Edwin Borja | Agriculture | Collaborative Research Excellence Award

Mr. Edwin Borja | Agriculture | Collaborative Research Excellence Award

Universitat de Valencia | Spain

Mr. Edwin José Borja Borja is an agricultural researcher at the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, specializing in plant pathology, agrobiodiversity, and the sustainable management of musaceae and forest species. He holds advanced academic training culminating in a doctorate in biodiversity and evolutionary biology, supported by prior graduate specialization in biodiversity conservation and undergraduate formation in agronomy. His professional experience includes roles as a research investigator and technical specialist, where he has led and contributed to projects focused on disease etiology in economically important crops, the characterization of microbial agents, the establishment and evaluation of germplasm collections, and the development of biological control strategies. He has participated in nationally funded and internationally supported research initiatives, contributed to multidisciplinary teams, and taught at the university level. His research outputs include publications in high-ranking scientific journals, with contributions addressing ecogeographic characterization, pathogen dynamics, and producer typification in musaceae systems. His work demonstrates rigor in field sampling, laboratory analysis, and statistical assessment, reinforcing his impact within agricultural science. He has been recognized through competitive research appointments and collaborative participation in international development projects, reflecting his growing influence and professionalism within the scientific community.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Espín, R. D. S., Rivera, M. M. G., Rivera, V. H. G., Santos, F. C., Guerrero, I. E. H., & Borja, E. (2020). Rendimiento y atributos de calidad de mora (Rubus glaucus Benth) de cuatro zonas productoras de Bolívar. Revista de Investigación Talentos, 7(2), 33–45.

2. Borja, E. J. (2017). Caracterización eco-geográfica de Prunus serotina Ehrh. subsp. capuli (Cav.) McVaugh (capulí), en la Región Andina de Ecuador [Master’s thesis].

3. Quinaluisa, E. J. N., Bastidas, C. G. T., Feria, R. J. V., Pérez, Y. C., Pilla, A. H. D., & Borja, E. J. (2018). Caracterización eco-geográfica de melloco (Ullucus tuberosus C.) en la región alto andina del Ecuador. La Técnica: Revista de las Agrociencias, 31–46.

4. Delgado, H., Tapia, C., Borja, E., Naranjo, E., & Martín, J. P. (2022). Phenotypic diversity of Amaranthus quitensis Kunth landraces: A millenary crop of Ecuadorian Andean region. Scientia Agropecuaria, 13(4), 381–393.

5. Delgado Pilla, H., Tapia, C., Naranjo, E., Borja Borja, E. J., & Martín Clemente, J. P. (n.d.). Variación de la agrodiversidad en variedades tradicionales de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) de la Región Andina de Ecuador.

Mr. The nominee’s work advances agricultural resilience by generating scientific knowledge that strengthens crop health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable production systems. His research supports farmers, industry stakeholders, and national food security through innovative approaches to plant disease management, germplasm characterization, and ecological understanding, contributing to long-term agricultural innovation and societal well-being.

Neda Mollakhalili-eybodi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences| Best Researcher Award

Dr. Neda Mollakhalili-eybodi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences| Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Shahid sadoughi university of medical science, Iran

Dr. Neda Mollakhalili-Meybodi is an Associate Professor specializing in Food Science and Technology, with academic credentials from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on functional foods, probiotic applications, non-thermal food processing methods, and nutritional enhancement of grains such as quinoa. She has an impressive scholarly output, with over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple book chapters published by leading academic publishers like Springer and Elsevier. Dr. Mollakhalili-Meybodi’s work is indexed in major scientific databases including Scopus, Google Scholar, and ORCID, reflecting her growing impact in the field. Her studies on cold plasma technology, toxic element mitigation, and food formulation innovations are aligned with global priorities in food safety and public health. She is an active collaborator in interdisciplinary research and contributes meaningfully to both academic knowledge and practical food technology applications. Her achievements and continued research excellence position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Neda Mollakhalili-Meybodi holds a comprehensive academic background in Food Science and Technology, all from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in 2014, and subsequently completed her Ph.D. in 2019. Throughout her academic training, she focused on critical areas within food science, including food safety, functional foods, and food processing technologies. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her future academic contributions in probiotic formulations and innovative food processing methods. Her consistent academic path reflects a deep commitment to specialization and advancement in food-related sciences. Her education from a leading institution in Iran has equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary for high-level research and university teaching. This strong academic foundation underpins her professional growth and scholarly achievements in food science and nutrition research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mollakhalili-Meybodi currently serves as an Associate Professor in Food Science and Technology, where she is engaged in teaching, research, and student supervision. Since earning her Ph.D., she has rapidly advanced in academia through consistent research productivity and meaningful contributions to the scientific community. Her professional responsibilities include curriculum development, supervising graduate theses, peer-reviewing journal articles, and participating in scientific committees. She actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on national and international research projects related to food innovation and health. In addition to her academic role, she has co-authored chapters in influential books and contributed to scientific conferences, workshops, and training programs. Her professional presence extends into recognized academic platforms, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and ORCID, where her growing citation record reflects her impact. Her career trajectory showcases not only subject expertise but also a commitment to mentorship and academic leadership in the evolving field of food technology and public health.

Research Interest

Dr. Neda Mollakhalili-Meybodi’s research interests lie at the intersection of food science, nutrition, and biotechnology, with a special focus on functional and probiotic foods, non-thermal food processing, and grain-based innovations. She is particularly recognized for her work on atmospheric pressure cold plasma technology, which she explores for improving the nutritional and safety characteristics of foods such as quinoa and chia seeds. Her studies often examine how novel treatments affect food’s physicochemical, sensory, and antioxidant properties. She has also contributed significantly to research on toxic element reduction, gluten-free bread formulations, and the use of dietary fibers such as inulin. Moreover, she has authored several comprehensive review articles, reflecting her ability to synthesize complex data for the academic and food industry communities. Her research not only advances scientific understanding but also offers real-world applications for food sustainability, safety, and public health improvement, aligning well with global research priorities in food technology.

Award and Honor

While specific awards are not detailed in the available profile, Dr. Mollakhalili-Meybodi’s academic accomplishments reflect a career deserving of recognition. Her prolific publication record, including over 30 indexed articles in reputable journals and several book chapters, indicates high scholarly achievement and consistent contribution to the field of food science. Her work has been featured in journals with significant impact in food safety, nutrition, and processing, signaling peer recognition and subject-matter relevance. The inclusion of her research in Springer and Elsevier publications and her growing citation count in Google Scholar and Scopus further underscore her scientific influence. Additionally, her appointment as Associate Professor shortly after completing her Ph.D. highlights the academic community’s acknowledgment of her expertise and productivity. With continued research excellence and societal relevance, she is well-positioned to receive institutional, national, or international honors in the near future, including awards for innovation, research leadership, and academic distinction in food science.

Conclusion

Dr. Neda Mollakhalili-Meybodi exemplifies academic excellence through her educational background, professional achievements, and impactful research in food science and technology. Her focused work on functional foods, cold plasma treatment, and food safety has contributed substantially to both scientific literature and practical applications in the food industry. As an Associate Professor, she actively engages in teaching, research, and collaboration, shaping the next generation of food scientists while pushing the boundaries of innovation in her field. Her growing recognition through indexed publications, book chapters, and research collaborations positions her as a thought leader in food technology. Although further global recognition and grant leadership would strengthen her portfolio, her current accomplishments strongly support her candidacy for prestigious academic honors. In conclusion, Dr. Mollakhalili-Meybodi is a dedicated, productive, and forward-thinking researcher whose continued contributions are advancing science and improving public health through better food systems and processing technologies.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Sheep milk: Physicochemical characteristics and relevance for functional food development
    Authors: CF Balthazar, TC Pimentel, LL Ferrão, CN Almada, A Santillo, M Albenzio, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 531

  • Title: Probiotic viability in yoghurt: A review of influential factors
    Authors: NM Meybodi, AM Mortazavian, M Arab, A Nematollahi
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 159

  • Title: A comprehensive review on yogurt syneresis: Effect of processing conditions and added additives
    Authors: M Arab, M Yousefi, E Khanniri, M Azari, V Ghasemzadeh-Mohammadi, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 131

  • Title: The effect of pH and salt on the stability and physicochemical properties of oil-in-water emulsions prepared with gum tragacanth
    Authors: K Abdolmaleki, MA Mohammadifar, R Mohammadi, G Fadavi, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 123

  • Title: Phytochemicals in cancer prevention: a review of the evidence
    Authors: N Mollakhalili Meybodi, AM Mortazavian, A Bahadori Monfared, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 120

  • Title: Strategies to develop healthier processed cheeses: Reduction of sodium and fat contents and use of prebiotics
    Authors: LL Ferrão, EB Silva, HLA Silva, R Silva, N Mollakhalili, D Granato, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 112

  • Title: Effect of atmospheric cold plasma treatment on technological and nutrition functionality of protein in foods
    Authors: N Mollakhalili-Meybodi, M Yousefi, A Nematollahi, N Khorshidian
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 76

  • Title: Acrylamide in bread: a review on formation, health risk assessment, and determination by analytical techniques
    Authors: N Mollakhalili-Meybodi, N Khorshidian, A Nematollahi, M Arab
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 72

  • Title: An overview of the combination of emerging technologies with conventional methods to reduce acrylamide in different food products: Perspectives and future challenges
    Authors: A Nematollahi, NM Meybodi, AM Khaneghah
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 71

