Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director General at Forest Research and Training Centre, Nepal

Dr. Rajesh Malla, Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Hamburg, Germany, is a distinguished forestry and climate change researcher specializing in forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. With an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he has over two decades of experience in research, leadership, and conservation. He has published extensively in reputed, indexed journals such as Land, Forests, PeerJ, and Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, and has presented at international conferences. Serving as Deputy Director General and previously Director at Nepal’s Forest Research and Training Centre, he has led impactful national and international projects. His work bridges scientific innovation and policy application, significantly contributing to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation in Nepal and beyond. The Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award recognises outstanding contributions in the fields of Agricultural and biological research, particularly within Agriculture and Agriculture.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile

Education

Dr. Rajesh Malla holds a Ph.D. in Biology  from the University of Hamburg, Germany, with a thesis focusing on climate change impacts on soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass, and vegetation shifts in Nepal’s forests. He earned his M.Sc. in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal, specializing in habitat mapping and conservation threats to the Gangetic Dolphin, graduating with first division. His B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University included a specialization in GIS applications for natural resource management, with a thesis on park–people conflict in Nepal’s protected areas, also completed with first division. This strong academic foundation has equipped him with advanced scientific, analytical, and technical expertise to address complex environmental and climate-related challenges while integrating conservation science with practical forest management solutions.

Experience

With over two decades of service in forestry and climate change research, Dr. Malla currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. His leadership spans major projects including allometry equation development, forest resource assessments, bamboo resource surveys, and terrestrial lidar scanning for forest inventory. Previously, he was Director at the Centre’s Gandaki Province office, Research Officer at the Department of Forest Research and Survey, and Assistant Research Officer. He has also served as Project Leader for the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project, funded by the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation (UK), and held NGO program management roles. His career reflects a strong blend of research expertise, strategic leadership, and implementation of conservation initiatives at both national and international levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Malla’s research interests span forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. His work integrates advanced modeling techniques with ecological data to evaluate carbon dynamics, biomass distribution, and species habitat suitability. He is deeply engaged in assessing vegetation shifts under climate scenarios, identifying invasive species patterns, and linking forest diversity to carbon storage potential. Additionally, his studies often incorporate geospatial tools, remote sensing, and GIS applications to support data-driven forest management strategies. Beyond ecological science, he focuses on the socio-environmental dimensions of forestry, including park–people relationships, community forestry systems, and conservation policy impacts. His interdisciplinary approach ensures his research remains relevant for both academic advancement and practical application in sustainable natural resource management.

Award and Honor

Dr. Rajesh Malla’s career has been marked by recognition for his impactful research and leadership in forestry and climate science. While his work has not only garnered academic attention through publications in prestigious, indexed journals (Land, Forests, PeerJ, Frontiers in Forests and Global Change), it has also influenced policy and conservation practices in Nepal. His leadership roles in government forestry institutions reflect the trust and respect earned from the scientific and policy-making community. Invitations to present at national and international platforms—such as the APFISN Workshop in the Philippines and the International Conference on Forest, People, and Climate—demonstrate his standing as a subject-matter expert. His project leadership, notably the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project funded internationally, showcases his ability to secure and manage global research support.

Research Skill

Dr. Malla possesses advanced expertise in forest inventory techniques, biomass and carbon modeling, ecological data analysis, and climate change impact assessments. His skills include the application of GIS, remote sensing, and terrestrial lidar scanning for precise environmental mapping and monitoring. He is adept at integrating field-based data with advanced statistical and geospatial modeling to generate actionable conservation insights. His research involves multi-scale approaches—from local biodiversity assessments to national forest resource evaluations—often within multidisciplinary teams. He has strong competencies in scientific writing, peer-reviewed publishing, and conference presentations, enabling him to effectively communicate research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences. His experience in managing complex research projects, securing funding, and building collaborative networks further strengthens his capacity to lead impactful scientific initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R.
Year: 2024
Citation: Land, 13(3), 378

Title: Climate change impacts: In the perspective of soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass and vegetation shifts (A case study from Nepal) – PhD thesis
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2024
Citation: University of Hamburg, Germany

