Dr. Nikolaos Tsoulias | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nikolaos Tsoulias | Precision Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nikolaos Tsoulias, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Germany

Nikos Tsoulias is a Senior Researcher and Lecturer at Hochschule Geisenheim University in Germany, specializing in agricultural engineering with a focus on precision horticulture and the integration of advanced AI and machine learning techniques in agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Precision Horticulture from the Agricultural University of Athens and multiple master’s degrees in Precision Farming and Agricultural Engineering. Nikos has extensive research experience in real-time sensor communication, machine vision systems, and data acquisition software development for agricultural applications, particularly in vineyards and perennial crops. His work includes leading projects on ISO-compliant machinery integration, LiDAR and thermal imaging data fusion, and the development of predictive models for crop management. He has contributed to numerous international research collaborations and published widely in journals on smart agricultural technologies. With expertise in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and C++, Nikos combines cutting-edge technology with practical agricultural solutions to advance sustainability and productivity in modern farming.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability – Nikos Tsoulias for Best Researcher Award

Nikos Tsoulias is an accomplished researcher and academic in the field of precision horticulture and agricultural engineering, with a robust blend of expertise in advanced sensing technologies, machine learning, and real-time agricultural applications. His work focuses on developing innovative solutions that integrate optical sensors, machine vision, and data acquisition systems to enhance sustainable agricultural practices.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Precision Horticulture
    Agricultural University of Athens, Greece | 2018 – 2021

  • MSc in Precision Farming
    Harper Adams University, UK | 2014 – 2015

  • MSc in Agricultural Engineering
    Agricultural University of Athens, Greece | 2012 – 2014

  • BSc in Agriculture
    Agricultural University of Athens, Greece | 2009 – 2012

💼 Work Experience

  • Senior Researcher (Agricultural Engineering)
    Hochschule Geisenheim University, Germany | Jan 2023 – Present

  • Postdoctoral Researcher (Precision Horticulture)
    Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Germany | Nov 2021 – Present

  • Doctoral Researcher (Precision Horticulture)
    Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Germany | Jun 2018 – Nov 2021

  • Research Associate (Precision Horticulture)
    Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, Germany | Jan 2017 – Jun 2017

  • Research Associate (Precision Farming)
    Harper Adams University, UK | Jan 2015 – Aug 2015

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • Lead author of impactful journal articles on real-time applications in perennial trees and vegetables, ISO11783-compliant variable rate spraying, and UAV-based fruit detection and yield estimation.

  • Successfully developed innovative machine vision systems and data acquisition software for precision horticulture applications.

  • Played a key role in H2020 and EIP-AGRI projects involving machine learning and agricultural robotics.

🌟 Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized expert in precision horticulture and agricultural engineering with international collaborations and leadership roles.

  • Contributor to multiple international scientific journals and conferences, enhancing sustainable agricultural technology development.

Publication Top Notes:

Real-time applications in perennial trees and vegetables – A review

Developing an ISO11783-compliant prescription map for variable rate spraying in vineyards based on 3D canopy reconstruction

Fruit Detection and Yield Mass Estimation from a UAV Based RGB Dense Cloud for an Apple Orchard

Fruit Water Stress Index of Apple Measured by Means of Temperature-Annotated 3D Point Cloud

Fruit surface temperature data at different ripeness stages and ambient temperature provided as temperature-annotated 3D point clouds of apple trees

Hyper- and Multi-spectral Imaging Technologies

Assoc Prof Dr. Wujing Cao | Intelligent Agriculture Award | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Wujing Cao | Intelligent Agriculture Award | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc Prof Dr. Wujing Cao, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Wujing Cao is an Associate Professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and serves as a Master’s thesis supervisor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Recognized as a young talent by the China Association for Science and Technology, recommended by the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine, his research focuses on lower limb exoskeletons and intelligent prosthetics. He has led or contributed to 10 national, provincial, and municipal research projects, publishing 20 SCI-indexed journal articles, including 2 ESI Highly Cited Papers as first or corresponding author. With 25 patents to his name, Wujing has earned several prestigious awards, including the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Award from the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Chapecoense Outstanding Young Scholar Award. His contributions have also been instrumental in winning the First Prize for Technological Invention in Guangdong Province and Shenzhen City, as well as the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Chongqing Municipality. He currently holds several prominent roles, including Standing Committee Member and Secretary-General of the Youth Working Committee of the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine, youth editorial board member of the “Robot” magazine, and special issue editor for three SCI-indexed journals.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability for the Best Researcher Award: Wujing Cao

In evaluating Wujing Cao’s suitability for the Best Researcher Award, his academic and research accomplishments make a strong case. As an Associate Professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS, and a Master’s supervisor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, his research focuses on lower limb exoskeletons and intelligent prosthetics—both critical areas in rehabilitation technology and biomechatronics. Supported by the China Association for Science and Technology, he has demonstrated leadership in these fields.