  • Title: Mayonnaise main ingredients influence on its structure as an emulsion
    Authors: M Taslikh, N Mollakhalili-Meybodi, AM Alizadeh, MM Mousavi, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 65

  • Title: Application of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) gum in food technologies: A review of properties and mechanisms of action
    Authors: S Tahmouzi, H Meftahizadeh, S Eyshi, A Mahmoudzadeh, B Alizadeh, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 59

  • Title: Effect of atmospheric pressure cold plasma (ACP) treatment on the technological characteristics of quinoa flour
    Authors: L Zare, N Mollakhalili-Meybodi, H Fallahzadeh, M Arab
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 53

  • Title: Gluten-free bread quality: A review of the improving factors
    Authors: N Mollakhalili Meybodi, MA Mohammadifar, E Feizollahi
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 50

  • Title: Probiotic supplements and food products: Comparison for different targets
    Authors: MN Mollakhalili, AM Mortazavian, S Sohrabvandi, AGDA Cruz, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Probiotic supplements and food products: a comparative approach
    Authors: N Meybodi, A Mortazavian
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 39

Mr Ngwa Azibo| Natural Resources Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr Ngwa Azibo| Natural Resources Management | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Coordinator |Bamenda University Institutes of Science and Technology,Cameroon

Mr. Ngwa Kester Azibo is a committed and impactful researcher whose work bridges academia and field-based development. His research focuses on real-world challenges affecting communities in Cameroon and sub-Saharan Africa, particularly disaster resilience, rural development, and environmental sustainability. His publication record, consultancy roles, and field expertise make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Google scholar Profile

Education 

Ngwa Kester Azibo is a seasoned development and environmental professional with a solid academic foundation. He holds a Master of Science in Rural Development and Administration from the University of Dschang (2017–2019) and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Buea (2006–2009). Further enhancing his analytical skills, he earned a certificate in Data Analysis Using SPSS from BUST Bamenda in 2012. This academic preparation laid a firm groundwork for his extensive engagement in research, fieldwork, and consultancy in sustainable development and humanitarian services.

Professional Experience

Mr. Ngwa currently serves as the Faculty Coordinator and Data Manager at BUST University Bamenda, a role he has held since April 2019. Prior to this, he gained vital experience as a Consultant for Infrastructure Development Consultants (IDC) Bamenda, focusing on community water supply in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions (2014–2015). Earlier, from 2010 to 2011, he contributed to Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) in the Agriculture and Environmental Management Department, strengthening his expertise in grassroots development and environmental resilience.

Research and Field Expertise

Mr. Ngwa has a robust background in field data collection, having participated in numerous socio-environmental projects, including studies on flood victims, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and livelihoods across Cameroon between 2009 and 2021. His work spans collaborations with organizations such as SNV, DEH Cameroon, and Volkswagen Postdoctoral Fellowship. These experiences have honed his field methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and socio-economic impact assessments.

Consultancy and Project Roles

He has served as a consultant for leading international and local development bodies such as Plan International and IITA Yaoundé, where he delivered expert analysis on children’s welfare, emergency responses, cash and voucher approaches, and agricultural yield studies. His consultancy skills include evaluation reporting, statistical data interpretation, and the design of tailored development interventions.

Research Interests and Focus Areas

Ngwa Kester Azibo’s primary research focus lies at the intersection of livelihood security, climate-related disaster resilience, rural development, and environmental sustainability. His research critically evaluates the socio-economic implications of floods, renewable energy, and donor-funded projects on vulnerable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. He is particularly interested in how nonprofit models and informal mechanisms shape adaptive responses to crises.

Skills and Competencies

He is proficient in statistical analysis tools (notably SPSS), data presentation, GIS, and research management. His skillset is complemented by his capacity to facilitate training seminars, guide academic programs, and contribute to knowledge dissemination in both academic and field-based settings. Valencian Government in 2006–2007. These accolades underscore her influence in advancing evidence-based interventions and public policies. Dr. Vives-Cases’ awards not only reflect academic excellence but also a sustained commitment to addressing gender-based violence, improving health systems, and empowering vulnerable populations. Her recognition across both national and international arenas affirms her status as a leading researcher in her field.

Conclusion

Ngwa Kester Azibo meets and exceeds the criteria in many core areas. Recognizing his work would not only be well-deserved but could also further amplify the relevance and reach of research emerging from Cameroon and the broader African region.

Publications Top Notes

 

    • Mehrabi, Z., Delzeit, R., Ignaciuk, A., Levers, C., Braich, G., Bajaj, K., et al. (2022). research priorities for global food security under extreme events. One Earth, 5(7), 756–766.

    • Bang, H. N., & Balgah, R. A. (2022). The ramification of Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis: conceptual analysis of a looming “Complex Disaster Emergency”. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 7(1), 6.

