Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted | Food and Nutrition Security | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted | Food and Nutrition Security | Research Excellence Award

Nutrition Adviser | CGIAR | Malaysia

Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted is a senior nutrition scientist and global leader at CGIAR, specializing in nutrition, public health, and food systems with a strong focus on low- and middle-income contexts. She holds advanced training in nutrition physiology and tropical agriculture, providing a robust interdisciplinary foundation for her work. Her professional career spans leadership roles across CGIAR and WorldFish, where she has directed major research portfolios, led global impact areas, and advised international organizations on nutrition strategies, food security, and health-sensitive value chains. Her research emphasizes nutrition-sensitive food systems, aquatic foods, micronutrient adequacy, and policy-relevant evidence to improve diets and livelihoods. She has authored an extensive body of influential publications that have shaped global nutrition and development agendas. Her contributions have been widely recognized through prestigious international awards, including the World Food Prize and the Arrell Global Food Innovation Award, as well as honorary doctorates from leading academic institutions, underscoring her exceptional impact on science, policy, and global nutrition outcomes.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations
8655

Documents
130

h-index
44

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Featured Publications

 

Ki Young Choi | Hydroponics | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Ki Young Choi | Hydroponics | Research Excellence Award

Professor | Kangwon National University South Korea

Prof. Ki Young Choi, a professor in the Department of Smartfarm and Agricultural Industry at Kangwon National University, is a leading expert in environmental horticulture and smart-farm systems whose work integrates plant physiology, controlled-environment agriculture, and sustainable hydroponic production. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Horticulture, specializing in plant responses to environmental factors, with doctoral research focused on physiological disorders in controlled plant-factory conditions. His professional career spans academia, national research institutes, government advisory councils, and industry, where he has served as professor, research professor, senior researcher, post-doctoral scientist, director, and committee member, contributing to strategic planning for smart-farm innovation, national science and technology policy, and horticultural research development. He has led major projects on optimizing inorganic ion composition for hydroponic systems, improving nutrient-solution recycling strategies, and advancing zero-discharge technologies for sustainable strawberry production. His research contributions include work in plant environmental physiology, bio-environmental control, nutrient management, and smart-farm engineering, supported by numerous publications and editorial roles in horticultural science and technology journals. Recognized for his leadership, he has held executive positions in multiple scientific societies, served on national expert committees, and contributed to policy development for agriculture, rural affairs, and the bio-environmental control sector. His distinctions include editorial appointments, society directorships, and service on advisory bodies, culminating in honors such as the Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Choi, K. Y., Chung, H., Min, K. H., Yoon, H. Y., Kim, K., Park, J. H., Kwon, I. C., & Jeong, S. Y. (2010). Self-assembled hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for active tumor targeting. Biomaterials, 31(1), 106–114.

2. Choi, K. Y., Liu, G., Lee, S., & Chen, X. (2012). Theranostic nanoplatforms for simultaneous cancer imaging and therapy: Current approaches and future perspectives. Nanoscale, 4, 330–342.

3. Han, H. S., & Choi, K. Y. (2021). Advances in nanomaterial-mediated photothermal cancer therapies: Toward clinical applications. Biomedicines, 9(3), 305.

4. Choi, K. Y., Yoon, H. Y., Kim, J. H., Bae, S. M., Park, R. W., Kang, Y. M., Kim, I. S., Kwon, I. C., et al. (2011). Smart nanocarrier based on PEGylated hyaluronic acid for cancer therapy. ACS Nano, 5(11), 8591–8599.

5. Huang, X., Zhang, F., Zhu, L., Choi, K. Y., Guo, N., Guo, J., Tackett, K., Anilkumar, P., et al. (2013). Effect of injection routes on the biodistribution, clearance, and tumor uptake of carbon dots. ACS Nano, 7(7), 5684–5693.

Prof. Ki Young Choi’s work advances sustainable smart-farm technologies by integrating environmental horticulture, plant physiology, and controlled-environment engineering to enhance crop productivity and resource efficiency. His research and leadership contribute to resilient agricultural systems, supporting food security, eco-friendly production, and innovation across the smart-agriculture industry.

Seunghan Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Seunghan Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Assistant Professor | Kunsan National University | South Korea

