Hyun Je Oh | Climate Change | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

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.

Prasada Rao Y V S S S V | Soil Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Prof. Dr. Prasada Rao Y V S S S V | Soil Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Vignana Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad | India

Prof. Y.V.S.S.S.V. Prasada Rao is a distinguished academician, researcher, and administrator with over 43 years of diverse experience across academia, research, and government sectors. He currently serves as Director of Vignana Bharathi Institute of Technology (VBIT), Hyderabad—an autonomous, NAAC- and NBA-accredited institution. Holding degrees in B.Tech., M.S., Ph.D., DPM, MBA (Finance & HR), and ICWA, Prof. Rao has previously served as Registrar, Dean (R&D), and Dean (Examinations & Evaluation) at KL University, as well as Principal/Director at JNTU-affiliated colleges. Earlier in his career, he contributed significantly to India’s defence sector as a Senior Scientist and Deputy Project Director at DRDO, working alongside Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on strategic fighter aircraft programmes worth ₹2000 crores. His research expertise spans defence systems, advanced engineering, and academic process innovation, A recipient of 11 major awards—including the State-level “Best Principal” and “Best Professor” honors—Prof. Rao is widely recognized for his leadership in higher education reforms and institutional excellence. His lifelong dedication continues to inspire innovation, research integrity, and academic transformation.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Prasada Rao, Y. V. S. S. S. V. (2016 ). Communication architecture for enhanced ATM surveillance – A proposed model. International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Prasada Rao, Y. V. S. S. S. V. (2016). Instrumental framework for bank locker security enhancement using electric field proximity sensor – An innovative model. International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering.

Prasada Rao, Y. V. S. S. S. V. (2013 ). Analysis of implementation of behaviour-based safety programme in Indian construction segments using TOPSIS. International Journal of Industrial Engineering & Technology.

Prasada Rao, Y. V. S. S. S. V. (2013 ). Prioritising the elements of OHSAS-18001 in construction segments in India – A hierarchical analysis. Journal of Safety Engineering.

Prasada Rao, Y. V. S. S. S. V. (2012). Optimisation of emergency management system in a construction organisation in India. International Journal of Research in Industrial Engineering.

Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Published on by Plant Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Plant Protection Research Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Yazd | Iran

Dr. Seyed Reza Fani is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Yazd, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, completed in 2013. His doctoral research focused on utilizing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates to control aflatoxin contamination in pistachio nuts. Dr. Fani’s professional journey includes roles as a researcher and expert in plant pathology laboratories within the Iranian Plant Protection Organization and the Agriculture Organization of Sistan-Baluchistan province. His research interests encompass mycotoxin management, biological control agents, and integrated pest management strategies. He has contributed to over 5 H- index, with more than 95 citations. His work has been presented at various international conferences, including the MYCOKEY International Conference and the International Mycotoxin Conference. Dr. Fani’s expertise is instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Iran.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fani, S. R., Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, December). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.

Fani, S. R., & Moradi, M. (2025, May 15). An overview of pistachio gummosis: A comprehensive analysis. Tropical Plant Pathology.

Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Fani, S. R., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, March 27). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance.

Kazemi, A., Sedaghati, E., Fani, S. R., Moradi, M., & Nadi, M. (2023). Effect of sulfur on toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in vitro. Journal of Nuts.

Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Fani, S. R., Ghasemi, M., & Aldaghi, M. (2023). Population density of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin content in different types of pistachio nuts. Journal of Chemical Health Risks.

Urjashi Bhattacharya | Agronomic Practices | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Urjashi Bhattacharya | Agronomic Practices | Best Researcher Award

The Neotia University | India

Dr. U. Bhattacharya is an agronomy scholar and educator with a doctoral degree specializing in conservation agriculture, climate-smart farming, and integrated nutrient management. Over four years as a university research scholar, she has conducted intensive research on rice–pulse cropping systems, focusing on enhancing ecosystem services (soil, air, and water) in the Gangetic Plains through sustainable agronomic practices. Her M.Sc. work examined the effects of nitrogen levels on a heat-tolerant potato variety, while her Ph.D. thesis explored the management of rice followed by lentil under conservation tillage and varying nutrient doses. She participated in the SRFSI project (in collaboration with ACIAR) in the Eastern Gangetic Plains, gaining experience in resilient farming system intensification. Dr. Bhattacharya is proficient in experiment planning, statistical analysis, instrument handling, and scientific communication, and has presented her research at several national and international seminars on soil health, sustainable agriculture, agrochemicals, climate resilience, and biodiversity. She has published multiple peer-reviewed papers in crop science and agronomy, holds an h-index of 4 with six publications and 294 citations, and has received certificates of excellence in peer review along with a design patent for a portable crop diagnostic spectrometer. Passionate about advancing agricultural education and research, she aspires to excel as a faculty member in plant science academia, inspiring students through innovative teaching and pursuing high-impact interdisciplinary research in sustainable agriculture.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bhattacharya, U., & Sarkar, S. (2018). Conservation agriculture: A climate-smart approach to achieve zero hunger. Current Advances in Agricultural Sciences, 18(2), 78–83.

