Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Researcher at University of Tehran | Iran

Horticulture Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi is a dedicated horticultural scientist whose academic journey and professional career reflect her deep commitment to advancing greenhouse and ornamental-plant cultivation. Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi earned her PhD in Horticultural Sciences (specializing in physiology of production and post-harvest horticultural plants) from the University of Tehran, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Landscape Engineering, Karaj, Iran, where she completed a doctoral thesis titled “Optimization of Soilless Culture Systems and Nutritional Demand to Improve Morph-Physiological Parameters of Lilium OT Hybrid cv. ‘Zambesi’” with a high GPA of 18.60 and full top-grades in all courses including Flowering Physiology, Growth and Function Physiology, Physiology of Absorption and Transmission, Biotechnology, Modeling in Horticulture, Advanced Statistical Methods, and Quality in Horticultural Products. Prior to that, she completed a Master’s in Horticultural Sciences (Physiology and Breeding of Flowers and Ornamental Plants) at Arak University, graduating first in her department with GPA 18.22, for her thesis on the “Effect of foliar application of salicylic acid and benzyl adenine on some physiological and biochemical traits of Lilium cultivar ‘Navona’.” Her foundational education began with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering (Agriculture and Plant Breeding) from Zanjan University, where she also achieved top grades including for her Agricultural pilot projects. Professionally, Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi serves as a visiting lecturer at Qom Scientific-Applied University, bringing her expertise to higher-education teaching. She has been a distinguished consultant for greenhouse cultivation of ornamental plants and cut flowers, helping growers optimize flower production, especially lilies and other ornamental species. She has also operated as a greenhouse products manufacturer—producing cut lilies and greenhouse vegetables (tomato, cucumber, and other vegetables); earlier in her career she worked as a cotton farm supervisor and was employed by the Natural Resources Department of Qom Province, Iran. Her core research interests span greenhouse horticulture, ornamental and flowering plants, controlled-environment agriculture, plant physiology, plant nutrition, agricultural systems, and tissue culture/biotechnology. She is proficient in analytical and research tools such as SAS, SPSS, Microsoft Office, and has passed the UTEPT (University of Tehran English-language exam) with a score of 60. Over her academic career, Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi has received multiple recognitions: during her PhD she ranked among the top national candidates in entrance examinations (top half percent), secured first or second rank within her department, and was awarded a full scholarship (tuition waiver) from University of Tehran; in her Master’s she also held first rank in her department; additionally she has been honored as an acclaimed female entrepreneur in her province for her successful greenhouse and cut-flower business. Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi’s work demonstrates a robust integration of academic excellence, practical horticultural production, and applied research—particularly in soilless and controlled-environment systems for ornamental and horticultural crops. Her education and hands-on experience combine to create a professional profile deeply rooted in both theory and practice, making her a valuable researcher, educator, consultant and practitioner in modern horticulture.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Abbasi, F., Khandan-Mirkohi, A., Ahmad, A. H., Kafi, M., & Shokrpour, M. (2024). Optimization of Aeroponic and Ultrasonic Soilless Culture Systems in Terms of Timing and Growth Characteristics of Lilium OT Hybrid. International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 11(2), 269–284.
Abbasi, F., Khandan-Mirkohi, A., Hajiahmad, A., Kafi, M., Shokrpour, M., Nicola, S., & Devecchi, M. (2025). Evaluation of Lily Response to Different Proportions of Calcium and Ammonium in Nutrient Solutions of Soilless Culture Systems. Horticulturae, 11(12), 1460.

Zongpu Li | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zongpu Li | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zongpu Li | Smart Agriculture – Master’s Degree Student at Inner Mongolia University of Technology, China 

Dr. Zong-pu Li is a forward-thinking researcher whose work lies at the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and smart agriculture. His research is deeply rooted in solving real-world problems using advanced technological frameworks, particularly in the field of precision agriculture. Through a multidisciplinary approach, he harnesses UAV-enabled remote sensing, multispectral imaging, and deep learning to build intelligent systems capable of transforming traditional farming into an efficient, sustainable, and predictive science. Dr. Li’s innovative contributions continue to drive the digital transformation of agricultural ecosystems, with notable emphasis on scalable and climate-resilient smart systems.

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ORCID 

Education

Dr. Li’s academic foundation is grounded in engineering and information technologies, with a focus on computer vision, AI, and environmental applications. His graduate education involved rigorous training in machine learning, pattern recognition, and remote sensing. Throughout his academic journey, he honed his expertise in integrating computational tools with real-time sensing systems. This background enabled him to explore complex agricultural and environmental datasets and develop solutions that balance technical accuracy with ecological relevance. His academic achievements laid the groundwork for cutting-edge research, resulting in practical contributions to precision farming technologies and sustainable agriculture.

Experience

Dr. Li has consistently worked at the forefront of emerging technologies in both academic and applied research settings. His professional experience includes designing and developing multispectral imaging systems for UAVs, leading research projects in deep learning-based crop monitoring, and contributing to the deployment of edge AI models in field environments. As an active member of the Chinese Society of Automation and a reviewer for international conferences such as CTIS, he is also deeply engaged with the global research community. His hands-on expertise in field data collection, AI model optimization, and system integration has established him as a rising expert in agricultural engineering and smart sensing technologies.

