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


 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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


 

 

 

 

 

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]