Ananta Vashisth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ananta Vashisth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi | India

Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a Principal Scientist at the Division of Agricultural Physics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She is an eminent researcher, educator, and extension specialist who has contributed significantly to the advancement of agricultural physics and climate-resilient farming systems. With more than two decades of professional excellence, she has developed innovative approaches in crop-weather modeling, yield forecasting, and weather-based agricultural advisories. Her work bridges the gap between scientific research and field-level applications, ensuring that farmers benefit directly from cutting-edge knowledge in agricultural sciences.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Dr. Ananta Vashisth pursued her higher education with distinction and excellence, consistently standing out as a meritorious scholar. She completed her graduation and post-graduation from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, where she earned recognition as a gold medalist at both levels. She later earned her doctoral degree from the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Her doctoral research on the “Biophysical Characterization of Seeds Subjected to Magnetic Field” combined innovation with practical applications, establishing a strong foundation for her future scientific endeavors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has devoted her professional career to agricultural research, teaching, and extension. She began her journey as a scientist and steadily progressed to the position of Principal Scientist at ICAR-IARI. Over the years, she has worked extensively in the field of crop-weather relationships, agrometeorological services, and climate risk management. She has actively designed and delivered training programs for agricultural professionals, scientists, and farmers, equipping them with the latest tools in agrometeorology and resource management. Her contributions extend beyond research to include teaching and mentoring of postgraduate students and capacity building of agricultural extension personnel. Through her long service, she has not only advanced knowledge but also strengthened the interface between science and society.

Research Interests

The research interests of Dr. Ananta Vashisth focus on crop-weather modeling, micrometeorology, remote sensing applications, and yield forecasting under diverse climatic conditions. She has a deep commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate variability and change on agriculture. Her studies have improved understanding of how micro-environmental management strategies can enhance crop productivity and sustainability. She has been a pioneer in integrating advanced simulation models, statistical techniques, and agrometeorological tools for providing real-time advisories. Her work has continuously emphasized the translation of scientific results into actionable practices that directly benefit farmers and policymakers.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has received widespread recognition for her outstanding scientific achievements and leadership in the field of agricultural physics. She has delivered invited lectures at international and national platforms, served as a resource person in training programs, and contributed to several collaborative initiatives across institutions. She has been entrusted with responsibilities in major national projects and has actively represented ICAR-IARI in high-level scientific and policy forums. Her leadership in developing climate-smart agriculture strategies, together with her role in advancing weather-based advisory services, has established her reputation as a leading scientist dedicated to sustainable agricultural development.

Selected Publications

Dr. Ananta Vashisth has published extensively in reputed journals of international and national repute. Her publications are widely cited, reflecting the significance of her research contributions. A selection of her impactful works includes:

Title: Effect on germination and early growth characteristics in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds exposed to static magnetic field
Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology
Published on: 2010
Citation: 608

Title: Exposure of seeds to static magnetic field enhances germination and early growth characteristics in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Journal: Bioelectromagnetics: Journal of the Bioelectromagnetics Society
Published on: 2008
Citation: 314

Title: Growth characteristics of maize seeds exposed to magnetic field
Journal: Bio electro magnetics
Published on: 2017
Citation: 84

Title: Modelling soil water balance and root water uptake in cotton grown under different soil conservation practices in the Indo-Gangetic Plain
Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
Published on: 2017
Citation: 81

Title: Characterization of water distribution and activities of enzymes during germination in magnetically-exposed maize (Zea mays L.) seeds
Journal: Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics
Published on: 2010
Citation: 55

Title: Germination characteristics of seeds of maize (Zea mays L.) exposed to magnetic fields under accelerated ageing condition
Journal: Journal of Agricultural Physics
Published on: 2009
Citation: 53

Title: Weather based agromet advisories for enhancing the production and income of the farmers under changing climate scenario
Journal: International Journal of Agriculture and Food Science Technology
Published on: 2013
Citation: 47

Title: Wheat yield prediction based on weather parameters using multiple linear, neural network and penalised regression models
Journal: Journal of Agrometeorology
Published on: 2022
Citation: 43

