Saiful Islam | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Md. Saiful Islam | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Md. Saiful Islam, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is a distinguished soil scientist, currently serving at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh. Recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists, he holds the 10th position in Bangladesh and the 1st at PSTU. With over 28 years of academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to soil science, environmental sustainability, and agricultural advancements. His research has garnered substantial funding from institutions in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Japan. Dr. Islam’s scholarly impact is evident in his impressive citation record (h-index: 61, i10-index: 158). He has supervised 27 MSc and PhD students and actively collaborates with researchers worldwide. His leadership extends to administrative roles, including Director of the Central Laboratory at PSTU. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, he remains dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and agricultural innovation globally.

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Suitability of Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is highly deserving of the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to his remarkable academic achievements, research contributions, and leadership in the field of Soil Science. His extensive career, spanning from his early academic years to his current position as a professor at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, showcases his dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering the growth of future scholars. His impressive citation count of 13,425, an h-index of 61, and an i10-index of 158 are testament to the global recognition and impact of his research work. Dr. Islam’s publications, spanning over 250 papers, have contributed significantly to the field of soil science and environmental risk, marking him as a leading figure in his area of expertise.

In addition to his academic and research success, Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has been a pivotal player in securing significant international research grants, including those from institutions like King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). These grants highlight his ability to lead high-level research projects that address pressing environmental and agricultural issues on a global scale.

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has an outstanding academic background in soil science. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from Yokohama National University, Japan, under the prestigious Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship (2010–2014). Before that, he completed his Master of Science (Ag) in Soil Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in 2007, receiving a Merit Award from the Vice Chancellor for his outstanding results. His undergraduate degree, B.Sc. Ag (Hons.), was also obtained from BAU, where he received the Grameen Bank Education Scholarship for his academic excellence. Over the years, he has pursued specialized training and research fellowships at leading institutions, including the University of Tokyo, Japan, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His education and international research experiences have shaped his expertise in soil chemistry, environmental sustainability, and agricultural development, making him a prominent figure in global soil science research.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has an extensive teaching and research career spanning over two decades. He has been a Professor at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) since 2018. Before that, he served as an Associate Professor (2014–2018), Assistant Professor (2009–2014), and Lecturer (2007–2009) at PSTU. His international teaching experience includes mentoring at Yokohama National University, Japan (2013–2014), and serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo in 2020. Dr. Islam has been actively involved in numerous research projects funded by global institutions, securing grants from Japan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the Netherlands. His leadership roles include Director of the Central Laboratory at PSTU and former Chairman of the Department of Soil Science. With significant collaborations across the USA, UK, Australia, and Asia, his contributions have strengthened global research in soil health and environmental sustainability.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to research and academia. He was honored as an International Research Fellow (2024) at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia. He has twice received the Best Researcher Medal Award (2022, 2023) from PSTU and the President Scholarship Award (2021–2023) from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. His accolades include the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018–2020) and the Bangladesh Academy of Science (BAS) Gold Medal Award (2015). He also won the Young Scientist Award (2014) from Yokohama National University, Japan, and the UNDP Young Scientist Award (2012). Additionally, he secured the Merit Award from BAU (2010) and the Professor Dr. Abdul Karim Memorial Prize (2008). His exceptional research achievements continue to earn him recognition on the global stage.

🌍 Research Skills On Agriculture

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam specializes in soil science, environmental sustainability, and agricultural chemistry. His expertise includes soil fertility, heavy metal contamination, nutrient management, and land degradation solutions. With a citation record of 13,425, he is a leading researcher in agricultural sustainability. His studies focus on biogeochemistry, climate change mitigation, and organic waste recycling. He employs advanced analytical techniques, including ICP-MS and spectrometry, to assess soil and plant interactions. His interdisciplinary research spans food security, water management, and ecological risk assessments. Dr. Islam collaborates internationally, contributing to projects in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, and Europe. His research findings, published in high-impact journals (h-index: 61, i10-index: 158), provide practical solutions to global agricultural challenges. His commitment to mentoring young scientists ensures a strong future for agricultural and environmental research.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Heavy metal pollution in surface water and sediment: a preliminary assessment of an urban river in a developing country
    Authors: MS Islam, MK Ahmed, M Raknuzzaman, M Habibullah-Al-Mamun, …
    Journal: Ecological Indicators
    Volume: 48, Pages: 282-291
    Citations: 1587
    Year: 2015

  • Preliminary assessment of heavy metals in water and sediment of Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh
    Authors: MM Ali, ML Ali, MS Islam, MZ Rahman
    Journal: Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management
    Volume: 5, Pages: 27-35
    Citations: 783
    Year: 2016