    • Innocent, N. M., Bitondo, D., & Azibo, B. R. (2016). Climate variability and change in the Bamenda highlands of North Western Cameroon: Perceptions, impacts and coping mechanisms. British Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 12(5), 1–18.

    • Kimengsi, J. N., Mukong, A. K., & Balgah, R. A. (2020). Livelihood diversification and household well-being: Insights and policy implications for forest-based communities in Cameroon. Society & Natural Resources, 33(7), 876–895.

    • Kimengsi, J. N., & Balgah, R. A. (2021). Colonial hangover and institutional bricolage processes in forest use practices in Cameroon. Forest Policy and Economics, 125, 102406.

    • Kimengsi, J. N., Kechia, M. A., Azibo, B. R., Pretzsch, J., & Kwei, J. (2019). Households’ assets dynamics and ecotourism choices in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Sustainability, 11(7), 1844.

    • Balgah, R. A. (2019). Factors influencing coffee farmers’ decisions to join cooperatives. Sustainable Agriculture Research, 8(1), 42–58.

    • Azibo, B. R., & Kimengsi, J. N. (2015). Building an indigenous agro-pastoral adaptation framework to climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa: experiences from the North West Region of Cameroon. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 29, 126–127.

    • Balgah, R. A., Bang, H. N., & Fondo, S. A. (2019). Drivers for coping with flood hazards: Beyond the analysis of single cases. Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 11(1), 1–9.

    • Buchenrieder, G., & Balgah, R. A. (2013). Sustaining livelihoods around community forests. What is the potential contribution of wildlife domestication? The Journal of Modern African Studies, 51(1), 57–84.

Sulman Owili | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sulman Owili | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

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. 🌱📊

Publication Profile

ORCID

🎓 Education

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 🎓

💼 Experience

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 🌐📈

🔍 Research Interests

Sulman’s research covers diverse areas, including production economics, econometrics, statistics, and quantitative modeling, aimed at enhancing agri-food sector sustainability. 📉🌾

🏆 Awards

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 🏅🎖️

📚 Publications

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

 

AUSTIN IKECHUKWU GBASOUZOR | AGRICULTURAL | Best Paper Award

Assoc Prof Dr. AUSTIN IKECHUKWU GBASOUZOR | AGRICULTURAL | Best Paper Award

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY,ULI ANAMBRA STATE, Nigeria

Austin I. Gbasouzor is an esteemed academic in the field of Mechanical Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria. With extensive teaching experience, he has held various positions including Senior Lecturer and Lecturer II. His academic journey includes a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Purdue University and remote lecturing at institutions such as Cyprus Science University and Catholic University Cameroon. Passionate about research, Dr. Gbasouzor focuses on drying processes and sustainable engineering solutions. 🌍📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Gbasouzor earned his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria (2017-2021). He also holds a Master’s degree in Electromechanical Technology (2002-2005) and a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Education (1998-2001) from the same institution. His educational background is complemented by a National Certificate of Education in Mechanical/Metal Work Technology (1992-1995) from the Federal College of Education, Technical, Asaba. 🎓🔧

Experience

Dr. Gbasouzor has accumulated significant academic experience, serving as a Senior Technologist and several lecturer roles at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University since 2009. His leadership roles include Acting Head of Department and Senator at the university. He is also an active member of various editorial boards and has been involved in significant academic and research collaborations globally. 🏫👨‍🏫

Research Interests

His research interests primarily revolve around drying technology, sustainable engineering solutions, and the application of mechanical systems in agricultural practices. Dr. Gbasouzor is particularly focused on the thermodynamics of food preservation and mechanical design innovations that promote sustainable development. 🔍⚙️

Awards

Dr. Gbasouzor has received multiple accolades for his contributions to engineering education and research, including the Best Paper Award at the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science (WCECS) and several Certificates of Merit for his student papers at international conferences. He was also awarded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2022. 🏆🎖️

Publications

Gbasouzor, A.I., Omenyi, S., Mallik, S. and Njoku, J. (2024). Determination of Natural Logarithm of Diffusion Coefficient and Activation Energy of Thin Layer Drying Process of Ginger Rhizome Slices. World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 12, 213-228. Link

Gbasouzor, A.I. Ileleji, K. (2023). Thermal Analysis of Sclerotium of Pleurotus tuber-regium (ọsụ) for Effective Drying. World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 11, 153-163. Link

Gbasouzor, A.I., Chukwu, L. C. (2023). Nutraceutical and Phytomedicinal Survey of Sclerotium of Pleurotus Tuber-regium (ọsụ). International Journal of Food Engineering and Technology, 7(1), 12-19. Link

Gbasouzor, A.I., Mallik, S., Njoku, J. E. E., & Depriver, J. (Year not provided). Experimental analysis of thin layer drying of ginger rhizome in convective environment. Publication details not provided.