Moises Ascencio | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Moises Ascencio | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Agrarian Innovation | Peru

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Mr. Ascencio’s educational background reflects his commitment to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. He has pursued specialized training in geographic information systems (GIS), photogrammetry, and workplace safety, equipping him with the technical skills essential for his research and professional endeavors. Complementary certifications in advanced digital image processing and atmospheric corrections further demonstrate his dedication to mastering tools that support environmental analysis.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Throughout his career, Mr. Ascencio has undertaken diverse roles that highlight his versatility and expertise:

  • Research Assistant at INIA (2023-2024): He conducted vegetation cover analysis in the Neshuya district, focusing on rainfall, soil, and topography. His work contributed to sustainable land use and water investment projects.
  • GIS Analyst at IZARE (2022-2023): Mr. Ascencio utilized QGIS and ArcGIS to manage urban and landscape data, perform area classification, and facilitate territorial analysis.
  • Project Facilitator at Yanapaqui Corporation (2022): He spearheaded socio-environmental and urban reforestation projects, demonstrating his ability to integrate technical knowledge with community engagement.
  • Service Provider at Reforesta Peru S.A.C. (2022): His responsibilities included forest conservation, drone operations, and the restoration of degraded lands, reflecting his commitment to preserving biodiversity.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌿

Mr. Ascencio’s work emphasizes sustainable land management and conservation. His notable contributions include:

  • Publishing a groundbreaking article in Geosciences on soil erosion using RUSLE analysis in the Peruvian Amazon.
  • Leading baseline studies for restoration projects, combining GIS technology and practical forestry techniques.
  • Developing vegetation cover models and soil analysis methods that inform sustainable urban planning.

These projects showcase his ability to apply scientific methods to address pressing environmental issues, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Mr. Ascencio’s dedication to his field has earned him several accolades, including:

  • First Place in Innovation Recognition for Conservation and Sustainability (2024): This award underscores his expertise in using data and technology to drive impactful conservation strategies.
  • Membership in respected organizations like the Forest Plantation Research Circle (CIPLAN) and editorial roles in forestry-focused journals demonstrate his influence and thought leadership within the environmental sector.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Mr. Ascencio’s work has had a transformative impact on both urban and rural landscapes. His research has provided actionable insights into soil and vegetation management, while his contributions to urban greening projects have improved ecological and community well-being. By leveraging advanced GIS tools and sustainable forestry practices, he has set a benchmark for innovative environmental solutions in Peru.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

With a strong foundation in research and hands-on experience, Mr. Ascencio is poised to make lasting contributions to environmental science. His expertise in GIS and conservation, coupled with a passion for sustainable development, positions him as a driving force in addressing global environmental challenges. As he continues his journey, his work will undoubtedly inspire future advancements in forestry, land restoration, and urban sustainability.

 

Publications


📝 Impacts of Land Use on Soil Erosion: RUSLE Analysis in a Sub-Basin of the Peruvian Amazon (2016–2022)
 Author(s): Moises Leonardo Ascencio Sanchez, Cesar Franco Padilla Castro, Christian Alonso Riveros Lizana, Rosa María Hermoza-Espezúa, Dayan Atalluz-Ganoza, Richard Andi Solórzano Acosta
 Journal: Geosciences
 Year: 2025


 

Uwingabire Solange | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Uwingabire Solange | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sokoine University of Agriculture |Rwanda

