Kiran Deshmukh | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kiran Deshmukh | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kiran Deshmukh | Agricultural | Assistant Professor of Entomology | Govt. College of Agriculture, Nandurbar | India

Dr. Kiran Deshmukh is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Agricultural Entomology. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Govt. College of Agriculture, Nandurbar, Dr. Deshmukh has established himself as a dedicated professional in insect pest management with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices. His work primarily revolves around understanding pest population dynamics, the influence of climatic conditions on pest incidence, and the development of eco-friendly management strategies for key agricultural pests. He has contributed significantly to scientific literature and is actively involved in capacity-building initiatives for students and farming communities alike. Dr. Deshmukh is recognized for his analytical approach, academic rigor, and commitment to interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world agricultural challenges.

Academic Profile:

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Kiran Deshmukh holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology from Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. His doctoral research focused on the biology and fecundity of the pink bollworm on cotton under different environmental conditions. He pursued higher studies with a strong focus on entomological research and plant protection. Throughout his academic training, he developed expertise in pest biology, integrated pest management (IPM), and the application of biotechnological tools for sustainable agriculture. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his subsequent research contributions and teaching engagements.

Experience:

With an academic career rooted in teaching and research, Dr. Deshmukh is actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate instruction, academic mentorship, and field-based research. He has collaborated with state agricultural universities and worked alongside experts from related disciplines on multi-institutional projects addressing pest incidence patterns and their correlations with abiotic factors. His responsibilities also include conducting field demonstrations, farmer awareness programs, and contributing to extension education. In addition to his academic duties, he has played an active role in organizing departmental seminars and student development activities, fostering an environment of experiential learning and research-based inquiry.

Research Interest:

Dr. Kiran Deshmukh’s core research interests include the study of insect pest dynamics, biological and environmental interactions affecting pest populations, and eco-friendly pest control methods. His work focuses on major pests of cotton and sunflower, with particular attention to pink bollworm, sucking pests, and lepidopteran caterpillars. He investigates how weather factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns influence pest outbreaks, aiming to forecast pest behavior and develop predictive models for timely intervention. Additionally, he explores the efficacy of insecticides and biocontrol agents within integrated pest management frameworks. His interdisciplinary approach combines entomology, agrometeorology, and biotechnology, positioning him as a valuable contributor to modern crop protection research.

Awards:

Dr. Deshmukh has been acknowledged for his contributions to agricultural entomology through various academic platforms. His research has received recognition in conferences and departmental reviews, and he has been nominated for awards related to academic excellence and innovative research in pest management. His outreach initiatives with farming communities and involvement in sustainable agriculture programs further highlight his practical impact beyond the classroom and laboratory. He continues to contribute to research that has both scientific merit and societal relevance, making him a strong candidate for academic and professional recognitions.

Selected Publications:

  • Pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), a destructive pest of cotton: a review, 2023 – 7 citations

  • Influence of weather factors on population dynamics of lepidopteran pests of Bt cotton, 2023 – 4 citations

  • Influence of weather factors on population dynamics of major sucking pests of Bt cotton, 2024 – 2 citations

  • Morphometrics of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on cotton as influenced by temperature, 2024 – 1 citation

Conclusion:

Dr. Kiran Deshmukh is a promising academic with a strong foundation in agricultural research and a clear focus on advancing sustainable pest management strategies. His commitment to scientific inquiry, academic excellence, and field-level engagement makes him a deserving candidate for recognition through this award. Through his teaching, collaborative research, and publication record, he continues to make meaningful contributions to both academic and farming communities. His future work is expected to further enhance integrated pest management practices and promote resilient agricultural systems in the face of evolving climatic challenges.

 

 

Jin Young Kim | Agri | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jin Young Kim | Agri | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jin Young Kim | Agri – PhD student at Hankyong National University, South Korea

Jin Young Kim is a promising young researcher in the field of plant molecular genetics, specializing in genome editing and functional genomics of crop plants. As a Ph.D. candidate at Hankyong National University, South Korea, Kim’s work stands at the intersection of biotechnology and agriculture, with a particular focus on enhancing crop traits through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Kim has made significant contributions to improving antioxidant activity in tomatoes and stress tolerance in rice, striving to address real-world challenges in food quality and climate-resilient agriculture. Their early career trajectory and publication record position them as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Academic Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

Jin Young Kim completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticultural Biotechnology in 2021 at Hankyong National University, where a passion for plant molecular biology and crop improvement was first cultivated. In 2023, Kim earned a Master of Science from the same institution, with a thesis focused on “A study on Generation and Functional Analysis of Gene Edited Lines for SGR, GAD by CRISPR/Cas9 System in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).” Their education provided a solid foundation in plant genetics, biotechnology tools, and molecular techniques, which are now being refined and expanded at the Ph.D. level.

