Molla Tadesse Lakew | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Molla Tadesse Lakew | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mekdela Amba University | Ethiopia

Dr. Molla Tadesse Lakew is an emerging scholar in rural development and agricultural innovation whose work already demonstrates measurable impact: according to his Google Scholar profile, he has an h-index of 1 and 3 total citations to date. His peer-reviewed publications include studies on farmers’ social network influences on adoption of agricultural innovations and on levels of knowledge and adoption of innovations by smallholder farmers in Central Gondar, Ethiopia. With an MSc in Rural Development & Agricultural Extension and a BSc in Agricultural Economics, he brings over six years of experience lecturing at Mekdela Amba University, leading curricular design, supervising student research, heading the Department of Agricultural Economics, and serving as Vice Dean. His research interests lie at the intersection of social capital, innovation systems, food security, and agricultural economics, using both qualitative and quantitative methods (econometrics, STATA, SPSS). Recognized as a Visiting Fellow through the AfricaLics PhD Academy and recipient of related fellowships and awards, he expects to complete his PhD by October 2025. Dr. Lakew aims to leverage his research and leadership toward strengthening agricultural innovation, improving livelihoods, and informing evidence-based policy in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Factors affecting the use of mobile phone by smallholder farmers in vegetable marketing: The case of Fogera district of South Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Level of Knowledge and Adoption of Agricultural Innovations Across Various Categories of Farmers in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

Examining farmers’ social network influences on the decision to adopt specific agricultural innovations in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

 The role of local indigenous institutions in enhancing social capital for adoption of agricultural innovations: A special emphasis in Ethiopia.

Muhammad Sultan | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sultan | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Bahauddin Zakariya University | Pakistan

Dr. Engr. Muhammad Sultan is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Engineering at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. His expertise lies in Energy and Environmental Engineering, focusing on sustainable agricultural technologies. He earned his PhD and Postdoc from Kyushu University, Japan, and another Postdoc from Simon Fraser University, Canada. Dr. Sultan has held fellowships in South Africa and Malaysia and is recognized globally for his contributions. He ranks among the World’s Top 2% Scientists and is currently Pakistan’s top scientist in Agricultural Engineering. His work bridges global collaborations, advanced engineering solutions, and impactful research for sustainable agricultural systems.

Author Profile

Orcid 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Sultan holds a PhD in Energy & Environmental Engineering from Kyushu University, Japan, funded by the Japanese MEXT scholarship. He completed two Postdoctoral fellowships—one at Kyushu University (Japan) and another at Simon Fraser University (Canada) under the Canadian Queen Elizabeth Advanced Scholars Program. He earned his M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, both with distinction. His academic journey has been marked by consistent excellence, reflected in multiple research fellowships, scholarships, and top rankings. His educational foundation supports his advanced work in energy-efficient agricultural technologies and environmental engineering systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sultan began his academic career in 2009 as a Lecturer at Bahauddin Zakariya University and progressed to Assistant Professor and Associate Professor. He has taught and supervised undergraduate to PhD students while leading funded national and international projects. He has also served as a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa and INTI International University, Malaysia. His professional experiences include consultancy roles and research appointments in Canada and Japan. Over the years, he has delivered keynote talks, chaired technical sessions, and served as an editor for global journals, contributing significantly to engineering education and applied research worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Sultan has received over 30 national and international awards. He has been recognized by Stanford University and Elsevier as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists (2023, 2024). The AD Scientific Index ranks him as the No.1 Agricultural Engineering Scientist in Pakistan. He is placed among the top 0.3% of global scholars in Agricultural Engineering and holds the 15th position globally in the field according to ScholarGPS. His contributions have been acknowledged through editorial roles, keynote talks, and invitations to international research panels. His research achievements continue to elevate Pakistan’s academic presence on the global stage.

