Mahmoud Sitohy | Biochemical Modification and Bioactivity | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Mahmoud Sitohy | Biochemical Modification and Bioactivity | Best Research Article Award

Professor Emeritus | Zagazig University | Egypt

Professor Mahmoud Zaky Sitohy is a distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, and Director of the Technology, Innovation and Commercialisation Office. He holds advanced degrees in Biochemistry and has dedicated over five decades to research, teaching, and leadership in agricultural and biochemical sciences. His extensive professional experience includes managing international and national research and education projects, serving as Head of the Biochemistry Department, Director of the Central Laboratory, and Executive Manager of the University Project Management Unit. A prolific scholar, he has authored more than one hundred forty international publications indexed in Scopus, with thousands of citations and a high h-index, reflecting his lasting impact on scientific research. His studies have pioneered advances in protein modification, antibacterial and antiviral bioactive compounds, and applications of biochemistry in food preservation and plant resilience. Professor Sitohy has served as Editor-in-Chief of the Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research, peer reviewer for numerous international journals, and expert evaluator for the European Commission and national higher education quality projects. He is also certified as an ISO9001 Lead Auditor and recognized as a national and international expert in the Bologna and ECTS systems. His academic excellence has been honored with awards for outstanding applied research and contributions to basic sciences, affirming his leadership, innovation, and enduring influence in the advancement of biochemistry and agricultural biotechnology.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Hashish, E., Merwad, A., Elgaml, S., Amer, A., Kamal, H., Elsadek, A., Marei, A., & Sitohy, M. Z. (2018). Mycobacterium marinum infection in fish and man: Epidemiology, pathophysiology and management; a review. Veterinary Quarterly, 38(1), 35–46.

2. El-Saadony, M. T., Yang, T., Korma, S. A., Sitohy, M., Abd El-Mageed, T. A., Selim, S., … (2023). Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 1040259.

3. Sitohy, M. Z., Mahgoub, S. A., & Osman, A. O. (2012). In vitro and in situ antimicrobial action and mechanism of glycinin and its basic subunit. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 154(1–2), 19–29.

4. Hamad, E. M., Taha, S. H., Abou Dawood, A. G. I., Sitohy, M. Z., & Abdel-Hamid, M. (2011). Protective effect of whey proteins against nonalcoholic fatty liver in rats. Lipids in Health and Disease, 10(1), 57.

5. Chobert, J. M., Sitohy, M. Z., & Whitaker, J. R. (1988). Solubility and emulsifying properties of caseins modified enzymatically by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 36(1), 220–224.

Professor Mahmoud Zaky Sitohy’s pioneering research in biochemistry and agricultural biotechnology has advanced sustainable food systems and human health through innovative applications of bioactive proteins and natural compounds. His work bridges scientific discovery with real-world impact, driving progress in food security, environmental resilience, and global innovation.

Modupe Stella Ayilara | Microbial Biotechnology | Young Researcher Award

Dr. Modupe Stella Ayilara | Microbial Biotechnology | Young Researcher Award

Modupe Stella Ayilara | North-West University | South Africa

Dr. Modupe Stella Ayilara is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of microbiology and biological sciences, currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Extraordinary Senior Lecturer in the Food Security and Safety Research Area at North-West University, South Africa, and as a Course Tutor at the University of the People, United States. She holds advanced degrees in Biology and Microbiology, complemented by extensive research and leadership experience across academic and industrial environments. Her professional background includes significant contributions as a Senior Research Officer at the Environmental Pollution Science and Technology (ENPOST) Nigeria and as a Research Fellow at the Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, where she has engaged in projects focused on microbial diversity, antimicrobial potentials of tropical plants, nitrogen fixation, biofertilizer formulation, sustainable bioenergy, and environmental safety. Dr. Ayilara’s research excellence is reflected in her numerous publications and citations, as well as her recognition among the top two percent of scientists globally by Elsevier and Stanford University. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in food security, environmental microbiology, and bioresource management, mentoring students and contributing to science policy development. Her outstanding achievements, academic leadership, and dedication to impactful, interdisciplinary research make her a deserving candidate for distinguished recognition and future advancement in scientific innovation and global sustainability.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Ayilara, M. S., Olanrewaju, O. S., Babalola, O. O., & Odeyemi, O. (2020). Waste management through composting: Challenges and potentials. Sustainability, 12(11), 4456.

