Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Master of Science in Food Science and Technology at Federal University of Goiás, Brazil

Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha is a Chemical Engineer with a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. candidate in Food Science and Technology at the Federal University of Goiás. A specialist in regenerative food systems, he is the founder of Nutricandies, a startup dedicated to transforming food by-products into superfoods. His work has earned global recognition, including awards from the FAO/UN and Thought for Food. He has contributed significantly to sustainable food innovation, pioneering projects such as zero-fat chocolate and upcycled cocoa products.

Publications Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

  • Ph.D. Candidate – Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Goiás

  • Master of Science – Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Goiás

  • Bachelor’s Degree – Chemical Engineering

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Founder, Nutricandies – Leads innovation in upcycled food products and superfoods.

  • Technical Coordinator – ‘Valorization of Cocoa By-Products’ project with Brazil’s National Research Council.

  • Collaborations with Industry – Works with Cargill Foundation on solar reactor technology and with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on regenerative food systems.

  • Consultant – Partnered with companies like Ambev and Cargill on sustainable food technology.

🌱 Research Interests

  • Upcycling of food by-products

  • Development of sustainable food technologies

  • Regenerative food systems

  • Cocoa value chain innovation

  • Circular economy in food production

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Global Youth Action Report Recognition – FAO/UN (For contributions to agri-food system transformation)

  • Finalist, Thought for Food Global Challenge – Twice recognized for food innovation

  • Most Innovative Project & Most Sustainable Product Awards – International recognition for zero-fat chocolate and upcycled superfoods

  • Global Circular Economy Award – Recognized for sustainable food solutions

🔍 Conclusion

Gustavo’s work is shaping the future of sustainable food production. By combining scientific research with practical applications, his contributions in food innovation, circular economy, and regenerative food systems are driving industry transformation. His research benefits both sustainability and economic development, directly impacting cocoa farmers while reducing environmental waste. Recognized globally, his efforts continue to pioneer new approaches in food science and technology.

Publications 📚

  • Food-related properties and composition of cocoa honey (Theobroma cacao L.): An integrated investigation
    Food Research International, 2025-02
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.115694
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


  • Nutritionally Fortified Chocolate Truffles with Vegetables and Their Preparation Process
    INPI BR10201901316, 2024-07-09
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


  • Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds from Cocoa Nibs Peel and Their Infusions
    Sciences in Tune – Exploring Connections between Exact and Natural Sciences, 2024
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


  • Kombucha Based on Camellia sinensis and Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Flavored with Cocoa Honey and Acerola: A Colorimetric Analysis
    Innovative Strategies for Successful Agriculture, 2024
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


     

  • Profile of Volatile Organic Compounds and Physicochemical Parameters of Sugarcane Molasses Kombucha Enriched with Acerola
    Innovative Strategies for Successful Agriculture, 2024
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


  • Chocolate Creams Enriched with Vitamins, Fibers, and Minerals, Based on Plants or Parts Thereof, Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free, with Reduced Fat Levels and Their Respective Production Process
    INPI, 2019
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


  • Estudo da Remoção de Corantes Alimentícios em Meios Aquosos com Adsorção por Argila Branca e Telha
    Revista de Química Industrial, 2017
    🖊️ Gustavo Henrique Amaral Monteiro Rocha


 

 

 

 

Ali Rhouma | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ali Rhouma | Sustainable Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Project Officer at PRIMA, Spain

 Dr. Ali Rhouma is an accomplished agricultural researcher and environmental expert with over 20 years of experience in sustainable development, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation. His expertise spans project management, scientific evaluation, policy development, and international collaboration. As a senior project officer at PRIMA Foundation and a scientific expert for the European Innovation Council, he has played a pivotal role in assessing and monitoring large-scale research and innovation projects. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable solutions, leveraging extensive research and policy insights to drive impactful environmental and agricultural advancements. His quadrilingual proficiency and experience in multicultural environments enable him to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders worldwide.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences – University Claude Bernard-Lyon, France / INAT-Tunisia (2000–2006)
  • Master of Science – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland (1995–1997)
  • High School Diploma in Agronomy – National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (1988–1995)

