Dr. Ana Carvalho | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Carvalho | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Carvalho, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal

Ana Isabel Ferreira de Carvalho is a Doctorate Researcher in the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal. With a Ph.D. in Genetics (2010) from UTAD and a Master’s in Genetic Resources and Breeding of Agricultural and Forestry Species (2005), Ana has focused her research on plant responses to abiotic stresses in agroforestry ecosystems. Her work contributes to sustainable agriculture and forestry management, aiming to enhance the resilience of crops and forest species against climate change. 🌱🔬

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google scholar

Strengths for the Award

Ana Isabel Ferreira de Carvalho has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the field of environmental science, particularly in plant genetics, agroforestry ecosystems, and sustainability. Her extensive academic and research background, including a Ph.D. in Genetics and a postdoctoral project focused on abiotic stress, has led to numerous published articles (61 indexed journal papers) and her involvement in high-impact research projects. Her leadership in ongoing R&D initiatives, such as the PRR-funded projects on sustainable growth in the vine and wine industry and natural resin innovation, showcases her dedication to environmental resilience and sustainability. She also actively contributes to the scientific community by mentoring students and reviewing academic manuscripts.

Areas for Improvement

While Ana has excelled in academia and research, expanding her consultancy and industry collaborations could further enhance her impact in applied science. By increasing her involvement in industry projects, she could directly translate her research into practical, large-scale solutions for environmental challenges. Additionally, diversifying her professional memberships and seeking more international collaboration would help elevate her research visibility and create more interdisciplinary connections.

Education

Ana Carvalho earned her Degree in Applied Biology from the University of Minho in 2000, followed by a Master’s in Genetic Resources and Breeding of Agricultural and Forestry Species from UTAD in 2005. She completed her Ph.D. in Genetics at UTAD in 2010, supported by a FCT grant. Throughout her academic journey, Ana expanded her scientific training at renowned institutions, including the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. 🎓📚

Experience

Since 2001, Ana Carvalho has worked at UTAD, contributing to scientific research, academic training, and numerous R&D projects, including three ongoing PRR-funded projects. She has taught and supervised various BSc, Master, and Ph.D. students, while also mentoring several students in molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, and agroforestry. Her postdoctoral research (2011-2016) was also conducted at UTAD under a FCT grant. 🧑‍🏫👩‍🔬

Research Interest

Ana’s research interests are focused on understanding how plants, particularly crops and pine species, respond to abiotic stresses such as heat, drought, and fire recurrence. Her studies aim to improve plant resilience through genetic breeding, plant treatments, and forestry management strategies. She also investigates how these adaptations can help mitigate climate change impacts and ensure sustainable agricultural and forestry practices. 🌾🔥🌍

Awards

Ana Carvalho has been nominated for the “Best Researcher Award” by the Environmental Scientists Awards. Her extensive contributions to plant genetic research and sustainability in agroforestry have been widely recognized. With an h-index of 16 and over 60 published articles, Ana’s work has made a significant impact in the field of plant cytogenetics and molecular genetics. 🏆🌟

Publication Top Notes

Genetic diversity and variation among botanical varieties of old Portuguese wheat cultivars revealed by ISSR assays

Seed priming with iron and zinc in bread wheat: effects in germination, mitosis and grain yield

Potential of Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers for DNA fingerprinting of newly synthesized tritordeums and their respective parents

Genetic variability of Old Portuguese bread wheat cultivars assayed by IRAP and REMAP markers

DNA fingerprint of F1 interspecific hybrids from the Triticeae tribe using ISSRs

Zinc priming and foliar application enhances photoprotection mechanisms in drought-stressed wheat plants during anthesis

Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of Pinus sylvestris wood at five sites in Portugal

Evaluation of genetic diversity of Portuguese Pinus sylvestris L. populations based on molecular data and inferences about the future use of this germplasm

Differential rRNA genes expression in hexaploid wheat related to NOR methylation

Morphological, yield, cytological and molecular characterization of a bread wheat X tritordeum F1 hybrid

Conclusion

Ana Isabel Ferreira de Carvalho stands as a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award” due to her exceptional academic background, innovative research in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry ecosystems, and contributions to climate change mitigation. Her work aligns with pressing global issues, making her research crucial for future environmental sustainability. Further expanding her professional network and industry involvement would enhance the real-world applications of her findings.

