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.

Yang Hu | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Yang Hu | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Central South University of Forestry and Technology | China

Hu Yang is a researcher specializing in artificial intelligence applications in agriculture and forestry, currently with the Artificial Intelligence Application Research Institute at Central South University of Forestry and Technology. With a focus on multi-modal data fusion, computer vision, and deep learning, Hu has contributed to over 10 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, including Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, The Plant Journal, Information Fusion, and European Journal of Agronomy, with several manuscripts under revision or review. His work has achieved a total of 5documents, over 13 citations, and an h-index of 2, reflecting a strong influence in AI-driven plant disease recognition, image segmentation, and data augmentation techniques. Hu has led multiple projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation and university-level innovation programs, including multimodal agricultural and forestry disease assessment systems and forest area road crack detection using reinforcement learning. His research interests include multi-modal machine learning, image-based disease detection, precision agriculture, and smart forestry monitoring. Recognized with numerous awards such as the National Scholarship (2025) and Outstanding Graduate (2024), Hu continues to advance AI frameworks that bridge cutting-edge computational methods with practical applications, aiming to improve crop health, sustainable forestry, and environmental protection through intelligent, data-driven solutions.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publication

Mendes, L. de C., et al. (2025). AMF: A multi-modal framework for crop leaf diseases segmentation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.

Xinguo Chen | Precision Agriculture | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Xinguo Chen | Precision Agriculture | Best Paper Award

North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power | China

Dr. Xinguo Chen is an Assistant Researcher at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, specializing in agricultural hydrological remote sensing and sustainable water resource management. He earned his Ph.D. in 2021 from Northwest A&F University, where he developed expertise in crop evapotranspiration, drought mechanisms, and climate change impacts on agriculture. With over 23 peer-reviewed publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, his research has been widely recognized, accumulating more than 908 citations and reflected in an h-index of 17. Dr. Chen has successfully led two major research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund and the Open Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Water Resources, while also contributing to seven additional national and provincial/ministerial-level projects. His scholarly contributions extend to serving as a reviewer for prestigious journals such as Agricultural Water Management, Remote Sensing, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, and Journal of Environmental Management. He has also authored one book and engaged in industry consultancy projects aimed at improving water use efficiency. Dr. Chen’s research continues to advance agricultural resilience, remote sensing innovation, and water-efficient crop management to support sustainable food security.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Huang, Y., Liu, M., Ren, D., Li, Y., & Huang, Q. (2025). Improving crop evapotranspiration estimation in the Yellow River Basin: A modified SEBAL model approach and spatiotemporal trend analysis. Agricultural Water Management.

Chen, X., Huang, Q., Xiong, Y., Yang, Q., Li, H., Hou, Z., & Huang, G. (2023). Tracking the spatio-temporal change of the main food crop planting structure in the Yellow River Basin over 2001–2020. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.

Chen, X., Li, Y., Yao, N., Liu, D. L., Liu, Q., Song, X., Liu, F., Pulatov, B., Meng, Q., & Feng, P. (2022). Projected dry/wet regimes in China using SPEI under four SSP‐RCPs based on statistically downscaled CMIP6 data. International Journal of Climatology.

Brocca, L., Tullo, T., Melone, F., Moramarco, T., & Morbidelli, R. (2012). Catchment scale soil moisture spatial–temporal variability. Journal of Hydrology.

Ceccon, C., Panzacchi, P., Scandellari, F., Prandi, L., Ventura, M., Russo, B., Millard, P., & Tagliavini, M. (2010). Spatial and temporal effects of soil temperature and moisture and the relation to fine root density on root and soil respiration in a mature apple orchard. Plant and Soil.

Md Ashraful Haque | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Md Ashraful Haque | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

ICAR Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute | India

Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque is a Scientist in the Division of Computer Applications at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, with over five years of professional experience in artificial intelligence applications in agriculture. He earned his M.Sc. (2016) and Ph.D. (2022) in Computer Applications from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute under the supervision of Dr. Sudeep Marwaha. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and digital as well as hyperspectral image processing for solving complex agricultural problems such as crop disease detection, pest identification, stress analysis, and livestock image interpretation. He has published 20 journal articles, 4 book chapters, and 2 computational tools, with his research gaining wide recognition (h-index: 8, 339 citations). Dr. Haque has contributed to international collaborations with IIT Delhi, ICAR institutes, and several universities, and has developed impactful digital tools like AIDISC and WIAYFS. He is the recipient of prestigious fellowships and awards, including the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, ICAR-JRF, IARI Ph.D. Fellowship, and Nehru Memorial Gold Medal. With strong expertise in AI-driven agriculture, he continues to innovate toward sustainable farming solutions. His work demonstrates high relevance, impact, and future research potential in smart agriculture.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

