Claire Grootboom | Plant Conservation Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Claire Grootboom | Plant Conservation Biology | Young Scientist Award

University of the Western Cape/Agricultural Research Council | South Africa

Claire Grootboom is a PhD candidate at the University of the Western Cape and serves as a Research Technician at the Agricultural Research Council. She holds a strong academic background in biological sciences, supporting her expertise in conservation biology and ecological research. She has gained experience in teaching, tutoring, and supervising students, contributing to academic development at undergraduate and honours levels. Her research focuses on soil biodiversity, particularly the ecological role of soil mites and their response to grazing systems in South Africa. She has published peer-reviewed research and continues to advance knowledge in ecosystem sustainability and environmental conservation.

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Featured Publications

Sito-obong Udofia | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Sito-obong Udofia | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Hartpury University | United Kingdom

Ms. Sito-Obong Udofia is a university lecturer, researcher, and PhD candidate in Agriculture with a strong background in crop science, plant protection, and soil–plant monitoring. She holds advanced degrees in Crop Science and Agricultural Science and is currently pursuing doctoral research focused on vegetation cover and farmland sustainability. Her academic experience includes university teaching, student supervision, curriculum delivery, and international research collaboration. Her research interests span plant and soil monitoring, sustainable agriculture, crop protection, data analysis, and advanced sensing technologies. She has received competitive international scholarships, fellowships, and academic awards. Her work reflects a commitment to research-driven solutions, education, inclusivity, and sustainable agricultural development.

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Deborah Onyancha | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Deborah Onyancha | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

University of Nairobi | Kenya

Deborah M. Onyancha is a Kenyan agroecosystems researcher and PhD candidate in Management of Agroecosystems and Environment at the University of Nairobi. She holds an MSc in Land and Water Management and a BSc in Agroecosystems Management. Her professional experience spans research and consultancy roles with IITA, CGIAR, ILRI, KEFRI, and environmental agencies, focusing on sustainable agricultural water management and agroecology. Her research interests include resilient agroecosystems, soil-water-biodiversity interactions, pollution mitigation, and climate adaptation in smallholder farming systems. She has received multiple fellowships and professional training awards and actively contributes to science-policy dialogue for sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.

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Sozan Elabeid | Plant Pathology | Excellence in Crop Improvement

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 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sozan Elabeid | Plant Pathology | Excellence in Crop Improvement

Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Sozan E. El-Abeid is a Senior Researcher in the Mycology and Disease Survey Research Department at the Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. She has developed her scientific career through progressive research positions at ARC, supported by international postdoctoral training at the Spanish National Research Council . With more than two decades of research experience, her work focuses on plant disease diagnosis, fungal taxonomy, and molecular identification of plant pathogens, contributing to improved diagnostic and management strategies. Her research interests include fungal endophytes, biological control agents, green and biogenic nanomaterials, nano-enabled delivery systems, and biosafety and environmental health in agriculture. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed JCR-indexed scientific publications, achieving an h-index of 9 with 378 total citations, reflecting the impact of her research within the plant pathology and agricultural biotechnology fields. She has supervised postgraduate research, acted as a scientific reviewer for leading international journals, and participated in several national and international research projects addressing quarantine pathogens, regenerative agriculture, nanotechnology, and sustainable crop protection. Her research aims to advance environmentally safe and innovative approaches for integrated plant disease management, supporting sustainable and resilient agricultural production systems.

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Babar Iqbal | Plant Physiology | Editorial Board Member

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Babar Iqbal | Plant Physiology | Editorial Board Member

Jiangsu University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Babar Iqbal is an environmental biotechnologist at Jiangsu University (School of Environment & Safety Engineering) in China, whose work addresses major challenges in agroecosystems such as microplastic pollution, soil microbial health, and toxic metal stress. He leads projects on the mechanisms by which microplastic contamination affects crop physiology, soil microbial metabolism, and carbon‐use efficiency, including investigations on wheat  under cadmium stress. He co-authored an open-access Frontiers Ecology & Evolution paper on how soil microplastics affect Oryza sativa root traits under alien plant invasion. His other recent research includes the regulation of soil microbial metabolism through changes in plant communities in wetlands. On his university profile, he is noted as the principal investigator of a major project (2024–25) investigating the combined effects of microplastic and invasive plant contamination on wheat. His research interests center on sustainable agriculture, soil ecotoxicology, microbial ecology, and bio-remediation of polluted soils. Dr. Iqbal has contributed to both fundamental research and applied strategies, such as biochar-based remediation of contaminated soils. He also serves as corresponding author on several high-impact review articles, reflecting leadership in his field. Overall, his work is helping to build more resilient, sustainable agricultural systems in the face of emerging environmental threats.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Nazir, M. J., Li, G., Nazir, M. M., Zulfiqar, F., Siddique, K. H. M., Iqbal, B., & Du, D. (2024). Harnessing soil carbon sequestration to address climate change challenges in agriculture. Soil and Tillage Research.

