Ms. Maha MILI | Agricultural Economics | Young Scientist Award |

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Ms. Maha MILI | Agricultural Economics | Young Scientist Award

PhD student, at LEGI – École Polytechnique de Tunisie, Tunisia.

Ms. Maha Mili is a dedicated PhD student in Environmental and Energy Economics with a keen interest in addressing climate change challenges in water-scarce regions. Based in Tunisia, she brings together academic excellence, technical modeling skills, and practical policy insight to explore sustainable solutions for energy transitions. Her research integrates the fields of economics, environmental science, and development policy, contributing to both national and global dialogues on ecological sustainability.

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🎓 Education

Maha Mili is currently pursuing her PhD in Territories, Migration, and Development with a specialization in Economics from the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS) and Faculty of Economics and Management, Nabeul (FSEGN). Her doctoral research focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions under water scarcity through integrated modeling approaches. She holds a Master’s degree in Quantitative Economics and Finance from the Polytechnic School of Tunisia, where she specialized in economic and financial optimization and wrote a thesis on water use efficiency. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor’s in Business Sciences with a focus on Finance from IHEC Carthage, and a Mathematics Baccalaureate with High Honours from the Secondary School of Jammel.

💼 Experience

Maha has gained valuable professional experience through internships in both consulting and financial sectors. At PwC Tunisia, she contributed to economic modeling projects and policy impact analysis using CGE tools. She also worked as a financial analyst at PBR Rating – CFC Partners, conducting client evaluations and preparing financial certification reports. Additionally, her earlier role at Arab Tunisian Bank (ATB) involved managing client financial support and loan risk assessments, offering her a well-rounded view of economic applications in real-world contexts.

🔬 Research Interests

Her research revolves around climate resilience, ecological transitions, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Specifically, she focuses on the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, virtual water trade, and the role of green hydrogen in Tunisia’s energy transition. Maha applies Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models and hybrid approaches to simulate and assess energy and water policies under climate constraints. Through her work with the International Center for Environmental and Development Research (CIRED) and LEGI-EPT, she contributes to the development of decision-support tools aimed at guiding equitable and sustainable policy-making.

🏆 Awards

Maha is a recipient of the prestigious PHC-UTIQUE Hubert Curien Partnership Scholarship (2024–2027), which supports her binational research collaboration between Tunisia and France. Her participation in international workshops such as the GIZ Water Master Class, Energy-Economy Modelling Workshops, and IAEA’s EMPOWER model sessions further underscore her active engagement in global knowledge-sharing platforms.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Title: Climate Change Impacts and Adaptive Strategies for Water Use Efficiency in Tunisia: A Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Maha Mili, Mohamed Adel Dhif, Houyem Chekki
Journal: Water Economics and Policy
Indexing: Scopus, ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index)
Citations: Not yet cited (as of 2025 publication)
Year of Publication: 2025

Conclusion

Maha Mili exemplifies the profile of a promising young researcher—analytically skilled, globally aware, and deeply committed to solving some of the most pressing environmental and economic challenges of our time. With her strong academic foundation, practical experience, and visionary research focus, she is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development and climate adaptation policy.

Ms Leticia Bittencourt | Poultry Nutrition | Best Researcher Award |

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Ms Leticia Bittencourt | Poultry Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Applied Science Manager , at DSM Nutritional Products, Brazil.

Leticia Cardoso Bittencourt is a highly accomplished veterinarian and research leader with over 20 years of dedicated experience in animal nutrition and health. Known for her strong scientific background and practical expertise, she bridges academic knowledge with industry applications, contributing significantly to the advancement of monogastric animal nutrition across Latin America.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Leticia holds a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Science, both from the prestigious University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Brazil. Her education provided a solid foundation in advanced animal nutrition principles, research methodologies, and applied animal health sciences

Experience 💼

Currently, Leticia serves as the Applied Science Manager Monogastric LATAM at dsm-firmenich, where she is responsible for managing the activities of the Animal Nutrition Center in Latin America. Over her two decades of professional life, she has combined her deep technical expertise with leadership roles, overseeing research projects, guiding innovation strategies, and supporting the application of scientific findings to real-world challenges in animal nutrition industries.

