Desta Dugassa | Food Science and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Desta Dugassa | Food Science and Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Fufa Haramaya University | Ethiopia

Dr. Desta Dugassa Fufa is an accomplished scholar and Assistant Professor specializing in Food Science, Nutrition, and Public Health, with strong interdisciplinary training across food technology, environmental health, and water and sanitation management. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition, an MPH in Public Health with a focus on environmental health, and dual Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Food Science and Technology and Food Postharvest Technologies. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has served as Associate Director of the Haramaya Institute of Technology and has led extensive teaching, research, community engagement, and media-based nutrition outreach. His professional expertise spans food product development, nutrition analysis, food quality assessment, ISO and HACCP systems, risk analysis, value-added processing, and environmental safety. He has served as Principal Investigator on multiple funded projects, including studies on maternal and child nutrition, digital food behavior, and value-added food technologies, and has contributed to internationally funded initiatives such as the SMIL project supported by the Gates Foundation. Recognized with an International Analytical Chemistry Award, he actively participates in national and international conferences and reviews scientific manuscripts. His research interests center on functional foods, nutraceuticals, food omics, nanofiber-based packaging, microbiota, and sustainable food systems. He remains committed to advancing science-driven solutions for improved health, nutrition, and food security.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Tamene, A., Fufa, D.D., Bekele, T., Bultosa, G., Kumar, A., & Singh, N. (2025). “Value-addition to composite soft bread wheat cookies using avocado seed and finger millet flours: assessing the nutritional, techno-functional, and sensory properties.” Measurement: Food.

Fufa, D.D. (2025). “Postharvest Physiological Disorders of Apricot.” In Postharvest Physiological Disorders of Fruits.

Fufa, D.D., Bekele, T., Bultosa, G., & Tamene, A. (2025). “Avocado seeds valorization for sustainable food ingredient use: quality attributes evaluation in the traditional fermented teff injera.” Discover Sustainability.

Fufa, D.D., Bekele, T., Tamene, A., & Bultosa, G. (2025). “Drying kinetic models, thermodynamics, physicochemical qualities, and bioactive compounds of avocado (Persea americana Mill. Hass variety) seeds dried using various drying methods.” Heliyon.

Fufa, D.D., Seid, A., & Bitew, Z.W. (2024). “The use of internet-based smartphone apps consistently improved consumers’ healthy eating behaviors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.” Frontiers in Digital Health.

Wael Baniodeh | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wael Baniodeh | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Dubai Municipality | United Arab Emirates

Mr. Wael Ahmad Bani Odeh is a distinguished Food Studies and Systems Officer at the Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department, with over 15 years of progressive experience in food safety management, risk assessment, and food control systems. He holds a B.Sc. in Food Technology from Mosul University (2002) and a High Diploma in Nutrition and Food Technology from Jordan University of Science and Technology (2006). His professional expertise spans food safety risk analysis, microbiological and chemical risk assessments, food labeling compliance, and the application of international standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP. Mr. Bani Odeh has led numerous food awareness campaigns, inspections, and research studies related to food safety and public health. His published research focuses on pesticide residues in imported fruits and vegetables within the UAE. A recipient of multiple awards—including the Creative Employee Award and the Second Prize in the Dubai International Food Safety Conference Poster Competition—he is recognized for his contributions to food system innovation and risk management. His academic and professional record includes 7 documents, 68 citations by 66 documents, and an h-index of 3, underscoring his scholarly influence. Mr. Bani Odeh continues to advance food safety science, policy integration, and sustainable practices within global food systems.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Assessment of Contamination and Compliance in Imported Spices, Herbs, Seasonings, Coffee, and Tea in the UAE, (2025) Journal of Food Science.

Quality and Authenticity of Animal and Vegetable Fats Imported to the United Arab Emirates, (2025) Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Volume 24, December 2025.

Chanchan Sun – Food science – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Chanchan Sun - Food science - Best Researcher Award 

Yantai university - China

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Chanchan Sun began his academic journey at Shandong Agricultural University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Engineering from 2006 to 2010. His early education laid the foundation for his career, instilling a deep understanding of food science fundamentals. Following his undergraduate studies, Chanchan furthered his education at the Tianjin University of Science & Technology, earning a Ph.D. in Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products from 2011 to 2016. His doctoral research contributed significantly to his field, particularly focusing on the processing and storage aspects of food science, which paved the way for his subsequent research and professional career.