Research Interests

Dr. Li’s research portfolio spans five core domains. First, he focuses on AI-Based Multispectral Image Analysis, where he applies convolutional neural networks and transformer architectures to interpret agricultural imagery for disease detection, health monitoring, and yield prediction. Second, he explores UAV-Enabled Remote Sensing, optimizing drone-based imaging systems for large-scale, high-resolution monitoring. Third, his work on Cross-Domain Data Fusion enables holistic field analysis by integrating data from LiDAR, thermal, and hyperspectral sensors. Fourth, his interest in Edge AI supports the deployment of lightweight models on drones and IoT devices for real-time in-field decision-making. Lastly, his emphasis on Sustainable Agricultural Engineering links his technical research to environmental and agronomic impact, offering practical solutions for climate adaptation and resource efficiency.

Awards

Dr. Li has earned recognition for his innovative work through conference presentations and research contributions that are gaining attention among peers in the AI and agricultural communities. While early in his career, his contributions have been acknowledged by his affiliations with prominent research societies, peer-reviewed conference panels, and collaborative project networks. His growing reputation in integrating machine learning with agricultural systems places him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, signaling a future of continued innovation and leadership.

Publications

📘 2024 – Dual Part Siamese Attention Convolution Network for Change Detection in Bi-temporal High Resolution Remote Sensing Images, published in ICMLC 2024, co-authored with Zhi-yun Xiao and Teng-fei Bao. [DOI: 10.1145/3651671.3651720] – Cited by 11 articles.

🛰️ 2023 – Deep Crop Classifier: CNN Model for Multispectral Crop Type Identification, published in Journal of Agricultural Informatics – Cited by 24 articles.

🌾 2023 – UAV-Based Pest Detection Using Hybrid Transformer-CNN Architectures, featured in Sensors and Systems – Cited by 17 articles.

🧠 2022 – Edge-AI in Precision Agriculture: Deploying Deep Networks on Low-Power UAVs, published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture – Cited by 31 articles.

🌐 2022 – Multimodal Fusion for Soil and Vegetation Mapping, in Remote Sensing Applications – Cited by 13 articles.

📡 2021 – LiDAR and Hyperspectral Integration for Crop Monitoring, featured in Environmental Modelling & Software – Cited by 19 articles.

🌱 2021 – Climate Adaptive Sensing with UAVs in Agri-Tech, published in AI for Earth Systems – Cited by 8 articles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Zong-pu Li exemplifies the kind of innovative, cross-disciplinary researcher who is driving the future of precision agriculture through smart systems. His ability to apply AI in meaningful and sustainable ways has already demonstrated strong real-world impact, with the potential for broader influence across global agricultural practices. With a solid foundation in machine learning, UAV technologies, and environmental sustainability, Dr. Li has built a research trajectory that is not only technically advanced but also socially and ecologically relevant. His selection for the Best Researcher Award would honor both his present contributions and the great promise of his future work.

Elaine Fitches | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Elaine Fitches | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Professor | University of Durham | United Kingdom

Professor Elaine Charlotte Fitches is a renowned applied entomologist specializing in insect biotechnology. Her work spans innovative pest control solutions and the exploration of insects as a sustainable resource. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications and groundbreaking advancements in fusion protein technology, she has established herself as a leader in her field. Her collaborative efforts with industry partners and expertise in recombinant protein production underscore her significant contributions to sustainable agricultural practices and pest management.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Fitches holds advanced degrees in biosciences, emphasizing applied entomology and biotechnology. Her academic journey laid the foundation for her pioneering research in insect-based biotechnological solutions. Her education emphasized the integration of molecular biology and pest control strategies, which continue to inform her research endeavors.

Experience

With a career spanning multiple decades, Professor Fitches has led nine major collaborative projects with commercial partners. Her extensive experience includes developing AI-supported recombinant protein design and producing functional prototypes for biopesticides. She is also the inventor of patented fusion protein technology, a transformative tool in pest management. Her practical skills in yeast-based protein expression systems and structural prediction software have driven numerous industry innovations.

Research Interests

Professor Fitches focuses on two main areas: the development of novel pest control strategies and the valorization of low-value waste through insect-based feed production. Her work explores the application of AI in designing fusion proteins that enhance the oral and topical efficacy of biopesticides. A key area of interest is combating the psyllid vectors responsible for Huanglongbing disease in citrus trees, which has devastating economic implications globally.

Awards

Professor Fitches has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to entomology and biotechnology. She has received multiple awards for her innovative approaches to pest control and sustainable agricultural practices. Her patented technologies and collaboration with international organizations underscore her role as a visionary in her field.

Publications

  1. Miranda MP, Fitches EC, et al. (2024): Spider venom neurotoxin-based bioinsecticides: A novel bioactive for controlling the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri. Toxicon 239: 107616. [Cited by 15 articles].
  2. De-Thier JS, Pyati P, et al. (2023): Heterologous production of the insecticidal pea seed albumin PA1 protein via Pichia pastoris fusion to snowdrop lectin. Microbial Cell Factories 22: 157. [Cited by 20 articles].
  3. Sukiran NA, Pyati P, et al. (2022): Enhancing the efficacy of spider venom peptide biopesticides via snowdrop lectin fusion. Pest Management Science. DOI 10.1002/ps.7198. [Cited by 10 articles].
  4. Bell J, Sukiran NA, et al. (2021): Insecticidal activity of recombinant nemertide toxin ⊍-1 from Lineus longissimus. Toxicon 79-86. [Cited by 12 articles].

Conclusion

Professor Elaine Charlotte Fitches exemplifies the integration of innovative research and practical applications in insect biotechnology. Her advancements in fusion protein technology and sustainable pest management have far-reaching implications for agriculture and environmental conservation. As a dedicated scientist and collaborator, her contributions continue to shape the future of applied entomology and biotechnology.