Title: Habitat suitability of four threatened Himalayan species: Asiatic black bear, common leopard, musk deer, and snow leopard
Authors: Malla, R., Panthi, S., Adhikari, H., Pariyar, S., Baral, R., Subedi, R., Adhikari, B.P.
Year: 2023
Citation: PeerJ, 11, e16085

Title: Modelling soil organic carbon as a function of topography and stand variables
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2022
Citation: Forests, 13(9), 1391

Title: Climate change impacts: Vegetation shift of broad-leaved and coniferous forests
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Trees, Forests and People, 14, 100457

Title: Assessment of above ground biomass and soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal under climate change scenario
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 1209232

Title: Forest diversity and aboveground carbon linkage between the national park and community managed tropical forests of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Malla, R.
Year: 2023
Citation: Banko Janakari, 33(2), 49–60

Title: Assessment of invasion of Ageratina adenophora in the plantation forest of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Aryal, R.R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2021
Citation: Banko Janakari, 31(1), 3–11

Title: Natural regeneration potential and growth of degraded Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. forest in Terai region of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Acharya, B.K.
Year: 2017
Citation: Banko Janakari, 28(1), 3–10

Title: The effect of forest management on stand structure and tree diversity in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forest of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Fehrman, L., Malla, R.
Year: 2016
Citation: Indian Forester, 142(6), 582–589

Title: Trees on farms: Diversity, carbon pool and contribution to rural livelihood in Kanchanpur district of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Khanal, S.
Year: 2013
Citation: Banko Janakari, 23(1), 3–11

Title: Above ground carbon stock assessment in different forest types of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari, 19(2), 10–14

Title: Potentiality of payment for environmental services in community forests of Nepal
Authors: Acharya, K.P., Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Basnyat, B.
Year: 2009
Citation: Proceedings of the Community Forestry International Workshop, 15–18 September 2009, Pokhara, Nepal, pp. 67

Title: Habitat Mapping and Conservation Threats to River Dolphin in Karnali River of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari (Special Edition), 24–29

Title: Carbon sequestration potential of Alnus nepalensis in mid-hills of Nepal: A case study from Kaski district
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Awasthi, K.D., Malla, R.
Year: 2008
Citation: Banko Janakari, 18(2), 3–9

Conclusion

Dr. Rajesh Malla stands out as a highly accomplished forestry and climate change researcher whose work bridges the gap between academic science and applied environmental policy. His career reflects a rare combination of scientific depth, leadership ability, and practical conservation impact. With a strong academic background, decades of professional experience, and a rich portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, he has significantly advanced understanding of forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. His leadership in government institutions has enabled large-scale data collection, analysis, and resource management that directly benefit environmental policy-making in Nepal. Looking ahead, his expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to sustainability position him to continue making meaningful contributions to global environmental research and conservation practice

Huanling Yu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Huanling Yu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Dean of the School of Public Health at Capital Medical University, China.

Dr. Huanling Yu 🎓, Professor at Capital Medical University, is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a Ph.D. from Peking University and expertise spanning nutrition, food hygiene, and maternal health 🍼, she has secured major research grants and produced high-impact publications in reputable journals. Her practical contributions, such as pregnancy nutrition tools and dietary guidelines 📑, demonstrate real-world impact beyond academia. She steadily advanced from lecturer to professor, reflecting her leadership and dedication. To further strengthen her global standing 🌍, increased international collaborations and publications in top-tier journals would be valuable. Overall, Dr. Yu’s interdisciplinary research, practical innovations, and commitment to public health make her highly deserving of this recognition 🏆. Her work continues to benefit maternal and child health, shaping better health outcomes for future generations.

