Abdul Hafeez | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Abdul Hafeez | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Post-doctoral researcher at Yunnan University, China

Dr. Abdul Hafeez is an accomplished agronomist and postdoctoral researcher with a profound specialization in sustainable agriculture and efficient farming systems. With over a decade of academic and research experience spanning Pakistan and China, he has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in advancing eco-agricultural practices. Currently positioned at Yunnan University, China, he is widely recognized for his work in crop nutrition, soil health, nanotechnology applications, and sustainable cropping models. He has published 34 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals with a cumulative JCR impact factor exceeding 115, reflecting his scientific rigor and contribution to global agricultural research. His research not only addresses yield optimization but also environmental sustainability and climate-resilient practices. Dr. Hafeez is also a proven educator and mentor, known for initiating student skill development programs and participating in interdisciplinary collaborations. With a clear focus on future-oriented agriculture, he has received numerous competitive grants and awards and maintains active collaborations with leading agricultural scientists across Asia. His unique blend of academic depth, practical research, and global outlook makes him a rising figure in agronomic innovation. 🌾📚🌍

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education

Dr. Abdul Hafeez holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture (Agronomy) from Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China (2015–2019), where his research focused on cotton photosynthesis and sucrose metabolism under potassium-nitrogen interactions. He earned his M.Sc. (Hons) and B.Sc. (Hons) in Agronomy from Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, between 2008 and 2014, consistently graduating with top academic grades (Grade A). His strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for his research on plant-soil interactions, nutrient dynamics, and crop performance under stress conditions. From early on, he displayed a keen interest in addressing the growing demands for food security through advanced and sustainable farming practices. His postgraduate theses included innovative topics such as the use of copper nanoparticles to enhance wheat growth — a pioneering exploration into nano-agronomy. Dr. Hafeez’s educational journey is marked by a blend of academic excellence and innovation, supported by prestigious scholarships including the Chinese Government Scholarship and Punjab Educational Endowment Fund. His international academic exposure has equipped him with cross-cultural scientific insights and adaptability, enriching his contributions to global agronomic research. 🎓📖🧪

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Hafeez’s professional trajectory spans academia, postdoctoral research, and project leadership. He is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Yunnan University, China, focusing on soil health, cropping systems, and bio-organic practices. Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Hydroponics Agriculture, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (2022–2023), where he led student research, developed academic content, and mentored early-career scientists. He also completed a Postdoc at South China Agricultural University (2019–2021), contributing to breakthroughs in biochar technology and disease suppression. His early career included a pivotal role in the Seed Technology Transfer Project funded by the Endowment Fund Secretariat, where he served as a Research Fellow, managing field experiments and data-driven seed improvement initiatives. Across these roles, Dr. Hafeez demonstrated strong project management, cross-disciplinary research skills, and impactful teaching capabilities. He continues to inspire through his workshops, student training programs, and curriculum development efforts. His diverse institutional affiliations across Pakistan and China illustrate his adaptability, global outlook, and commitment to scientific excellence. 🧑‍🏫🧪🌱

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Abdul Hafeez’s research is centered on sustainable agriculture, with a primary focus on nutrient dynamics (K-N ratios), crop eco-physiology, and soil health restoration. He has a particular interest in optimizing cotton productivity under high-density and late-sown conditions — a theme prominent throughout his Ph.D. and postdoctoral studies. His interests also span nanotechnology in agronomy, where he investigates nano-fertilizer applications (e.g., copper nanoparticles) for enhanced plant growth and resilience. He is equally dedicated to biochar technology, especially modified biochars for improving microbial diversity and combating soilborne diseases. Dr. Hafeez is also deeply engaged in hydroponic agriculture, anaerobic soil disinfestation, and bio-organic fertilizer integration as alternatives to conventional methods, aiming to reduce chemical inputs. His multidisciplinary interests bridge crop physiology, soil science, plant pathology, and environmental sustainability — a holistic approach aligned with global food security and climate resilience goals. His long-term vision is to integrate ecological principles with modern agronomy to develop resource-efficient, climate-smart farming systems. 🌿🧬🌾

