Dr. Ki Hyun Yoo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award
CTO | Simple Planet Inc | South Korea
Citation Metrics (Scopus)
318
17
9
Citations
Documents
h-index
Citation Metrics (Scopus)
318
17
9
Citations
Documents
h-index
Deyin Zhang | Lanzhou University | China
Dr. Deyin Zhang has established himself as an emerging researcher in animal genetics, epigenetics, and multi-omics with a particular emphasis on improving livestock production traits. His work integrates advanced genomic and transcriptomic methods to explore genetic regulation, feed efficiency, and adaptation in sheep, thereby contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications in sustainable animal agriculture. He has collaborated on projects funded at provincial and national levels, demonstrating recognition of his innovative approaches and ability to address critical challenges in animal science. In addition to his research output, Dr. Zhang actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for reputed journals and as a topic coordinator, showcasing leadership and academic service. His growing international collaborations and consistent scholarly contributions reflect his potential to advance precision breeding and livestock sustainability research on a global scale. Scopus metrics: 72 documents, 748 citations, and h-index 16.
1. D. Zhang, et al., “TNNT1 gene expression and its polymorphism association with growth traits and feed intake in sheep,” Small Ruminant Research, 2025.
2. D. Zhang, et al., “Association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LMOD3 gene and feed efficiency in sheep,” Small Ruminant Research, 2025.
3. D. Zhang, et al., “Genome-wide association study identifies novel loci associated with feed efficiency traits in Hu lambs,” Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2025.
4. D. Zhang, et al., “Spatial heterogeneity determines the gastrointestinal microbiome signatures and ecological processes that govern bacterial community assembly in sheep,” Microbiology Spectrum, 2025.
5. D. Zhang, et al., “Analysis of ANO5 gene polymorphism and its association with fat deposition traits in Hu sheep,” Acta Agriculturae Boreali Sinica, 2025.
Associate professor at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, China
Emeritus Professor at Franco Flinders University, Australia
Emeritus Professor Christopher Milton Mathew Franco is an esteemed researcher in the field of biotechnology, with significant contributions in both academia and industry. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Flinders University in Australia, within the College of Medicine and Public Health. Prof. Franco’s research journey began with postdoctoral studies in the UK and Germany, before he ventured into the biopharmaceutical industry, where he led a drug discovery team and filed 11 patent families for therapeutic compounds. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to translational research, focusing on innovations that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications. Prof. Franco’s work encompasses sustainable agricultural biotechnology, marine bioproducts, and bioprocesses that aim to address pressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability and healthcare improvements.
Professional Profile
Professor Franco’s educational background is rooted in strong academic training, beginning with his undergraduate studies in the biological sciences. He pursued further advanced education, undertaking postdoctoral research at prestigious institutions such as the University of Manchester in the UK and the University of Tübingen in Germany. These experiences laid the foundation for his scientific career, equipping him with a deep understanding of biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals. His diverse academic training allowed him to thrive in both industrial and academic research settings, where he has continued to expand his knowledge base and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in biotechnology, particularly in drug development, plant-based products, and marine bioproducts.
Prof. Franco’s professional journey blends academia and industry, with roles that have cemented his reputation as a leader in biotechnology. He served as a professor of biotechnology at Flinders University, where he also led the Medical Biotechnology Department. His significant contributions in industry include leading a drug discovery and development team at a global biopharmaceutical company. In this role, he was the chief inventor of 11 patent families for therapeutic compounds, illustrating his capacity to drive innovation in biotechnology. Prof. Franco has also been deeply involved in collaborative projects with commercial partners, advancing biotechnological solutions in agriculture and sustainability. He is a pioneer in developing bacterial inoculants for crops and establishing the Flinders Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development, enhancing Australia’s presence in the growing blue bioeconomy sector.
Prof. Franco’s research interests lie at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability, and innovation. His work focuses on bioproducts and bioprocesses, particularly those derived from plant and marine sources. He is deeply invested in the development of agricultural biotechnology, with an emphasis on bacterial inoculants that improve crop yields sustainably. One of his major achievements is the creation of bacterial inoculants for rice, soybean, and chickpea crops, which are being commercialized with industry partners to enhance agricultural productivity. Additionally, Prof. Franco is dedicated to marine bioproducts, specifically the production of therapeutic compounds from marine natural products, which present significant challenges due to their limited supply. His research aims to optimize the production of these compounds using innovative bioprocesses, contributing to the growing blue bioeconomy and addressing global health and environmental concerns.
Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Franco has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to biotechnology. His extensive research and innovative solutions have earned him international acclaim, including industry recognition for his role in advancing agricultural biotechnology and sustainable practices. As an Emeritus Professor at Flinders University, he continues to be a respected figure in academic and scientific circles. Prof. Franco’s pioneering work has been acknowledged through various professional appointments and leadership roles, such as his tenure as Associate Head of Faculty for International Relations at Flinders University. His work in developing patented biotechnological processes and his continued impact on the biopharmaceutical and agricultural sectors underscores his standing as a leader in his field, with a lasting legacy in biotechnology research and commercialization.
