Kassa Sisay | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kassa Sisay | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Amhara Agricultural Research Institute | Ethiopia

Mr. Kassa Sisay Aragaw is an emerging researcher in Soil Science and Agricultural Resource Management at the Sirinka Agricultural Research Center in Woldia, Ethiopia. With over a decade of professional experience in agricultural research, water resource development, and land use management, he has contributed significantly to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the eastern highlands of Ethiopia. Mr. Aragaw holds a B.Sc. in Soil Resource and Watershed Management from Hawassa University (2011) and is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Soil Science at Bahir Dar University, where his research focuses on optimizing soil fertility, nutrient efficiency, and sustainable crop production systems. His research achievements include studies published in recognized journals such as Heliyon and Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, where he has investigated nitrogen and phosphorus management for major Ethiopian crops like teff (Eragrostis tef) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). These works address critical challenges in soil nutrient depletion and agricultural productivity, providing evidence-based recommendations for smallholder farmers and policymakers. His academic metrics, including 1 publication, 4 citations, and an h-index of 1, reflect a growing research footprint and a commitment to expanding scientific knowledge in soil fertility management and agroecosystem sustainability. Mr. Aragaw’s expertise spans soil nutrient dynamics, land use planning, watershed management, and agricultural technology adaptation. His experience in proposal writing, field experimentation, data analysis, and technology dissemination has enabled him to contribute to developing and adapting innovative agricultural solutions. He also holds a Nano-degree certificate in Data Analysis Fundamentals, enhancing his analytical and digital research competencies. Through collaborations with national research institutions and local agricultural offices, Mr. Aragaw’s work has made tangible societal impacts by improving soil productivity, supporting rural livelihoods, and fostering climate-resilient farming systems. His ongoing commitment to research excellence and sustainable land management positions him as a promising contributor to advancing agricultural innovation and food security in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publicatios

Gedamu, S. A., Aragaw, K. S., Abush, H. T., & Agegnehu, G. (2023). Response of Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) to nitrogen and phosphorus applications on different landscapes in eastern Amhara. Heliyon, 9(7).

Aragaw, K. S., Abush, H. T., Gedamu, S. A., & Shibeshi, T. H. (2020). Identification of best split application frequency and timing of nitrogen fertilizer for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in eastern Amhara. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 10(6), 25–29.*

Teshome, H., Sisay, K., Degu, A., Wubu, T., & Hailu, T. (2023). Teff and wheat yield variation with phosphorus application in Jamma District, Ethiopia. Journal of Tropical Crop Science, 10(2).*

Adissie, S., Teshome, H., Sisay, K., & Hailu, T. (2022). Identifying major yield limiting nutrients on sorghum (Girana one) for developing site-specific nutrient management practices in lowlands of Eastern Amhara. Unpublished manuscript.

Teshome, H., Gedam, S., Sisay, K., & Hailu, T. (2022). Identifying major yield limiting nutrients on sorghum (Girana one) for developing site-specific nutrient management practices in lowlands of Eastern Amhara. Unpublished manuscript.

 

Olaoluwa Ajayi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Olaoluwa Ajayi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

International Insitute for tropical Agriculture, Nigeria

Dr. Olaoluwa Oluwafunto Ajayi is an innovative and results-driven microbiologist specializing in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, with over a decade of experience in soil microbiology, rhizosphere ecology, and microbial inoculant development. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2021, after completing his M.Sc. (2015) and B.Sc. (2011) in Microbiology at the same institution. His professional experience spans roles as Senior Research Supervisor and Research Assistant at the Soil Microbiology Laboratory, IITA, Ibadan, where he supervised laboratory and field research projects, coordinated training sessions for junior researchers, and collaborated with international institutions on soil health and plant–microbe interaction studies. Earlier, he contributed to the Nodumax Project, focusing on legume inoculant development, and gained teaching experience as a science teacher at Total Child School, Kebbi State. Dr. Ajayi’s research interests include plant–microbe interactions, soil fertility improvement, microbial inoculant technologies, and sustainable agriculture, and he has applied advanced techniques such as DNA and protein extraction, PCR, bioinformatics analysis using R and Python, metabolomics, and proteomics. He has an extensive publication record with articles in Scopus-indexed and Springer journals, covering topics from rhizobia diversity and nitrogen fixation to microbial impacts on crop productivity. Dr. Ajayi is a member of professional societies such as FEMS, ASM, IS-MPMI, and the Israel Society for Microbiology, and he has received international grants including the FEMS Early Career Scientist Grant (Armenia, 2019) and Novo Nordisk Foundation Travel Grant (Denmark, 2022). His volunteer and mentorship initiatives demonstrate strong community engagement, including teaching and organizing scientific events. With his expertise, leadership, and global collaborations, Dr. Ajayi is well-positioned to advance innovative soil microbiome research, enhance sustainable agricultural practices, and mentor the next generation of environmental microbiologists, establishing a lasting impact on global food security and environmental sustainability.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Ajayi, O. O., Haro, H., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2025). Native symbiotic rhizobia strains improve yield and nitrogen fixation in underutilized Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.). Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. Advance online publication.