Research Skill

Dr. Sultan specializes in energy and environmental systems for agricultural applications. His work includes HVAC technologies, adsorption cooling, desiccant air-conditioning, Maisotsenko cycles, energy recovery ventilators, atmospheric water harvesting, and water desalination. He has led and completed several UK and Pakistan-funded research projects and has collaborated globally. With over 200 peer-reviewed articles, 20 books, and 24 book chapters, his research is widely cited (7400+ citations, h-index: 45). He serves as an editor and reviewer for high-impact journals. His interdisciplinary approach addresses energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and sustainable agriculture, making him a leading voice in applied agricultural engineering.

Publications

Sajjad, U., Bibi, F., Hussain, I., Abbas, N., Sultan, M., Muhammad Asfahan, H., Aleem, M., & Yan, W.-M. (2025). Machine learning enabled assessment of the vacuum freeze-drying of the kiwifruit.

Sultan, M., Rezzoug, A., & Aleem, M. (2025). Thermodynamic evaluation of advanced adsorbents for thermally-driven atmospheric water harvesting system in diverse climatic conditions.

Abbas, F., Sultan, M., Shahzad, M. W., Farooq, M., Raza, H. M. U., Mahmood, M. H., Sajjad, U., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Comprehensive Review on Evaporative Cooling and Desiccant Dehumidification Technologies for Agricultural Greenhouses.

Riaz, M., Mahmood, M. H., Ashraf, M. N., Sultan, M., Sajjad, U., Riaz, F., Farooq, M., & Zhang, Z. (2025). Experimental study of an air-conditioned tractor cabin using CFD analysis for primary and secondary tillage operations in Pakistan.

Asfahan, H. M., Sultan, M., & Li, X. (2025). Radiative cooling enhanced performance of adsorption desalination–cooling system.

Sajjad, U., Mehdi, S., Hussain, I., Rehman, T., Sultan, M., Rashidi, M. M., & Yan, W.-M. (2025). Physics driven interpretable deep learning-based insights into boiling crisis of smooth and roughened surfaces.

Conclusion

Dr. Engr. Muhammad Sultan exemplifies research excellence and leadership in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. With prestigious international qualifications and top-tier global rankings, he contributes significantly to advancing sustainable technologies in agriculture. His mentorship, editorial roles, and project leadership reflect a commitment to academic and societal impact. He actively engages in cross-border collaborations and maintains a prolific research output. Dr. Sultan’s career trajectory, from national recognition to global prominence, positions him as a valuable asset to the scientific community. His future potential lies in shaping climate-resilient agricultural systems and influencing global sustainability policies through innovative engineering research.

Catalina Cabañas | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Catalina Cabañas | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Universidad de Extremadura | Spain

Author Profile

Orcid ID

Early Academic Pursuits

Catalina Milagros Cabañas Cabañas began her academic journey in her home region of Extremadura, Spain. She pursued higher education at the Universidad de Extremadura, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos in 2019 with a commendable performance. Her strong interest in food biotechnology led her to undertake a Master’s degree in Biotecnología Avanzada, which she successfully completed in 2020, further solidifying her foundation in scientific research and application.

Professional Endeavors

Catalina has built a consistent and evolving career primarily at the Universidad de Extremadura. She began as a Personal científico investigador  in 2019, with subsequent appointments in similar roles over the following years. She also held the role of Técnico auxiliar de laboratorio (Laboratory Technician) from 2022 to 2023, and Profesora sustituta  starting in 2023. Additionally, she gained industry experience at FuensanaBIo as a Técnico de calidad in 2019. Her diverse roles demonstrate her adaptability across

Contributions and Research Focus

Catalina’s primary research focus is rooted in food microbiology and biotechnology. Her doctoral research, completed in 2024, explored innovative strategies using antagonistic yeasts to control spoilage fungi in plant- and animal-based foods. This reflects her interest in improving food safety through sustainable biological control methods, offering alternatives to conventional chemical preservatives. Her work is significant for both the scientific community and food industries, given the increasing global concern over food safety and microbial contamination.