Research Interests 🔬

Leticia’s research primarily centers on monogastric animal nutrition — with a particular emphasis on pigs and poultry — optimizing their health, growth, and productivity through innovative nutritional strategies. Her focus integrates animal physiology, feed technology, gut health, and sustainable practices to address both industry needs and environmental concerns.

Awards 🏆

Throughout her career, Leticia has received recognition for her contributions to applied animal science, leadership in research initiatives, and commitment to innovation. Her work has consistently been acknowledged within both academic and professional communities, although more formal international awards could further elevate her profile.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Title:
Effect of Protease Supplementation in Diets with or Without Copper Sulfate and Formaldehyde on the Standardized Digestibility of Amino Acids in Broiler Chickens

Authors:
Ingryd Palloma Teodósio da Nóbrega (I.P.T. da Nóbrega),
Levy Vale Teixeira (L.V. Teixeira),
Vitor Barbosa Fascina (V.B. Fascina),
Letícia Cardoso Bittencourt (L.C. Bittencourt)

Conclusion

Leticia Cardoso Bittencourt stands out as a distinguished researcher and leader in animal nutrition, demonstrating a rare combination of academic excellence, industry impact, and strategic leadership. With opportunities to expand her international presence through broader publications, collaborations, and innovations, she is exceptionally well-positioned for continued success and recognition in her field.

Prof. Dr JORGE ALBERTO VIEIRA COSTA | Food Science | Best Researcher Award |

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Prof. Dr. JORGE ALBERTO VIEIRA COSTA | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor , at Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG) and CAPES (Brazilian Ministry of Education), Brazil.

Prof. Dr. Jorge Alberto Vieira Costa is a globally recognized expert in Food Science and Engineering, currently serving as a Full Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Brazil. As the National Coordinator for Postgraduate Programs in Food Science at CAPES (Ministry of Education, Brazil), he plays a key role in shaping the country’s academic and research landscape. A top-level CNPq 1A research fellow, he is ranked among the top 100 scientists worldwide in his field, reflecting both his scientific excellence and international influence.

Professional Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. Costa earned his Ph.D. in Food Engineering from the prestigious University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in 1996. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for a prolific and impactful career in sustainable food technologies, biotechnology, and applied sciences.

Experience 💼

With decades of academic leadership, Dr. Costa has supervised over 150 graduate and postdoctoral researchers, demonstrating his deep commitment to research training and academic mentorship. He has held visiting scholar positions at esteemed institutions such as the University of California San Diego (USA), University of Florence (Italy), Bielefeld University (Germany), and the Dubai Future Foundation’s Aviation X-Lab. His collaborations with global entities like Airbus Aerospace, Emirates Airlines, Petrobras, and Braskem highlight his ability to bridge academia and industry.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Costa’s pioneering work focuses on CO₂ biofixation, biorefineries, biofuels, and sustainable food systems, particularly through the use of microalgae and agro-industrial waste. His research contributes significantly to achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting green energy solutions and environmentally responsible food production systems.

Awards 🏆

A recipient of 55 national and international awards, Dr. Costa’s contributions have been widely acknowledged across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors. His distinctions include recognition from top scientific organizations, funding bodies, and innovation platforms, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader and innovator.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Title: Biofixation of carbon dioxide by Spirulina sp. and Scenedesmus obliquus cultivated in a three-stage serial tubular photobioreactor
Authors: MG De Morais, JAV Costa
Citations: 746
Journal: Journal of Biotechnology
Year: 2007

Title: Biologically active metabolites synthesized by microalgae
Authors: MG de Morais, BS Vaz, EG de Morais, JAV Costa
Citations: 583
Journal: BioMed Research International
Year: 2015

Title: Production of biomass and nutraceutical compounds by Spirulina platensis under different temperature and nitrogen regimes
Authors: LM Colla, CO Reinehr, C Reichert, JAV Costa
Citations: 498
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2007