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Hafeez possesses a rich portfolio of research skills, both experimental and analytical. His strengths include scientific writing, data interpretation, soil and plant analysis, and controlled environment studies. He is adept at using software like Statistix, SigmaPlot, and Mendeley for statistical modeling, visualization, and citation management. His technical expertise extends to field trials, lab-based soil testing, insect-pest management, and hydroponic system design. He has conducted multifactorial experiments under diverse cropping conditions, evaluating plant physiology, yield metrics, and stress tolerance. His ability to plan and lead projects is evident in his successful grant-funded research, including work on seed technology and nano-enabled fertilizers. Moreover, Dr. Hafeez has experience with anaerobic soil disinfestation techniques, biochar synthesis, and trait-based crop evaluations. He is known for effective academic communication, team coordination, and mentoring, supported by years of teaching and collaborative research experience. Whether in the lab, field, or classroom, his investigative mindset and precise execution define his research methodology. 🔍📊

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Abdul Hafeez has received several prestigious honors throughout his academic and professional journey. Most recently, he secured the National Foreign Experts Program Funding (2024–25) from the Chinese government — a competitive grant worth 200,000 RMB, recognizing his international research excellence. Earlier, he was a Chinese Government Scholar (2015–2019) during his Ph.D. in Wuhan and a recipient of the Lab Contribution Award for cotton physiology research at Huazhong Agricultural University. In Pakistan, he was awarded the Seed Technology Transfer Project grant valued at over 2 million PKR and multiple scholarships including the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund and Shaheen Foundation Scholarship. His leadership and communication potential were recognized through participation in national programs such as the Faculty Development Program (NFDP) by the Higher Education Commission, and training in entrepreneurship, language proficiency, and skill development. These accolades reflect not only academic merit but also his commitment to lifelong learning, scientific innovation, and community impact. 🏆🎖️📜

🏆 Conclusion:

Dr. Abdul Hafeez stands out as a dedicated, prolific, and impactful researcher in sustainable agriculture and agronomy. His strong scientific record, cross-country experience, research funding success, and contribution to critical agricultural challenges make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

His work embodies academic excellence, societal relevance, and future-oriented innovation, especially in eco-agriculture and resource-efficient farming systems.

Publications Top Noted

  • Soil compaction effects on soil health and crop productivity: an overview
    AN Shah, M Tanveer, B Shahzad, G Yang, S Fahad, S Ali, MA Bukhari, A Hafeez…
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2017 – 431 citations

  • Potential of copper nanoparticles to increase growth and yield of wheat
    A Hafeez, A Razzaq, T Mahmood, HM Jhanzab
    J. Nanosci. Adv. Technol., 2015 – 204 citations

  • Planting density and sowing date strongly influence growth and lint yield of cotton crops
    A Khan, U Najeeb, L Wang, DKY Tan, G Yang, F Munsif, S Ali, A Hafeez…
    Field Crops Research, 2017 – 184 citations

  • A novel nanomaterial to enhance growth and yield of wheat
    A Razzaq, R Ammara, HM Jhanzab, T Mahmood, A Hafeez, S Hussain
    J. Nanosci. Technol., 2016 – 182 citations

  • Silver nanoparticles enhance the growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of wheat
    HM Jhanzab, A Razzaq, G Jilani, A Rehman, A Hafeez, F Yasmeen
    Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res., 2015 – 112 citations

  • Optimal planting density and sowing date can improve cotton yield…
    A Khan, L Wang, S Ali, SA Tung, A Hafeez, G Yang
    Field Crops Research, 2017 – 111 citations

  • Mepiquat chloride effects on cotton yield and biomass…
    SA Tung, Y Huang, A Hafeez, S Ali, A Khan…
    Field Crops Research, 2018 – 75 citations

  • Modified biochars and their effects on soil quality: A review
    A Hafeez, T Pan, J Tian, K Cai
    Environments, 2022 – 71 citations

  • Mepiquat chloride application does not favor leaf photosynthesis…
    SA Tung, Y Huang, S Ali, A Hafeez, AN Shah…
    Field Crops Research, 2018 – 56 citations

  • Interactive effect of nitrogen fertilizer and plant density…
    AN Shah, Y Wu, M Tanveer, A Hafeez, SA Tung…
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2021 – 55 citations

  • Potassium relative ratio to nitrogen favors carbon metabolism in cotton
    S Ali, A Hafeez, X Ma, SA Tung…
    Field Crops Research, 2018 – 51 citations

  • Equal K-N ratio regulated nitrogen metabolism and yield in cotton
    S Ali, A Hafeez, X Ma, SA Tung…
    Industrial Crops and Products, 2019 – 50 citations