Professional Profile

📚 Education

Dr. Huanling Yu 🎓 holds a solid academic foundation with a Ph.D. in Nutrition & Food Hygiene from Peking University Health Science Center, one of China’s premier institutions. She also earned her M.S. in Food Chemistry and B.S. in Agricultural Product Storage & Processing Engineering from Southwest University 🏫. Her educational path blends core food science, hygiene, and processing, providing a multidisciplinary base for tackling complex public health issues. This combination of food chemistry and public health nutrition equips her to investigate the intersections of diet, maternal health, and metabolic conditions. Her strong educational background laid the groundwork for her impactful research contributions in nutrition, gestational health, and community well-being 👩‍🎓, supporting innovative interventions that translate academic knowledge into tangible health improvements for mothers and children.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Huanling Yu has demonstrated a steady and impressive career trajectory 📈 at Capital Medical University. Starting as a Lecturer in 2005, she advanced to Associate Professor and currently serves as Professor in the School of Public Health 👩‍🏫. Her professional journey highlights dedication, mentorship, and leadership within academia. She has successfully guided students, led key research initiatives, and contributed to curriculum development. Her experience managing multiple national and municipal grants demonstrates her capacity to lead complex projects while collaborating across disciplines. Through her academic roles, she has shaped research directions in maternal nutrition and public health, bridging scientific research and community practice 🌿. Her commitment to education, research, and practical public health impact exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher and mentor 👏.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Yu’s research interests focus on the intersection of nutrition, maternal health, and metabolic outcomes 🤰. She investigates how dietary behaviors and lipid metabolism affect pregnancy and offspring health 🧬. Her projects explore nutritional interventions to prevent macrosomia, gestational diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. She is passionate about translating behavioral science into practical dietary guidelines and screening tools for pregnant women 📑. Her interdisciplinary focus also extends to the gut microbiota, immune system, and metabolic pathways — advancing understanding of how nutrition impacts maternal and fetal health at molecular and community levels. Her work promotes preventive care and evidence-based nutritional strategies, contributing to healthier pregnancies and long-term well-being for mothers and children 👶, shaping public health nutrition policies and best practices.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Huanling Yu’s career is marked by notable recognition for her impactful contributions 🏆. While specific awards are not listed here, her consistent success in securing competitive funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Municipal Education Commission demonstrates her esteemed standing within the research community. Her patents and copyrights for practical tools — like dietary guidelines and pregnancy nutrition screening instruments 📜 — highlight her innovative approach to solving real-world health challenges. Her appointment as a full professor and trusted principal investigator reflects peer recognition of her expertise, leadership, and dedication to maternal and child health. Dr. Yu’s reputation as a committed and innovative researcher continues to grow, inspiring peers and the next generation of scholars ✨.

🧪 Research Skills

Dr. Yu possesses a robust set of research skills that make her a leader in her field 🔍. She excels in designing and executing large-scale epidemiological studies, behavioral interventions, and molecular investigations related to nutrition and pregnancy health. Her ability to secure and manage multiple national and municipal grants speaks to her project management and scientific leadership 📝. She has developed practical screening tools, intervention protocols, and dietary guidelines, demonstrating strong translational research capabilities. Her publications reflect proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Yu is adept at synthesizing complex scientific concepts into actionable recommendations for public health 🫶. Her skills bridge laboratory research, clinical applications, and community health, ensuring her work achieves meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Publications Top Note 📝

Title: Nobiletin Alleviates Depressive-like Behavior in Zebrafish via Glycolytic Pathway Activation
Authors: Yu, H. (Corresponding Author)
Year: 2025
Source: Food Chemistry
Citation: Food Chemistry, 2025. [DOI: Not provided]

Title: Development of a Screening Tool for Pregnant Women at Risk of Dystrophy
Authors: Yu, H. (Co-Corresponding Author)
Year: 2024
Source: BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth
Citation: BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth, 2024. [DOI: Not provided]

Title: 27-Hydroxycholesterol Inhibits Trophoblast Fusion via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Yu, H. (Corresponding Author)
Year: 2024
Source: Archives of Toxicology
Citation: Archives of Toxicology, 2024. [DOI: Not provided]

Title: Protocol for Lipid-Focused Dietary Intervention to Reduce Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Yu, H. (Co-Corresponding Author)
Year: 2024
Source: BMJ Open
Citation: BMJ Open, 2024. [DOI: Not provided]

Title: Maternal Hypercholesterolemia and Lipid Metabolic Genes
Authors: Yu, H. (Corresponding Author)
Year: 2022
Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Citation: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022. [DOI: Not provided]

Conclusion📘

In conclusion, Dr. Huanling Yu exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient 🏅. Her impressive educational background, progressive academic career, and impactful research in maternal nutrition and public health speak volumes about her dedication 🎓. She combines rigorous scientific inquiry with practical solutions, developing tools and guidelines that benefit countless mothers and children 👩‍👧. With strong research skills and proven funding success, she stands out as a leader committed to improving health outcomes. Expanding global collaborations 🌍 and publishing in more top-tier journals will further elevate her contributions. Dr. Yu’s work is a testament to research that truly makes a difference — bridging knowledge and community health for a healthier future 💚.

