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 BoÅ”ković 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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ The Most Widely Used Fungicide. IntechOpen, London. Cited by 20 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2011). “Resistance to botryticides.” In: Fungicides ā€“ 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.

Diego Soto GĆ³mez | Soil Science | Best Paper Award

Dr. Diego Soto GĆ³mez | Soil Science | Best Paper AwardĀ 

Postdoctoral researcher | University of Vigo | SpainĀ 

Evaluating Diego Soto GĆ³mez for a Best Paper Award involves assessing his strengths, areas for improvement, and concluding whether he meets the criteria for such an award. Here’s a structured analysis based on the information provided:

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience: Diego Soto GĆ³mez has a rich background in research, particularly in the field of agronomy and environmental sciences. His roles at multiple institutions, including Universidade de Vigo and Universidad PolitĆ©cnica de Cartagena, highlight a robust and varied experience.
  2. Diverse Research Positions: His involvement in several research positions, including postdoctoral grants and specific European projects like SoildiverAgro, indicates a high level of expertise and recognition in his field. This diversity suggests a broad skill set and adaptability in various research environments.
  3. Advanced Qualifications: Diego has pursued significant postgraduate education, including a Ph.D. in Agrifood Science and Technology with the distinction of “Cum Laude,” which underscores his high academic standing and dedication to his field.
  4. Relevant Publications and Research Grants: His career includes contributions to research projects and publications, crucial for a Best Paper Award. While specific publications are not listed, his roles and grants suggest a strong research output.
  5. Current Role and Achievements: His current position as a postdoctoral researcher funded by the Margarita Salas grant indicates ongoing support and recognition from the academic community, suggesting that his work is both impactful and valued.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Publication Record: While Diegoā€™s extensive research background is noted, detailed information on his publication record, including the number and impact factor of journals where his papers have been published, would provide a clearer picture of his contribution to the field.
  2. Specific Achievements: Details about any specific papers or projects that have received notable recognition or awards could strengthen his case. Providing information on significant contributions, such as highly cited papers or awards for research excellence, would be beneficial.
  3. Broader Impact: A focus on how his research has influenced the field or led to practical applications could further support his candidacy. Information on collaborations, industry partnerships, or policy impacts would be valuable.

Short Bio

Diego Soto GĆ³mez is a distinguished researcher and postdoctoral scholar at Universidade de Vigo, specializing in agronomy and environmental sciences. With a robust academic background and a career marked by significant contributions to the field, Soto GĆ³mez has developed a reputation for his innovative research and expertise. He has held various research positions, including roles at Universidad PolitĆ©cnica de Cartagena and as part of the European SoildiverAgro project, demonstrating a versatile and impactful career.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Diego Soto GĆ³mez holds a comprehensive educational background from Universidade de Vigo. He earned his Masterā€™s degrees in Agrifood Science and Technology and in Earth Ecosystems, Sustainable Use, and Environmental Implications. He completed his Doctorate in Agrifood Science and Technology in 2019, graduating with the highest honors, “Cum Laude.”

Experience

Diegoā€™s professional journey includes notable positions at both Universidade de Vigo and Universidad PolitĆ©cnica de Cartagena. His roles span from predoctoral to postdoctoral research, including significant positions such as a Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral researcher and a researcher in the European SoildiverAgro project. His experience reflects a deep engagement with advanced research and academic excellence.

Research Interest

Diego Soto GĆ³mez’s research interests primarily focus on agronomy, environmental science, and sustainable agricultural practices. His work emphasizes soil health, sustainable land management, and the integration of environmental data into agricultural practices, reflecting a commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical applications in these areas.

Awards

Diego has been recognized with several research grants, including the Margarita Salas postdoctoral grant, which underscores his excellence and ongoing contributions to the field. His work has been supported by prestigious institutions, highlighting his role as a leading researcher.

Publication

Soto GĆ³mez, D., VĆ”zquez Juiz, L., PĆ©rez RodrĆ­guez, P., LĆ³pez Periago, J. E., Paradelo PĆ©rez, M., & Koestel, J. (2020). Percolation theory applied to soil tomography. Geoderma, 357, Elsevier.

Soto GĆ³mez, D., VĆ”zquez Juiz, L., PĆ©rez RodrĆ­guez, P., LĆ³pez Periago, J. E., & Paradelo PĆ©rez, M. (2020). 3D Multifractal characterization of computed tomography images of soils under different tillage management: linking multifractal parameters to physical properties. Geoderma, 363, Elsevier.

Campillo Cora, C., Soto GĆ³mez, D., Arias EstĆ©vez, M., FernĆ”ndez CalviƱo, D., & BĆ„Ć„th, E. (2021). Estimation of baseline levels of bacterial community tolerance to Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in unpolluted soils, a background for PICT (pollution-induced community tolerance) determination. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 58(1), Springer.

Campillo Cora, C., RodrĆ­guez GonzĆ”lez, L., Arias EstĆ©vez, M., FernĆ”ndez CalviƱo, D., & Soto GĆ³mez, D. (2021). Influence of Physicochemical Properties and Parent Material on Chromium Fractionation in Soils. Processes, 9(6), MDPI.

Campillo Cora, C., Soto GĆ³mez, D., Arias EstĆ©vez, M., BĆ„Ć„th, E., & FernĆ”ndez CalviƱo, D. (2021). Bacterial community tolerance to Cu in soils with geochemical baseline concentrations (GBCs) of heavy metals: importance for Pollution Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) determinations using the leucine incorporation method. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 155, Elsevier.

MorugĆ”n Coronado, A., PĆ©rez RodrĆ­guez, P., Insolia, E., Soto GĆ³mez, D., FernĆ”ndez CalviƱo, D., & Zornoza Belmonte, R. (2022). The impact of crop diversification, tillage and fertilization type on soil total microbial, fungal and bacterial abundance: A worldwide meta-analysis of agricultural sites. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 329, Elsevier.

Campillo Cora, C., RodrĆ­guez GonzĆ”lez, L., Arias EstĆ©vez, M., FernĆ”ndez CalviƱo, D., & Soto GĆ³mez, D. (2021). Influence of Soil Properties and Initial Concentration on the Fractionation of Nickel, Zinc, Copper and Lead in Soils Derived from Different Parent Materials. Agronomy, 11(2), MDPI.

Ollio, I., SantĆ”s Miguel, V., Soto GĆ³mez, D., Lloret, E., SĆ”nchez Navarro, V., MartĆ­nez MartĆ­nez, S., Egea Gilabert, C., FernĆ”ndez, J. A., FernĆ”ndez CalviƱo, D., & Zornoza, R. (2023). Effect of Biofertilizers on Broccoli Yield and Soil Quality Indicators. Horticulturae, 10(1), MDPI.

GĆ³mez, D., VĆ”zquez Juiz, L., PĆ©rez RodrĆ­guez, P., LĆ³pez Periago, J. E., & Paradelo PĆ©rez, M. (2020). Percolation theory applied to soil tomography. Geoderma, 357, Elsevier.

GĆ³mez, D., PĆ©rez RodrĆ­guez, P., VĆ”zquez Juiz, L., LĆ³pez Periago, J. E., Paradelo PĆ©rez, M., & Koestel, J. (2020). 3D Multifractal characterization of computed tomography images of soils under different tillage management: linking multifractal parameters to physical properties. Geoderma, 363, Elsevier.

Conclusion

Diego Soto GĆ³mez demonstrates many strengths that align with the criteria for a Best Paper Award. His extensive experience, advanced qualifications, and current research role reflect a strong candidate. However, to fully assess his suitability, additional information about his publication record and specific research achievements is needed.

If his recent work aligns with cutting-edge developments in agronomy and environmental science, and if it has garnered significant academic and practical recognition, he would be a strong contender for the award.