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

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:

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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

Dr Lanlan Li | Agriculture Economy | Best Researcher Award | 1170

Dr Lanlan Li | Agriculture Economy | Best Researcher Award

Post-doctoral at Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , China

Li Lanlan is a dedicated researcher in agricultural economy, specializing in biological breeding and the modern seed industry. With a PhD and extensive postdoctoral experience, Lanlan is committed to advancing the field through innovative research and practical applications.

Profile

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Education

Li Lanlan obtained a PhD in Agricultural Economics, focusing on the intersection of technology and sustainable agricultural practices. This academic foundation has shaped her research trajectory and expertise in the seed industry.

Experience

Currently, Lanlan is a postdoctoral researcher, where she collaborates on projects that assess the competitiveness and innovation dynamics within the agricultural sector. Her hands-on experience in the seed industry technology equips her to address contemporary challenges in agricultural productivity.

Research Interests

Lanlan’s research interests include:

  • Biological breeding techniques
  • Dynamics of the modern seed industry
  • Technology adoption in agribusiness
  • The impact of economic policies on agricultural innovation

Awards

Dr. Li has received significant funding for her research initiatives, including support from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, demonstrating her impact on food security strategies.

Publications:

Dr. Li has contributed to various journals with impactful research articles, including:

  1. Internal Drive or External Pull: Independent Innovation and Sustainable Growth of Chinese Agricultural Enterprises (Foods, 2024)
  2. Research on the Dynamic Evaluation of the Competitiveness of Listed Seed Enterprises in China (Agriculture, 2024)
  3. Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty on Agribusiness Technology Innovation: Evidence from 231 Listed Firms in China (Sustainability, 2023)
  4. Advancements in Seed Technology: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability (Agriculture, 2023)
  5. Biological Breeding Techniques and Their Impact on Crop Yields (Foods, 2023)
  6. Evaluating the Economic Viability of Organic Farming in China (Sustainability, 2023)
  7. The Role of Technology in Enhancing Food Security: A Case Study (Agriculture, 2022)
  8. Seed Industry Innovations: Challenges and Opportunities (Foods, 2022)

 

 

 

Mr Stephen Prah | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

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

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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.