Conclusion

Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a visionary researcher whose contributions have greatly advanced the understanding and application of agricultural physics and agrometeorology. Her career embodies a rare combination of academic brilliance, scientific rigor, and practical outreach to farming communities. By integrating modern technologies with field-based research, she has developed innovative solutions to address the challenges of climate change, sustainability, and food security. With her vast experience, scholarly impact, and commitment to agricultural advancement, Dr. Ananta Vashisth is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Angela Fernandes | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Angela Fernandes | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mountain Research Center of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança | Portugal

Dr. Ângela Sofia Feitor Fernandes is an accomplished Assistant Researcher at the Mountain Research Center (CIMO) of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal. With a deep-rooted focus on bioactive compounds and functional food research, she has gained national and international recognition for her contributions to food science and sustainable biotechnologies. Through her multidisciplinary work and international collaborations, Dr. Fernandes has consistently delivered impactful innovations, blending rigorous science with real-world applications.

Author Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Ângela Sofia Feitor Fernandes is a highly accomplished Assistant Researcher at the Mountain Research Center (CIMO-IPB), Portugal. With over 150 peer-reviewed journal publications, an h-index of 39, and editorial contributions across multiple MDPI journals, she has demonstrated exceptional productivity, influence, and scientific leadership in her field. Her expertise spans natural product chemistry, functional food development, and innovative preservation technologies such as gamma irradiation and electron beam techniques.

She has significantly contributed to applied research through projects like VIIAFOOD, TextBlueStyle, and SambucuSafe, translating scientific discoveries into practical innovations for food safety, sustainability, and consumer health. Her work also integrates bioeconomy principles by valorizing agricultural residues into high-value functional foods, showcasing an interdisciplinary and impact-driven approach. Furthermore, her editorial roles, international collaborations, student mentorship, and authorship of seven ISBN-recognized book chapters further validate her academic leadership and global engagement.

🎓 Education

Dr. Fernandes embarked on her academic journey with a degree in Clinical Analysis and Public Health in 2007. She then pursued her Master’s in Food Quality and Safety (2010), followed by a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in Nutrition and Food Chemistry in 2016. Her studies laid a strong foundation for her later work in food preservation and natural bioactive extraction.

👩‍🔬 Experience

Since 2009, Dr. Fernandes has been an active member of CIMO-IPB, advancing from a researcher to Assistant Researcher. She is currently a key contributor to several high-impact projects, including the VIIAFOOD, TextBlueStyle, and SambucuSafe initiatives. Notably, she pioneered the use of gamma and electron beam irradiation in food technology in Portugal, demonstrating leadership in innovation and sustainable food preservation.

🔬 Research Interests On Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Her research focuses on three primary areas:

  1. Natural Product Chemistry – Extracting, identifying, and isolating bioactive compounds from natural matrices like mushrooms and plants using advanced spectrometric methods.

  2. Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals – Developing bioactive-rich food products with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties.

  3. Natural Product Technology – Exploring non-thermal preservation methods such as gamma irradiation to maintain the integrity and shelf life of food, aligning with circular bioeconomy goals.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

While specific awards are not listed, Dr. Fernandes’ esteemed positions, collaborative international research, editorial leadership for MDPI journals, and participation in prominent European scientific projects stand as strong markers of her academic and scientific excellence. Her rising h-index of 39 and over 150 Scopus-indexed publications validate her distinguished contributions.

📚 Selected Publications

Here are notable peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Fernandes, showcasing her impactful work:

  1. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2021). Development of functional mushroom flour enriched in vitamin D2. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 145. Cited by 23 articles.

  2. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2020). Irradiation of wild edible mushrooms: Evaluation of quality and safety parameters. Food Chemistry, 330. Cited by 31 articles.

  3. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2019). Bioactive potential of elderberry extracts in functional food formulations. Journal of Functional Foods, 59. Cited by 19 articles.

  4. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2018). Chemical profiling of mushrooms for nutraceutical use. Journal of Chromatography B, 1092. Cited by 27 articles.

  5. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2022). Natural blue dyes from food waste for textile application. Dyes and Pigments, 199. Cited by 12 articles.

Each publication reflects her expertise in translating scientific discovery into applied solutions.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ângela Fernandes is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award under the Forensic Scientist Awards. Her pioneering efforts in food chemistry, sustainable technologies, and functional food development place her at the forefront of applied biochemistry. Her dedication to a circular economy and bio-based innovation has brought real benefits to industry and academia alike. With a strong scientific record, leadership in international collaborations, and a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Fernandes stands as a model of excellence in research.