Megersa Adugna | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research award

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Mr. Megersa Adugna | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research award

Wollega University | Ethiopia

Megersa Tadesse Adugna is a lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Wollega University, where he has served since November 2022, following an earlier role as assistant lecturer. He holds a master’s degree in Chemical (Process) Engineering from Adama Science and Technology University and a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from Wollega University. His research expertise centers on green catalysis, biomass valorization, heterogeneous catalysts, photocatalysis, and hydrogen production, particularly demonstrated in his work on the “Synthesis of Furfural from Xylose Using Carbon-Based Bifunctional Solid Acid Catalyst” published in International Journal of Chemical Engineering (2024).  More recently, he contributed to a study on Zn–Al-doped nanocomposites for dye removal published in Scientific Reports (2025). According to Google Scholar, with several citations to his work. He is experienced in curriculum development, student supervision, lab management, and community engagement, and has also earned professional certifications such as E-SHE from Arizona State University. His academic commitment is complemented by his drive for sustainable engineering solutions, and he continues to mentor students and advance research in green and renewable chemical technologies.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Adugna, M. T., Tefera, Z. T., & Yilma, M. (2024). Synthesis of furfural from xylose using carbon-based bifunctional solid acid catalyst in the biphasic system. International Journal of Chemical Engineering.

Matla, S., Talathoti, G., Adugna, M. T., Bate, T. L., King, P., & Vangalapati, M. (2025). Sustainable synthesis of Zn/Al-doped nanocomposite from bio-waste: Characterization and RSM-guided brilliant blue dye adsorption optimization. Scientific Reports.

Dani Sarsekova | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dani Sarsekova | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Kazakh National Agrarian Research University | Kazakhstan

Prof. Dani Nurgisaevna Sarsekova is a distinguished Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Professor, currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at Kazakh National Agrarian Research University. She completed her forestry education at the Kazakh Agricultural Institute, pursued postgraduate studies at the Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry, and later earned her doctoral degree at the Ural Forest Engineering University. With an h-index of 7, more than 29 scientific documents, and over 153 citations, she has made notable contributions to forestry science and environmental sustainability. Her research covers intensive mini-rotational forest plantations for energy purposes, carbon sequestration, shelter-belt agroforestry, and artificial mycorrhization of forest tree seedlings. She has co-authored significant works on ectomycorrhizal fungi in northeastern Kazakhstan and the role of artificial mycorrhiza in improving Siberian spruce growth. As the leader of major national and international projects—including Astana’s green-belt development, landscape-ecological assessments, and environmental cooperation within the Silk Road Economic Belt—she has advanced ecological restoration and climate-resilient forest management. Her achievements include securing third place in an international competition for the “Best Textbook” in agricultural and forestry sciences, underscoring her lasting impact on forestry education and research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, G., Ge, X., Lü, D., Zhang, Z., Wang, L., Sun, S., Jia, X., Zhang, B., Kuanysh, K., Sarsekova, D., et al. (2025).
Insecticidal activity of Angelica archangelica essential oil and transcriptomic analysis of Sitophilus zeamais in response to oil fumigation. Biology, 14(11), 1606. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111606

Wang, G., Lü, D., Ge, X., Zhang, Z., Meng, F., Chen, L., Kuanysh, K., Li, X., Zhang, B., Sarsekova, D., et al. (2025).
Insecticidal activity of Eupatorium fortunei essential oil against Schizaphis graminum and its effects on detoxification enzymes. Insects, 16(11), 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111141

Sarsekova, D., & Satybaldiyeva, G. (2025). Field assessment and functional evaluation of agricultural shelterbelts in Akmola Region of Kazakhstan. SilvaWorld, 4(2), Article 373. https://doi.org/10.61326/silvaworld.v4i2.373

Aishuk, Y., Sarsekova, D., Sezai, E., & Shegenov, S. (2024). Bactericidal properties of phytoncides of Cotoneaster melanocarpus Fisch. ex. Blytt of the Akmola Region. 3i Intellect Idea Innovation, 4, 128. https://doi.org/10.52269/22266070_2024_4_128

