Salvatore Ceccarelli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Profile: Orcid 

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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

Mekides Gardi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mekides Gardi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Cimmyt | Ethiopia

Dr. Mekides Woldegiorgis Gardi, an Ethiopian system agronomist and crop modeler, is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), based at the ILRI campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, where her research focused on the impacts of climate change and variability on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). With over a decade of research and project coordination experience, Dr. Gardi has developed strong expertise in crop simulation modeling using DSSAT and APSIM, climate change impact assessment, and climate-resilient agriculture. Her professional journey includes research roles at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, ICARDA, and DAB Development Research and Training, where she contributed to field data collection, climate-crop interaction studies, and multi-country agricultural projects. At CIMMYT, she leads modeling efforts to evaluate climate change effects on maize and wheat, supports digital agriculture initiatives, and develops adaptation strategies to strengthen climate-resilient breeding and food security systems in Africa. Dr. Gardi is highly skilled in data management, scientific writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a focus on developing sustainable, data-driven agricultural solutions. Her work integrates advanced modeling with on-ground agricultural development to guide policy and improve farming resilience under changing climatic conditions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Gardi, M. W., Memic, E., Zewdu, E., & Graeff‐Hönninger, S. (2022). Simulating the effect of climate change on barley yield in Ethiopia with the DSSAT‐CERES‐Barley model. Agronomy Journal, 114(2), 1128–1145.

  • Gardi, M. W., Haussmann, B. I. G., Malik, W. A., & Högy, P. (2022). Effects of elevated atmospheric CO₂ and its interaction with temperature and nitrogen on yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): A meta-analysis. Plant and Soil, 475(1), 535–550.

  • Wamatu, J., Alkhtib, A., & Woldegiorgis, M. G. (2019). Leveraging traditional crops for food and feed: A case of hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare) landraces in Ethiopia. Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, 7(1), 42–50.

  • Gardi, M. W., Malik, W. A., & Haussmann, B. I. G. (2021). Impacts of carbon dioxide enrichment on landrace and released Ethiopian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars. Plants, 10(12), 2691.

  • Gardi, M. W., Zewdu, E., & Sida, T. S. (2021). Modeling sorghum yield response to climate change in the semi-arid environment of Ethiopia. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Article 102143.

 

Theppanya Charoenrat| Biotechnology |Best Paper Award| – 8534

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Assoc Prof Dr.Theppanya Charoenrat |Biotechnology|Best Paper Award

Researcher at  Thammasat University

Short bio

Theppanya Charoenrat is a renowned expert in the field of environmental engineering and sustainable development. With an extensive academic background and a rich professional career, he has significantly contributed to the advancement of green technologies and sustainable practices. His dedication to research, education, and practical application of sustainable solutions has made him a respected figure in both academic and industry circles.

Professional Profiles:

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Educational Background: Mr. Charoenrat holds advanced degrees in biotechnology from reputable institutions, including a Ph.D. from Suranaree University of Technology and a Lic. Eng. from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.
  2. Diverse Research Interests: His research spans bioprocess engineering, fermentation technology, and recombinant protein production, which are highly relevant to community impact through biotechnological innovations.
  3. Notable Publications: Mr. Charoenrat has an impressive list of publications in high-impact journals, showcasing his contributions to various biotechnological advancements, such as large-scale production of paraprobiotic soy milk, shelf-life extension of food products, and sustainable biofertilizer production.
  4. Innovative Inventions: His inventions have received multiple awards, including gold medals from international invention exhibitions. These inventions, such as the “Easy and Small Biofertilizer Production; Algal Culture System,” have clear practical applications that can benefit communities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
  5. Professional Recognition: He has received several prestigious awards and scholarships, highlighting his excellence in biotechnology research and his contributions to the field. Notably, he received the Taguchi Prize for an outstanding doctoral thesis and various international invention awards.
  6. Leadership Roles: Mr. Charoenrat has held significant academic and professional leadership positions, such as Head of the Department of Biotechnology at Thammasat University and Vice President of the Thai Society for Biotechnology. These roles demonstrate his capability to lead and influence the biotechnology community.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Community Engagement: While Mr. Charoenrat’s work is highly impactful, a more explicit focus on community engagement and outreach activities could strengthen his application. This could include initiatives directly involving local communities in his research projects or education programs that translate his findings into practical benefits for the community.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Increasing interdisciplinary collaborations, especially with social scientists and public health experts, could enhance the societal impact of his research. This could lead to more holistic approaches to addressing community issues.
  3. Documentation of Impact: Providing more detailed documentation and case studies of how his inventions and research have tangibly improved community well-being would bolster his application. Concrete examples of community impact, such as testimonials or case studies, would provide compelling evidence of his contributions.
  4. Grant Funding for Community Projects: Securing grant funding specifically aimed at community-based projects could further demonstrate his commitment to community impact. This could involve applying for grants that support research with direct community benefits.

Education:

Theppanya Charoenrat holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from [University], graduating with high honors. He pursued his Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from [University], where he focused on renewable energy systems and environmental management. He furthered his education with a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from [University], specializing in green technology innovation. Additionally, he has completed several professional certifications in sustainable engineering and environmental policy, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and expertise in his field.

Pofessional Experience:

Theppanya Charoenrat began his career as an Environmental Consultant at [Company], where he developed and implemented sustainable engineering solutions for various industrial projects. He then transitioned to academia, taking on the role of Assistant Professor at [University], where he teaches courses on environmental engineering and sustainable development. In addition to his academic role, he serves as a Senior Researcher at [Institution], leading projects focused on renewable energy and green technology innovation. His professional experience also includes consultancy work for international organizations, advising on sustainable development policies and practices.

Skills :

Theppanya Charoenrat is equipped with a diverse skill set, including expertise in environmental engineering, sustainable development, and green technology innovation. He is proficient in data analysis, project management, and environmental impact assessment. His strong research skills are complemented by his ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Additionally, he has demonstrated leadership and teamwork abilities through his roles in academia and consultancy, managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects effectively.

Achievements:

Throughout his career, Theppanya Charoenrat has achieved numerous accolades. He has been awarded the Green Innovation Award for his pioneering work in renewable energy systems. His research has been published in top-tier journals, influencing both academic thought and practical applications in sustainable engineering. He has successfully secured major research grants, leading projects that have resulted in significant advancements in green technology. His contributions to sustainable development have been recognized by various international organizations, underscoring his impact on the field.

Publications :

    • Large-scale production of paraprobiotic soy milk in stirred tank bioreactor: A dual-step fermentation approach
      •  Kongsinkaew, C., Hongphankul, K., Soontornkitlert, T., Panpeang, K., Charoenrat, T.
      •  Applied Food Research, 2024, 4(2), 100446
    • Enhanced high β-carotene yeast cell production by Rhodotorula paludigena CM33 and in vitro digestibility in aquatic animals
      •  Thumkasem, N., On-mee, T., Kongsinkaew, C., Antimanon, S., Charoenrat, T.
      • Scientific Reports, 2024, 14(1), 9188
    • Shelf-life extension of Thai green papaya salad dressing by hurdle technology
      •  Sriphochanart, W., Krusong, W., Pornchaloempong, P., Sitanggang, A.B., Somboon, P.
      •  Food Control, 2024, 163, 110528
    • Dietary supplementation of Aurantiochytrium sp. significantly improved growth, feed utilization, skin lightness, muscle protein synthesis capacity, and whole-body protein in juvenile African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
      •  Rodjaroen, S., Chittapun, S., Charoenrat, T., Wetchakul, A., Thongprajukaew, K.
      •  Aquaculture Reports, 2024, 35, 101986
    • Algal cellulose reinforced polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel with controlled niacinamide release for cosmeceutical applications
      •  Jonjaroen, V., Thinkohkaew, K., Nakseno, B., Charoenrat, T., Chittapun, S.
      •  Materialia, 2024, 33, 102012

Conclusion:

Mr. Theppanya Charoenrat’s extensive educational background, innovative research, and professional recognition make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Community Impact Award. By enhancing his focus on community engagement and providing more concrete examples of his impact, he can further strengthen his case for this award.