Zhixu Zhang | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

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Zhixu Zhang | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Hunan Agricultural University | China

Dr. Zhixu Zhang, a distinguished scholar at the College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, is recognized for his significant contributions to food science, particularly in the evaluation of functional foods, the deep processing of agricultural by-products, and innovative product development. His research focuses on the screening and evaluation of functional factors in plant-based raw materials, the processing characteristics and adaptability of food resources, and the intricate mechanisms linking nutritional components with human health. He has successfully presided over seven major research projects funded by provincial science and education departments and has played a pivotal role in more than ten national and international projects, including the National Major Special Project, the National Key Research and Development Plan, and international cooperation initiatives. Professor Zhang has published more than influential papers in esteemed journals such as Carbohydrate Polymers, Metabolites, LWT-Food Science and Technology, and Chinese Herbal Medicines. His innovative contributions are further reflected in six authorized invention patents and four software copyrights, underscoring his role in bridging research and practical applications. Notably, he received the Hunan Provincial Technology Award  for his pioneering work in functional food industrialization. His representative research covers diverse areas including functional dietary fiber, cholesterol-lowering plant sterols, fermented food technologies, and novel detection systems for food safety. In addition, he has contributed to the advancement of intellectual property transformation in universities, earning team innovation awards for his leadership in plant-based bioactive component utilization. With his dedication to interdisciplinary research and innovation, Professor Zhang continues to make impactful contributions to food science, functional nutrition, and agricultural product development.

 

Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tuskegee University | United States

Dr. Muhammad Irfan is a soil scientist with extensive expertise in biochar, soil chemistry, and environmental sustainability. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA, he focuses on pesticide risk assessment, air pollution dispersion, and the role of biochar in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from China Agricultural University, Beijing, where his dissertation explored biochar applications for saline soil improvement. With over seven years of academic experience as an Assistant Professor at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, he has taught advanced courses in soil fertility, plant nutrition, environmental soil chemistry, and soil-water-plant relationships. His research contributions have advanced the understanding of heavy metal remediation, soil reclamation, phytoremediation, and nutrient management in saline agriculture. Dr. Irfan has published widely in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Saudi Chemical Society.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Muhammad Irfan has a strong academic foundation in soil and environmental sciences. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from the College of Resources and Environment, China Agricultural University, Beijing, where his dissertation focused on “The characters of biochar and application in saline soil improvement.” His doctoral work laid the groundwork for his expertise in soil remediation and biochar technology. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, with a thesis on the “Effect of phosphorus and sulfur on the yield and nutrient uptake of maize.” He also holds a B.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences from the same institution, complemented by an internship evaluating irrigation water quality and soil salinity in District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Collectively, his academic journey highlights a consistent focus on soil health, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Irfan’s career blends teaching, research, and applied environmental science. he has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Tuskegee University, USA, working on pesticide risk assessment, urban air dispersion, and biochar’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. he served as a Research Scholar at Auburn University, focusing on manufacturing biochar from downed timber and exploring its applications in soil amendment and wastewater treatment. Prior to his U.S. research appointments, Dr. Irfan was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. There, he taught advanced soil science courses, supervised research projects, and conducted studies on soil fertility, heavy metal remediation, and saline soil management. His teaching portfolio includes Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Soil-Water-Plant Relationships, and Environmental Soil Chemistry, establishing him as both an educator and a researcher of high repute.

Honors and Awards

While specific formal awards are not listed, Dr. Irfan’s career is distinguished by significant academic and research achievements that reflect recognition in his field. His successful completion of a PhD at China Agricultural University with a dissertation on biochar applications in saline soils represents a major scholarly milestone. His postdoctoral appointments at Auburn University and Tuskegee University in the United States further highlight international recognition of his expertise in soil science, environmental chemistry, and biochar research. He has consistently collaborated with international teams of scientists, publishing in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Saudi Chemical Society. His selection for advanced projects on pesticide risk assessment, greenhouse gas mitigation, and biochar’s role in environmental sustainability signifies his contributions being valued at the global research level. Collectively, his positions, collaborations, and publications serve as evidence of professional honors.

