Afsaneh Heydari | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Afsaneh Heydari | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Shiraz University | Iran

Dr. Afsaneh Heydari is a dedicated researcher at Shiraz University whose work focuses on agricultural meteorology, climate variability, and the hydro-environmental systems of arid and semi-arid regions. Her research explores the interconnections between the Middle East and the West Indian Subcontinent in the context of climate change, particularly examining the modulation roles of the Atlantic Meridional Oscillation (AMO) and monsoon cloud dynamics. Through advanced statistical and computational modeling, she has provided valuable insights into spatial disparities in climate trends and their implications for regional agriculture and water management. Her collaborative research, published in high-impact journals such as Climate (MDPI), demonstrates strong analytical rigor and contributes meaningfully to understanding climate-driven challenges affecting food and water security. Dr. Heydari’s work bridges hydrology, climatology, and sustainable resource management—making her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award for her innovative contributions to advancing scientific knowledge in climate change impacts and adaptation strategies within horticultural and agricultural ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

All-optical XOR, XNOR, NAND and OR logic gates based on photonic crystal 3-DB coupler for BPSK signals. Journal of Optical Communications.

Application of UV/Vis spectrophotometry based on using least squares support vector machine and continuous wavelet transform methods for the simultaneous analysis of antibiotics drugs in tablet formulation: Comparison with HPLC method.

Heydari, A., Nazemosadat, M. J., & Hosseinzadehtalaei, P. Climate change in the Middle East and the West Indian Subcontinent: Geographic interconnections and the modulation roles of the extreme phases of the Atlantic Meridional Oscillation (AMO) and the monsoon cloudiness. Climate.

Manoj Semwal | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Manoj Semwal | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Chief Scientist at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | India

Dr. Manoj Semwal is a highly accomplished scientist specializing in Precision Agriculture, Remote Sensing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Machine Learning, and ICT applications in crop science. He holds degrees including B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PGDCSA, MCA, M.Tech in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (ISRO), and a Ph.D. in Precision Agriculture from the Academy of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. With over two decades of professional experience, he has served in progressive scientific roles at CSIR-CIMAP, culminating in his current position as Chief Scientist at CSIR Headquarters. His research interests span drone-based agri-technologies, smart farming systems, hyperspectral imaging, and data-driven decision tools for crop management. Demonstrating advanced research skills in remote sensing analytics, GIS modeling, and machine learning applications, he has led several national and international projects, including the Aroma Mission and a major Haleon UK-funded initiative on sustainable mint-based agro-technologies. His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards such as the CSIR Technology Award for Life Science, CAIRD Award for Rural Development, and the National Geomatics Award (ISRO, 2024). With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and innovative technology developments, Dr. Semwal’s work embodies scientific excellence and transformative innovation in modern agricultural research.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Bisht, D., Chanotiya, C. S., Rana, M., & Semwal, M. (2009). Variability in essential oil and bioactive chiral monoterpenoid compositions of Indian oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) populations from northwestern Himalaya and their chemotaxonomy. Industrial Crops and Products, 30(3), 422–426.

Kumar, Y., Prakash, O., Tripathi, H., Tandon, S., Gupta, M. M., Rahman, L. U., … (2018). AromaDb: A database of medicinal and aromatic plants’ aroma molecules with phytochemistry and therapeutic potentials. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1081.

Khan, M. S., Semwal, M., Sharma, A., & Verma, R. K. (2020). An artificial neural network model for estimating Mentha crop biomass yield using Landsat 8 OLI. Precision Agriculture, 21, 18–33.

Prasad, N., Semwal, M., & Roy, P. S. (2015). Remote sensing and GIS for biodiversity conservation. In Recent Advances in Lichenology: Modern Methods and Approaches in Lichen Systematics and Culture Techniques (pp. 123–140). Springer.

Lothe, N. B., Mazeed, A., Pandey, J., Patairiya, V., Verma, K., Semwal, M., … (2021). Maximizing yields and economics by supplementing additional nutrients for commercially grown Menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.) cultivars. Industrial Crops and Products, 160, 113110.

Tapon Kumar Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Tapon Kumar Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Tapon Kumar Roy is an accomplished agricultural researcher at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) with 46 citations from 40 documents, 8 published papers, and an h-index of 3, reflecting his growing academic impact in the field of agronomy and rice entomology. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture and an MS in Crop Physiology and Ecology from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. His professional experience spans pest management, pesticide residue analysis, and eco-friendly agricultural practices, with active involvement in projects on rice pest control, storage pest management, and natural enemy conservation. His research interests include insect toxicology, botanicals, nanoparticle-based pest management, and the physiological response of rice to salt and abiotic stress. Mr. Roy possesses advanced research skills in statistical and analytical tools such as LCMS, GCMS/MS, QGIS, R Studio, and MSTAT-C, enabling precision in experimental design and data analysis. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions including the National Integrity Award (2021–22) and Best Scientist Award (2020–21) from BRRI. Through his commitment to innovation and sustainable pest management, Mr. Roy continues to contribute significantly to improving rice productivity and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices in Bangladesh.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Alam, Z., Akter, S., Khan, M. A. H., Amin, M. N., Karim, M. R., Rahman, M. H. S., et al. (2024). Multivariate analysis of yield and quality traits in sweet potato genotypes (Ipomoea batatas L.). Scientia Horticulturae, 328, 112901.

Roy, T. K., Sannal, A., Tonmoy, S. M. M. S., Akter, S., Roy, B., & Rana, M. M. (2024). Trait analysis of short duration boro rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in northern region of Bangladesh: Insights from heatmap, correlation and PCA. Nova Geodesia, 4(2), 175–175.

Ali, M. P., Haque, S. S., Hossain, M. M., Bari, M. N., Kabir, M. M. M., Roy, T. K., Datta, J., et al. (2023). Development and demographic parameters of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) when feeding on rice (Oryza sativa). CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 4(1), 1–14.

Roy, T. K., Kabir, M. M. M., Akter, S., Nayeem, A., Alam, Z., Hasan, M. R., & Bari, M. N. (2024). Seasonal variations of insect abundance: Correlating growth stage-specific metrics with weather patterns in Rangpur Region, Bangladesh. Heliyon, 10(18), e38121.

Roy, T. K., Tonmoy, S. M. M. S., Sannal, A., Akter, S., Hasan, K. T., & Rana, M. M. (2022). Yield performance of some short duration high yielding rice varieties during boro season in northern region of Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 9(4), 15–21.

Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Agronomist at College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao is a dedicated scholar in the field of plant pathology, with a focus on the biological control of plant diseases and the application of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture. Her professional journey reflects a strong blend of academic excellence, research leadership, and practical innovation aimed at sustainable plant protection. She has contributed to advancing knowledge through impactful publications, books, and patents while playing an important role in the development of green agricultural practices. Her research addresses critical challenges in managing soil-borne plant diseases, particularly in economically important crops such as potatoes and strawberries. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, she has developed solutions that combine molecular biology, microbiology, and applied agricultural sciences. Recognized for her contributions through various scientific awards and honors, Dr. Hao continues to lead research initiatives that not only expand academic understanding but also offer tangible benefits to agricultural productivity and food security.

Professional Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao completed her doctoral studies in plant pathology, establishing a strong academic foundation in the study of plant diseases and their management. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of biological control and the role of functional microorganisms in enhancing plant resistance. This advanced training allowed her to explore innovative techniques for combating soil-borne pathogens, providing both theoretical insights and practical methods for disease management. Throughout her education, she developed expertise in molecular techniques, microbial screening, and pathogen interaction analysis. Her academic training was complemented by active involvement in collaborative projects, academic writing, and contributions to textbooks and teaching materials, enhancing her profile as both a researcher and an educator. The educational journey of Dr. Hao has been distinguished by a consistent emphasis on excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that directly contributes to solving real-world challenges in sustainable agriculture and plant health management.

