Wenwen Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Ms. Wenwen Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Henan Agricultural University | China

Dr. Wenwen Zhang, a lecturer at the College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, is an accomplished researcher specializing in the bioremediation of degraded soils and soil nutrient resource management. Her scientific pursuits focus on enhancing soil fertility, promoting sustainable agricultural productivity, and mitigating environmental degradation through biological and ecological approaches. With a strong foundation in soil ecology and environmental sciences, Dr. Wenwen Zhang has led and participated in several funded research projects, including studies supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and provincial research initiatives. Her research has produced significant insights into the synergistic roles of earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving nitrogen use efficiency and soil health, as reflected in her publications in high-impact journals such as Applied Soil Ecology, Plant and Soil, and Journal of Integrative Agriculture. Beyond her research, she has contributed to academic resources through co-authoring books like Utilization of Agricultural Resources and Plant Protection and Advances in Soil Ecology. With 373 citations by 357 documents, 9 published papers, and an h-index of 7, she has made a measurable impact in her field. Her innovative work on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics particularly the role of straw incorporation in enhancing nitrogen sequestration and reducing nitrate leaching has advanced sustainable soil management strategies. By integrating ecological mechanisms with agricultural applications, Dr. Wenwen Zhang research supports the global pursuit of low-impact, climate-resilient farming systems, reinforcing her role as a key contributor to agricultural sustainability and environmental protection.

Profiles: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Zhang, W., Wang, C., Liu, M., & Yu, Y. (2019). Integrated reclamation of saline soil nitrogen transformation in the hyphosphere by earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. Applied Soil Ecology, 135, 137–146.

Zhang, W., Wang, C., Lu, T., & Zheng, Y. (2018). Cooperation between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms promotes the physiological adaptation of maize under a high salt stress. Plant and Soil, 423(1–2), 125–140.

Zhang, W., Cao, J., Zhang, S., & Wang, C. (2016). Effect of earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the microbial community and maize growth under salt stress. Applied Soil Ecology, 107, 214–223.

Zhang, W., Wang, C., Xue, R., & Wang, L. (2019). Effects of salinity on the soil microbial community and soil fertility. Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 18(6), 1360–1368.

Zhang, W., Wang, C., Dong, M., Jin, S., & Li, H. (2018). Dynamics of soil fertility and maize growth with lower environmental impacts depending on a combination of organic and mineral fertilizer. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 18(2), 556–575.

Esther Delphine Makamte Pegalepo | Plant Breeding | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Esther Delphine Makamte Pegalepo | Plant Breeding | Women Researcher Award

Africa Rice | Ivory Coast

Dr. Esther Delphine Makamte Pegalepo is a seasoned Cameroonian plant breeder and seed systems expert with over 15 years of experience. She currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Coordinator of the AfricaRice Breeding Task Force network, contributing to rice genetic improvement across 28 African nations. Passionate about sustainable agriculture, she has led seed system innovations, capacity-building programs, and variety evaluation initiatives. Her mission is to develop pesticide-free, high-yielding rice varieties suited to diverse African agro-ecologies. Dr. Pegalepo combines academic excellence with hands-on expertise in breeding, research coordination, and seed technology to ensure food security in Africa.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Pegalepo earned her Ph.D. in Phylogenetic Resources and Crop Protection (2020) from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, with a thesis on Piper guineense-based biopesticides for rice protection. She holds two Master’s degrees: one in Seed Industry Seed Technology (2006), and another in Plant Biotechnology (2004), both from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences (2001), following her high school graduation in Mathematics and Natural Sciences in 1997. Her education laid the groundwork for her strong research in plant protection and breeding innovation.

Experience

Dr. Pegalepo currently works at AfricaRice as a PDF Plant Breeder and Coordinator of the Breeding Task Force (BTF), leading capacity-building efforts and rice seed evaluation across 28 African countries. From 2014–2022, she supported breeding operations and seed systems, training women’s associations and partners across West Africa. Earlier, she served at AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center and EICD in Cameroon and Central African Republic, specializing in seed multiplication, vegetable seed systems, and community capacity development. Her responsibilities span varietal development, seed distribution, trial management, and partnership coordination.

Research Interests

Dr. Pegalepo’s research interests focus on plant breeding, seed systems, and ecofriendly pest-resistant rice varieties. Her work emphasizes biotic and abiotic stress resilience, varietal adaptability, and integration of genetic resources from AfricaRice’s genebank. She is involved in the AGGRi2 and B4T projects, which aim to accelerate genetic gain and varietal deployment. Through breeding programs, she supports the delivery of climate-smart, pesticide-free rice cultivars that improve yields, environmental sustainability, and food security across Africa’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

Awards

Dr. Pegalepo was honored as one of the hard-working contributors at AfricaRice in 2014. She has received extensive training in gender-responsive research (GREAT-IRRI, 2019), phytogenetic resource policies (ICARDA, 2017), seed pathology (AVRDC, Tanzania), and data management (AfricaRice). Her dedication to agricultural transformation is further reflected in her membership in the Excellence in Breeding (EIB) team and reviewer role with the European Scientific Journal (ESJ). These recognitions highlight her commitment to excellence in agricultural research and development.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Rice varietal selection using AMMI modeling
Year: 2025
Cited by: 5 articles

Title: Field evaluation for drought and heat adaptability
Year: 2025
Cited by: 4 articles

Title: Infochemical cues for Diopsis apicalis control
Year: 2025
Cited by: 3 articles

Title: Effet de la poudre de Piper guineense
Year: 2019

Title: Review on the use of black and red pepper
Year: 2018

Title: Genetic variation of NERICA and O. sativa
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Dr. Esther Pegalepo’s commitment to agricultural transformation, women empowerment, and climate-resilient rice breeding makes her a compelling candidate for the Women Research Award. Her leadership in pan-African agricultural networks, hands-on seed system development, and eco-friendly innovations position her as an impactful scientist advancing food security and sustainability. With further global engagement and academic dissemination, her contributions could gain even broader recognition.

Hossein Shabanali Fami | Sustainable Food system | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr Hossein Shabanali Fami | Sustainable Food system | Best Researcher Award

Professor, University of Tehran, Iran

Prof. Hossein Shabanali Fami is a distinguished professor at the University of Tehran, specializing in Agricultural Extension and Education. With a career spanning over two decades, he has greatly contributed to food security, agricultural management, and climate change impacts on agriculture and water resources. His academic journey includes supervising 150 Master’s and 40 Ph.D. theses and publishing over 750 papers. A respected editor and researcher, Prof. Fami has been instrumental in shaping the field of agricultural development, earning multiple prestigious awards for his dedication and academic excellence. 🌱📚

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Fami completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Extension and Education at the University of Tehran, followed by a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. His academic achievements include numerous honors, such as the Distinguished Alumnus Gold Medal and the University of Agricultural Sciences Gold Medal, recognizing his exceptional academic performance. 🎓🏅

Experience

Prof. Fami has over 40 years of experience in agricultural development, management, and extension. He has taught over 30 courses and actively guided the academic progress of students at the University of Tehran. As a member of various editorial boards, he has contributed significantly to the academic landscape, focusing on the management of agricultural innovation and rural development. 🌾👨‍🏫

Research Interests

Prof. Fami’s research interests encompass food and nutritional security, climate change’s impact on agriculture, water resource management, agricultural innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices. His work is particularly focused on the role of technology and education in agricultural extension, rural development, and addressing gender issues in agriculture. 🌍📊

Awards

Prof. Fami has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumnus Gold Medal, University of Agricultural Sciences Gold Medal, and several merit awards for his exceptional contributions to the field of Agricultural Extension. These recognitions highlight his commitment to research, education, and sustainable agricultural practices. 🏆🎖️

Publications Top Notes

“Principles of Agricultural Extension and Education” (2006), Payam Noor University. 📘

“Approaches and Techniques for Participation in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development” (2004), Iranian Rural Development Institute. 🌾
You can explore his full list of publications and citations via his Google Scholar profile and his University Profile. 📝🔗

Conclusion

In conclusion, Professor Hossein Shabanali Fami’s extensive experience, research contributions, and academic leadership, combined with his commitment to agricultural development and sustainability, position him as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His continuous contributions to academia and impactful innovations have enriched global agricultural research and education, making him a standout nominee for this prestigious recognition.