🧪 Experience

Kim’s academic experience is deeply rooted in laboratory research and collaborative projects in the field of horticultural biotechnology. During their M.S. and Ph.D. training, Kim has contributed to multiple gene editing projects involving tomatoes and rice, targeting genes associated with antioxidant activity, abiotic stress response, and energy metabolism. The candidate has participated in both basic and applied research, from gene cloning and transcriptome analysis to phenotype characterization in knockout lines. These experiences have developed Kim’s technical expertise and cultivated their understanding of translational research in agricultural innovation.

🌱 Research Interests

Jin Young Kim’s research focuses on the generation of high-functionality crops through genome editing, with core interests in antioxidant biosynthesis, stress physiology, and plant gene function. Current research activities include:

  • Development of high-antioxidant tomatoes using CRISPR/Cas9

  • Functional genomics of starch biosynthesis genes in rice

  • Analysis of pre-harvest sprouting candidate genes

  • Production of antimicrobial peptides in plant tissues
    Through these diverse projects, Kim seeks to contribute to both scientific advancement and sustainable agriculture, particularly by improving food quality, resilience, and nutritional value through molecular approaches.

🏅 Awards

Though still early in their academic career, Jin Young Kim’s rapid growth and significant research output exemplify the caliber worthy of recognition. Their collaborative work in high-impact journals, involvement in cutting-edge plant science, and dedication to precision breeding techniques demonstrate their eligibility for the Best Researcher Award. Continued contributions are likely to bring further accolades as Kim gains greater recognition in the global scientific community.

📚 Selected Publications

🧪 “Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of CRISPR/Cas9-edited tomato SGR1 knockout (KO) line” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024) – Highlights enhanced antioxidant capacity; cited by multiple studies on functional food development.
🧬 “Transcriptome and metabolite profiling of tomato SGR-knockout null lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022) – A foundational study in metabolic analysis of edited lines.
🌾 “Knockout of OsGAPDHC7 Gene Encoding Cytosolic Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Affects Energy Metabolism in Rice Seeds” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024) – Demonstrated the link between gene knockout and rice seed vitality.
🌿 “A Knockout of the OsGAPDHC6 Gene Reacts Sensitively to Abiotic Stress in Rice” – Genes (2025) – Offers new insights into plant stress adaptation via gene editing.
🌞 “Overexpression of orange gene (OsOr-R115H) enhances heat tolerance in rice” – Genes (2021) – Explored abiotic stress resistance, highly cited in heat tolerance research.
🌾 “ABA and Pre-Harvest Sprouting Differences in Knockout Lines of OsPHS3” – Plants (2025) – Important for cereal crop improvement under climate variability.
🍚 “Genome editing of golden SNP-carrying lycopene epsilon-cyclase (LcyE) gene in rice” – International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022) – An advanced example of CRISPR/HDR application in nutritional enhancement.

🧠 Conclusion

Jin Young Kim exemplifies the next generation of scientific leaders in plant biotechnology. Their commitment to using advanced molecular tools to address agricultural challenges is both timely and impactful. With a steadily growing portfolio of publications, interdisciplinary research experiences, and a focus on the practical implications of plant genome editing, Kim is making meaningful contributions to crop science and food security. Their work not only supports the scientific community but also responds to global needs for resilient, nutritious, and sustainable food systems. These achievements and research potential strongly support their nomination for the Best Researcher Award.

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

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.

Rawia El-Motaium | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Rawia El-Motaium | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Plant Nutrition | Plant Research Department, Nuclear Research Center | Egypt

A distinguished professor with extensive expertise in agricultural science, plant nutrition, and environmental stress management, this individual has contributed significantly to the research community. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, USA, focusing on the tolerance of Prunus rootstocks to salt and boron, alongside an M.Sc. in soil sciences and agricultural sciences. She has taught in various countries, including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Egypt, and participated in numerous international workshops and research projects. Her research spans agricultural sustainability, environmental stress on plants, and waste management, utilizing advanced radiation technologies for agricultural applications.

Profile

Scopus

Education
She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, where she specialized in plant nutrition and environmental stress, particularly focusing on the interaction of calcium with boron. Her educational background also includes an M.Sc. in Soil Sciences from the University of California, Riverside, and another M.Sc. from the University of Cairo, Egypt, where she explored the biochemical effects of gamma irradiation on bananas. Additionally, she completed a B.Sc. in Horticulture from the University of Cairo. Her academic training underpins her extensive research in plant nutrition, environmental stress, and waste management.

Experience
Her career as a professor and researcher spans decades, with notable roles as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Davis, and faculty positions at universities in Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Egypt. She has taught courses in plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and environmental pollution, among others. As a principal investigator, she led several high-profile research projects, including those funded by the USAID and IAEA, addressing issues such as the remediation of sewage water and sludge using nuclear technologies. She has collaborated internationally with experts from countries like the USA, Austria, India, and Argentina.

