Emmanuel Fenibo | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Emmanuel Fenibo | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Regulator | National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control | Nigeria

Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo is an emerging researcher in environmental microbiology, bioremediation, and microbial ecology, with a growing body of work dedicated to restoring polluted ecosystems through microbial-based solutions. His research focuses extensively on understanding how complex microbial communities contribute to the degradation of hazardous pollutants, particularly in oil-impacted environments such as those found in the Niger Delta. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, he explores the biochemical, ecological, and genomic factors that drive efficient biodegradation processes.A central component of his research examines the use of biopile remediation systems, where he investigates how organic materials—especially nutrient-rich agricultural wastes like chicken droppings—enhance microbial activity and support the breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons. His work provides important evidence that low-cost, locally available organic amendments can significantly accelerate environmental cleanup while promoting soil recovery and microbial diversity. This contribution is especially valuable in regions facing chronic oil pollution and limited access to advanced remediation technologies.Fenibo’s integration of metagenomic tools amplifies his impact in environmental biotechnology. By applying next-generation sequencing technologies, he profiles microbial communities involved in biodegradation and identifies functionally important taxa, genes, and metabolic pathways. His metagenomic insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how microbial consortia respond to contamination stress and how their natural capabilities can be optimized for ecological restoration. His expertise in microbial community dynamics positions him at the intersection of molecular microbiology and applied environmental science.Beyond bioremediation, his broader research interests include microbial diversity, environmental monitoring, and sustainable waste management. His work supports the development of adaptive, eco-friendly remediation systems that align with global environmental sustainability goals. Fenibo’s research outcomes are relevant to policymakers, environmental agencies, and industrial stakeholders seeking scientifically grounded approaches to pollution mitigation.With a citation record reflecting consistent engagement from the scientific community, his contributions are gaining recognition for their practical significance and scientific rigor. Through multidisciplinary collaborations and problem-driven research, Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo advances knowledge that directly addresses environmental degradation, promotes sustainable remediation practices, and strengthens the scientific foundation for microbial applications in ecosystem restoration.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Fenibo, E. O., & Matambo, T. (2025). Biopesticides for sustainable agriculture: Feasible options for adopting cost-effective strategies. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1657000.

Fenibo, E. O., Nkuna, R., & Matambo, T. (2025). Metagenomic insights into biopile remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil using chicken droppings in Rivers State, Nigeria. Bioinformatics and Biology Insights, 19, 11779322251371117.

Fenibo, E. O., Nkuna, R., & Matambo, T. (2024). Impact of artisanal refining activities on bacterial diversity in a Niger Delta fallow land. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 3866.

Fenibo, E. O., Selvarajan, R., Huiqi, W., Yue, W., & Abia, A. L. K. (2023). Untapped talents: Insight into the ecological significance of methanotrophs and its prospects. Science of the Total Environment.

Fenibo, E. O., Selvarajan, R., Abia, A. L. K., & Matambo, T. (2023). Medium-chain alkane biodegradation and its link to some unifying attributes of alkB genes diversity. Science of the Total Environment, 162951.

Emmanuel Oliver Fenibo’s research advances global sustainability by developing microbial and metagenomic solutions for pollution remediation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental protection. His work provides science-driven, low-cost strategies that support cleaner industries, safer communities, and innovative applications of microbiology in solving real-world environmental challenges.

