Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Agricultural Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Agricultural Technology | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Kasuni Vidanagamachchi | Western Sydney University | Australia

Kasuni Vidanagamachchi is an accomplished academic, researcher, and industry professional in Operations and Supply Chain Management, known for her expertise in designing data-driven, digitally enabled, and resilient supply chain systems. She has completed her doctoral research at Western Sydney University, where she modelled viable agri-food supply chains using system dynamics and explored adaptation strategies for long-term supply chain sustainability. With extensive experience across both academia and industry, Kasuni has taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate subjects, including Supply Chain Management, Digital Transformation, ICT applications in supply chains, Operations Management, Systems Thinking, Social Computing, Project Management, and Research Methods. She has contributed to curriculum development, designed assessments, supervised student research, managed e-learning activities, and coordinated industry mentorship and internship programs. Kasuni is a productive researcher with peer-reviewed publications, contributing to domains such as digital supply chain ecosystems, Industry readiness, food system resilience, sustainability, agricultural market intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. She has collaborated with research partners across Australia, India, and Sri Lanka, supporting projects in digital agriculture and supply chain innovation. Her work extends beyond academia through her role as a principal innovator developing AgriShift, a digital platform designed to support agri-food supply chain resilience. Her industry background includes roles in logistics analysis and procurement, where she supported multinational clients by designing warehouse layouts, optimising distribution processes, improving operational efficiency, developing key performance indicators, and delivering logistics training. Kasuni has been recognised through multiple awards for research excellence, innovation, leadership, and academic performance. She is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and actively contributes to professional communities such as Women in Logistics and Transport and the System Dynamics Society. In addition to her academic and industry achievements, she is deeply engaged in volunteer initiatives, conference organisation, mentoring, and community-focused activities.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Vidanagamachchi, K., Kumarathunga, M., Pathirage, S., Buhary, R., & Ginige, A. (2024). A systems thinking approach to achieve food security through agricultural market intelligence. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Canberra.

Vidanagamachchi, K., Ginige, A., & Nakandala, D. (2024). Digitally enabling viable agri-food supply chain ecosystems for climate change adaptations. Amplify.

Vidanagamachchi, K., Ginige, A., & Nakandala, D. (2024). Spatial ecologies in viable agri-food supply chains: Insights from iceberg model and causality analysis. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Canberra.

Vidanagamachchi, K., & Ginige, A. (2023). Consumer-centred viable agri-food supply chain ecosystem and potential digital enhancements: An exploratory study. Australasian Conference on Information Systems, Wellington, New Zealand.

Karunarathna, N., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A calibrated model of critical success factors for Industry 4.0 warehousing performance improvement: Insights from multiple case studies. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences and Advanced Technology.

Gamini, L., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A knowledge transfer model to implement lean practices for apparel industry based multi-stakeholder 3PLs. Proceedings of a conference.

Chandrasekara, S., Vidanagamachchi, K., & Wickramarachchi, R. (2020). A literature-based survey on Industry 4.0 technologies for procurement optimization. Proceedings of a conference.

Mohammad Goli | Agricultural Technology | Best Faculty Award

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Prof. Dr. Mohammad Goli | Agricultural Technology | Best Faculty Award

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Goli | Islamic Azad University | Iran

Prof. Mohammad Goli is a distinguished researcher in Food Science and Technology at the Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, with a prolific record of high-impact international publications. His scientific contributions span food chemistry, processing technology, nutraceuticals, and food safety, emphasizing innovative, sustainable, and health-oriented approaches to modern food production. His most-cited works include studies on cold atmospheric plasma processing, bioactive compound extraction from plant-based wastes, functional protein modification, and nanoemulsion technology for food systems. These publications have been widely referenced across fields including food engineering, biotechnology, and nutrition science. His review on COVID-19 and the food industry, published in Food Science & Nutrition, is particularly recognized for its early insights into food production safety during the pandemic. Prof. Goli collaborates extensively with national and international scholars, and his recent research focuses on green processing, food waste valorization, and functional food innovation. His work bridges fundamental food science with applied industrial research, supporting advancements in food security, sustainability, and health-promoting technologies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Goli, M. (2020). Review of novel human β-coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2) from the food industry perspective — Appropriate approaches to food production technology. Food Science & Nutrition, ISI-WOS (Q2), USA. [DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1892]

Goli, M. (2020). Review of novel human β-coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2) from the food industry perspective — Food plant health principles. Journal of Food Safety, ISI-WOS (Q3), USA. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12853]

Abarghoei, M., Goli, M., Shahi, S. (2023). Investigation of cold atmospheric plasma effects on functional and physicochemical properties of wheat germ protein isolate. LWT – Food Science and Technology, ISI-WOS (Q1), Netherlands. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2023.114585]

Jabbari, N., Goli, M., Shahi, S. (2024). Optimization of bioactive compound extraction from saffron petals using ultrasound-assisted acidified ethanol solvent: Adding value to food waste. Foods, ISI-WOS (Q1), Switzerland. [DOI: 10.3390/foods13040542]

Heidari, M., Khodadadi Jokar, Y., Madani, S., Shahi, S., Shahi, M.S., Goli, M. (2023). Influence of food type on human psychological–behavioral responses and crime reduction. Nutrients, ISI-WOS (Q1), Switzerland. [DOI: 10.3390/nu15173715]

Xiao-Yong Zhao | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiao-Yong Zhao | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiao-Yong Zhao | Zhejiang University | China

Dr. Xiaoyong Zhao is an Associate Professor at the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, specializing in fruit science, horticultural chemistry, and glycochemical biology. His research focuses on the function and application of glycocodes in horticultural quality biology, particularly the molecular mechanisms governing fruit quality through protein glycosylation and mass spectrometry–based glycomic analysis. Dr. Zhao has made significant contributions to understanding the biochemical regulation of fruit ripening, chilling injury tolerance, and the structural elucidation of plant polysaccharides. He has published influential papers in high-impact journals such as Plant Communications, Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Postharvest Biology and Technology, and Journal of Proteome Research. His scholarly work has earned wide recognition, reflected by over 1,100 citations across 41 publications and an h-index of 21, underscoring his growing international impact in plant glycoscience. Beyond research, he actively serves as a peer reviewer for leading SCI journals, contributing to the advancement of analytical and plant biochemical sciences.

Profiles:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Liu, Y., Wu, C., Liu, Y., Pan, Y., Pan, Y., Li, X., Chen, J., Li, X., & Zhao, X. (2025).  An integrated method for efficient isolation and structural elucidation of two homologous polysaccharides from medicinal loquat leaves. Separation and Purification Technology.

Liu, Y., Wang, R., Zhou, J., & Lyu, Q. (2025). Myricetin alleviates high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice by regulating bile acid metabolism involved in gut microbiota remodeling. Food & Function.

Wang, H., Cui, T., Wang, J., Ou, R., Liu, Y., Zhang, B., Xu, C., Zhu, C., Chen, M., Shi, Y., Pan, Y., Chen, K., Zhao, X., & Li, X. (2025). Integrative N-glycomics and N-glycoproteomics landscape reveals up-regulation of complex-type N-glycosylation in the tolerance of peach fruit to chilling injury

Wang, H., Cui, T., Wang, J., Ou, R., Liu, Y., Zhang, B., Xu, C., Zhu, C., Chen, M., Shi, Y., Pan, Y., Chen, K., Zhao, X., & Li, X. (2025). Genome-wide identification of UDP-glycosyltransferases involved in flavonol glycosylation induced by UV-B irradiation in Eriobotrya japonica. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Sowmiya Chandrasekar | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sowmiya Chandrasekar | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sowmiya Chandrasekar | National Bee Board | India

Dr. Sowmiya Chandrasekar has consistently integrated traditional practices with modern scientific approaches to address pressing challenges in pollinator health, pesticide risk assessment, and sustainable beekeeping. Her contributions span impactful publications, books, fellowships, awards, and training programs, reflecting both academic excellence and societal relevance. By bridging research, teaching, and outreach, Dr. Sowmiya Chandrasekar, has strived to empower farmers, students, and the beekeeping community while contributing to food security and ecological resilience.  Dr. Sowmiya Chandrasekar, humbly submits her nomination for the Best Researcher Award, believing this recognition will further inspire her to expand her contributions to global pollinator conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sowmiya, C., Srinivasan, M. R., & Saravanan, P. A. (2018). Diversity of pollinators in drumstick, Moringa oleifera Lam. ecosystem.

Banumathi, K., Murugan, M., Jeyarani, S., Mohankumar, S., Balasubramani, V., … (2020). Prevalence of invasive Aleyrodidae harbouring horticultural host plants in different ecosystems of Tamil Nadu. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 8(6), 886–890.

Elanchezhyan, K., Sowmiya, C., Agilesh, S., & Venkatesh, M. (2017). Diversity of odonates at agricultural college campus, Killikulam, Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5(5), 935–940.

Sowmiya, C., Srinivasan, M. R., & Saravanan, P. A. (2019). Bowl trap sampling to study pollinator diversity in moringa ecosystem. Innovative Farming, 4(3), 167–173.

Sowmiya, C., Murugan, M., Saravanan, P. A., Suganthi, A., & Bhuvaneswari, K. (2022). Impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on the foraging preference of Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica (Fab.) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) visiting sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Current Journal of Applied Plant and Soil Sciences, 34(10), 85–96.

Chandrasekar, S., Murugan, M., Saravanan, A., Suganthi, A., & [others]. (2022). Impact of neonicotinoid insecticides on the foraging activity of Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica (Fab.) in the cotton ecosystem. Journal of Current Crop Science and Technology, 109(4–6), 1–10.

Chandrasekar, S., Murugan, M., Mannu, J., Saravanan, A., & [others]. (2025). Indian honey bees (Apis cerana indica) detoxify imidacloprid and clothianidin: In silico and in vivo analyses of key detoxifying enzymes. Journal of Apicultural Research. Advance online publication.

Shweta, K., Saminathan, V. R., Sowmiya, C., Preetha, G., Srinivasan, M. R., … (2025). Flying sperm: The indispensable component of the instrumental insemination of honey bees: A review. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 1, 10.

Chandrasekar, S., Murugan, M., Suganthi, A., Saravanan, A., & [others]. (2025). Effects of neonicotinoid residues in Apis cerana indica bees and bee products: LC-MS/MS analysis and dietary risk assessment in a sunflower field study. Ecotoxicology. Advance online publication.

Shanthi, M., Saminathan, V. R., Srinivasan, M. R., Ravivarman, S., Preetha, G., Murugan, M., … (2025). Success stories of Tamil Nadu beekeepers (Tamil). Coimbatore: TNAU Press.

Saminathan, V. R., & Sowmiya, C. (2025). Profitable beekeeping. Chennai: New Century Book House.

Krishnamoorthy, S. V., Sowmiya, C., Preetha, G., Saminathan, V. R., & Srinivasan, M. R. (2025). Know more entomology. Coimbatore: TNAU Press.

Sowmiya, C., & Srinivasan, M. R. (2024). Beekeeping: An element of entomology. New Delhi: Kalyani Publications.

Sowmiya, C., Srinivasan, M. R., Vasanthakumar, S., & Saravanan, P. A. (2020). Foraging activity of Indian honey bee at the hive entrance. In Multi-dimensional approaches in transforming agriculture (p. 179).

Sowmiya, C., Srinivasan, M. R., Saravanan, P. A., & Kumaran, K. M. (2017). Foraging behaviour of Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica (Fab.) (Hymenoptera, Apidae) based on activity at hive entrance in moringa, Moringa oleifera (Lam.).

Bounmy Keohavong | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong | Souphanouvong University | Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Dr. Bounmy Keohavong is a lecturer and Head of the Research Governance Office at Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from Kangwon National University, Korea, in 2013. His research specializes in poultry nutrition, feed evaluation, metabolizable energy, and the use of functional fatty acids in monogastric animal diets. He has participated in several international research collaborations and presented widely at academic forums. His work contributes to advancing sustainable and science-driven livestock feeding practices in Southeast Asia.

Academic Profile 

ORCID | GoogleScholar

Education

Dr. Bounmy Keohavong holds a doctoral degree in Agriculture, which he earned in 2013 from Kangwon National University in South Korea. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in agricultural science, with specialized focus areas that span animal nutrition, feed science, and livestock management. His international academic exposure has enabled him to adopt modern scientific approaches and integrate them into the context of Southeast Asian agricultural practices. Dr. Keohavong’s education was marked by both theoretical rigor and practical engagement, equipping him with the skills necessary for interdisciplinary research in animal science, sustainable agriculture, and resource optimization in livestock production.

Experience

Dr. Keohavong serves as the Head of the Research Governance Office at Souphanouvong University in Lao PDR, where he is also a senior lecturer and active researcher within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forest Resources. Over the years, he has taken on leadership roles that span academic instruction, research development, and institutional governance. His involvement in both national and international projects demonstrates his ability to bridge academic research with development initiatives, particularly in improving livestock practices and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, his editorial roles in reputable international journals reflect his engagement with the broader scientific community and his commitment to maintaining scholarly standards in agricultural science and interdisciplinary research.

Research Interests

Dr. Keohavong’s research primarily centers on poultry nutrition, with key interests in feed evaluation methods, determination of metabolizable energy, and the application of functional fatty acids in monogastric animal diets. His scientific contributions aim to optimize animal feeding strategies through evidence-based approaches, focusing on sustainable and cost-effective nutrition in tropical and subtropical agricultural systems. He also explores integrated approaches that incorporate local knowledge and scientific innovation, particularly in the areas of soil management, food safety, and water quality. His recent publications cover topics like pellet processing in feed efficiency, deep-sea water effects on animal growth, and the fusion of traditional and modern agricultural practices, reflecting his interdisciplinary and application-driven approach to research.

Awards

Although specific awards were not detailed in the original content, Dr. Keohavong’s scholarly contributions and academic leadership roles strongly suggest a career marked by institutional and international recognition. His appointment as a member of multiple editorial boards, including the PSAKU International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (Thailand), Bulletin of Animal Science (Indonesia), and journals associated with the National University of Laos and Busan University of Foreign Studies, highlights the academic community’s trust in his expertise. Furthermore, his consultancy roles with projects funded by organizations like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), particularly in the context of food safety and SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) protocols, further reflect his professional standing and recognition in the fields of agricultural development and international cooperation.

Publications

Effects of Drinking Diluted Deep Sea Water on Growth Performance and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens

Journal: PSAKU International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
Year: 2018

Challenging established narratives on soil erosion and shifting cultivation in Laos

Journal: Natural Resources Forum
Year: 2012

Comparison of Aviary, Barn and Conventional Cage Raising of Chickens on Laying Performance and Egg Quality

Journal: Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
Year: 2014

Impact of genetically modified food knowledge, environmental, and food safety concerns on purchase intention of genetically modified food in mediating role of perceived risk: An empirical study in Thailand

Journal: World Food Policy
Year: 2020

Conclusion

The Environmental Science Excellence Award is more than a recognition—it is a global call to action for those advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and creating tangible solutions for our planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. By celebrating leaders in sustainability and research, this award aims to inspire future breakthroughs and empower individuals and institutions dedicated to a greener, more resilient world. We invite passionate environmental scientists, change-makers, and forward-thinking researchers to apply and be part of this prestigious recognition shaping the future of environmental stewardship.