Title: Isolation and selection of microalgae from coal fired thermoelectric power plant for biofixation of carbon dioxide
Authors: MG de Morais, JAV Costa
Citations: 452
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management
Year: 2007

Title: Carbon dioxide fixation by Chlorella kessleri, C. vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus and Spirulina sp. cultivated in flasks and vertical tubular photobioreactors
Authors: MG De Morais, JAV Costa
Citations: 416
Journal: Biotechnology Letters
Year: 2007

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Jorge Alberto Vieira Costa exemplifies research excellence, academic leadership, and a strong dedication to global sustainability. His impactful contributions in Food Science and Engineering not only elevate Brazil’s presence in the global research community but also serve as a beacon for interdisciplinary innovation. His profile makes him a highly deserving candidate for prestigious research honors and awards.

Prof. Dr Fadia El Sherif | Plant biotechnology | Women Researcher Award |

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Prof. Dr. Fadia El Sherif | Plant biotechnology | Women Researcher Award | 

Department of biological science, at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

Prof. Dr. Fadia Mohamed Youssef Askar El Sherif is an esteemed plant physiologist and biotechnologist, specializing in stress physiology, micropropagation, and plant genetic engineering. With a career spanning three decades, she has made significant contributions to plant biotechnology, medicinal plant research, and sustainable agriculture. She has held academic positions at Suez Canal University, Egypt, and King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, fostering international collaborations and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Professional Profile

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Education 🎓

Ph.D. in Floriculture & Biotechnology (2009) – Suez Canal University, Egypt & University of Hamburg, Germany

M.Sc. in Floriculture (1997) – Suez Canal University, Egypt

B.Sc. in Agricultural Science (1993) – Suez Canal University, Egypt

Professional Experience 💼

Professor, Department of Horticulture – Suez Canal University, Egypt (Since 2019)

Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences – King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (2013–2022)

Visiting Scholar – Institute of Forest Genetics, University of Hamburg, Germany (2006–2008)

Associate Professor, Horticulture Department – Suez Canal University, Egypt (2014–2019)

Assistant Lecturer & Demonstrator – Suez Canal University, Egypt (1993–2014)

Throughout her career, she has taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses and supervised multiple research projects in plant physiology, biotechnology, and horticulture.

Awards & Honors 🏆

International Publishing Award (2013–2023) – Suez Canal University, Egypt

Recognized for outstanding research contributions in plant biotechnology

Numerous supervised M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, shaping the future of agricultural biotechnology

Top Noted Publications 📚

Effect of gamma irradiation on enhancement of some economic traits and molecular changes in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – F. El Sherif, S. Khattab, E. Ghoname, N. Salem, K. Radwan – 89 citations – Life Science Journal – 2011

Foliar application of Moringa oleifera leaves extract altered stress-responsive gene expression and enhanced bioactive compounds composition in Ocimum basilicum – M.A. Alkuwayti, F. El-Sherif, Y.K. Yap, S. Khattab – 50 citations – South African Journal of Botany – 2020

Silybum marianum L. plants under abiotic elicitation: Silybin content and overexpression of chalcone synthase genes – H.A.S. El-Garhy, S. Khattab, M.M.A. Moustafa, R. Abou Ali, A.Z.A. Azeiz, F. El-Sherif – 45 citations – Plant Physiology and Biochemistry – 2016

Aloe vera leaf extract as a potential growth enhancer for Populus trees grown under in vitro conditions – F. El Sherif – 42 citations – American Journal of Plant Biology – 2017

Effect of manure and bio-fertilizers on growth, yield, silymarin content, and protein expression profile of Silybum marianum – E.G. Ismail, W.W. Mohamed, S. Khattab, F.E. Sherif – 42 citations – International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – 2013

Conclusion

Dr. El Sherif is a highly qualified researcher with a strong publication record, international exposure, and leadership in plant biotechnology and physiology. She is a suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award, especially if she can highlight her research impact, citations, and leadership roles in more detail.