  • Presence of heavy metals in fruits and vegetables: Health risk implications in Bangladesh
    Authors: N Shaheen, NM Irfan, IN Khan, S Islam, MS Islam, MK Ahmed
    Journal: Chemosphere
    Volume: 152, Pages: 431-438
    Citations: 547
    Year: 2016

  • Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in tropical fish and shellfish collected from the river Buriganga, Bangladesh
    Authors: MK Ahmed, MA Baki, MS Islam, GK Kundu, M Habibullah-Al-Mamun, …
    Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
    Volume: 22, Pages: 15880-15890
    Citations: 387
    Year: 2015

  • Preliminary assessment of heavy metal contamination in surface sediments from a river in Bangladesh
    Authors: MS Islam, MK Ahmed, M Habibullah-Al-Mamun, MF Hoque
    Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences
    Volume: 73, Pages: 1837-1848
    Citations: 324
    Year: 2015

  • Potential ecological risk of hazardous elements in different land-use urban soils of Bangladesh
    Authors: S Islam, K Ahmed, S Masunaga
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    Volume: 512, Pages: 94-102
    Citations: 316
    Year: 2015

  • Potential toxic elements in sediment of some rivers at Giresun, Northeast Turkey: A preliminary assessment for ecotoxicological status and health risk
    Authors: Ustaoğlu Ft, Islam, MS
    Journal: Ecological Indicator
    Volume: 113, Pages: 106237-106251
    Citations: 302
    Year: 2020

  • Toxic effects of plastic on human health and environment: A consequences of health risk assessment in Bangladesh
    Authors: Proshad, R., Kormoker, T., Islam, MS, Haque, M.A., Rahman, M.M., and Mithu …
    Journal: International Journal of Health
    Volume: 6(1), Pages: 1-5
    Citations: 284
    Year: 2018

  • Dietary intake of trace elements from highly consumed cultured fish (Labeo rohita, Pangasius pangasius, and Oreochromis mossambicus) and human health risk implications in Bangladesh
    Authors: MK Ahmed, N Shaheen, MS Islam, M Habibullah-al-Mamun, S Islam, …
    Journal: Chemosphere
    Volume: 128, Pages: 284-292
    Citations: 266
    Year: 2015

  • Assessment of trace metal contamination in water and sediment of some rivers in Bangladesh
    Authors: MS Islam, S Han, MK Ahmed, S Masunaga
    Journal: Journal of Water and Environment Technology
    Volume: 12(2), Pages: 109-121
    Citations: 231
    Year: 2014

Murugan Mariraj | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Murugan Mariraj | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Murugan Mariraj, Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, India

Dr. M. Mariraj, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India, is a dedicated academic with expertise in lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. With over 2 years of teaching and 7 years of research experience, Dr. Mariraj has significantly contributed to the field of Botany, focusing on the study of lichen species diversity and their potential biomedical applications. He has published 18 research articles and reported 2 new lichen species to the Tamil Nadu lichen database. As a lifetime member of the Indian Lichenological Society and Nature Science Foundation, his research involves analyzing lichen metabolites for anticancer properties and conducting in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies. Dr. Mariraj’s work is widely recognized in the academic community, showcasing his commitment to both teaching and groundbreaking research.

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Research for Best Researcher Award: Dr. M. Mariraj

Dr. M. Mariraj’s qualifications, experience, and research contributions make him an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Holding a Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, he has spent over seven years in research and two years in teaching, with a clear focus on lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. His research has made significant contributions, including the discovery of two new lichen species and extensive studies on the biodiversity of lichens in the Nilgiri and Kodaikanal hills of the Western Ghats. These efforts have broadened the scientific community’s understanding of lichen diversity, especially in southern India.

Dr. Mariraj’s work is notable for its use of advanced analytical techniques such as LCMS, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR, which he employed to identify bioactive compounds in lichens, particularly those with potential anticancer properties. His cancer-related research, which includes both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, reflects the depth of his commitment to exploring how lichens can contribute to biomedical science, especially in skin cancer treatment. His dedication to the field is further emphasized by his role as a reviewer for several respected journals, as well as his membership in prominent organizations like the Indian Lichenological Society.

