Jorge Cadena Iniguez | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Dr. Jorge Cadena Iniguez | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Postgraduate College, San Luis Potosi Campus | Mexico

Prof. Dr. Jorge Cadena-Iniguez is a botanist and Phyto chemist widely recognized for his contributions to plant genetic resources, agricultural biodiversity, and the scientific advancement of Sechium edule (chayote). His research spans plant physiology, biochemical and phytochemical characterization, genetic improvement, postharvest biology, and the generation of value-added innovations derived from underutilized crops. He has built a solid scientific trajectory, reflected in 87 documents indexed in Scopus, 627 citations, and a Scopus h-index of 13, demonstrating his consistent impact on plant science, agronomy, and natural-product research. Dr. Jorge Cadena-Iñiguez integrates molecular tools, metabolite profiling, conservation biology, and biotechnology to support the sustainable use, improvement, and valorization of agricultural species, particularly those with ancestral, endemic, or underexploited importance. His leadership includes founding the global germplasm bank of Sechium edule, contributing to the development of biodiversity governance models aligned with the Nagoya Protocol, and participating in national and international initiatives focused on agricultural biodiversity conservation. His research has enabled the development of new varieties, technological innovations, and patented processes that strengthen rural value chains and promote the bioeconomic potential of native crops. Alongside these contributions, he has guided numerous graduate researchers and supported the scientific community through editorial service, peer review, and international collaborations. His body of work has been recognized for advancing agricultural innovation, enhancing the understanding of functional compounds in plants, and promoting sustainable strategies for genetic resource management.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications 

1. Iniguez Luna, M. I., Cadena-Zamudio, J. D., Ramírez-Mosqueda, M. A., Aguirre Noyola, J. L., Cadena, D. A. A., & Cadena-Iniguez, J. (2025). Molecular docking as a key driver of biocontrol for agri-food security. BioTech, 14(80), 1–25.

2. Barrera-Guzman, L. A., Cadena-Iniguez, J., Legaria-Solano, J. P., Cisneros-Solano, V. M., Watanabe, K. N., & Cadena, D. A. A. (2025). Biogeographical analysis of the Central American clade of Sechium (Cucurbitaceae). Revista de Biologia Tropical, 73(e20251987), 1–14.

3. Cadena-Iniguez, J., Arevalo-Galarza, M. de L., Aguirre-Medina, J. F., Avendano-Arrazate, C. H., Cadena, D. A. A., Cadena-Zamudio, J. D., Soto-Hernandez, M., Cisneros, V., Ruiz-Posadas, L. M., Soto-Mendoza, C., & Mejia Mendez, J. L. (2025). Chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.] fruit quality influenced by plant pruning. Horticulturae, 11(8), 1–23.

4. Aguiniga-Sanchez, I., Morales-Altamirano, A. M., Santiago-Osorio, E., Rosado-Perez, J., Cadena-Iniguez, J., Mendoza-Nunez, V. M., Weiss-Steider, B., Gavia García, G., Arista-Ugalde, T. L., Arreola-Gomez, N. A., Amador-Gomez, A. I., & Montiel Garcia, L. D. (2025). Hypoglycemic and lipid metabolic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by hybrid extract. Food Bioscience, 68(20), Article 106499.

5. Santiago-Osorio, E., Ramirez-Padilla, M. G., Mendoza-Nunez, V. M., Cadena-Iniguez, J., Soto-Hernandez, M., Rosado-Perez, J., Romero-Lopez, E., Weiss-Steider, B., Gavia-Garcia, G., Arista-Ugalde, T. L., Cisneros-Solano, V. M., & Aguiñiga-Sanchez, I. (2025). Hepatoprotective effect of the Sechium HD-Victor hybrid extract in a model of liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 183, Article 117831.

Liqiang Jia | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Liqiang Jia | Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Liqiang Jia | Guizhou Education University | China

Dr. Liqiang Jia is a plant molecular biologist recognized for advancing crop genomics, stress physiology, and molecular mechanisms underlying plant development. His scientific impact is reflected in 108 citations across 88 documents, supported by a portfolio of 6 publications and an h-index of 5. His research spans functional gene characterization, chlorophyll regulation, iron homeostasis, root system architecture, mitochondrial protein function, and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme families in key crops such as rice, sorghum, and banana. Utilizing integrative genomics, molecular genetics, and transcriptomic analyses, he uncovers regulatory pathways driving plant growth, stress resilience, and nutrient efficiency. His discoveries in developmental regulation and stress-response networks contribute to innovation in plant biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. Through continued contributions in functional genomics, he enhances understanding of crop performance and biological adaptation.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications 

Li, Z., Mo, W., Jia, L., et al. (2019). Rice FLUORESCENT1 is involved in the regulation of chlorophyll. Plant Cell Physiology, 60(10), 2307–2318.

Jia, L., Zhao, Q., & Chen, S. (2019). Evolution and expression analysis of the sorghum ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family. Functional Plant Biology, 46(3), 236–247.

Dong, C., Hu, H., Jue, D., Zhao, Q., Chen, H., Xie, J., & Jia, L. (2016). The banana E2 gene family: Genomic identification, characterization, expression profiling analysis. Plant Science, 245, 11–24.

Jia, L., Wu, Z., Hao, X., et al. (2011). Identification of SPR1 involved in root development and iron homeostasis in rice. New Phytologist, 189(3), 843–855.

Jia, L., Zhang, B., Mao, C., et al. (2008). OsCYT-INV1 for alkaline/neutral invertase is involved in root cell development and reproductivity in rice. Planta, 228(1), 51–59.

 

Martin Alejandro Bolanos-Gonzalez | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Martin Alejandro Bolanos-Gonzalez | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Profesor Investigador Tiular | Postgraduate College | Mexico

Dr. Martin Alejandro Bolanos Gonzalez is a Full Professor and Researcher in the Postgraduate Program in Hydrosciences at Colegio de Postgraduados, Mexico. His academic career spans over two decades, emphasizing hydrology, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. As a recognized member of the Sistema Nacional de Investigadores (SNI Level 1), he has made significant contributions to understanding the interconnection between land, water, and climate systems. He has guided numerous graduate and postdoctoral researchers, advancing knowledge in hydrological and environmental sciences. His leadership in interdisciplinary projects addressing carbon monitoring, water resource management, and ecosystem resilience demonstrates his commitment to environmental sustainability. Through national and international collaborations, he has strengthened scientific networks focused on adapting agriculture and ecosystems to climate variability. His scholarly output includes 45 research documents, accumulating 185 citations across 133 publications, reflecting his growing influence and impact in hydrological and environmental research.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID | Google Sholar   

Featured Publications 

Bolanos Gonzalez, M. A. (2023). Assessment of carbon and water footprint in agri-food systems. Agrociencia. [Cited by 9 articles].

Bolanos Gonzalez, M. A., & Pérez, J. L. (2022). Remote sensing applications in watershed hydrology. Terra Latinoamericana. [Cited by 11 articles].

Bolanos Gonzalez, M. A. (2021). Climate change effects on water resource availability in Mexico. Revista de Ciencias Ambientales. [Cited by 7 articles].

 

 

Hakim Bachir | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakim Bachir | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Senior researcher | National Institute of Agronomic Research | Algeria

Dr. H. Bachir is a highly accomplished Senior Researcher in Agronomic Sciences, specializing in Rural Engineering and Agricultural Hydraulics, rural development, agricultural innovation, and sustainability in Algeria and beyond. He earned his Baccalaureate in Natural and Life Sciences, State Engineer in Agronomic Sciences, specialization in Rural Engineering – Agricultural Hydraulics, Magister in Agronomy, Doctorate in Agronomic Sciences with a focus on rural engineering and sustainable agriculture, and later attained University Habilitation (HDR), qualifying him as a Senior Researcher. His professional experience spans more than two decades, including roles as Head of Research Valorization and Head of GIS & IT Networks at INRAA, where he integrated technology and innovation into agricultural research. His research interests center on agricultural sustainability, climate modeling, irrigation efficiency, and the Water–Energy–Food nexus, emphasizing Saharan agriculture, GIS applications, and eco-innovation. He has 55 citations by 53 documents across 8 publications. A recipient of multiple awards and patents, including the Borlaug Fellowship and INAPI-recognized innovations like the low-pressure pneumatic pollinator for date palms and bio-fungicide BIOTOOG, Dr. Bachir continues to lead impactful research programs and international collaborations that promote climate resilience, digital transformation, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publication 

Bachir, H., & Bougherira, N. (2019). Assessment of groundwater vulnerability using GIS-based models in semi-arid regions. Arabian Journal of Geosciences.

Bachir, H., et al. (2020). Spatial and temporal analysis of drought patterns in North Africa using standardized indices. Geosciences (Switzerland).

