Delagnon Assou | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.