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.

Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brazil

Marília Marques da Silva is a dedicated and dynamic early-career researcher whose scholarly contributions to mesocarnivore ecology are both scientifically relevant and socially impactful. Her ability to integrate field ecology, statistical modeling, and conservation planning demonstrates the hallmarks of a future leader in biodiversity research. Her academic trajectory is grounded in excellence, with clear upward momentum evidenced by her international experiences and collaborations. While she is still building her publication record, the quality and focus of her work signal strong potential for impactful future contributions.

Professional Profiles

ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Marília Marques da Silva holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). She earned her Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), where she is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Her academic journey includes enriching international experiences through research internships at the Universidad de Málaga (Spain) during her undergraduate studies and at CIBIO – Universidade do Porto (Portugal) during her Master’s. Additionally, she has obtained an MBA in Project Management, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary background that bridges science and strategic planning.

Experience

Marília has developed extensive field and analytical experience through her work on in situ and ex situ conservation projects, particularly focused on Neotropical mammals. Her Master’s research analyzed how environmental and anthropogenic variables influence mesocarnivore occupancy in the Atlantic Forest, while her PhD expands on this by examining coexistence mechanisms in forested landscapes. She has also participated in consultancy projects, including wildlife monitoring and rescue operations, in collaboration with environmental firms. These diverse roles have strengthened her expertise in fieldwork coordination, species monitoring, and ecological data analysis.

Award and Honor

While formal awards are not listed yet, Marília’s contributions have been recognized through research publications, including a peer-reviewed article in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation (Elsevier/Scopus). She has published a book chapter based on her ecological fieldwork and is actively engaged in international collaborations with institutions in Europe and Brazil, including IPE, CENAP, and Pro-Carnívoros. Her growing academic visibility and research outputs highlight her as a promising early-career scientist in the field of tropical mammal conservation.

Research Focus

Marília’s research centers on the ecology and conservation of Neotropical meso- and large mammals, particularly in human-modified landscapes. Her work investigates the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on mammalian distribution and behavior, using occupancy models, camera trap data, and ecological theory to inform conservation efforts. By exploring species interactions, resource use, and habitat partitioning, she aims to propose effective strategies that reconcile biodiversity preservation with sustainable development in threatened ecosystems like the Atlantic Forest.

Research Skill

Marília combines technical and soft skills that enhance her contribution to ecological research and conservation. Her competencies include field survey design, camera trapping, biodiversity monitoring, occupancy modeling, and spatial ecology. She is skilled in data analysis using statistical software and in managing collaborative research projects. Her academic foundation is supported by project management skills gained through her MBA. She also communicates effectively in multilingual environments, and her ability to work across international teams further enriches her professional profile.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Heterogeneity in mesocarnivore occupancy highlights the complexity of biodiversity changes in a threatened ecoregion
Authors: M. Marques, M. Magioli, P. Monterroso, G. Curveira-Santos, C.R. Cassano
Journal: Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Jamal Ayour | Biodiversity and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Jamal Ayour | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

Prof at Agadir Superior School of Technology, Morocco

M. Jamal Ayour is an expert in food science and technology with a focus on nutrition, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences. He holds dual PhDs from INRAE and the University of Marrakech, Morocco, and has extensive professional experience in both academia and research. He currently serves as a Research Professor at the Superior School of Technology, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco. Ayour has been involved in numerous international research projects, particularly in the fields of food technology and genetic selection of agricultural products. He has authored multiple influential publications and has a significant impact on the global food science community. His expertise includes formulating food products, supplements, and antioxidants, as well as applying biotechnology to improve food quality and nutritional value.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

Education 🎓

M. Jamal Ayour earned his PhD in Agricultural Sciences from INRAE – Avignon University, France (2019), and his PhD in Biotechnology and Food Science from the University of Marrakech, Morocco (2018). He also holds a Master’s degree in Food Technology (2012) and a Bachelor’s degree in Quality Control of Agri-food Products (2010), both from the University of Marrakech. His academic training in these disciplines provided a robust foundation in the scientific study of food quality, biotechnology, and agricultural sciences, which has greatly contributed to his successful career as a researcher and educator.

Work Experience💼

M. Jamal Ayour has gained diverse experience in both industry and academia. He worked as an Engineer in Biochemistry & Biotechnology at the Reformation Center of Agricultural and Agrifood, Paris, France. Additionally, Ayour was a Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition at College de Paris – Keyce Academy. His role as an International Research Project Manager at INRAE involved leading cutting-edge research on genetic selection and industrial processing of fleshy fruits. Ayour’s academic journey includes his current position as a Research Professor at the Superior School of Technology, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco, where he focuses on food science, biotechnology, and agricultural research.

Awards and Honors 🏆

M. Jamal Ayour has received several accolades throughout his career in recognition of his research excellence and contributions to food science and technology. His expertise in formulating food products and researching nutritional and biochemical criteria of agricultural products has garnered him recognition within both the academic and professional spheres. Ayour’s work on apricot genetic selection and his involvement in international research projects have been influential in advancing food biotechnology. His ongoing contributions to the field are acknowledged through various honors and research collaborations across Europe and Africa.

Skills 💡

M. Jamal Ayour is proficient in various research and analytical techniques. He has expertise in formulating food products, supplements, antioxidants, and cosmetic products. He is well-versed in statistical software such as R, XLSTAT, SPSS, and MATLAB, which he uses for data analysis in food technology research. Ayour is also skilled in bioinformatics, including using software like Libmol, GenALEx, and MEGA6 for genomic studies. Additionally, he is proficient in teaching and using digital tools, including Moodle and Genially, to enhance learning experiences. His technical expertise is complemented by certifications in food quality control, metrology, and project management.

Research Focus 🔬

M. Jamal Ayour’s research primarily focuses on food science, biotechnology, and agricultural technology. His work includes studying the nutritional, technological, and biochemical properties of fruits, particularly apricots, and their potential for industrial processing. He is involved in genetic selection to improve fruit quality and in the development of innovative food formulations, including supplements and antioxidants. Ayour’s research also explores the enzymatic activity control in fruit ripening, contributing significantly to the food industry’s understanding of processing and storage techniques. His projects aim to bridge the gap between food science research and practical applications.

Conclusion✅

M. Jamal Ayour is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His expertise in food science, agricultural biotechnology, and nutrition research, combined with his academic contributions and international collaboration, makes him an exemplary figure in his field. His innovative work in food technology and genetic research has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also has practical applications in the food industry. By enhancing public engagement and broadening the scope of his research to include sustainability and digital innovation, he could further solidify his position as a leading researcher globally.

Publications Top Notes📚

Genetic diversity assessment towards core collection construction of Moroccan apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) germplasm using genomic SSR markers
South African Journal of Botany (2025)
DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.02.038

Valorizing Coffee Grounds: Bioactive Compounds and Innovative Technologies for Industrial By-Product Utilization
Conference Paper (2024)
DOI: 10.3390/ICC2024-18167

Cell Wall Enzymatic Activity Control: A Reliable Technique in the Fruit Ripening Process
Food Science and Nutrition (2024)
DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.113752

Date seeds (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) valorization: chemical composition of lipid fraction
Brazilian Journal of Biology (2024)
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.260771

Evolution of pigments and their relationship with skin color and sensory profile in date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
Brazilian Journal of Biology (2024)
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.252426

Inhibitive Properties of Date Seed Extracts (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) on Mild Steel Corrosion in 1M HCl Solution: Experimental and DFT Studies
Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry (2023)
DOI: 10.33263/BRIAC135.427

Assessment of Phenotypic Diversity of Some Local Moroccan Date Palm Varieties and Clones (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) from the Zagora Region, Southern Morocco
Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences (2022)
DOI: 10.54319/jjbs/150416

Evaluation of some nutritional quality criteria of seventeen Moroccan dates varieties and clones, fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera l.)
Brazilian Journal of Biology (2022)
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.236471

Phenolic profiling in ten apricot clones using an efficient method (Thioacidolysis-UFLC) and determination of their antioxidant potential
Food Bioscience (2022)
DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.101880

Assessment of Nutritional, Technological, and Commercial Apricot Quality Criteria of the Moroccan Cultivar “Maoui” Compared to Introduced Spanish Cultivars “Canino” and “Delpatriarca” towards Suitable Valorization
Journal of Food Quality (2021)
DOI: 10.1155/2021/6679128

Changes in cell wall neutral sugar composition related to pectinolytic enzyme activities and intra-flesh textural property during ripening of ten apricot clones
Food Chemistry (2021)
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128096

Relationships between Biochemical Criteria, Volatile Compounds, and Sensory Profiles of Ten Apricot Clones at Commercial and Consumption Ripening Stages
Journal of Food Quality (2020)
DOI: 10.1155/2020/8873835

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of seventeen Moroccan date varieties and clones (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
South African Journal of Botany (2019)
DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2018.12.004

Contribution to the study of genetic diversity and searching for physicochemical and biochemical parameters as indicators of quality during the maturation of fresh apricot fruits and after processing
Avignon University (2018)

Postharvest technologies for shelf life enhancement of temperate fruits
Postharvest Biology and Technology of Temperate Fruits (2018)
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75163-4_4

Evolution of some fruit quality criteria during ripening of twelve new Moroccan apricot clones (Prunus armeniaca L.)
Scientia Horticulturae (2017)
DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2016.12.010

Impact of cooking on apricot texture as a function of cultivar and maturity
LWT (2017)
DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2016.10.040

Evolution of pigments and their relationship with skin color based on ripening in fruits of different Moroccan genotypes of apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.)
Scientia Horticulturae (2016)
DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2016.05.027