Inese Skapste | Algal biostimulants | Best Researcher Award

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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. ✅🌱

Vesna Rastija | agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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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. 🌿🔬📚

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🎓 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.

 

Prof. Nina Terletskaya | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Nina Terletskaya | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nina Terletskaya, Institute of Genetics and Physiology, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan

🌿 Nina Terletskaya is a distinguished Professor and Head of the Laboratory of Ecological Physiology of Plants at the Institute of Genetics and Physiology, Kazakhstan. With a career spanning decades, she specializes in the physiology of plant stress resistance and plant biotechnology. She holds multiple academic positions, including Professor at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, contributing significantly to plant physiology research. Dr. Terletskaya has led both national and international scientific projects, focusing on plant resilience to environmental stressors.

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Based on the provided details, Dr. Nina Terletskaya appears to be a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Here’s an evaluation:

Strengths for the Award

Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Terletskaya has led several national and international scientific projects, demonstrating leadership and contribution to plant stress physiology and biotechnology.

Publications: She has published numerous articles in high-impact journals, including International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Plants. This reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in plant physiology.

Innovation & Patents: With 8 patents in Kazakhstan, her innovative approaches in plant stress resistance and biotechnology are highly notable.

Collaborations & Networking: Dr. Terletskaya has international collaborations, including with institutions in Germany, Russia, and Ukraine, which enriches her research impact.

Academic Leadership: As a professor and head of the laboratory, her role in nurturing upcoming researchers strengthens her profile.

Contributions to Knowledge: Her research into plant species like Rhodiola semenovii and Haloxylon species in relation to stress resistance and pharmaceutical applications is highly valuable.

Areas for Improvement

International Industry Collaborations: While she has significant academic collaboration, more industry partnerships could broaden the applied impact of her research.

Global Citation & Impact: While her citation index is respectable, boosting international visibility and further expanding citations through cross-disciplinary research could increase her global impact.

Outreach and Mentorship: Expanding mentorship to international platforms and contributing more actively to global conferences or workshops could further enhance her recognition.

Education

🎓 Ph.D. in Breeding and Seed Production, Plant Physiology
Completed in 1996, Nina Terletskaya holds a Ph.D. in the fields of Breeding, Seed Production, and Plant Physiology. She has steadily climbed the academic ladder, achieving the title of Associate Professor of Biology in 2018 and Professor of Biological Sciences in 2024. Her academic foundation has propelled her to lead critical research on plant adaptation mechanisms.

Experience

💼 Dr. Terletskaya has vast experience leading plant physiology laboratories and heading numerous research projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan. She is a leading figure in plant stress research, having held the position of Head of the Laboratory of Ecological Physiology of Plants since 2020. Her work as a professor and researcher at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University has also greatly influenced the study of plant responses to abiotic stress.

Research Interests

🔬 Dr. Terletskaya’s research focuses on the physiology of plant stress resistance, including the biotechnological and molecular aspects of plant adaptation. Her studies on photosynthesis under stress and drought resistance in plants have led to groundbreaking insights into the metabolic and physiological adaptations of various crops, such as wheat and medicinal plants like Rhodiola semenovii Boriss.

Awards

🏆 Dr. Terletskaya has received several prestigious awards for her contributions to plant physiology and biotechnology, including recognition for leading pioneering research on plant stress tolerance and advancing scientific knowledge in plant-environment interactions.

Publication Top Notes

“Metabolic Responses of Rhodiola semenovii to Abiotic Stress” (2024), Int. J. Mol. Sci., https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094991

“Impact of Climate Change on Plant Adaptations” (2024), Forests, https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050790

“Physiological Mechanisms of Drought Resistance in Wheat” (2023), Russ J Plant Physiol, https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443724603781

“Photosynthesis Adaptations in Wild Wheat” (2023), Plants, https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12193470

“Molecular Responses to Drought Stress” (2022), Molecules, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217487

 

Conclusion

Dr. Nina Terletskaya’s innovative contributions to plant physiology and biotechnology, combined with her leadership in academia, patents, and international collaborations, make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While expanding her industry outreach and global impact would further solidify her standing, her current achievements are impressive and align well with the criteria for the award.