🎓 Education 

Dr. M. Mariraj earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he was highly commended for his research on the evaluation of UV irradiation absorbing compounds from lichens against skin cancer. He also completed his M.Sc. in Botany with First Class distinction (75%) from Bharathiar University in 2017, where his post-graduation research focused on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of Centrosema pubescens Benth. Dr. Mariraj holds a B.Sc. in Botany with First Class (68.9%) from Government Arts & Science College, Coimbatore. His academic journey reflects his deep commitment to understanding the complexities of plant biology and their practical applications, particularly in lichenology. Additionally, his undergraduate research involved surveying indoor plants in Coimbatore District, further solidifying his passion for biodiversity and plant science.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. M. Mariraj’s professional journey has been marked by his passion for both teaching and research. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, since July 2023. Prior to this, he worked as a Project Associate-I at Pasumpon Thiru Muthuramalinga Thevar Memorial (PTMTM) College, Kamuthi, Tamil Nadu, where he gained valuable experience in research. Throughout his career, Dr. Mariraj has contributed extensively to lichen taxonomy, focusing on the diversity and biomedical applications of lichens. His work has led to the discovery of new lichen species and the publication of numerous research papers in esteemed international journals. His research spans across various methodologies, including LCMS analysis, column chromatography, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR, positioning him as a leading figure in his field with significant contributions to both academic teaching and applied scientific research.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. M. Mariraj’s outstanding contributions to lichenology and Botany have earned him several prestigious accolades. In 2018-2019, he received the ‘Best Research Scholar Award’ from the Nature Science Foundation for his excellence in lichenology specialization. He also won the ‘Best Paper Award’ at the International Conference on Contemporary Research Trends in Mycology and Mycotechnology, held in 2019 at Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal. Dr. Mariraj’s excellence in various fields is further reflected in his receipt of the ‘Gold Medal’ for NCC Firing Camp in 2012 and the ‘Unique Lichen Identifier’ award during a faculty development program in Lichen Biology and Bioprospecting in 2017. These awards demonstrate his commitment to advancing research in Botany and lichenology while also recognizing his contributions to the academic and scientific community, further solidifying his role as a leading researcher in the field.

🌍 Research Skill On Agricultural

Dr. M. Mariraj possesses advanced research skills in lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. His research primarily focuses on studying the species diversity of lichens in the Nilgiri and Kodaikanal hills of the Western Ghats, a hotspot for biodiversity. Dr. Mariraj has honed skills in various modern analytical techniques, such as LCMS, column chromatography, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR analysis, enabling him to isolate and study bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties. His work also involves in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies, particularly for skin cancer treatment, showcasing his proficiency in biomedical research. Moreover, his expertise extends to environmental science, where he evaluates the potential health risks of pesticide toxins in major vegetables and fruits. Dr. Mariraj’s multifaceted research skills, coupled with his deep commitment to understanding plant metabolites and their practical applications, make him a leading researcher in his field.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Effect of metakaolin on the properties of pervious concrete
    Author(s): SB Singh, M Murugan
    Citation: Construction and Building Materials, 346, 128476
    Year: 2022
  • Phytofoods of Nubra valley, Ladakh-the cold desert
    Author(s): MP Murugan, XJ Raj, GP Kumar, SG Sunil Gupta, SB Singh
    Citation: N/A
    Year: 2010
  • Effect of aggregate size on properties of polypropylene and glass fibre-reinforced pervious concrete
    Author(s): S Bright Singh, M Murugan
    Citation: International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 23 (6), 2034-2048
    Year: 2022
  • Experimental study on concrete using sea sand as fine aggregate
    Author(s): R Mahendran, K Godwin, T Gnana Selvan, M Murugan
    Citation: Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res, 7, 48-52
    Year: 2016
  • Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of leaves of Mucuna pruriens in alloxan induced diabetic rats
    Author(s): M Murugan, CUM Reddy
    Citation: J Pharm Sci Tech, 2009; 1 (2): 69-73
    Year: 2009
  • Engineering properties of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) varieties as a function of moisture content and structure of grain
    Author(s): R Vashishth, AD Semwal, M Pal Murugan, T Govind Raj, GK Sharma
    Citation: Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57 (4), 1477-1485
    Year: 2020
  • Determination of Total Phenols, Free Radical Scavenging and Antibacterial Activities of Mentha longifolia Linn. Hudson from the Cold Desert, Ladakh, India
    Author(s): XJ Raj, PK Bajpjpai, GP Kumar, MP Murugan, J Kumar, OP Chaurasia, …
    Citation: Pharmacognosy Journal, 2 (12)
    Year: 2010
  • Antioxidative activity and phytochemical investigation on a high altitude medicinal plant Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth
    Author(s): J Raj, SS Bala
    Citation: Pharmacognosy Journal, 2 (6)
    Year: 2010
  • Antagonistic and antioxidant potencies of Centrosema pubescens benth extracts against nosocomial infection pathogens
    Author(s): M Murugan, K Rajendran, T Velmurugan, S Muthu, M Gundappa, …
    Citation: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 29, 101776
    Year: 2020
  • A review on acrylamide mitigation strategies in various processed foods
    Author(s): M Pal Murugan, G Agathian, AD Semwal, GK Sharma
    Citation: Int. J. Adv. Res, 4, 1025-1040
    Year: 2016