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

Author Profile

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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

 

Ayan Paul | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ayan Paul | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | India

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Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Ayan Paul commenced his academic journey with a Bachelor's in Agricultural Engineering from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, where he displayed exceptional prowess with a CGPA of 8.323. His early education at Air Force School Agra, securing a remarkable 95.20%, laid the foundation for his future academic endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his academic career, Ayan delved into various practical experiences, including internships at prestigious institutions like CLAAS India Private Ltd., ICAR- Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, and Odisha Farm Machinery Research and Development Centre. These experiences honed his skills in agricultural machinery design, operation, maintenance, and research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ayan's M.Tech project on designing an Adjustable Chassis for a Track Type Combine Harvester stands as a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of farm machinery and power. His B.Tech project, focusing on the field evaluation of Tractor Drawn Groundnut Digger Shaker, showcases his commitment to advancing agricultural practices through innovative solutions.

Accolades and Recognition

Ayan's academic excellence was acknowledged with notable achievements such as securing All India Rank 14 in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE 2020) and securing All India Rank 64 in ICAR's All India Entrance Examination for Agriculture (AIEEA- UG 2016). These accolades underscore his outstanding capabilities and dedication to his field.

Impact and Influence

Ayan's contributions extend beyond academic achievements, as evidenced by his participation in skill development courses and entrepreneurship programs. His endeavors in remote sensing, GIS in agriculture, food packaging technology, and entrepreneurship development reflect his holistic approach to agricultural engineering and his potential to drive positive change in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With a solid foundation in agricultural engineering, coupled with practical experiences and academic achievements, Ayan Paul is poised to make significant contributions to the field. His focus on innovation and research promises to bring about advancements in farm machinery design, agricultural technology, and sustainable farming practices, leaving a lasting legacy in agricultural engineering and beyond.

Notable Publications

Smart solutions for capsicum Harvesting: Unleashing the power of YOLO for Detection, Segmentation, growth stage Classification, Counting, and real-time mobile identification 2024

Utilizing Fine-Tuned YOLOv8 Deep Learning Model for Greenhouse Capsicum Detection and Growth Stage Determination 2023 (1)

 

Tadele Buraka | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Assist Prof Dr. Tadele Buraka | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member 

Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Tadele Buraka Bushasha embarked on a journey of academic excellence, earning a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Addis Ababa University. His educational journey also includes an MSc in Soil Science from Hawassa University, an MBA in Business Administration from Ashland University, and a BSc with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics from Dilla University.

Professional Endeavors

With a career spanning over 18 years and 5 months, Dr. Tadele has made significant contributions to academia and administrative roles. He serves as an Associate Professor and Researcher, specializing in soil science, at both Wolaita Sodo and Wachemo Universities. Additionally, he held leadership positions such as Vice President, Dean of Administrative Affairs, and Coordinator for Educational Quality Assurance.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tadele's contributions extend beyond academia. As Vice President and Coordinator, he played a pivotal role in strengthening industry-university linkages, facilitating quality education, and coordinating agricultural production and market activities. His research interests cover a wide spectrum, including haricot bean, faba bean, soil agricultural potential, and groundwater potential.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Tadele's dedication is recognized through numerous achievements, including his role as a member of the House of the Federation, SNNP Regional Council, and Kembata Tembaro Zonal Council. He has actively contributed to policy analysis, constitution interpretation, and the evaluation of government plans.

Impact and Influence

His influence extends to various committees, task forces, and leadership roles, shaping educational policies and reforms. Dr. Tadele's commitment to nutrition-sensitive agriculture has left a lasting impact on the communities within the university's catchment area.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tadele's legacy is marked by his commitment to quality education, research, and community service. His leadership roles, research publications, and participation in national and international soil science societies exemplify his dedication. Looking forward, he continues to contribute to agricultural, educational, and environmental areas, armed with skills in computer applications, leadership, and communicative English.

Notable Publications

Effects of land-use-cover-changes on selected soil physicochemical properties along slope position, Coka watershed, Southern Ethiopia 2023 (3)

Soil organic carbon and its' stock potential in different land-use types along slope position in Coka watershed, Southern Ethiopia 2022 (7) 

Assessment of soil erosion risks in response to land-use and land-cover changes in Coka watershed, Southern Ethiopia 2022 (12)