M.Sc. in Agronomy from Isfahan University of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Weed Science from the University of Tehran, where he focused on pioneering GIS applications for weed management in wheat and canola crops. With over two decades of service at the Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), he has advanced from Research Instructor to Research Professor, while holding key leadership roles including Deputy for Research & Technology, Secretary of the Agronomy Taskforce at AREEO, and Head of the Weed Research Department. His scholarly contributions include 10 documented publications, which have achieved 83 citations with an h-index of 5, underlining his scientific impact in the field. His research interests span weed biology, integrated weed management, herbicide physiology, parasitic weeds such as broomrape, and precision agriculture using GIS and remote sensing. He is also the author of notable scientific books including “Biology and Management of Water Hyacinth” and “Sunflower Plant Protection Handbook.” His work supports innovation in sustainable weed control and strengthens global agricultural productivity.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Moeini, M. M., Haghighi, A., Kootiani, M. S., & Samadani, B. (2023). Evaluation of Bentazon + Dichlorprop for control of noxious broadleaf weeds in wheat fields of Iran. Gesunde Pflanzen.

Moeini, M. M., Mamnoie, E., Karaminejad, M. R., Aliverdi, A., & Moeini, M. M. (2022). Application efficacy of newly released pre-mixed herbicide in winter wheat: Joystick®. Journal of Agricultural Science, Estonian Academic Agricultural Society.

Veisi, M., Moeini, M. M., Jahedi, A., Mansoori, M. S., & Sabeti, P. (2022). Weed control efficacy: Response of chickpea to pre- and post-emergence herbicides. Gesunde Pflanzen.

Moeini, M. M., Hadizadeh, M. H., Karaminejad, M. R., Zangeneh, H. S., Jamali, M., & Haghighi, A. A. (2022). Efficacy of fluroxypyr compared with common broadleaf herbicides in the wheat fields. Journal of Iranian Plant Protection Research.

Moeini, M. M. (2021). Germination biology and phenological development stages of false jagged-chickweed (Lepyrodiclis holosteoides). Journal of Plant Protection Research.

Jianglong Li | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Jianglong Li | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University | China

Li Jianglong is a promising early-career researcher currently completing his B.Eng. in Facility Agriculture Science and Engineering at South China Agricultural University. His academic training emphasizes greenhouse cultivation, soilless cultivation, plant physiology, and environmental control technologies in horticulture. He has already published one first-author peer-reviewed paper in the journal Horticulturae, titled “Light-Nutrient Optimization Enhances Cherry Tomato Yield and Quality in Greenhouses”; to date (December 2025). His research interests focus on nutrient optimization strategies, precision hydroponic management, greenhouse seedling production, and sustainable facility agriculture for high-quality horticultural crops. Beyond the lab, he led a provincially funded undergraduate innovation project exploring bioactive compounds in colorful cherry tomatoes and their precise nutrient-solution management, and he captained a “Maker Cup” innovation competition project on multi-target regulation of cherry-tomato sub-health ecosystems. He has earned multiple awards in provincial English writing contests, university-level competitions, and national scholarships, demonstrating both academic versatility and communication skills. Committed, hardworking, and team-oriented, he aspires to contribute to sustainable horticultural production and crop quality improvement through integrated greenhouse technologies.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Li, J., Xie, Z., Zhao, T., Li, H., Chen, R., Song, S., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Light–nutrient optimization enhances cherry tomato yield and quality in greenhouses. Horticulturae,

Tongxin Wang | Horticultural Science | Excellence in Research award

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Dr. Tongxin Wang | Horticultural Science | Excellence in Research award

Hainan University | China

Dr. Tongxin Wang is a dedicated plant science researcher at Hainan University, China, recognized for his significant contributions to plant molecular biology and ornamental horticulture. His academic experience and research background focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying flower coloration, including anthocyanin and flavonoid biosynthesis, which determine pigmentation patterns in ornamental species such as pansy and Ixora. Dr. Wang has developed expertise in transcriptomics, gene expression profiling, and plant tissue culture techniques, advancing knowledge on leaf variegation and floral color variation that supports horticultural breeding programs. His studies involve identifying key regulatory genes and metabolic pathways that influence plant traits of commercial value. Throughout his career, Dr. Wang has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring students and contributing to innovative scientific approaches in biotechnology and plant physiology. While awards or recognitions are not widely publicized, his strong citation metrics highlight his impact and reputation in the scientific community. In conclusion, Dr. Tongxin Wang continues to contribute to the advancement of plant genetics and improvement of ornamental crops, positioning himself as an emerging leader in molecular horticulture research.

Profile:  Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, J., Feng, S., Xu, X., Li, T., Li, Y., Wang, T., & Wang, J. (2025). Stress-specific adaptation of a non-betalain DODA homolog from pansy (Viola × wittrockiana). Industrial Crops and Products.