Research Interests
Her research interests are broad and multifaceted, primarily revolving around plant nutrition, physiology, and environmental stress management. She investigates nutrient interactions, particularly calcium and boron, as well as the use of stable and radioactive isotopes to study nutrient uptake and translocation in plants. Other key research areas include the impact of environmental stresses such as salinity, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metal contamination on plant growth. Additionally, she is deeply involved in waste management, focusing on composting and recycling sewage sludge and municipal waste for agricultural use. Her expertise also extends to the utilization of nuclear technologies, particularly gamma radiation, to treat sewage water and soil for improved crop productivity.

Awards
Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Peace Fellowship from USAID, which supported her M.Sc. studies, and the Mission Fellowship from the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education for her Ph.D. in the USA. She was also nominated for the Matrouh Governorate Shield and offered an internship with the United Nations in Geneva. Additionally, her work in agricultural and environmental sciences has earned her several international grants and honors, including the International Peace Scholarship and International Student Grants.

Publications
She has authored a number of influential publications in agricultural science, focusing on plant nutrition, environmental stress, and waste management. Some of her key publications include:

  1. “Impact of Irradiated Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility and Crop Yields” (2000) – Journal of Environmental Management
  2. “Nutrient Uptake and Interaction in Plants: The Role of Calcium and Boron” (2003) – Plant Physiology Journal
  3. “Composting of Sewage Sludge for Agricultural Use: Environmental Implications” (2005) – Waste Management Journal
  4. “Effects of Heavy Metals on Plant Growth and Soil Health” (2008) – Ecological Applications
  5. “Radiation Technology for Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Remediation” (2011) – Environmental Science and Technology
  6. “Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Nuclear Techniques in Crop Management” (2015) – Agricultural Research Journal
  7. “Salinity Tolerance in Plants: Mechanisms and Approaches” (2017) – Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Journal

Her work has been cited in numerous studies, with articles on sewage sludge and wastewater treatment being particularly influential.

Conclusion
With a rich academic background, a broad range of teaching experiences, and significant contributions to agricultural and environmental sciences, this professor stands at the forefront of research on plant nutrition, environmental stress management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her pioneering work in utilizing nuclear techniques for environmental and agricultural remediation continues to have a lasting impact on both scientific research and practical applications in the field. Her leadership in international research projects, commitment to teaching, and numerous accolades reflect her dedication to advancing agricultural sciences for global sustainability.

Filimon Mgandu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr . Filimon Mgandu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer College of Business Education Tanzania

Filimon Abel Mgandu, an Assistant Lecturer from Dodoma, Tanzania, is highly skilled in mathematical modeling, informatics, and education. With a strong academic background and a passion for research, he has contributed significantly to his field, receiving multiple awards and publishing numerous papers in prestigious journals.

profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Filimon completed his M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling (2017-2019) with a GPA of 4.3/5.0 from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also holds a B.Sc. in Education (Informatics and Mathematics) from Sokoine University of Agriculture (2013-2016), achieving a GPA of 4.4/5.0. His earlier education includes an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education from Njombe Secondary School and a Certificate of Secondary Education from Kidamali Secondary School.

Experience 💼

Since 2019, Filimon has been an Assistant Lecturer at the College of Business Education, where he lectures, supervises projects, conducts research, and provides consultancy services. Previously, he served as a Teaching Assistant at East Coast Secondary (2016-2017) and Agnes Trust Secondary (2013-2013), where he taught mathematics and computer studies.

Research Interests 🔍

Filimon’s research interests encompass machine learning, data science, statistics and probability theories, and mathematical modeling. He aims to leverage these fields to solve complex problems across various sectors including economy, education, environment, health, agriculture, science, and technology.

Awards 🏆

Filimon has received several accolades, including a Research Award from the Ministry of Agriculture under the TANIPAC project in 2021, the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Memorial Scholarship Award (2019 and 2017) from the Bank of Tanzania, and the title of Overall Best Final Year Student in B.Sc. Education from Sokoine University of Agriculture in 2016.

Publications Top Notes📚

2024: Global sensitivity analysis and optimal control of Typhoid fever transmission dynamics. Mathematical Modelling and Analysis, 29(1), pp.141-160. DOI: 10.3846/mma.2024.17859

2023: Optimal control and cost effectiveness analysis of contamination associated with aflatoxins in maize kernels, livestock and humans. Results in Control and Optimization, 13(100313). DOI: 10.1016/j.rico.2023.100313

2023: Mathematical model to assess the impacts of aflatoxin contamination in crops, livestock and humans. Scientific African. DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01980

2022: Mathematical models for aflatoxin contamination in crops, livestock and humans: A review. Commun. Math. Biol. Neurosci., Article ID 116. DOI: 10.3145/ijmsc.2020.03.03

2020: Trend analysis and forecasting of water level in Mtera dam using exponential smoothing. Int. J. Math. Sci. Comput, 4, pp.26-34. DOI: 10.5815/ijmsc.2020.04.03