Inese Skapste | Algal biostimulants | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Inese Skapste | Algal biostimulants | Best Researcher Award

PhD candiate, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Inese Skapste is a dynamic professional from Latvia with a unique blend of experience in business, innovation, and academic research. 📊🌱 As a RIS3 Knowledge-Intensive Bioeconomy Expert at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, she leads bioeconomy ecosystem initiatives. Alongside, she is a PhD candidate in Agricultural Economics and a lecturer at Riga Technical University. Inese’s work bridges practical entrepreneurship and scientific exploration, with a strong focus on sustainable development and circular bioeconomy solutions, especially algae-based innovations. 🌿🌍

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🎓 Education

Inese holds multiple degrees reflecting her interdisciplinary knowledge. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Economics at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) 📚🌾. Her academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in Economics (2021–2023), a Master’s in Business Administration from Ventspils University, and a Bachelor’s in Public Management from Turība University. She has completed certifications in pedagogy, mindfulness-based teaching, and deep tech innovation from Universidade Católica Portuguesa. 🧠💼

💼 Experience

With over two decades of professional experience, Inese has held leadership roles across various sectors. Currently, she serves as a RIS3 Bioeconomy Expert and Scientific Assistant at LBTU, contributing to research and investment strategy. 🧪📈 Previously, she managed algae research projects at Soli Progressi LLC, led marketing at Emil Company Europe, and held senior roles in BMS, Narvesen Baltija, and more. She also lectures on entrepreneurship, HR economics, and innovation at Riga Technical University’s Ventspils Centre. 👩‍🏫🌍

🔬 Research Interest

Inese’s research focuses on circular bioeconomy, sustainable resource use, and the agricultural application of macroalgae. Her PhD explores the economic potential of Baltic Sea algae 🌊 for creating bio-based agricultural inputs like biostimulants. She is actively involved in evaluating bioresource sustainability, biorefinery models, and biomass valorization strategies to enhance Latvia’s green transition. Her work integrates environmental impact assessments and practical innovations for algae-based products. 🌿🔁

🏆 Awards

Inese’s research and policy contributions have been recognized across national and EU initiatives. 🇪🇺 She is a current member of two European Commission Working Groups: Mission A Soil Deal for Europe and Mission Adaptation to Climate Change under Horizon Europe. Her strategic work in bioeconomy is part of RIS3 specialization areas, aiming at fostering innovation and climate resilience in Latvia and the Baltic region. 🌍🏅

📚 Publications

“Evaluation of the agrochemical properties of algae for plant fertilisation” (2022) – Read here 🧪🌱
Published under the EU Structural Funds Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” | Cited in regional agricultural R&D papers.

“From the Baltic Sea coastal wash macroalgae from the Baltic Sea preparation for use in organic farming” (2023) – Internal project under service contract No 3.2/2023/3 🌊🌾

“Assessment of the Resource Potential of Baltic Sea Macroalgae for agricultural production” (2023) – Research Grant No. DG4 by LBTU 📘 [Institutional Archive]

“Evaluation of the economically justified usability of Baltic Sea algae as a bioresource for the promotion of circular economy” (2024–ongoing) – Exploring algae biorefinery for climate-neutral solutions ♻️🌍

🏁 Conclusion

Inese Skapste is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award in terms of innovation, sustainability, and applied research. Her multidisciplinary background, policy impact, and strong involvement in cutting-edge bioeconomy topics present her as a future-forward researcher. Strengthening her publication record and expanding international research visibility will further boost her profile for top-tier awards. ✅🌱

Abdolmohammad Abedian Kenari | Microalgae application | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Abdolmohammad Abedian Kenari | Microalgae application | Best Researcher Award

Academic Professor, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Prof. Abdolmohammad Abedian Kenari is a distinguished academic in the field of aquaculture and fish nutrition, currently serving at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran. Born in Ferydonkenar, Mazandaran, in 1968, he has dedicated over three decades to fisheries research and education. As a professor, former dean, and department head, he has made significant contributions to marine sciences, especially in enhancing aquaculture nutrition strategies and fish health 🐟📚.

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🎓 Education

Prof. Kenari’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Fisheries (1987–1991) and continued with an M.Sc. in Fisheries (1992–1995), both from the University of Tehran. He earned his Ph.D. in Aquaculture from Tarbiat Modares University (1995–2001), where he would later become a leading academic figure. His strong foundation in aquatic biology and nutrition has laid the groundwork for his prolific career in fish health and feed innovation 🧪🎓.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Prof. Kenari began his professional career as a shrimp and marine fish expert at the Iranian Fisheries Organization (1992–1997). He has held various academic roles at Tarbiat Modares University—from assistant professor (2001–2006) to associate professor (2006–2013), and now a full professor since 2013. He also served as Dean (2019–2022) and Head of Aquaculture (2011–2019). His administrative and academic leadership has greatly impacted marine sciences in Iran 🌊🏛️.

🔬 Research Interest

His research interests focus on fish nutrition, bioactive compounds, live food culture, and shrimp farming. He explores functional ingredients, enzymatic digestion, and nanotechnology to boost aquatic health and productivity. His innovations in feed efficiency, immunostimulants, and peptide applications contribute significantly to sustainable aquaculture 🌱🐠🧬.

🏅 Awards & Achievements

Prof. Kenari is a foundation member of several aquaculture societies, including the Cold Water Fish Society and the Iranian Aquaculture Society. He’s recognized for numerous funded projects by the Iran National Science Foundation and has several patents related to aquaculture biotechnology, such as bioactive compounds and algae paste technology. His editorial roles and society memberships highlight his impact in marine research circles 🏆📜.

📚 Publications

Evaluating the Effects of Unprocessed, Citric Acid-Treated, and Fermented Poultry By-Products on Rainbow Trout, North American Journal of Aquaculture, Accepted.

Partial Replacement of Fish Meal with Shrimp Waste Meal, Aquaculture Research, Accepted.

Antioxidant Peptides from Spirulina and Chlorella, Marine Drugs, 2025. Cited by 2 articles.

Enzyme Pretreatment and High-Carb Diet in Trout, Fish Physiol Biochem, 2025. Cited by 3 articles.

Immune Response of Beluga Larvae, Aquaculture International, 2024. Cited by 5 articles.

Polysaccharides in Rainbow Trout, Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2024. Cited by 4 articles.

Trypsin Enzyme in Sturgeon Species, Animals, 2023. Cited by 6 articles.

Nanodelivered Shrimp Waste Hydrolysate, Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 2021. Cited by 12 articles.

Citric Acid and Soybean-Based Diets in Trout, Aquaculture Nutrition, 2021. Cited by 8 articles.

Antioxidative Activity from Shrimp Waste, Aquaculture Research, 2021. Cited by 9 articles.

🏆 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Abdolmohammad Abedian Kenari demonstrates exceptional qualifications for the Best Researcher Award. His substantial body of work, leadership, and contributions to fish nutrition and aquaculture technology position him as a deserving candidate. With further international collaboration and outreach, his impact could be elevated even further on a global scale.