Mr. Ronald Ssembajwe | Climate | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Ronald Ssembajwe | Climate | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Ronald Ssembajwe, Makerere University and National Coffee Research Institute, Uganda

Ronald Ssembajwe is a climate scientist and technologist based in Uganda, specializing in applied meteorology, remote sensing, and climate-smart agriculture. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Meteorology and a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from Makerere University, Kampala. Ronald currently serves as a Research Officer at the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI/NARO), where he contributes to multiple national and international research projects focused on sustainable coffee production, climate modeling, and pest and disease management. He has led work on the development of digital decision-support tools and mechanistic models for coffee farming under changing climatic conditions. Ronald is also the Co-founder and Director of Agape Innovations Limited, a firm driving climate-smart and tech-based innovations for agriculture. His extensive training includes advanced research methods, remote sensing, programming, and geospatial analysis from institutions across Africa and Europe. A recipient of several prestigious scholarships and grants including USAID, Erasmus+, and the EU Space Programme, Ronald is a member of multiple professional associations such as the Association of Applied Biologists (UK) and the Uganda Meteorological and Allied Professionals Association. His interdisciplinary expertise spans predictive modeling, climate data analysis, and community resilience, making him a key contributor to agricultural research and innovation in East Africa.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Young Researcher Award: Ronald Ssembajwe

Research Focus and Innovation
Ronald Ssembajwe is a dynamic early-career researcher whose work is already making a substantial impact in the fields of applied meteorology, climate-smart agriculture, and bioclimatic modeling. Currently serving as a Research Officer at the National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI/NARO) in Uganda and pursuing his M.S. in Applied Meteorology at Makerere University, Ssembajwe has demonstrated deep commitment to integrating climate science with agricultural innovation, particularly for sustainable coffee production—a critical sector for Uganda’s economy.

🎓 Education

  • M.S. in Applied Meteorology (Makerere University, 2024)
    Thesis: Assessment of Climate-sensitive Crop Indices over various Phenological Stages for Robusta Coffee in Uganda

  • B.S. in Meteorology (Makerere University, 2017)
    Dissertation: Assessing the Urban-rural Climate Variability in Uganda, A Case Study of Mukono and Kampala

💼 Work Experience

🧪 Research Officer (Jan 2020 – Present)

National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI/NARO), Uganda

  • Climate modeling, pest/disease monitoring, and yield prediction

  • Leading various national/international coffee-based climate research projects

  • MSc student under USAID-IITA CSA Project

💡 Co-founder, Director & Lead Technovations (Feb 2018 – Present)

Agape Innovations Limited, Kampala, Uganda

  • Business strategy, partnership development, grant writing

🌦️ Research Volunteer (May 2017 – Nov 2019)

Uganda National Meteorological Authority

  • School outreach programs and weather training content creation

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

  • 🎓 USAID MSc Scholarship (2021–2025)

  • 🌍 Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships

    • Dimitrie Cantemir University, Romania (2023–2024)

    • University of Bucharest, Romania (March–April 2025)

  • 🛰️ RCMRD/GMES & Africa Research Grant (2023)

  • 🌌 KijaniSpace HORIZON-EUSPA Grant (2024–2027, EU Space Programme)

Publication Top Notes:

Dynamics and associations of selected agrometeorological variables in Robusta growing regions of Uganda

 

Prof. Manish Thakur | Environmental Monitoring Awards | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Manish Thakur | Environmental Monitoring Awards | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Manish Thakur, CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India

Prof. M.S. Thakur is a distinguished scientist and academician with over 40 years of experience in research and development. He currently serves as the Professor and Head of the Bioengineering Research Centre and the Advanced Research Centre for Clean and Green Energy at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Prior to this, he held prominent positions, including Chief Scientist and Director Grade (Retd.) at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, and Head of the Fermentation Technology and Bioengineering Department at CSIR-CFTRI. He also contributed to academia as a Visiting Professor at Mysore University and Mangalore University (2014-2016).

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Prof. M.S. Thakur is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award based on his extensive contributions to research and development in bioengineering, clean energy, biotechnology, and biosensor technologies. Here are the key factors supporting his candidacy

🎓 Education & Work Experience

  • Current Position: Professor & Head, Bioengineering Research Centre & Advanced Research Centre for Clean and Green Energy, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore.
  • Former Positions:
    • 🏅 Chief Scientist & Director Grade (Retd.), CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore.
    • 🧪 Head, Fermentation Technology & Bioengineering Dept., CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore.
    • 🎓 Visiting Professor, Mysore University & Mangalore University (2014-2016).
  • International Experience:
    • 🌍 Visiting Scientist at MIT (USA), University of Maryland (USA), EPFL (Switzerland), Lund University (Sweden), Melbourne University (Australia) & more.