Rebecca Zengeni | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rebecca Zengeni | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior lecturer | University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Rebecca Zengeni is a distinguished soil scientist and lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a strong academic background including a BSc and MPhil in Soil Science from the University of Zimbabwe and a PhD from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, where her research focused on soil carbon dynamics and carbon dioxide efflux under different vegetation environments. She began her professional career as a researcher at the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe and later served as a lecturer at Bindura University of Science Education before joining UKZN. At UKZN, she teaches courses in soil science, waste management, and indigenous knowledge systems, while her research interests encompass soil fertility, soil and water conservation, field experiments, soil analysis, waste management, and nutrient management. Dr. Zengeni has authored 32 documents indexed in Scopus, with her work cited 454 times and an h-index of 10, reflecting her significant scholarly impact. Her research skills include expertise in soil analysis, experimental design, soil fertility assessment, and sustainable waste management. She has received recognition for her contributions to soil science through awards and professional acknowledgments, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge in agricultural and environmental sciences. Overall, Dr. Zengeni’s career represents a blend of rigorous research, effective teaching, and meaningful contributions to sustainable soil and environmental management.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Mbava, N., Zengeni, R., & Muchaonyerwa, P. (2025). Carbon dioxide emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization patterns from soil amended with shoot and root residues of different wheat genotypes. Frontiers in Agronomy, 7, 1576878.

  2. Vambe, M., Zengeni, R., Arthur, G., Singh, K., Amoo, S., Naidoo, K., & Coopoosamy, R. M. (2024). Moringa oleifera leaf powder influenced the chemical profile of Leonotis leonurus essential oils. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 5(6).

  3. Vambe, M., Singh, K., Coopoosamy, R. M., Naidoo, K., & Zengeni, R. (2024). Vermicompost leachates enhance morpho-physiological properties in Pelargonium sidoides DC. Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development, 8(1), a256. https://doi.org/10.4102/jomped.v8i1.256

  4. Ntonta, S., Zengeni, R., Muchaonyerwa, P., & Chaplot, V. (2024). Variability in decomposition rate of sorghum cultivar residues linked to lignin content. Rhizosphere, 29, 100850.

  5. Zengeni, R., & Hlatshwayo, N. (2023). Non-agricultural soil uses by communities in uMgungundlovu District and their safety for use. Inkanyiso, 15(1), a70.

 

Ahmed Abdelkhalek | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdelkhalek | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications | Egypt 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdelkhalek is a distinguished Egyptian scientist currently serving at the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt. With a profound academic background in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant Virology, Biotechnology, and Biological Control, Dr. Abdelkhalek has established himself as a leading figure in the field of plant–microbe interactions and sustainable disease management. He earned his higher education degrees specializing in plant pathology and biotechnology, focusing his research on molecular mechanisms underlying plant resistance to pathogens. Over the years, he has accumulated extensive professional experience through research collaborations, publications, and supervision of scientific projects centered on eco-friendly agricultural practices. His research interests include biological control of plant pathogens, plant immunity induction, nanobiotechnology applications in plant protection, and molecular approaches for combating viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases. Demonstrating outstanding research skills in molecular diagnostics, bio-nanotechnology, microbial biocontrol development, and gene expression analysis, he has published numerous impactful papers in reputed international journals. According to Scopus metrics, Dr. Abdelkhalek has achieved over 2,900 citations, authored more than 80 documents, and holds an impressive h-index of 31, highlighting the influence and quality of his scientific output. His studies on green-synthesized nanoparticles, Trichoderma-based biocontrol, and plant-derived antiviral compounds have significantly advanced eco-safe plant protection strategies. Throughout his career, he has received several awards and honors for his contributions to plant biotechnology and sustainable agriculture, reflecting his dedication to innovation and scientific excellence. Dr. Abdelkhalek’s work emphasizes integrating biotechnology with environmental sustainability to enhance crop productivity and global food security. In conclusion, his remarkable achievements, scholarly leadership, and continued commitment to advancing biotechnological solutions for plant health make him a highly respected and influential figure in modern agricultural research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Abdelkhalek, A., & Al-Askar, A. A. (2020). Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles mediated by Mentha spicata extract induce plant systemic resistance against Tobacco mosaic virus. Applied Sciences, 10(15), 5054. Cited by: 207.

  2. Shamseldin, A., Abdelkhalek, A., & Sadowsky, M. J. (2017). Recent changes to the classification of symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing, legume-associating bacteria: A review. Symbiosis, 71(2), 91–109. Cited by: 121.