Ajayi, O. O., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2024). Rhizobia inoculation’s impact on the biomass and moisture content of leguminous Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc.). Discover Sustainability.

Ajayi, O., Ogwugwa, V. H., & Dianda, M. (2024). Plant obliviousness to plant consciousness through knowledge gap bridging.

Ajayi, O., Adedeji, T., Ogwugwa, V., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2024). Diagnostic and portable point-of-use technologies as plant monitoring tools for plant awareness.

Ajayi, O., Nwodo, D. C. C., Adedeji, T., Oguguwa, V. H., Dianda, M., & Fagade, O. E. (2024). Agricultural significance of antibiotic resistance pattern in selected nitrogen-fixing bacteria strains.

Dr. Olaoluwa Oluwafunto Ajayi’s work advances sustainable agriculture and soil health by harnessing beneficial plant–microbe interactions, promoting environmentally friendly microbial inoculants, and enhancing crop productivity. His research bridges scientific innovation and practical solutions, supporting global food security, environmental sustainability, and community development.

Awanish Kumar | Pharmacology | Scientific Excellence Achievement Award

Dr. Awanish Kumar | Pharmacology | Scientific Excellence Achievement Award

Associate Professor at  NIT Raipur, India

Dr. Awanish Kumar is a highly accomplished academic with a solid foundation in Biotechnology. He completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology in 2009 from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow. Prior to that, he earned his M.Sc. in Biotechnology in 2004 from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, graduating with distinction and an impressive 75.9% score.

Profile:

Education

Dr. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, in 2009, in collaboration with the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow. Before that, he completed his M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Devi Ahilya University, Indore, in 2004, graduating with distinction and achieving an impressive score of 75.9%.

Work Experience

Dr. Kumar has held several prominent positions throughout his career. He is currently an Associate Professor at NIT Raipur since April 2022, where he guides Ph.D. students on innovative projects, including antifungal peptides and microneedle patches for drug delivery. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor at NIT Raipur from April 2013 to October 2022, successfully guiding five Ph.D. theses on various topics, including drug delivery systems and bioengineering. His earlier roles include Post-doctoral Fellow at JNU, where he researched the antifungal activity of curcumin against Candida albicans, and Research Associate for a CSIR-funded project on nuclear receptors in chromatin.

Skills

Dr. Kumar possesses expertise in several areas, including biotechnology, drug delivery systems, bioengineering, antifungal research, and the functional implications of nuclear receptors. His skills extend to project guidance, academic leadership, and organizing international conferences and workshops.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kumar has received numerous accolades, including being ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide from 2020 to 2024, as per Stanford University’s analysis. He has been honored with the Dr. P.D. Sethi Memorial Annual National Award for the best research paper on HPTLC in both 2021 and 2023, and he received the Best Researcher Award at NIT Raipur in 2021, among several other prestigious awards.

Membership

Dr. Kumar is an active member of various academic and professional organizations related to biotechnology and drug research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practices in his field.

Teaching Experience

With extensive teaching experience, Dr. Kumar has played a pivotal role in educating students at NIT Raipur. His commitment to academic excellence is demonstrated through his guidance of Ph.D. candidates and his involvement in curriculum development.

Research Focus

Dr. Kumar’s research focus encompasses antifungal peptides, drug delivery systems, and redox nanomaterial-based biomaterials. His work aims to address significant challenges in drug delivery and develop innovative solutions for medical applications, particularly in the context of fungal infections and drug-target interactions.

Publication Top Notes
    1. Ultrasonic Synthesis of Ag@CNT-Based Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) for Enhanced Synergetic Antimicrobial Activity Against Staphylococcus aureus
      Year: 2024
      Journal: JOM, 76(10), pp. 5626–5642
    2. Combinatorial therapeutic enzymes to combat multidrug resistance in bacteria
      Year: 2024
      Journal: Life Sciences, 353, 122920
    3. Engineered nanoparticles in non-invasive insulin delivery for precision therapeutics of diabetes
      Year: 2024
      Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 275, 133437
    4. Study the combined effect of electric field and variable viscosity on the stability of dielectric nanofluid (CuO + water) within a Hele–Shaw cell
      Year: 2024
      Journal: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering, 238(4), pp. 2017–2027
    5. Acetaminophen induces mitochondrial apoptosis through proteasome dysfunctions
      Year: 2024
      Journal: Life Sciences, 349, 122732
    6. Nanomaterials-Based Hybrid Bioink Platforms in Advancing 3D Bioprinting Technologies for Regenerative Medicine
      Year: 2024
      Journal: ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 10(7), pp. 4145–4174
    7. Development of the dynamic approach for detection of Salmonella Typhi biofilm via optimizations of interaction with safranin dye
      Year: 2024
      Journal: Biologia, 79(7), pp. 2299–2309
    8. Synchronization of Mycobacterium life cycle: A possible novel mechanism of antimycobacterial drug resistance evolution and its manipulation
      Year: 2024
      Journal: Life Sciences, 346, 122632