  • Nitrogen and plant density effects on growth/yield of cotton cultivars
    AN Shah, Y Wu, J Iqbal, A Hafeez…
    Journal of King Saud Univ.–Science, 2021 – 47 citations

  • Mepiquat chloride effects on potassium acquisition…
    SA Tung, Y Huang, S Ali, A Hafeez…
    Industrial Crops and Products, 2019 – 37 citations

  • Morpho-physiological effects of mepiquat chloride in cotton: A review
    SA Tung, Y Huang, A Hafeez, S Ali…
    J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr., 2020 – 35 citations

  • Influence of leaf vein density on photosynthesis in rice
    MA Tabassum, G Zhu, A Hafeez…
    Scientific Reports, 2016 – 34 citations

  • Potassium to nitrogen ratio favors photosynthesis in cotton
    A Hafeez, S Ali, X Ma, SA Tung…
    Industrial Crops and Products, 2018 – 33 citations

  • Silicon enhances plant resistance of rice under submergence stress
    T Pan, J Zhang, A Hafeez, K Cai…
    Plants, 2021 – 29 citations

  • Crop growth and yield losses in wheat due to seed canary grass
    S Hussain, A Khaliq, A Hafeez…
    Planta Daninha, 2017 – 29 citations

  • Optimal pre-plant irrigation improves cotton biomass
    Z Chen, H Ma, A Hafeez…
    Scientific Reports, 2017 – 20–30 citations

Antonios Koutelidakis | Horticulture | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

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Prof. Antonios Koutelidakis | Horticulture | Botany Scientist Excellence Award

Associate Professor at Aegean University, Greece

Professor Antonios E. Koutelidakis is an Associate Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of the Aegean and Director of the MSc Program “Nutrition, Well-being and Public Health.” He holds a PhD in Human Nutrition, with research focusing on the bioactivity of food components, especially plant-based infusions like tea. His work centers on functional foods and their impact on human health, disease prevention, and nutritional interventions. He has authored over 70 international journal articles, 10 book chapters, and led or participated in numerous European and national research projects. Prof. Koutelidakis has received several awards, including recognition in the international Aristides Daskalopoulos Foundation competition and national student innovation contests. He actively collaborates with the food industry and supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers. A member of multiple scientific committees and boards, he contributes significantly to the fields of nutrition science and public health through research, teaching, and academic leadership.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Professor Antonios E. Koutelidakis began his academic journey at the Agricultural University of Athens, where he earned his degree in Food Science and Nutrition in 2005. He continued at the same institution for his postgraduate studies, completing a master’s program in Human Nutrition from 2005 to 2007. In 2010, he was awarded a PhD from the Department of Food and Nutrition Science, with his doctoral research focusing on the effects of nutritional factors on the bioactivity of foods, particularly tea infusions. His academic performance and research potential were recognized with a scholarship from the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY). In 2014, he further advanced his expertise as a postdoctoral researcher at the Agricultural University of Athens, working on a project related to bioactive food components and their influence on disease biomarkers. His solid educational background laid the foundation for his distinguished career in nutrition science and functional food research.

Professional Experience 💼

Professor Antonios E. Koutelidakis has extensive professional experience in academia and research, primarily in the field of Human Nutrition. From 2011 to 2013, he served as a Scientific Associate at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the T.E.I. of Crete and as an instructor at the I.E.K. Heraklion. Between 2013 and 2017, he held a teaching position under contract at the University of the Aegean, where he taught a range of nutrition-related courses. In 2018, he was appointed Assistant Professor and promoted to Associate Professor in 2023 in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. He has led or contributed to numerous national and European research projects and has served as a scientific or deputy manager in several of them. He also coordinated the postgraduate program “Nutrition, Well-being and Public Health.” In addition to teaching and research, he has held key administrative and leadership roles, including ethics committee chair and internship coordinator.

Research Interest 🔬

Professor Antonios E. Koutelidakis’s research interests lie at the intersection of human nutrition and the health-promoting properties of functional foods. His work focuses on the study of bioactive components in plant-based foods and their physiological effects, particularly in relation to disease prevention, nutritional interventions, and overall human well-being. He is deeply engaged in exploring how dietary factors influence metabolic health, inflammation, and disease biomarkers. A significant part of his research investigates the nutritional value of traditional and novel food products, aiming to enhance their functional properties. He is particularly interested in clinical and nutritional intervention studies that examine the impact of bioactive compounds on human health. His applied research often involves collaboration with the food industry to develop innovative, health-oriented food products. Through both laboratory and clinical research, Professor Koutelidakis contributes to advancing evidence-based knowledge in nutrition science, with a strong emphasis on translating findings into practical dietary recommendations and food innovations.

