Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei | Horticulture | Eco-Friendly Plant Science Award

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei | Horticulture | Eco-Friendly Plant Science Award

IIIrd Grade Research Scientist at Vegetable Research and Development Station Bacaun Bacău | Romania

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei is a Romanian researcher in horticultural sciences with expertise in organic vegetable cultivation, sustainable farming systems, and ecological plant protection. His professional career spans both academic and applied research roles, including leadership in experimental and demonstrative agricultural projects. With a strong background in horticultural engineering and advanced studies in vegetable growing, he has dedicated his career to developing innovative eco-friendly solutions in agriculture. His contributions include project management, scientific publications in high-impact journals, and active participation in professional societies. His research addresses pressing challenges such as climate change adaptation, resource optimization, and reducing chemical input in agriculture. Through both national and international collaborations, Dr. Avasiloaiei has established himself as a committed scientist focused on promoting environmentally sustainable and resilient agricultural practices, while also contributing to the broader scientific understanding of plant science and organic production systems.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei holds a Ph.D. in Sciences from the Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Life Sciences in Iasi, where his research centered on improving technologies for organic vegetable cultivation in greenhouses and polytunnels. His doctoral work focused on advancing methods that reduce chemical input while maintaining high crop productivity under ecological farming conditions. He also completed a Master’s degree in Vegetable Growing at the same institution, with research examining planting schemes, crop density, and their effects on tomato cultivation under organic practices. Earlier, he earned his degree in Horticultural Engineering from the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, which provided a broad technical foundation in crop production and horticultural systems. This solid academic progression reflects his dedication to advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of sustainable horticulture and highlights his long-standing commitment to eco-friendly agricultural innovation.

Professional Experience

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei professional journey combines scientific research, agricultural practice, and international industry exposure. He currently serves as a Grade III Research Scientist at the Vegetable Research and Development Station (VRDS) in Bacau, Romania, where he leads activities in organic agriculture, ecological plant protection, and sustainable vegetable cultivation. His earlier roles include research scientist positions at VRDS Bacau, where he was actively involved in projects on organic farming and crop management, as well as experience in farm management through self-employment. Internationally, he worked in the United Kingdom as a tomato crop manager and packhouse manager, gaining valuable insights into advanced cultivation and production systems. These diverse experiences, spanning academia, commercial farming, and research management, have equipped him with both scientific expertise and practical skills in developing eco-friendly, resource-efficient agricultural technologies adaptable to both local and global contexts.

Research Interests

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei research interests lie in sustainable agriculture, organic vegetable cultivation, and climate-resilient farming systems. He is particularly focused on intercropping strategies, allelopathic interactions, regenerative agriculture, and carbon farming as mechanisms for reducing chemical input and enhancing crop productivity. His studies explore how natural plant interactions and innovative cultivation techniques can be harnessed to strengthen ecological farming systems. He has also investigated the role of medicinal and minor crop species in diversifying food systems and improving resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Another significant area of his interest is optimizing greenhouse and protected cultivation technologies for organic production. By combining traditional horticultural knowledge with modern sustainability principles, his research aims to develop environmentally responsible approaches to farming that contribute to food security, biodiversity conservation, and reduced environmental impact in line with European and global sustainability goals.

Research Skills

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei has developed advanced research skills in organic crop management, ecological experimentation, and sustainable technology development. He is proficient in designing and conducting field trials, evaluating intercropping and crop rotation systems, and studying allelopathic plant interactions for natural weed and pest management. His expertise extends to carbon farming strategies, regenerative agriculture, and the application of bioregulatory substances in organic crop production. He has strong skills in project design and coordination, having managed multi-institutional projects addressing climate change and eco-friendly agricultural practices. His ability to integrate laboratory research with field-based experiments demonstrates versatility in both theoretical and applied science. He is also experienced in scientific publishing, literature synthesis, and international collaboration. These skills make him a well-rounded researcher, capable of addressing critical challenges in sustainable agriculture and contributing both scientifically and practically to the advancement of eco-friendly plant science.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei has earned recognition for his contributions to horticultural science and sustainable agriculture. He has been actively involved in national and international research collaborations, receiving roles of responsibility such as project manager and head of research activities in organic agriculture. His published works in reputed international journals, including Agronomy and Genes, highlight the scientific value and impact of his research in areas such as carbon farming and medicinal plants. He has also been invited as a member of professional horticultural societies, including the International Society for Horticultural Science and the Romanian Society of Horticulturists, where he currently serves in leadership at the county division level. His participation in European networking projects for organic agriculture further reflects his standing in the field. These honors and memberships underscore his contributions as both a researcher and a promoter of sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

Publications Top Noted

Title: On the Future Perspectives of Some Medicinal Plants within Lamiaceae Botanic Family Regarding Their Comprehensive Properties and Resistance against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Year: 2023
Citation: 31

Title: The Evaluation of Carbon Farming Strategies in Organic Vegetable Cultivation
Year: 2023
Citation: 28

Title: Heavy Metals Contamination of Soil and Vegetables in Three Regions from Romania: A Review
Year: 2020
Citation: 4

Title: Drought Stress and the Role of Salicylic Acid in Relieving the Oxidative Damage at Tomato Plants
Year: 2023
Citation: 2

Title: Study on the Application of Bioregulatory Substances in Organic Tomato Crop
Year: 2014
Citation: 2

Conclusion

Based on his strong foundation in organic horticulture, sustainable cultivation systems, and climate-conscious agricultural innovations, Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei is highly suitable for the Eco-Friendly Plant Science Award. His research aligns directly with the award’s focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, and with continued international engagement and technological integration, he is well-positioned to make even greater contributions to eco-friendly plant science in the future.

 

Syeda Hijab Zehra | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Junior Researcher, Ph.D Reseracher at Lithuanian Research centre For agriculture And forestry, Lithuania

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra is a highly accomplished researcher and scholar in the field of environmental sciences, with a focus on sustainable development, green chemistry, and material science. She completed her Master’s in Environmental Sciences from Bahria University Islamabad with a CGPA of 3.73 (Cum Laude), and her research on the removal of Cr6+ from polluted water was published in the Journal of Chemistry and Environment. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, her research is centered on the valorisation of food processing by-products for green nanoparticle synthesis and biodegradable composites. Ms. Zehra has published several research articles and reviews and has presented her work at numerous international conferences, earning accolades such as the “Best Presentation” award at AGRISCI 2024. Her dedication to both academic excellence and practical industry experience, along with her strong networking and collaboration skills, make her a rising star in her field.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra has a strong academic background in environmental sciences and chemistry. She completed her Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from Bahria University Islamabad (BUIC), where she graduated with a remarkable CGPA of 3.73 (Cum Laude) in September 2022. During her master’s, her research focused on the removal of Cr6+ from synthetic polluted water using Fe-modified sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell powder, which was later published in the Journal of Chemistry and Environment. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wah, Islamabad, in 2020, with a CGPA of 2.93. Currently, Ms. Zehra is pursuing her Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) in Lithuania, where her research explores the valorisation of food processing by-products for green metal nanoparticle biosynthesis and the development of biodegradable micro/nano polymer composites.

Professional Experience 💼

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra has gained significant professional experience through both academic research and industry exposure. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), where her research focuses on the valorisation of food processing by-products for green nanoparticle biosynthesis and the development of biodegradable composites. This work reflects her expertise in sustainable materials and environmental solutions. Previously, she worked on several research projects during her Master’s at Bahria University Islamabad, including a notable study on the removal of Cr6+ from synthetic polluted water, which was published in the Journal of Chemistry and Environment. In addition to her research roles, Ms. Zehra completed an internship at Wah Nobel Chemicals LTD, a leading producer of industrial chemicals, where she gained practical experience in the chemical industry. Her strong academic background, coupled with her hands-on industry experience, showcases her well-rounded professional capabilities in environmental sciences and green chemistry.

Research Interest 🔬

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra’s research interests are centered around sustainable development, green chemistry, and the development of environmentally friendly materials. She is particularly focused on the green synthesis of nanoparticles, exploring the potential of using natural, renewable resources to create eco-friendly materials with applications in various fields. Her current research, as part of her Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, is centered on the valorisation of food processing by-products for the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles and the development of biodegradable micro/nano polymer composites. Additionally, she is interested in the use of green synthesis methods to create silver-based nanoparticles with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Ms. Zehra is also passionate about addressing environmental pollution, particularly in water treatment, through innovative methods such as the removal of heavy metals using modified natural materials like sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell powder. Her work aims to bridge sustainability with practical environmental solutions.

Research Skill🔎

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra possesses a diverse set of research skills that are pivotal to her work in environmental sciences and green chemistry. She has expertise in green synthesis techniques, particularly in the production of nanoparticles from natural, renewable sources, which is central to her research on sustainable materials. Her technical skills include proficiency in various analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and UV-visible spectroscopy, all of which she applies in her studies on materials characterization. Ms. Zehra is also skilled in conducting environmental analyses, particularly in water treatment, where she has worked on the removal of heavy metals from polluted water using modified natural adsorbents. Additionally, she demonstrates strong abilities in scientific writing, having published multiple research articles and reviews in reputable journals. Her capacity to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams further enhances her research skills.

Award and Honor🏆

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra has earned several prestigious awards and honors throughout her academic and research career. During her Master’s program at Bahria University Islamabad, she was awarded a scholarship and graduated with the distinction of “Cum Laude,” highlighting her exceptional academic performance. Her research and presentation skills have been widely recognized, earning her the “Best Presentation” award at the 13th International Conference of Young Scientists, AGRISCI 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania, for her work on sustainable green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Additionally, she has received accolades for her pitch presentations at prominent international events, such as the Green Horizon’s Summit 2024 in Vilnius, where she presented on functional gels from natural renewable sources. Her research contributions have also earned her recognition in various scientific forums, including the 20th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy and Natural Sciences Issues (CYSENI) and the Advance Material and Technologies 2024 conference, further underscoring her standing in the global research community.

Conclusion📝

Syeda Hijab Zehra shows immense promise as a researcher, excelling academically and making significant contributions to the fields of sustainable development, green chemistry, and environmental sciences. Her publications, awards, and ongoing research in the valorization of food processing by-products and the synthesis of biodegradable materials demonstrate her leadership in emerging scientific fields. While her work is already highly impactful, enhancing the practical implementation and expanding her outreach could position her as a more influential researcher in the long run. Based on her current achievements and potential for future impact, she is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: Removal of Cr6+ from Synthetic Polluted Water using Fe Modified Sugarcane Bagasse & Peanut Shell Powder
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 6

  • Title: Phenol–Furfural Resin/Graphite/Ag-Based Electrically Conductive Adhesive Composites from Waste Bagasse with Enhanced Thermo-Electric Properties
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 5

  • Title: Advancements in Green Synthesis of Silver-Based Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties in Various Films
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: 3

  • Title: Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles via Medusomyces gisevii Fermentation with Origanum vulgare L. Extract: Antimicrobial Properties, Antioxidant Properties, and Phytochemical …
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: Not available yet

  • Title: Appraisement and Categorization of Compostable and Non-Compostable Plastic Bags Using HHXRF Spectrophotometer, A Study on Brands in Islamabad
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not available yet

  • Title: Assessment of Produced Water from Oil and Gas Field Gujar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not available yet

  • Title: Heavy Metals Assessment in Different Fresh and Processed Tuber Crops Grown with Fresh and Sewage Water
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not available yet