Sarsekova, D. N., Perzadayeva, A. A., Sagin, J., Toktasynov, Zh., & Satybaldieva, G. (2024). Monitoring of forest shelter belts on agricultural lands of KazGer LLP and determining places of accumulation of melt drainage water. Bulletin of the Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University,

Harsimran Kaur | Agriculture Entomology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Harsimran Kaur | Agriculture Entomology | Best Researcher Award

KKIASR, Ganpat University | India

Dr Harsimran Kaur completed her M.Sc. (Entomology) from Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, and earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, where she graduated among the top of her department. With more than one and a half years of academic experience as an Assistant Professor of Entomology, she has demonstrated strong teaching and research capabilities. Her research interests focus on insect biodiversity in crop agro-ecosystems, host-plant resistance mechanisms—particularly antibiosis and antixenosis—against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in upland cotton, development of eco-friendly pheromone traps using plant-based attractants for fruit-fly management, and the role of insect diversity in sustainable pest management and beekeeping in semi-arid regions of Gujarat. She has also served as NAAC Accreditation Coordinator, mentored undergraduate dissertations, and contributed to postgraduate curriculum development. Recognized for her academic excellence through the Young Entomologist Award (2023) and the Mrs Jaswant Kaur Bindra Fellowship (2020-2023), Dr Kaur has published several peer-reviewed papers and maintains an active research profile with an h-index of 1, total citations of 2, and 3 indexed publications, reflecting her growing impact in the field of agricultural entomology and sustainable crop protection.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Kaur, H., Kumar, V., Pathak, D., & Sangha, M. K. (2025). Antixenosis: Mechanism of resistance to whitefly in upland cotton introgression lines. Arthropod–Plant Interactions.

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.

Jemuel Doctolero | Aquatic Plant Science | Young Scientist Award

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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.

Nadia Daskalova | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadia Daskalova | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Technical University of Varna, Department Plant Production | Bulgaria

Dr. Nadia Georgieva Daskalova is an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding at the Technical University of Varna, with over 26 years of professional experience, including 17 years in research and 14 years in teaching. She earned her Master’s degree in Plant Protection from the Agricultural University of Plovdiv and completed her Ph.D. in Plant Breeding in 2015. Dr. Daskalova’s research focuses on cereals, particularly wheat, rye, and triticale, with special emphasis on genetic variability, disease resistance, and hybridization using embryo rescue techniques. She has successfully developed synthetic amphiploids and identified new genes in hexaploid wheat, contributing to grain quality improvement in bread wheat varieties. She has authored 16 peer-reviewed publications (2020–2024), multiple monographs, textbooks, and is engaged in national and international collaborative projects, including with Ukraine’s National Academy of Agrarian Sciences. Her work is widely recognized, with a citation record indexed in Scopus (h-index: 4) and multiple patents under process. Dr. Daskalova has served as an editorial reviewer for Springer Nature journals and actively participates in scientific committees and professional memberships. Her contributions advance sustainable cereal breeding and agricultural biotechnology, combining practical applications with academic excellence. She is a recipient of the International Plant Scientist Awards, reflecting her commitment to innovation and global impact in plant breeding and genetics.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Daskalova, N., & Spetsov, P. (2025). Variation in rye (Secale cereale L.) inbred lines with different type of glaucousness. Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology. Advance online publication.

Daskalova, N., Georgieva, M., Angelova, R., & Spetsov, P. (2023). Agronomic performance of introgression lines derived from a cross of common wheat with synthetic hexaploid amphiploid 530-1. Journal of Central European Agriculture.

Spetsov, P., & Daskalova, N. (2023). Genetic basis of pest resistance in wheat-rye and triticale stocks. Cytology and Genetics.

Spetsov, P., & Daskalova, N. (2022). Resistance to pathogens in wheat-rye and triticale genetic stocks. Journal of Plant Pathology.

Daskalova, N., Doneva, S., & Spetsov, P. (2021). Characterization of triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) accessions and reciprocal hybrids possessing wheat 1D chromosome. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus.