Joni Delanoeije | Feline Behavior | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Joni Delanoeije | Feline Behavior | Best Researcher Award

Post-Doctoral Researcher | Katholieke University of Leuven | Belgium

Dr. Joni Delanoeije is a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer in Work and Organisational Studies at KU Leuven and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), specializing in organizational psychology, ethology, and human-animal interaction. She holds a PhD in Business Economics from KU Leuven, an MSc in Psychology with a focus on Theory and Research, and postgraduate certifications in Animal Behavior and Dog Assisted Interventions. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges psychology, ethology, and anthrozoology, with a research agenda centered on biophilic design, sustainable multispecies interactions, and employee well-being in both natural and digitized environments. Dr. Delanoeije has led and secured competitive research grants for pioneering projects on dogs in (home-)workplaces and campus settings, collaborating internationally with institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She has published in top-tier journals and her work has received widespread media coverage. She serves as Lead of Policy and Research Standards on the board of IAHAIO and contributes as an expert to various advisory bodies, including policy committees and academic networks. Her achievements have earned her numerous honors, such as keynote invitations, best paper awards, editorial recognitions, and placements among the most influential scholars in her field. A certified animal behavior consultant and educator, she integrates academic excellence with applied impact, advancing science-based approaches to human-animal well-being and sustainable work practices.

Profiles: ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Delanoeije, J., Gutu, I., Engels, M., & Janssens, M. (2025). “Pet effect” patterns: Dynamics of animal presence and caregiver affect across (tele)work and non-work contexts. PLOS ONE, 20(2), e0319009.

2. Delanoeije, J., Moons, C. P. H., Peeters, E. H. K. A., & Pendry, P. (2024). Behavioural profile differences between cats in animal-assisted services (AAS) and non-AAS cats using the Fe-BARQ in Flanders. Animals, 15(1), 33.

3. Delanoeije, J., & Verbruggen, M. (2024). Biophilia in the home–workplace: Integrating dog caregiving and outdoor access to explain teleworkers’ daily physical activity, loneliness, and job performance. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 29(3), 250–265.

4. Delanoeije, J., & Deschodt, M. (2024). Research gaps concerning human-animal interactions and animal-assisted services in nursing homes. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 25(6), 834–838

5. Darouei, M., Delanoeije, J., & Verbruggen, M. (2024). When daily home-to-work transitions are not all bad: A multi-study design on the role of appraisals. Work & Stress, 38(1), 1–22.

Abhijeet Das | Environmental Studies | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Abhijeet Das | Environmental Studies | Best Research Article Award

Research Consultant | Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman Global University | India

Dr. Abhijeet Das, currently serving as a Project Consultant at Madhu Smita Design & Engineers Studio, is an accomplished civil and water resources engineering professional with a strong academic and research background. He holds a Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering from C.V. Raman Global University, along with an M.Tech and B.Tech in Civil Engineering from BPUT, Rourkela. With over ten years of diverse experience across consultancy, academia, and research, Dr. Das has led and contributed to numerous national and international projects in hydrological modeling, watershed hydrology, surface water assessment, GIS and remote sensing, and machine learning applications in water resources. His research emphasizes climate change impact analysis, geoinformatics, environmental sustainability, and simulation-optimization modeling. A prolific contributor to scientific advancement, he holds multiple patents and has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Inspiring Educator Award and several Best Project Awards for his innovative work in machine learning and water quality assessment. Dr. Das has presented as an invited speaker at globally reputed conferences in Vienna, Berlin, Rome, Singapore, Amsterdam, and Osaka. He actively engages in academic development through regular participation in international workshops, faculty development programs, and short-term training courses. His scholarly output includes, 205 citations 89 documents, and an h-index of 8, reflecting his impactful contributions to the field of civil and environmental engineering.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. An optimization based framework for water quality assessment and pollution source apportionment employing GIS and machine learning techniques for smart surface water governance. (2025). Discover Environment.

2. Reimagining biofiltration for sustainable industrial wastewater treatment. (2025).

3. A data-driven approach utilizing machine learning (ML) and geographical information system (GIS)-based time series analysis with data augmentation for water quality assessment in Mahanadi River Basin, Odisha, India. (2025). Discover Sustainability.

4. Evaluation and prediction of surface water quality status for drinking purposes using an integrated water quality indices, GIS approaches, and machine learning techniques. (2025). Desalination and Water Treatment.

5. Bioplastics: a sustainable alternative or a hidden microplastic threat? (2025). Innovative Infrastructure Solutions.

Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of Thessaly | Greece

Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos, Associate Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece (Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment), is an expert in fisheries science, aquaculture, and marine ecology. He holds a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from the Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi, a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Wales, Bangor, and a PhD from Swansea University, specializing in the reproductive ecology, population dynamics, and genetics of decapod crustaceans. Bridging applied and theoretical research, he has contributed extensively to sustainable fisheries and marine resource management through roles in academia, research institutes, and industry, including the Hellenic Center for Marine Research and as Head of Industrial Sales at NIREUS Aquaculture S.A. He has led numerous national and international research projects as principal investigator, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications, 80+ conference presentations, and contributions to books and book chapters. His research emphasizes ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and conservation strategies. An active member of the academic community, he serves on editorial boards, academic committees, and scientific panels, and is regularly involved in organizing workshops and editing scientific journals. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses on fisheries management, Mediterranean aquaculture, and environmental sustainability, with additional training in biostatistics, research methodology, and generative AI applications in research and education. Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach and leadership, Dr. Klaoudatos has significantly advanced the field of aquatic sciences. His work has garnered 607 citations from 580 documents, with an h-index of 14, reflecting the impact and quality of his scholarly contributions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Hatziioannou, M., Kougiagka, E., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Assessing the effects of species, origin, and processing on frog leg meat composition with predictive modeling tools. Fishes, 10(9), 466.

2. Kokkinos, K., Pitropakis, T., Karagyaurova, T., Mosashvili, I., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). A modified PESTEL- and FCM-driven decision support system to mitigate the extinction of marine species in the Mediterranean Sea. Information, 16(9), 813.

3. Klaoudatos, D., Theocharis, A., Aydin, İ., Pafras, D., Karagianni, K., & Domenikiotis, C. (2025). Forecasting environmental drivers and invasion risk of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) and Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece). Geosciences, 15(9), 361.

4. Aydin, İ., Theocharis, A., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Exploring life history traits and catch composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus, L. 1758) in the commercial trawl fisheries of the Eastern Aegean Sea. Water, 17(17), 2540.

5. Conides, A., Cotou, E., Klaoudatos, D., & Glamuzina, B. (2025). An innovative metal–synthetic hybrid thread for the construction of aquaculture nets. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(8), 1384.

 

Clara R. Azzam | Bioinformatics | Best Paper Award

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Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam | Bioinformatics | Best Paper Award

Head of the Cell Research Department | Agricultural Research Center | Egypt

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam is a distinguished Egyptian scientist in the field of agronomy, specializing in plant cell biology, molecular genetics, and crop improvement. She has served as Professor and Head of the Cell Research Department at the Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), where she contributed significantly to advancing plant genetic transformation, tissue culture, and molecular breeding. Over the course of her career, she has combined rigorous scientific research with visionary leadership, training the next generation of scientists and strengthening Egypt’s role in agricultural biotechnology and food security.

Professional Profiles

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Prof. Azzam laid the foundation of her academic journey in agronomy with her undergraduate studies at Ain Shams University, followed by advanced degrees at Cairo University, where she pursued both her Master’s and Doctoral research. Her M.Sc. thesis explored population improvement in sunflower through gamma-ray treatment and mass selection, introducing innovative approaches to plant breeding and genetic improvement. Her Ph.D. research expanded on this work, combining conventional breeding with biotechnological methods to develop improved sunflower cultivars. This academic progression reflected her dedication to applying modern biotechnology alongside classical agronomy for sustainable crop development.

Experience

Prof. Azzam began her career as an agricultural engineer at the Nuclear Research Center of the Atomic Energy Authority, where she gained expertise in radiation-based mutation breeding, before joining the Agricultural Research Center and advancing from assistant researcher to chief researcher and professor. As Head of the Cell Research Department at the Field Crops Research Institute, she led a period of scientific innovation, organizational leadership, and national collaboration, supervising numerous training programs and guiding young scientists while integrating molecular biology with applied crop breeding. Her international research experiences further strengthened her expertise, including advanced training in molecular cell biology, plant tissue culture, and gene transfer at IPK Gatersleben in Germany, crop genetics projects at the University of Giessen, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington State University in the United States. These experiences broadened her perspective and enabled her to adapt global innovations to Egypt’s agricultural research priorities.

Research Focus

Prof. Azzam’s research has played a pivotal role in advancing Egypt’s agricultural biotechnology, encompassing plant cell biology, cytology, molecular markers, and crop improvement through irradiation and mutation breeding. She has made significant contributions to genetic transformation, in vitro culture systems, and the molecular analysis of transgenic plants, addressing critical agricultural challenges such as disease resistance in key crops like groundnut and sunflower. By integrating classical plant breeding with molecular genetics, she has developed strategies that enhance crop productivity, resilience, and food security. Beyond the laboratory, her work has focused on the practical application of biotechnology to crop systems, improving the understanding of biochemical and genetic factors underlying disease resistance and leading to tangible advancements in breeding programs at the Field Crops Research Institute.

Publications Top Notes

Title: A novel group of bio-stimulators: their attenuation of abiotic stress impacts in crop plants
Year: 2025

Title: Novel Organic Formulations’ Utilization as Remediators for Salt-Affected Soil Improves Wheat Growth, Physio-Biochemical Attributes, Productivity, and Economic Profitability
Year: 2025

Title: Characterization of two novel chia (Salvia hispanica L.) white and black genotypes via DNA barcoding, physiological, and agronomic traits
Year: 2025

Title: Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Clara R. Azzam exemplifies the synergy between scientific excellence, leadership, and service. Her contributions to plant biotechnology and genetic improvement have advanced agricultural research in Egypt and beyond, while her mentorship and leadership have strengthened the institutional capacity of the Agricultural Research Center. Recognized as both a pioneering researcher and an influential leader, she has consistently championed the integration of science, technology, and practical applications to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development. Her career serves as an inspiring model of dedication to science, innovation, and national development.

Anna Vatsanidou | Environmental Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Anna Vatsanidou | Environmental Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Dr. Anna Vatsanidou is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Development, Agri-Food and Natural Resources Management, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She is an accomplished agriculturist with extensive expertise in precision and sustainable agriculture, environmental impact assessment, and life cycle analysis of agri-food systems. Her academic path and professional journey reflect a strong commitment to advancing agri-food sustainability and contributing to innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Professional Profiles

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Vatsanidou holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Agricultural Production Systems and a Doctorate in Environmental Assessment from the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment at the University of Thessaly. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her specialized expertise in evaluating environmental impacts within agricultural and food production systems. During this period, she gained a deep understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, system optimization, and the application of environmental models to assess agricultural inputs and outputs. Her multidisciplinary training combines agronomy, environmental sciences, and technological innovation, equipping her with the tools to address complex challenges in modern agriculture.

Experience

Dr. Vatsanidou has developed a distinguished career spanning academia, research institutes, and both public and private organizations. She began as an agronomist in public agencies, gaining valuable experience in agricultural systems and their operational challenges. Expanding into the private sector, she focused on applied agricultural practices and project implementation. At the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, she served as project manager, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and advancing research outcomes into practical strategies. Her academic pathway includes serving as a PhD Researcher at CERTH’s Institute of Bio-Economics and Agrotechnology, specializing in environmental impact assessment. She has also collaborated as an external fellow with the Agricultural University of Athens and the University of Thessaly. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at NKUA, teaching, mentoring, and leading projects in precision agriculture and sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Vatsanidou’s research is centered on the evaluation and development of precision agricultural techniques, environmental footprint analysis, and sustainable production systems. A core component of her work is the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts across the agri-food chain, from primary production to processing. Her studies address key challenges in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and environmental protection, with an emphasis on balancing productivity with ecological sustainability. She has made significant contributions to precision farming technologies for crop protection, environmental assessment of emission reduction technologies, and the integration of innovative tools such as imaging recognition and digital algorithms in agriculture. Her research supports the global transition towards agriculture 4.0 and 5.0 by incorporating digitalization, automation, and sustainable practices into farming systems.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Freshness Prediction for Apples & Lettuces
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; George Kalitsios; Marianna I. Kotzabasaki; Dimitrios V. Giannopoulos; Kosmas Dimitropoulos; Anna Vatsanidou
Summary: Presents a mobile app that combines imaging recognition with advanced algorithms to predict fruit and vegetable freshness in real time. The tool helps reduce food waste and ensures better quality monitoring along the supply chain.

Title: Life Cycle Assessment of Insect vs. Conventional Feed
Authors: Anna Vatsanidou; Styliani Konstantinidi; Eleftherios Bonos; Ioannis Skoufos
Summary: Compares the environmental impact of conventional and insect-based protein feeds using life cycle assessment (LCA). Findings highlight insect-based proteins as a sustainable alternative for animal production.

Title: Biopolymer Nanopesticides for Degradation
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; Giasemi K. Angeli; Anna Vatsanidou; Marianna I. Kotzabasaki
Summary: Reviews the design of biopolymer-based nanopesticides aimed at improving pesticide degradation. Emphasizes eco-friendly nanotechnology solutions to enhance crop protection while reducing environmental risks.

Title: Cybersecurity in Agriculture 4.0 & 5.0
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; Muttukrishnan Rajarajan; Konstantinos G. Arvanitis; Anna Vatsanidou
Summary: Analyzes cybersecurity challenges in digital agriculture, covering precision farming and smart technologies. Proposes risk mitigation measures to protect agricultural data, devices, and infrastructures.

Title: Emission Reduction in Livestock Systems
Authors: Vasileios Anestis; Anna Vatsanidou; Thomas Bartzanas
Summary: Examines emission reduction strategies in livestock systems. Evaluates their effectiveness, environmental benefits, and potential adoption, supporting sustainable practices in animal production.

Conclusion

Dr. Anna Vatsanidou is an innovative and impactful researcher whose work bridges the fields of agriculture, environmental science, and digital technology. Her commitment to sustainability, leadership in major international projects, and contributions to both academic scholarship and practical applications mark her as an outstanding candidate for recognition. Through her teaching, research, and collaborations, she continues to advance sustainable agricultural development while shaping the next generation of agricultural scientists. Her work exemplifies excellence in addressing the pressing challenges of food security, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation in the agri-food sector.