Mmasechaba Lebogang Moropane l Environmental Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Mmasechaba Lebogang Moropane l Environmental Sciences | Research Excellence Award

 University of the Western Cape | South Africa

Ms. Mmasechaba Lebogang Moropane is a Doctoral Researcher in Environmental and Water Sciences at the University of the Western Cape with an MSc (Summa Cum Laude) and BSc Honours in the same field. Her education integrates remote sensing, hydrology, geospatial analysis, machine learning, and big data analytics. Professionally, she serves as an Earth Science Departmental Research Assistant, supporting teaching and contributing to peer-reviewed journals, policy-oriented reports, and international conferences. Her research interests focus on groundwater-dependent ecosystems, non-perennial rivers, land degradation, and food–water security in semi-arid regions, employing advanced satellite analytics, AI, and XAI. She has received recognition through high-impact publications, peer-review roles, and national and international research collaborations, positioning her as a promising early-career researcher with strong interdisciplinary impact.

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Featured Publications

International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 2026
Mmasechaba L. Moropane; Cletah Shoko; Timothy Dube; Dominic Mazvimavi

Rodney Tatenda Muringai | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rodney Tatenda Muringai | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Johannesburg | South Africa

Dr. Rodney Tatenda Muringai is a climate change and food security scholar with over six years of experience spanning teaching, postdoctoral research, and applied policy work. He holds a PhD, MSc, PGDip, and BSS from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with additional training in sustainability from Beijing Normal University. His professional experience includes roles as Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Ad Hoc Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Research Assistant, and Ecosystem Services Analyst. Dr. Rodney Tatenda Muringai’s research interests focus on climate change adaptation, fisheries and aquaculture, livelihoods, and socio-ecological resilience, supported by strong skills in policy analysis, GIS, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis. He has received NRF, SARChI, and LIMA awards and continues to contribute impactful, policy-relevant research that advances sustainable development in Africa.

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Featured Publications

Vulnerability of inland small-scale fishing communities to climate change and variability: Insights from the Zambezi River Basin, Zimbabwe

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu L. Mafongoya, Romano Lottering – Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2025
Living in the wild: The bidirectional impacts of human–wildlife interaction in Binga and Nyaminyami rural districts, Zimbabwe

Rodney T. Muringai, Walter Musakwa, Phindile Mthembu, Takafara Gozo – Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 2025
Sub-Saharan Africa freshwater fisheries under climate change: Impacts, adaptation, and mitigation measures

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu Mafongoya, Romano T. Lottering – Fishes, 2022
Climate change perceptions, impacts and adaptation strategies: Insights from fishers in the Zambezi River Basin, Zimbabwe

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu Mafongoya, Romano T. Lottering – Sustainability, 2022
Unlocking the potential of fish to improve food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu Mafongoya, Romano T. Lottering et al. – Sustainability, 2021

Habibullah Rezaei | Agricultural Economics | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Habibullah Rezaei | Agricultural Economics | Research Excellence Award

Samangan University | Afghanistan

Habibullah Rezaei is an Assistant Professor specializing in agricultural economics with a strong academic background in farm management and production economics. He has extensive experience in teaching, research, and applied economic analysis related to agricultural systems. His research interests include agricultural productivity, resource use efficiency, rural development, and food security, with a focus on sustainable agriculture. He has published in recognized international and regional journals and contributed to evidence-based agricultural policy discussions. His scholarly work and mentorship support capacity building in agriculture and economics, positioning him as a promising candidate for research excellence and best researcher recognition.

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Featured Publications


Assessing the efficiency of wheat producers in Dihdadi District

– Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies, 2023

Authors: H. Radmand; S.M. Akbai; J. Akbari; H. Rezaei


Evaluating Agricultural Sustainability in Afghanistan (Case Study: Nijrab District)

– Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability, 2024

Authors: H. Rezaei; A. Rezaee; H. Radmand; A.J. Safdary


Assessing the Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Agricultural Sustainability (Case Study: Rural Areas of Gorgan County)

– 2021

Authors: H. Rezaei; F.S.B. Abadi; A. Rezaee; R. Joolaie; A.A. Sarvestani


Analysing Technical, Pure Technical, Scale, and Economic Efficiency: A Case Study of Potato Producers in Khinjan District

– Potato Research, 2025

Authors: H. Radmand; H. Rezaei; R. Joolaie


Efficiency Analysis of Wheat Production in Baghlan Province: A Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Based Approach

– Discover Food, 2025

Authors: H. Radmand; F. Eshraghi; A. Keramatzadeh; H. Rezaei

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.

Tuyen Chan Kha – Agricultural Data Analysis – Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Tuyen Chan Kha - Agricultural Data Analysis - Best Researcher Award 

Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc Prof Dr. Tuyen Chan Kha commenced her academic journey with a Bachelor of Food Science and Technology from Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, graduating in 2003. Building upon this foundation, she pursued her Master of Philosophy and later her Ph.D. in Food Science at the University of Newcastle, Australia, completing them in 2009 and 2014, respectively. These formative years honed her expertise in food science and laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in academia and research.

Professional Endeavors

Assoc Prof Dr. Kha's professional journey reflects a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for advancing food science and technology. She began her career as an Assistant Lecturer at Nong Lam University in 2003 and progressively ascended the ranks to her current positions of Associate Professor, Vice Dean, and Head of the Department of Food Microbiology and Product Development.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Kha has not only imparted knowledge to her students but has also spearheaded numerous research projects aimed at addressing pressing issues in food safety, preservation, and processing. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom, with active involvement in international workshops and training courses, further enriching her expertise and fostering global collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Assoc Prof Dr. Kha's research interests span a wide array of topics within the realm of food science, with a primary focus on thermal processes, extraction of bioactive compounds, and encapsulation technologies. Her work encompasses both fundamental research and practical applications, aiming to enhance the quality, safety, and nutritional value of food products.

Through her leadership in various research projects, Dr. Kha has made significant strides in developing innovative technologies for food preservation, processing, and valorization of agricultural by-products. Her expertise in thermal processing, encapsulation, and extraction techniques has led to the development of novel solutions for enhancing food quality and extending shelf life.

Accolades and Recognition

Assoc Prof Dr. Kha's contributions to the field of food science have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally. Her prolific research output, including publications in esteemed journals and book chapters, underscores her standing as a respected authority in her field. Additionally, her active engagement in academic activities, including teaching, mentoring, and knowledge dissemination, has earned her accolades from peers and students alike.

Impact and Influence

Assoc Prof Dr. Kha's work has had a tangible impact on both academia and industry, with her research findings informing policy decisions and driving innovation in the food sector. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, she has facilitated the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world applications, ultimately benefitting society at large.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a trailblazer in the field of food science and technology, Dr. Kha's legacy is defined by her relentless pursuit of excellence and her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity. Looking ahead, she remains committed to pushing the boundaries of research, mentoring the next generation of scholars, and collaborating with stakeholders to address emerging challenges in food security and sustainability. Dr. Kha's visionary leadership and unwavering passion continue to inspire those around her, shaping the future trajectory of food science for generations to come.

Notable Publication