Marie Ange Akaffou | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Marie Ange Akaffou | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award 

Institut National Felix Houphouet Boigny de Yamoussoukro | Côte d’Ivoire 

Akaffou Marie Ange is a doctoral candidate specializing in plant and animal production improvement, soil microbiology, and molecular genetics. With a solid background in biology and practical training across multiple African and European research institutions, she blends academic knowledge with real-world applications. Her academic journey began in Côte d’Ivoire and extended through research experiences in Senegal and France. Known for her teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, she is multilingual in French and English and actively engaged in intellectual and athletic pursuits such as chess and golf. Her commitment to advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability underscores her research and professional endeavors.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Akaffou Marie Ange is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at INP-HB Yamoussoukro since 2020, focusing on agricultural science and biotechnology. She earned a Master’s degree from Université de Daloa between 2016 and 2018, after obtaining her Licence in Biological Sciences from the same university (2012–2016). Her academic foundation was laid with a BAC D obtained in 2011–2012 from Lycée Moderne 01 in Agboville. Her education has been deeply rooted in biological sciences, equipping her with expertise in genetics, soil microbiology, and biostatistics using tools such as R and Python. This solid academic background supports her multidisciplinary research interests in enhancing plant and animal productivity.

Experience

Marie Ange has participated in several doctoral internships, including a six-month placement at PHIM Montpellier, France in 2023, and two research internships at LCM Dakar, Senegal (six months in 2022 and four months in 2021). In 2018–2019, she contributed to laboratory work at LBVM INPHB Yamoussoukro, gaining hands-on experience in microbiology and genetics. Earlier, she managed a private farm in Yamoussoukro (2014–2015) and completed a teaching internship in life and earth sciences at Lycée Khalil Daloa. Her diverse experience has honed her research, teamwork, and leadership abilities, preparing her for both academic and applied scientific roles.

Awards and Honors

Akaffou Marie Ange’s academic and research trajectory reflects strong recognition through competitive doctoral internships and placements in reputable research centers in France and Senegal. Her selection for these prestigious opportunities indicates academic excellence and institutional trust in her capabilities. Her participation in national and international programs attests to her scholarly promise, work ethic, and research potential. Continued doctoral funding and international collaborations further affirm her status as a respected emerging researcher in agricultural and biological sciences.

Research Focus

Akaffou Marie Ange focuses her doctoral research on improving plant and animal productivity through sustainable and science-based solutions. Her core interests lie in soil microbiology, molecular genetics, and biotechnology applications in agriculture. She employs modern tools like R and Python for bioinformatic and statistical analysis, aiming to understand the genetic and environmental factors influencing productivity. Her research includes work on microbial interactions in soil, genetic markers in livestock and crops, and optimizing farming systems for increased resilience. Through interdisciplinary approaches, her research addresses global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture, particularly in tropical and sub-Saharan contexts.

Publication

Title: Genetic diversity of exotic and local eggplants (Solanum spp.) cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire based on ISSR markers
Year: 2020
Cited by: 4 articles

Title: Phenotypic and Symbiotic Diversity of Rhizobia Isolated from Root Nodules of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in Côte d’Ivoire
Year: 2019

Conclusion

Akaffou Marie Ange is a highly capable early-career researcher whose academic background, technical skills, and international research experience position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her commitment to solving pressing agricultural challenges through molecular and microbiological approaches reflects a clear vision aligned with global development goals. While further scientific output and visibility will consolidate her standing, her current trajectory and competencies strongly support her consideration for this prestigious award. Recognizing her now would not only honor her current achievements but also encourage and empower a rising talent in the field of sustainable agriculture and biotechnology

 

 

Javad Hamzei | Sustainable Food Systems | Agricultural Sustainability Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Javad Hamzei | Sustainable Food Systems | Agricultural Sustainability Award

Associate Professor at Bu-Ali Sina University, Iran

Dr. Javad Hamzei is an accomplished academic in the field of crop ecology, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Bu-Ali Sina University. With a strong background in agronomy and crop production, he has dedicated his career to research, teaching, and the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices. His work focuses on intercropping, conservation agriculture, and organic crop production, contributing significantly to ecological farming systems.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Education Details

  • Ph.D. in Crop Ecology – Tabriz University, June 23, 2007
  • M.Sc. in Agronomy – Tabriz University, September 8, 2002
  • B.Sc. in Crop Production and Plant Breeding – Bu-Ali Sina University, September 4, 1999

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Associate Professor (February 4, 2016 – Present)
    • Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Bu-Ali Sina University
  • Assistant Professor (September 23, 2007 – February 3, 2016)
    • Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Bu-Ali Sina University

🌱 Research Interests

  • Sustainable and Organic Crop Production
  • Intercropping Systems
  • Conservation Agriculture
  • Agro-Ecology and Ecophysiology
  • Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems
  • Weed Management and Crop Production Optimization

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Recognition for contributions to sustainable agriculture research
  • Excellence in teaching and mentorship
  • Awards for innovative research in crop ecology

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Javad Hamzei is a distinguished researcher and educator dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Through his extensive research, teaching, and administrative roles, he continues to shape the future of agronomy and ecological farming. His expertise in crop ecology, intercropping, and conservation agriculture has made significant contributions to the field, benefiting both academia and the agricultural sector.

Publications 📚

📚 Journal Articles

  1. 🌱 Mycorrhiza and seed priming effect to improve the balance of sodium and potassium and some changes in antioxidants in the leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) under soil salinity

    • 📖 Journal of Agronomy (2018)
    • 🔗 DOI: 10.3923/ja.2018.18.27
    • ✍️ Kazemi, J.S.; Aboutalebian, M.A.; Hamzei, J.; Meskarbashee, M.

  2. 🌾 Nitrogen rate applied affects dry matter translocation and performance attributes of wheat under deficit irrigation

  3. 🦠 Diversity and bioactivity of bacterial endophyte community of Cupressaceae

    • 📖 Forest Pathology (2016)
    • 🔗 DOI: 10.1111/efp.12270
    • ✍️ Soltani, J.; Zaheri-Shoja, M.; Hamzei, J.; Hosseyni-Moghaddam, M.S.; Pakvaz, S.

  4. 🌻 Energy use and input-output costs for sunflower production in sole and intercropping with soybean under different tillage systems

  5. 🌿 Methyl jasmonate improves salinity resistance in German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) by increasing activity of antioxidant enzymes

  6. 🍃 Mycorrhizal symbiosis increases reproduction and seed quality of summer squash in field conditions

    • 📖 Journal of Applied Horticulture (2016)
    • ✍️ Hamzei, J.; Najjari, S.

  7. 🌾 Evaluation of the Effects of Intercropping Systems on Yield Performance, Land Equivalent Ratio, and Weed Control Efficiency

  8. 🌱 Effect of integrated application of phosphorus and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms on root colonization, productivity, and seed quality of Cucurbita pepo L.

    • 📖 Journal of Applied Horticulture (2014)
    • ✍️ Hamzei, J.; Najjari, S.

  9. 💧 Deficit irrigation of rapeseed for water-saving: Effects on biomass accumulation, light interception and radiation use efficiency under different N rates

  10. 🌼 Seed, oil, and protein yields of canola under combinations of irrigation and nitrogen application

  11. 🌾 Critical period of weed control in three winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cultivars

    • 📖 Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry (2007)
    • 🔗 DOI: 10.3906/tar-0610-4
    • ✍️ Hamzei, J.; Nasab, A.D.M.; Khoie, F.R.; Javanshir, A.; Moghaddam, M.