Professional Endeavors

Upon completing his Ph.D., Chanchan Sun embarked on a postdoctoral fellowship at the same university, where he specialized in food science from 2016 to 2018. This period was crucial for developing his research skills and expertise. He then transitioned to an Associate Professor role at Shandong Agricultural University in August 2018, where he continued his research until November 2020. Since December 2020, he has been serving as an Associate Professor at Yantai University. Throughout his academic career, Chanchan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing food science, particularly through his research on food processing technologies and the physicochemical properties of food materials.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Chanchan Sun's research has primarily focused on food processing technologies and the development of new materials to enhance food quality and safety. His notable work includes the study of protein-polysaccharide interactions and their implications for food structure and digestion. For instance, his research on the design of protein-polysaccharide multi-scale composite interfaces has significant implications for modifying lipid digestion, potentially contributing to healthier food alternatives. His extensive list of publications, including influential articles in peer-reviewed journals such as "LWT-Food Science and Technology" and "Foods," underscores his productive research output and contribution to the field.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Chanchan Sun has been recognized for his innovative research and contributions to food science. This is evidenced by his success in securing funding from prestigious bodies such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province. These grants have supported his projects on the interfacial structure of protein-polysaccharide composites and their effects on emulsion stability and digestion, highlighting the scientific community's trust in his research capabilities.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Chanchan Sun's research has had a significant impact on both academic circles and the broader food industry. His work on emulsion stability and food gel particles is particularly relevant for developing low-fat and healthier food options, addressing consumer demands for dietary products that do not compromise on taste or texture. The practical applications of his research are vast, ranging from improving food formulations to enhancing the nutritional profiles of processed foods.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Chanchan Sun's ongoing research is set to continue influencing food science, especially in the areas of food safety, processing, and nutrition. His future contributions are likely to focus on further exploring the interactions between various food components and their implications for food structure, safety, and health benefits. As he continues to lead and collaborate on cutting-edge research projects, his work will undoubtedly contribute to the legacy of innovative solutions in food science, ultimately improving food products and processing techniques globally.

In summary, Chanchan Sun's academic and professional journey showcases his dedication and significant contributions to food science. His innovative research and leadership in the field position him as a key figure whose future endeavors will continue to shape the landscape of food technology and nutrition.

Notable Publication

 

Md. Zubaer Hosen – Food and agriculture – Best Researcher Award

Mr. Md. Zubaer Hosen - Food and agriculture - Best Researcher Award 

The University of Newcastle - Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Md. Zubaer Hosen's academic journey is marked by rigorous education and consistent performance. He began his studies in the field of Science, securing commendable grades in both Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations. He continued his academic path at Islamic University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Applied Nutrition and Food Technology. Both degrees not only provided a solid foundation in nutrition and food sciences but also positioned him as a top performer, securing a first-class 3rd position in a competitive cohort. His master’s thesis focused on the critical environmental health issue of arsenic exposure and its biochemical impacts, showcasing his early inclination towards addressing public health challenges through scientific research.

Professional Endeavors

Upon completing his master's degree, Md. Zubaer Hosen transitioned into academia and research roles that allowed him to further his interests in environmental remediation and public health. He served as a lecturer at the Department of Food and Nutritional Science, Henry Institute of Bioscience and Technology, University of Rajshahi. His role as a research assistant and later as a lecturer enabled him to delve deeper into experimental and field research, contributing significantly to the understanding of nutrition and environmental health interactions. His experience includes extensive work with molecular biological experiments, biochemical tests, and nutritional assessments, vital for his research in environmental health science.

Contributions and Research Focus On Food and agriculture

Mr. Md. Zubaer Hosen’s research has predominantly focused on the intersection of environmental factors and public health, particularly through the lens of nutrition and toxicology. His notable works include studies on the impact of arsenic exposure on health markers and nutrient content in food substances and their antidiabetic effects. His publications in reputable journals such as Environment International and Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology highlight his contributions to understanding how environmental toxins affect human health and how dietary adjustments can mitigate these effects. This research is crucial for developing evidence-based interventions to improve public health standards in regions affected by environmental toxins.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Md. Zubaer Hosen has been recognized for his scholarly excellence and research impact. He received the Clay Mineral Society (CMS) Research Grant Award in 2023 for his work in clay research, reflecting his innovative approach to environmental remediation. Earlier, in 2019, he was honored with the University Grand Commission (UGC) Award for his contributions to food safety research. These accolades not only affirm his research capabilities but also his role as a leading figure in environmental and food safety research.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Md. Zubaer Hosen's work significantly impacts public health policies and practices, particularly in countries grappling with environmental challenges. His research provides a scientific basis for policy-making, particularly in the fields of nutrition and environmental safety, thus influencing broader health outcomes. His work on arsenic exposure and its health impacts, for example, provides crucial data that can influence drinking water standards and public health advisories.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a PhD student at The University of Newcastle, Australia, Md. Zubaer Hosen is poised to further his research on environmental remediation. His ongoing and future work is expected to continue shaping the fields of environmental health and nutrition. Through his academic and professional endeavors, he aims to establish a legacy of contributing practical solutions to global environmental challenges. His forward-looking research is likely to expand the boundaries of environmental health science, ensuring safer and healthier communities worldwide.

In conclusion, Md. Zubaer Hosen's academic and professional trajectory illustrates a deep commitment to enhancing public health through environmental and nutritional research. His scholarly work, combined with his dedication to teaching and community service, positions him as a pivotal figure in his field, whose future contributions are eagerly anticipated.

Citations

A total of 131 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.