Guodong Liu | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guodong Liu | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

University of Florida | United States

Guodong Liu is an Associate Professor of Horticultural Sciences at University of Florida with extensive expertise in soil fertility and sustainable crop production. He earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy and Crop Science from Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and holds advanced degrees in plant physiology. His academic career spans roles in the United States, China, and New Zealand, reflecting strong global research engagement. His work focuses on nutrient management, phosphorus dynamics, and climate-resilient agriculture. He holds patented innovations and has received recognition for advancing sustainable horticulture. His contributions continue to improve agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability worldwide.

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Changlu Hu | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Changlu Hu | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

Northwest A&F University | China

Changlu Hu is an Associate Professor at the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University. He earned his PhD in Soil Science and MSc in Plant Nutrition Science from Northwest A&F University, following a bachelor’s degree in natural resource sciences. His academic experience centers on dryland agroecosystems, with a strong focus on nitrogen and water management in cereal crops. His research integrates agronomy, soil fertility, and resource-use efficiency to enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental losses. He has led and contributed to nationally funded research projects and published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing to sustainable dryland agriculture and soil–crop system optimization.

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Galal Anis | Plant Genetics | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Galal Anis | Plant Genetics | Outstanding Scientist Award

Agriculture Research Center | Egypt

Prof. Galal Anis is a senior researcher at the Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, with extensive experience in agricultural sciences and applied research. He holds advanced degrees in agriculture-related disciplines from recognized institutions and has built a strong career in research, innovation, and academic collaboration. His work focuses on improving crop productivity, sustainable agriculture, soil and plant health, and modern farming practices. Prof. Anis has contributed to numerous research projects, peer-reviewed publications, and national agricultural programs. His scientific contributions have earned him professional recognition and awards. He remains committed to advancing agricultural sustainability and supporting evidence-based agricultural development.

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Ali Khourgami | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Khourgami | Plant Physiology | Research Excellence Award

Department of Agronomy,Khor.C.,Islamic Azad University,Khorrabad | Iran

Ali Khourgami is an Associate Professor of Agronomy with over two decades of academic and research experience in agricultural science. He holds a PhD in Crop Physiology, an MSc in Agronomy, and a BSc in Agronomy and Plant Breeding. Since 2001, he has served as a university lecturer, department head, and member of scientific and research councils, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses across agronomy, crop physiology, seed technology, weeds science, and stress physiology. His research focuses on crop responses to environmental stresses, particularly water deficit in cereal, industrial, forage, and pulse crops. An award-winning researcher and prolific thesis supervisor, his work advances sustainable crop productivity and academic capacity building.

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Muhammad Usman | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Muhammad Usman | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

University of Agriculture Faisalabad | Pakistan

Muhammad Usman is a soil scientist and emerging environmental researcher whose work focuses on soil contamination, heavy metal dynamics, nanoparticles in agriculture, salinity tolerance, and sustainable crop production systems. He holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, where he also earned his MSc (Hons.) and BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture with specialization in Soil Science. with publications appearing in Chemosphere, Environmental Research, Environmental Pollution, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Plants, Phyton, and Arabian Journal of Geosciences. His research contributions include investigating Cd bioavailability, biochar amendments, nano-fertilizers, salinity stress mitigation, and nutrient dynamics in major crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and lettuce. Professionally, he has served as a Teaching Assistant at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (UAF) and has industry experience as a Technical Fertilizer Advisor with FMC United Pvt. Ltd. He has attended multiple national and international trainings and received the prestigious ICOBTE-ICHMET 2023 Conference Scholarship for Junior Scientists in Germany. Usman actively contributes to scientific publishing as an editorial board member and peer reviewer. He aims to advance sustainable agriculture through innovative soil management solutions and environmentally safe technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Shaghaleh, H., Akram, T., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Usman, M., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Rizwan, M., Alharby, H. F., Alamri, A. M., Alharbi, B. M., & Abdulmajeed, A. M. (2025). Acid-modified biochar mitigates salt stress in maize by enhancing nutrient availability and antioxidant defense system under variable salt-affected soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Usman, M., Ahmed, R., Ahmad, A., Akram, T., Maqsood, A., & Aslam, H. (2025). Precision input management for reducing resource wastage and enhancing production efficiency. Agriculture Toward Net Zero Emissions.

Ali, A. A., Lamlom, S. F., El-Sorady, G., Elmahdy, A. M., Abd Elghany, S. H., Usman, M., Alamri, A., Shaghaleh, H., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., & Abdelghany, A. M. (2024). Boosting resilience and yields in water-stressed sunflower through coordinated irrigation scheduling and silica gel applications. Heliyon,.

Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Shaghaleh, H., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Rizwan, M., Umair, M., Usman, M., Ayub, M. A., Riaz, U., Alnusairi, G. S. H., & Alghanem, S. M. S. (2024). Cadmium and lead accumulation in important food crops due to wastewater irrigation: Pollution index and health risks assessment. Heliyon.

Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Kakakhel, I. A. M., Usman, M., Rizwan, M., Shaghaleh, H., Mohiuddin, G., Alzahrani, Y. M., Alharby, H. F., & Alsamadany, H. (2024). Comparative effects of micron-sized silicon sources and Si nanoparticles on growth, defense system and cadmium accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in Cd-contaminated soil. Environmental Technology & Innovation,

Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

East China University of Technology | China

Dr. Qihong Tu is an accomplished researcher and educator specializing in soil and fertilizer science, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Nanchang University, a Master’s degree in Crop Cultivation and Farming, and a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Chemistry from Jiangxi Agricultural University. With over 17 years of professional experience, Dr. Tu has served as a Researcher at the Jiangxi Soil and Fertilizer Technology Extension Station, Visiting Scholar at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center (USA) and the Agriculture Research Center in Okayama (Japan), and currently serves as a Teacher at the East China University of Technology. His research focuses on soil fertility assessment, nitrogen management, green rice production, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Tu has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Scientia Horticulturae, Journal of Food Science, and Minerva Biotecnologica, along with several books and technical standards. He has received multiple national and provincial awards, including the National Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Harvest Prize. With more than 31 citations, an h-index of 3, and over 5 published documents, his contributions to soil fertility enhancement, green agriculture, and carbon sink research have significantly advanced eco-friendly and sustainable farming technologies in China and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Che, Q., Chen, G., Hu, T., Zhang, J., & Tu, Q. (2025). Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and analysis of driving factors in Jiangxi Province’s livestock industry from a life cycle perspective. Sustainability.

Tu, Q. (2021). Effect of reducing nitrogen and applying organic fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield in red soil regions of southern China. Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering.

Tu, Q. (2021). Optimizing conditions for the measurement of soil inorganic nitrogen with a micro-plate reader. Global Journal of Agricultural Innovation, Research & Development,

Tu, Q., Zhao, H., & Chen, J. (2015). Optimization of medium for biological potency of fermentation supernatant of Paenibacillus brasilensis YS-1. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Tu, Q. (2013). The preliminary study on isolation of antifungal active substances produced by Paenibacillus brasilensis. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Milena Hristozova | Radio Ecology | Women Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Milena Hristozova | Radio Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov” | Bulgaria

Dr. Milena Hristova Hristozova is a Bulgarian scientist specializing in radiobiology, radioecology, and environmental protection. She earned her Ph.D. in 2014 from the Military Medical Academy, Sofia, with research focused on radiobiological and radioecological studies of the flora and fauna of Livingston Island, Antarctica. She also holds master’s degrees from the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” and the University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. St. Cyril and Methodius.” Dr. Hristozova currently serves at the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnology and Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov,” Sofia, where she works in the Laboratory of Radioecology and Radioisotope Research. Her work involves the assessment of environmental contamination by radionuclides and radioecological monitoring of soil, water, and food systems. Previously, she worked for over 15 years at the Military Medical Academy, contributing to research on radiation protection and low-dose exposure effects. She has also participated in research expeditions to Antarctica and international collaborations with institutions in Japan, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Dr. Hristozova has published over 35 scientific papers and conference proceedings, with an h-index of 1, more than 23 citations, and over 7 documented research outputs across scientific databases. Her research interests include low-dose radiation effects, environmental radioactivity, and Antarctic ecosystems. She continues to advance sustainable approaches to radiological safety and environmental protection.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Hristozova, M., Botev, I., Kalchev, R., & Naidenow, W. (2004). Composition and temporal changes of zooplankton in high mountain lakes in the Rila Mountains (Southwestern Bulgaria). Acta Zoologica Bulgarica.

Kalchev, R., Botev, I., & Hristozova, M. (2004). Ecological relations and temporal changes in the pelagial of the high mountain lakes in the Rila Mountains (Bulgaria). Journal of Limnology.

Alyakov, M., Petrunov, P., Kindekov, I., Donchev, R., Jelev, J., & Hristozova, M. (2006). Possibilities for treatment of the radiation injuries through helping of the post-irradiation repair. Military Medicine.

Kindekov, I., Vassilieva, V., Alyakov, M., Nikolova, P., Petrunov, P., Jelev, J., Donchev, R., & Hristozova, M. (2006). Bio-stimulators can enhance the radioresistance of the organism (experimental study). In Public Health and Health Care in Greece and Bulgaria.

