Kofi Frimpong-Anin | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kofi Frimpong-Anin | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana

Kofi Frimpong-Anin, a dedicated Ghanaian entomologist and Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, specializes in pest and pollinator management with over 20 years of academic and research experience . He has contributed significantly to integrated pest control strategies and pollination ecology, helping improve sustainable agriculture in Ghana . Having served in various national and international research projects, including roles with FAO, ICIPE, and CABI, his work bridges field application and scientific research . A frequent speaker and trainer, he actively mentors junior scientists and educates farmers through participatory demonstrations . He has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers, manuals, and book chapters . His work in insect taxonomy, pollinator conservation, and pesticide risk reduction has earned recognition in the agricultural science community . Known for field rigor and scientific integrity, Kofi’s contributions support food security, environmental health, and resilient agricultural ecosystems .

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Kofi Frimpong-Anin holds a Ph.D. in Zoology (Entomology) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and ICIPE, Nairobi (2010) . His doctoral work focused on cocoa pollination and wild pollinator services, pivotal to Ghana’s agriculture . He earned an MPhil in Zoology (Entomology) from the same university in 2005, researching stored-product pests in southern Ghana . His undergraduate degree, a BSc in Zoology, was awarded by the University of Ghana, Legon in 2000 . Over the years, he complemented his formal education with several professional courses including scientific writing, pesticide risk management, and insect taxonomy through institutions like FAO, University of Liverpool, and AWARD. This combination of academic rigor and practical skill-building laid a solid foundation for his prolific career in insect science, sustainable agriculture, and pollinator conservation . His deep academic training continues to inform his work in ecological health and entomological innovation .

🧪Experience 

Frimpong-Anin’s entomology career spans over two decades, with progressive roles in research, training, and consultancy across Ghana . Since 2016, he has served as Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-Crops Research Institute, leading key studies in pest management and pollination . He previously advised the FAO-led Global Pollination Project (2010–2015) and consulted for agro-based organizations like Tete Agro Services and the International Stingless Bees Centre . From early roles as a research assistant on FAO projects and demonstrator at UCC, he rose to coordinate nationwide programs tackling invasive pests like the fall armyworm and tomato leaf miner . His leadership in projects funded by KAFACI, CGIAR, and CABI underscores his global collaboration and field-based research management expertise . He also plays a key role in farmer outreach, organizing training and field demos across multiple Ghanaian regions . His blend of academic, technical, and community work defines his impactful experience .

🏆Awards & Honors 

Kofi Frimpong-Anin was awarded the prestigious ARPPIS Ph.D. Scholarship by the International Centre of Insect Physiology & Ecology (ICIPE), Kenya . This competitive scholarship recognized his promise in entomological research and supported his advanced studies in pollinator ecology . His scientific excellence has earned him invitations to present at top-tier conferences globally, including FAO and international pollination summits . He has been repeatedly selected for specialized training by global institutions such as the University of Liverpool, FAO, and AWARD for his work in taxonomy, pesticide risk, and scientific writing . His contributions have led to multiple technical leadership roles in global agricultural initiatives funded by CABI, CGIAR, KAFACI, and UNEP . He’s also frequently recognized by Ghana’s Research Extension-Farmer Linkage Committee (RELC) for exemplary support in pest advisory services . While not always publicized, his accolades reflect high regard in national and international entomological circles .

🔬Research Focus 

Dr. Kofi Frimpong-Anin’s research centers on integrated pest and pollinator management, pesticide risk reduction, and pollination ecology . He investigates eco-friendly approaches to controlling agricultural pests like fall armyworm, using native bioagents and biorationals . He also focuses on safeguarding beneficial insects like pollinators critical to crops such as cocoa and rice . His work spans insect population dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and development of pest control manuals tailored for African ecosystems . A champion of sustainable agriculture, he blends entomological science with community outreach to promote practical, low-risk pest control solutions . His leadership in national and international research projects contributes to regional food security and climate-resilient farming systems . Kofi’s holistic approach combines field ecology, farmer education, and scientific innovation to ensure agriculture in Ghana remains productive, pollinator-friendly, and environmentally sustainable

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Kofi Frimpong-Anin is a leading agricultural entomologist whose work on integrated pest management and pollinator conservation has had a transformative impact on sustainable food systems in Ghana and across Africa. His balance of field-based research, community outreach, and international collaboration makes him a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His profile embodies scientific rigor, innovation, and actionable impact in the domain of agricultural research and development.