  3. Abdelkhalek, A., Salem, M. Z. M., Kordy, A. M., Salem, A. Z. M., & Behiry, S. I. (2020). Antiviral, antifungal, and insecticidal activities of Eucalyptus bark extract: HPLC analysis of polyphenolic compounds. Microbial Pathogenesis, 147, 104383. Cited by: 96.

  4. Abo-Zaid, G. A., Matar, S. M., & Abdelkhalek, A. (2020). Induction of plant resistance against Tobacco mosaic virus using the biocontrol agent Streptomyces cellulosae isolate Actino 48. Agronomy, 10(11), 1620. Cited by: 75.

  5. Kamel, S. M., Elgobashy, S. F., Omara, R. I., Derbalah, A. S., Abdelfatah, M., … & Abdelkhalek, A. (2022). Antifungal activity of copper oxide nanoparticles against root rot disease in cucumber. Journal of Fungi, 8(9), 911. Cited by: 74.

 

YN. Venkatesh | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. YN. Venkatesh | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Scientist | ICAR-IIHR | India

Dr. Y. N. Venkatesh, an accomplished researcher from the ICAR–Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, India, is recognized for his valuable contributions to the fields of agroforestry, entomology, and sustainable pest management. With 32 citations, 11 research documents, and an h-index of 3 as listed in Scopus, his work integrates ecological insights with advanced molecular tools to develop effective and sustainable agricultural solutions. Dr. Venkatesh holds a strong academic background in agricultural and biological sciences, with specialized training in entomology, molecular taxonomy, and agroecology, which forms the foundation of his multidisciplinary research. His professional experience at ICAR–CAFRI has allowed him to contribute extensively to national research programs focusing on pest–host interactions, biodiversity conservation, and integrated pest management within agroforestry systems. His recent publication on the morpho-molecular identification of Barioscapus cordiae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)—a significant pest of Cordia myxa—demonstrates his expertise in combining morphological and genetic techniques for pest identification and management. Dr. Venkatesh’s research interests encompass agroforestry-based pest ecology, sustainable farming systems, insect biodiversity, and the application of molecular tools in crop protection. His research skills include molecular diagnostics, insect taxonomy, field survey methodologies, and the design of pest control frameworks suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones. He has also actively collaborated with scientists across various ICAR institutes and academic organizations, contributing to knowledge exchange and applied agricultural innovation. Throughout his career, Dr. Venkatesh has received recognition for his dedication to sustainable agriculture and research excellence, participating in scientific conferences and contributing to institutional capacity-building initiatives. In conclusion, Dr. Y. N. Venkatesh’s growing body of work and commitment to environmentally sound pest management highlight his role as a promising researcher driving forward sustainable agroforestry and integrated pest control strategies for resilient agricultural ecosystems in India.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Venkatesh, Y. N., Ashajyothi, M., Uma, G. S., Rajarajan, K., & Handa, A. K. (2023). Diseases and insect pests challenge to meet wood production demand of Tectona grandis (L.), a high-value tropical tree species. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 130(5), 929–945. Citations: 11

  2. Saini, V., Singh, S., Rawal, R., & Venkatesh, Y. N. (2017). Species diversity and distribution of Cnaphalocrocis and Scirpophaga (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) species complex in rice in Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5(4), 1308–1313. Citations: 11

  3. Ashajyothi, M., Mahadevakumar, S., Venkatesh, Y. N., Sarma, P. V., & others. (2024). Comprehensive genomic analysis of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus paralicheniformis associated with the pearl millet panicle reveals their antimicrobial potential. BMC Plant Biology, 24(1), 197. Citations: 9

  4. Srinivasa, N., Chander, S., Sagar, D., & Venkatesh, Y. N. (2020). Rice brown planthopper prediction model with sweepnet catches. Indian Journal of Entomology, 82(3), 568–571. Citations: 9

  5. Venkatesh, Y. N., Neethu, T., Ashajyothi, M., Kumar, V., & Hiremath, C. (2024). Pollinator activity and their role on seed set of medicinal and aromatic Lamiaceae plants. Journal of Apicultural Research, 63(5), 1136–1144. Citations: 8