Seifu Kibebew | Crop Modeling | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Seifu Kibebew | Crop Modeling | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Seifu Kibebew | Crop Modeling | PhD Candidate at Haramaya University | India

Crop Modeling serves as the foundational theme of Mr. Seifu Kibebew’s professional journey, shaping his academic pursuits, research expertise, and instructional contributions across Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. Mr. Seifu Kibebew is an emerging agronomy scholar whose work integrates climate change analysis, sustainable crop production, and decision-support technologies to enhance agricultural resilience in Central Ethiopia. Educated through a carefully structured academic trajectory, he is currently a PhD candidate in Agronomy at Haramaya University, where his dissertation focuses on “Modeling Climate Change Analysis, Impact Assessment and Nitrogen Optimization for Bread Wheat Production in Central Ethiopia,” a research area that aligns strongly with modern Crop Modeling approaches and the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT). Prior to his doctoral work, he earned a Master’s degree in Agronomy from Haramaya University and a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Jimma University, each stage reinforcing his passion for crop physiology, production systems, and climate-smart agriculture. Professionally, Mr. Seifu Kibebew has accumulated extensive field and academic experience, beginning as a Horticulture and Irrigation Expert at the Agricultural and Rural Development Office, a government institution where he provided technical guidance, managed irrigation systems, and supported farmers in improving horticultural yields. He later transitioned into academia as a Lecturer at Salale University, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Plant Science in Fitche, where he mentors students, supervises research, and teaches advanced courses in agronomy, soil–crop relationships, and simulation modeling. His research interests include crop modeling, climate change projection and impact assessment, nitrogen optimization strategies, DSSAT simulation, sustainable food production systems, and adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers facing climatic variability. Mr. Seifu Kibebew’s technical skillset is equally strong; he is proficient in statistical and modeling software such as SAS, GenStat, MS-Excel, MS-Word, and MS-PowerPoint, and demonstrates capability in managing computerized agricultural datasets for research and decision support. His professional competencies include management and leadership ability, interpersonal communication skills, multitasking capacity, strong analytical reasoning, stress tolerance, problem solving, planning and organization, operational decision-making, customer focus, and the ability to work collaboratively at all organizational levels while maintaining values such as respect, accountability, courage, and excellence. He has also received several training certificates that strengthened his field knowledge, including international training in irrigation and postharvest technologies in vegetable production, irrigation and crop management organized by professional agricultural institutions, training on garden-based nutrition through Save the Children’s ENGINE project, TOT training on nutrition program management by Jhpiego, and specialized workshops on homestead vegetable production, apple management, and honey production facilitated by international and national development organizations. His professional awards and recognitions stem from his excellence in teaching, community service, modeling application skills, and contributions to climate-focused agronomy research. In conclusion, Mr. Seifu Kibebew stands as a dedicated agronomist whose academic commitment, diverse field experience, and strong foundation in Crop Modeling position him as a valuable contributor to Ethiopia’s sustainable agriculture transformation, with a future career pathway strongly oriented toward climate-resilient food production, agricultural technology advancement, and high-impact scientific research.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Kibebew, S. (2025). Calibration and validation of the CERES-Wheat model in DSSAT to assess climate change impacts and adaptation options for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in central Oromia, Ethiopia. Agronomy Journal.
  2. Kibebew, S. (2025). Climate trends, variability, and changes in extreme indices under future projections over Central Oromia, Ethiopia. Discover Environment.

Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Master at University of Guayaquil | Ecuador

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz is a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of Agricultural Sciences, with a particular focus on Plant Protection, Entomology, Agroecology, and Sustainable Crop Systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Protected Agriculture (Plant Protection) from the University of Almería, Spain, where her doctoral research centered on biological pest control and greenhouse crop management. Prof. Cuzco Cruz also holds master’s degrees in Sanitation and Plant Production from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and in Geomatics, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Models for Forest Management from the University of Córdoba, Spain, complementing her undergraduate degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Professionally, she has served as a Professor and Researcher at leading institutions such as the University of Guayaquil, University Agraria del Ecuador, and Technological University ECOTEC, where she has contributed to both academic instruction and research leadership. Her research interests include biological control of insect pests, pest ecology in greenhouse systems, biodiversity assessment, and the integration of IoT and remote sensing technologies in sustainable agriculture. She is proficient in molecular and morphological pest identification, experimental design, statistical analysis, and spatial modeling techniques. Throughout her career, Prof. Cuzco Cruz has received multiple academic honors, including recognition for Outstanding Research in Agricultural Innovation and leadership in Sustainable Agroecological Development Projects. Her scholarly contributions are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar, which address emerging challenges in pest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture. Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz continues to promote scientific excellence through interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative approaches that strengthen sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship for future generations.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Cuzco Cruz, M. E., Bustos, J. P. Q., Cabrera, W. G. M., & Sánchez, A. J. L. (2022). Molecular and morphological characterization of the genus Pythium from forest species. RECIAMUC, 6(2), 375–387. 