Professional Experience

Over the course of her professional career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao has established herself as a respected academic and researcher in plant pathology. As an associate professor and senior agronomist, she has successfully combined teaching, research, and project leadership roles. She has published widely in international journals and contributed as deputy editor-in-chief to academic monographs, reflecting her strong commitment to scholarly communication. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has led multiple scientific research projects and participated in several others, contributing significantly to advancements in her field. Her professional experience also includes the application of research outcomes to industry, with patents that demonstrate innovation in agricultural biotechnology. She has been recognized with prestigious awards for her contributions to science and technology, highlighting her role as both a thought leader and practitioner. Her professional career reflects a balance of academic scholarship, applied research, and service to the scientific and farming communities.

Research Interests

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao primary research interests center on the biological control of plant diseases and the discovery and application of beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites. She is particularly interested in developing innovative strategies to manage soil-borne diseases that pose major threats to crops such as potatoes and strawberries. Her research integrates molecular biology, microbial ecology, and agricultural biotechnology to identify effective microbial strains and their active compounds. She also explores the structural and functional mechanisms of microbial metabolites, aiming to understand their role in inducing plant resistance and suppressing pathogens. Another area of her research involves the concept of “plant vaccines,” where beneficial microorganisms are utilized to stimulate plant immune responses. Her work is highly interdisciplinary, involving plant science, microbiology, and biochemistry, and it seeks to provide sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This research not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also addresses global agricultural challenges related to food security and sustainability.

Research Skills

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao possesses extensive research skills that span both fundamental and applied plant sciences. She is adept at designing and conducting experiments on pathogen–host interactions, microbial screening, and metabolite analysis. Her expertise includes molecular biology techniques for identifying target genes, bioassays for evaluating plant resistance, and advanced analytical methods for studying the structural properties of microbial metabolites. She has strong skills in project management, demonstrated by her ability to lead large-scale research projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. Her capacity to translate scientific findings into practical applications is evident from her patents and technology transfers in biological control. Additionally, she has contributed to scientific writing, textbook preparation, and the supervision of research students, enhancing her role as an academic mentor. Dr. Hao’s research skills are complemented by her ability to apply innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, making her a versatile scientist capable of bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to plant pathology and agricultural science. Her achievements have been acknowledged through scientific and technological awards at institutional and regional levels, including recognition for her innovative work in guiding student research and entrepreneurship. She has been honored for her contributions to advancing green and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing biological control methods that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. These honors not only highlight her scientific excellence but also her impact on agricultural innovation and rural development. She is an active member of professional societies, which further acknowledges her influence and leadership within the scientific community. Her role as president of a science and technology service association underscores her commitment to applying research outcomes for the benefit of farmers and herdsmen. Collectively, these recognitions affirm her position as a leading researcher and educator in plant science.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Attenuated Strain Gibellulopsis nigrescens GnVn.1 Causing Mild Wilt in Sunflower
Year: 2024

Title: Protein elicitor PeVn1 induces resistance to Botrytis cinerea in strawberry and differential transcriptomic analysis
Year: 2025

Title: Mechanism of N-Acetyl-D-alloisoleucine in Controlling Strawberry Black Root Rot
Year: 2024

Title: A protein elicitor PeVn1 from Verticillium nonalfalfae HW recognized as a MAMP triggers plant immunity response
Year: 2024

Title: Potential Candidate Molecule of Photosystem II Inhibitor Herbicide—Brassicanate A Sulfoxide
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Overall, the nominee presents a strong case for the Women Researcher Award through her impactful contributions in plant disease management, innovative research on beneficial microorganisms, and active role in academic and professional societies. With her proven record of scientific achievements and leadership, she stands as a deserving candidate for recognition. By expanding her international collaborations and increasing visibility in global research forums, her future contributions have the potential to make an even greater impact on sustainable agriculture and plant sciences.