Wang, T., Li, C., Wang, Y., Peng, T., & Wang, J. (2025). Differences in anthocyanin biosynthesis drive flower coloration variations in pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.). Physiologia Plantarum.

Wang, T., Luo, C., Liu, Z., Zhao, Y., Zhu, Z., Song, X., Zhou, Y., & Wang, J. (2024). Comparative transcriptomic analysis to postulate the generation of variegated leaves in Bougainvillea peruviana ‘Thimma’. Industrial Crops and Product.

Wang, T., Li, C., Wang, Y., Peng, T., & Wang, J. (2022). Comparative transcriptome analysis of anthocyanin biosynthesis in pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.). Agronomy,

Ginés Benito Martínez Hernández | plant science | Excellence in Research award

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Prof. Dr. Ginés Benito Martínez Hernández | plant science | Excellence in Research award

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena | Spain

Ginés Benito Martínez Hernández is a Senior Lecturer at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), where he also serves in the Agricultural Engineering Department. He earned a PhD in Advanced Techniques in Agricultural and Food Research and Development from UPCT in 2012, following his MSc and technical engineering degree in food and agricultural industries. He has completed advanced international training in postharvest technology and food microbiology through programs in the USA, Italy, and the Netherlands. His research focuses on nanotechnology-driven solutions for food preservation, including active packaging, nanoencapsulation of plant bioactive compounds, natural antioxidants, food safety, and shelf-life improvement. Dr. Martínez Hernández has authored 105 scientific publications, including 88 JCR-indexed papers—70 in Q1 journals—along with book chapters and Acta Horticulturae contributions. His works have received 3360 citations from 105 documents, with an h-index of 34, demonstrating his strong scientific influence. He holds multiple patents and has led and contributed to numerous European, national, and industry-funded research projects. As a mentor, he has supervised PhD and postgraduate students who now contribute to research and innovation sectors. His work bridges academic excellence, industrial collaboration, and societal benefit through safer, high-quality, and more sustainable food systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Martínez-Hernández, G. B., Navarro-Martínez, A., & López-Gómez, A. (2025). Carnauba wax enriched with encapsulated plant essential oils into native β-cyclodextrins as an innovative wax coating on citrus fruits. Industrial Crops and Products.

Tortosa-Díaz, L., Saura-Martínez, J., Taboada-Rodríguez, A., Martínez-Hernández, G. B., López-Gómez, A., & Marín-Iniesta, F. (2025). Influence of industrial processing of artichoke and by-products on the bioactive and nutritional compounds. Food Engineering Reviews.

Tortosa-Díaz, L., Martínez-Hernández, G. B., López-Avilés, F. J., Juárez-Marín, M., Saura-Martínez, J., & Marín-Iniesta, F. (2025). New artichoke flours with high content of bioactive compounds. Applied Sciences.

Tortosa-Díaz, L., Martínez-Hernández, G. B., López-Avilés, F. J., Juárez-Marín, M., Saura-Martínez, J., & Marín-Iniesta, F. (2025). New artichoke flours with high content of bioactive products.

Nieto, G., Martínez-Zamora, L., Peñalver, R., Marín-Iniesta, F., Taboada-Rodríguez, A., López-Gómez, A., & Martínez-Hernández, G. B. (2024). Applications of plant bioactive compounds as replacers of synthetic additives in the food industry. Foods,

Guanghao Li | Crop Science | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Guanghao Li | Crop Science | Research Excellence Award

Yangzhou University | China

Li Guanghao is an accomplished crop scientist specializing in maize cultivation, yield and quality formation, and stress physiology. He earned his B.Sc. in Seed Science and Engineering at Shandong Agricultural University, followed by a Ph.D. in Crop Cultivation and Tillage at the same institution. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship, he joined the College of Agriculture at Yangzhou University, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor and supervisor of master’s students. Over his career, he has conducted extensive research into improving maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and quality, especially under challenging environmental conditions such as weak light stress, through optimizing fertilization and cultivation practices. His projects include national and provincial grants investigating physiological mechanisms underlying yield and quality formation, slow-release fertilizer application, and stress mitigation in waxy maize. He has received recognition for his doctoral dissertation as an outstanding thesis in Shandong Province. His research interest centers on maize physiology, agronomic management, abiotic stress tolerance, and sustainable crop production. With sustained publication output, teaching and mentorship experience, and practical application of research findings, he continues contributing to crop science and promoting high-efficiency, high-quality maize production.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, J., Li, J., Guo, J., Yang, H., Li, G., & Lu, D. (2025, November 26). Application of exogenous 24-Epibrassinolide at the silking stage alleviates the effects of post-silking heat stress on photosynthetic performance of waxy maize. Agriculture.

