Humberto Morris | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Lifetime achievement Award

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Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Lifetime achievement Award

Director of Science, innovation and Postgraduate Studies at Center for Industrial Biotechnology Studies (CEBI), Oriente University, Cuba 

Prof. Dr. Humberto  Morris Quevedo is a renowned Cuban biotechnologist and professor with over three decades of impactful scientific contribution. Currently serving as the Director of Science, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies at CEBI, Universidad de Oriented, he is a leading expert in biotechnology, immuno nutrition, and natural product research. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and the title of Professor Titular, he combines academic leadership with hands-on research. As an active member of several scientific societies and editorial boards, he has played a critical role in shaping Cuba’s biotechnological development. His dynamic presence extends across global academic platforms including Web of Science, Scopus, ORCID, and ResearchGate . Dr. Morris is deeply committed to scientific innovation, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris holds a Licenciatura in Biochemistry  , earning the prestigious “Título de Oro” . He further completed a Master’s in Nutritional Biochemistry  and achieved his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Universidad de Oriented , where he researched immuno nutritional properties of Chlorella vulgaris algae . His academic journey reflects a consistent dedication to applied biochemistry and biotechnology. He earned an international specialization in Molecular Bases of Obesity from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha in Spain , strengthening his expertise in health-oriented molecular science . His education spans multiple disciplines, combining biological research with nutritional, pharmaceutical, and clinical perspectives, making him a uniquely qualified leader in scientific innovation .

Experience

Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris began his scientific career at the Center for Solar Energy Research.  He has been based at CEBI, Universidad de Oriented, holding leadership roles such as General Director and now Director of Science and Innovation . He has served on numerous academic committees, councils, and national accreditation boards. With experience spanning more than  years, his roles have included consultant, coordinator, editorial board member, and university professor . He’s actively involved in postgraduate education, mentoring master’s and doctoral programs, and contributing to national science strategies. His expertise ranges from research administration to scientific mentoring, making him a vital figure in Cuban science and education .

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris research spans a diverse array of biotechnological fields. His current focus includes the development of bio-based pharmaceutical products , functional foods, and nutraceuticals , as well as applied immunology and immuno nutrition . He is also engaged in complementary medicine, natural product pharmacology, and mushroom biotechnology . He coordinates the institutional research line “Development of Biotechnological Products, Goods, and Services,” reflecting his leadership in innovation and health technology . Additionally, he contributes to science education and the didactics of natural sciences . His interdisciplinary approach blends health, nutrition, and technology to address public health and sustainable development goals .

Award and  Honor

Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. His undergraduate studies concluded with the Título de Oro , awarded to top graduates in Cuba. He holds the prestigious ranks of Professor Titular and Investigator Titular, reflecting national recognition of his academic and scientific excellence . He has served as a consultant for the Havana International Center (CIH), a national expert evaluator for academic programs, and reviewer/editor for top scientific journals worldwide . His leadership has been instrumental in the accreditation of programs and the advancement of national science policy. With memberships in esteemed societies and editorial boards, Dr. Morris continues to receive national and international acknowledgment for his contributions to education, research, and innovation .

Research Skill

Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris possesses high-level expertise in nutritional biochemistry, biopharmaceutical development, applied immunology, and functional food formulation . His laboratory skills include protein hydrolysate production, molecular analysis, and microbial bioprocessing . He is proficient in managing multidisciplinary projects, supervising graduate research, and designing health-related biotechnology innovations . Skilled in scientific writing, peer review, and research methodology, he also excels in mentoring young researchers and leading academic collaborations . His work integrates biotechnology, nutrition, and natural medicine, making him a pioneer in functional food and immuno nutrition research . His deep understanding of health-oriented bioproducts and strong communication skills help translate complex science into real-world applications .