2. Ayilara, M. S., Adeleke, B. S., Akinola, S. A., Fayose, C. A., Adeyemi, U. T., et al. (2023). Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1040901.

3. Ayilara, M. S., & Babalola, O. O. (2023). Bioremediation of environmental wastes: The role of microorganisms. Frontiers in Agronomy, 5, 1183691.

4. Adeleke, B. S., Ayilara, M. S., Akinola, S. A., & Babalola, O. O. (2022). Biocontrol mechanisms of endophytic fungi. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 32(1), 46.

5. Akanmu, A. O., Babalola, O. O., Venturi, V., Ayilara, M. S., Adeleke, B. S., Amoo, A. E., et al. (2021). Plant disease management: Leveraging on the plant-microbe-soil interface in the biorational use of organic amendments. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 700507.

Dr. Modupe Stella Ayilara’s research advances sustainable solutions in environmental microbiology, food security, and waste management through innovative microbial applications. Her work bridges science and society by promoting eco-friendly biotechnological approaches that enhance agricultural productivity, environmental safety, and global sustainability.

Dr. Nazar Gul | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nazar Gul | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director at Drainage and Reclamation Institute of Pakistan (DRIP), Tando Jam; Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Dr. Nazar Gul is a dedicated agricultural engineer with a Ph.D. in Land and Water Management and over ten years of research experience focused on sustainable water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions. He has published 13 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, with a total impact factor of 14.17, alongside several technical research reports and conference presentations. His work spans innovative irrigation techniques, groundwater assessment, salinity management, and climate change adaptation. Dr. Gul has actively contributed to national and international research projects and has trained over 1,000 students and professionals through workshops, internships, and field training. He has also co-supervised graduate students and engaged in community outreach by publishing articles in local languages to disseminate knowledge. Currently serving as Deputy Director at DRIP-PCRWR, his leadership, academic rigor, and practical contributions to agricultural water management make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Nazar Gul holds a strong academic background in agricultural engineering with a focused specialization in water resources. He earned his Ph.D. in Land and Water Management from Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam in 2024, preceded by an M.E. in the same field in 2016 and a B.E. in Agriculture in 2014, all with first-division honors. His academic journey reflects consistent excellence and a commitment to addressing critical water-related challenges in Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Prior to his university studies, he achieved a “B” grade in Intermediate (Pre-Engineering) and an “A-1” grade in Matriculation (Science) from the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Hyderabad. Dr. Gul’s academic foundation has equipped him with strong analytical, technical, and research capabilities. His specialization in irrigation technologies, groundwater management, and climate impact studies forms the basis of his applied and academic research contributions aimed at improving agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Nazar Gul has accumulated over a decade of professional experience in the field of agricultural water management. He currently serves as Deputy Director at the Drainage and Reclamation Institute of Pakistan (DRIP), a regional office of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), under the Ministry of Water Resources. His role involves leading research projects, supervising field stations, writing scientific reports, and executing donor-funded initiatives. From 2014 to 2021, he served as a Research Associate at DRIP, gaining hands-on experience in lysimetric studies, irrigation efficiency trials, and groundwater monitoring. Throughout his career, Dr. Gul has been involved in both development and non-development research projects across Sindh and Tharparkar. He has supervised postgraduate students, mentored over 1,000 interns, and organized professional and farmer training sessions. His professional trajectory reflects a blend of academic research, field implementation, project management, and technical training in water conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Research Interest

Dr. Nazar Gul’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and climate resilience. He focuses on optimizing irrigation practices in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly through high-efficiency irrigation systems like drip, sprinkler, and bubbler technologies. His work includes evaluating crop water requirements, soil salinity mitigation, groundwater dynamics, and evapotranspiration modeling. He has a strong interest in integrating technology into farming practices, such as using chameleon sensors, tensiometers, and lysimeters to assess field-level water productivity. Dr. Gul is also passionate about climate change impacts on crop water demand and groundwater resources. His field-based studies are designed not only for academic publication but also for practical application by local farmers and policymakers. His applied research philosophy is evident in his extensive community outreach, including training programs and newspaper articles in local languages. His work is critical for ensuring water security and sustainable agricultural development in vulnerable regions of Pakistan.

Award and Honor

While specific individual awards are not listed in the provided CV, Dr. Nazar Gul has earned professional recognition through his leadership roles and contributions to high-impact national and international research projects. His promotion to Deputy Director at DRIP-PCRWR itself reflects institutional recognition of his technical expertise, research productivity, and administrative capability. He has co-authored and contributed to several government-published research reports and has presented his work at international conferences such as the International Conference on Climate Change and the International Water Conference. Dr. Gul has been entrusted with training professionals and farmers under internationally sponsored projects by USDA, ICARDA, and ACIAR, a recognition of his credibility and communication skills. His consistent academic performance—graduating with first-division honors at all levels—and his position as a resource person for over two dozen training sessions further underscore his standing as a respected and impactful researcher in Pakistan’s agricultural water management landscape.

Conclusion

Dr. Nazar Gul is a highly competent and impactful agricultural engineer whose contributions to water resource management make him a strong candidate for prestigious recognition. His educational achievements, coupled with over a decade of hands-on research and leadership experience at PCRWR, reflect both academic and professional excellence. His work has addressed critical issues like water use efficiency, irrigation technologies, groundwater assessment, and salinity management, with real-world benefits for farmers in arid and semi-arid zones of Pakistan. Through 13 research publications with an impressive impact factor, national technical reports, extensive training activities, and community engagement, Dr. Gul has advanced both scientific understanding and practical application of sustainable agriculture practices. His commitment to mentoring students and empowering local communities positions him as not just a researcher, but a leader and educator. Dr. Gul exemplifies the qualities sought in a Best Researcher Award recipient—rigorous, relevant, and resolutely dedicated to solving real-world problems.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Effect of alternating canal and marginal groundwater irrigation on banana yield, water use efficiency, and soil salinity under furrow plantation
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Agricultural Water Management (DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2025.109603)

  • Title: Quantifying the impacts of varying groundwater table depths on cotton evapotranspiration, yield, water use efficiency, and root zone salinity using lysimeters
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Agricultural Water Management (DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2024.108933)

  • Title: Water requirements of banana and papaya under different water table depths and soil types in the Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Irrigation and Drainage (DOI: 10.1002/ird.2892)

  • Title: Exploring Groundwater Dynamics: A Comprehensive Investigation and Spatial Mapping in Canal Command Areas of Sindh
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2023
    Citation: PCRWR Report (2023-12-31)

  • Title: Beneath the Sands: A Comprehensive Study of Groundwater in Tharparkar Region
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2023
    Citation: PCRWR Report (2023-09-04)

  • Title: Response of Different Fish Species to Highly Saline Water under Desert Climate Condition – Finding Options for Local Food Security
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2023
    Citation: (Journal article, 2023-08-12)

  • Title: Potential Impacts of Climate Change Using Long-Term Historical Climate Data on Evapotranspiration (ET) and Groundwater Contribution to Wheat and Cotton Crop
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2023
    Citation: International Journal of Environment and Climate Change (2023-04-29)

  • Title: Effect of Sprinkler and Basin Irrigation Systems on Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Canola Crop
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (2021-04-03)

  • Title: Scheduling of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application for Growing Cabbage on Raised-Beds
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Pakistan Journal of Agriculture Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Sciences (2020-01-28)

  • Title: Water Requirements of Banana and Papaya in Sindh
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2019
    Citation: PCRWR Report (2019-09-01)

  • Title: Assessing the Effect of Different Water Table Depths on Water Use, Yield and Water Productivity of the Okra Crop
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (2018-01-19)

  • Title: Water Requirements of Major Crops in Sindh
    Authors: Nazar Gul
    Year: 2016
    Citation: PCRWR Report (2016-12-02)

Ivan Simeonov | Anaerobic Digestion | Most Reader’s Article Award

Dr. Ivan Simeonov | Anaerobic Digestion | Most Reader’s Article Award

Retired scientist at Institut of microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria.

Ivan Simeonov, PhD, Professor, is a highly experienced scientist specializing in bioautomatics and anaerobic digestion. He has made significant contributions in modeling, monitoring, and optimization of biotechnological processes, particularly in the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. With numerous international collaborations, he has worked across Europe, Asia, and Russia. He is a respected member of scientific societies, and his research has been widely published in leading journals. Simeonov continues to engage in cutting-edge research, with a focus on environmental biotechnology and renewable energy systems 🌍💡🌿. His work has earned him recognition both in Bulgaria and internationally 🏆🔬.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

ORCID

Suitability for Most Reader’s Article Award

Prof. Ivan Simeonov, PhD, is a highly accomplished researcher in bioautomatics and environmental biotechnology. His extensive contributions to anaerobic digestion, mathematical modeling, and process optimization have made a lasting impact on sustainable engineering and renewable energy. With 281 scientific papers and a global collaborative network spanning France, China, and Russia, his research has significantly advanced waste-to-energy technologies.

Education and Experience:

  • 1966: School 32 “Kliment Ohridski”, Sofia, Bulgaria 🎓
  • 1971: Technical University of Sofia, Electrical Faculty, Specialty Automatics ⚙️
  • 1971–1973: University of Paris VI and Ecole Supérieure d’Electricité, France 🇫🇷
  • 1981: PhD in Engineering (Automatics), Technical University of Sofia 🎓🔧
  • 1986-2020: Head of Research Group at the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology 🧪
  • 2012-2016: Deputy Director, Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology 🌍
  • International collaborations in Russia, Ukraine, China, France, and Finland 🌍

Professional Development 

Ivan Simeonov’s professional development spans decades of international collaboration and scientific advancement. Over the years, he has honed his expertise through numerous guest professorships and research positions, including in France, Russia, and China. Simeonov’s work has significantly contributed to the fields of anaerobic digestion and bioautomatics, with a focus on sustainable energy and waste management technologies 🌱. His involvement in projects funded by the European Space Agency and Bulgarian National Science Fund showcases his expertise and leadership in the research community 🌌. His role as an invited researcher and professor across global institutions highlights his ongoing commitment to scientific innovation ✨📚.

Research Focus 

Professor Simeonov’s research focuses on environmental biotechnology, renewable energy, and anaerobic digestion systems. His expertise lies in the mathematical modeling, monitoring, and optimization of biotechnological processes, especially in the degradation of organic waste for energy production 🔋🌿. He is dedicated to advancing the understanding of two-stage anaerobic digestion, producing methane and hydrogen from agricultural and lignocellulosic waste. Through his international collaborations, he works on the development of intelligent control systems and optimal technologies that enhance the efficiency of biogas production, contributing significantly to sustainable energy solutions 🌍. His work is crucial to achieving eco-friendly waste management practices 🌱.

Awards and Honors:

  • President, NGO “Ecological Engineering and Environment Protection” 🌍
  • Member of the governing body, “John Atanasoff” Society of Automatics and Informatics 📚
  • Member, Technical Committee of IFAC TC 8.4 Biosystems and Bioprocesses 🏆
  • 531 citations (Scopus), h-index: 13 📈
  • Scientific collaborator in projects funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund and European Space Agency 🚀

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Two-Stage Anaerobic Digestion for Green Energy Production: A Review

    • Authors: I.S. Simeonov, E.I. Chorukova, L.V. Kabaivanova
    • Year: 2025
  2. Title: A volatile fatty acids adaptive observer-based hierarchical optimal controller design to maximum gas production of two-stage anaerobic digestion process

    • Authors: H. Li, Y. Tian, H. Wang, I.S. Simeonov, N.D. Christov
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  3. Title: Trajectory tracking of two-stage anaerobic digestion process: A predictive control with guaranteed performance and saturated input, based on ultra-local model

    • Authors: D. He, H. Wang, Y. Tian, N.D. Christov, I.S. Simeonov
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 6
  4. Title: Special Issue “Modelling and Optimal Design of Complex Biological Systems”

    • Authors: J. Harmand, A.E. Rapaport, N.S. Dimitrova, I.S. Simeonov
    • Year: 2023
  5. Title: Newton-Based Extremum Seeking for Dynamic Systems Using Kalman Filtering: Application to Anaerobic Digestion Process Control

    • Authors: Y. Tian, N. Pan, M. Hu, L.V. Kabaivanova, N.D. Christov
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 4

YUCHEN SHEN | Bioengineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. YUCHEN SHEN | Bioengineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral scholar, University of Washington, United States

Dr. Yuchen Shen, a distinguished postdoctoral scholar at the University of Washington, United States, stands as a beacon in the field of bioengineering. With a relentless pursuit of scientific excellence, Dr. Shen has garnered the prestigious Best Researcher Award for their groundbreaking contributions. 🏆 Their innovative research not only pushes the boundaries of bioengineering but also holds promise for transformative advancements in healthcare and technology. Dr. Shen’s dedication, intellect, and vision inspire peers and aspiring researchers alike, shaping the future landscape of biomedical sciences. In a world where knowledge is key, Dr. Shen’s work illuminates new paths towards understanding and solving complex biological challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Education

🎓 Yuchen Shen completed her educational journey with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Science & Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also obtained a Master’s in Agricultural & Biological Engineering. Previously, she earned her Bachelor’s in Biosystems Engineering from Zhejiang University. 📚

Experience

👩‍🔬 Yuchen Shen has held significant roles in academia and research, including being a Research Assistant at the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Center (ACRC) at UIUC and currently serving as a Postdoctoral Scholar in Bioengineering at the University of Washington, where she manages the laboratory. 🧪

Research Interests

🔬 Yuchen Shen’s research interests lie in areas such as frost growth detection, condensation frosting, and the effects of UV light on interfacial water. Her work encompasses both experimental investigations and numerical simulations, contributing to advancements in thermal management and surface engineering. 🌡️

Awards

🏅 Yuchen Shen has been recognized for her academic achievements with awards like the Second prize of Social Practice Research Paper at Zhejiang University and participation in competitions such as the MechSE Art of Science Competition at UIUC. 🏆

📚 Publications Top Notes

Real-time frost porosity detection using capacitance sensing approach, 2019, Link

Condensation Frosting Characteristic Detection Using Capacitance Sensing Approach, 2020 , Link

Condensation Frosting on Micro-Pillar Surfaces – Effect of Microscale Roughness on Ice Propagation, 2020, , Link

Numerical simulations of frost growth using mixture model on surfaces with different wettability, 2023,  Link

Detection of Frost Growth and Distribution on Louver and Offset Strip Fins of a Microchannel Heat Exchanger Using Capacitance Sensing Approach, 2023,  Link

Prediction of Condensation Freezing Droplet Size on Nano-Textured Superhydrophobic Surfaces, N/A,  Link

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Effect on the Electrical Potential of Interfacial Water, 2024