Omid Raja | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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

Mr. Emmanuel Igwe | Agroecology Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Emmanuel Igwe | Agroecology Award | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Emmanuel Igwe, RUDN university, Russia

Emmanuel Igwe is a trained food policymaker with extensive knowledge of sustainable food systems, economic concepts, and leadership strategies through youth farmer involvement. He holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Ebonyi State University, a Mini-MBA from Lagos Business School, and a Master’s degree in Ecology from Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. With experience as a field instructor and data analyst at the National Root Crop Research Institute and an English instructor in Russia, he is passionate about agribusiness, data interpretation, and food policy formulation. Emmanuel is also a mentor for several international organizations, including the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and has held leadership roles in various youth and agricultural initiatives. Skilled in Microsoft Office, SPSS, and web development, he is a proactive and resourceful professional dedicated to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Emmanuel Igwe is a dedicated researcher and food policymaker with expertise in sustainable food systems, environmental monitoring, and agricultural economics. His work on heavy metal pollution, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions in sub-Saharan Africa highlights his commitment to addressing critical environmental and public health challenges. With international exposure, leadership roles, and impactful publications, he has significantly contributed to agricultural sustainability and ecological research. His multidisciplinary skills and research excellence make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education:

  • 📚 Harvard Business School (USA) – Teaching, Leadership, and Power Influence (2022 – Present)

  • 🌍 Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia – Master’s Degree in Ecology (2022 – Present)

  • 🇷🇺 Tomsk State University, Russia – Russian Language Certificate (2021 – 2022)

  • 🎓 Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria – Mini-MBA in Venture Management (2017)

  • 🌾 Ebonyi State University, Nigeria – BSc in Agricultural Economics (2009 – 2014) 🎖️ 2nd Class Honours (Upper Division)

  • 💻 NAZACO Computer School, Nigeria – Diploma in Computer Application (2008)

  • 🏫 St. John Bosco Secondary School, Nigeria – NECO Certificate (2008)

  • ✏️ Goodway Nursery and Primary School, Nigeria – First School Leaving Certificate (2002)

💼 Work Experience:

  • 📖 Benedict International School, Tomsk, RussiaEnglish Instructor (2021 – 2022)

    • Conducted online and offline classes for children and adults

  • 🌱 National Root Crop Research Institute, NigeriaField Instructor & Data Analyst (2016 – 2020)

    • Collected field data, evaluated results, and drafted reports

🏆 Achievements & Awards:

  • 🌍 FounderGodswill e-Learning & Internet Service (2017)

  • 🏆 PresidentNDLEA NYSC Community Development Service, Abuja (2016 – 2017)

  • 🌟 Volunteer MentorUN Sustainable Development Solution Network Youth Program (2017)

  • 🌱 MemberYoung Africa Leaders Development Initiative (2016 – Present)

  • 👩‍🌾 MemberAgricultural Graduate Association of Nigeria (2018 – Present)

  • 🌍 AdministratorCommunity Volunteer Initiative Africa (2015 – Present)

🎖 Honors & International Exposure:

  • 🌍 OnFrontiers Approved MemberProfile Link

  • 👨‍🏫 YouthLed Mentor – Supporting young entrepreneurs in Business & Private Sector Engagement (Profile)

  • 🏅 United Nations SDSN MentorYouth Investment Readiness Program

  • 🌍 Africa Leadership InstituteChange Maker (2019)

  • 🏆 Africa Venture for Capital Mentor (2018 – Present)

Publication Top Notes:

Identification of Sources of Some Priority Heavy Metallic Pollutants Caus-ing Environmental Degradation and It’s Health Implications

 

Identification of some priority heavy metals driver of environmental degradation caused by agricultural activity; a case study in Ebonyi State Nigeria

 

Examining the interplay between air pollution, surface vegetation cover, and stroke prevalence in East Africa: An ecological perspective

 

Assessing sub-Saharan Africa’s GHG emissions from croplands: environmental impacts and sustainable mitigation strategies

 

Examining the interplay between air pollution, vegetation greenness, and stroke prevalence in East Africa: An ecological perspective