Emeritus Professor Christopher Milton Mathew Franco is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to biotechnology, demonstrated by high-impact publications, patents, successful industry collaborations, and innovative research that addresses global challenges. His ongoing efforts in both sustainable agriculture and marine bioproducts have the potential to significantly improve health and environmental sustainability. To further enhance his influence, expanding public engagement and interdisciplinary research collaboration would be beneficial.
Streptomyces mahasarakhamensis sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium Isolated from Jasmine Rice and its Potential as Plant Growth Promoter
Exploring Indonesian Sponge-Associated Marine Aspergillus hortai: Characterization of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Anti-Escherichia coli Properties
Production of Alginate Oligosaccharides (AOSs) Using Enhanced Physicochemical Properties of Immobilized Alginate Lyase for Industrial Application
Oleaginous Microbial Lipids’ Potential in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders
Marine Sponge-Derived Natural Products: Trends and Opportunities for the Decade of 2011-2020
Description of Streptomyces naphthomycinicus sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium Producing Naphthomycin A and its Genome Insight for Discovering Bioactive Compounds
Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium with Biosynthesis Potential as an Antibiotic Producer
Development of Sustainable Downstream Processing for Nutritional Oil Production
Streptomyces spinosus sp. nov. and Streptomyces shenzhenensis subsp. oryzicola subsp. nov. Endophytic Actinobacteria Isolated from Jasmine Rice and Their Genome Mining for Potential as Antibiotic Producers and Plant Growth Promoters
Correction to: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms Mediated by Endophytic Actinobacteria to Enhance the Rhizobia—Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Symbiosis
researcher at Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia
Nina Recek is a Slovenian researcher renowned for her contributions to surface engineering, material science, and antimicrobial testing. Born on December 29, 1986, in Slovenia, she has built a distinguished career in both academic and industrial research. Currently, she serves as a Senior Researcher and Project Leader at the Jožef Stefan Institute, where she leads innovative projects and multidisciplinary teams. With international experience in Australia, the United States, and Europe, she has demonstrated her commitment to advancing science globally through impactful collaborations, publications, and patents.
Professional Profile
Nina Recek’s academic foundation is rooted in her deep commitment to science and innovation. She pursued advanced degrees that equipped her with expertise in material science and engineering. Her education spans prestigious institutions, culminating in doctoral research that paved the way for her groundbreaking contributions to surface engineering and biocompatible materials. Her training has provided a robust understanding of multidisciplinary approaches, enabling her to excel in collaborations across biotechnology, chemistry, physics, and microbiology.
Nina’s professional journey reflects a trajectory of leadership and innovation. At the Jožef Stefan Institute, she leads key projects involving cutting-edge research and industrial applications. Her prior roles include a postdoctoral position at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, where she supervised PhD students and advanced interdisciplinary research. She also served as a research visitor at George Washington University, further enriching her global experience. Her expertise extends to patent applications, laboratory optimization, and innovative methodologies.
Nina’s research interests lie at the intersection of material science, surface engineering, and biocompatibility. She focuses on the synthesis of advanced materials, antimicrobial testing, and the development of biocompatible surfaces. Her work has significant implications for healthcare, industrial applications, and sustainable technologies. She is passionate about translating fundamental research into practical solutions, particularly in developing innovative methods for surface characterization and optimizing laboratory protocols.
Nina Recek’s achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards and honors. She was a recipient of the Australian Government Endeavour Fellowship, which highlights her as an outstanding researcher. She has also been invited to speak at international conferences in Vietnam, Japan, and Croatia, reflecting her global impact and leadership in science. Her patents and publications further demonstrate her innovative contributions, solidifying her reputation as a leading researcher in her field.
Nina Recek demonstrates exceptional qualifications as a candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her extensive experience, innovative contributions, and international collaborations position her as a strong contender. Addressing areas such as broader visibility and leadership in larger-scale grants would further solidify her reputation in the scientific community. Overall, her track record and impact in research make her highly suitable for this honor
MSc Student, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Sulman Olieko Owili is a dedicated agricultural and environmental economist from Kenya, with a focus on developing sustainable policies for the agri-food sector through research. Recognized as the Best Collaborative Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics (CMAAE) student in 2023, he has earned accolades for his academic excellence across East and Southern Africa. Sulman currently contributes as a Research Fellow at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the Agroecology Initiative, a Teaching Assistant at the University of Nairobi, and a Research and Data Analyst at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). His research emphasizes production economics, econometrics, and quantitative modeling. 🌱📊
Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics (CMAAE) – University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2021–Present. Specializations in Quantitative Methods, Agricultural Policy, and Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis – University of Pretoria, South Africa, 2022–2023. Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension – University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2016–2020 🎓
Research and Data Analyst – International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), Nairobi, Kenya, 2023–Present. Teaching Assistant (Department of Agricultural Economics) – University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, 2022–Present. Research Fellow – International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Agroecology Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya, 2022–Present 🌐📈
Sulman’s research covers diverse areas, including production economics, econometrics, statistics, and quantitative modeling, aimed at enhancing agri-food sector sustainability. 📉🌾
Best CMAAE Student – 2023, University of Pretoria. Best Masters Student Recognition – 2023, University of Nairobi. First-Class Honors in Agricultural Economics – 2020, University of Nairobi 🏅🎖️
Factors influencing adoption of agro-ecological pest management options for mango fruit fly under information constraints: a two-part fractional regression approach
Kenya Context Assessment Report: A desk-top review of the context of agroecological principles of Kiambu and Makueni counties
university lecturer, University of Pécs/Biological Institute/Department of Plant Biology, Hungary
Éva Salamon-Albert is a Hungarian vegetation scientist and associate professor at the University of Pécs, Hungary 🌱. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to the field of plant biology, focusing on plant taxonomy, ecophysiology, and environmental assessments. Her expertise extends to teaching, research, and ecological studies, particularly in the conservation and study of native plant species in Hungary 🌍.
Afghanistan at Sayed jamalluddin Afghani University, Afghanistan
Ahmad Ratib Sharafat is a dedicated PhD candidate in Agricultural Biotechnology at Akdeniz University, with a strong academic foundation that includes a Master’s degree from Kazakh National Agrarian University and a Bachelor’s degree from Nangarhar University. His expertise spans plant breeding, tissue culture, and data analysis using R Studio, complemented by experience in teaching as a university assistant. Ahmad has presented at various international conferences and published research on the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on wheat regeneration, showcasing his contributions to the field. Proficient in multiple languages, he actively engages in research and communication within the global academic community. His commitment to continuous learning and improvement positions him as a promising researcher in agricultural biotechnology.
Ahmad Ratib Sharafat has a strong educational background in agricultural sciences. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy at Nangarhar University in Afghanistan, where he focused on plant production, graduating with a final grade of 78.88%. His thesis investigated the cross-breeding of two winter wheat varieties. He then pursued a Master of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology at Kazakh National Agrarian University in Kazakhstan, specializing in plant tissue culture and achieving a final grade of 3.55%. His master’s thesis focused on creating new drought-tolerant soybean lines through cell selection. Currently, Ahmad is a PhD candidate in Agricultural Biotechnology at Akdeniz University in Turkey, where he is researching the creation of doubled haploid lines of wheat through microspore culture, maintaining a final grade of 3.62%. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in plant biotechnology and agricultural practices.
Ahmad Ratib Sharafat is a dedicated PhD candidate in Agricultural Biotechnology at Akdeniz University, with a robust academic background that includes a BSc in Agronomy from Nangarhar University and an MSc in Agricultural Biotechnology from Kazakh National Agrarian University. His expertise encompasses plant breeding, tissue culture, and farming production, complemented by hands-on experience in greenhouse operations and research methodologies. Currently serving as a university teaching assistant at Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University in Afghanistan, he manages administrative tasks, participates in lectures, and provides guidance to students in practical and research activities. Ahmad possesses strong data analysis skills using R Studio and is adept at using BioRender for visual presentations. Additionally, he has actively participated in numerous international conferences and webinars, showcasing his research on topics such as plant regeneration and genetic improvement, while also engaging in volunteer translation work to support his community.
Ahmad Ratib Sharafat’s research focuses on agricultural biotechnology, specifically in the areas of plant tissue culture and genetic improvement of crops. His doctoral work at Akdeniz University centers on the creation of doubled haploid lines of wheat through microspore culture, which aims to enhance genetic uniformity and improve breeding efficiency. This research is pivotal for developing drought-tolerant and high-yield crop varieties, addressing global food security challenges. Ahmad’s previous work includes studying the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on embryogenesis and plant regeneration in wheat anther culture, highlighting his commitment to advancing innovative biotechnological methods in plant breeding. Through his research, he aims to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop resilience in the face of environmental stressors.
Ahmad Ratib Sharafat has received several awards and honors throughout his academic career, showcasing his commitment to excellence in research and education. His achievements include recognition for outstanding presentations at international conferences, such as the “Role of Genes in Plant Breeding” at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, where he was a presenter. Additionally, he has been acknowledged for his research contributions, particularly his publication on the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on embryogenesis in wheat, which has been positively received in the scientific community. His dedication to teaching and student guidance at Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University further highlights his exemplary service and commitment to advancing knowledge in agricultural biotechnology. These accolades reflect his hard work and passion for the field, positioning him as a promising researcher and educator.
Ahmad Ratib Sharafat is a dedicated and skilled researcher in the field of agricultural biotechnology, with a proven track record of academic excellence and research contributions. His strengths in teaching, data analysis, and multilingual communication, combined with a commitment to continuous learning, make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By addressing areas for improvement, he can further enhance his impact in the field and contribute to the advancement of agricultural biotechnology.