Maimela Modiba | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Maimela Modiba | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Student at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, South Africa.

🌱 Maimela Maxwell Modiba is a passionate PhD candidate in Plant Production at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With a solid foundation in crop and soil sciences, he specializes in climate-resilient farming, tillage management, and soil health. 🌾 His experience spans over two years of rigorous research, peer-reviewed publications, and international conference presentations. 📚 A committed mentor and educator, Modiba also brings valuable teaching experience in agricultural sciences. 🌍 He strives to promote sustainable agriculture across South Africa, combining scientific innovation with practical fieldwork. His collaborative spirit and analytical mindset make him a rising star in agro-research. 💡

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Maimela Maxwell Modiba

Maimela Maxwell Modiba is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the early-career category. As a dynamic Ph.D. candidate with a focused research trajectory in climate-resilient agriculture, Modiba has already made notable contributions through peer-reviewed publications, impactful fieldwork, and international conference presentations. His dedication to soil health and sustainable crop production aligns strongly with pressing global agricultural challenges, positioning him as a future leader in agro-environmental science.

🎓 Education and Experience

🎓 Education:

  • 📕 PhD in Plant Production – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Expected April 2025)

  • 📗 MSc in Crop Production Engineering – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (2020)

  • 📘 BSc in Plant Production – University of Limpopo (2018)

💼 Experience:

  • 🧪 Student Researcher (2020–2023) – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

    • 🔬 Focus on soil tillage, soil organic carbon, and crop sustainability

    • 🧑‍🏫 Delivered lectures, conducted lab research, and collaborated in multi-person teams

    • 📊 Participated in both publicly and privately funded projects

📈 Professional Development

🧑‍🔬 Maxwell Modiba has demonstrated continued professional growth through hands-on research, academic presentation, and technical training. His participation in multiple international scientific conferences 🌍 highlights his commitment to staying informed and engaged with global agricultural challenges. 📢 He has gained practical experience in designing and conducting field experiments, laboratory analyses, and mentoring students in agricultural sciences. 📘 Additionally, he has honed his communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, contributing to academic teams and curriculum development. 💻 His AVCASA certification and business skills training further enhance his versatility, preparing him for leadership in sustainable agriculture and research innovation. 🌿

🔬 Research Focus Category

🌾 Maimela Maxwell Modiba’s research focus lies in Soil and Crop Production, with a particular emphasis on tillage management, soil health, and climate-resilient farming systems. His work explores the interaction between soil properties and agricultural practices, aiming to improve crop yields and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa. 🌍 He is especially passionate about conservation tillage and the long-term impact of farming methods on soil biodiversity and productivity. 🪱 His studies include earthworm populations, root growth, and moisture dynamics under varied tillage systems. 🌧️ His research contributes to shaping sustainable agricultural practices amid changing climate conditions. 🌱

🏅 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 Dean’s Award – Best MSc Student

  • 📜 AVCASA Certificate – Basic Crop Protection

  • 💼 Basic Business Skills Certificate – Professional Development in Agri-business

Publication Top Notes

🌱 Impact of tillage practices and soil texture on soil health and earthworms in the Pannonian region: A comparative study from Austria and HungaryApplied Soil Ecology (2025)

Conclusion

Though early in his career, Maxwell Modiba’s trajectory is exemplary of a rising research star. His strong scientific foundation, practical impact, and commitment to sustainable farming make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work at this stage will not only validate his achievements but also motivate further innovations in sustainable agriculture.

Kritsada Puangsuwan | Agriculture | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan | Agriculture | Best Scholar Award

Lecturer at Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Thailand.

🎓 Asst. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan (ผู9ช;วยศาสตราจารยD ดร. กฤษฎา พวงสุวรรณ) is a Thai academic and innovator serving as Assistant to the President for Information and Learning at Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Sciences and Industrial Technology. With a deep-rooted passion for smart systems and sustainable technology, he specializes in IoT, embedded systems, microwave engineering, and smart agriculture. 📡🌱 His research integrates practical engineering with environmental consciousness, aiming to revolutionize traditional systems with advanced tech. 📘 He is widely published and frequently presents at international conferences. 🎤🌍

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Suitability for Best Scholar Award – Asst. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan stands out as a strong contender for the Best Scholar Award due to his exceptional academic journey, innovative research, and impact-driven contributions to engineering, sustainability, and digital transformation in education. With a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and a career spanning teaching, research, and academic leadership, Dr. Puangsuwan exemplifies scholarly excellence. His interdisciplinary work in IoT, embedded systems, microwave engineering, and smart agriculture bridges theory and practice while contributing meaningfully to Thailand’s sustainable development goals.

