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.

Osman DOĞAN | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Osman DOĞAN | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Doctor at Selcuk University, Turkey.

👨‍🏫 Dr. Osman DOĞAN is an Assistant Professor at Selçuk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture. 🎓 He completed his undergraduate studies at Ankara University in 2013 and earned his MSc (2017) and Ph.D. (2022) in Horticulture from Selçuk University. His doctoral research focused on the mutagenic effects of nitrous oxide and oryzalin on grapevine rootstocks “41 B” and “Fercal” 🍇. Dr. DOĞAN specializes in grapevine cultivation, clonal selection, polyploidy induction, and plant development 🌱. He has led and contributed to numerous TÜBİTAK and university-supported projects, and also serves in administrative roles like Vice Dean and Faculty Board Member 🏛️.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Osman DOĞAN

Dr. Osman DOĞAN stands out as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his focused and impactful contributions to the field of horticultural science, particularly viticulture and grapevine breeding. His academic journey from BSc to PhD, culminating in advanced research on polyploidy induction and mutagenic treatments in grapevine rootstocks, reflects both dedication and innovation. As an Assistant Professor at Selçuk University, Dr. DOĞAN has not only contributed to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications but has also led national and institutional research projects with practical applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.

🎓 Education & Experience

  • 🎓 BSc in Horticulture – Ankara University, 2013

  • 🎓 MSc in Horticulture – Selçuk University, 2017

  • 🎓 PhD in Horticulture – Selçuk University, 2022

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor, Selçuk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture

  • 🏛️ Vice Dean and Faculty Board Member, Selçuk University

📈 Professional Development 

Dr. Osman DOĞAN has actively contributed to professional development through national and institutional research projects funded by TÜBİTAK and Selçuk University 🎯. As both principal investigator and researcher, he has developed expertise in viticulture, especially grapevine rootstocks and clonal propagation 🍇. His academic contributions include peer-reviewed publications in respected journals such as Breeding Science, Acta Horticulturae, and Selçuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 📚. Beyond research, he is involved in academic leadership as Vice Dean and a board member, shaping education and research directions at Selçuk University 🏛️.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. DOĞAN’s research focuses primarily on viticulture and grapevine breeding 🍇. He explores advanced horticultural techniques such as clonal selection, polyploidy induction, and the use of chemical mutagens like nitrous oxide and oryzalin for genetic improvement 🔬. His studies aim to enhance plant development and rootstock performance under different conditions 🌱. With a keen interest in biotechnological applications in horticulture, he also investigates stress tolerance and productivity in fruit crops 🌿. His multidisciplinary approach merges plant physiology, genetics, and breeding, making significant contributions to sustainable and innovative grape production systems 🚜.

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 🧪 Principal Investigator and Researcher in TÜBİTAK-supported scientific projects

  • 🎯 Project Leader in multiple Selçuk University research initiatives

  • 🏛️ Administrative Roles as Vice Dean and Faculty Board Member at Selçuk University

  • 📚 Publications in prestigious journals including Breeding Science, Acta Horticulturae, etc.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📘 ‘Gök üzüm’ (Vitis Vinifera L.) çeşidinin ticari potansiyeli ve ampelografik özellikleri30 citations 📊 | 🗓️ 2016

  • 🌱 Effects of colchicine treatments on some grape rootstock and grape varieties at cotyledon stage18 citations 📊 | 🗓️ 2018

  • 🌿 Sodium Nitroprusside and Gibberellin Effects on Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Cvs. Ekşi Kara and Gök Üzüm17 citations 📊 | 🗓️ 2020

  • 🧪 Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis by Grape Seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) Extract and Rooting Effect on Grape Cuttings15 citations 📊 | 🗓️ 2021

  • 🍇 Fertilization biology of ancient grapevine variety ‘Ekşi Kara’ (Vitis vinifera L.)15 citations 📊 | 🗓️ 2017

  • 🍷 Fruitfulness of Ancient Grapevine Variety ‘Ekşi Kara’ (Vitis vinifera L.)14 citations 📊 | 🗓️ 2017

Conclusion

Dr. Osman DOĞAN exemplifies the spirit of the Best Researcher Award through his deep expertise, consistent research output, and leadership in horticultural innovation. His specialized focus on viticulture and commitment to sustainable agricultural development position him as a top-tier researcher in his field. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also delivers real-world solutions for agriculture—making him a deserving and impactful choice for this recognition.