  2. Cuzco Cruz, M. E. (2014). Development of rearing methods for Hambletonia pseudococcina (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its efficacy in the biological control of Dysmicoccus texensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

  3. Sánchez, A. J. L., Sornoza, J. S. V., Cruz, M. E. C., & Bustos, J. P. Q. (2022). Evaluation of zootechnical parameters of Oreochromis spp fed with 8% corn FVH and ascorbic acid in earthen ponds. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, 6(5), 5056–5070.

  4. Cuzco, M. E., Vera, A. M., Quiñonez, J. P., Mera, L. F., & Lao, M. T. (2025). Influence of a greenhouse adapted to the Ecuadorian coastal climate on pest dynamics in tomato crops. Horticulturae, 11(11), 1279. 

  5. Cuzco, M., Santos, D., Vivas, M., Cotto, M., Vera, A., & Quito, E. (2024). Identification, spatial distribution and report of new records of pest and beneficial insect species in Ecuador from Samanea saman trees. African Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(Si4), 5458–5469.

  6. Rolando, L., Paulino, M. P., Astudillo-Astudillo, E. A., Cruz, M. E. C., et al. (2023). The impact of agroecological practices on biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Migration Letters, 20(S3), 1282–1294. 

  7. Prada Herrera, J. C., Bolaños Contreras, C. C., Cano Legua, F. E., & Cruz, M. E. C. (2023). Strategies for microbiological control in food: Microbiological control, agronomy, and environmental conservation. Journal of Namibian Studies, 33. 

 

Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural – Chief Research Officer at Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Sierra Leone

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman is a seasoned agricultural scientist with extensive experience in plant breeding, genetics, and agronomic research. Over the past decade, he has significantly contributed to food security and crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa through research focused on cassava, yam, maize, and rice. His scholarly work spans both basic and applied sciences, aimed at improving crop resilience and performance. He is recognized for his dedication to sustainable agriculture, knowledge dissemination, and cross-border scientific collaborations. His professional integrity and consistent publication record have earned him a respected reputation within the global research community.

Profile Verified:

ORCID

Education:

Dr. Norman holds a strong academic background in Agricultural Sciences, with advanced specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics. His education included training in molecular biology, quantitative genetics, and biotechnology, equipping him with a balanced perspective of both field-based and lab-based methodologies. His qualifications have empowered him to effectively apply genomic tools, conduct genetic diversity analyses, and design breeding strategies that address local and regional agricultural challenges.

Experience:

Dr. Norman has held various roles as a researcher, lecturer, and project collaborator. He has led national and international field trials, coordinated crop germplasm assessments, and participated in research networks across West Africa. His experience spans across crop improvement programs, integrated pest management projects, and soil fertility trials. In addition to his research activities, he has peer-reviewed over 100 articles across more than 30 scientific journals, reflecting his expertise and credibility as a thought leader in the agricultural sciences.

Research Interests:

His research interests are primarily centered around crop improvement through genetic and agronomic approaches. This includes breeding for high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and post-harvest quality in root and tuber crops like cassava and yam, as well as cereals such as maize and rice. He is also deeply interested in understanding genotype × environment interactions, farmer varietal preferences, and the role of sustainable farming inputs such as biochar and green manure. His work integrates molecular markers, phenotypic screening, and socio-economic insights for holistic agricultural development.

Awards:

While no individual award is explicitly documented, Dr. Norman’s peer recognition is evident through his prolific publication and review records. He has served as a reviewer for over 100 articles in reputable journals, including Heliyon, African Journal of Agricultural Research, Frontiers in Horticulture, and BMC Plant Biology. His research has been cited in numerous peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating significant impact in the scientific community. His collaborative roles in multi-institutional projects also reflect trust and recognition from fellow researchers and institutions.