Impact and Influence

Through her contributions to research and higher education, Catalina has made a notable impact in the fields of food science and technology. Her doctoral thesis received the highest academic distinction, indicating recognition by peers and faculty for its scientific rigor and relevance. Additionally, her involvement in multiple university-level teaching roles and her active participation in training courses reflect her influence on the next generation of food scientists and technologists.

Academic Cites

Catalina is registered with notable academic platforms, including. which host and track her research contributions and citations. Her growing academic presence through these platforms is a testament to her evolving influence in scholarly research.

Technical Skills

Catalina has developed strong technical proficiency in microbiological analysis, laboratory practices, quality assurance, and the use of modern bibliographic and research management tools such as Mendeley, Scopus, ORCID, and Journal Citation Reports. Her coursework and seminars reflect her capability in writing scientific articles, preparing patents, and managing collaborative research tools. These skills position her as a well-rounded academic equipped for multidisciplinary collaboration.

Teaching Experience

Catalina has accumulated extensive teaching experience across both theoretical and laboratory-based courses at the Universidad de Extremadura. She has taught subjects such as Catering y Restauración, Higiene de los Alimentos I & II, Evaluación de la Seguridad Alimentaria, and Gestión de la Calidad, Seguridad y Trazabilidad Alimentaria. Her teaching has spanned across degree programs in Food Science and Technology and Agricultural and Food Industry Engineering. This experience demonstrates her capability to deliver knowledge effectively and engage with students across various academic levels.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As an emerging academic and researcher, Catalina’s legacy is being shaped by her contributions to sustainable food safety, education, and applied biotechnology. Her interdisciplinary approach, bridging microbiology and food quality assurance, places her in a unique position to influence both academic research and practical applications. With her current permanent full-time position as a researcher at Universidad de Extremadura starting in 2025, she is poised to deepen her contributions to food safety research and academic mentorship.

Publications

Biocontrol of Cheese Spoilage Moulds Using Native Yeasts
  • Authors: Catalina M. Cabañas; Alejandro Hernández León; Santiago Ruiz-Moyano; Almudena V. Merchán; José Manuel Martínez Torres; Alberto Martín
    Journal: Foods
    Year: 2025
Metabarcoding analysis reveals a differential bacterial community profile associated with ‘Torta del Casar’ and ‘Queso de la Serena’ PDO cheeses
  • Authors: Almudena V. Merchán; Santiago Ruiz-Moyano; María José Benito; María Vázquez Hernández; Catalina M. Cabañas; Ángel Carlos Román
    Journal: Food Bioscience
    Year: 2024
Improvement of shelf‐life of cherry (Prunus avium L.) by combined application of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and antagonistic yeast for long distant export
  • Authors: Catalina M. Cabañas; Alejandro Hernández; Manuel J. Serradilla; Carlos Moraga; Alberto Martín; María de Guía Córdoba; Santiago Ruiz‐Moyano
    Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
    Year: 2023
Control of Penicillium glabrum by Indigenous Antagonistic Yeast from Vineyards
  • Authors: Catalina M. Cabañas
    Journal: Foods
    Year: 2020

 

Gowhar Iqbal | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gowhar Iqbal | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai | India

Author Profile

Orcid ID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Gowhar Iqbal began his journey in the field of fisheries science with a Bachelor’s degree (B.F.Sc) from the College of Fisheries, SKUAST-K, Jammu & Kashmir (2016–2020), scoring 8.04/10. He continued his academic advancement with a Master’s degree (M.F.Sc) in Fish Biotechnology from ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, where he earned an OGPA of 8.36/10. His master’s research focused on molecular characterization of nematode parasites in fish from Maharashtra’s Barvi Reservoir. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Fish Biotechnology at the same institute, concentrating on Genome Editing, Cell Culture, Lab-Grown Meat, and Cell Line Development, with an impressive OGPA of 9.13/10.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Based at ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, Dr. Iqbal is actively engaged in advanced biotechnological research in aquaculture. His work delves into cutting-edge areas like genome editing platforms, nanotechnology, cell lines, and AI applications in fisheries. He also contributes significantly to multi-institutional research collaborations and plays a leading role in several innovative studies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Iqbal’s research interests are broad and future-oriented. His primary focus includes:

