Zongpu Li | Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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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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.

Kartik Omanakuttan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kartik Omanakuttan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar | Kumaun University | India 

Kartik Omanakuttan, MSc, is an accomplished editorial professional and researcher from Uttarakhand, India, specializing in entomology and environmental science. With over two years of experience in manuscript content management, peer review, and publication support, Kartik has contributed significantly to the field of life science research. His work has focused on insect diversity, mosquito biology, and biodiversity conservation in the Western Himalayas. Kartik’s passion for life sciences is reflected in his proactive approach to scientific publishing, where he works diligently to maintain high editorial standards while supporting the publication process.

Profile

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Education
Kartik holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Zoology with a specialization in Entomology from Dev Singh Bisht College, Kumaun University, Nainital, India (2023), where he achieved a First Division GPA of 81.75%. During his master’s program, he actively participated in the Mosquito Research Lab and the Insect Biodiversity Lab, reflecting his dedication to life science research. His thesis, titled “Insect Diversity of Ghorakhal Tea Estate and Effect of Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis) on Mortality of Some Genera of Mosquitoes,” highlights his focus on entomology and vector control. Kartik also holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from Motiram Baburam Govt. PG College, Kumaun University (2020), where he earned a GPA of 65.4%.

Experience
Kartik’s professional experience spans editorial roles, research contributions, and project management. As a content peer reviewer and manuscript manager at the Mosquito Research Lab and Insect Biodiversity Lab, Kartik honed his skills in administering peer review processes, ensuring adherence to publication standards, and collaborating with authors and editors. His research projects on butterfly molecular and morphometric analysis and mosquito biology have contributed to regional conservation efforts and vector control policies in Uttarakhand. Currently, Kartik serves as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Zoology Studies and the International Journal of Entomology Research, overseeing peer review, content strategy, and quality control.

Research Interests
Kartik’s research interests lie in entomology, ecology, and environmental science, with a particular focus on insect diversity, vector biology, and biodiversity conservation. His ongoing project, “Species Composition, Morphometric and Molecular Characterization of Swallowtail Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in the Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand, India,” explores the biodiversity of local insect populations. Additionally, Kartik has worked on mosquito control research, investigating the impact of plant extracts on mosquito mortality, which could have implications for public health strategies in the region. His contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, as his work has led to policy recommendations that support regional conservation efforts.

Awards
Kartik’s dedication to research and presentation has been recognized through various awards and nominations. He was awarded the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 6th International Conference on Cutting-Edge Solutions in Science, Agriculture, Technology, Engineering, and Humanities (CSATEH-2024) for his paper on mitigating climate change in urban landscapes using pollination networks. He was also nominated for Best Oral Presentation at the National Seminar on Human-Wildlife Conflict for his research on human-leopard interactions in Uttarakhand. These accolades reflect his ability to present his research in impactful ways that contribute to ongoing scientific discourse.

Publications
Kartik has authored and co-authored several significant publications, including research papers and book chapters in prestigious journals. His published works include:

  1. Omanakuttan K, Goswami S, Arya MK, & Bisht S. “Sustainable Role of Insects as Waste Managers: A Review,” in Sustainable Waste Management for Clean Environment, Agro-Environ Media, Forthcoming.
  2. Omanakuttan K, Goswami S., & Arya MK. “Species Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Insects in Tea Estate of Uttarakhand, India,” Entomon, 49(3): 335-342. (UGC CARE journal).
  3. Arya MK, Omanakuttan K, & Pandey T. “Floral Insect-pollinator Interactions on the Invasive Mexican Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus DC),” Oriental Insects (Taylor & Francis Group), In Review.
  4. Goswami S, Omanakuttan K, & Arya MK. “Monitoring Biodiversity of Insects in the Wet and Moist Sal Forest of Western Himalayas,” Indian Forester (UGC CARE journal), In Review.
  5. Goswami S, Omanakuttan K, & Arya MK. “New Distribution Record of a True Katadyid Genus Sathrophyllia (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Western Himalayas,” Entomon (UGC CARE journal), In Review.
  6. Omanakuttan K, Goswami S, & Arya MK. “Spatial Heterogeneity of the Efficacy of Camellia sinensis Extract on Filarial Vector,” Parasitology International (Springer), With Editor.

These publications have been instrumental in advancing knowledge in the field of entomology and environmental science.

Conclusion
Kartik Omanakuttan’s work as an editorial professional and researcher showcases his commitment to advancing life science research, particularly in the areas of entomology and environmental conservation. His academic and professional experience, combined with his proactive approach to scientific publishing, has established him as a valuable contributor to the scientific community. Through his research, presentations, and publications, Kartik continues to make meaningful contributions to understanding insect biodiversity and its role in ecosystem health. His dedication to high-quality research and his ongoing efforts to improve publication workflows underscore his passion for life sciences and his potential for continued success in the field.

Miguel Tafula | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Miguel Tafula | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Project Coordinator | National Irrigation Institute – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development | Mozambique

Miguel Tafula is an accomplished Agronomist Engineer with expertise in sustainable development, agri-food systems, and cooperative management. With over five years of experience in agricultural sustainability and research-for-development, Miguel has led initiatives to enhance resilience in food systems and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. His efforts in participatory irrigation management, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy have garnered international recognition.

Profile

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Education

Miguel holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Cooperatives from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland (2023–2024). His dissertation focused on barriers to sustainable land use among Irish farmers, aligning with national socio-economic and environmental goals. He earned a B.A.Sc. (Hons.) in Agronomic Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique (2013–2017), where he researched efficient water use in maize production.

Experience

Miguel has held impactful roles, including as a Project Coordinator for the Transforming Smallholder Irrigation Systems (TISA) project in Mozambique (2019–2023). He implemented agricultural innovation platforms and trained over 500 stakeholders in sustainable practices, resulting in improved water and fertilizer use. Recently, he contributed as a researcher at UCC, conducting a systematic review to inform policy on sustainable land use.

Research Interests

Miguel’s research interests lie in sustainable agricultural systems, water resource management, and participatory approaches to technology adoption. His work focuses on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farmers, improving climate resilience, and fostering collaborative solutions to agricultural challenges.

Awards

  • EFMD Excellence in Practice Gold Award for Ecosystem Development (2022): Recognized for his contributions to the TISA project in collaboration with partners from Australia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Selected Publications

  1. Tafula, M., et al. (2024): Climate change adaptation benefits from rejuvenated irrigation farming systems in Mozambique. International Journal of Water Resources Development. [Cited by 5 articles].
  2. Mdemu, M. V., et al. (2023): Participatory mapping of irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Agricultural Water Management. [Cited by 10 articles].
  3. Wellington, M., et al. (2023): Decoupling crop production from water consumption in southern Africa. Agricultural Water Management. [Cited by 8 articles].
  4. Parry, K., et al. (2024): Women, youth, and tail-end users improving livelihoods in southern Africa. International Journal of Water Resources Development. [Cited by 3 articles].

Conclusion

Miguel Tafula exemplifies dedication to agricultural sustainability and community development. His academic rigor, practical expertise, and collaborative leadership have advanced transformative solutions in agriculture, earning him accolades and recognition. Through his work, he continues to drive impactful change for farmers and ecosystems globally.