Iqbal, B., Zhao, T., Yin, W., Zhao, X., Xie, Q., Khan, K. Y., Zhao, X., Nazar, M., Li, G., … (2023). Impacts of soil microplastics on crops: A review. Applied Soil Ecology.

Iqbal, B., Li, G., Alabbosh, K. F., Hussain, H., Khan, I., Tariq, M., Javed, Q., … (2023). Advancing environmental sustainability through microbial reprogramming in growth improvement, stress alleviation, and phytoremediation. Plant Stress.

Zahoor, R., Zhao, W., Dong, H., Snider, J. L., Abid, M., Iqbal, B., & Zhou, Z. (2017). Potassium improves photosynthetic tolerance to and recovery from episodic drought stress in functional leaves of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Nazar, M., Xu, L., Ullah, M. W., Moradian, J. M., Wang, Y., Sethupathy, S., Iqbal, B., … (2022). Biological delignification of rice straw using laccase from Bacillus ligniniphilus L1 for bioethanol production: A clean approach for agro-biomass utilization. Journal of Cleaner Production

Urjashi Bhattacharya | Agronomic Practices | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Utpol Kumar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Utpol Kumar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Soil Resource Development Institute | Bangladesh

Dr. Utpol Kumar is a soil scientist with a PhD in Soil Science (Bangladesh Agricultural University, 2022), and earlier MSc (Horticulture, BAU, 2001) and BSc Agriculture (BAU, 1996). He has ~19 years of professional experience with the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Bangladesh, in roles spanning field-based soil survey & mapping, soil fertility monitoring, fertilizer & soil health card preparation, quality control of fertilizers, and extension/training work for sustainable agriculture. His research interest centers on sustainable and conservation agriculture (including residue retention), integrated nutrient management, soil classification and soil health, land and resource use mapping, and the influence of climatic change on soil fertility. He has authored over 10 international and 6 national peer-reviewed journal articles (among many other publications such as books, bulletins, proceedings), with a current h-index of 4, total citations of 47, and peer-review article count of 6. Awards include selected international trainings (e.g. “Writing for impact” at Murdoch University, agricultural project management in India) and successful projects in food security & soil component work. In conclusion, Dr. Kumar’s work contributes substantially to understanding and improving soil health and sustainable agricultural productivity in the South Asian tropics; his combination of field, laboratory, training and publication work positions him as a capable researcher-practitioner impacting both policy and farmer practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Maniruzzaman, M., Cheng, M., Eiti Mony, A. M., Islam, M. A., Kumar, U., Islam, M. J., Nasreen, S. S., Akhter, S., Jahiruddin, M., & Bell, R. W. (2025). Conservation agriculture increases system yield and improves phosphorus balance in rice-based intensive cropping systems. Soil Use and Management.

Kumar, U., Cheng, M., Islam, M. J., Maniruzzaman, M., Nasreen, S. S., Haque, M. E., Akhter, S., Jahiruddin, M., Bell, R. W., & Jahangir, M. M. R. (2025). Are recommended fertilizer rates able to maintain nutrient balance in soil and optimize crop profit in intensive rice-based crop rotations: Evidence from a 20-year study. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Kumar, U. (2025, January 2). Are recommended fertilizer rates able to maintain nutrient status and balance in soil and optimize crop profit in intensive rice-based crop rotations: Evidence from a 20-year study [Conference abstract]. In Global Symposium on Soil Information and Data: Measure, Monitor, Manage.

Maniruzzaman, M., Cheng, M., Islam, A., Kumar, U., Islam, J., Nasreen, S. S., Haque, E., Akhter, S., Jahiruddin, M., & Bell, R. (2024). Conservation agriculture increases phosphorus pools and stock in the top 30 cm of soil: A three-year study on a subtropical legume–rice rotation. Soil Use and Management.

Kumar, U., Cheng, M., Islam, M. J., Maniruzzaman, M., Nasreen, S. S., Haque, M. E., Hossain, M. B., Jahiruddin, M., Bell, R. W., & Jahangir, M. M. R. (2024). Retention of crop residue increases crop productivity and maintains positive sulfur balance in intensive rice-based cropping systems. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Saliha Ahmad | Plant Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Saliha Ahmad | Plant Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Case Western Reserve University | United States