  • Fish Cell Culture & Cell Line Development

  • Lab-Grown Meat and Genome Editing (CRISPR/Cas9)

  • DNA Barcoding & Parasitology

  • Fish Immunity & Vaccinology

  • Nanobubble & Nanoparticle Applications

  • Sustainable Fisheries and AI in Aquaculture

These areas position him at the forefront of modern fish biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Iqbal is a prolific author, having contributed to 21+ research papers, 20+ review articles, and 9 book chapters in reputed journals and edited volumes. His work addresses global issues in fish genetics, aquatic diseases, environmental safety, and molecular biotechnology, significantly influencing scientific communities focused on aquaculture innovation and marine biodiversity.

Technical Skills

Dr. Iqbal possesses advanced technical capabilities in:

  • Molecular Techniques: PCR, DNA barcoding, RNA sequencing

  • Biotechnological Tools: CRISPR/Cas9 editing, cell culture techniques, proteomics

  • Bioinformatics & Omics Approaches

  • Parasitological diagnostics & vaccine delivery systems

  • Water quality and environmental monitoring in aquaculture

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Outreach

While his primary role is research-based, Dr. Iqbal contributes to the academic environment through:

  • Mentorship of junior researchers and students

  • Science communication through publications and conferences

  • Authoring educational book chapters on fish processing, IoT in aquaculture, and genetic engineering

He also serves as a resource person in discussions on sustainable aquaculture and biotechnology for emerging scientists.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Gowhar Iqbal is rapidly emerging as a thought leader in Fish Biotechnology. His forward-looking work on lab-grown meat, AI in aquaculture, and CRISPR-based genome engineering is poised to reshape aquatic health, food security, and sustainability in the coming decades. He is laying a solid scientific foundation for cleaner, safer, and more ethical aquaculture practices—especially in India and other developing nations. His long-term goal includes building a globally recognized platform for biotech-driven sustainable fisheries.

📖Publications

Characterization of Microbial Diversity in the Harbour and Ballast Water of Ships in the Gulf of Mannar, India using Environmental DNA
  • Authors: Sangeetha, S.; A. Pavan-Kumar; J. Robina; T. RaviKumar; G. Iqbal; P. Bipul; S. H. Kumar; P. Krishnan; A. Chaudhari
    Journal: Regional Studies in Marine Science
    Year: 2025
Identification of Gin-α Hyperactivated Recombinase-based RNA-Guided Recombinase Platform Target Sites in the Zebrafish Genome
  • Authors: Quyoom, N.; Porkodi M.; Iqbal, G.; Rasal, K.D.; Brahmane, M.P.; Nagpure, N.S.; Sonwane, A.A.
    Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research
    Year: 2025
DNA barcoding of nematode parasites infecting Ompok bimaculatus and Nemacheilus anguilla from Barvi reservoir, Maharashtra
  • Authors: Gowhar Iqbal; Pavan-Kumar A.; Balange A.K.; Sanath Kumar; Rajendran K.V.; Sonal Suman; Nahida Quyoom; Sangeetha S.; Showkat Ahmad Dar
    Journal: Journal of Applied Ichthyology
    Year: 2024
Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intentions in the Fisheries Sector: A Study of Agricultural Students in Kashmir
  • Authors: Shahid Gul; Neha W. Qureshi; Shakir Ahmad Mir; Uzair Shafiq; Gowhar Iqbal; Haziq Qayoom Lone
    Journal: Biological Forum – An International Journal
    Year: 2024
Pharmacokinetics of emamectin benzoate and its effect on metabolic and antioxidative enzymes activity in Labeo rohita
  • Authors: Diganta Chetia; Subodh Gupta; Tincy Varghese; Showkat Ahmad Dar; Pallath Muhammed Nuzaiba; Gowhar Iqbal; P.P. Srivastava; Parimal Sardar
    Journal: The Pharma Innovation Journal
    Year: 2023

 

Shakil Ahmad | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shakil Ahmad | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Hainan Normal University | China

Author Profile

🌱 SHAKIL AHMAD: PIONEER IN AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Shakil Ahmad was born on March 15, 1992, in Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. His academic journey began at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, where he earned a B.Sc. Hons in Plant Protection in 2014. Continuing his dedication to agricultural sciences, he pursued an M.S. Hons in Plant Protection, graduating in 2016. In 2021, he achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology (Plant Protection) from Hainan University, China.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Shakil Ahmad’s career is marked by significant research and teaching roles. He has served as:

  • Research Fellow (2024): Wake Forest University, USA.
  • Research Associate (2023–2024): Hainan Normal University, China.
  • Post-Doctoral Researcher (2021–2023): School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, China.
  • Lecturer (2020–2024): School of Foreign Languages, Hainan University, China.

His expertise spans diverse areas like RNA Interference, Genetically Engineered Pest Control, and Insect Physiology.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT PATHALOGY

Shakil Ahmad’s research primarily focuses on:

  • RNA Interference (RNAi): Exploring innovative pest control strategies.
  • Insecticide Resistance: Addressing critical challenges in crop protection.
  • Fruit Fly Management: Developing effective ecological and genetic methods.
  • Molecular Mechanisms of Insect Development: Understanding physiological pathways.

His work blends cutting-edge molecular biology with practical pest management solutions, significantly impacting sustainable agriculture.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Through his extensive research, Shakil Ahmad has contributed to reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting environmentally sustainable pest control solutions. His work on melon fly developmental disruption using RNAi and comparative transcriptomics has been lauded globally.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Shakil Ahmad has authored 14 high-impact publications, including:

  1. Double-Stranded RNA Degrading Nuclease and RNAi Efficiency (Journal of Pest Science, IF 5.742).
  2. Knockdown of Ecdysone Receptor in Melon Fly (Insect Molecular Biology, IF 2.65).
  3. Comparative Transcriptomics of Irradiated Melon Fly (Frontiers in Physiology, IF 4.75).

His work boasts an impressive citation count, reflecting his influence in agricultural biotechnology.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Hainan National Natural Science Foundation Youth Fund Project (322QN254): Project Lead.
  • Reviewer for prestigious journals like Pest Management Science and Frontier in Microbiology.
  • Member of the Entomological Society of America (2021).

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Shakil Ahmad stands at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, championing sustainable solutions to global agricultural challenges. With his innovative research and commitment to teaching, he is paving the way for a future where agriculture thrives alongside environmental conservation.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

“Isolation and characterization of Bacillus sp. HSY32 and its toxin gene for potential biological control of plant parasitic nematode”
  • Authors: Yan, P., Ahmad, S., Xu, Z., Kashyap, A.S., Zhang, W.
  • Journal: Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture
  • Year: 2024
“Comparative transcriptomics of the irradiated melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) reveal key developmental genes”
  • Authors: Ahmad, S., Jamil, M., Jaworski, C.C., Luo, Y.
  • Journal: Frontiers in Physiology
  • Year: 2023
“Preparation, biocontrol activity and growth promotion of biofertilizer containing Streptomyces aureoverticillatus HN6”
  • Authors: Wang, T., Ahmad, S., Yang, L., Wang, L., Luo, Y.
  • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
  • Year: 2022
“Double-stranded RNA degrading nuclease affects RNAi efficiency in the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae”
  • Authors: Ahmad, S., Jamil, M., Jaworski, C.C., Luo, Y.
  • Journal: Journal of Pest Science
  • Year: 2024

“Knockdown of the ecdysone receptor disrupts development and causes mortality in the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae”

  • Authors: Ahmad, S., Jamil, M., Jaworski, C.C., Lyu, B., Luo, Y.
  • Journal: Insect Molecular Biology
  • Year: 2023
“Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Different Fish Species of Hainan Island, China”
  • Authors: Ahmad, T., Gul, S., Khan, M.A., Ahmad, A., Ahmad, S.
  • Journal: Thalassas
  • Year: 2022