Zhifeng Xun | Soil Carbon | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhifeng Xun | Soil Carbon | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Liaoning Agricultural Vocation and Technical College | China

Dr. Zhifeng Xun is a lecturer at Liaoning Agricultural Vocational and Technical College with a strong academic background in Grassland Science and Turfgrass Resources and Utilization. His research focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling and the microbial pathways responsible for the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N₂O). Through a combination of biological inhibition experiments and high-throughput sequencing, he has identified fungi, particularly Ascomycota, as significant contributors to N₂O emissions under nitrogen fertilization, revealing that moderate nitrogen input disproportionately stimulates fungal-driven emissions. Dr. Zhifeng Xunhas contributed to multiple major research programs, enhancing the understanding of microbial mechanisms in urban lawn soils and providing a scientific foundation for sustainable nitrogen management in green spaces. He has authored four journal publications and a book, advancing knowledge in ecosystem management and climate change mitigation. His work integrates soil science and microbial ecology to inform practical strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resilient, sustainable urban landscapes. His research has garnered 16 citations across 16 documents, with an h-index of 2.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Xun, Z., Zhao, M., Zhao, X., Wang, M., Liu, Y., Han, X., Zhang, Y., Wu, Y., & Quan, Z. (2025-10). Role of fungi in N<sub>2</sub>O emissions from nitrogen-fertilized lawn soil. Nitrogen.

Quan, Z., Li, S., Xun, Z., Liu, C., Liu, D., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Yang, M., Lu, C., Chen, X., et al. (2024-07). Evaluating the effects of reduced N application, a nitrification inhibitor, and straw incorporation on fertilizer-N fates in the maize growing season: A field <sup>15</sup>N tracer study. Nitrogen.

Quan, Z., Li, S., Xun, Z., Liu, C., Liu, D., Wang, Y., Zhao, X., Yang, M., Lu, C., Chen, X., et al. (2024). Effects of reduced N application, nitrification inhibitor, and straw incorporation on fertilizer-N fates in maize cropping system: A field <sup>15</sup>N tracer study in Northeastern China. Working paper.

Ojone Anyebe | Sustainable Agricultural Practices | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Ojone Anyebe | Sustainable Agricultural Practices | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Ahmadu Bello University | Nigeria

Mrs. Ojone Anyebe, a dedicated Nigerian academic and professional from Kogi State, has built a strong career in soil science, environmental management, and education. He began his early education in Ogugu and advanced through secondary and tertiary institutions where he obtained qualifications in Soil Science and Environmental Management, complemented by professional certifications in health, safety, and environment. His scholarly contributions span research in conservation agriculture, soil remediation, biochar applications, and land suitability evaluation, with 4 peer-reviewed publications indexed with 15 citations from 14 documents and an h-index of 3, reflecting his growing academic impact. He has presented at national conferences and engaged in policy and agricultural projects that address fertilizer optimization and value chain development in Africa. His professional career includes teaching and research roles across schools, farms, and government establishments where he served as teacher, agronomist, examination officer, and front desk officer. Currently, he works as a mathematics teacher at Dream Towers Schools in Ebonyi State while continuing to mentor students and contribute to agricultural research. A member of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, he collaborates with peers and mentors in advancing sustainable soil health management and innovative agricultural practices. His research interests emphasize sustainable agriculture, remediation of contaminated soils, and improving crop productivity through innovative soil management techniques. Beyond academics, he actively engages in mentoring, fashion design, and home management, reflecting a versatile personality with a passion for knowledge sharing and community development. Through his professional journey, Mrs. Ojone Anyebe has combined research, teaching, and service to advance science, education, and sustainable environmental practices in Nigeria and beyond.

Profile: Scopus | OrcidLinkedIn 

Featured Publications

Sadiq, F. K., Anyebe, O., Tanko, F., Abdulkadir, A., Manono, B. O., Matsika, T. A., Abubakar, F., & Bello, S. K. (2025). Conservation agriculture for sustainable soil health management: A review of impacts, benefits and future directions. Soil Systems, 9, 103.

Anyebe, O., Sadiq, F. K., Sadiq, A. A., Almaary, K. S., & Akhtar, H. M. S. (2025). Evaluating citric and oxalic acids as sustainable chelating agents for heavy metal remediation and phytoextraction efficiency in contaminated soils using maize (Zea mays). Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 26(3).