🔬 Research Expertise

  • 🏭 Clean & Green Energy
  • 🖥️ AI & Machine Learning for Biotechnology
  • 🧬 Biomolecular Electronics & Bioelectronics
  • 🔄 Waste Utilization
  • 🧫 Biotechnology

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • 📜 200+ research papers (h-index: 43) & 20 patents.
  • 🏭 Developed innovative biosensor technologies & transferred technologies to industries.
  • 🥇 Awards & Recognitions:
    • L.G. Goodho AFST Award 🏅
    • Best Research Papers Award (2000-2004, 2008) 🏆
    • Best Scientist Award (2009) 👨‍🔬✨

⚖️ Expert Committees & Board Memberships

  • 🇮🇳 Govt. of India Committees:
    • 🧨 Expert Committee Member on Explosive Detection (Principal Scientific Adviser, PMO).
    • 🏛️ DST, ICMR, UGC, FSSAI – Various expert panels.
  • 🏛️ Board Memberships:
    • Board of Governors, NDRF, Institute of Engineers (India)
    • Board of Directors, Biotechnology Council, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh

Publication Top Notes:

CITED:727
CITED:319
CITED:281
CITED:241
CITED:199
CITED:171

Prof. Yaira Hamama-raz | Greenhouse Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Yaira Hamama-raz | Greenhouse Award | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Yaira Hamama-raz, Ariel University, Israel

Yaira Hamama Raz, in Israel, is a prominent figure in the field of social work and psycho-oncology. She completed her B.A. and M.A. at Tel Aviv University, where she also earned her Ph.D. focusing on the psychological adjustment of melanoma survivors. Yaira’s academic career spans various roles at Ariel University, from External Lecturer to her current position as a Tenured Full Professor at the School of Social Work. With extensive professional experience, including her work as a mental health officer in the Israel Defense Forces and a social worker in gyneco-oncology, Yaira has made significant contributions to the welfare of vulnerable populations. She has served on numerous academic committees and scientific boards, actively engaging in research on health care and social issues, particularly in relation to climate change and mental health. Yaira continues to impact the field through her dedication to education, research, and clinical practice, alongside her commitment to social justice and health equity.

Professional Profile:

ORCID 

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Yaira Hamama Raz:

Yaira Hamama Raz’s extensive academic and professional background makes her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a strong foundation in social work and psycho-oncology, she has demonstrated a commitment to advancing research in the mental health field, particularly concerning vulnerable populations.

Education:

  1. B.A. in Social Work
    • Institution: Tel Aviv University
    • Years: 1986-1989
  2. M.A. in Social Work
    • Institution: Tel Aviv University
    • Years: 1992-1996
    • Thesis Title: Fear of personal death among physicians
    • Supervisors: Prof. Zahava Solomon and Prof. Abraham Ohari
  3. Ph.D. in Social Work
    • Institution: Tel Aviv University
    • Years: 1997-2003
    • Thesis Title: Psychological adjustment of melanoma survivors: Contribution of gender, gender identity, cognitive appraisal, hardiness, and attachment style
    • Supervisor: Prof. Zahava Solomon
  4. Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • Institution: Adler Research Center for Child Welfare and Protection, School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University
    • Years: 2005-2007

Work Experience:

  1. Mental Health Officer
    • Organization: Mental Health Department, Israel Defense Forces
    • Years: 1989-1990
  2. Social Worker with Families
    • Organization: Ramat Gan’s Welfare Department, Israel
    • Years: 1990-1992
  3. Social Worker with Young Women in Distress
    • Organization: Ramat Gan’s Welfare Department, Israel
    • Years: 1992-1994
  4. Social Worker, Gyneco-oncology Unit
    • Organization: Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel
    • Years: 1995-2005
  5. Head of Individual Psychotherapy Division
    • Organization: “One in Nine” Israel Association for Breast Cancer
    • Years: 2006-2009
  6. Social Worker – Psycho-oncology Therapist
    • Organization: Private Clinic
    • Years: 2009-present

Publication top Notes:

Does Climate Change Worry Decrease during Armed Conflicts?

Oocyte freezing intention for non-medical reasons: the interplay with childbearing intention, age and self efficacy

Experience of Miscarriage versus Stillbirth: Differences in Fear of Childbirth, Adjustment Disorder, and Optimism

Professional Quality of Life Among Professionals Working with People with Eating Disorders: The Interplay Between Meaning in Work, Optimism, and Career Duration

Vigor among health-care professionals at the workplace: the role of intra- and inter-personal resources