“MuSiC V1.0: A Software Solution for Automated Mustard Silique Count Using YOLOv5”
“An enhanced vision transformer network for efficient and accurate crop disease detection”

“PanicleDet: a deep learning-based model for detection of panicle stages in paddy”

“A comparative analysis of deep learning-based techniques for miRNA prediction associated with mRNA sequences”

“ADNet: An Attention Embedded DenseNet121 Model for Weed Classification”

“Convolution Neural Network (CNN)-Based Live Pig Weight Estimation in Controlled Imaging Platform”
“Rice Disease Identification Using Vision Transformer (ViT) Based Network”

VP Chaudhary | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. VP Chaudhary | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

ICAR – Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering | India

Author Profile

Scopus
Google Scholar

👤 Professional Summary

Dr. V. P. Chaudhary is Principal Scientist and Head of the Agricultural Mechanization Division at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, since June 2023. With over 22 years of research and academic experience, he previously served at ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram. He specializes in Farm Machinery & Power Engineering, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, crop residue management, small farm mechanization, and gender-friendly tools.

🎓 Education

He completed his M.Tech. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Chaudhary has led 20+ national-level research projects worth over ₹780 lakhs. He trained more than 2000 farmers and organized several training programs for professionals, including summer schools, short courses, and model training courses. He has held advisory roles, served on academic boards, and acted as an external expert for faculty recruitment across institutions.

📚 Academic Citations

  • 📈 Total Citations: 906

  • 🔢 h-index: 13 | i10-index: 15

  • 🌐 Google Scholar profile includes 45+ peer-reviewed papers, with publications in top journals such as Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, Journal of Environmental Management, and Soil & Tillage Research.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Expertise in design and development of farm machinery, resource conservation tools, laser land leveling, energy use in agriculture, and digital technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, sensors, and precision farming.

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Training Experience

Dr. Chaudhary has served as examiner and academic board member for B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs in multiple universities. He organized numerous trainings for academicians, extension officers, and farmers, including 21-day, 10-day, and 8-day certified courses and field-level programs.

🔬 Research Interests

  • Farm Mechanization for Smallholders

  • Climate Smart Agriculture

  • Crop Residue Management

  • Digital & Precision Agriculture

  • Gender-Friendly and Ergonomic Tools

  • Conservation Agriculture Technologies

🏆 Achievements & Awards

He has received 9 major awards, including:

  • Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India)

  • Life Time Achievement Award (ICNSFS–2024)

  • Distinguished Scientist Award (Thailand, 2019)

  • Best Paper & Poster Presentation Awards (TIAS, EcoAspect, etc.)

🌍 International Exposure

He has represented India in professional visits and trainings in USA, Israel, and Bangladesh. Attended specialized courses on sensor applications, agricultural engineering R&D, and conservation technologies.

📖Publications

Relevance of climatological information on spatial and temporal variability of Indian Summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) in recent El Niño years and its impact on four important …
  • Authors: N. Subash, D. Dutta, P.C. Ghasal, P. Punia, V.P. Mandal, V.P. Chaudhary
    Journal: Climate Services
    Year: 2023
 Weed management in direct sown rice
  • Authors: D.K. Pandey, K.S. Gangwar, V.P. Chaudhry
    Journal: ORYZA – An International Journal on Rice
    Year: 2009
 Agri‐biomass‐based bio‐energy supply model: An inclusive sustainable and circular economy approach for a self‐resilient rural India
  • Authors: V.P. Chaudhary, R. Chandra, D.M. Denis, T.C. D’Silva, A. Isha
    Journal: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining
    Year: 2022
Impact of long-term residue burning versus retention on soil organic carbon sequestration under a rice-wheat cropping system
  • Authors: A. Dutta, R. Bhattacharyya, V.P. Chaudhary, C. Sharma, C.P. Nath, S.N. Kumar, …
    Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    Year: 2022
Potentials and Challenges of Biogas Upgradation as Liquid Biomethane
  • Authors: R.C.E.A.I.S.K.S.A.K.P.M.V.S.V.K.V.A.K.C., V.P. Chaudhary
    Journal: Biogas Production (Book Chapter)
    Year: 2021

Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg | South Africa

Author Profile

Orcid ID

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Martha Ligola Gorases (née Sheepo) is an exceptional agriculturalist with over 15 years of expertise in crop science, research, and training. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, focusing on optimizing crop production, improving soil health, and empowering farmers with cutting-edge agricultural techniques. As an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, she has played a key role in policy development, research extension, and farmer support programs. Her doctoral research on cattle manure as a nutrient source for sweet potato production exemplifies her dedication to sustainable farming solutions. Martha’s work in conservation science and agricultural advisory services highlights her multidisciplinary approach to food security and land management. With a passion for knowledge dissemination, she has trained countless farmers and students, contributing to the advancement of crop science in Namibia. Her significant contributions make her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Martha Ligola Gorases is a Doctoral Candidate in Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2023-2025), researching the potential of cattle manure as a sustainable nutrient source for sweet potato cultivation. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture Management (2018) from the University of the Free State, where she studied the adoption of food bank initiatives in peri-urban Namibia. Her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Management (2010) and National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (2008) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology provided a strong foundation in sustainable crop production. She has also obtained a Certificate in Applied Business Process Management (2011) to enhance her leadership skills in agricultural projects. With a diverse academic background integrating research, extension, and policy development, Martha’s education reflects her dedication to improving agricultural systems for both smallholder and commercial farmers.

 💼  Professional Experience

Martha Ligola Gorases has over 15 years of hands-on experience in crop science, agricultural research, and extension services. Since 2021, she has served as an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, where she provides agricultural extension services, develops policy frameworks, and empowers farmers through training. From 2020 to 2021, she worked as a Conservation Scientist at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, contributing to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation initiatives. Her experience also includes serving as a Research Technician at the University of Namibia (2012-2015), where she conducted rice cultivation research and provided farmer advisory services. Additionally, she has worked in the private sector as a Researcher at Agra Co-operative Limited, focusing on fodder nutrition for livestock. Her diverse experience in research, extension, policy-making, and education makes her an influential figure in sustainable agriculture and crop science.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Martha Ligola Gorases has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to crop science and agricultural development. She was a contributing author of the Kunene Drought Resilience Strategy (2022) and the Namibia Agriculture Extension Strategy (2022), highlighting her expertise in policy-making and sustainable farming. Her work on the Namibian Tourism Spatial Master Plan (endorsed by the UNWTO in 2021) showcases her interdisciplinary knowledge in conservation agriculture. She has been honored with multiple certificates for her research contributions, including Better Business Writing (2012), Meticulous Workplace Reporting (2011), and Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (2010). Additionally, she played a crucial role in the Namibia Agricultural Mechanization Seed Improvement Project (2021-2023). Her work in fodder research, farmer training, and conservation planning has made a profound impact on Namibia’s agricultural landscape, making her an exemplary candidate for this award.

🌍Research skills On Crop Science

Martha Ligola Gorases possesses advanced research skills in crop science, soil fertility management, agricultural policy development, and sustainable farming practices. She specializes in nutrient recycling, organic farming, and climate-resilient agricultural systems, with a strong focus on empirical research and field trials. Her expertise includes data collection, statistical analysis, and research design for evaluating the impact of agricultural interventions. As a doctoral researcher, she is currently investigating the role of cattle manure in enhancing sweet potato yield and nutritional quality, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable soil fertility solutions. She has led multiple research projects in rice cultivation, peri-urban agriculture, and food security strategies, integrating farmer participatory research approaches. Her technical skills extend to GIS mapping for agricultural planning, stakeholder engagement, and scientific writing. With a strong publication record and extensive field experience, Martha is a leading researcher driving innovation in sustainable crop production.

📖Publications

Agricultural Scientific Officer
  • Authors: Martha Ligola Sheepo
  • Journal: Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Investigation
  • Year: 2023-05-31

ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO | Agronomic Practices | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO | Agronomic Practices | Best Researcher Award

UNEB CAMPUS III, Brazil

Author Profile

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Mrs. ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO is a distinguished researcher specializing in agronomic practices and sustainable agriculture. With a strong academic background and years of experience in agricultural sciences, they have contributed significantly to enhancing crop productivity and soil health. Their research focuses on optimizing farming techniques, resource-efficient irrigation, and climate-resilient crop management. Over the years, they have collaborated with various institutions, leading multiple research projects aimed at improving agricultural sustainability. Their expertise extends to modern farming technologies, including precision agriculture and soil fertility enhancement. An advocate for eco-friendly farming, they have published extensively in reputed journals and participated in international conferences. Their contributions to agronomy have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. Currently, they are actively involved in projects that bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and innovative agronomic solutions, ensuring a sustainable future for global agriculture.

 Education

Mrs. ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO holds a Ph.D. in Agronomic Sciences, specializing in sustainable farming and crop management. They earned their doctoral degree from UNEB CAMPUS III, where their research focused on innovative agronomic techniques to enhance soil fertility and water efficiency. Prior to this, they completed an MSc in Agricultural Sciences, with a thesis on the impact of conservation tillage on crop yield. Their academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from UNEB CAMPUS III, where they developed a strong foundation in soil science, plant physiology, and agroecology. Throughout their education, they actively participated in research projects and collaborated with renowned scientists. Their dedication to agricultural advancement has led them to pursue postdoctoral research in climate-smart farming techniques. They have also attended specialized training programs in precision agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable land management, equipping them with cutting-edge skills to address global agricultural challenges.

  Professional Experience

Mrs. ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO has an extensive career in agronomic research and sustainable farming practices. They have worked as a Senior Research Scientist at UNEB CAMPUS III, focusing on optimizing crop management strategies to enhance productivity and soil health. Previously, they served as an Agronomy Consultant, advising farmers on best practices for sustainable agriculture. Their expertise includes precision farming, agroecology, and integrated pest management. Over the years, they have been involved in government and private sector projects, implementing climate-smart agriculture initiatives. As a university lecturer, they have mentored students and contributed to curriculum development in agronomic sciences. Their collaborations with international organizations have led to groundbreaking research in sustainable irrigation techniques and soil conservation. Currently, they are leading a multi-institutional project aimed at developing resilient cropping systems to combat climate change. Their hands-on approach and innovative strategies have made a significant impact on modern agronomic practices.

 Awards and Recognition 

Mrs. ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO has received numerous awards for their outstanding contributions to agronomy and sustainable agriculture. They were honored with the Best Agronomic Research Award for their groundbreaking work in soil conservation and climate-resilient farming. Additionally, they received the Sustainable Farming Excellence Award for their contributions to precision agriculture and resource-efficient irrigation techniques. Their efforts in organic farming innovations earned them the Green Agriculture Innovation Prize. They have also been recognized internationally, receiving the Global Agronomy Leadership Award for their role in developing sustainable cropping systems. In academia, they were awarded the Distinguished Researcher in Agriculture Award for their exceptional publications and mentorship. Their work has been featured in prestigious agricultural journals, and they are frequently invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences. Their recognition underscores their commitment to advancing agronomic practices and ensuring a sustainable future for global agriculture.

Research skills On Agronomic Practices

Mrs. ASTRID MERINO SILVERIO is an expert in agronomic research, specializing in sustainable crop production, precision agriculture, and soil health management. Their research skills encompass advanced data analysis, field experimentation, and innovative farming techniques. They have extensive experience in soil fertility assessment, nutrient management, and integrated pest control strategies. Their expertise in remote sensing and GIS applications for agriculture allows them to analyze crop patterns and improve land-use efficiency. They are proficient in statistical modeling and predictive analysis, helping optimize agricultural inputs and maximize yield. Additionally, they excel in climate-resilient agriculture, developing strategies to mitigate environmental stress on crops. Their research extends to organic farming, agroecology, and conservation agriculture, ensuring sustainable food production. Their ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and integrate scientific advancements into practical agronomic solutions makes them a key contributor to modern agricultural research and development.

Publications

The Use of Pesticides and Health Risk Assessment of Riparian Farmers in Northeastern Brazil: An Artificial Intelligence-based Analysis
  • Authors: Astrid Merino Silverio, Maristela Casé Costa Cunha, Wbaneide Martins de Andrade, Patricia Barros Pinheiro, Rafael Jorge do Prado, Luane dos Santos Simplício
  • Journal: Human Ecology
  • Year: 2025
The Health Care Management of Farmers Who Use Pesticides in Northeast Brazil: Use of Pesticides and the Care Management
  • Authors: Astrid Merino Silverio, Maristela Casé Costa Cunha, Márlon Vinícius Gama Almeida
  • Journal: BMC Health Services Research
  • Year: 2023
Relationships of Perception of Health Risks by Use of Pesticides: A Man-Environment Look
  • Authors: Astrid Merino Silverio, Maristela Casé Costa Cunha, Wbaneide Martins de Andrade, Luane dos Santos Simplício
  • Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
  • Year: 2023