Prof. Seunghan Lee is an Assistant Professor at Kunsan National University specializing in fish nutrition, aquaculture feed development, and sustainable marine bio-materials, recognized for his contributions to advancing nutritional strategies and health management in aquaculture species. He holds a BS in Aquaculture and an MS and PhD in Fisheries Biology with a specialization in Fish Nutrition from Pukyong National University. His professional career spans research positions in national research institutes, university-affiliated nutrition centers, and an international aquaculture research institute, where he contributed to multidisciplinary projects involving functional feed additives, alternative protein sources, nutrient metabolism, gut health, and immunity in commercially important fish and shrimp species. Prof. Lee’s research focuses on developing environmentally responsible and economically viable aquafeeds, improving fish performance through bioactive compounds, probiotics, and optimized feeding strategies, and evaluating physiological responses using integrated approaches that include growth, immunology, histology, and biochemical assessment. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in prominent SCI(E) journals as both corresponding author and co-author, demonstrating substantial contributions to the fields of aquatic animal nutrition, feed formulation, and sustainable aquaculture systems. His work includes studies on mineral supplements, probiotics, enzyme modulation, functional ingredients, alternative protein utilization, and nutrient-driven health regulation across multiple aquaculture species. In addition to receiving recognition for research excellence, he is actively engaged in scholarly service through participation in collaborative research initiatives, contribution to academic societies in fisheries and aquaculture science, and involvement in professional communities that support innovation in marine resource utilization. Prof. Lee is regarded as an emerging leader whose scientific achievements and dedication to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices continue to support innovation, industry relevance, and global food security.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Lee, S., Katya, K., Park, Y., Won, S., Seong, M., & Bai, S. C. (2017). Comparative evaluation of dietary probiotics Bacillus subtilis WB60 and Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC3928 on the growth performance, immunological parameters, gut morphology and … Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 61, 201–210.

2. Won, S., Hamidoghli, A., Choi, W., Bae, J., Jang, W. J., Lee, S., & Bai, S. C. (2020). Evaluation of potential probiotics Bacillus subtilis WB60, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactococcus lactis on growth performance, immune response, gut histology and … Microorganisms, 8(2), 281.

3. Lee, S., Nambi, R. W., Won, S., Katya, K., & Bai, S. C. (2016). Dietary selenium requirement and toxicity levels in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture, 464, 153–158.

4. Lee, S., Katya, K., Hamidoghli, A., Hong, J., Kim, D. J., & Bai, S. C. (2018). Synergistic effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis WB60 and mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) on growth performance, immunity and disease resistance in Japanese eel … Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 83, 283–291.

5. Park, Y., Lee, S., Hong, J., Kim, D., Moniruzzaman, M., & Bai, S. C. (2017). Use of probiotics to enhance growth, stimulate immunity and confer disease resistance to Aeromonas salmonicida in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquaculture Research, 48(6), 2672–2682.

Prof. Seunghan Lee’s research advances sustainable aquaculture by developing innovative nutritional strategies, functional feed additives, and environmentally responsible protein alternatives that enhance growth, health, and disease resistance in aquatic species. His contributions support global food security, strengthen aquaculture industries, and promote evidence-based practices that improve ecological efficiency and long-term resource sustainability.

Muhammad Hussain Ghazali | Food Science and Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Muhammad Hussain Ghazali | Food Science and Engineering | Editorial Board Member

South China University of Technology | China

Dr. Muhammad Hussain Ghazali is a doctoral researcher in Food Science and Engineering at the South China University of Technology, specializing in meat science, non-thermal preservation technologies, and biobased intelligent packaging. Holding advanced training in Food Science and Engineering and an M.Phil. in Meat Science and Technology, along with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine emphasizing food hygiene and meat inspection, he brings a strong interdisciplinary foundation to his work. He has contributed professionally as a researcher, reviewer, and editor, pioneering camel meat quality research in Pakistan and advancing innovative projects integrating cold plasma technology with sustainable biopolymer packaging. His research spans meat quality evaluation, cold plasma applications, bio-based films, and analytical characterization techniques, with growing interest in omics-based quality assessment; his peer-reviewed outputs include publications in leading SCIE journals and collaborative work with internationally recognized experts. He is an active reviewer for numerous high-impact journals, a verified Clarivate reviewer with an extensive review record, and maintains research visibility across major academic platforms. His editorial roles include serving on the Youth Editorial Board of Advanced Functional Foods and as an editor for Wildlife and Ecology, reflecting his leadership in scholarly communication. Recognized for his academic rigor, multidisciplinary expertise, and contributions to global food engineering research, Dr. Ghazali continues to advance innovation in meat safety, sustainable packaging, and intelligent food quality monitoring.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Ghazali, M. H., Bakhsh, M., Zainab, U., Faraz, A., Munir, M. U., Channo, A., … (2023). Camel meat production, consumption and nutritive value: Present status and future prospects. International Journal of Camel Science, 5, 123–136.

2. Bakhsh, M., Ghazali, M. H., Yar, M. K., Channo, A., Kashif, M., Ijaz, M., … (2023). The role of fish in global food and nutrition security: Current aspects and future prospect. University of Sindh Journal of Animal Sciences, 7(04), 23–35.

3. Ghazali, M. H., Keener, K. M., Pan, Y., Zou, S., … (2025). Cold plasma-integrated bio-based packaging for meat quality and safety monitoring: A mini review. Food Wellness, 1(1), 100004.

4. Ghazali, M. H., & Saleem, F. (2025). Cold plasma and high-pressure processing in sustainable meat preservation: A review. Food, Nutrition, and Health, 2(22), 1–14.

5. Shah, S. H. R., Qamar, M. H., Ghazali, M. H., Ali, S., Bilal, M., Fawad, A., Khalil, H. U. R., … (2024). New insights in uterine involution and ovarian resumption in domestic animals. Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences, 6(6).

Dr. Muhammad Hussain Ghazali’s work advances global food safety and sustainability by integrating cold plasma technology with bio-based intelligent packaging to enhance meat quality, extend shelf life, and reduce waste. His pioneering research in camel meat science and nonthermal preservation provides innovative solutions for developing resilient, resource-efficient food systems.

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.

Afeez Adedayo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Afeez Adedayo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Western Illinois University Alumni Association | United States

Dr. Afeez A. Adedayo is a multidisciplinary microbiologist and environmental monitoring specialist recognized for his innovative contributions to microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and quality assurance research. He holds advanced degrees in biology and microbiology, culminating in a doctoral qualification, and has cultivated expertise across academic, industrial, and field environments. Dr. Adedayo has played integral roles in developing and validating microbial assays for cellular therapy, endotoxin testing, bioburden analysis, and high-throughput sequencing applications. His research primarily explores plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, metagenomics, and sustainable agricultural biotechnology, contributing significantly to the understanding of soil and rhizosphere microbiomes and their impact on crop health and productivity. With a growing portfolio of impactful publications in high-impact journals and multiple collaborative projects, his work demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and practical innovation. As a subject matter expert, he has led and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, authored technical protocols, and contributed to regulatory and training initiatives. Dr. Adedayo’s scholarly influence is reflected in his citation record, editorial activities, and engagement in professional scientific communities. His outstanding research productivity and leadership in microbiological sciences position him as a distinguished candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Koza, N. A., Adedayo, A. A., Babalola, O. O., & Kappo, A. P. (2022). Microorganisms in plant growth and development: Roles in abiotic stress tolerance and secondary metabolites secretion. Microorganisms, 10(8), 1528.

2. Adedayo, A. A., & Babalola, O. O. (2023). Fungi that promote plant growth in the rhizosphere boost crop growth. Journal of Fungi, 9(2), 239.

3. Adedayo, A. A., Babalola, O. O., Prigent-Combaret, C., Cruz, C., Stefan, M., Kutu, F., & Glick, B. R. (2022). The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in Solanum lycopersicum production in the agricultural system: A review. PeerJ, 10, e13405.

4. Omomowo, I. O., Adenigba, V. O., Ogunsona, S. B., Adeyinka, G. C., Oluyide, O. O., & Adedayo, A. A. (2020). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of algal-mediated silver and gold nanoparticles. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 805(1), 012010.

5. Adenigba, V. O., Omomowo, I. O., Oloke, J. K., Fatukasi, B. A., Odeniyi, M. A., & Adedayo, A. A. (2020). Evaluation of microalgal-based nanoparticles in the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 805(1), 012030.

Dr. Afeez A. Adedayo’s research advances sustainable agriculture and environmental biotechnology through innovative studies on plant–microbe interactions and microbial ecology. His work enhances global food security, promotes eco-friendly biotechnological solutions, and drives scientific innovation in microbial applications for crop productivity and environmental conservation.

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

 

Éva Salamon-Albert | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Éva Salamon-Albert | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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 🌍.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Éva completed her biology-chemistry teaching degree at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, in 1990 🎓. She earned her Ph.D. in Vegetation Science from the University of Pécs in 1998 and later received habilitation from the University of Sopron in 2015 🌿. Her educational background has equipped her with a deep understanding of functional plant ecology and environmental biology.

Experience

Since 1991, Éva has been a valuable member of the University of Pécs Faculty of Sciences 🌿. Starting as an assistant professor at the Department of Botany, she became an associate professor in the Department of Plant Taxonomy and Geobotany in 2005 and the Department of Plant Biology in 2013. She teaches various courses in plant taxonomy, botany, and ecophysiology, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge 🌾. Her passion for education is evident through her development of computer-assisted presentations and field-based training.

Research Focus

Éva’s research delves into the functional ecology of plant ecosystems, particularly in understanding how plant species acclimate and adapt to their environments 🌱. Her studies span forest communities, wet meadows, and the responses of different plant species to environmental changes. Her work contributes to advancing our knowledge of environmental assessments, especially in Hungary 🌍.

Awards and Honors

Éva has been involved in numerous national and international research projects and grants, leading and contributing to groundbreaking studies 🌿. Her work on projects such as forest understory diversity, ecological indicator values, and bioindication in wet meadows highlights her commitment to advancing vegetation science and environmental conservation 🌻.

Publications

Éva has an extensive list of publications covering various topics in vegetation science and plant ecology. Her research articles are published in respected journals, including Photosynthetica, Forests, and Community Ecology 🌿. To view her full list of publications, visit her MTMT profile 📚.

Small-Scale Environmental Heterogeneity Enhances Tree Recruitment through Carbon Recharge and Water Use Diversification

Functional fingerprinting estimates renewal opportunities for tree species in a mixed Turkey oak forest

Estimated seasonal daily evapotranspiration rates for a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland