Marlon Caicedo | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Marlon Caicedo | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Unit Manager | Agricultural Research National Institute (INIAP) | Ecuador

Dr. Marlon Brainer Caicedo Villafuerte is a distinguished agricultural scientist recognized for his pioneering work in maize breeding, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture. He has led major initiatives to develop high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease-resistant maize hybrids that enhance food security and agricultural productivity. As a senior research scientist, he has directed multiple projects on genetic improvement, agronomic performance, and hybrid evaluation, integrating classical breeding with molecular and biotechnological tools to strengthen crop resilience under changing climates. His collaborations with global institutions have advanced research in plant physiology, genetics, and sustainable crop management. Dr. Caicedo’s impactful research is reflected in 160 citations by 138 documents, with 10 published papers and an h-index of 6, demonstrating his growing influence in the field of agricultural science and his commitment to innovation and sustainable development in modern crop systems.

Profiles : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications 

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2012). Effect of visual selection during the development of inbred lines of maize. Crop Science. Widely cited for improving inbred line selection efficiency.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2016). Stay-green QTLs in temperate elite maize. Euphytica. Influential in mapping genetic regions controlling leaf senescence.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2016). Redefining agricultural residues as bioenergy feedstocks. Materials. Contributed to bioenergy and sustainability research.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2018). Fine analysis of a genomic region involved in resistance to Mediterranean corn borer. BMC Plant Biology. Explored pest resistance through genetic mapping.

Caicedo Villafuerte, M. B. (2022). Genome-wide association analysis of senescence-related traits in maize. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Advanced knowledge on aging and yield traits in maize.

 

 

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.