Chiara Amitrano | Plant Science | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Chiara Amitrano | Plant Science | Young Scientist Award

researcher, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.

Chiara Amitrano is a dedicated Researcher in Environmental and Applied Botany at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples โ€œFederico IIโ€ (UNINA-DiA), Italy. Her work focuses on understanding plant morpho-anatomical and physiological adaptations to environmental stresses in natural, polluted, and controlled environments. She integrates eco-physiological approaches with advanced plant hydraulic studies to enhance sustainable agriculture and space farming systems. As a lecturer, she teaches courses on plant adaptations to environmental stress and contributes actively to international research collaborations and scientific dissemination.

Professional Profile

Scopus

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๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Amitrano earned her Ph.D. in Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry Systems and Food Security (2018โ€“2021) at UNINA, in collaboration with The University of Arizona and Kayser Italia, with a thesis on plant water flow characterization in controlled environments. She completed her Masterโ€™s degree in Biological Sciences (2014โ€“2016, cum laude) and Bachelorโ€™s degree in Biological Sciences (2010โ€“2014) from the same institution. Additionally, she holds a professional qualification as a Chartered Biologist obtained in 2017.

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Chiaraโ€™s experience spans postdoctoral research at UNINA, where she contributed to projects on sustainable viticulture and space farming funded by ASI (Italian Space Agency). She also completed internships at Kayser Italia Srl, working on prototypes for space plant cultivation. Internationally, she served as a Visiting Researcher at IPK (Germany) and CEAC (University of Arizona, USA) and as a Teaching Fellow at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Currently, she is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at California State University, Los Angeles.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interests

Her research interests include eco-physiology, plant hydraulics, and morpho-functional adaptations under abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and radiation. ๐ŸŒฟ She explores controlled environment agriculture, sustainable food production, and space biology to ensure future food security. Her work combines traditional botany with cutting-edge plant phenotyping and smart sensor technology for precision agriculture.

๐Ÿ… Awards

Dr. Amitrano is a recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Best Young Researcher Under 35 Award (2024), the International Award for Best PhD Thesis (2023), and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award (2025). She received the ISHS Young Minds Award (2021) and the Seals of Excellence from the European Commission for her innovative research proposals. Her contributions to space agriculture earned her recognition at international conferences and competitions.

๐Ÿ“š Top Noted Publications

1๏ธโƒฃ Balzano A., Amitrano C., De Micco V. (2025). Does Pre-Acclimation Enhance the Tolerance of Quercus ilex and Arbutus unedo Seedlings to Drought? Plants, 14(3), 388.
Cited by 8 articles

2๏ธโƒฃ De Francesco S., Amitrano C., De Micco V. (2025). Combined Effects of Microgravity and Chronic Low-Dose Gamma Radiation on Brassica rapa Microgreens. Plants, 14(1), 64.
Cited by 5 articles

3๏ธโƒฃ Amitrano C., De Micco V. (2024). Morphological and Photosynthetic Pigment Screening of Four Microgreens Species Exposed to Heavy Ions. Plants, 13(24), 3541.
Cited by 4 articles

4๏ธโƒฃ De Micco V., Amitrano C., Leys N. (2023). Plant and microbial science and technology as cornerstones to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems in space. npj Microgravity, 9(1), 69.
Cited by 15 articles

5๏ธโƒฃ Amitrano C., De Pascale S. (2023). Defining growth requirements of microgreens in space cultivation via biomass production, morpho-anatomical and nutritional traits analysis. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14.
Cited by 12 articles

Conclusion

Based on her exceptional academic credentials, impactful research in controlled environments and space biology, strong publication record, and international recognition, Dr. Chiara Amitrano is highly suitable for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her career trajectory reflects a combination of scientific excellence, innovation, and global collaboration, making her a strong candidate who exemplifies the qualities this award aims to recognize.

Angga Pradesha | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Angga Pradesha | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Senior Scientist, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), United States.ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 

Dr. Angga Pradesha is a seasoned Senior Scientist at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), with over a decade of experience in economic modeling and policy analysis. His research primarily focuses on climate-resilient agrifood systems, sustainable development, and economic resilience across Asia and Africa. Through collaborations with governments and institutions, he contributes to evidence-based policy formulation to enhance food security and environmental sustainability. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

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๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Pradesha holds a Ph.D. in International Development from the International University of Japan (2009โ€“2011), a Masterโ€™s in Economics from International Islamic University Malaysia (2006โ€“2008), and a Bachelorโ€™s in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia (1999โ€“2004). His interdisciplinary education blends economic modeling with agriculture, laying a strong foundation for his policy-focused research. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Dr. Pradesha currently serves as a Senior Scientist at IFPRI (2022โ€“Present), where he works on policy foresight and structural modeling for sustainable agrifood systems. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Analyst (2017โ€“2022) and Research Analyst (2011โ€“2017), contributing to major global initiatives, including climate impact assessments, COVID-19 economic modeling, and renewable energy strategies. His career spans field-level data integration, capacity building, and model development across multiple countries. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐ŸŒ

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Interests

His research interests revolve around agrifood system transformation, climate change economics, natural resource management, and policy modeling. He specializes in Stochastic CGE models, economy-wide simulations, and sustainable energy transitions, often linking economic and biophysical models to inform public policies. His work aims to bridge research with actionable policy strategies for developing nations. ๐Ÿ’ก๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ“‰

๐Ÿ† Awards

While specific awards are not listed, Dr. Pradeshaโ€™s high-impact contributions to IFPRIโ€™s global projects, government policy consultations, and international publications reflect his esteemed standing in the research community. His work has supported decisions at institutions such as ADB, NEDA (Philippines), and national ministries, showcasing applied excellence in development economics. ๐Ÿ…๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“‘

๐Ÿ“š Top Noted Publications

“COVID-19 and the Economic Recovery in South Asia” โ€“ Applied Economic Perspective and Policy, 2023
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Cited by multiple regional policy briefs

“Exploring transformational adaptation strategy through agricultural policy reform in the Philippines” โ€“ Food Security, 2022
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Cited in climate adaptation policy reports

“Evaluating Food Policy Options in Bangladesh” โ€“ IFPRI Working Paper, 2021
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Widely referenced in development models

“The Cost of COVID-19 on the Indonesian Economy” โ€“ IFPRI Policy Note, 2020
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Cited in pandemic economic assessments

“Green Growth Strategy: Renewable Power in the Philippines” โ€“ IFPRI Discussion Paper, 2019
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Referenced by energy transition studies

“Philippine Rice Trade Liberalization: Impacts and Policies” โ€“ NEDA-IFPRI Policy Study, 2019
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Cited by Philippine government agencies

“Agricultural Investment Impact in Indonesia” โ€“ ADB Book Chapter, 2019
๐Ÿ”— Read โ€” Quoted in rural investment briefs

“Energy Future and Low-Carbon Development in the Philippines” โ€“ Energy, 2018

Conclusion

Dr. Angga Pradesha stands out as a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His multi-disciplinary expertise, influential policy work, robust publication record, and dedication to sustainable development goals make him not only a researcher of excellence but also a catalyst for real-world change. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š He exemplifies the intersection of rigorous science and policy relevance, aligning perfectly with the spirit of this prestigious award.