Publications 📚

  • Title: Dynamics of insect pollinators as influenced by cocoa production systems in Ghana
    Authors: E.A. Frimpong, B. Gemmill-Herren, I. Gordon, P.K. Kwapong
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 74

 

  • Title: Structure and stability of cocoa flowers and their response to pollination
    Authors: K. Frimpong-Anin, M.K. Adjaloo, P.K. Kwapong, W. Oduro
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 52

 

  • Title: Dynamics of cocoa pollination: tools and applications for surveying and monitoring cocoa pollinators
    Authors: E.A. Frimpong, I. Gordon, P.K. Kwapong, B. Gemmill-Herren
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 52

 

  • Title: Cocoa farmers’ awareness of pollination and its implication for pollinator-friendly practices
    Authors: K. Frimpong-Anin, P.K. Kwapong, I. Gordon
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 22

  • Title: Horizon scanning for prioritising invasive alien species with potential to threaten agriculture and biodiversity in Ghana
    Authors: M. Kenis, L.K. Agboyi, R. Adu-Acheampong, M. Ansong, S. Arthur, P.T. Attipoe, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 11

 

  • Title: Harnessing technologies for vegetable cultivation: a panacea for food and nutrition insecurity in Ghana
    Authors: M.K. Osei, P.A. Ofori, J. Adjebeng-Danquah, S.O. Nketia, K. Frimpong-Anin, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 8

 

  • Title: Invasive alien species (IAS) of Ghana
    Authors: M.K. Osei, K. Frimpong‐Anin, J. Adjebeng‐Danquah, B.N. Frimpong, et al.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 7

 

  • Title: Indigenous natural enemies attacking fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Ghana
    Authors: U.S. Issa, K. Frimpong-Anin, I. Adama, M.B. Mochiah, H. Braimah, P. Obeng
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 7

 

  • Title: Pollination and yield dynamics of cocoa tree
    Authors: P.K. Kwapong, K. Frimpong-Anin, B. Ahedor
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 7

 

  • Title: Pollinator management and insecticide usage within cocoa agroecosystem in Ghana
    Authors: P.K. Kwapong, K. Frimpong-Anin
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 7

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEMANE HABTEMICHAEL GEBREMESKAL | Food Biotechnology | Sustainable Food Production Award

Mr. YEMANE HABTEMICHAEL GEBREMESKAL | Food Biotechnolog| Sustainable Food Production Award

PhD Candidate at ITMO, Russia

Yemane Habtemichael Gebremeskal is a PhD Candidate in Biotechnology of Food Products at ITMO University, Russia, specializing in food chemistry, plant-based nutrition, and bioactive compound extraction. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to food biotechnology, functional food development, and nanoparticle encapsulation for enhanced bioavailability. His work has been published in high-impact journals, and he actively mentors students in research and academic pursuits.

Publications Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

  • PhD Candidate in Biotechnology of Food Products, Medicine, and Biological Active Substances (2022–Present)
    ITMO University, Russia
    Thesis: Nutritional and Antioxidant Profiling of Chia Seeds for Functional Food Applications
    Key Skills: HPLC/GC analysis, phytochemical extraction, nanoparticle synthesis
    Achievements: Published 10+ papers in Q1 journals; highest academic marks (5/5)
  • MSc in Bioscience for Sustainable Agriculture (2015–2017)
    Silpakorn University, Thailand
    Thesis: Larvicidal Efficacy of Piper longum Extracts Against Aedes aegypti
    Awards: 1st in Class, TICA Scholarship, Excellent Thesis Award
  • BSc in Chemistry (Minor: Biology) (2001–2005)
    University of Asmara, Eritrea

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Research Scientist & Mentor (2024–Present)
    ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia

    • Engineered biopolymer nanoparticles to enhance bioavailability of medicinal plant actives
    • Mentored 15+ students, guiding them to publish in journals like Food Bioscience and Food Hydrocolloids
  • Lecturer, Biomaterials & Food Chemistry (2021–2023)
    Tomsk State University, Russia

    • Designed curriculum for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
    • Supervised student projects on bioactive compound isolation, leading to conference presentations
  • Lecturer-II, Food Science & Technology (2019–2021)
    Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea

    • Taught courses on Nutrition, Food Chemistry, and Biotechnology
    • Coordinated industrial visits and student research projects
  • Water Quality Expert (2005–2012)
    Eritrean Ministry of Land, Water & Environment

    • Implemented WHO-standard water safety protocols
    • Conducted and reported water quality analysis across six regions

🌱 Research Interests

  • Plant-Based Nutrition: Nutritional analysis, bioactive compound extraction, antioxidant profiling, and health impact studies
  • Food Biotechnology: Encapsulation technologies, functional food development, sustainable food processing
  • Nanotechnology: Biopolymer nanoparticles for enhanced delivery of medicinal plant compounds

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • 3rd Prize, PNRPU International Conference (2024) – Recognized for innovative extraction research
  • Russian Government Scholarship (2021) – Full PhD funding
  • Excellent Thesis Award (2017) – Recognized for MSc research contributions
  • TICA Scholarship (2015) – Fully funded MSc program in Thailand

🔍 Conclusion

Yemane Habtemichael Gebremeskal is a dedicated researcher and academician committed to advancing food biotechnology and plant-based nutrition. His expertise in bioactive compound extraction, food chemistry, and nanoparticle encapsulation contributes to the development of functional foods with enhanced health benefits. Through his extensive research, mentorship, and academic contributions, he continues to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical health applications.

