Sezen Ocak Yetişgin | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Sezen Ocak Yetişgin | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Ondokuz Mayis University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sezen Ocak Yetişgin is an Associate Professor with an academic background in animal science, specializing in zootechnics. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Çukurova University and completed both her master’s and doctoral studies in zootechnics at the Institute of Science, Çukurova University. Her doctoral research focused on the effects of early breeding use in dairy goats under subtropical conditions, with particular emphasis on production performance and hormonal mechanisms. Her master’s research examined physiological changes related to seasonal variation in purebred and crossbred male goats raised in subtropical climates. In addition to her scientific training, she also completed a non-thesis master’s degree in administration and organization, reflecting an interdisciplinary academic profile that combines animal production science with organizational knowledge.

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183

Documents
20

h-index
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Delagnon Assou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Delagnon Assou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Laboratoty of Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LaEE), University of Lomé | Togo

Delagnon ASSOU is an ecologist specializing in the sustainable use and management of natural resources, with particular expertise in biodiversity assessment, wildlife and protected areas management, ecological genomics, and fishery productivity evaluation. He holds a PhD in Ecology and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources from the University of Lomé and has received advanced international training in wildlife conservation practice from the University of Oxford. His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management with a focus on wildlife conservation, as well as solid training in animal biology and ecology. His research and professional work emphasize applied conservation science, data-driven ecological analysis, and the integration of geospatial and statistical tools to support evidence-based decision-making.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Citations
326

h-index
13

i10-index
13

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Soon-Jae Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Soon-Jae Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Lausanne & African Genome Center | Switzerland

prof. Soon-Jae Lee is a microbiome scientist affiliated with the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Microbiomes in Switzerland and based at the University of Lausanne, where his work focuses on advancing the understanding of microbial communities and their interactions with hosts and environments. His research integrates microbiology, molecular biology, and systems-level approaches to uncover how microbiomes influence health, disease, and ecosystem functioning. With a strong publication record that includes 18 scientific articles and 12 comprehensive review papers, he has made significant contributions to synthesizing complex microbiome knowledge and translating it into conceptual and practical advances for the field. His innovative research activities have also resulted in one patented invention, reflecting his engagement with applied science and technology transfer. In addition to his peer-reviewed work, he is an active contributor to the scientific community through conference participation, having delivered seven conference presentations that disseminate his findings to international audiences. He is widely recognized for his expertise, as demonstrated by his frequent invitations to speak, including 11 invited and keynote lectures at scientific meetings and academic institutions.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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200

100

0

Citations
378

Documents
16

h-index
11


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Aris Sudomo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Academic Citation Impact Award

Aris Sudomo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Academic Citation Impact Award

Gadjah Mada University | Indonesia

Mr. Aris Sudomo, S.Hut., M.Si. is a dedicated researcher specializing in silviculture and agroforestry, with a strong focus on sustainable management of community forests and tree plantations. As a Senior Researcher at the Research Center for Ecology, Life and Environmental Sciences Organization, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), he has accumulated extensive experience in forestry research and development. His academic foundation was built through a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Forestry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and a master’s degree from Hasanuddin University (Unhas), focusing on spatial planning and agroforestry systems. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in advancing sustainable forestry practices, starting with cutting propagation techniques for eucalyptus and mulberry in Gunungkidul, followed by research on Acacia mangium plantations in Riau, and later, private forest systems in Java and Sulawesi. His research has explored intercropping systems involving ginger, shade-tolerant tuber species, cardamom, and other understory crops, demonstrating the potential of agroforestry to enhance land productivity and biodiversity. He has also led participatory action research in Gunungkidul, emphasizing the integration of timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to support local livelihoods. With a strong publication record and growing citation impact, Aris continues to contribute to the development of innovative silvicultural strategies that align with ecological principles and community needs. His vision is to strengthen the role of agroforestry as a sustainable land management approach that balances environmental conservation with economic empowerment for forest-dependent communities across Indonesia.

Featured Publications

Salvatore Ceccarelli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Salvatore Ceccarelli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Bioversity International | Italy

Dr. Salvatore Ceccarelli is a distinguished agricultural scientist and plant breeder recognized globally for his pioneering contributions to participatory and evolutionary plant breeding. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has been instrumental in developing innovative breeding strategies tailored for marginal environments and resource-poor farmers. From 1984 to 2008, he served as Director of the Barley Breeding Program at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), where he designed and implemented breeding approaches that emphasized farmer participation, sustainability, and adaptability to local conditions across Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. His leadership at ICARDA helped transform traditional breeding methodologies into more inclusive and resilient systems that addressed the challenges of climate change and food security. Following his tenure as program director, he continued as a consultant and later as a freelance expert, collaborating with international and Italian organizations on research, project design, scientific reporting, and training programs focused on participatory and evolutionary genetic improvement. Dr. Ceccarelli has been deeply involved in international initiatives such as the European SOLIBAM project, promoting biodiversity, agroecology, and genetic resilience through farmer-led experimentation. His work seamlessly integrates scientific rigor with social engagement, empowering farming communities to take an active role in crop improvement. Over the years, he has authored numerous scientific papers and reports, contributing significantly to the global discourse on sustainable agriculture and genetic diversity. Through his lifelong dedication to participatory research, Dr. Ceccarelli has established himself as a leading advocate for farmer-centered innovation, bridging the gap between science and society while advancing agricultural systems that are both equitable and ecologically sound.

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Featured Publications

Raggi, L., Negri, V., & Ceccarelli, S. (2016, August 1). Morphological diversity in a barley composite cross-derived population evolved under low-input conditions and its relationship with molecular diversity: Indications for breeding. Journal of Agricultural Science, 154(8), 1210–1224.

Shakhatreh, Y., Baum, M., El Haddad, N., Alrababah, M. A., & Ceccarelli, S. (2016, June 1). Assessment of genetic diversity among Jordanian wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) genotypes revealed by SSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 63(6), 927–937.

Rahmanian, M., Razavi, K., Haghparast, R., Salimi, M., & Ceccarelli, S. (2016, January 1). Evolutionary plant breeding: A method for rapidly increasing on-farm biodiversity to support sustainable livelihoods in an era of climate change. Journal of Crop Improvement, 30(1), 1–17.

Raggi, L., Ceccarelli, S., & Negri, V. (2016, January 1). Evolution of a barley composite cross-derived population: An insight gained by molecular markers. Journal of Agricultural Science, 154(1), 23–39.

Dwivedi, S. L., Ceccarelli, S., Blair, M. W., Upadhyaya, H. D., Kumar, A. A., & Ortiz, R. (2015, November 7). Landrace germplasm for improving yield and abiotic stress adaptation. Trends in Plant Science, 21(1), 31–42.

Campanelli, G., Acciarri, N., Campion, B., Delvecchio, S., Leteo, F., Fusari, F., Angelini, P., & Ceccarelli, S. (2015). Participatory tomato breeding for organic conditions in Italy. Euphytica, 204(1), 179–197.

Alexander Ferreira | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Review Article Award

Alexander Ferreira | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Review Article Award

Laboratório de Ciências do Mar / Universidade Federal do Ceará | Brazil

Prof. Alexander Ferreira is an accomplished marine and aquatic ecologist whose career spans more than three decades of research and teaching in oceanography and estuarine biology. Earning a degree in Hydrobiology from the Facultad de Ciencias del Uruguay in 1992, a Master’s in Aquatic Ecology from the Department of Oceanography and Limnology at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in 1998, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the same institution in 2013, Dr. [Name] has built a distinguished academic foundation in marine sciences. His research has significantly advanced the understanding of estuarine and mangrove ecosystems, with particular emphasis on the ecology, taxonomy, and functional roles of Brachyura (Decapoda: Crustacea). His work on mangrove ecology and restoration has contributed to the sustainable management and conservation of these critical coastal habitats, integrating field-based ecological assessments with experimental and theoretical approaches. He has also explored higher-order interactions in ecological communities, providing novel insights into species coexistence and ecosystem resilience under changing environmental conditions. Following the completion of his postdoctoral research at the Laboratório de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR) at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) in 2018, Dr. [Name] joined the same institution as a professor and researcher. At LABOMAR, he continues to mentor students, lead interdisciplinary research projects, and collaborate with national and international networks focused on coastal ecosystem dynamics and restoration strategies. His scholarly output includes numerous scientific articles, book chapters, and conference presentations, reflecting his commitment to advancing marine ecological science and contributing to the preservation of coastal and estuarine biodiversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Profile: Scoups | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Villavicencio, C. B., Ferreira, A. C., Costa, R. C. da, Machado, J. V., Freitas, C. V. C., Moro, M. F., & Bezerra, L. E. A. (2024). Facilitation in mangrove ecosystem: The role of herbaceous species in seedling recruitment and growth patterns of Avicennia germinans in a recovering mangrove in Northeastern Brazil. Acta Botanica Brasilica, 38, 1–12.

  • Ferreira, A. C., Ashton, E. C., Ward, R. D., Hendy, I., & Lacerda, L. D. (2024). Mangrove biodiversity and conservation: Setting key functional groups and risks of climate-induced functional disruption. Diversity, 16, 423.

  • Lacerda, L. D., Ferreira, A. C., Borges, R., & Ward, R. (2024). Challenges to mangroves of the semiarid equatorial coast of Brazil in the Anthropocene. Cambridge Prisms: Coastal Futures, 2, 1–24.

  • Ferreira, A. C., de Lacerda, L. D., Rodrigues, J. V. M., & Bezerra, L. E. A. (2023). New contributions to mangrove rehabilitation/restoration protocols and practices. Wetlands Ecology and Management, 31, 89–114.

  • Ferreira, A. C., & Lacerda, L. D. (2022). Can sustainable development save mangroves? Sustainability, 14, 1263.

  • Ferreira, A. C., & de Lacerda, L. D. (2022). Mangrove restoration in NE Brazil: A unified contribution to adapting to global climate change. Arquivos de Ciências do Mar, 55, 219–230.

Saad Hussein | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Citation Achievement Award

Saad Hussein | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Citation Achievement Award

Mansoura University | Egypt

Prof. Dr. Saad Farouk Mohamed Hussein is a distinguished Egyptian scholar and Full Professor at the Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Egypt. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Agricultural Botany from Mansoura University, with research focused on plant physiological responses to salinity and osmoregulation, following his B.Sc. in Horticulture, where he graduated first in his class with distinction. Over his extensive academic career, Prof. Hussein has held several key leadership and academic positions, including Head of the Agricultural Botany Department at Mansoura University, Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Science and Art, Sinop University, Turkey, Agricultural Expert at the National Organic Agriculture Center, Qassem, Saudi Arabia, and Head of the Plant Production Department at Sirte University, Libya. He has also contributed significantly to higher education quality assurance, serving as both Manager and Deputy Manager of the Quality and Accreditation Unit at Mansoura University. Prof. Hussein’s scientific portfolio includes over 63 research papers published in high-impact international and national journals, covering Q1 to Q4 categories, and numerous conference contributions. His research excellence is complemented by his active role as a reviewer for international journals, and his mentorship in over 15 MSc and Ph.D. theses as supervisor and examiner. Recognized for his scholarly impact, he received multiple awards, including the Mansoura University Encouragement Award, the Best M.Sc. Thesis Award , and several undergraduate excellence awards. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Egyptian Horticulture Society and the Mansoura University Journal of Agricultural Sciences editorial board. Prof. Hussein’s expertise encompasses plant physiology, stress biology, quality assurance in education, and statistical analysis, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing agricultural science and education.

Profile: Scoups | Orcid | Google  Scholar             

Featured Publications

  • Farouk, S., & Amany, A. R. (2012). Improving growth and yield of cowpea by foliar application of chitosan under water stress. Egyptian Journal of Biology, 14, 14–16.

  • Farouk, S., Mosa, A. A., Taha, A. A., Ibrahim, H. M., & El-Gahmery, A. M. (2011). Protective effect of humic acid and chitosan on radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus) plants subjected to cadmium stress. Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry, 7(2), 99–116.

  • Farouk, S. (2011). Ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol minimize salt-induced wheat leaf senescence. Journal of Stress Physiology & Biochemistry, 7(3), 58–79.

  • Farouk, S., Elhindi, K. M., & Alotaibi, M. A. (2020). Silicon supplementation mitigates salinity stress on Ocimum basilicum L. via improving water balance, ion homeostasis, and antioxidant defense system. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 206, 111396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111396

  • Farouk, S., & Al-Amri, S. M. (2019). Zinc and paclobutrazol mediated regulation of growth, upregulating antioxidant aptitude and plant productivity of pea plants under salinity. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 180, 349–359.

Anand Prakash Singh | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Anand Prakash Singh | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan | United States

Dr. Anand Prakash Singh is a Research Investigator at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, where he leads translational studies in cardio-oncology, cardio-immunology, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and exercise-induced cardiac regeneration. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology from the University of Lucknow (2007), M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the University of Allahabad, and Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Following his doctorate, he completed postdoctoral training at prestigious institutions including South Asian University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, while also serving as a visiting scholar at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. His research focuses on understanding the molecular pathways of cardiac inflammation, senescence, and regeneration, particularly in the context of metabolic stress and cancer therapy–induced cardiotoxicity. Dr. Singh is the recipient of multiple competitive grants, including the Frankel Cardiovascular Center Inaugural Grant Award and VA IPA funding, and has contributed as Co-Investigator to major NIH and AHA projects exploring heart–brain interactions and exercise-mediated cardioprotection. Recognized for his scholarly excellence, he has received honors such as the First Prize for Oral Presentation at the International Conference on Innovation & Technologies in Medicine and Healthcare and the Outstanding Reviewer Award from Experimental Biology and Medicine. His ongoing research aims to bridge basic molecular mechanisms with clinical therapeutics for cardiovascular disease prevention and recovery.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Guo, H. L. Y., Gupte, M., Umbarkar, P., Singh, A. P., et al. (2017). Entanglement of GSK-3β, β-catenin and TGF-β1 signaling network to regulate myocardial fibrosis. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 174, Article 107–118.

Singh, A. P., Glennon, M. S., Umbarkar, P., Gupte, M., Galindo, C. L., Zhang, Q., et al. (2019). Ponatinib-induced cardiotoxicity: Delineating the signalling mechanisms and potential rescue strategies. Cardiovascular Research, 115(5), 966–977.

Umbarkar, P., Tousif, S., Singh, A. P., Anderson, J. C., Zhang, Q., Tallquist, M. D., et al. (2022). Fibroblast GSK-3α promotes fibrosis via RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in the injured heart. Circulation Research, 131(7), 620–636.

Singh, A. P., Umbarkar, P., Tousif, S., & Lal, H. (2020). Cardiotoxicity of the BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Emphasis on ponatinib. International Journal of Cardiology, 316, 214–221.

Umbarkar, P., Singh, A. P., Gupte, M., Verma, V. K., Galindo, C. L., Guo, Y., Zhang, Q., et al. (2019). Cardiomyocyte SMAD4-dependent TGF-β signaling is essential to maintain adult heart homeostasis. JACC: Basic to Translational Science, 4(1), 41–53.

Tousif, S., Singh, A. P., Umbarkar, P., Galindo, C., Wheeler, N., Toro Cora, A., et al. (2023). Ponatinib drives cardiotoxicity by S100A8/A9-NLRP3-IL-1β mediated inflammation. Circulation Research, 132(3), 267–289.

Antonio Borghese | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Distinguished Scientist Award

Antonio Borghese | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Distinguished Scientist Award

International Buffalo Federation | Italy

Professor Dr. Antonio Borghese, is an eminent Italian scientist renowned for his pioneering contributions to animal production and buffalo research. He earned degrees in Biological Sciences and Veterinary Medicine with top honors, followed by a professional qualification as a veterinarian  and a teaching diploma in Animal Production. His distinguished career began at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Rome and continued as a researcher and later Research Director at the Animal Production Research Institute (Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia) in Monterotondo, where he also served as General Director and Director of the Animal Management and Buffalo Department. Professor Borghese has coordinated numerous national and international projects on livestock development, reproduction, and buffalo improvement, significantly advancing animal production systems. A prolific author, he has published over 413 scientific papers and six influential books, including the FAO monograph Buffalo Production and Research and Buffalo Livestock and Products. He has also edited the IDF Bulletin on Milking Management of Dairy Buffaloes and organized major global congresses in buffalo science. As General Secretary of the International Buffalo Federation (IBF) and Coordinator of the FAO Inter-Regional Cooperative Research Network on Buffalo, he has played a central role in promoting buffalo development worldwide through research, education, and international collaboration. Professor Borghese’s lifelong dedication has made him one of the world’s foremost authorities in buffalo science and sustainable animal production.

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Featured Publications

Sgro, L. A., Basile, G., Barone, A. C., D’Anna, A., Minutolo, P., Borghese, A., … (2003). Detection of combustion formed nanoparticles. Chemosphere, 51(10), 1079–1090.

Borghese, A., & Merola, S. S. (1998). Time-resolved spectral and spatial description of laser-induced breakdown in air as a pulsed, bright, and broadband ultraviolet–visible light source. Applied Optics, 37(18), 3977–3983.

Sgro, L. A., Borghese, A., Speranza, L., Barone, A. C., Minutolo, P., Bruno, A., … (2008). Measurements of nanoparticles of organic carbon and soot in flames and vehicle exhausts. Environmental Science & Technology, 42(3), 859–863.

Borghese, A., D’Alessio, A., Diana, M., & Venitozzi, C. (1989). Development of hot nitrogen kernel, produced by a very fast spark discharge. Symposium (International) on Combustion, 22(1), 1651–1659.

D’Alessio, A., Di Lorenzo, A., Borghese, A., Beretta, F., & Masi, S. (1977). Study of the soot nucleation zone of rich methane-oxygen flames. Symposium (International) on Combustion, 16(1), 695–708.

Borghese, A., Canevari, R., Donati, V., & Garifo, L. (1981). Unstable–stable resonators with toroidal mirrors. Applied Optics, 20(20), 3547–3552.

Guoping Zhang | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Most Cited Article Award

Guoping Zhang | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Most Cited Article Award

Zhejiang University | China

Dr. Guoping Zhang, is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Zhejiang University, China, with a prolific career in plant science spanning over four decades. He earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from Zhejiang Agricultural University and his Ph.D.  from Zhejiang University. Beginning his academic journey as an Assistant Lecturer, he rapidly advanced to Professor  and has been a leading faculty member at Zhejiang University. Dr. Zhang’s research primarily focuses on the molecular physiology of stress tolerance in crops, development and evaluation of barley germplasm with high nutrient use efficiency and tolerance to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and acidic soils, as well as the molecular mechanisms governing heavy metal accumulation and tolerance in plants. Over the past two decades, he has successfully led more than research projects, including funded by the China Natural Science Foundation, and published over peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals such as Nature and PNAS, accumulating citations with an h-index of 69. Beyond his research, Dr. Zhang has contributed significantly to the scientific community, serving as chairman of the International Barley Genetics Symposium and as an editorial board member for leading journals, including Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, Plant Growth Regulation, and Journal of Integrative Agriculture. His work bridges fundamental molecular research and applied crop improvement, with a strong emphasis on phytoremediation and sustainable crop production, making him a globally recognized leader in plant stress biology and agronomy.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Fu, L. B., Shen, Q. F., Kuang, L. H., Wu, D. Z., & Zhang, G. P. (2019). Transcriptomic and alternative splicing analyses reveal mechanisms of the difference in salt tolerance between barley and rice. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 166, 103810.

  • Ye, L. Z., Wang, Y., Long, L. Z., Luo, H., Shen, Q. F., Broughton, S., Wu, D. X., Shu, X. L., Dai, F., Li, C. D., & Zhang, G. P. (Year). A trypsin family protein gene regulates tillering and leaf shape in barley. Plant Physiology, 181, 701–713.

  • Huang, L., Kuang, L. H., Wu, L. Y., Shen, Q. F., Han, Y., Jiang, L. X., Wu, D. Z., & Zhang, G. P. (2020). The HKT transporter HvHKT1;5 negatively regulates salt tolerance. Plant Physiology, 182, 584–596.

  • Shen, Q. F., Fu, L. B., Su, T. T., Ye, L. Z., Huang, L., Kuang, L. H., Wu, L. Y., Wu, D. Z., Chen, Z. H., & Zhang, G. P. (2020). Calmodulin HvCaM1 negatively regulates salt tolerance via modulation of HvHKT1s and HvCAMTA4. Plant Physiology, 183, 1650–1662.

  • Cai, S. G., Shen, Q. F., Huang, Y. Q., Han, Z. G., Wu, D. Z., Chen, Z. H., Nevo, E., & Zhang, G. P. (2021). Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanism underlying the edaphic adaptation in wild barley at evolution slope (Tabigha). Advanced Science.