Omid Raja | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Omid Raja | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Researcher | Agricultural Engineering Research Institute | Iran

Dr. Omid Raja is a researcher at the University of Tehran specializing in water resources management, agricultural water management, irrigation and drainage, hydrological modeling, and evapotranspiration processes. His work addresses some of Iran’s most critical water challenges through integrated, science-based approaches that support sustainable water use, agricultural productivity, and basin-scale environmental restoration.Dr. Raja has authored and co-authored more than a dozen scientific publications, collectively accumulating over 135 citations, with an h-index of 4 and i10-index of 2, reflecting the growing influence of his contributions. His research spans remote sensing applications, coupled surface–groundwater modeling, sustainability assessment, and innovative irrigation strategies. Among his most impactful works is the highly cited paper “40-years of Lake Urmia restoration research: Review, synthesis and next steps,” published in Science of the Total Environment, which provides an integrated overview of four decades of scientific and policy efforts aimed at restoring one of the Middle East’s most endangered water bodies. This publication alone has received more than 80 citations, highlighting its significance to both regional and global water sustainability discourse.A key aspect of Dr. Raja’s expertise lies in the calibration and application of hydrological models such as SWAT, MODFLOW, and integrated SWAT-MODFLOW-NWT systems. His research on the Mahabad Plain has advanced understanding of basin water balance, surface–groundwater interactions, and conjunctive water use, offering practical frameworks for regional water management. Additionally, his work on cost-effective strategies for improving crop water productivity and evaluating rainfall zoning supports evidence-based agricultural planning in water-limited environments.Dr. Raja collaborates extensively with leading scientists from the University of Tehran and other national and international institutions, contributing to interdisciplinary efforts that link hydrology, agronomy, and environmental management. His research outputs provide valuable insights for policymakers, water authorities, and agricultural stakeholders, helping guide sustainable water allocation, irrigation modernization, and climate-resilient agricultural development.Through rigorous research, strategic collaborations, and commitment to solving real-world water challenges, Dr. Omid Raja continues to play a meaningful role in advancing sustainable water and agricultural systems within Iran and beyond.

Profile : Googlescholar

Featured Publications

1.Parsinejad, M., Rosenberg, D. E., Ghale, Y. A. G., Khazaei, B., Null, S. E., Raja, O., … (2022). 40-years of Lake Urmia restoration research: Review, synthesis and next steps. Science of the Total Environment, 832, 155055.
Cited By : 84

2.Parsinejad, M., Raja, O., & Chehrenegar, B. (2022). Practical analysis of remote sensing estimations of water use for major crops throughout the Urmia Lake basin. Agricultural Water Management, 260, 107232. Cited By : 13

3.Raja, O., Parsinejad, M., & Tajrishy, M. (2022). Multipurpose calibration of SWAT model in estimating runoff, evapotranspiration, and crop yield (A case study: Mahabad Plain). Iran-Water Resources Research, 17(4), 11–34.
Cited By : 6

4.Raja, O., Parsinejad, M., Sohrabi, T., & Ahmadaali, K. (2019). Status investigation of the Marvdasht–Kharameh water resources using sustainability analysis indicators. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 50(4), 897–909. Cited By : 6

5.Raja, O., & Parsinejad, M. (2023). Cost-effective strategies to improve crop water productivity—Case study: Bakhtegan and Maharloo, Iran. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 20(1), 883–894. Cited By: 4

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

Dr. Mukesh | Soil Pathogens | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mukesh | Soil Pathogens | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Mukesh, ICAR – IIWBR, India

Mukesh is a dedicated plant pathologist currently serving as a Young Professional-II at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Flowerdale (Shimla), Himachal Pradesh, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture (Plant Pathology) from Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, where his research focused on the etiology and management of wilt disease in pomegranate. With extensive research experience in plant pathology, Mukesh has worked on disease monitoring, pathogen identification, and sustainable disease management strategies. His expertise includes molecular diversity analysis, nematode disease identification, and chemical and biocontrol resource testing. He has actively engaged with farmers to address plant disease issues in apple orchards, organizing awareness programs and training sessions. Mukesh has presented his research at national and international conferences and has contributed to symposiums on plant health management. His current research focuses on wheat rust disease gene postulation and identifying new resistant genes, furthering his commitment to agricultural disease management and food security.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Mukesh has demonstrated outstanding research capabilities in plant pathology, focusing on critical agricultural diseases affecting horticultural crops, particularly pomegranate. His extensive fieldwork, farmer engagement, and innovative disease management strategies highlight his significant contributions to sustainable agriculture. His work on pathogen identification, nematode infestations, and biocontrol solutions, along with participation in national and international conferences, showcases his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Given his expertise, hands-on experience, and commitment to solving real-world agricultural challenges, Mukesh is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

📚 Education:

🎓 Ph.D. (Agriculture) in Plant Pathology

  • Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
  • Thesis: “Etiology and Management of Wilt Disease of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)”
  • GPA: 7.1/10.0 (March 2023)

🎓 M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Plant Pathology

  • Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
  • Thesis: “Studies on Cercospora Leaf and Fruit Spot Disease of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)”
  • GPA: 7.3/10.0 (Dec 2017)

🎓 B.Sc. in Horticulture

  • College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
  • GPA: 7.6/10.0 (June 2015)

💼 Work Experience:

🔬 Senior Research Fellow (May 2, 2022 – Oct 31, 2024)

  • Project: Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project (Pest Surveillance/Forewarning System)
  • Organization: Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India

🌾 Young Professional-II (From Feb 17, 2025)

  • Project: Wheat rust disease gene postulation and identification of new resistant genes
  • Organization: ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal (Haryana), Regional Station, Flowerdale (Shimla), Himachal Pradesh, India

🏆 Achievements & Contributions:

🌱 Farmer Engagement & Education: Conducted training sessions and awareness programs on pest and disease management in apple orchards across Kullu district.

🔍 Plant Disease Monitoring: Led field surveys, collected soil and plant samples, and diagnosed diseases using cultural, morphological, and molecular techniques.

🦠 Pathogen Identification & Research: Identified and submitted novel pathogen isolates to NCBI GenBank.

🧬 Nematode Disease Diagnosis: Diagnosed root-knot nematode infestations and analyzed larval morphology for accurate identification.

🧪 Chemical & Biocontrol Testing: Evaluated fungicides, nematicides, biocontrol agents, and organic amendments under lab, pot, and field conditions.

📊 Data Analysis & Interpretation: Used OPSTAT and RStudio for statistical analysis of experimental data.

🎖️ Awards & Honors:

Conference & Symposium Presentations:

  • International Conference (CSATEH-2024, Nainital): Presented research on fungicide efficacy against pomegranate wilt disease.
  • National Symposium (2018, Nauni, Solan): Developed a specialized culture medium for rapid isolation of Cercospora punicae.
  • IPS North Zone Meet (2024, Palampur): Identified Fusarium spp. complex in wilt-infected pomegranate plants.

📜 Workshops & Training:

  • Participated in workshops on plant pathology advancements and entrepreneur development for ripening chambers.

Publication Top Notes:

Understanding the dynamics of Meloidogyne incognita infestation in pomegranate orchards of Himachal Pradesh, India (year 2018, 2019 and 2021) and its management strategies