Liang, Y., Liu, Q., Zeng, J., Xiong, F., Guo, J., Li, G., & Lu, D. (2024, October 23). Optimizing nitrogen input increased yield and efficiency in maize-soybean strip intercropping system. Agronomy.

Jiang, C., Liang, Y., Wang, Y., You, G., Guo, J., Lu, D., & Li, G. (2024, September 24). Effects of sulfur application on the quality of fresh waxy maize. Plants.

Sun, H., Li, W., Liang, Y., & Li, G. (2023, April 23). Shading stress at different grain filling stages affects dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in fresh waxy maize. Plants.

Li, G., Wang, L., Li, L., Lu, D., & Lu, W. (2020, January). Effects of fertilizer management strategies on maize yield and nitrogen use efficiencies under different densities. Agronomy Journal.

Hyun Je Oh | Climate Change | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Hyun Je Oh | Climate Change | Research Excellence Award

KICT/UST | South Korea

Hyun Je Oh is a seasoned civil and environmental engineer whose academic journey at Yonsei University includes a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, a master’s in Environmental Engineering, and a doctorate in Civil & Environmental Engineering. He has built a long-standing career as a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute of Construction Technology (KICT), while also serving as a Professor at the University of Science & Technology (UST), contributing extensively to education and research mentorship. Over his professional tenure, he has led more than one hundred national research and development projects, focusing on advancing technologies in water treatment, wastewater management, water quality evaluation, and sustainable environmental engineering practices. His scholarly achievements include more than fifty peer-reviewed publications, most of them indexed at the SCI(E) level, and over four hundred academic presentations, demonstrating a strong impact across the scientific community. Additionally, he has driven innovation through numerous patent applications, many of which have been granted, resulting in multiple successful technology transfers to industry. He is a certified Professional Engineer in Water & Wastewater Engineering, and his research efforts continue to strengthen the development of clean water solutions, environmental policy, and infrastructure sustainability, ensuring meaningful contributions to public health and environmental protection.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

(2026). Optimal data pooling from multiple waterbodies to improve machine-learning predictions of cyanobacterial blooms. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology.

(2026). Evaluating circulation-type MCDI as a dual-function system for ion removal and enrichment. Desalination.

(2025). Comparative analysis of MCDI and circulation-MCDI performance under symmetric and asymmetric cycle modes at pilot scale. Sustainability,

(2025). Enhanced desalination performance of pilot-scale membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) system with circulation process. Desalination.

(2024). Performance optimization of a pilot-scale membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) system operating with circulation process. Separation and Purification Technology.

Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Naser Safaie is a distinguished plant pathologist and mycologist whose academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Plant Protection from Isfahan University of Technology, followed by an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from Chamran University, and culminating in a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology–Mycology from Tarbiat Modares University. Over more than three decades, he has developed deep expertise in the biological control of phytopathogenic fungi using microbial antagonists, molecular diagnostics, fungal taxonomy, bioformulation of biocontrol products, and plant–microbe interaction studies. As a seasoned professor and long-time department head at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, he has led numerous high-impact research projects spanning fungal pathogen epidemiology, stress tolerance via endophytes, biofertilizers, and cold-plasma applications in agriculture. Recognized for his leadership roles (including editorial responsibilities and presidency of the Iranian Society of Plant Pathology), he has mentored generations of students and spearheaded the translation of lab innovations into practical biocontrol and biofertilizer products. His work bridges fundamental science and agricultural application, contributing to sustainable crop protection and biotechnology development.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Najafi, M. R., Kordrostami, M., Aghajani, M. A., Safaie, N., & Rahmanpour, S. (2025, October 7). Multilayer perceptron neural network–genetic algorithm for modeling Nicotiana tabacum leaf quality. PLOS One.

Jahedi, A., Safaie, N., Goltapeh, E. M., & Ahmadifar, S. (2024). Auricularia (wood ear mushroom) genus: A contribution to classification and new species records for Iran and world. Plant and Fungal Systematics.

Rahimi-Soujeh, Z., Safaie, N., Moradi, S., Abbod, M., Sharifi, R., Mojerlou, S., & Mokhtassi-Bidgoli, A. (2024, October). New binary mixtures of fungicides against Macrophomina phaseolina: Machine learning-driven QSAR, read-across prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation. Chemosphere.

Abbod, M., Safaie, N., & Gholivand, K. (2024, August). Genetic algorithm multiple linear regression and machine learning-driven QSTR modeling for the acute toxicity of sterol biosynthesis inhibitor fungicides. Heliyon.

Hussein, S. N., Safaie, N., Shams-bakhsh, M., & Al-Juboory, H. H. (2024, August). Harnessing rhizobacteria: Isolation, identification, and antifungal potential against soil pathogens. Heliyon,

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.