Dr. Vlaicu Petru Alexandru | Agricultural Science | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Vlaicu Petru Alexandru | Agricultural Science | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Vlaicu Petru Alexandru, National Research and development Institute for Animal Biology and Nutrition, Romania

👨‍🔬 VLAICU Petru Alexandru is a dedicated scientific researcher with over eight years of experience in animal science. His focus lies in developing functional foods of animal origin by utilizing alternative feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. Through his work, he aims to improve animal production, enhance consumer health, and contribute positively to the environment. He has been an integral part of numerous research projects and has garnered recognition for his contributions to the scientific community.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

Research Excellence: With over eight years of experience, Petru Alexandru’s work in animal science stands out, particularly in the development of functional foods and sustainable poultry nutrition. His focus on using alternative feed ingredients aligns with current environmental and health concerns.

Publication Record: Having authored or co-authored over 90 scientific papers, 70% of which are in high-impact Q1/Q2 journals, Petru demonstrates strong scientific communication skills.

Patents and Innovation: His 13 patent applications (4 granted) show innovation in animal science, supporting his potential for groundbreaking research in the future.

Collaborations: Strong partnerships with farmers, universities, and industry stakeholders, along with six industry contracts, reveal a high level of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Awards and Recognition: His 27 international exhibition awards and the 2024 Best Reviewer honor from Foods Journal reflect his excellence and impact on the field.

Areas for Improvement

International Exposure: While his experience includes international collaboration, he could further enhance his profile by leading or participating in more global research initiatives and projects.

Focus on Industry Impact: While there is mention of successful industry collaborations and products on the market, highlighting more specific outcomes and impacts of these products on the market could strengthen his case.

Education

🎓 Educational Background: Dr. Vlaicu earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science in 2018 with a thesis on functional foods developed from alternative feed materials. He also holds a master’s degree in Food Biosecurity, making him well-versed in both animal science and food safety sectors.

Professional Experience

💼 Experience: With a decade of expertise, VLAICU Petru Alexandru has been involved in over 25 research projects, including national and international collaborations. He is currently engaged in five ongoing projects, and his role has often been as a project manager or key researcher. Notably, he has worked extensively with farmers and private industry to bring innovative functional foods to the market.

Research Interests

🔬 Research Interests: His research focuses on poultry nutrition, food waste reduction, antioxidants, and the production of functional foods. He has particularly excelled in developing enriched eggs with omega-3, lutein, and vitamins D and E, which are now available in Romanian supermarkets. His work emphasizes sustainability and the integration of environmentally friendly practices into animal science.

Awards

🏆 Awards and Recognition: Dr. Vlaicu has received 27 prestigious prizes at international exhibitions, including gold, silver, and bronze medals. In 2024, he was recognized as the “Best Reviewer” by the Foods journal, reflecting his commitment to advancing research in animal nutrition and functional foods.

Publication Top Notes

Vlaicu PA, et al., “Study on the effects of natural antioxidants on poultry meat quality”. Foods, 2022. Cited by 15.

Vlaicu PA, et al., “Functional eggs enriched with bioactive compounds”. Animals, 2021. Cited by 22.

Vlaicu PA, et al., “Innovative feeds with environmental benefits”. Agriculture, 2020. Cited by 30.

Conclusion

Petru Alexandru is a highly suitable candidate for the “Young Scientist Award.” His impressive contributions to animal science, innovation in functional foods, numerous publications, and patents make him a strong contender. Focusing on broadening international exposure and emphasizing industry impact would further enhance his application.