TÚLIO PACHECO BOAVENTURA | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. TÚLIO PACHECO BOAVENTURA | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Doctorat at ,Universidade Federal de Minas Geraisa, Brazil.

Dr. Túlio Pacheco Boaventura has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing aquaculture science, with significant contributions to fish anesthesia and transport. His solid academic background, interdisciplinary experience, and dedication to teaching underscore his qualifications.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Doctorate in Zootechny (2018 – 2022) – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Thesis: Use of Ocimum gratissimum L Essential Oil During Anesthesia and Transport of Pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri): Hematology, Biochemistry, and Oxidative Stress.
Advisor: Ronald Kennedy Luz | Co-advisor: Gisele Cristina Favero
Scholarship: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brazil,Master’s in Zootechny (2017 – 2018) – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Thesis: Development of a New External Visual Marker for Fish and Its Influence on the Performance and Hematology,of Pacamã (Lophiosilurus alexandri).,Advisor: Ronald Kennedy Luz,Scholarship: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil,Bachelor’s in Aquaculture (2011 – 2016) – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil,Thesis: Influence of Different Pore Diameters in Polyethylene Media on Colonization and Nitrification in Biofilters Applied in Aquaculture.,Advisor: Ronald Kennedy Luz,Technical Education in Biotechnology (2006 – 2009) – SESI Beijamin Guimarães, Brazil

Professional Experience

Graduate Lecturer (2017 – Present) – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Taught Course: Live Food Production,Research Fellow & Scientific Assistant – Various research projects at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) and Fundação Christiano Ottoni (FCO),Polymer Bioactivity Research (2008-2010) – Study of bioactive polymers,Biomedical Polymer Applications (2010) – Development of polymers for biomedical use,Serpentinito Mineral Addition in Polyolefin Resins (2012-2013),Optimization of PVC-based Composites (2013-2016) – Research conducted in collaboration with PRECON,Technical Chemist (2011 – 2012) – Fundação Christiano Ottoni (FCO),Worked in the Polymer and Composite Engineering Laboratory,Intern (2016) – UFMG Laboratory of Larviculture

Skills

  • Expertise in aquaculture, fish physiology, and stress management,Proficiency in biopolymer research and composite material development,Strong background in hematology, oxidative stress analysis, and fish anesthesia,Experienced in scientific research methodologies, statistical analysis, and experimental design

Awards & Recognitions

  • Research scholarship from CNPq (Doctorate) and CAPES (Master’s)

  • Active role in academic councils and student representation at UFMG

Research Focus

  • Fish Welfare and Stress Physiology – Investigating biochemical, hematological, and oxidative stress markers in aquaculture species

  • Anesthesia and Transport in Aquaculture – Studying the effects of plant-based anesthetics on fish health

  • Aquatic Animal Production – Developing innovative methodologies for fish farming

  • Polymer and Composite Materials – Researching bioactive and biomedical applications of polymers in aquac

Top Noted Publication

  • Fialho, Martins Marcela, Gabriel, Trindade Julio, Pacheco, Boaventura Tulio, Brey, Gil Camila Silva.
    Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2024.

  • Alcantara, Aline Moreira De, Boaventura, Tulio Pacheco, Paulino, Renan Rosa, Rosa, Priscila Vieira E, Ugucioni, Julio Cesar, Oliveira, Juliano Elvis.
    Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 2024.

  • Loureiro Paschoalini, Alessandro, Boaventura, Túlio Pacheco, Costa Dos Santos, Fabio Aremil, Bazzoli, Nilo, Luz, Ronald Kennedy, Favero, Gisele Cristina..
    Journal of Applied Aquaculture (Print), 2024.

Conclusion

Considering his achievements and potential for further contributions, Dr. Boaventura is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work could not only honor his past accomplishments but also encourage continued excellence and innovation in his future endeavors.