Volkan Okatan | Fruit science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Volkan Okatan | Fruit science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Volkan Okatan, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Volkan Okatan is a distinguished academic specializing in fruit breeding and berry research. He earned his Doctorate from Süleyman Demirel University (2012–2016) and completed his postgraduate studies at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (2007–2011), with C1-level proficiency in English. Currently serving as Associate Professor at Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, he has held numerous academic roles including positions at Uşak University as Assistant Professor, Lecturer PhD, and Head of Department. His administrative contributions include roles such as Erasmus Coordinator, Faculty Board Member, and Assistant Director at Sivaslı Vocational School. Prof. Okatan has actively participated in over 20 thesis juries and doctoral evaluations at various Turkish universities, contributing significantly to academic mentoring and research evaluation. His dedication to agricultural sciences, leadership in academia, and consistent research contributions position him as a highly respected figure in the field of horticulture and plant production

Publication Profile

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Academic Background

Prof. Dr. Volkan Okatan possesses a strong academic foundation in agricultural sciences, with a focus on fruit breeding and plant production. He began his higher education journey at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, where he completed his postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Agriculture between 2007 and 2011. Building upon this, he pursued his doctoral degree at Süleyman Demirel University, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, from 2012 to 2016. Throughout his academic training, Prof. Okatan cultivated deep expertise in horticultural sciences, particularly in fruit breeding and berries, which later shaped his research and professional career. His advanced education has provided him with the theoretical knowledge and research skills required to contribute significantly to the field of horticulture. The combination of strong institutional training and a focused research area has enabled him to emerge as a prominent scholar in Turkey’s agricultural academia, influencing both educational development and applied research in plant sciences

Academic and Administrative Roles

Prof. Dr. Volkan Okatan has held a series of progressive academic and administrative positions that underscore his expertise and leadership in agricultural sciences. Since 2021, he has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Eskişehir Osmangazi University. Prior to this, he held academic positions at Uşak University, including Associate Professor (2019–2021), Assistant Professor (2019), Lecturer PhD (2016–2019), and Lecturer (2012–2016) at the Sivaslı Vocational School. His administrative contributions are equally noteworthy; he served as Faculty Board Member of the Faculty of Agriculture (2020–2021), Head of Department at multiple units including the Faculty of Agriculture and Sivaslı Vocational School, and as Assistant Director of the Vocational School (2013–2017). He also fulfilled the role of Erasmus Coordinator at the Faculty of Agriculture and Department of Horticulture between 2019 and 2021. These roles reflect his dedication to academic excellence, program development, and institutional advancement.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Volkan Okatan’s research primarily focuses on fruit science, particularly the biochemical, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties of berries and other horticultural crops. His highly cited works explore the polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic profiles of various fruit species such as black mulberry, goji berry, pomegranate, and barberry. He also conducts comparative studies on fruit quality under different harvest conditions, growth environments, and postharvest treatments. His research extends to postharvest disease management using natural plant products and propolis, emphasizing sustainable practices in horticulture. Moreover, he investigates the influence of foliar applications, genotypic variation, and environmental stress on fruit yield and quality. His interdisciplinary work combines plant physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and food safety, contributing significantly to the fields of horticulture, crop improvement, and postharvest biology. Prof. Okatan’s scientific output supports the development of healthier, high-quality fruits and sustainable agricultural production systems.

Publication Top Notes

  • Polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of berries: A review – Cited by 120 – 2019

  • Phenolic compounds and phytochemicals in fruits of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes from the Aegean region in Turkey – Cited by 90 – 2018

  • Antioxidant properties and phenolic profile of the most widely appreciated cultivated berry species: A comparative study – Cited by 88 – 2020

  • Foliar application of calcium nitrate, boric acid and gibberellic acid affects yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) – Cited by 44 – 2016

  • Variation in volatile and fatty acid contents among Viburnum opulus L. fruits growing different locations – Cited by 38 – 2020

  • Different harvest times affect market quality of Lycium barbarum L. berries – Cited by 38 – 2019

  • Effects of the fruiting period and growing seasons on market quality in goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) – Cited by 37 – 2020

  • Determination of some physical and chemical properties of walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes grown in the central district of Bitlis/Turkey – Cited by 37 – 2015

  • Application of plant natural products for the management of postharvest diseases in fruits – Cited by 35 – 2021

  • Biochemical composition of propolis and its efficacy in maintaining postharvest storability of fresh fruits and vegetables – Cited by 29 – 2020

  • Determination of some chemical characteristics and total antioxidant capacity in apple varieties grown in Posof/Ardahan region – Cited by 29 – 2018

  • Chemical and phytochemicals content of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruit genotypes from Sivasli district of Usak province of western Turkey – Cited by 26 – 2019

  • Bioactive contents and some horticultural characteristics of local apple genotypes from Turkey – Cited by 26 – 2018

  • Some physico-chemical characteristics of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) in Bitlis – Cited by 25 – 2016

  • Improving the safety and security of fruits and vegetables during COVID-19 pandemic with postharvest handling – Cited by 23 – 2022

Birara Gebeyhu Reta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta is a dedicated researcher and lecturer in water resources and irrigation engineering at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia. With a passion for sustainable water management, he has contributed significantly to irrigation systems, soil reclamation, and crop water productivity. His work focuses on improving agricultural water use efficiency, climate adaptation, and irrigation performance. He has presented his research at international conferences and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His expertise in GIS, AquaCrop modeling, and irrigation planning makes him a key figure in water resource engineering and agricultural sustainability. 🌱💧

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🎓 Education

Mr. Birara holds a B.Sc. in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering and an M.Sc. in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering from Arba Minch University, Ethiopia (2012-2020). His academic journey has equipped him with strong technical skills in irrigation scheduling, hydrology, and water resource management. His education emphasized climate-smart agriculture, sustainable irrigation techniques, and soil-water interactions. Through rigorous coursework and research, he developed expertise in GIS-based water analysis, crop modeling, and land-use planning, laying the foundation for his impactful contributions to irrigation engineering. 🎓📘

💼 Experience

Since December 2017, Mr. Birara has been a lecturer and researcher at Arba Minch University, Ethiopia, specializing in water resource system planning, irrigation engineering, and drainage management. He has led multiple research projects, including saline soil reclamation, irrigation scheduling, and AquaCrop-based productivity evaluations. His teaching focuses on water resource planning and irrigation management, helping students develop practical skills. Additionally, he has contributed to internationally funded projects, such as the WaterPIP Knowledge and Action Network. His extensive field and academic experience make him a leader in sustainable water management. 🏫📊

🏆 Awards & Honors

Mr. Birara has been recognized for his research contributions through conference invitations, training programs, and professional certifications. He has participated in the International Conference on the Nile River Basin, the Abbay International Water Conference, and the Climate-Smart Agriculture Conference. Additionally, he has received certifications in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and research dissemination. His involvement in global research networks has enhanced his impact on irrigation science and agricultural water management. His dedication to solving water resource challenges has earned him credibility in the scientific community. 🏅🌍

🔬 Research Focus

Mr. Birara’s research explores irrigation performance, soil reclamation, drought analysis, and climate adaptation in agriculture. His studies include saline-sodic soil improvement, optimal irrigation scheduling, and crop water productivity. He specializes in AquaCrop modeling, GIS-based hydrological analysis, and water use efficiency improvement. His research aims to enhance agricultural sustainability, mitigate climate change effects on irrigation, and optimize water resource allocation. By integrating advanced computational tools and field-based experiments, he provides practical solutions to water scarcity and food security challenges in Ethiopia and beyond. 🌾💡

Publication Top Notes

📘 Effect of furrow irrigation systems and irrigation levels on maize agronomy and water use efficiency in Arba Minch, Southern, Ethiopia – Cited by: 17 (2023) 🔗 Heliyon 9(7) 🌽💧

📘 Assessment of soil mulching field management, and deficit irrigation effect on productivity of watermelon varieties, and AquaCrop model validation – Cited by: 12 (2023) 🔗 Heliyon 9(11) 🍉🌱

📘 Crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling under climate change scenario, and optimal cropland allocation in lower kulfo catchment – Cited by: 5 (2024) 🔗 Heliyon 10(10) 🌍💦

📘 Power Data Access Viewer‐Based Meteorological Drought Analysis and Rainfall Variability in the Nile River Basin – Cited by: 3 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Meteorology 2024(1) ☀️🌧️

📘 Soil moisture-based irrigation interval and irrigation performance evaluation: In the case of lower kulfo catchment, Ethiopia – Cited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Heliyon 10(16) 🌾📊

📘 Assessment of irrigation water management performance indicators and mitigation measure in Arba Minch irrigation scheme, Ethiopia – Cited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Agriculture 2024(1) 🚰⚙️

📘 Evaluation of Small‐Scale Irrigation Scheme Performance and Proposed Alternative Mitigation for Improved Water Management on Wezeqa and Gatto Irrigation Schemes, Southern, Ethiopia – Cited by: 1 (2024) 🔗 Advances in Agriculture 2024(1) 🌊🌍

📘 Optimizing Tomato Yield in Saline‐Sodic Soils With Gypsum and Mulching Techniques Near Lake Abaya, Ethiopia – Cited by: – (2025) 🔗 Applied and Environmental Soil Science 2025(1) 🍅🧂

📘 Review of Soil Erosion and Sediment Transport, and Management Status in the Blue Nile River Basin: The Case of Ethiopia – Cited by: – (2023) 🔗 Abbay Journal of Water and Environmental Sciences 🌊🛤️

🔍 Conclusion

Mr. Birara Gebeyhu Reta is a highly qualified researcher with a strong background in irrigation engineering, water management, and climate adaptation studies. His extensive research output, international conference participation, and scientific contributions make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work significantly impacts sustainable water use, making him deserving of recognition in his field. 🌍💧

Muhammad Waqar Khan | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan, University of Swat, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan 🧬 is a Pakistani geneticist with expertise in soybean transformation and genetic diversity. He earned his PhD in Genetics from Henan University, China (2019-2023), and has a solid academic background with an MPhil and MSc in Genetics from Hazara University, Pakistan. His research focuses on genetic diversity, plant breeding, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Dr. Khan has published multiple studies, including on soybean hybrids and genetic resistance in rice. He is an active reviewer for Elsevier’s Horticulture Plants journal. Additionally, Dr. Khan is experienced in molecular lab techniques and bioinformatics software. 🌱🔬📚

Publication Profile

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Educational Background

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan holds an impressive academic background in genetics and related fields. He completed his PhD in Genetics at Henan University, China (2019-2023), where he focused on soybean transformation. He also holds an MPhil in Genetics (2008-2012) and an MSc in Genetics (2005-2008) from Hazara University, Pakistan. Dr. Khan’s undergraduate studies were in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry at the University of Malakand, Pakistan (2002-2005). Additionally, he pursued a B.Ed. in Education (2011-2012) from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. His diverse academic journey reflects his dedication to both research and education. 📚🌱

 

 

Professional Experience

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan has a diverse professional background in both education and research. He has five years of teaching and administrative experience at a school (2014-2019), where he honed his leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, he gained valuable research experience as a research intern in the Department of Genetics at Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan, for one year. This combination of teaching expertise and hands-on research experience has equipped Dr. Khan with a strong foundation in academia, making significant contributions to both educational and scientific communities. 📚👩‍🔬

 

 

Professional Skills and Business Ventures

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan possesses a wide range of professional skills and business expertise. He has significant experience in school administration and curriculum development, where he played a pivotal role in shaping educational frameworks. Additionally, Dr. Khan is passionate about honeybee keeping and management 🐝, using his knowledge to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices. He is also skilled in poultry (layer) keeping and management 🐔, ensuring the healthy and efficient operation of poultry farms. These diverse skills reflect his versatility in both academic and entrepreneurial ventures. 🌱📈

 

 

Research Focus

Dr. Muhammad Waqar Khan’s research spans several areas within genetics, plant sciences, and agricultural biotechnology. His work includes genetic diversity studies in walnuts 🌳, the identification of bacterial blight resistance genes in rice 🌾, and advancements in soybean transformation techniques 🌱. His expertise also extends to environmental research, focusing on forest structure, biomass carbon potential, and ecological diversity 🌍. Furthermore, Dr. Khan has contributed to agricultural economics with research on the cherry marketing system 🍒. These diverse research interests showcase his interdisciplinary approach, combining genetics, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. 🌿

 

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Estimation of genetic diversity in walnut – 38 citations, 2010 🌰
  • Identification of bacterial blight resistance gene Xa7 in rice through STS marker – 15 citations, 2015 🌾
  • Evaluation of the forest structure, diversity, and biomass carbon potential in Guangxi, China – 8 citations, 2020 🌳
  • Cherry marketing system in Gilgit District, Northern Areas of Pakistan – 8 citations, 2008 🍒
  • Pulmonary Embolic Disease – 5 citations, 1965 💉
  • Generation and Assessment of Soybean Hybrids for High-Efficiency Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation – 2024 📈
  • A Novel Solid Media-Free In-Planta Soybean Transformation Approach – 2024 🌱
  • Fluid leak Following Deep Midfacial Laceration – 2017 🩹

Jimson Mwikamba | Agricultural Ecomics Award | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Jimson Mwikamba | Agricultural Ecomics Award | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Jimson Mwikamba, University of Nairobi, Kenya

🌱 Jimson Mwikamba is a Kenyan agricultural economist with a Masters from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s from Egerton University. His expertise spans food security, environmental impact assessment, and agricultural training. He’s certified as a Plantwise Plant Doctor and has completed professional courses in monitoring and evaluation, education, and andragogy. With a solid educational foundation and practical training, Jimson is dedicated to enhancing agricultural practices and sustainable development in Kenya. 🌾

 

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Educational Background 

📚 Jimson Mwikamba’s educational journey is rooted in Kenya, where he pursued a diverse range of studies. He obtained his Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the prestigious University of Nairobi, building upon his Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University. His academic prowess traces back to Canon Kituri Secondary School, where he earned an impressive A- in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. His educational foundation was laid at Nyache Primary School, Taita, Kenya, where he completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education with a commendable C+. Jimson’s commitment to learning has shaped his expertise in agricultural economics and management. 🌱

 

Work Experience

🌱 Jimson Mwikamba’s career in academia and community service reflects his passion for agricultural education and leadership. Since May 2021, he has served as a Principal Lecturer at the Kenya School of Agriculture’s Nyeri campus, under the State Department for Crops Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Prior to this role, he held positions as a Senior Lecturer and Lecturer at the same institution. He also contributes to his community as the Secretary of the Building Committee at Nyeri Town PEFA Cathedral of Grace since June 2020. His dedication to education and community development is further demonstrated by his previous role as a Tutor at St. Andrew East Africa College of Management. 📚

 

Research Focus

🔬 Jimson Mwikamba’s research primarily focuses on the adoption and impact of climate-smart horticulture practices, particularly in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. His studies delve into the determinants and factors influencing the intensity of adoption of these practices, as well as the use of mobile phones in enhancing productivity in agricultural settings. Through publications in reputable journals like Cogent Food & Agriculture and the East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, Jimson contributes valuable insights into sustainable agricultural development and the integration of technology in farming practices. His dedication to understanding and promoting climate-smart agriculture underscores his commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving livelihoods. 🌱