Malmi Wickramasinghe | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Malmi Wickramasinghe | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Fundamental Studies | Sri Lanka

Ms. Malmi Wickramasinghe is a dedicated researcher in Food Science and Technology, holding a First-Class BSc (Hons) degree from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and currently completing her MPhil in Food Science and Technology at the University of Peradeniya. With a strong research portfolio in nutritional biochemistry, food analysis, human nutrition, and dietary assessments, she has contributed significantly to understanding food security and clinical nutrition. She has authored research papers, review articles, book chapters, and conference presentations, while also securing a patent for an anti-diabetic soup mix now available in the market. Her work has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Research Excellence Award (2024) and finalist recognition at the 3MT Thesis Competition (2025). She has collaborated internationally with institutions such as King’s College London and has served as a reviewer for high-impact Q1 journals, demonstrating her academic credibility and leadership in the scientific community. Alongside her research, she mentors undergraduate trainees and contributes actively to scientific associations and conferences. Her research outputs include 29 citations across 5 documents with an h-index of 2, highlighting her growing academic impact and positioning her as a promising young scientist with significant potential for global contributions.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Wickramasinghe, M. A., Nadeeshani, H., Sewwandi, S. M., Rathnayake, I., … (2023). Comparison of nutritional composition, bioactivities, and FTIR-ATR microstructural properties of commercially grown four mushroom species in Sri Lanka; Agaricus bisporus Food Production, Processing and Nutrition, 5(1), 43. Cited by: 25

  • Wickramasinghe, M., Katyana, K., Sewwandi, K., Rathnayaka, I., … (2024). Exploration of antioxidant activities, microstructural properties, and fatty acid composition of three cyanobacteria species. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 56, 103015. Cited by: 5

  • Hiththatiyage, R., Senavirathne, S., Wickramasinghe, M., Rathnayaka, I., … (2025). Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Properties of Four Duckweed Varieties in Sri Lanka.

  • Hiththatiyage, R., Wickramasinghe, M., Rathnayaka, I., Dias, C., … (2025). Biodegradation of mycotoxins using postbiotics. In Postbiotics (pp. 681–701).

  • Wickramasinghe, M., Rathnayaka, I., Hiththatiyage, R., Dias, C., … (2025). Antioxidant activity of postbiotics. In Postbiotics (pp. 469–489).

Monica Rubilar | Food science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Monica Rubilar | Food science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Monica Rubilar, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile

Dr. Monica Rubilar is a Food Engineer with a Ph.D. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. She is currently the Academic Secretary of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of La Frontera (UFRO), Chile. With expertise in agro-food waste valorization, food biotechnology, and encapsulation technology, her research focuses on developing bioproducts and innovative food processes. Dr. Rubilar has received several awards, including the Henri Nestlé Award (2012). She has led numerous research projects and has international collaborations in Canada and Argentina. 🌱🍽️🔬🧬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Academic Background 🎓🌍

Dr. Monica Rubilar holds a degree in Food Engineering from the University of La Frontera (UFRO), Temuco, Chile, earned in 1997, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences from the same institution in 1996. She completed her Doctorate in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain, in 2004. With an extensive academic background, Dr. Rubilar has contributed to the fields of food biotechnology, agro-food waste valorization, and encapsulation technology, helping advance innovation in food production and sustainability. 🌱🔬

Research Focus 🔬🌱

Dr. Monica Rubilar’s research primarily focuses on food science, bioprocesses, and the development of functional ingredients. She explores the use of plant-based gels, hydrogels, oleogels, and microencapsulation techniques for various applications, including nutraceuticals and functional food delivery. Her studies also examine the mechanical properties of these materials and their potential to replace traditional fat sources in food products. Furthermore, Dr. Rubilar investigates sustainable practices in food engineering and environmental aspects of food processing, contributing to advancements in bioengineering and the development of healthier food products. 🌿🍽️

 