Research Focus

Dr. Irfan’s research is primarily centered on soil remediation, biochar technology, and sustainable agricultural practices. He investigates the characterization of biochar with enhanced heavy metal removal efficiency and its applications in soil and water systems. His work extends into ecotoxicology, focusing on heavy metal speciation, mobility, and bioavailability in contaminated soils and sediments. He has developed adsorption and desorption models to better understand heavy metal interactions and tested remediation strategies using both organic and inorganic soil amendments. Additionally, his studies explore phytoremediation and saline agriculture, with special emphasis on nutrient and water management in saline soils. His recent projects have included assessing pesticide risk in urban agricultural systems and evaluating biochar’s role in greenhouse gas reduction. By integrating laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced modeling approaches, Dr. Irfan contributes solutions for heavy metal pollution, soil degradation, and sustainable food production, aligning his research with global environmental challenges.

Publications

  • Heavy metals immobilization and improvement in maize (Zea mays L.) growth amended with biochar and compost.

  • Exploring the potential effect of Achnatherum splendens L. derived biochar treated with phosphoric acid on bioavailability of cadmium and wheat growth in contaminated soil.

  • Evaluating the efficacy of activated carbon in minimizing the risk of heavy metals contamination in spinach for safe consumption.

  • Zinc foliar application mitigates cadmium-induced growth inhibition and enhances wheat growth, chlorophyll contents, and yield.

  • Effect of wheat straw derived biochar on the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and Cr using maize as test crop (Journal of Saudi Chemical Society

  • Impact of biochar interlayer on surface soil salt content, salt migration, and photosynthetic activity and yield of sunflowers: Laboratory and field studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Irfan is an accomplished soil scientist whose expertise bridges environmental sustainability, soil chemistry, and agricultural productivity. His research on biochar has opened new pathways for remediating heavy metal contamination, reclaiming saline soils, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to solutions for global environmental challenges. With a strong foundation in teaching and mentoring, he has guided students in advanced soil and environmental sciences while producing impactful research recognized internationally. His postdoctoral research at Auburn University and Tuskegee University underscores his role as a global collaborator in developing sustainable agricultural practices and environmental risk management strategies. By publishing in prestigious journals and advancing applied soil science, Dr. Irfan has established himself as a respected voice in biochar and soil remediation research. His career demonstrates a commitment to both advancing scientific knowledge and addressing urgent environmental concerns, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural and environmental sciences.

Poonam Singhal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Poonam Singhal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Hyderabad | India

Dr. Poonam Singhal is a distinguished academic and nutrition expert with over 18 years of experience in teaching, research, consulting, and policy engagement in food and nutrition sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, with a strong research focus on functional foods, food safety, and nutrition informatics. Currently serving as Principal Scientist at the DST-Centre for Policy Research, University of Hyderabad, she works at the intersection of science communication, grassroots innovation, and start-up ecosystems. She has previously served as an Assistant Professor of Nutrition at reputed institutions including St. Ann’s College for Women, St. Francis College for Women, and St. Joseph Degree & PG College for Women, mentoring hundreds of Master’s and Bachelor’s students, supervising thesis work, and coordinating academic-industry collaborations. Beyond academia, Dr. Singhal has contributed to national and international projects with UNICEF, IIM Calcutta, ISB Hyderabad, IIT Delhi, and the Ministry of Rural Development, producing impactful publications, case studies, and technical manuals. She has also offered professional consultations in clinical and community nutrition, both in India and abroad. A gold medalist and award-winning researcher, she continues to integrate education, research, and innovation to address public health challenges.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Poonam Singhal pursued her B.Sc. (Hons.) in Home Science from Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi in 2004, graduating with distinction. She went on to complete her M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition from the same institution, securing the Gold Medal as University Topper, alongside receiving multiple academic awards. During her Master’s, she represented India in a prestigious student exchange program at Michigan State University, USA, where she gained international exposure to food and nutrition research. Her postgraduate research included projects on low-cost recipe standardization for the ICDS Supplementary Nutrition Program and experimental recipe development with natural sweeteners under industry collaborations. She earned her Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), also from Lady Irwin College, equipping her with pedagogical expertise to lead higher education courses. Her academic journey culminated with a Doctorate in Food Science & Nutrition from IIT Delhi, where she specialized in functional foods and bamboo-based nutrition systems. Her Ph.D. work, supported by IIT Delhi and DST, resulted in high-impact publications, international conference presentations, and contributions to sustainable food security research. These academic milestones, enriched with awards and international exposure, provided the foundation for her distinguished teaching, research, and consulting career.