Publication Top Notes

Title: Utilisation of Chlorella vulgaris cell biomass for the production of enzymatic protein hydrolysates
Authors: HJ Morris, A Almarales, O Carrillo, RC Bermúdez
Year: 2008
Citations: 172

Title: Immunostimulant activity of an enzymatic protein hydrolysate from green microalga Chlorella vulgaris on undernourished mice
Authors: HJ Morris, O Carrillo, A Almarales, RC Bermúdez, Y Lebeque, R Fontaine, et al.
Year: 2007
Citations: 140

Title: Antioxidants in plants: A valorization potential emphasizing the need for the conservation of plant biodiversity in Cuba
Authors: G Llauradó Maury, D Méndez Rodríguez, S Hendrix, JC Escalona Arranz, et al.
Year: 2020
Citations: 134

Title: Tratamiento de efluentes industriales coloreados con Pleurotus spp
Authors: S Rodríguez, M Fernández, RC Bermúdez, H Morris
Year: 2003
Citations: 103

Title: Wild plants, mushrooms and nuts: functional food properties and applications
Authors: ICFR Ferreira, P Morales, L Barros
Year: 2017
Citations: 79

Title: Infecciones nosocomiales: incidencia de la Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Y Lebeque Pérez, HJ Morris Quevedo, N Calás Viamonte
Year: 2006
Citations: 78

Title: Protein hydrolysates from the alga Chlorella vulgaris 87/1 with potentialities in immunonutrition
Authors: HJ Morris, OV Carrillo, Á Almarales, RC Bermúdez, ME Alonso, L Borges, et al.
Year: 2009
Citations: 69

Title: Chemical constituents of Tamarindus indica L. leaves
Authors: JC Escalona-Arranz, R Pérez-Rosés, IL Jiménez, J Rodríguez-Amado, …
Year: 2010
Citations: 49

Title: Mycelia from Pleurotus sp. (oyster mushroom): a new wave of antimicrobials, anticancer and antioxidant bio-ingredients
Authors: HJ Morris, Y Beltrán, G Llauradó, PL Batista, IG Perraud, N García, …
Year: 2017
Citations: 44

Title: Influencia de la luz en la calidad proteica de Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida
Authors: RCB Savón, HJM Quevedo, CD Fernández, CEM Manrique, EIR Sevilla
Year: 2003
Citations: 43

Title: The use of mushrooms in the development of functional foods, drugs, and nutraceuticals
Authors: HJ Morris, G Llauradó, Y Beltrán, Y Lebeque, RC Bermúdez, N García, …
Year: 2016
Citations: 40

Title: Efecto de la luz en la concentración de micosteroles de Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida
Authors: RC Bermudez, C Donoso, CE Martinez, EI Ramos, HJ Morris
Year: 2002
Citations: 37

Title: In-vitro antimicrobial activity and complement/macrophage stimulating effects of a hot-water extract from mycelium of the oyster mushroom Pleurotus sp.
Authors: G Llauradó, HJ Morris, L Ferrera, M Camacho, L Castán, Y Lebeque, …
Year: 2015
Citations: 36

Title: Contenido de fenoles totales en extractos de Pleurotus obtenidos con solventes de diferente polaridad
Authors: Y Beltrán Delgado, HJ Morris Quevedo, ER de la Cruz, …
Year: 2013
Citations: 36

Title: Adyuvantes inmunológicos
Authors: HJ Morris Quevedo, C Martínez Manrique, RT Abdala Díaz, …
Year: 1999
Citations: 36

Title: Phytochemical screening and effects on cell-mediated immune response of Pleurotus fruiting bodies powder
Authors: G. Llauradó, H.J. Morris, Y. Lebeque, A. Gutiérrez, R. Fontaine, …
Journal: Food and Agricultural Immunology
Year: 2013
Citations: 34

Title: Immunomodulating effects of hot-water extract from Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium on cyclophosphamide treated mice
Authors: H.J. Morris, J. Marcos, G. Llauradó, R. Fontaine, V. Tamayo, N. García, …
Journal: Micologia Aplicada International
Year: 2003
Citations: 33