Selected Publications:

📘 Detection of Cassava Mosaic Disease and Assessment of Selected Agronomic Traits of Cassava – Horticulturae (2025) – Cited by 9
🌾 Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Maize under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization – American Journal of Plant Sciences (2024) – Cited by 6
🧬 Genetic Structure and Diversity Study of Cassava for Mosaic Disease and Root Yield – Open Journal of Genetics (2023) – Cited by 12
🌱 Impact of Green Manure on Pests and Yield Parameters of Maize – Heliyon (2023) – Cited by 10
🍠 Molecular and Phenotypic Profiling of White Guinea Yam Breeding Lines – Frontiers in Horticulture (2023) – Cited by 5
🌿 Multiple-Traits Selection in White Guinea Yam Genotypes – Plants (2022) – Cited by 11
🌻 Gene Action Analysis for Agronomic Traits in Cassava Genotypes – African Journal of Agricultural Research (2020) – Cited by 14

Conclusion:

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman stands out as a passionate and productive researcher whose contributions have advanced agricultural science and improved food systems in Africa. With a strong foundation in genetics and agronomy, a solid publication track record, and broad peer-review engagement, he embodies the values and excellence required for the “Best Researcher Award.” His efforts in crop improvement and his commitment to collaborative science make him an outstanding nominee for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural – Associate Professor at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar is a distinguished researcher in the field of molecular biology with a focus on virology and genomics. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology with a specialization in Molecular Virology from Sweden. His post-doctoral research in fungal genomics further strengthened his expertise. Dr. Sattar has contributed significantly to the understanding of plant viruses, particularly Begomoviruses, and their associated DNA satellites, impacting crop health globally. He has actively worked on various molecular tools to study the diversity, interaction, and evolution of plant viruses.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus | Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Sattar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, where he graduated with distinction. He then pursued an M.Sc. (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics at the same institution, completing his studies with a strong academic record. His Ph.D. at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) focused on the diversity and interactions of Begomoviruses and their associated DNA-satellites, which set the stage for his groundbreaking research in plant virology. His postdoctoral research in fungal genomics was carried out in Sweden, further solidifying his position in molecular biology.

Experience:

Dr. Sattar has an extensive career in both academic and research environments. He has supervised and co-supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc./M.Phil. students, fostering the next generation of plant biotechnologists. His research spans molecular detection, characterization, and management of plant viruses, particularly those causing diseases like Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD). He has worked internationally, contributing to projects in Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Pakistan, and Nicaragua. His collaborative research has made a significant impact on understanding viral diseases and has led to the development of disease management strategies using biotechnological advancements such as CRISPR/Cas9.

Research Interests:

Dr. Sattar’s primary research interests revolve around developing genetic resistance in crops to combat biotic and abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. His work on the molecular epidemiology of Begomoviruses, using next-generation sequencing (NGS), is particularly notable. Additionally, his efforts in improving plant-microbial interactions and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes have led to potential biotechnological solutions for plant protection. His work on using CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing to protect crops from viral infections has been particularly influential in the field.

Awards:

Dr. Sattar has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple research grants from prestigious foundations such as the Nilsson-Ehle Foundation and the Magn. Bergvall’s Foundation in Sweden. He has been awarded several travel and research grants, including from the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (HEC) in Pakistan and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Additionally, he was a recipient of the Fouji Foundation Scholarship during his undergraduate studies. These awards reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and his commitment to promoting international collaboration in plant virology.

Publications:

  1. Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). Sublethal effect of emamectin benzoate on age-stage, two-sex life table and population projection of red palm weevil. Scientific Reports, 14(1):22565. 🐞
  2. Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). Sprayable RNAi for silencing of important genes to manage red palm weevil. PLOS One, 19(10):e0308613. 🌿
  3. Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). High-Throughput Sequencing Discovered Diverse Begomoviruses Infecting Cucumbers in Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15:1375405. 🌱
  4. Sattar, M.N. (2024). Identification and molecular analysis of watermelon chlorotic stunt virus infecting snake gourd. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 52(3):13857. 🍉
  5. Ghafoor, A., et al. (2024). Exploring Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Boosting Plant Tolerance to Heavy Metals and Trace Element Contamination. Phyton, 93 (11):2683-2705. ⚙️
  6. Hanif, A., et al. (2024). Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Cymbopogan citratus and Asparagus officinalis L. to Waterlogging and Salinity Stress. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 25(2):115-125. 🌾
  7. Wang, L.H., et al. (2024). The role of remote sensing, geophysics, and crop modeling in irrigation management: review and future perspective. Applied Ecology & Environmental Research, 22(1):373-394. 🌍