Research Skill🔎

Professor Antonios E. Koutelidakis possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills in the field of human nutrition, with particular expertise in the analysis of bioactive food components and their effects on health. He is proficient in designing and conducting both laboratory-based and clinical nutritional studies, including nutritional interventions that evaluate disease prevention and health outcomes. His skills encompass food chemistry, biomarker analysis, and the development of functional foods with enhanced nutritional profiles. He is experienced in coordinating multidisciplinary research teams and managing large-scale national and European research projects. Additionally, he has strong competencies in scientific writing, data interpretation, and dissemination of research through publications, conferences, and collaborations with the food industry. Professor Koutelidakis also demonstrates expertise in mentoring graduate and postgraduate students, fostering innovation, and applying research findings to real-world challenges in nutrition and public health. His ability to bridge academic research with applied product development further enhances his research profile.

Award and Honor🏆

Professor Antonios E. Koutelidakis has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to nutrition science and functional food research. Early in his career, he was awarded a scholarship from the State Scholarship Foundation (IKY) for his outstanding doctoral research on the bioactivity of food components, particularly tea infusions. In 2009, his research was internationally recognized with a distinction in the 2nd International Competition for Young Scientists organized by the Aristides Daskalopoulos Foundation. He has also led and mentored student teams that achieved top placements in major innovation competitions, including first prize in the national Ecotrophelia competition and second prize at the European level in 2020 for the development of innovative food products. These accolades reflect his strong commitment to academic excellence, applied research, and mentorship. His leadership in research programs and contribution to scientific knowledge continues to earn him recognition within the academic and professional nutrition communities.

Conclusion📝

Antonios E. Koutelidakis is a highly accomplished academic and researcher in Human Nutrition, with a significant and valuable focus on plant-based functional foods. His contributions are highly relevant to applied plant science, particularly regarding how plant-derived compounds affect human health.

However, for a Botany Scientist Excellence Award, which typically emphasizes classical botanical disciplines (e.g., taxonomy, systematics, plant ecology, physiology, biodiversity), his work, while tangentially related, does not align closely enough with core botanical research criteria.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • “How Screen Time Affects Greek Schoolchildren’s Eating Habits and Functional Food Consumption?—A Cross-Sectional Study”

    • Authors: Votsi, I.C.; Koutelidakis, A.E.

    • Journal: Nutrients

    • Year: 2025

  • “Hydration Status, Dietary Habits, and Functional Food Consumption Preferences of Football Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study”

    • Authors: Papaoikonomou, G.; Kandyliari, A.; Vlassopoulos, A.; Malisova, O.; Koutelidakis, A.E.

    • Journal: Nutrients

    • Year: 2025

  • “Navigating Burnout: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness and the Mediterranean Lifestyle in Fostering Job Satisfaction and Well-Being”

    • Authors: Christodoulou, E.; Dimitriadou, M.E.; Mpali, T.; Koutelidakis, A.E.

    • Journal: Psychiatry International

    • Year: 2025

  • “Towards a Thriving Workplace: A Feasibility Study on Mindfulness and the Mediterranean Lifestyle for Corporate Wellness”

    • Authors: Christodoulou, E.; Poutli, E.; Andreou, D.; Kourkoutas, Y.; Koutelidakis, A.E.

    • Journal: Healthcare (Switzerland)

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 1

  • “Sustainable Development of an Innovative Spreadable Plant-Based Product of High Added Value through the Valorization of an Agro-Food By-Product”

    • Authors: Vardakas, A.T.; Giannakas, A.E.; Dimitrakouda, M.; Koutelidakis, A.E.; Andritsos, N.D.

    • Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

    • Year: 2024

  • “Functional Foods, Gut Microbiome and Association with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A Literature Review”

    • Authors: Koumpouli, D.; Koumpouli, V.; Koutelidakis, A.E.

    • Journal: Not specified

    • Year: Not specified

    • Citations: 2

  • “Effect of Vitamin C, D3, Ca Supplements and Olive Paste Enriched with Mountain Tea on Health Biomarkers in Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis: A Prospective Interventional Study”

    • Authors: Konstantinidi, M.; Stoupi, S.; Anastasiou, I.; Tsakotos, G.A.; Koutelidakis, A.E.

    • Journal: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1