Title: Antioxidant and toxicological evaluation of a Tamarindus indica L. leaf fluid extract
Authors: J.C. Escalona-Arranz, R. Perez-Rosés, J. Rodríguez-Amado, …
Journal: Natural Product Research
Year: 2016
Citations: 30

Title: Composición micoquímica y actividad antioxidante de la seta Pleurotus ostreatus en diferentes estados de crecimiento
Authors: Y. Beltrán Delgado, H. Morris Quevedo, O.D. Domínguez, …
Journal: Acta Biológica Colombiana
Year: 2021
Citations: 28

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Humberto Morris exemplifies the qualities of a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has demonstrated enduring commitment to scientific innovation, institutional leadership, and translational biotechnology. His contributions have significantly advanced both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in food and health sciences.

Dr. Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage | Agricultural Award | Excellence in Research

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Dr. Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage | Agricultural Award | Excellence in Research 

Dr. Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Sri Lanka Technology Campus, Sri Lanka

Dr. R.M.S.M.B. Rathnayaka is a Sri Lankan agricultural scientist and academic specializing in crop science, bioresource science, and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. from Shinshu University, Japan, in 2021, following an M.Sc. in Bioresource Science from the same institution and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. With extensive experience in research and academia, he has held roles as a research assistant, teaching assistant, and advisor in floriculture, landscaping, and medicinal plant projects. Currently, he serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Science at SLTC Research University, where he also leads the Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Research Center (SEARC). His expertise spans agricultural research, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, contributing to international projects such as DIGITAsia under the Erasmus+ Programme.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SCOPUS

Suitability for Excellence in Research

Dr. R.M.S.M.B. Rathnayaka is a highly qualified researcher with a strong academic background, including a Ph.D. and M.Sc. from Shinshu University, Japan, and a B.Sc. from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. His expertise in agricultural sciences, particularly in plant physiology, stress tolerance, and sustainable farming, is evident through his numerous research publications in high-impact journals. His work on Capsicum spp., organic fertilizers, and climate resilience in agriculture demonstrates his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. Given his extensive research contributions, leadership roles, and international collaborations, he is a suitable candidate for Excellence in Research recognition.

🎓 Educational Qualifications

📌 Ph.D. – Graduate School of Medicine, Science, and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Japan (2021)
📌 M.Sc. (Bioresource Science) – Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Japan (2018)
📌 B.Sc. (Agric. Hons, Specializing in Crop Science) – University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2010)
📌 GCE A/L – St. Thomas’s College, Matara (2005)

💼 Work Experience

🌿 Floriculture and Landscaping Advisor – Ruhuna Business Incubator (Pvt.) Ltd. (2009 – 2010)
🌱 Research Assistant – Medicinal Plant Project, University of Ruhuna (2010 – 2011)
🧪 Department Research Assistant & Research Partner (Tissue Culture Lab) – University of Ruhuna (2011 – 2012)
🏫 Academic Sub Warden – Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna (2011 – 2012)
🔬 Assistant Manager (Agricultural Research) – Link Natural Products (PVT) Ltd, Colombo (2012 – 2015)
📚 Teaching Assistant – Shinshu University, Japan (2016 – 2018)
🔍 Research Assistant – Shinshu University, Japan (2018 – 2021)
👨‍🏫 Senior Lecturer (Gr II) – School of Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SLTC Research University (2022 – 2024)
🌍 Researcher –
🔹 Improving Access to Science and Technology Higher Education (TEAL 2.0 Project) (2023)
🔹 Project DIGITAsia (Co-funded by Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union) (2025 – Present)
🌿 Center Lead – Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Research Center (SEARC), SLTC Research University (2022 – Present)
🎓 Senior Student Counselor – SLTC Research University (2023 – Present)
📖 Senior Lecturer (Gr I), Department of Agricultural Science – SLTC Research University (2024 – Present)

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

💻 Diploma in Computer Science – Golden Key Institute, Matara (2009)
📜 Certificate in English for Employment – University of Ruhuna, Matara (2008)
🎼 Initial Grade in Solo Piano – Trinity College London, Matara (1998)
🎶 Music Theory Grade I (Distinction) – Trinity College London, Colombo (1998)
🇯🇵 Proficiency in Japanese – Nagano International Culture College, Japan (2016)

Publication Top Notes:

Relationship between water supply and sugar and Capsaicinoids contents in fruit of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

CITED:14

Drought stress induced an increase in the pungency and expression of capsaicinoid biosynthesis genes in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

CITED:12

Relationship between salinity stress and the contents of sugar, glutamic acid and capsaicinoids in the fruit of chili pepper (Capsicum spp.)

CITED:9

Collaborative exploration of plant genetic resources in northern Cambodia, 2018

CITED:8

Relationship between the soluble solids metric Brix and other traits in Capsicum peppers

CITED:3

Mr Stephen Prah | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Stephen Prah | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Teaching Assistant at North Carolina A&T State University , United States

Stephen Prah is a passionate researcher and educator specializing in agribusiness and applied economics. Currently pursuing a PhD at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, he has garnered extensive experience in teaching, research, and project management across multiple continents. With a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development, Stephen aims to leverage his skills in data analysis and policy evaluation to enhance food security and agricultural practices.

Profile

google scholar

Education

Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (First Class Honours) and a Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. He is currently working towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, with an expected completion date in 2028. He has also completed various certifications, including a Certificate in First Aid from the Technical University of Berlin.

Experience

Stephen has served in various academic and research roles, including as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a Graduate Research Assistant at KNUST. His practical experience includes project management roles at Holland Greentech Company Limited, where he successfully trained over 1,000 farmers in sustainable horticulture practices. He has also been involved in numerous community projects focused on renewable energy and agricultural innovation.

Professional Experience

  • Regional Operations Manager (2023)
    Holland Greentech Company Limited, Ghana

    • Developed sales strategies and maintained customer relations.
  • Agronomist (2021-2022)
    Holland Greentech Company Limited, Ghana

    • Conducted training for farmers on sustainable practices.

Awards

Stephen has received several accolades for his academic and professional contributions, including the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Award at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Award for a fully funded internship in Germany. He was also honored with the Best Graduate Student Award from the International Association of Agriculture Students (IAAS) at KNUST in 2023.

Publication Top Notes : Agricultural Economics

  • Hand pollination, mass spraying, and hybrid seedlings: Examines how these technologies influence the welfare of smallholder cocoa farmers, highlighting both economic and social impacts.
  • Impact of women groundnut farmers’ participation in VSLA: Investigates how involvement in Village Savings and Loans Associations enhances financial security and empowerment among women farmers in Northern Ghana.
  • Agricultural policy intervention on maize farmers: Analyzes the effects of the Planting for Food and Jobs program on yield and profitability, providing insights into policy effectiveness.
  • Gender differences in rice value chain: Explores how gender influences trait preferences among stakeholders in Ghana’s rice sector, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches.
  • Adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies: Identifies determinants affecting farmers’ adoption of technologies and their subsequent impact on maize yields and income.
  • Input credit scheme and food security: Evaluates the relationship between credit access, farm productivity, and food security among smallholder rice farmers in Northeast Ghana.
  • Access to resources in rice-breeding activities: Investigates the role of gender in resource access and participation in rice-breeding, suggesting avenues for enhancing women’s involvement.
  • Promoting climate-smart technologies using digital services: Discusses the role of digital advisory services in encouraging the adoption of climate-smart practices among maize farmers.
  • Cocoa hand pollination and farmer welfare: Assesses whether adopting cocoa hand pollination practices improves farmers’ welfare, offering evidence from smallholders.
  • Drivers of agricultural land shift to mining: Explores factors leading farmers to shift from crop production to mining, highlighting challenges to sustainable agriculture in Ghana.