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,

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,

Yu Peng | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Yu Peng | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Minzu University | China

Yu Peng is an Associate Professor of Ecology at the College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing. He earned his Ph.D. in Ecology from the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2005), followed by a post-doctoral appointment at Tsinghua University. His teaching spans courses such as Landscape Ecology, Biodiversity Conservation, Remote Sensing and GIS, and Plant Biology. Dr. Peng leads research in landscape ecology, biodiversity conservation, and vegetation remote sensing, with a strong focus on plant-diversity estimation using UAV and hyperspectral techniques. He has presided over multiple national research projects and published about 80 research papers, including 49 in SCI-indexed journals, along with authoring three monographs. His Google Scholar profile reports an h-index of 18 and over 978 citations, and his ResearchGate profile lists 75 scientific documents, reflecting his substantial scholarly output. Dr. Peng also holds several invention patents and contributed to formulating China’s national standard for estimating plant diversity using UAV remote sensing. His achievements have earned him distinctions such as the Wiley China Open Science High Contribution Author, teaching awards, and recognition as Best Reviewer by Acta Ecologica Sinica. He additionally serves in key academic roles, including Deputy Secretary-General of the Long-term Ecology Committee of the Chinese Ecological Society and Director of the Beijing Biodiversity Research Association. His work continues to integrate advanced remote sensing technologies with practical conservation strategies, reinforcing his commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable biodiversity management.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Xin, J., Li, J., Zeng, Q., Peng, Y., Wang, Y., Teng, X., Bao, Q., Yang, L., Tang, H., Liu, Y., et al. (2024). High-precision estimation of plant alpha diversity in different ecosystems based on Sentinel-2 data. Ecological Indicators.

Cao, Y., Peng, Y., Li, J., Yuan, J., Wang, C., Bao, Q., & Li, G. (2024). Landscape connection and patch complexity explain plant community similarity in sandy grasslands better than habitat amount and landscape heterogeneity via network analysis. Community Ecology.

Xin, J., Peng, Y., Peng, N., Yang, L., Huang, J., Yuan, J., Wei, B., & Ren, Y. (2024). Both class- and landscape-level patterns influence crop yield. European Journal of Agronomy.

Peng, Y., Xin, J., Peng, N., Li, Y., Huang, J., Zhang, R., Li, C., Wu, Y., Gong, B., & Wang, R. (2024). Global patterns and drivers of spatial autocorrelation in plant communities in protected areas. Diversity and Distributions.

Jin, H., Xu, J., Peng, Y., Xin, J., Peng, N., Li, Y., Huang, J., Zhang, R., Li, C., Wu, Y., et al. (2023). Impacts of landscape patterns on plant species diversity at a global scale. Science of The Total Environment.

Leila Ma’mani | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Leila Ma’mani | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

ABRII | Iran

Dr. Leila Ma’mani is a distinguished Assistant Professor at the Department of Nanotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII). She obtained her B.Sc. from Bu-Ali Sina University, M.Sc. from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Tarbiat Modares University. She completed postdoctoral research in nanomaterials and nano-drug delivery at the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. At ABRII, she has served as Head of the Department of Nanotechnology and Secretary of the Nanotechnology Committee of Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Ma’mani has supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and continues to guide emerging researchers in the field. Her research focuses on the design and synthesis of nanoporous and organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite delivery systems, targeted and slow release of bioactive compounds, nano-pesticides, nutrient nanocarriers, enzyme and RNA stabilization, and magnetic nanomaterials. She has authored many high-impact publications, book chapters, and patents, with an h-index of 28 and 2272 citations and 76 Documentation. Her innovative contributions to agricultural nanotechnology have advanced sustainable, biocompatible solutions for controlled-release systems and green agricultural technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Eigharlou, M., Javidpoor, S., Mohammadi, A., Khelghatibana, F., Nami, Y., Ma’mani, L., & Sadeghi, A. (2024). Evaluation of herbicidal potential of siderophores produced by Amycolatopsis lurida strain 407. Scientific Reports.

Parnian, J., Ma’mani, L., Bakhtiari, M. R., & Safavi, M. (2024). Inhibition of EGFR1 in triple negative breast cancer cells using siRNA loaded with Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles. BioNanoScience.

Najafzadeh Nansa, M., Jokarshoorijeh, F., Tavakoli Hasanaklou, N., Ghorbanloo, M., Hosseni, R., & Ma’mani, L. (2024). Nanoformulation: An efficient approach to natural insect repellent formulations. Journal of Water and Environmental Nanotechnology.

Ardali, T. R., Soleimanpour, L., Ma’mani, L., & Chorom, M. (2024). Opportunities and future perspective of nanofertilizers and controlled release nanofertilizers in agriculture. Journal of Water and Environmental Nanotechnology.

Shemshaki, N. S., Sharifi, K., Khodaparast, S. A., Mamani, L., & Mousanejad, S. (2024). The efficiency of mineral compounds for the control of strawberry blossom blight caused by Botrytis cinerea. European Journal of Plant Pathology.

Yu Hu | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yu Hu | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hanjiang Normal University | China

Professor Yu Hu is a distinguished researcher at Hanjiang Normal University, specializing in green chemistry and phytochemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, under the mentorship of Professor Hou Zhenshan in 2010. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Hu has made significant contributions to the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts, particularly for water pollution treatment. Her pioneering work on the phytogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles using pomegranate leaf extract has demonstrated efficient degradation of toxic dyes such as malachite green, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional remediation methods.  Dr. Hu has authored a forthcoming book with China Science and Technology Press and holds three published patents with one under process. She has also led funded projects under the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China. Her ongoing research integrates nanomaterials, plant biochemistry, and environmental catalysis to promote sustainable development. Through her innovative contributions and academic excellence, Dr. Yu Hu continues to advance green nanotechnology and environmental protection.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Hu, Y., Zhou, F., Zhang, N., Pan, X., Li, S., Zhang, D., Li, L., & Zhang, L. (2024). Green synthesis of iron (II, III)-polyphenol nanoparticles and their adsorption of malachite green. Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Materials Science Education.

Hu, Y., Zhou, S., Pan, X., Zhou, F., Sun, Y., Liu, M., Zhang, D., & Zhang, L. (2022). Fe nanoparticles synthesized by pomegranate leaves for treatment of malachite green. Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Materials Science Education.

He, C., Hu, Y., Lou, S., Liu, X., Zhang, W., & Zhang, L. (2020). Synthesis of segregative, reusable, and high-efficiency spherical chitosan/zirconium macro-biocomposite for removal of aqueous As(V). Separation Science and Technology.

Hu, Y., Yu, Y., Zhao, X., Yang, H., Feng, B., Li, H., Qiao, Y., Hua, L., Pan, Z., & Hou, Z. (2010). Catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds by functionalized ionic liquids-stabilized nickel nanoparticles in aqueous phase: The influence of anions. Science China Chemistry.

Hu, Y., Yu, Y., Hou, Z., Yang, H., Feng, B., Li, H., Qiao, Y., Wang, X., Hua, L., Pan, Z., & Hou, Z. (2010). Ionic liquid immobilized nickel(0) nanoparticles as stable and highly efficient catalysts for selective hydrogenation in the aqueous phase. Chemistry – An Asian Journal

Nadia Daskalova | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Daskalova | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Varna, Department Plant Production | Bulgaria

Dr. Nadia Georgieva Daskalova is an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding at the Technical University of Varna, with over 26 years of professional experience, including 17 years in research and 14 years in teaching. She earned her Master’s degree in Plant Protection from the Agricultural University of Plovdiv and completed her Ph.D. in Plant Breeding in 2015. Dr. Daskalova’s research focuses on cereals, particularly wheat, rye, and triticale, with special emphasis on genetic variability, disease resistance, and hybridization using embryo rescue techniques. She has successfully developed synthetic amphiploids and identified new genes in hexaploid wheat, contributing to grain quality improvement in bread wheat varieties. She has authored 16 peer-reviewed publications (2020–2024), multiple monographs, textbooks, and is engaged in national and international collaborative projects, including with Ukraine’s National Academy of Agrarian Sciences. Her work is widely recognized, with a citation record indexed in Scopus (h-index: 4) and multiple patents under process. Dr. Daskalova has served as an editorial reviewer for Springer Nature journals and actively participates in scientific committees and professional memberships. Her contributions advance sustainable cereal breeding and agricultural biotechnology, combining practical applications with academic excellence. She is a recipient of the International Plant Scientist Awards, reflecting her commitment to innovation and global impact in plant breeding and genetics.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Daskalova, N., & Spetsov, P. (2025). Variation in rye (Secale cereale L.) inbred lines with different type of glaucousness. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology. Advance online publication.

Daskalova, N., Georgieva, M., Angelova, R., & Spetsov, P. (2023). Agronomic performance of introgression lines derived from a cross of common wheat with synthetic hexaploid amphiploid 530-1. Journal of Central European Agriculture.

Spetsov, P., & Daskalova, N. (2023). Genetic basis of pest resistance in wheat-rye and triticale stocks. Cytology and Genetics.

Spetsov, P., & Daskalova, N. (2022). Resistance to pathogens in wheat-rye and triticale genetic stocks. Journal of Plant Pathology.

Daskalova, N., Doneva, S., & Spetsov, P. (2021). Characterization of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) accessions and reciprocal hybrids possessing wheat 1D chromosome. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus.