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

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.

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.

Ivana ŠKRLEC | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Ivana ŠKRLEC | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek | Croatia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivana Škrlec is an accomplished molecular biologist and academic at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health in Osijek, Croatia, where she teaches in the Department of Biophysics, Biology, and Chemistry. She earned her Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Zagreb, completed a postgraduate study in Molecular Diagnostics, and defended her PhD at the Faculty of Medicine in Osijek under the supervision of Prof. Borut Peterlin. Dedicated to higher education and research, she lectures in biology, genetics, laboratory technologies, and research methodology, and contributes to the interdisciplinary PhD program in Molecular Biosciences at J. J. Strossmayer University in Osijek, where she teaches courses on computational statistical methods and scientific writing. A strong mentor, she has supervised numerous theses and actively fosters research engagement among students. Her scholarly impact is reflected in her extensive publications, including scientific papers, technical papers, three book chapters, and conference abstracts, along with oral presentations at international conferences. She serves as a reviewer for medical journals and is on the editorial boards of the Journal of Clinical and Medical Research and Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine. Recognized internationally, she has received multiple awards, including the MDPI Award for a highly cited paper, the Distinguished Editorial Board Member Award, and the first prize for the most cited publication in the Journal of Fungi. She has also gained international experience as a visiting scientist in Serbia, Hungary, and Slovenia and has played an active role in organizing major international congresses. Her research spans mental health, cardiogenetics, population genetics, endocrine disorders, circadian rhythms, and molecular biology, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing science and education.

profile: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Milostić-Srb, A., Srb, N., Talapko, J., Meštrović, T., Žiger, T., Pačarić, S., Fureš, R., & … (2024). The effect of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on assisted human reproduction outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diseases, 12(9), 201.

Vasilj-Mihaljevic, M., Mihaljevic, I., Bekic, S., Zubcic, Z., Vasilj, A., & … (2024). Correlation of TPO antibody concentration with thyroid hormones as a predictor of clinical hypothyroidism/Korelacija koncentracije anti-TPO sa tireoidnim hormonima kao prediktor kliničkog hipotireoidizma. Acta Clinica Croatica, 63(3–4), 542–552.

Gorski, D. B., Vlainić, J., Škrlec, I., Novak, S., Novosel, Ž., Biloglav, Z., Plečko, V., & … (2024). Virulence factors and susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, triclosan, and chlorhexidine among Enterococci from clinical specimens, food, and wastewater. Microorganisms, 12(9), 1808.

Talapko, J., Erić, S., Meštrović, T., Stipetić, M. M., Juzbašić, M., Katalinić, D., & … (2024). The impact of oral microbiome dysbiosis on the aetiology, pathogenesis, and development of oral cancer. Cancers, 16(17), 2997.

Talapko, J., Juzbašić, M., Meštrović, T., Matijević, T., Mesarić, D., Katalinić, D., & … (2024). Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: From the oral cavity to the heart valves. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1451.

Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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.