Publications 📚

1️⃣ Comparative analysis of the nutritional composition, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activity of chia seeds, flax seeds, and psyllium husk
📖 Food Bioscience | 📅 October 2024 | 🔗 [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2024.104889]
👥 Contributors: Yemane H. Gebremeskal, Liudmila A. Nadtochii, Natalia B. Eremeeva, Emmanuel O. Mensah, Nina G. Kazydub, Tarek N. Soliman, Denis A. Baranenko, Tamer M. El-Messery, Aml A. Tantawy


2️⃣ Evaluation of extraction techniques for chia seed mucilage: A review on the structural composition, physicochemical properties, and applications
📖 Food Hydrocolloids | 📅 March 2024 | 🔗 [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2024.110051]
👥 Contributors: Emmanuel O. Mensah, Emmanuel O. Oludipe, Yemane H. Gebremeskal, Liudmila A. Nadtochii, Denis Baranenko


3️⃣ Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Spanish sage (Salvia hispanica L.)
📖 Polzunovskiy Vestnik | 📅 January 2024 | 🔗 [DOI: 10.25712/astu.2072-8921.2023.04.014]
👥 Contributors: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


4️⃣ Comparison of different technologies using organic acid and mineral acid solvents on pectin extraction from apple pomace
📖 Processes and Food Production Equipment | 📅 July 2023 | 🔗 [DOI: 10.17586/2310-1164-2023-16-2-13-19]
👥 Contributors: Yemane H. Gebremeskal, Liudmila A. Nadtochii, Panida Duangkaew


5️⃣ Biologically active substances based on chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)
📖 Polzunovskiy Vestnik | 📅 July 2023 | 🔗 [DOI: 10.25712/astu.2072-8921.2023.02.018]
👥 Contributors: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


📗 Role of Plant-Derived Alkaloids and Their Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Disorders
📕 Medicinal Plants for the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases | 📅 April 2024
🔗 [DOI: 10.1201/9781003392941-2]
👥 Contributors: Liudmila A. Nadtochii, Yemane H. Gebremeskal, Elmira R. Eminova, Yulia G. Ilynova


📜 Innovative Extraction Techniques Using Deep Eutectic Solvents for the Isolation of Natural Bioactive Compounds from Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)
🎓 Conference Paper | 📅 April 2024
👥 Contributor: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


📜 Health-promoting approaches of the use of Spanish sage (Salvia hispanica L.) introduced in the Russian Federation
🎓 Conference Paper | 📅 March 2024
👥 Contributor: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


📜 Study of larvicidal efficacy and insecticide synergistic effect of Piper longum extracts against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
🎓 Conference Paper | 📅 September 2017
👥 Contributor: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


📜 Natural Bioactive Active Compounds and Health Benefits of Spanish Sage Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)
🎓 Conference Paper | 📅 2024
👥 Contributor: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


📜 Therapeutic Potential of Chia Seeds as a Traditional Medicinal Plant
🎓 Conference Paper | 📅 2024
👥 Contributor: Yemane H. Gebremeskal


Juanjuan Cheng | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Juanjuan Cheng | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc at Northwest A&F University, China

Dr. Juanjuan Cheng is a post-doctoral researcher at the College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, specializing in sustainable agricultural management and environmental impact assessment. She earned her Ph.D. in Management in 2023 and has contributed extensively to research on apple industry integration, low-carbon production behaviors, and life cycle assessment (LCA). With 13 completed and 4 ongoing research projects, she has published 8 high-impact journal articles, providing key insights into improving agricultural sustainability and reducing environmental burdens. Her work in assessing economic and environmental efficiency in apple production makes her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Details

  • Ph.D. in Management (2023) – Northwest A&F University
  • Specialized in sustainable agricultural management, environmental impact assessment, and apple industry development.

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Post-Doctoral Researcher – College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University
  • Engaged in 13 completed and 4 ongoing research projects, including the National Key Research and Development Programme and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
  • Published 8 peer-reviewed journal articles in leading journals such as Sustainable Production and Consumption and Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

🌱 Research Interests

  • Apple Industry Integration and Quality Development 🍏
  • Low-Carbon Production Behavior of Apple Growers 🌍
  • Moderate-Scale Management by New Business Entities of Apple 🏢
  • Environmental Impact Assessment with LCA and LCC 🔬

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Recognized for significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental science.
  • Published in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, influencing agricultural sustainability and policy-making.

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Juanjuan Cheng is a distinguished researcher in agricultural sustainability and environmental assessment, with impactful contributions to reducing carbon emissions and improving apple industry efficiency. Her extensive research and publications make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, highlighting her excellence in scientific innovation and industry-driven solutions.

Publications 📚

📄 Article Title: Life Cycle Assessment of Apple Production and Consumption Under Different Sales Models in China

🖊 Authors: J. Cheng, Juanjuan J., Yu Jin, D. Tan, Dejun Q., Wang Qian, Z. Zhao, Zhengyang

📚 Journal: Sustainable Production and Consumption

📅 Year: 2025

🔗 DOI/Link: [Add if available]