Awards and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Rubilar’s dedication to research and teaching has been recognized with multiple accolades, including distinctions for teaching excellence at the University of La Frontera and a Henri Nestlé Prize for her work in food technology. These awards highlight her outstanding contributions to the field.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Evaluation of Mixing Temperature in the Preparation of Plant-Based Bigels” (2024) – 0 citations 🔬🍃
  • “Pectin–Chitosan Hydrogel Beads for Delivery of Functional Food Ingredients” (2024) – 2 citations 🍽️💡
  • “Mechanical properties of wax-oleogels: Assessing their potential to mimic commercial margarine functionality under small and large deformations” (2024) – 2 citations 🧈🔬
  • “R-phycoerythrin alginate/shellac beads by external gelation: Process optimization and the effects of gastrointestinal digestion for nutraceutical applications” (2024) – 3 citations 🧪🍃
  • “Impact of cooling rate and shear flow on crystallization and mechanical properties of wax-crystal networks” (2023) – 5 citations 🧊💪
  • “Fat replacers based on oleogelation of beeswax/shellac wax and healthy vegetable oils” (2023) – 7 citations 🌱🧴
  • “A sequential recovery extraction and biological activity of water-soluble sulfated polysaccharides from the polar red macroalgae Sarcopeltis skottsbergii” (2023) – 10 citations 🌊🍀
  • “Structuring of oils with high PUFA content: Evaluation of the formulation conditions on the oxidative stability and structural properties of ethylcellulose oleogels” (2023) – 20 citations 🌿💧
  • “Forward osmosis, reverse osmosis, and distillation membranes evaluation for ethanol extraction in osmotic and thermic equilibrium” (2023) – 4 citations 💧🔬
  • “Microencapsulation of Piscirickettsia salmonis Antigens for Fish Oral Immunization: Optimization and Stability Studies” (2022) – 1 citation 🐟🧬

Conclusion 📜

Dr. Monica Rubilar’s exceptional academic background, extensive research experience, leadership roles in academia, and numerous awards and recognitions make her a strong contender for the “Research for Best Researcher Award.” Her ongoing contributions to food science, environmental sustainability, and bioprocessing position her as a distinguished researcher in her field.

 

 

 

 

Sajad Mohd Wani | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Sajad Mohd Wani | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sajad Mohd Wani, SKUAST Kashmir, India

Based on the information provided, Prof. Sajad Mohd Wani appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, considering his extensive academic qualifications, numerous awards, and diverse teaching experience in the field of food technology. Here’s a detailed evaluation under relevant headings:

Publication profile

Educational Qualifications 📚

Prof. Wani has an impressive academic background, including a Ph.D. in Food Technology from Kashmir University (2018). He also holds a Master’s degree in Postharvest Technology (85.4%) and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (85.14%) from SKUAST-K. His qualifications are further strengthened by passing multiple NET exams in Life Science, Horticulture, and Food Science & Technology. These credentials highlight his solid foundation in agricultural and food sciences, essential for innovative research and teaching.

Research Focus 🔬

His Ph.D. thesis, titled “Stability of Phytochemicals during Processing of Apricots Cultivated in North Indian States,” indicates a focused research interest in the nutritional and health aspects of food processing. This niche area is significant, addressing current global concerns about maintaining the nutritional value of food during processing, especially in the context of local cultivars. Prof. Wani’s research can contribute to better food quality and safety, relevant to both academic circles and the food industry.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Prof. Wani has received multiple prestigious awards, including the SPR-Springer Young Scientist Award (2024), Best Paper Award by the Journal of Food Science and Technology (2016), and Achiever of the Year Awards from SKUAST-K in both 2022 and 2023. He also secured awards for best oral presentations at various national conferences. These accolades underline his continuous contributions and recognition in the field of food technology and research, marking him as a distinguished and influential figure in his area of expertise.

Teaching Experience 👨‍🏫

With a rich teaching portfolio, Prof. Wani imparts knowledge in Food Engineering, Functional Foods, Food Packaging, Food Safety, and Postharvest Technology to students across different levels (B.Sc., B. Tech., M.Sc., M. Tech., Ph.D.). His teaching breadth showcases his deep understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications in food technology, preparing future researchers and professionals in the field.

Publication Top Notes

  • Emerging concepts in the nutraceutical and functional properties of pectin—A Review 🧩 – Cited by 435, 2017
  • Whole-Grain Cereal Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Benefits: A Review 🌾 – Cited by 347, 2012
  • Modification of bean starch by γ-irradiation: Effect on functional and morphological properties 🫘 – Cited by 112, 2012
  • Green extraction of bioactive compounds from apple pomace by ultrasound assisted natural deep eutectic solvent extraction: Optimisation, comparison and bioactivity 🍏 – Cited by 108, 2023
  • Shelf life extension of apricot fruit by application of nanochitosan emulsion coatings containing pomegranate peel extract 🍑 – Cited by 103, 2021
  • Characterization of cookies made from wheat flour blended with buckwheat flour and effect on antioxidant properties 🍪 – Cited by 98, 2015
  • Effect of green tea powder on thermal, rheological & functional properties of wheat flour and physical, nutraceutical & sensory analysis of cookies 🍵 – Cited by 97, 2015
  • Supercritical fluid extraction: A review 🧪 – Cited by 91, 2019
  • Effect of microwave roasting on antioxidant and anticancerous activities of barley flour 🌾 – Cited by 91, 2016
  • Effect of double alginate microencapsulation on in vitro digestibility and thermal tolerance of Lactobacillus plantarum NCDC201 and L. casei NCDC297 🧫 – Cited by 89, 2017
  • Effect of γ-irradiation on structure and nutraceutical potential of β-d-glucan from barley (Hordeum vulgare) 🌾 – Cited by 89, 2015
  • Effect of gamma irradiation on the physicochemical properties of alkali-extracted rice starch 🍚 – Cited by 87, 2014

Conclusion 🔍

Prof. Sajad Mohd Wani’s outstanding educational qualifications, specialized research focus, numerous awards, and extensive teaching experience make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances the field of food technology but also contributes significantly to academic knowledge and practical applications, benefiting both the scientific community and the food industry.

Sukumar M | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sukumar M | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Anna University, India

Dr. M. Sukumar is a distinguished Professor at the Centre for Food Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India. With a profound expertise in Bio-engineering, Food Technology, and Chemical Engineering, he specializes in process development, environmental biotechnology, and the implementation of advanced technologies such as membrane preparation, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation. His dedication to the field of Biochemical Engineering is reflected in his comprehensive approach to research and problem-solving. Dr. Sukumar’s work significantly contributes to advancements in functional foods, biopolymers, and food preservation technologies.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. M. Sukumar holds a B.E. in Chemical Engineering and an M.Tech in Chemical Engineering. He further advanced his expertise with a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering. His academic and research background underscores a deep commitment to the field of chemical and biochemical engineering, with a focus on applying engineering principles to biochemical processes and innovations.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Sukumar has extensive experience in Environmental Biotechnology, specializing in process development, scale-up, design, and quality control. His expertise encompasses various areas such as biosorption, waste management, and the development of sustainable biotechnological solutions. His projects have included work on functional foods, natural polymers, and innovative food preservation methods.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. M. Sukumar’s research interests encompass several cutting-edge areas within biochemical engineering:

Functional Foods: Designing and developing foods that offer enhanced health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Drying and Frying Techniques: Investigating how these processing methods affect the characteristics and quality of food.

Biopolymers: Creating and applying biopolymers in drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic efficacy.

Food Preservation: Utilizing Modified Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) and Hurdle Technology to extend the shelf life and safety of food products.

Biosensors: Developing sensors for the detection of food adulterants, ensuring food quality and safety.

Awards 🏆

Conference Grant: Rs. 40,000 from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Ministry of Earth Science (MOES) for Bio-explore (2009).

Publications Top Notes 📚

Microencapsulation of Prebiotics Extracted from Citrus Seeds and Establishing their Stability for Food Vehicles, JK Pallavi, M Soundarya, M Sukumar (2024), Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Technologia Alimentaria, 23(2), 151-161. link

Assessing the Influence of Partial Substitution of Wheat Flour by Brown Rice Flour, Kale and Pithecellobium Dulce Extract on Noodle Properties, Hemalatha Murali, M Sukumar (2024), International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management, 7(5), 120-125. link

Process Kinetics Optimization for Extraction of Essential Oil from the Peel of Citrus sinensis for the Development of Food Packaging Film, Muthahar Fazila Amanullah, Padmapriya Rasamani, M Sukumar (2024), Journal of Food Process Engineering, 47(4), e14613. link

Quorum Quenching Effect and Kinetics of Active Compound from S. aromaticum and C. cassia Fused Packaging Films in Shelf Life of Chicken Meat, CC Mohan, K Harini, K Sudharsan, KR Krishna, M Sukumar (2019), LWT, 105, 87-102. link

Symbiotic Impact of Honey Treatment and Package Atmosphere on Quality Retention and Shelf Life Extension of Jackfruit Bulbs, LL Udayasooriyan, MJ Peter, V Renuka, S Meenakshisundaram, K Sudharsan, P Meenakshi, D Karishma, M Sukumar (2019), Scientia Horticulturae, 246, 161-167. link