Bachir, H., & Kalla, M. (2021). Application of hydrological modeling for irrigation optimization in arid environments. Journal of Applied and Fundamental Sciences.

Arcângelo Loss | Agronomia | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arcângelo Loss | Agronomia | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC),Brazil

Arcângelo Loss is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Agronomy, particularly in Soil Science, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). His career is marked by extensive contributions to the study of soil organic matter, fertility, and conservation practices across diverse agricultural systems in Brazil. With a strong foundation in agronomic engineering and advanced training in soil science, Loss has combined rigorous academic research with practical applications in sustainable land use and agroecological management. Recognized as one of the top 10,000 scientists in Latin America by the AD Scientific Index in consecutive years (2021–2023), he continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Brazil and beyond.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Arcângelo Loss holds a doctoral degree in Agronomy (Soil Science) from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), where he defended a dissertation on the dynamics of organic matter and soil aggregation in the Brazilian Cerrado under varying land use systems. Prior to that, he earned a master’s degree from the same institution, focusing on organic matter fractions and soil aggregation in organic production systems, and completed his undergraduate studies in Agronomic Engineering at UFRRJ as well. He further deepened his expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at UFRRJ from 2011 to 2012, supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). His academic trajectory underscores a commitment to deepening the understanding of soil systems through empirical research, quantitative analysis, and field experimentation.

Experience 👩‍

Professionally, Loss has served since 2012 as a faculty member at UFSC’s Department of Rural Engineering in the Center for Agricultural Sciences. As a public servant in a full-time, exclusive dedication role, he has been instrumental in teaching, research supervision, and the development of extension projects. Throughout his tenure, he has mentored undergraduate and postgraduate students and coordinated innovative research projects that address the environmental impacts of agricultural practices and promote more sustainable land management strategies. His experience also includes notable accomplishments prior to UFSC, such as competitive placements in academic selection processes and collaborations with national research funding bodies.

Research Interests 🔬

Loss’s research interests lie in the interaction between soil management practices and soil quality indicators, particularly within agroecological and integrated production systems. He is especially focused on the dynamics of organic matter, natural abundance of stable isotopes (^13C and ^15N), and soil aggregation processes. His studies often explore how production systems influence the physical and chemical properties of soils and how these changes affect long-term sustainability. This interdisciplinary approach allows him to bridge gaps between agronomy, ecology, and environmental science, contributing to a better understanding of soil functionality under various anthropogenic pressures.

Awards 🏆

Throughout his career, Arcângelo Loss has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards. These include the Professor Homenageado award from the Agronomy Course at UFSC (2023), recognition for guiding an award-winning doctoral thesis at SENAFRUT (2020), and the Patrono dos Formandos honor (2018). He also received the prestigious Bolsa Nota 10 from FAPERJ (2010) and was the second-place recipient of the Oscar Niemeyer Prize in Technological Scientific Work (2012). His scientific visibility is evidenced by repeated inclusion in Latin America’s Top Scientists rankings and national accolades for academic excellence and mentorship.

Top Noted Publications 📚

His scholarly contributions are well-documented through high-impact publications, such as:

“Soil organic carbon and aggregation under different farming systems in Southern Brazil” (2020, Soil & Tillage Research, cited by 45 articles),

“Abundance of 13C and 15N isotopes as indicators of soil organic matter stability” (2019, Geoderma, cited by 38 articles),

“Organic residues and humic substances in agroecological systems” (2018, Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, cited by 32 articles),

“Soil aggregation dynamics in relation to organic farming practices” (2017, European Journal of Soil Science, cited by 29 articles),

“Impact of integrated crop-livestock systems on soil quality indicators” (2016, Catena, cited by 27 articles),

“Edaphic indicators for sustainable land use in the Cerrado” (2015, Land Degradation & Development, cited by 35 articles),

“Natural isotope abundance as a tool for soil carbon tracking” (2014, Journal of Environmental Quality, cited by 30 articles).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arcângelo Loss is a leading figure in soil science research in Brazil, known for his scientific rigor, impactful mentorship, and dedication to sustainable agricultural practices. His academic and professional journey reflects a profound commitment to understanding and improving soil systems through multidisciplinary approaches. Through his role at UFSC and continued scientific output, Loss contributes meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in agronomy, the training of future researchers, and the implementation of environmentally sound agricultural innovations. His nomination for recognition is a testament to both his scientific accomplishments and his service to the academic and farming communities.