Dr. Mujib Rahman Ahmadzai | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Mujib Rahman Ahmadzai, Kabul University, Afghanistan

Mujib Rahman Ahmadzai is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate specializing in Natural Resources, focusing on Forest Management and Ecosystem Sciences. With over 15 years of professional experience across diverse roles in government, NGOs, and INGOs, Mujib has significantly contributed to Climate Smart Agriculture, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Humanitarian Responses in Afghanistan. His passion for empowering women and girls in sustainable development drives his commitment to innovative teaching and impactful project management.

Education 🎓

Mujib obtained his Ph.D. in Forest Management and Ecosystem Sciences from the University Putra Malaysia (2020-2024). He also earned a Master’s degree in Natural & Land Resource Management from the same university (2013-2015) and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Plant Science) from Al-Beroni University, Kapisa, Afghanistan (2006-2009). His educational background is complemented by a strong foundation in environmental sciences, shaping his expertise in natural resource management.

Experience 💼

With 16 years of extensive experience, Mujib currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at Kabul University and has held various consultancy roles. He has worked as a National Coordination Consultant for the Norwegian Church Aid, focusing on Climate Smart Agriculture, and has played key roles in disaster management and agricultural policy development with organizations like CWSA and the Afghanistan Atomic Energy High Commission. His work emphasizes strategic planning, curriculum design, and capacity building, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in Afghanistan.

Research Interests 🔍

Mujib’s research interests encompass Forest Management, Ecosystem Sciences, Climate Change Adaptation, and Disaster Risk Reduction. He is particularly focused on the integration of Climate Smart Agriculture techniques to enhance resilience in vulnerable communities. His commitment to women and girls’ empowerment in sustainable development is also a crucial aspect of his research agenda.

Awards 🏆

Mujib’s contributions to environmental management and education have been recognized through various awards. His initiatives in Women and Girls Empowerment and sustainable practices in agriculture have garnered appreciation, reflecting his dedication to driving positive change within his community and beyond.

Mr. Antonio Berardi | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Antonio Berardi, Ricercatore, UNIVERSITA’ DEGLI STUDI DI BARI, Italy

Antonio Berardi, born on February 24, 1985, in Troia, Italy, is a Researcher at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” (Department of DiSAAT). He is an accomplished Mechanical and Industrial Engineer with expertise in system design and innovation management, particularly in the agri-food sector. His work focuses on energy efficiency, sustainability, and automation in industrial processes. Antonio has extensive experience collaborating with national and international companies, aiming to reduce operational costs and improve production efficiency in industrial plants.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

Antonio Berardi presents an impressive profile with extensive experience in both industrial and academic research, particularly in agro-food systems, renewable energy, and industrial sustainability. His academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in innovation management within agro-food systems and mechanical engineering expertise, align with cutting-edge research fields. Berardi’s experience spans multiple international collaborations and technology transfer initiatives, which showcases his ability to work globally and across disciplines. His focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and process automation are critical to modern industrial innovation.

Areas for Improvement

While Berardi’s background in research and industry is solid, his publication record and specific contributions to leading scientific journals could be further highlighted to strengthen his case. Additionally, expanding his involvement in interdisciplinary projects and further engaging with more global academic platforms might enhance his visibility.

Education 🎓

Antonio holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Innovation Management from the University of Foggia (2015), with a thesis on hyperspectral imaging for quality prediction in local artichoke varieties. He also earned a Master’s in Safety Engineering from Università Telematica Pegaso (2024), a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Bari (2009), and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering (2007). His diverse academic journey laid the foundation for his advanced research in industrial systems and sustainability.

Experience 💼

Since 2009, Antonio has contributed to research and innovation in the industrial and energy sectors, with a focus on agri-food systems. His work spans both Italy and international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Congo, Indonesia, Chile, and Morocco. He has led projects on process automation, energy management, and industrial safety. Antonio’s research aims at sustainability and cost reduction through innovative technologies in traditional and renewable energy sectors. He also has teaching experience in technical physics and mechanics at reputable institutions.

Research Interest 🔍

Antonio’s research interests revolve around sustainability in industrial systems, focusing on reducing energy and raw material consumption in the agri-food and energy sectors. He explores innovations in process automation, renewable energy integration, and advanced process monitoring, all while ensuring environmental and economic sustainability. His work also involves the application of spectrometric analysis, energy efficiency models, and process optimization in industrial plants.

Awards 🏆

Antonio has received recognition for his contributions to industrial engineering and sustainability. Notably, his projects on energy efficiency in industrial plants have earned him national and international collaborations. He continues to contribute significantly to innovation in agri-food and renewable energy systems, helping businesses improve productivity and sustainability.

Publication Top Notes 📚

“The use of hyperspectral imaging to predict quality and characterize local varieties of artichokes” (2015), Ph.D. Thesis, Università degli Studi di Foggia.

“Progettazione ed ottimizzazione di un impianto eolico” (2009), Master’s Thesis, Politecnico di Bari.

“Energy efficiency in industrial plants: A case study of olive oil production” (2022), Journal of Industrial Engineering.

“Innovative technologies for almond disinfestation using microwaves” (2021), Journal of Agri-Food Technology. Cited by 12 articles.

“Mathematical modeling for energy-efficient centrifuges in agri-food industries” (2023), Journal of Energy Systems. Cited by 8 articles.

Conclusion

Berardi’s contributions to energy management, sustainability, and automation in industrial systems, especially within the agro-food sector, make him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His international experience and research focus align well with key trends in modern industrial innovation, though further emphasis on his academic publications would bolster his profile.