Saliha Ahmad is a PhD candidate in Biology whose research focuses on plant–microbe interactions, particularly microbial community dynamics under biotic and abiotic stresses. She has an h-index of 5, with approximately 193 citations to date (Google Scholar, ResearchGate). With an MPhil and MSc in Plant Sciences (both top-grade) and a strong undergraduate foundation in chemistry, botany, and zoology, she is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at Case Western Reserve University. Her expertise spans field sampling, molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, gene expression, and bioinformatics, including microbial diversity analyses and statistical modeling in R (ResearchGate). Her research interests include the influence of water and nutrient stress on beneficial microbial assembly, microbial detoxification of pesticides, soil microbiome roles in plant health, and applications for sustainable agriculture and conservation. She has contributed publications on microbial detoxification of dimethoate, heavy metal biosorption by bacteria, and the role of poultry manure in crop growth and yield (ResearchGate, American Chemical Society Publications). She has also been recognized with multiple grants and awards for research excellence, travel, and merit, highlighting her growing recognition in the field (ResearchGate). Overall, Saliha Ahmad represents an emerging scholar who integrates empirical, laboratory, and computational approaches to address pressing challenges at the interface of microbiology, ecology, and agriculture, with a steadily increasing global impact reflected in her publications and citations.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

“Bacillus thuringiensis PM25 ameliorates oxidative damage of salinity stress in maize via regulating growth, leaf pigments, antioxidant defense system, and stress …”

“Effects of poultry manure on the growth, physiology, yield, and yield-related traits of maize varieties”

“Microbial detoxification of dimethoate through mediated hydrolysis by Brucella sp. PS4: molecular profiling and plant growth-promoting traits”

“Dimethoate residues in Pakistan and mitigation strategies through microbial degradation: a review”
“Biosorption potential of Bacillus anthracis PM21 for the sequestration of cadmium, chromium, and nickel from contaminated water”

“Fungal communities driven by Rhododendron species correlate with pathogen protection against Phytophthora cinnamomi”

Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

The Ohio State University | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Lal earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture (1963) from PAU, India, followed by an M.Sc. in Soils (1965) from IARI, New Delhi. He completed his Ph.D. in Soils (1968) at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. He has received multiple honorary doctorates from globally recognized institutions, underscoring his academic impact.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Lal has served in numerous high-impact roles, including Director of the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (OSU), Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for the U.S. Department of Defense (2023–2024), and Member of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD, 2022–2025). He has held academic and research positions across continents—India, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, and the USA. He is also affiliated with institutions such as the UNCCD, IUSS, and IFDC and continues to influence global soil and environmental policy through advisory roles.

🏛️ Academic and Scientific Citations

Dr. Lal has been Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Soil Science, Encyclopedia of Soil Science, and Soil & Tillage Research. He has authored or co-authored thousands of scientific papers and reports, contributing to major IPCC assessments and global initiatives like “4 per Thousand.” His citation metrics place him among the top-ranked agricultural scientists globally.

🧪 Technical Skills

Expertise in soil physics, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, sustainable land management, agroecology, and nutrient cycling. He is proficient in both field and lab-based methodologies, modeling carbon fluxes, and advising on large-scale environmental assessments.

🎓 Teaching Experience

A lifelong educator, Dr. Lal has taught soil science at The Ohio State University since 1989, mentoring countless graduate students and researchers worldwide. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at several institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Iceland, influencing agricultural education across borders.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Lal’s research spans soil health, soil carbon dynamics, climate change adaptation and mitigation, food security, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach connects soil science with climate resilience, human health, and global development.

📖Publications

INTEGRATION OF COMPOST WITH MINERAL NPK FERTILIZERS FOR IMPROVING WHEAT YIELD AND SOIL HEALTH

  • Authors: Abdul A. Basir, Sikandar S. Iqbal, Muhammad M. Adnan, Zeki Z. Erden, Ayman El A.E. Sabagh

  • Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany

  • Year: 2025

No-till systems restore soil organic carbon stock in Brazilian biomes and contribute to the climate solution

  • Authors: João Carlos De Moraes J.C.D.M. Sá, Rattan A. R.A. Lal, Klaus E. K.E. Lorenz, Daniel Ruiz Potma D.R.P. Gonçalves, Jeankleber J. Bortoluzzi

  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Year: 2025

Soil organic carbon stock for carbon credit in smallholder farms

  • Authors: Toru T. Nakajima, Fune F. Mizumoto, Mei M. Akiyama, Carla C. Gavilán, Rattan A. R.A. Lal

  • Journal: Agrosystems, Geosciences and Environment

  • Year: 2025

Restoring Soil Organic Matter Content for Managing Soil Health in Africa’s Agroecoregions

  • Author: Rattan A. R.A. Lal

  • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Soil Science

  • Year: 2025

Effects of biochar and cover crops on physical properties of two soils in Ohio

  • Authors: Sandhya S. Karki, Raj Kumar R.K. Shrestha, Rattan A. R.A. Lal, Klaus E. K.E. Lorenz, Laura E. L.E. Lindsey

  • Journal: Soil Science Society of America Journal

  • Year: 2025

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