Shikha Gupta | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Shikha Gupta | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Amity University | India

Dr. Shikha Gupta is a research-oriented biotechnologist with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and CSIR-UGC NET (Life Sciences) qualification, currently serving as a CSIR-Research Associate at Amity University, Noida. She has academic and research experience spanning teaching, funded projects, and laboratory mentoring. Her research centers on plant–microbe interactions, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, bacterial endophytes, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong focus on salinity stress mitigation and biocontrol mechanisms. Dr. Gupta has published extensively in high-impact journals and scholarly books, earning strong citation metrics. Her work contributes significantly to sustainable crop productivity and microbial biotechnology.

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Featured Publications


Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria to Mitigate Biotic and Abiotic Stress in Plants

– Sustainable Agriculture Reviews 60, 2023 (Book Chapter)

Gaurav Raturi | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Gaurav Raturi | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Texas Tech University | United States

He has received several prestigious awards, including the travel award for the Anvi’o Workshop and ECR Symposium in Germany, the AMI Young Scientist Award (Agriculture Microbiology), the Best Poster Award at ICPR, the Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship, ICAR-NET, CSIR-UGC NET-JRF (AIR 66) and NET-LS (AIR 30), and the Uttarakhand SET. He serves on the editorial boards of BMC Plant Biology, Genome Editing in Plants, IJMB, Cellular Microbiology (Hindawi), and BioMed Research International, and has reviewed more than ten manuscripts for reputed journals such as Scientific Reports, JAR, PLOS One, and BNRC. He is an active member of AMI, ISSAG, ASHS, ASPB, YESS, and the South American Mycorrhizal Research Network. His Ph.D. work led to the discovery and characterization of silicate-solubilizing Enterobacter sp. LR6, whose 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequence have been deposited in NCBI. He has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences, including the IGCAST Symposium, Soy, ASPB Plant Biology, and ICPR, and has undergone training in genomics, membrane protein simulations, microbial fermentation, and water-quality monitoring. Overall, Dr. Gaurav Raturi is an accomplished early-career scientist contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture, microbial biotechnology, and plant–microbe symbiosis research.

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Featured Publications

Yang Liu | Plant Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Yang Liu | Plant Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Sichuan Agriculture University | China

Liu Yang is a professor at Sichuan Agricultural University (SCAU), where she serves as Deputy Director of the Carbon Sequestration Research Centre within the College of Forestry. She holds a doctoral degree and has established a strong research agenda focusing on ecosystem ecology, soil biology, biogeochemistry, vegetation restoration and climate-change impacts in forest and grassland systems. Since joining the faculty at SCAU, she has led multiple national and provincial research programmes on alpine treeline litter-decomposition, soil microbial enzyme dynamics under warming, and ecological restoration of degraded terrain. Her work on forest-floor litter chemistry and soil microbial community responses has appeared in leading journals, and her record includes more than 114 peer-reviewed articles, over 1755 citations and an h-index of approximately 24. She has been honoured with provincial-level awards for technological progress and holds several utility-model patents addressing field-based warming simulation and nutrient-addition experiments. Committed to advancing the science and application of ecosystem restoration in southwestern China, she engages in international collaboration, graduate education and policy-relevant science. Her research contributes to understanding how forest and grassland ecosystems respond to global change and how restoration strategies can enhance resilience and carbon sequestration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, Q., Chen, Y., Xu, L., Cui, X., Xu, H., Wang, L., You, C., Tian, X., He, X., & Liu, Y. (2025). Loss of plant functional group mediates microbial community assembly in litter decomposition of alpine fir forest. Global Ecology and Conservation.

Li, C., Liu, L., Wu, Z., Wang, W., Wang, S., He, X., Cui, X., Xiao, J., & Liu, Y. (2025). Millipede (Spirobolus walker) prefers feeding on a high-quality litter from a companion species when combined with Masson pine litter. Pedobiologia.

Lei, L., Zeng, J., Liu, Q., Luo, L., Ma, Z., Chen, Y., & Liu, Y. (2024). Effects of soil fauna on the home-field advantage of litter total phenol and condensed tannin decomposition. Forests.

Wang, L., Zhou, Y., Chen, Y., Xu, Z., Zhang, J., & Liu, Y. (2023). Home-field advantage and ability alter labile and recalcitrant litter carbon decomposition in an alpine forest ecotone. Plant and Soil.

Wu, A., You, C., Yin, R., Xu, Z., Zhang, L., Liu, Y., Li, H., Wang, L., Xu, L., Xu, H., et al. (2023). Forest gaps slow the humification process of fir (Abies faxoniana Rehder & E.H. Wilson) twig litter during eight years of decomposition in an alpine forest. Forests.

Hossein Motamedi | Plant-Rhizosphere Interactions | Innovative Plant Microbiology Award

Prof. Hossein Motamedi | Plant-Rhizosphere Interactions | Innovative Plant Microbiology Award

Shahid Chamran university of Ahvaz | Iran

Author Profile

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👨‍🔬 Summary

Professor Hossein Motamedi is a seasoned microbiologist at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran, with a specialization in applied and industrial microbiology. Since joining the academic staff in 2006, he has made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental bioremediation. With an h-index of 36 and over 200 publications, he has been recognized four times as a top researcher at his university.

🎓 Education

Though specific degrees are not listed, Prof. Motamedi holds qualifications in microbiology that support his role as a professor and active researcher at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Experience

Prof. Motamedi has served as an academic staff member at Shahid Chamran University since 2006. He has led eight major research projects and has supervised/advised over 100 MSc and PhD theses. He also holds editorial roles, including with the Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology.

📚 Academic Citations

Google Scholar: h-index 36, i10-index 104
Publications: 201 research papers
Books (ISBNs): 9786001410611, 9786007304396
Patents: 2 national patents

🛠️ Technical Skills

  • Microbial biofertilizer development

  • Soil and waste bioremediation

  • Nanobiofertilizer formulation

  • Biorefinery of agricultural/industrial waste

🧑‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Over 18 years of academic service, guiding numerous postgraduate students in microbiology, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnology.

🔬 Research Interests

  • Applied and industrial microbiology

  • Microbial biofertilizers (e.g., for Narcissus tazetta, sugarcane, alfalfa)

  • Soil bioremediation and environmental microbiology

  • Nanotechnology in agriculture

  • Agricultural waste valorization

📖Publications

Fabrication of zein nanofibrous scaffold containing Scrophularia striata extract for biomedical application
  • Authors: Yasin Salahshour, Saadat Rastegarzadeh, Hossein Motamedi, Elham Hoveizi
    Journal: Journal of Biological Engineering
    Year: 2025
Design, synthesis, structural characterization, and biological evaluation of dimeric mercury(II) complexes of phosphorus ylides with terminal azide ligands
  • Authors: Sepideh Samiee, Habib Rashedi, Valiollah Nobakht, Hossein Motamedi, Robert William Gable
    Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure
    Year: 2025
Integrated biorefinery process for dual production of fermentable sugars and functional humic acids from lignocellulose
  • Authors: Mi Zhou, Rui Zhai, Xiaoyu Xie, Hossein Motamedi, Mingjie Jin
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    Year: 2025
Comparative study of CaFe₂O₄ with nanocomposites CaFe₂O₄@SiO₂ and the effect of silica shell thickness on their physical and magnetic properties
  • Authors: E. Mohammadzadeh Shobegar, Seyed Ebrahim Mousavi Ghahfarokhi, Hossein Motamedi
    Journal: Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices
    Year: 2025
Chitosan/alginate hydrogel adorned with nanoemulsions for potential wound healing: Fabrication, characterization, and biocompatibility evaluation
  • Authors: Peyman Salehi, Fariba Heidarizadeh, Hossein Motamedi, Pooyan Makvandi
    Journal: Alexandria Engineering Journal
    Year: 2025

 

Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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

Kakhuangailiu Gangmei | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kakhuangailiu Gangmei | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre, India

Author Profile

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🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kakhuangailiu Gangmei is a distinguished researcher in microbiology, specializing in soil bacteria, vector biology, and biological control of vectors. Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced the understanding of bacterial strains for vector control and industrial applications. Dr. Gangmei’s innovative research and dedication make her an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Gangmei earned her Ph.D. in Zoology in September 2024. Her doctoral research focused on microbiology, particularly bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization. She has developed expertise in genomic DNA extraction, microbiological techniques, and next-generation sequencing. Dr. Gangmei is proficient in bioinformatics tools such as BV-BRC, MEGA-X, Proksee-Genome analysis, MEROPS, BioEdit, and Mob-recon for genomic analysis. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in soil science and related fields.

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Gangmei is currently associated with the ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre. She has published 16 articles in esteemed journals, with four as the first author. Her recent publication on the Whole Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis VCRC-B650 in Springer Nature highlights her significant contributions to microbiology. Additionally, Dr. Gangmei has reviewed articles for Springer Nature Journals, demonstrating her active engagement in the scientific community. She is a member of the Society of Vector Ecology and the Indian Science Congress.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

In 2022, Dr. Gangmei received the “Award for Excellence in Research” from EET CRS, recognizing her outstanding contributions to microbiology and soil science. Her work has garnered 24 citations, reflecting the impact of her research in the scientific community. With an h-index of 3, Dr. Gangmei’s publications demonstrate both quality and influence. Her dedication and innovative research have established her as a leading figure in her field.

🌍Research skills On Soil Science

Dr. Gangmei’s research skills encompass bacterial isolation, identification, and characterization, with a focus on soil bacteria and vector biology. She is adept at genomic DNA extraction, microbiological techniques, and next-generation sequencing. Her proficiency in bioinformatics tools such as BV-BRC, MEGA-X, Proksee-Genome analysis, MEROPS, BioEdit, and Mob-recon enables her to conduct comprehensive genomic analyses. Dr. Gangmei’s expertise contributes significantly to advancements in biological control of vectors and soil microbiology.

📖Publications

“Isolation of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis VCRC-B650 from Indian clay soil with enhanced mosquitocidal activity and dehairing property”
  • Authors: Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Jibi Lukose, Abhisubesh Vijayakumar, Hemaladkshmi Padmanaban, Sahadiya Mandodan, Bhagyashree Bora, Manikandan Sivaprakasam, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, Mathivanan Ashokkumar, Vijayakumar Balakrishnan, Geetha Irudayaraj, Poopathi Subbiah
  • Journal: BioControl
  • Year: 2025
“A review on vector borne diseases and various strategies to control mosquito vectors”
  • Authors: Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Bhagyashree Bora, Sahadiya Mandodan, V. Abhisubesh, K. Aneha, S. Manikandan, Jibi Lukose, M. Ashokkumar, S. Poopathi
  • Journal: Indian Journal of Entomology
  • Year: 2024
“A New Aqueous Formulation from Indigenously Isolated Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis VCRC B646 for Mosquito Control”
  • Authors: A. Vijayakumar, S. Mandodan, K. Aneha, K. Gangmei, H. Padmanaban, B. Bora, S. Manikandan, J. Lukose, M. Ashokkumar, S. Poopathi
  • Journal: Indian Journal of Entomology
  • Year: 2024
“Applications of nanomaterials in mosquito vector control: a review”
  • Authors: Sahadiya Mandodan, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, Bhagyashree Bora, Hemaladkshmi Padmanaban, Abhisubesh Vijayakumar, Kakhuangailiu Gangmei, Manikandan Sivaprakasam, Jibi Lukose, Mathivanan Ashokkumar, Vijayalakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Subbiah Poopathi
  • Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
  • Year: 2023
“Isolation of a novel mosquitocidal bacterium Bacillus cereus VCRC-641 from fresh water fish Clarias batrachus”
  • Authors: S. Manikandan, Jibi Lukose, P. Hemaladkshmi, Bhagyashree Bora, V. Abhisubesh, K. Gangmei, Aneha Kunnikuruvan, S. Poopathi
  • Journal: Indian Journal of Entomology
  • Year: 2022