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Senior Project Officer, PRIMA Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (2018–Present)
    • Manages research project evaluations and funding processes.
    • Assesses project outcomes and innovation potential.
    • Organizes training programs and networking events for researchers and policymakers.
  • Scientific Expert, European Innovation Council, Brussels, Belgium (2024–Present)
    • Evaluates proposals and assesses innovation potential in EU-funded projects.
    • Provides insights into EU research and innovation policies.
  • Director of Research Programs, Agricultural Research Institution for Research and Higher Education, Tunisia (2013–2018)
    • Led national research strategy and policy formulation.
    • Managed 23 research institutions, resource mobilization, and partnerships.
  • Head of R&D Laboratory, Olive Tree Institute, Sfax, Tunisia (2000–2013)
    • Supervised research in plant protection and innovation.
    • Coordinated international research collaborations.
  • Environmental Engineer, National Agency of Environmental Protection, Tunisia (1998–2000)
    • Led environmental impact assessments and solid waste management projects.

🌱 Research Interests

  • Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
  • Water-Energy-Food Nexus
  • Innovation and Technology Transfer in Agriculture
  • Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development
  • Plant Protection and Biopesticide Development

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • First Award SIAT (2010) – Valorization of olive mill wastewater as a biopesticide.
  • First National Prize (2014) – Development of a bactericide from olive mill waste.

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Ali Rhouma has dedicated his career to bridging agricultural research, environmental sustainability, and policy development. His leadership in project management, research, and innovation has significantly contributed to sustainable solutions in the Mediterranean and beyond. With a strong background in international collaboration and research dissemination, he continues to influence the scientific community and policymaking landscape through his expertise and dedication to environmental sustainability and agricultural advancements.

Publications 📚

📄 Article
🔹 To What Extent the ARIMNet Transnational Programme Has Contributed to the Implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Research and Innovation Area?
S. Zebakh, Sanaa · A. Rhouma, Ali · F. Dentressangle, Fabrice · S. Mohammed, Sadiki · F. Jacquet, Florence
📜 Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2024
🔍 Citations: 0


📖 Review • Open Access
🔹 Trends in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Research
A. Rhouma, Ali · J. El Jeitany, Jerome · R.H. Mohtar, Rabi H. · J.M. Gil, Jose M.
📜 Sustainability (Switzerland), 2024
🔍 Citations: 6


📄 Article • Open Access
🔹 Partnership Performance Between Northern and Southern Mediterranean Countries in the First 2 Years of PRIMA Programme Implementation
A. Rhouma, Ali
📜 Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2023
🔍 Citations: 3


📄 Article
🔹 Mapping the Agricultural Research Systems in the Maghreb (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia)
S. Zebakh, Sanaa · A. Rhouma, Ali · R. Arvanitis, Rigas · M. Sadiki, Mohamed
📜 Science, Technology and Society, 2022
🔍 Citations: 7


📚 Book Chapter
🔹 Innovations on the Nexus for Development and Growth in the South Mediterranean Region
S. Zebakh, Sanaa · F. Abdelradi, Fadi · E.S. Mohamed, Essam Sh. · M. Sadiki, Mohamed · A. Rhouma, Ali
📜 [No source information available]
🔍 Citations: 2


🦠 Article
🔹 Promising Epiphytic Antagonistic Pseudomonas Strains from the Citrus Phyllosphere in the Biocontrol of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, Causing Bacterial Citrus Blast and Black Pit
E. Abdellatif, Emna · A. Mikiciński, Artur · M. Kałużna, Monika · A. Rhouma, Ali · J.D. Janse, J. D.
📜 Journal of Plant Pathology, 2022
🔍 Citations: 1


🧪 Article • Open Access
🔹 Succinimido–Ferrocidiphenol Complexed with Cyclodextrins Inhibits Glioblastoma Tumor Growth In Vitro and In Vivo without Noticeable Adverse Toxicity
F. Najlaoui, Feten · B. Busser, Benoît · G.S. Taïwé, Germain Sotoing · S. Gibaud, Stéphane · M. de Waard, Michel
📜 Molecules, 2022
🔍 Citations: 3


🌰 Article • Open Access
🔹 Cultivar and Rootstock Effects on Growth, Yield and Nut Quality of Pistachio under Semi-Arid Conditions of South Mediterranean
S. Ouni, Samiha · L. Noguera-Artiaga, L. · A.A. Carbonell-Barrachina, Angel A. · A. Rhouma, Ali · A. Chelli-Chaabouni, Azza
📜 Horticulturae, 2022


 

 

 

 

 

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]