Sali Atanga Ndindeng | Food Quality | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Sali Atanga Ndindeng | Food Quality | Best Researcher Award

Africa Rice Center | Ivory Coast

Dr. Sali Atanga Ndindeng is a distinguished Grain Quality and Post-Harvest Scientist and Program Leader of the Rice Sector Development Program at the Africa Rice Center, where he also serves as Principal Scientist in Grain Quality and Post-Harvest Technology, Co-Lead for Scaling for Impact, and Interim One CGIAR Country Convenor for Côte d’Ivoire. With a PhD in Agriculture from Hokkaido University, Japan, and extensive experience in biochemistry and agricultural sciences, he has dedicated his career to developing, testing, and scaling innovations in rice post-harvest management and grain quality enhancement. He collaborates closely with breeders under the Global One Rice Program, National Agricultural Research Institutes across Africa, and development partners to advance varietal screening, parboiling technologies, fortified rice products, and low glycemic rice-based foods. He has successfully established multi-stakeholder rice platforms in numerous African countries and led the creation of Healthy Diets Living Laboratories to promote nutritious food systems. His work encompasses designing climate-smart rice value chains, coordinating major donor-funded projects, and fostering public-private partnerships to strengthen research, policy, and market linkages. Ndindeng has developed a range of innovations, including improved artisanal parboiling technologies, rice husk stoves, multipurpose grinders, fortified rice recipes, and methodologies for assessing post-harvest losses. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating the impact of his research on agricultural productivity, nutrition, and sustainable development, with 603 citations by 514 documents across 40 publications and an h-index of 14. Fluent in English and French, he also mentors emerging scientists and guides the next generation of rice sector innovators across Africa, reflecting his commitment to advancing agricultural science and improving livelihoods on the continent.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Researchgate 

Featured Publications

Wanji, S., Tanke, T., Atanga, S. N., Ajonina, C., Nicholas, T., & Fontenille, D. (2003). Anopheles species of the mount Cameroon region: Biting habits, feeding behaviour and entomological inoculation rates. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 8(7), 643-649.

Ndindeng, S. A., Mbassi, J. E. G., Mbacham, W. F., Manful, J., Graham-Acquaah, S., … (2015). Quality optimization in briquettes made from rice milling by-products. Energy for Sustainable Development, 29, 24-31.

Wanji, S., Tendongfor, N., Esum, M., Ndindeng, S., & Enyong, P. (2003). Epidemiology of concomitant infections due to Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, and Onchocerca volvulus in rain forest villages of Cameroon. Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 192(1), 15-21.

Ndindeng, S. A., Manful, J., Futakuchi, K., Mapiemfu-Lamare, D., Akoa-Etoa, J. M., … (2015). Upgrading the quality of Africa’s rice: A novel artisanal parboiling technology for rice processors in sub-Saharan Africa. Food Science & Nutrition, 3(6), 557-568.

Zohoun, E. V., Tang, E. N., Soumanou, M. M., Manful, J., Akissoe, N. H., Bigoga, J., … (2018). Physicochemical and nutritional properties of rice as affected by parboiling steaming time at atmospheric pressure and variety. Food Science & Nutrition, 6(3), 638-652.

Mr. Besart Jashari | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Besart Jashari | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Besart Jashari, Food Safety, Food Microbiology Laboratory, Albania

👤 MSc. Besart Jashari is a dedicated microbiologist and food safety expert from Pristina, Kosovo. With over 15 years of experience, he has been instrumental in ensuring food safety standards and microbiological practices across the country. As the Head of the Food Microbiology Sector at the Food and Veterinary Agency of Kosovo, Besart has played a key role in advancing laboratory methodologies and regulations in the microbiology of food and water. His professional journey spans academic teaching, field research, and regulatory compliance, making significant contributions to public health and food safety in Kosovo.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Best Researcher Award

Msc. Besart Jashari has demonstrated a strong academic foundation, with multiple degrees in biology, food technology, and medical laboratory science. His expertise spans both microbiology and food safety, showcasing a wealth of experience in public health. With leadership roles, such as the Head of Food Microbiology Sector at Kosovo’s Food and Veterinary Agency, Jashari has made impactful contributions to food safety regulations and laboratory practices. His numerous published papers on microbiology and food safety issues highlight his research skills. Additionally, his involvement in various international projects and trainings emphasizes his global expertise and continuous learning.

Areas for Improvement

While Besart Jashari’s career in microbiology and food safety is robust, areas for further improvement could include a broader scope of international research collaborations and expanding his publication record in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals. Enhancing his involvement in academic teaching or mentoring young researchers could also provide a stronger academic contribution.

Education

🎓 MSc. Besart Jashari holds a Master’s degree in Technical Science (Food Engineering Technology) from the University of Prishtina, specializing in the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in food products. His academic journey also includes a Bachelor’s in Biology and Senior Medical Laboratory certifications. His education laid a solid foundation for his expertise in microbiology and food safety, equipping him with comprehensive knowledge of laboratory techniques and foodborne pathogens.

Experience

💼 MSc. Besart Jashari began his career as a biology professor, then moved to the Food and Veterinary Agency of Kosovo, where he worked as a microbiologist. Since 2013, he has served as the Head of the Food Microbiology Sector, and in 2015, he was appointed Deputy Manager of Quality. His roles include overseeing food microbiological analyses, developing safety standards, and participating in various international workshops and projects aimed at enhancing food safety and laboratory standards.

Research Interests

🔬 MSc. Besart Jashari is passionate about microbiological research, focusing on foodborne pathogens, their detection, and the implementation of food safety standards. His research delves into understanding pathogenic microorganism behavior in food products, improving laboratory diagnostic techniques, and investigating water and foodborne diseases. He is also actively involved in drafting regulations that strengthen food safety policies in Kosovo.

Awards

🏆 Throughout his career, MSc. Besart Jashari has been recognized for his contributions to microbiology and food safety. Notably, he was awarded certifications for his work in food microbiology from the Ministry of Health. His role in drafting Kosovo’s Regulation No.27/2012 on Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs highlights his influence in shaping food safety standards.

Publication Top Notes

📚 MSc. Besart Jashari has authored several publications on microbiological and food safety topics, focusing on pathogens in food and environmental indicators of pollution. His work contributes to both academic research and practical applications in food safety.

Pathogens in raw cows milk in the territory of Kosovo

Jashari B., Zhubi M. | ISBN 978-608-65463-0-4

Cited by: Research articles on milk pathogens

Antibiotic residues in milk of family farmers in the region of Pristina and Mitrovica

Zhubi M., Jashari B., et al. | ISBN 978-608-65463-0-4

Cited by: Studies on antibiotic residues in milk

Research of macrozoobentos indicator of pollution in Nerodime river

Jashari B. | ISBN 2012-38816

Cited by: River pollution indicator studies

Research of macrozoobentos indicator of pollution in Sitnica river

Jashari B., Dervishi Xh. | ISBN 9789928-110-34-3

Cited by: Studies on river macrozoobentos

The impact of storage temperature on food product safety

Jashari B., Rizani H., Cabeli P. | In Progress

Conclusion

Msc. Besart Jashari is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to microbiology, food safety, and public health. His leadership, international exposure, and research outputs make him a strong contender, though increasing his global research visibility could further solidify his candidacy.