Prof. Qirong Mao | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Qirong Mao | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Qirong Mao | Smart Agriculture – Dean at Jiangsu University, China

Prof. Qirong Mao is a distinguished researcher and a full professor in the Department of Computer Science at Jiangsu University, specializing in artificial intelligence, multimedia, and human-computer interaction. His work has revolutionized the fields of speech emotion recognition, facial expression analysis, and deep learning. Throughout his career, Prof. Mao has been instrumental in developing advanced algorithms and neural network architectures, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers, to improve human-centered AI technologies. He has published extensively in highly respected journals and conferences, making significant contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of his field.

Profile:

Scopus | Google Scholar

Education:

Prof. Mao completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science and Engineering, with a focus on artificial intelligence and multimedia processing, at leading institutions. His strong academic foundation set the stage for his groundbreaking research in emotion recognition systems and intelligent algorithms. Prof. Mao’s education equipped him with a deep understanding of computational methodologies, which he has since expanded through years of hands-on research and innovation in his field.

Experience:

Prof. Mao has accumulated decades of academic and industrial experience. He began his career at Jiangsu University, where he has grown to become a full professor. In his tenure, he has led numerous research projects and worked with top-tier scientists, focusing on real-world applications of AI and multimedia signal processing. Prof. Mao’s expertise has been sought by various prestigious conferences and journals, where he frequently serves as a reviewer and committee member. His leadership in several funded projects has helped advance technologies in areas such as speech emotion recognition, facial expression analysis, and affective computing. His collaborative efforts with industry partners demonstrate his ability to bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications.

Research Interests:

Prof. Mao’s research interests are at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multimedia systems. Specifically, he focuses on speech emotion recognition, facial expression recognition, multimodal emotion detection, and deep learning models for human-centered computing. His work involves the application of advanced neural networks, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers, to analyze human emotions from speech and facial cues. Prof. Mao is also deeply involved in cross-disciplinary research that aims to improve human-computer interaction and is a pioneer in the development of domain adaptation techniques for emotion recognition in diverse environments.

Awards:

Prof. Mao’s contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and multimedia processing have earned him numerous accolades. He has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in speech and facial expression recognition, with his research being widely cited across the academic community. His most notable achievements include his key publications, such as the 2014 paper on learning salient features for speech emotion recognition, which garnered over 707 citations. In addition to his publication success, Prof. Mao has received multiple research grants and funding awards for his innovative projects in AI and emotion recognition.

Publications:

Prof. Mao’s research has been widely published in top-tier journals and conference proceedings. Here are some of his key publications:

  1. “Learning salient features for speech emotion recognition using convolutional neural networks” (IEEE Transactions on Multimedia, 2014)
    • Cited by: 707
    • 📚 Focus: Developed CNN-based models for emotion recognition from speech.
  2. “Speech emotion recognition using CNN” (ACM International Conference on Multimedia, 2014)
    • Cited by: 452
    • 📚 Focus: Focused on CNN techniques for recognizing emotions from speech.
  3. “Dual-path transformer network: Direct context-aware modeling for end-to-end monaural speech separation” (arXiv preprint, 2020)
    • Cited by: 360
    • 📚 Focus: Introduced dual-path transformer networks for speech separation tasks.
  4. “Joint pose and expression modeling for facial expression recognition” (IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, 2018)
    • Cited by: 307
    • 📚 Focus: Proposed a joint modeling approach for facial expression and pose.
  5. “A neural-AdaBoost based facial expression recognition system” (Expert Systems with Applications, 2014)
    • Cited by: 195
    • 📚 Focus: Combined neural networks and AdaBoost for facial expression recognition.
  6. “Geometry guided pose-invariant facial expression recognition” (IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, 2020)
    • Cited by: 132
    • 📚 Focus: Addressed pose-invariant challenges in facial expression recognition.
  7. “Feature refinement: An expression-specific feature learning and fusion method for micro-expression recognition” (Pattern Recognition, 2022)
    • Cited by: 105
    • 📚 Focus: Focused on refining features for improved micro-expression recognition.

Conclusion:

Prof. Qirong Mao is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his groundbreaking research and lasting impact on the fields of AI, emotion recognition, and multimedia signal processing. His innovative approaches using CNNs, transformers, and other deep learning models have set new standards in speech and facial emotion recognition, making him a thought leader in the AI community. With a strong record of high-impact publications, an impressive citation count, and recognition from his peers, Prof. Mao’s research not only advances academic knowledge but also holds immense potential for real-world applications. His contributions to the development of human-computer interaction systems and emotion-aware technologies position him as a leader in the AI space, making him an excellent nominee for this prestigious award.

 

 

 

 

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.

Profile Verified 

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.

Rawia El-Motaium | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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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.

GAS Ginigaddara | Agricultural Systems | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof. GAS Ginigaddara | Agricultural Systems | Women Researcher Award 

Professor | Rajarata University of Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka

Prof. GAS Ginigaddara for Women Researcher Award

Strengths for the Award

  1. Pioneering Leadership: Professor G.A.S. Ginigaddara has made significant strides as the first female Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka and the first professor in Agricultural Systems at both the university and national levels. Her leadership roles, such as Chairperson of CVCD and member of national task forces, reflect her influential position in higher education and agricultural systems.
  2. Comprehensive Expertise: Her multifaceted expertise spans senior management, quality assurance, career development, socio-emotional skills, intellectual property, and sustainable agriculture. This breadth of knowledge demonstrates a holistic approach to academic and professional development.
  3. Academic and Professional Achievements: Holding a Ph.D. with a perfect GPA and numerous roles, from director to professor, she has a distinguished academic record. Her involvement in high-impact projects and committees, like the World Bank-funded proposals and national symposiums, underscores her expertise and contributions to the field.
  4. Innovative Contributions: Professor Ginigaddara has pioneered several initiatives, such as the University Business Linkage Cell and career guidance units, that have enhanced the university’s engagement with industry and career development for students. Her roles in curriculum revision and proposal writing highlight her commitment to educational innovation.
  5. Recognition and Awards: Her achievements include gold medals for excellence in career guidance and significant roles in national-level contributions, emphasizing her recognition as a leading figure in her field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Publication and Research Dissemination: While Professor Ginigaddara has been involved in numerous review and editorial roles, there may be an opportunity to increase the number of published research articles in high-impact journals. Expanding her research footprint can further amplify her impact.
  2. International Collaboration: Engaging more in international research collaborations and conferences could enhance her global visibility and foster cross-border partnerships. This would also support knowledge exchange and bolster her international profile.
  3. Focus on Emerging Trends: Adapting to emerging trends in agriculture and education technology could strengthen her position as a thought leader. Integrating newer methodologies and technologies in her work might open additional avenues for innovation and research.
  4. Sustainable Practices Implementation: Although involved in sustainable agriculture, there may be room for more direct involvement in implementing and evaluating sustainable practices on the ground. Greater emphasis on practical applications and case studies could demonstrate her commitment to sustainability more effectively.

Conclusion

Professor G.A.S. Ginigaddara is a highly qualified and impactful candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her pioneering leadership, comprehensive expertise, and innovative contributions to academia and agriculture make her a standout figure. Enhancing her publication record, expanding international collaborations, and focusing on emerging trends and practical applications in sustainability could further strengthen her profile. Overall, her impressive achievements and ongoing contributions underscore her suitability for this prestigious award.

 

Short Biography 🧑‍🏫

Professor G.A.S. Ginigaddara is a prominent academic and distinguished leader, currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, a position she has held since December 2021. Her career is marked by groundbreaking achievements in agricultural systems and higher education. As the first female Vice Chancellor and the inaugural Professor in Agricultural Systems at Rajarata University, she has set new standards in academic leadership and research. Her expertise spans several fields, including senior management, quality assurance, career development, socio-emotional skills, intellectual property protection, and sustainable agriculture. Professor Ginigaddara’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing higher education and agricultural practices in Sri Lanka, positioning her as a leading figure in these domains.

Profile 

ORCID

Education 🎓

Professor Ginigaddara’s educational background is a testament to her academic excellence and commitment to her field:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Systems and Engineering
    Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand (2006-2009)
    Her doctoral research, titled “Physiological Studies of Water Stress in Irrigated Rice for Enhancing Water Productivity,” achieved a perfect GPA of 4.00/4.00. This work contributed significantly to understanding water management in rice cultivation, a crucial aspect of sustainable agriculture.
  • Master of Philosophy in Agriculture
    Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2000-2006)
    Her M.Phil. thesis, “Feasibility of Intercropping Vetivaria zizanioides (Linn) Nash with Banana in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka,” received high acclaim, with a final GPA of 3.87/4.00. This research explored innovative agricultural practices to improve crop yield and soil health.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
    University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1995-1999)
    Her undergraduate research, “In Vitro Callus Production of Ananas commosus (Variety Mauritius),” was noted for its contributions to agricultural biotechnology, and she graduated with a Second Class Upper division with a GPA of 3.53/4.00.

Experience 🏢

Professor Ginigaddara’s professional journey is marked by significant roles and accomplishments:

  • Vice Chancellor
    Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (December 2021-present)
    As Vice Chancellor, she has led the university with visionary leadership, focusing on strategic development, academic excellence, and enhancing institutional reputation.
  • Professor in Agricultural Systems
    Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (January 2019-present)
    Her role as a professor involves guiding research in agricultural systems, mentoring students, and contributing to curriculum development.
  • Director, University Business Linkage Cell
    Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (November 2020-December 2021; April 2018-June 2020)
    In this role, she established strong industry links, fostering partnerships that enhance the university’s research impact and student employability.
  • Director, Career Guidance Unit
    Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (April 2013-June 2020)
    She spearheaded career development initiatives, helping students navigate their professional paths and align their skills with industry needs.
  • Senior Lecturer I/ Head of the Department
    Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (August 2013-February 2017)
    Her leadership in the department involved curriculum enhancement, faculty development, and student engagement.

Research Interests 🔬

Professor Ginigaddara’s research interests are diverse and impactful:

  • Agricultural Systems and Management: Focused on improving agricultural practices through innovative technologies and management strategies.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Exploring methods to enhance productivity while preserving environmental health and resources.
  • Socio-Emotional Skills Development: Investigating the role of socio-emotional skills in academic and career success.
  • Intellectual Property Protection: Examining the role of intellectual property in promoting agricultural innovations and protecting research outputs.

Awards 🏅

Professor Ginigaddara’s achievements include:

  • Gold Medal for Best Student: Awarded for her outstanding performance in the National Diploma in Career Guidance (2017-2018).
  • First Female Vice Chancellor: Achieved at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
  • Founding Member: Of the Standing Committee on University Business Linkages, Sri Lanka, and the University Business Linkage Cell at Rajarata University.

Publications 📚

Ginigaddara, G.A.S., et al. (2020). Water Productivity in Irrigated Rice: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
This review article explores strategies for enhancing water productivity in rice cultivation, providing a comprehensive overview of existing research and practices.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S. (2019). Advancements in Agricultural Systems: Current Trends and Future Directions. Agricultural Systems Journal
This publication discusses the latest trends and future directions in agricultural systems, offering insights into emerging technologies and practices.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S., & others. (2018). Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Sri Lanka: An Analytical Study. Journal of Agricultural Research
This study analyzes sustainable agriculture practices in Sri Lanka, highlighting successful strategies and areas for improvement.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S. (2017). Integrating Socio-Emotional Skills in Agricultural Education. Journal of Educational Development
The paper discusses the integration of socio-emotional skills into agricultural education to enhance student outcomes and professional readiness.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S. (2016). Innovations in Sustainable Agriculture: Case Studies from South Asia. Asian Journal of Agriculture
This publication presents case studies of innovative sustainable agriculture practices across South Asia.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S., & others. (2015). Career Guidance and Development in Higher Education: Best Practices. Journal of Career Development
This article reviews best practices in career guidance and development within higher education institutions.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S. (2014). Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Lessons from Sri Lanka. International Journal of Quality Assurance
This paper explores quality assurance practices in higher education, drawing on lessons from Sri Lanka to provide a broader perspective.

Ginigaddara, G.A.S., & others. (2013). Intellectual Property Protection in Agricultural Research: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of Intellectual Property Law
The publication addresses the challenges and solutions related to intellectual property protection in agricultural research.