Experience

Dr. Poonam Singhal has held diverse academic, research, and consulting roles across leading institutions in India. She is presently Principal Scientist at DST-Centre for Policy Research, University of Hyderabad, focusing on science communication, innovation systems, and policy engagement. She previously served as Assistant Professor of Nutrition at St. Joseph Degree & PG College for Women, St. Francis College for Women, and St. Ann’s College for Women, where she taught Master’s and Bachelor’s students, coordinated outreach, supervised research theses, and initiated collaborations such as a MoU on Nutrition Informatics. Earlier, as Visiting Faculty at University of Hyderabad, she taught international students, blending classroom teaching with field visits. She also worked as Faculty at NITHM Hyderabad, and as Guest Faculty at IHM Pusa and IGNOU, where she trained diploma, postgraduate, and distance-learning students in nutrition and dietetics. Beyond academia, Dr. Singhal contributed to UNICEF projects at NIRDPR Hyderabad, authored management case studies at ISB, assisted research at IIM Calcutta, and served as Project Associate at IIT Delhi for MoRD projects. Additionally, she has served as a Nutrition Consultant for Cure.fit and Sanat Products and as a freelance mentor for global students. Her career reflects a balanced blend of teaching, policy research, and applied nutrition consulting.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Poonam Singhal has been consistently recognized for her academic excellence and professional contributions with numerous prestigious awards. She secured the Laxmi Devi and Basant Rai Gold Medal and the B. Tara Bai Award for ranking first in M.Sc (Food and Nutrition) at Lady Irwin College. She also received the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad Award for academic excellence on International Women’s Day. Her early research on bamboo earned her the Best Poster Award at the National Seminar on Bamboo, and she was supported with a travel grant from IIT Delhi to present research in Thailand. she cleared the UGC-NET for Lectureship, qualifying her for faculty roles across India. Later, her strong publication record won her the Dr. Nirmala Xavier Gold Medal at St. Ann’s College for Women. She was selected for the Summer Faculty Research Fellow Programme (IIT Delhi) and received the National Nutrition Award from the Nutrition and Natural Health Science Association, New Delhi. she received multiple honors including the RND Sadhana Award, Grand Queens Global Leadership Award, and a Travel Grant for World Bamboo Congress, Taiwan. She was also nominated for a Research Award by the Republic of Rwanda, underscoring her global impact.

Research Focus

Dr. Poonam Singhal’s research interests lie at the intersection of functional foods, nutrition informatics, sustainable food systems, and public health nutrition. Her doctoral research at IIT Delhi pioneered the exploration of bamboo shoots, seeds, and leaves as novel functional foods, focusing on their nutritional properties, antioxidant potential, and role in food security. She has examined the impact of domestic cooking methods on bamboo’s nutritional profile and toxicity, generating knowledge to promote safe consumption practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her work extends to trans fats and their disease implications, contributing review papers to strengthen dietary guidelines. She has also researched changing consumption patterns in traditional food systems, bridging modern nutrition science with indigenous practices. In addition, she has contributed to UNICEF projects on nutrition education, developing training modules, brochures, and outreach materials. As an early promoter of Nutrition Informatics, she spearheaded academic-industry collaborations to integrate data-driven approaches in nutrition education and practice. Her professional consulting has emphasized clinical and community nutrition, addressing conditions such as obesity, PCOD, and cardiovascular disorders. Through her publications, patents, and policy engagements, Dr. Singhal continues to push the boundaries of nutrition research, advocating for evidence-based, sustainable, and community-focused interventions.

Publications

  • The Physico-chemical properties of Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa bambos Seeds: An Unexplored Functional Food

  • Bamboo leaves: Exploring the nutritional and antioxidant profile of the new age functional food in Bambusa vulgaris and Bambusa tulda

  • Effects of domestic cooking methods on the functional profile and cyanogenic toxicity of bamboo shoot: An Insight on achieving the food security and SDGs

  • Bamboo Leaves: An Emerging Multi-functional Food

  • Trans Fats and their Effects on Various Diseases: A Review

  • Changing Consumption Patterns of Bamboo Shoots: A Case Study of Traditional Food-Related Knowledge Systems

Conclusion

Dr. Poonam Singhal’s professional journey reflects an inspiring blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and impactful contributions to food and nutrition sciences. With a solid academic foundation from Lady Irwin College and a doctorate from IIT Delhi, she has consistently bridged the gap between research, education, and community engagement. Her work on bamboo-based functional foods, nutrition informatics, and sustainable food systems has opened new dimensions in nutritional research, aligning with global priorities such as food security and the Sustainable Development Goals. In academia, she has shaped the careers of countless students through teaching, mentoring, and curriculum innovation, while also initiating collaborations that integrated technology and evidence-based nutrition practices into higher education. Her contributions extend beyond classrooms, as reflected in her leadership of UNICEF projects, authorship of research publications, patents, and technical manuals that serve both scientific and rural communities. Recognized with multiple national and international awards, she has established herself as a leader who combines research with advocacy for healthier, more sustainable diets.

Vanesa Postigo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Vanesa Postigo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Imidra | Spain

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero is a Spanish researcher specializing in food science, fermentation, and brewing innovation. She has built a career at the intersection of microbiology, biotechnology, and beer production, with a strong emphasis on developing healthier and more sustainable brewing practices. Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at IMIDRA, she leads projects focusing on the development of non-alcoholic and bio-healthy beers using local yeast strains and regional ingredients. Her academic journey, including a PhD in Food Science from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, has been complemented by professional experience with renowned organizations such as Heineken in the Netherlands, Cervezas La Cibeles, TRAGSATEC, and CSIC-IRNASA. She has combined laboratory research with industrial applications, ensuring her work contributes both scientifically and practically to the brewing sector. Alongside her research, she has been active as a trainer, teaching beer production and tasting to diverse audiences. Multilingual and skilled in technical tools such as R, SPSS, and Mendeley, she has published extensively on yeast innovation and fermentation. Her contributions are internationally recognized through conferences and publications, positioning her as a leading figure in advancing bio-healthy brewing technologies.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero’s educational background reflects a multidisciplinary foundation in environmental sciences, biotechnology, and food science, with a strong focus on fermentation and brewing. She began her academic journey at the Universidad de Valladolid, where she studied Agricultural Engineering, developing expertise in agronomy and agricultural production systems. She then pursued a Bachelor in Environmental Sciences at Universidad de Salamanca, broadening her knowledge in sustainability, ecological processes, and environmental management. Seeking specialization, she obtained a Master in Agrobiotechnology at the same institution, where she deepened her understanding of molecular biology, biotechnology, and their applications in food and agriculture. Her passion for brewing innovation led her to complete a PhD in Food Science at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, with her thesis focusing on autochthonous yeast strains and their role in producing bio-healthy beers. This doctoral research integrated microbiology, biochemistry, and sensory science, establishing her expertise in functional brewing. To complement her academic training, she became a Certified Beer Host through the Cicerone Program, aligning scientific knowledge with sensory evaluation and consumer experience. Altogether, her educational trajectory combines agriculture, biotechnology, and food science, providing her with a holistic perspective essential for innovation in fermentation and brewing research.