     

Rajendra Kumar Yadav | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award | 13216

Rajendra Kumar Yadav | Agricultural  | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Agriculture University, Kota , India

Dr. Rajendra Kumar Yadav is an Assistant Professor (Soil Science) at the Agricultural Research Station, Kota, affiliated with Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan. His expertise lies in soil chemistry, fertility, plant nutrition, agricultural microbiology, soil carbon sequestration, irrigation water management, and fertigation techniques for high-value crops. He actively contributes to agricultural research and development through teaching, research, and guiding students.

Profile:

Education

Dr. Yadav completed his Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, in 2019. His doctoral research focused on developing a stability index for soil organic carbon in major soil groups of India. Prior to that, he earned his Master’s degree in the same field from the same institution in 2015, studying long-term manuring and fertilization impacts on soil organic matter in potato-based cropping systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka (2013).

Professional Experiences 

 Since 2018, Dr. Yadav has been working as an Assistant Professor (Senior Scale) at the Agricultural Research Station, Kota. He is actively involved in several research projects, including studies on irrigation water management, agro-techniques for crops like quinoa and chia, organic production systems, and fertilizer refinement for major field crops in Rajasthan. His professional activities involve participating in and presenting at numerous national and international conferences and workshops.

Research Interests

Dr. Yadav’s research focuses on soil science, with particular attention to soil quality, organic carbon stability, irrigation water management, and sustainable agricultural practices. He has been involved in several significant research projects aimed at improving crop productivity and soil health, particularly in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan.s

 

Professional skills 

Dr. Yadav’s research skills encompass soil fertility management, soil biology, agricultural microbiology, and irrigation management. He is proficient in analytical techniques related to soil and plant analysis and has contributed to practical manuals on soil fertility, nutrient management, and problematic soil management.

Awards and Honors

Over the years, Dr. Yadav has received several prestigious awards. He was awarded the ICAR-IARI JRF (2013) and SRF (2015), the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award by the Society for Scientific Development in Agriculture and Technology, the Young Scientist Award by SVPSS, and the Scientist of the Year Award 2023 by the National Environmental Science Academy. Additionally, he received multiple appreciation awards from the Vice-Chancellor of Agriculture University, Kota, for his contributions to the university.

Membership

Dr. Yadav is a member of multiple professional societies, including the Indian Society of Soil Science, the Indian Society of Agronomy, the Indian Society of Agriculture Sciences, and the National Environmental Science Academy. He is also a life member of the Samagra Vikas Evam Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti (SVPSS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Teaching Experience

Dr. Yadav has extensive teaching experience at the College of Agriculture, Kota, where he teaches courses related to manure, fertilizer, soil fertility management, soil biology, soil physics, and agricultural microbiology. He has supervised six M.Sc. students as a major advisor and 25 as a minor advisor. Additionally, he has served as a minor advisor for five Ph.D. students.

Publication Top Notes
  • Strategies for improving nitrogen use efficiency: A review
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Agricultural Reviews, 38(1)
  • Dependence of temperature sensitivity of soil organic carbon decomposition on nutrient management options under conservation agriculture in a sub-tropical Inceptisol
    • Year: 2019
    • Journal: Soil and Tillage Research, 190
  • Long-term impact of manuring and fertilization on enrichment, stability, and quality of organic carbon in Inceptisol under two potato-based cropping systems
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment, 609
  • Conservation Agriculture and Soil Quality – An Overview
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 6
  • Role of biochar in mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 6(4)
  • Mechanistic Understanding of Leakage and Consequences and Recent Technological Advances in Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Cereals
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Agronomy, 13(2)
  • Long-term effect of legume intensified crop rotations and tillage practices on productivity and profitability of maize vis-a-vis soil fertility in North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Legume Research: An International Journal, 40(2)
  • Performance of Maize under Conservation Tillage – A Review
    • Year: 2016
    • Journal: International Journal of Agriculture Sciences
  • Fluorescein Diacetate activity as affected by residue retention and P fertilization in maize under maize-wheat cropping system
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 6(5)
  • Impact of legume intensified crop rotations and tillage practices on maize productivity vis-à-vis C and N dynamics of a sandy loam soil in north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains
    • Year: 2017
    • Journal: Legume Research: An International Journal, 40(6)