Pejchal, J., Vasilieva, V., Hristozova, M., et al. (2011). Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay/CBMN cytome assay in human lymphocytes after in vitro irradiation and its use in biodosimetry. Military Medical Science Letters (Vojenské Zdravotnické Listy).

Samuel Agele | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Samuel Agele | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology, akure | Nigeria

Professor Samuel Ohikhena Agele is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of plant environmental physiology and agronomy, currently serving as a Professor and Lead Researcher at the Department of Crop, Soil & Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. He holds a B.Agric., M.Sc. in Desert Science, Ph.D. in Crop Physiology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation. With over 25 Master’s and 20 Ph.D. theses successfully supervised, his academic leadership is well recognized. Professor Agele has held significant administrative roles, including Head of Department (2013–2016) and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Africa, Toru Orua (2017–2019). His research interests encompass soil-plant-climate interactions, conservation agriculture, ecological restoration, and the domestication of medicinal plant species. He has contributed extensively to literature, authoring numerous journal articles and book chapters. His work has been recognized by various professional associations, including the International Horticultural Science Society and the Soil Science Society of Nigeria. Professor Agele’s research has garnered over 390 citations, reflecting his significant impact in his field. His publication count stands at 34, with a predicted h-index of 13.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Akinseye, F. M., Adam, M., Agele, S. O., Hoffmann, M. P., Traore, P. C. S., & [others]. (2017). Assessing crop model improvements through comparison of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) simulation models: A case study of West African varieties. Field Crops Research, 

Akinseye, F. M., Ajeigbe, H. A., Traore, P. C. S., Agele, S. O., Zemadim, B., & [others]. (2020). Improving sorghum productivity under changing climatic conditions: A modelling approach. Field Crops Research,

Agele, S. O., Iremiren, G. O., & Ojeniyi, S. O. (2000). Effects of tillage and mulching on the growth, development and yield of late-season tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the humid south of Nigeria. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Lajide, L., Adedire, C. O., Muse, W. A., & Agele, S. O. (1998). Insecticidal activity of powders of some Nigerian plants against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.). The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Agele, S. O., Iremiren, G. O., & Ojeniyi, S. O. (1999). Effects of plant density and mulching on the performance of late-season tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in southern Nigeria. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

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.

Atikilt Alemayehu | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Atikilt Alemayehu | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural research | Ethiopia

Atikilt Abera Alemayehu is a soil and water conservation researcher at the Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (ARARI), Gondar, Ethiopia, with extensive expertise in watershed management, soil erosion control, hydrological modeling, and sustainable land use practices. He earned his M.Sc. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from Hawassa University and his B.Sc. in Natural Resources Management from Bahir Dar University. His research addresses critical challenges in soil and water resource management, including sediment yield reduction, carbon sequestration, agroforestry interventions, runoff and moisture measurement, and geospatial modeling using tools such as GIS, RS, SWAT, and InVEST. Atikilt has authored more than 4 scientific documents, published in peer-reviewed journals such as Environmental Challenges, Journal of Soils and Sediments, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, and Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology. His academic contributions have earned him over 37 citations, with an h-index of 3. In addition to publishing, he has presented at national and international conferences, trained stakeholders, and coordinated research projects that bridge science and practice. Committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience, his work continues to make significant impacts on soil and water conservation in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Alemayehu, A. A., Desalegn, M., & Hunie, M. (2024). Introduction of a siphon pump for large-scale irrigation in East Belesa district, Ethiopia. International Journal on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Alemayehu, A. A., Getu, L. A., Addis, H. K., Samuel, T., Ayalew, B., Addis, A., Feyisa, T., Hunie, M., Getu, E., Adane, M., et al. (2024). Spatial assessment of soil resources on different land uses and slope gradient as a planning tool in Ferenjua watershed, Ethiopia. Environmental Challenges.

Alemayehu, A. A., Getu, L. A., Samual, T., Ayalew, B., Addis, H. K., Feyisa, T., Worku, T., Tahir, M., & Getu, E. (2023). Effects of tillage practices and planting techniques on crop yield and soil properties in northwestern lowlands of Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research.

Addis, H. K., Ayalew, B., Gebretsadik, M., Abera, A., Getu, L. A., & Addis, A. K. (2023). Cross-correlation of soil moisture and stone content and their spatial pattern across the different slope aspects and soil depth. Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology.

Alemayehu, A. A., Muluneh, A., Moges, A., & Kendie, H. (2020). Estimation of sediment yield and effectiveness of level stone bunds to reduce sediment loss in the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed, Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Journal of Soils and Sediments.