Anyebe, O., Sadiq, F. K., Manono, B. O., & Matsika, T. A. (2025). Biochar characteristics and application: Effects on soil ecosystem services and nutrient dynamics for enhanced crop yields. Nitrogen, 6, 31.

Sadiq, F. K., Yaqub, M. T., Maniyunda, L. M., Alalwany, A. A. M., Abubakar, F., & Anyebe, O. (2025). Soil classification and land suitability evaluation for tomato cultivation using analytic hierarchy process under different land uses. Heliyon, 11, e41681.

Anyebe, O., Uyovbisere, E. O., Sadiq, F. K., Adegoke, K. A., & Anumah, A. O. (2022). The phytoextraction by Zea mays of residual metals in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-washed soils. Chemistry Africa, 5, 395–404.

Anyebe, O., Uyovbisere, E. O., & Amapu, I. Y. (2018). The effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the removal and distribution of heavy metals in contaminated soils. In Proceedings of the Second Biennial Conference of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University (pp. 308–315). Zaria, Nigeria.

 

Vesna Rastija | agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Vesna Rastija | agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia

Prof. Vesna Rastija is a distinguished Croatian scientist and full professor at the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek. With over two decades of academic experience, she has made significant contributions in the fields of chemistry and agrobiotechnology. Her work spans chemical synthesis, QSAR modeling, molecular docking, and computational chemistry, with an impactful presence in scientific publishing and international collaboration. 🌿🔬📚

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Prof. Rastija completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2007 from the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. She earned her M.Sc. in Chemistry in 2001 from the same institution. Her academic journey began with a VII degree in Chemistry and Biology from the Faculty of Education Osijek, University of Osijek, in 1994. Her deep-rooted academic training forms the backbone of her multidisciplinary research and teaching excellence. 🧪🎓📘

💼 Experience

Prof. Rastija’s academic career began in 1997, progressing through various positions including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor, to her current role as Full Professor since 2021. She also spent time teaching biology and chemistry in elementary education. Her career reflects her lifelong commitment to education, scientific discovery, and mentorship within Croatia’s academic and scientific communities. 👩‍🏫📈🧫

🔍 Research Interests

Her research interests include computational chemistry, quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR), molecular docking, and chemical synthesis. Prof. Rastija’s interdisciplinary work bridges experimental and computational methods, targeting advancements in drug discovery, environmental chemistry, and plant-derived bioactives. She is also passionate about exploring novel compounds with therapeutic and agrochemical potential. 🧬🧪🌿💊

🏆 Awards

Prof. Vesna Rastija is widely recognized for her scholarly achievements. Though specific awards are not listed here, her prolific publication record, citations, and research collaborations highlight her impact in scientific research. She is an active member of the Croatian Chemistry Society and regularly contributes to national and international scientific discourse. 🏅🌍

📚 Publications

Analyzing Oxygen Atom Distribution in FDA-Approved Drugs (2025) – Chemical Biology & Drug Design – cited by 4 articles.

The Antidiabetic Effect of Grape Skin Extracts (2024) – Foods – cited by 6 articles.

Design of New 7-Chloroquinoline–Benzimidazole Hybrids (2024) – Molecules – cited by 5 articles.

Coumarin-1,2,4-triazole Hybrid Compounds Study (2024) – Journal of Taibah University for Science – cited by 3 articles.

Synthesis in Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (2024) – Journal of Molecular Structure – cited by 7 articles.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase III Inhibitors Study (2023) – Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics – cited by 9 articles.

Novel Quinoline–Benzimidazole Hybrids (2023) – Molecules – cited by 6 articles.

Green Synthesis of Coumarin-Triazole Hybrids (2023) – Current Organic Chemistry – cited by 4 articles.

Anti-Tumor Activity of Sulfonylpurine Derivatives (2023) – Molecules – cited by 5 articles.

Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Quinazoline Derivatives (2023) – Chemistry & Biodiversity – cited by 2 articles.

Conclusion 🏆

Dr. Vesna Rastija is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, owing to her extensive and high-quality research contributions, teaching commitment, and advanced expertise in modern scientific methods. With a consistent publication record, interdisciplinary focus, and impactful research outputs, she stands as a role model in academic excellence. With slight enhancement in global exposure and leadership roles, her profile would be further elevated on the international stage.