🎓 Education and Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Computer Engineering – Prince of Songkla University (2017)

  • 🎓 M.Eng. in Computer Engineering – Prince of Songkla University (2012)

  • 🎓 B.Eng. in Electronic Engineering Technology – King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (2009, 2nd Class Honors)

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – PSU Surat Thani Campus, Faculty of Sciences and Industrial Technology

  • 🧑‍🏫 Lecturer – Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya

  • 👔 Assistant to the President for Information and Learning – Prince of Songkla University

📚 Professional Development

Dr. Puangsuwan continuously enhances his academic and technical capabilities through collaborative research and professional training. 🧠📈 He actively engages in knowledge-sharing events, workshops, and seminars related to smart systems, AI applications, and renewable energy. ⚙️🔋 He frequently presents at high-level conferences such as IEEE TENCON, KST, and InCIT, establishing a strong professional network in Asia and beyond. 🌐🎤 His development extends to academic leadership, driving digital transformation and educational innovation within his university. 💻🏫 Passionate about lifelong learning, he also mentors students and young researchers, fostering future talent in engineering and sustainability. 🌱👨‍🎓

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Puangsuwan’s research bridges innovation and sustainability across multiple domains. 🔬🌿 His core interests include Internet of Things (IoT), Embedded Systems, and Microwave & High-Frequency Circuit Design, particularly for applications in Smart Agriculture and Renewable Energy. 🌾⚡ He also explores Image Processing and Machine Learning for environmental and industrial monitoring. 🖼️🤖 His work emphasizes eco-conscious engineering, like optimizing microwave drying for palm fruit or developing IoT-based water quality systems. 💧📡 By integrating practical engineering with digital technologies, his research contributes to Thailand’s sustainable development goals and next-gen industrial transformation. 🇹🇭🌍

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 IEEE TENCON Presenter – 2013

  • 🥇 Presenter at InCIT – 2023

  • 🥇 KST Conference Key Contributor – 2024

  • 📘 Top Q1 Journal Article – IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation (2014)

  • 🏅 Recognized Innovator in Smart Agriculture and IoT at PSU Surat Thani

Publication Top Notes

  • 📄 Design of microwave heating continuous belt system for palm fruit14 citations 📊 | 2015 📅

  • 📄 Effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy and dielectric model for palm fruit using a microwave heating13 citations 📊 | 2015 📅

  • 📄 Hybrid infrared with hot air drying of Pisang‐Awak banana: Kinetics and shrinkage quality10 citations 📊 | 2021 📅

  • 📄 Complex permittivity of fully ripe palm fruit and its application for microwave heating10 citations 📊 | 2014 📅

  • 📄 Classification technique for real-time emotion detection using machine learning models6 citations 📊 | 2022 📅

  • 📄 Pretreatment of palm fruit by using a conveyor belt microwave prototype3 citations 📊 | 2021 📅

  • 📄 Recommendation System for Retail Business Using Customer Segmentation: Case Study of Tuenjai Company in Surat Thani, Thailand1 citation 📊 | 2024 📅

Conclusion

Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan’s dedication to high-impact research, interdisciplinary innovation, and academic mentorship makes him a highly deserving recipient of the Best Scholar Award. His work is not only academically rigorous but also aligned with global sustainability and technological advancement priorities, embodying the essence of scholarly excellence in the 21st century.

Julian Santiago-Moreno | Agricultural | Excellence in Research

Dr. Julian Santiago-Moreno | Agricultural | Excellence in Research

Research Professor at NSpanish National Research Council (CSIC) Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain.

🌍Dr. Julián Santiago Moreno is a distinguished Research Professor at CSIC’s Animal Reproduction Department, specializing in comparative spermatology, cryobiology, and conservation. His pivotal contributions include pioneering sperm cryopreservation techniques for endangered species, establishing germplasm banks for wild and domestic breeds, and leading reproductive programs resulting in the successful birth of giant pandas in captivity. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 30, and numerous international collaborations, his work bridges academic research and practical conservation efforts. He has secured significant funding, trained 12 Ph.D. students, and serves as an advisor to governments and conservation organizations globally.

Profile👤

Education 🎓

🎓Dr. Moreno began his academic journey with a veterinary degree, followed by a Ph.D., which focused on reproductive physiology. His expertise expanded during his Ph.D. fellowship at INIA and subsequent academic roles, including postdoctoral research at INRA, France. Over his career, Dr. Moreno has contributed to bridging veterinary science and conservation biology, bringing innovative solutions to wildlife and livestock reproductive challenges.🧬🎓

Experience💼

🩺Dr. Moreno’s extensive experience includes leading research teams, developing conservation programs, and advising governments and zoological institutions worldwide on reproductive technologies. His innovative cryopreservation methods have supported the survival of endangered species.👨‍🔬🌍

Research Interests 🔬

🔬Dr. Moreno’s research bridges the gap between fundamental reproductive biology and practical conservation efforts, with achievements like creating Spain’s first national chicken sperm bank and optimizing assisted reproduction techniques for wild animals. 🌿🧪

Awards and Honors 🏆

🏆Dr. Moreno’s accolades highlight his global influence in animal conservation and reproductive technology.Editor, Animal and Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research. Adviser to the Chinese Government on Black Silky Chicken conservation. Multiple international keynote speaker invitations, including at the International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium. Recognition for pioneering cryopreservation of wild and domestic species 🏆🎉

Conclusion 🔚 

Dr. Santiago Moreno’s career exemplifies excellence in reproductive biology and conservation. His pioneering techniques and leadership have significantly advanced biodiversity preservation, particularly for endangered species. While his scientific and professional achievements are remarkable, expanding public engagement and interdisciplinary collaborations would further elevate his contributions. He is an outstanding candidate for the Excellence in Research Award, deserving recognition for his impactful and innovative work.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Effect of exogenous lactoferrin and phosphoglycerate mutase 2 on the cryopreservation of wild ruminant epididymal/ejaculated sperm and testicular tissue

Authors: Santiago-Moreno, J., Peris-Frau, P., Toledano-Díaz, A., Prieto, P., Martínez-Madrid, B.

Citations: 0

Year: 2025

Detection of Androgen Receptors in Spermatozoa of Small Ruminants: A Putative Modulation Pathway for Cryoresistance Through AQP3

Authors: Alba, E., Castaño, C., Toledano-Díaz, A., Rodriguez-Martinez, H., Santiago-Moreno, J.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Effective use of artificial insemination as an ex situ conservation method for the capercaillie

Authors: O’Brien, E., Sabater, A.S., Toledano-Díaz, A., Łukaszewicz, E., Santiago-Moreno, J.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

High cooling rate of 60°C/min around ice nucleation during cryopreservation compromises chicken sperm viability

Authors: Toledano-Díaz, A., Robledo, R., Alba, E., Rauw, W.M., Santiago-Moreno, J.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Editorial

Authors: Lorenzo, P.L., Santiago-Moreno, J.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

The role of TEAD4 in trophectoderm commitment and development is not conserved in non-rodent mammals

Authors: Pérez-Gómez, A., González-Brusi, L., Flores-Borobia, I., Ramos-Ibeas, P., Bermejo-Álvarez, P.

Citations: 1

Year: 2024

PPARG is dispensable for bovine embryo development up to tubular stages

Authors: Pérez-Gómez, A., González-Brusi, L., Flores-Borobia, I., Ramos-Ibeas, P., Bermejo-Álvarez, P.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

Cooling rate modifies the location of aquaporin 3 in spermatozoa of sheep and goat

Authors: Pequeño, B., Millán de la Blanca, M.G., Castaño, C., Rodriguez-Martinez, H., Santiago-Moreno, J.

Citations: 2

Year: 2024

Thyroxine administration at the end of the rutting season does not affect testosterone secretion or horn growth in the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

Authors: Rodríguez-Luis, A., Toledano-Díaz, A., Velázquez, R., Mogedas-Moreno, M., Santiago-Moreno, J.

Citations: 0

Year: 2024

A single administration of carbetocin before electroejaculation increases the insemination doses produced from each ejaculate in rams

Authors: Orihuela, J.C., Freitas-de-Melo, A., Pinto-Santini, L., Silveira, P., Ungerfeld, R.

Citations: 1

Year: 2024