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Uwingabire Solange embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Soil Science and Environment Management in 2012. Her early education laid a strong foundation in environmental studies, particularly focused on soil science. Driven by her passion, she continued to pursue a Master’s degree in Soil Sciences and Land Management in 2016. Her dedication culminated in a PhD in Forest Sciences in 2024, with her research focused on sustainable bioenergy and soil fertility within Rwanda's agroecological zones.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Uwingabire’s career began as a young professional in Rwanda’s MINAGRI-KWAMP watershed initiative in 2014, then expanded to include roles such as a GIS trainer at the Rwanda Institute of Management and a senior technical advisor for B&S Europe. Between 2017 and 2020, she served as a research assistant in a laboratory specializing in soil and plant sciences, further honing her expertise in agroforestry. Her current work as a PhD researcher investigates agroforestry solutions to improve soil fertility and bioenergy sustainability in Rwanda, directly impacting local agricultural practices.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Uwingabire’s research has produced numerous publications focused on soil health, biochar applications, and agroforestry. Her recent work explores how biochar and biochar-blended manure influence French bean yields and soil nutrients, highlighting the positive impacts on soil and agricultural productivity. Additionally, her studies on smallholder biochar use for cooking and bioenergy systems reflect her commitment to integrating sustainable practices within sub-Saharan agricultural systems, helping secure food and energy resources in rural communities.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Uwingabire has gained acknowledgment from international academic and scientific organizations. She has presented her research at prominent conferences, including the DevRes 2024 in Sweden and the NM-AIST International Scientific Conference. Her memberships with esteemed bodies such as the International Biochar Initiative and the African Forest Forum further recognize her leadership and dedication to advancing forestry and soil sciences in Rwanda and beyond.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Uwingabire’s work has made a significant impact on soil science and agroforestry practices in Rwanda, particularly through her studies on biochar and sustainable land management. Her expertise has shaped important projects, including environmental assessments and soil management consultations for tea production. As a member of the Rwanda Women in Science Forum and the International Society of Tropical Foresters, she inspires fellow scientists, especially women, and promotes sustainable practices within the scientific community.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With her continued dedication to research and sustainable land management, Dr. Uwingabire is set to further influence agroforestry, bioenergy, and environmental management. Her ongoing contributions to soil health and sustainable farming practices will likely leave a lasting legacy, strengthening food security and environmental resilience in Rwanda and similar regions in Africa. Dr. Uwingabire remains a beacon of scientific innovation, committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the challenges facing rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Publications


📄 French Bean Production as Influenced by Biochar and Biochar Blended Manure Application in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Rwanda

  • Authors: Uwingabire, S.; Chamshama, S.A.O.; Nduwamungu, J.; Nyberg, G.
  • Journal: Agronomy
  • Year: 2024

📄 Gasifier Use for Cooking and Biochar Production by Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda

  • Authors: Uwingabire, S.; Chamshama, S. A. O.; Nyberg, G.; Nduwamungu, J.
  • Journal: Biofuels
  • Year: 2024

 

 

Patrick Duncan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Patrick Duncan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Lifetime Achievement Award

France’s National Centre for Scientific Research | United Kingdom

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Patrick Duncan's academic journey began with a degree in Zoology from Oxford University, completed in 1970. This foundational training led him to Nairobi University, where he pursued a Ph.D. focusing on the ecology of the antelope Damaliscus lunatus in the Serengeti and Lamu-Garissa District. His early studies in Africa laid the groundwork for his lifelong passion for understanding and conserving ecosystems, particularly herbivore-plant interactions and ungulate behavior.

Professional Endeavors 🌱

In 1985, Dr. Duncan took on the role of director at the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat in the Camargue, France, where he worked until 1990. Afterward, he joined the CNRS (France’s National Centre for Scientific Research) as a Directeur de recherche, progressing to a DR1 position and later becoming an Emeritus Research Director from 2013 to 2018. His professional path includes significant administrative roles, such as directing the CNRS Chizé Laboratory from 1999 to 2006, and serving as Biodiversity Officer at the Ministère de la Recherche (2007-2010). During this period, he contributed to the negotiations leading up to the UN's decision to create the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services).

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Duncan’s research is centered on herbivore-plant interactions and the sustainable management of diverse ecosystems in Europe and Africa. His work spans the conservation and sustainable use of forests, wetlands, and savannas. His specific interests include exploring resource acquisition's impact on ungulate ecology and behavior, with studies focusing on species such as horses, zebras, and the European roe deer. With over 150 published works, including books, papers, and book chapters, his research has significantly contributed to the scientific understanding of these topics. His editorial involvement with the MDPI Journal Animals further demonstrates his commitment to disseminating ecological knowledge.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Duncan was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001. In 2018, he received the Ordre du Mérite Agricole, a prestigious honor that highlights his service to agriculture and environmental conservation. His leadership roles also include chairing the IUCN Equid Specialist Group from 1990 to 2000, where he led the first IUCN Equid Action Plan.

Impact and Influence 🌎

Dr. Duncan’s influence extends beyond his research, as he played a pivotal role in establishing the Fondation pour la Recherche sur la Biodiversité (FRB) in 2008. He served as its president from 2011 to 2014 and continues to impact biodiversity conservation as a member of various Scientific Councils, such as the Tour du Valat and the French Global Environment Facility (GEF). His advisory work for France’s Ministère de la Transition Ecologique et Sociale includes leading the Comité d'Experts pour la Gestion Adaptative, which provides guidance on hunting vulnerable bird species.

Legacy and Future Contributions 📜

As an emeritus researcher, Dr. Duncan continues to influence the fields of ecology and conservation. He has mentored numerous students, supervising over eight postdoctoral researchers, 20 doctoral candidates, and various other postgraduate students. His commitment to education includes organizing field courses in the Camargue and Chizé and serving on the Executive of the Tropical Biology Association. Dr. Duncan’s enduring legacy is not only marked by his scientific contributions but also by his dedication to training the next generation of ecologists, ensuring that his work in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem sustainability will continue to inspire and inform future researchers.

 

Recent Publication


📄  Population limitation of a non‐ruminant in a nutrient‐poor ecosystem—predation rather than food

  • Authors: Patrick Duncan, Marion Valeix, Andrew J. Loveridge, Sophie Grange, Florian Barnier, Hlengisizwe Ncube, Stéphanie Périquet, Camille Vitet, Zeke Davidson, Moreangels Mbizah, Daphine Madhlamoto, Hervé Fritz, Simon Chamaillé‐Jammes
  • Journal: African Journal of Ecology
  • Year: 2024

 

Olumayowa Iyanda | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Olumayowa Iyanda | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti | Nigeria

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Early Academic Pursuits

Olumayowa Iyanda embarked on a journey of academic excellence in the field of agriculture, starting with a Bachelor of Agriculture in Plant Physiology and Crop Production from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, in 2011. This laid the foundation for his keen interest in understanding the intricacies of plant physiology and crop productivity.

Professional Endeavors

His professional journey began as a Research Assistant at Rutesta Technologies in Lagos from 2014 to 2018. During this period, he actively contributed to weed management research by collecting, collating, and analyzing data. Simultaneously, he served as a Teaching Assistant (Demonstrator) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where he imparted practical knowledge in various agricultural courses.

Contributions and Research Focus

Olumayowa's research focuses on Crop Physiology, particularly the influence of integrated nutrient sources of nitrogen on the productivity of lowland rice varieties in the derived savannah ecology of Nigeria. His publications reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field, addressing topics such as growth and flowering response to water stress in marigold species and the response of lowland rice varieties to integrated nutrient management.

Accolades and Recognition

While pursuing his Ph.D. in Crop Physiology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olumayowa Iyanda received recognition for his impactful work. His dedication to exploring inventive approaches to critical agricultural issues garnered attention and accolades within the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Through his contributions to conferences and journals, Olumayowa has made a positive impact on the agricultural community. His work on the effects of combined nitrogen-nutrient sources on lowland rice straw yield, presented at the International Conference on Sustainable Dairy Production, showcases the practical applications of his research findings.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Olumayowa Iyanda envisions a post-doctorate position, his legacy lies in the knowledge he imparts and the solutions he seeks for real-world problems. His commitment to creating a positive influence on society through innovative approaches to crop physiology positions him as a promising researcher with the potential to contribute significantly to the agricultural landscape.

Notable Publications

Response of lowland rice varieties to integrated nutrient management in a derived Savannah agro- ecology 2023 (1)

Effect of Steeping Duration and Inoculum Concentration on Growth Promotion of Seedlings of Food Crops Primed in Cultures of Bacillus spp from Rhizosphere 2023

INFLUENCE OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT SOURCES OF NITROGEN ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF LOWLAND RICE VARIETIES IN A DERIVED SAVANNAH ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA  2023