Bhattacharya, U., Saha, A., & Saha, A. (2019). Response of heat tolerant variety (Kufri Surya) of potato (Solanum tuberosum) under different levels of nitrogen. Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 37(1), 1–7.

Bhattacharya, U., Sarkar, S., & Dewanjee, S. (2019). Bio-efficacy evaluation of oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC for controlling weeds in potato crop. Journal of Crop and Weed, 15(3), 201–208.

Maitra, S., Hossain, A., Brestic, M., Skalicky, M., Ondrisik, P., Gitari, H., Brahmachari, K., Shankar, T., Bhadra, P., Palai, J. B., Jena, J., Bhattacharya, U., Duvvada, S. K., Lalichetti, S., & Sairam, M. (2021). Intercropping—A low input agricultural strategy for food and environmental security. Agronomy, 11(2), 1–28.

Bhattacharya, U., Naskar, M. K., Venugopalan, V. K., Sarkar, S., Bandopadhyay, P., Maitra, S., Gaber, A., Alsuhaibani, A. M., & Hossain, A. (2023). Implications of minimum tillage and integrated nutrient management on yield and soil health of rice-lentil cropping system – being a resource conservation technology. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, Article 1225986.

Jemuel Doctolero | Aquatic Plant Science | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Mr. Jemuel Doctolero | Aquatic Plant Science | Young Scientist Award

Purdue University | Philippines

Jemuel S. Doctolero is an academic in aquaculture and aquatic animal nutrition with growing impact. According to the AD Scientific Index, and approximately 30 citations in total. Dr. Doctolero holds a PhD in Forestry and Natural Resources, focusing on Aquaponics and Aquatic Animal Nutrition, at Purdue University, USA (2023–present) under the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Program. He earned his MSc in Aquaculture (Fish Physiology and Nutrition) from Central Luzon State University, Philippines (2016–2018) as a DOST-ASTHRDP scholar and his BS in Fisheries (2012–2016) under the BFAR Fisherfolk Scholarship Program. Since 2018, he has been a faculty member at Central Luzon State University, teaching Fish Nutrition, Aquaculture, and Hatchery Management, while also leading the Fish Nutrition Laboratory and serving as College Secretary, Registrar, and International Affairs Coordinator. His research interests encompass aquatic animal nutrition, fish physiology, immunological and morpho-behavioral responses to stress, alternative plant-based feed ingredients, induced spawning, and aquaponics system development. Dr. Doctolero has authored and co-authored several research articles on tilapia nutrition, health, and aquaculture sustainability, and has presented his work at international conferences. Recognized for his academic excellence, he has received multiple awards including the Fulbright Scholarship, the “Completed Earlier as DOST-ASTHRDP Scholar” distinction, and various professional certifications. Overall, Dr. Doctolero exemplifies a dedicated educator and researcher whose contributions continue to advance sustainable aquaculture, aquatic food systems, and capacity-building in fisheries science.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Doctolero, J. S., Sotero, D. S., & Fajardo, L. J. (2022). Induced spawning of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) and pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) pituitary extracts. Journal of Fisheries.

Doctolero, J. S., Estrella, E. S., & Vera Cruz, E. M. (2021). Influence of water immersion using guava (Psidium guajava), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), and horse radish (Moringa oleifera) aqueous leaves extracts on the nursing of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). International Journal of Zoology and Animal Biology.

Doctolero, J. S., Vera Cruz, E. M., & Velasco, R. R. (2020). Morpho-behavioral and hematological responses of vaccinated proactive and reactive Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to handling stress. Aquaculture, Aquarium, Conservation & Legislation (AACL) Bioflux.

Reyes, A. T., Balagtey, L. B., Doctolero, J. S., & Madrid, F. N. (2020). Susceptibility profiles of Enterococcus faecalis to selected antibiotics. Journal of Drug Delivery & Therapeutics.

Reyes, A. T., Doctolero, J. S., & Olaco, J. P. Q. (2020). Comparison of antibiotic susceptibility and pathogenicity of wild and serially passaged Streptococcus agalactiae to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.). Acta Entomology and Zoology.

Junkang Zhao | Nutritional epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Junkang Zhao | Nutritional epidemiology | Best Researcher Award

Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan | China

Dr. Junkang Zhao is a nutritional epidemiologist and health statistician affiliated with Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. He earned his Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Health Statistics from Shanxi Medical University in 2022. Dr. Zhao’s research primarily focuses on the application of advanced statistical methods in nutritional and medical research, with particular emphasis on dietary pattern analysis, chronic disease epidemiology, and population health. Over the course of his career, including the highly cited review “A Review of Statistical Methods for Dietary Pattern Analysis” (Nutrition Journal, 2021), and has contributed to three National Natural Science Foundation projects while leading two provincial-level research initiatives. His work has garnered significant recognition, including a third prize in a national-level competition. Dr. Zhao actively serves on multiple professional committees, including the Medical and Biostatistics Committee of the China Field Statistics Research Association, Clinical Research and Transformation Committee of the Shanxi Physicians Association, and the Clinical Trials Professional Committee of the Shanxi Anti-Cancer Association. With an H-index reflecting his impactful contributions, and numerous citations and publications to his credit, Dr. Zhao continues to advance evidence-based approaches in nutrition and health research, fostering the translation of statistical insights into clinical and public health applications.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, J., Chen, S., Zhao, J., Liang, J., Gao, X., Gao, Q., He, S., & Wang, T. (2022). Association between nutrient patterns and hyperuricemia: Mediation analysis involving obesity indicators in the NHANES. BMC Public Health.

Wang, J., Chen, S., Zhao, J., Liang, J., Gao, X., Gao, Q., He, S., & Wang, T. (2022). Association between nutrient patterns and hyperuricemia: Mediation analysis involving obesity indicators for NHANES study .

Zhao, J., Guo, W., Wang, J., & Wang, T. (2022). Exploring the association of dietary patterns with the risk of hypertension using principal balances analysis and principal component analysis. Public Health Nutrition.

Zhao, J., Li, Z., Gao, Q., Zhao, H., Chen, S., Huang, L., Wang, W., & Wang, T. (2021). A review of statistical methods for dietary pattern analysis. Nutrition Journal.

Liang, J., Zhao, J. K., Wang, J. P., & Wang, T. (2020). Association between animal source foods consumption and risk of hypertension: A cohort study. European Journal of Nutrition.

Hieronim Golczyk | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hieronim Golczyk | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin | Poland

Dr. Hieronim Golczyk is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Biological Sciences, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland. He earned his Habilitation in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Cytogenetics and Genetics from Adam Mickiewicz University in 2015. With over two decades of academic experience, including positions at the Jagiellonian University and collaborations with leading European research centers such as IPK Gatersleben and the Max Planck Institute, Dr. Golczyk has established himself as a distinguished figure in molecular cytogenetics. His research focuses on chromosome structure and function, genome evolution, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methodologies, and organelle genetics. He has pioneered several innovative cytogenetic techniques, including ImmunoFISH and EC-FISH, and contributed to landmark discoveries on genome transfer and chloroplast competition published in Nature and Plant Cell. Dr. Golczyk has authored over 60 scientific papers with an h-index of 16, more than 830 citations, and over 34 document reads. His achievements have been recognized by multiple Polish Genetic Society Awards and Rector’s Awards. As an active reviewer, educator, and member of advisory scientific boards, Dr. Golczyk continues to advance the understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying plant evolution and genome architecture.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Golczyk, H. (2025). A new efficient immunoprotocol to detect chromosomal/nuclear proteins along with repetitive DNA in squash preparations of formalin-fixed, long-stored root tips. Plant Methods.

Jach, M. E. (2023). The role of probiotics and their metabolites in the treatment of depression. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

Golczyk, H., Hřibová, E., Doležel, J., Cuadrado, Á., Garbsch, F., Greiner, S., Janeczko, M., Szklarczyk, M., Masłyk, M., & Kubiński, K. (2022). Migration of repetitive DNAs during evolution of the permanent translocation heterozygosity in the oyster plant (Tradescantia section Rhoeo).