Experience

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero has extensive research and industry experience in brewing science and fermentation. Since April 2024, she has served as Senior Researcher at IMIDRA, leading Project FP24-BIOCERV on non-alcoholic beer development with local yeasts and hops. Previously, she worked on Project FP22-CERVEZAM, advancing beer production using Madrid-sourced ingredients. From 2018 onwards, she has also been active as a trainer, delivering specialized courses and seminars on beer production and tasting. Her PhD research at Cervezas La Cibeles and IMIDRA focused on bio-healthy beers, complemented by an international internship at Heineken in the Netherlands, where she carried out fermentation trials with non-conventional yeasts. Earlier, as a Technologist Fellow at IMIDRA, she specialized in yeast selection and brewing method development, contributing directly to innovative brewing practices. Her professional foundation was built through roles such as Research Assistant at CSIC-IRNASA, where she worked in molecular biology and bioinformatics, and multiple internships in microbiology, environmental sciences, and agricultural studies. Across her career, she has combined scientific research with applied brewing techniques, ensuring that her work contributes both academically and industrially. Her expertise positions her as a leader in bio-healthy beer innovation and yeast-based brewing technologies.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her career, Vanesa Postigo Herrero has earned recognition for her innovative contributions to brewing science and food biotechnology. Her doctoral research at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, conducted in collaboration with Cervezas La Cibeles and IMIDRA, was distinguished as a valuable example of industrial application in bio-healthy beer innovation, showcasing her ability to integrate academic excellence with industry relevance. She has been selected to present her work at prestigious international platforms, including the  International Trends in Brewing (Leuven) and the ISSY Symposium (Turkey), which are highly competitive venues for fermentation science. Her consistent participation in national conferences, such as the AETCM Annual Congress (Málaga) and Forum CIAL (Madrid), reflects her recognition within Spain’s brewing and food science communities. She has also been invited as a trainer and course leader, further highlighting her reputation as an expert in beer production and tasting. In addition, her Certified Beer Host credential (Cicerone) represents an honor that bridges scientific and professional expertise in the sensory aspects of beer. Altogether, her awards and honors underscore her international impact, bridging academic research, brewing innovation, and education in the field of fermentation sciences.

Research Focus

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero’s research focuses on yeast biotechnology, fermentation processes, and the development of bio-healthy and sustainable beers. Her PhD work centered on the isolation and application of autochthonous yeast strains to create beers with functional and sensory properties beneficial to health. She has a strong interest in exploring non-conventional Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts, such as Lachancea thermotolerans, for producing sour, low-alcohol, and nutritionally enhanced beers. Another key area of her research is the integration of local and regional raw materials, such as hops and cereals from Madrid, into beer production, thereby promoting terroir and sustainability. She has also conducted pioneering studies on using wine yeast strains in brewing, analyzing their impact on beer aroma, flavor, and complexity. Her research extends beyond product innovation to include controlled fermentation strategies inspired by traditional lambic beer methods, connecting modern biotechnology with historical brewing practices. Vanesa’s scientific output reflects a balance between academic rigor and industrial application, with several publications in high-impact journals. Her work contributes to developing new categories of functional beverages, supporting both consumer health and craft brewing innovation. Ultimately, her research bridges microbiology, sensory science, and sustainable food production in the brewing sector.

Publications

  • Bioactive Properties of Fermented Beverages: Wine and Beer – Highlights functional compounds in fermented drinks, emphasizing their health-promoting roles in modern nutrition.

  • Autochthonous Ingredients for Craft Beer Production – Demonstrates how local yeasts and raw materials enhance craft beer identity, sustainability, and sensory uniqueness.

  • Non-conventional Saccharomyces Yeasts for Beer Production – Evaluates alternative yeasts to diversify fermentation profiles and produce innovative beer styles.

  • Study of Controlled Fermentation for Lambic Beer Production – Explores controlled fermentation strategies to replicate traditional lambic complexity with scientific precision.

  • Lachancea thermotolerans for Sour Beer Production – Confirms potential of L. thermotolerans in creating balanced sour beers with novel flavor dimensions.

  • Non-Conventional Yeast Behavior in Beer Fermentation – Investigates fermentation kinetics of non-conventional yeasts and their influence on beer quality.

Conclusion

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero has established herself as a leading researcher in food science and brewing innovation, with a career that seamlessly bridges academic research, industrial application, and education. Her work with autochthonous yeasts, non-conventional fermentation methods, and the integration of local raw materials reflects her commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer health. Through her international publications, conference contributions, and training activities, she has made significant contributions to advancing the field of bio-healthy and functional beers. With a solid multidisciplinary education, diverse professional experiences, and recognition across both academic and professional brewing communities, Vanesa continues to drive forward new scientific approaches that connect tradition, biotechnology, and modern brewing needs. Her trajectory highlights not only her expertise but also her passion for contributing impactful solutions to the food and beverage sector.