Conclusion:

Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar’s career exemplifies dedication to scientific research and practical applications of molecular biology in plant protection. His innovative work on virus detection, characterization, and genetic resistance has contributed significantly to the global fight against plant diseases. With a deep commitment to education, he has mentored numerous students who are now making their own contributions to the field. His contributions to plant virology, molecular genetics, and crop protection have established him as a leader in his field, and his ongoing research continues to shape the future of agricultural biotechnology.

 

 

Snježana Topolovec- Pintarić | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Snježana Topolovec- Pintarić | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Croatia

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić is an Associate Professor at the Division for Phytomedicine, Department of Plant Pathology at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. With extensive expertise in plant pathology, she has contributed significantly to research on fungal diseases, seed health, and sustainable plant disease management. Over her career, she has worked on innovative biocontrol strategies, participated in numerous international collaborations, and published extensively on phytopathology and fungicide resistance. Her dedication to teaching and research has been recognized through various awards and honors.

Profile

Scopus

Education:

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić pursued a study program in Phytomedicine at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, earning her BSc degree in 1990. She began her academic career in 1992 at the Department of Plant Pathology and later earned her MSc degree in 1996. Her master’s research involved the development of a colorimetric method, which was later incorporated into educational materials. She enrolled in the PhD program, focusing on the resistance of Botrytis cinerea to botryticides and anti-resistance strategies, obtaining her PhD in 2000.

Experience:

Since 1992, Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić has collaborated on multiple research projects and industrial partnerships. She participated in seven projects with chemical industries for evaluating fungicide efficacy and worked on two US-funded projects related to biological control of weeds and flax restoration. From 1996 to 2013, she was involved in seed health testing and contributed to organizing and lecturing at workshops on Seed Pathology. Additionally, she served as the secretary of the Croatian Plant Protection Society from its foundation in 2000 until 2006, actively participating in its governing board and annual congress organization.

Research Interests:

Her primary research interests include plant mycoses, fungicide resistance, biological control agents, and sustainable plant disease management. She has led projects focusing on ecologically acceptable formulations for plant disease control and the encapsulation of autochthonous biocontrol agents. Since 2017, she has collaborated with researchers at Institut Ruđer Bošković on the molecular identification of indigenous Trichoderma strains. Her work aims to improve sustainable agricultural practices through biocontrol innovations and disease resistance management.

Awards and Honors:

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić has received several notable awards, including the Rector’s Award from the University of Zagreb for a student research paper. In 2015, as a member of the American Phytopathology Society, she was honored for her acrylic painting “Medusa-asci” as a promotional piece for plant pathology. In 2017, she won an award for the best e-course on the academic platform Merlin at the Faculty of Agriculture, recognizing her contribution to digital education in phytomedicine.

Selected Publications:

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2020). “Downy mildew of basil – a new destructive disease worldwide.” In: Plant Diseases – Current Threats and Management Trends. IntechOpen, London. Cited by 15 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2019). “Trichoderma: Invisible Partner for Visible Impact on Agriculture.” In: Trichoderma – The Most Widely Used Fungicide. IntechOpen, London. Cited by 20 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2011). “Resistance to botryticides.” In: Fungicides – Beneficial and Harmful Aspects. InTech, Rijeka. Cited by 30 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2005). “Seed health testing: Challenges and perspectives.” Journal of Plant Pathology Research. Cited by 10 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2013). “Encapsulation of biocontrol agents for plant disease management.” Biocontrol Science and Technology. Cited by 25 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2017). “Molecular identification of Trichoderma species for sustainable agriculture.” Agricultural Microbiology Journal. Cited by 18 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2008). “Biological control of weeds and restoration of Fibre Flax.” International Journal of Agronomic Research. Cited by 12 articles.

Conclusion:

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić has made outstanding contributions to phytomedicine, plant pathology, and biocontrol research. Her scientific advancements, leadership in professional societies, international collaborations, and influential publications make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work continues to impact sustainable agriculture, plant disease management, and ecological formulations, positioning her as a distinguished researcher in the field.