Rashid Gholami | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rashid Gholami | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Razi University, Iran

Dr. Rashid Gholami is an Assistant Professor at Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, specializing in agricultural machinery mechanics and post-harvest technology. With a strong research background in food preservation, packaging, and engineering properties of agricultural products, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of innovative storage solutions. His work integrates artificial intelligence, nano-packaging, and modified atmosphere technologies to enhance food shelf life and quality. As a researcher with international experience, including a visiting position at the University of Milan, Italy, he has collaborated with leading experts to develop novel food storage methodologies. Dr. Gholami is committed to bridging the gap between engineering and food science by improving storage systems that minimize post-harvest losses. His extensive academic contributions, combined with numerous publications, make him a recognized expert in his field. His research aims to address global food security challenges through advanced technological interventions.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Rashid Gholami obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanics of Agricultural Machinery with a focus on post-harvest technology from Bu Ali Sina University, Iran, in 2019. His doctoral research concentrated on constructing nano-packaging with modified atmosphere and nano-coating to enhance the shelf life of button mushrooms. During his Ph.D., he was a visiting scholar at the University of Milan, Italy, where he worked under the supervision of Dr. Stefano Farris. He completed his M.Sc. in Mechanics of Agricultural Machinery at Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, in 2012, focusing on analyzing the effects of exhaust gases and oil temperature in various tractors using artificial intelligence methods. He earned his B.Sc. in the same field from Razi University in 2010, where he designed and evaluated hybrid vehicle suspensions. His strong academic foundation has enabled him to conduct impactful research in agricultural engineering.

Professional Experience

Dr. Gholami currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystem Engineering at Razi University, where he conducts research and teaches courses related to agricultural machinery mechanics and post-harvest engineering. His expertise spans across food packaging, rheology, and the application of AI in agricultural research. As a faculty member, he mentors students and supervises research projects related to food storage and preservation. He has actively participated in numerous research collaborations, both nationally and internationally, contributing to the development of advanced post-harvest technologies. His professional engagements also include membership in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Engineering Organization of Iran. Beyond academia, he has been involved in research projects focused on reducing post-harvest losses and improving agricultural product quality. His contributions extend to reviewing scientific articles and participating in various conferences worldwide.

Research Interests

Dr. Gholami’s research focuses on post-harvest engineering, food storage, and packaging technologies to enhance the shelf life and quality of agricultural products. His work integrates advanced methodologies such as nano-packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, and edible coatings to reduce food spoilage. He is also deeply involved in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for non-destructive testing of food products. His studies on the rheological and mechanical properties of foodstuffs contribute to developing innovative storage and transportation solutions. Additionally, he explores the effects of packaging conditions on various agricultural products, aiming to optimize preservation methods. His interdisciplinary approach combines engineering principles with food science, ensuring practical applications that benefit both industry and consumers. Through his research, he aims to develop sustainable technologies that address food security challenges and enhance agricultural efficiency.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Gholami has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his academic excellence and innovative research contributions. He was honored as the nation’s top student by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran in 2013. His research achievements earned him the title of Top Researcher at Razi University the same year. He graduated with distinction in both his M.Sc. and B.Sc. programs, demonstrating outstanding academic performance. His contributions to technological innovation were acknowledged by the Science and Technology Park of Kermanshah, where he was recognized as a top innovator. Additionally, he was consistently ranked among the top students throughout his high school years. His dedication to advancing agricultural engineering and food preservation has established him as a leading researcher in his field. Through his work, he continues to contribute to scientific advancements and the development of sustainable food storage solutions.

Conclusion

Dr. Rashid Gholami is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his research productivity, innovation, and academic contributions. His interdisciplinary approach in food packaging and agricultural mechanics is commendable. To further strengthen his candidacy, demonstrating a higher global impact, securing more research funding, and engaging in applied industrial collaborations would be beneficial.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Physicochemical and aromatic properties of iron-enriched tomato paste during storage
Authors: Nahid Aghili Nategh, Rashid Gholami, Vajiheh Dayyani, Paolo Gay, Alessandro Biglia
Journal: Food Research International
Year: 2025
Citations: 0 (as of the current data)

Christopher Milton Mathew | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Christopher Milton Mathew | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

Education

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.

Professional Experience

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.

Research Interests

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.

Awards and Honors

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.

Conclusion

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.

Publications Top Noted

  • Streptomyces mahasarakhamensis sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium Isolated from Jasmine Rice and its Potential as Plant Growth Promoter

    • Authors: S. Sukpanoa, O. Kaewkla, C. Suriyachadkun, P. Klankeo, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Exploring Indonesian Sponge-Associated Marine Aspergillus hortai: Characterization of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Anti-Escherichia coli Properties

    • Authors: W.N. Fadillah, N. Sukarno, D. Iswantini, N. Hanif, M. Waite, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Production of Alginate Oligosaccharides (AOSs) Using Enhanced Physicochemical Properties of Immobilized Alginate Lyase for Industrial Application

    • Authors: S. Kaur, R.E. Abraham, C.M.M. Franco, M. Puri
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Oleaginous Microbial Lipids’ Potential in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Disorders

    • Authors: M.T. Alhattab, L.S. Moorthy, D. Patel, C.M.M. Franco, M. Puri
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 6
  • Marine Sponge-Derived Natural Products: Trends and Opportunities for the Decade of 2011-2020

    • Authors: M.F. Mehbub, Q. Yang, Y. Cheng, C.M.M. Franco, W. Zhang
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Description of Streptomyces naphthomycinicus sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium Producing Naphthomycin A and its Genome Insight for Discovering Bioactive Compounds

    • Authors: O. Kaewkla, M.V. Perkins, A. Thamchaipenet, T. Chumroenphat, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Streptomyces phytophilus sp. nov., an Endophytic Actinobacterium with Biosynthesis Potential as an Antibiotic Producer

    • Authors: O. Kaewkla, C. Suriyachadkun, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  • Development of Sustainable Downstream Processing for Nutritional Oil Production

    • Authors: S. Rollin, A. Gupta, C.M.M. Franco, S.P. Singh, M. Puri
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  • 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

    • Authors: O. Kaewkla, S. Sukpanoa, C. Suriyachadkun, T. Chumroenphat, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 11
  • Correction to: Revealing the Underlying Mechanisms Mediated by Endophytic Actinobacteria to Enhance the Rhizobia—Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Symbiosis

    • Authors: T. Xu, Q.A.T. Vo, S.J. Barnett, Y. Zhu, C.M.M. Franco
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1