Education:

  • Ph.D. (Details about the institution and year are not provided)
  • Master’s Thesis Supervisor, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Professional Experience:

  • Associate Professor, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
  • Master’s Thesis Supervisor, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
  • Young Talent, Supported by the China Association for Science and Technology (recommended by the Chinese Society of Rehabilitation Medicine)

Publication top Notes:

Modeling and Rotation Control of Servo System With Flexible Structure Based on New Deformation Description

Rotation Angle Control Strategy for the Hip Joint of an Exoskeleton Robot Assisted by Paraplegic Patients Considering Time-Varying Inertia

The Human–Machine Interface Design Based on sEMG and Motor Imagery EEG for Lower Limb Exoskeleton Assistance System

An Autoencoder-Based Feature Extraction Method Applied to the Detection of Lateral Walking Gait Phase

Development and Evaluation of a Hip Exoskeleton for Lateral Resistance Walk Exercise

Inertial Sensing for Lateral Walking Gait Detection and Application in Lateral Resistance Exoskeleton

Angelo Azevedo | Internet of Things | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Angelo Azevedo | Internet of Things | Best Researcher Award

A PhD student at ESALQ / USP, Brazil

Angelo Tiago Azevedo is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in Agricultural Systems Engineering. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from UFRRJ in 2019 and earned his Master’s from ESALQ – USP in 2021, focusing on irrigation. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Agricultural Systems Engineering at the same institution, working under the guidance of Rubens Duarte Coelho. His research interests lie in agricultural automation, irrigation management, and the integration of technology in agriculture. Azevedo is also actively involved in teaching at the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, where he imparts knowledge in irrigation, hydraulics, and geoprocessing. His commitment to sustainable agricultural practices is reflected in his ongoing projects and collaborations.

Profile:

Scopus Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Educational Background: Angelo Tiago Azevedo has an impressive academic trajectory, with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, a Master’s in Agricultural Systems Engineering, and ongoing PhD studies at a prestigious institution (ESALQ – USP). His solid foundation in agrarian sciences and engineering enhances his research credibility.
  2. Focused Research Contributions: Azevedo’s research is highly specialized in irrigation, agricultural automation, and instrumentation. His work on automatic irrigation management systems and energy partitioning in crops demonstrates his commitment to addressing critical challenges in modern agriculture.
  3. Diverse Project Involvement: He has participated in multiple research projects that explore various aspects of agricultural productivity, such as evaluating crop adaptability under different irrigation regimes and developing innovative irrigation systems. This breadth of experience showcases his versatility and ability to tackle diverse agricultural issues.
  4. Teaching and Mentorship: As a teacher in technical and technological education, Azevedo actively contributes to the development of future professionals in his field. His involvement in guiding students through research projects highlights his commitment to education and mentorship.
  5. Recognition and Awards: Azevedo has received accolades for his work in scientific research, including recognition for his presentations at academic conferences. This indicates that his peers value his contributions and insights.
  6. Editorial and Peer Review Roles: His position on the editorial board of a scientific journal and as a referee for academic publications demonstrates his recognition as a knowledgeable figure in his field, contributing to the quality and rigor of agricultural research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Publication Volume: While Azevedo has published significant work, increasing the volume of publications in high-impact journals could enhance his visibility and influence within the scientific community.
  2. Language Proficiency: Although he has reasonable comprehension of English and Spanish, improving his fluency in these languages could broaden his opportunities for international collaboration and dissemination of research findings.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging more with researchers from related fields, such as environmental science, technology, and data science, could lead to innovative approaches and enhance the applicability of his research.
  4. Outreach and Communication: Developing skills in science communication could help him effectively share his research findings with broader audiences, including policymakers and practitioners, increasing the impact of his work.

Education:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), completed in 2019. He further pursued a Master’s in Agricultural Systems Engineering at ESALQ – USP, where he graduated in 2021, specializing in irrigation management. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural Systems Engineering at ESALQ – USP, focusing on automation and instrumentation in agriculture, particularly irrigation systems. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to research, supported by grants from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Azevedo has also enhanced his expertise through various complementary courses, including advanced training in irrigation systems and programming languages, positioning him as a knowledgeable figure in the fields of agronomy and agricultural engineering.

Experience: 

Angelo Tiago Azevedo has extensive experience in agricultural research and education. He has worked as a consultant in Agri-Environmental Systems and has participated in various research projects, including the development of automatic irrigation systems and agricultural automation technologies. Azevedo has served as a research assistant at both UFRRJ and ESALQ – USP, contributing to significant projects such as the automatic weight control system for beehives. Currently, he is a researcher and educator at the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, where he teaches courses on irrigation, hydraulics, and geoprocessing. His professional experience also includes coordinating research activities related to irrigation management, crop productivity, and resource optimization. Azevedo’s active involvement in research projects showcases his commitment to advancing agricultural practices and enhancing the efficiency of irrigation systems.

Awards and Honors:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural science through various awards and honors. In 2018, he received accolades for his outstanding work presented at the VI Reunião Anual de Iniciação Científica da UFRRJ, specifically for projects on hydraulic conductivity and automation in soil analysis. His innovative research has been acknowledged for its practical applications in irrigation management. Azevedo was also awarded an Honorable Mention in the 7th Mathematics Olympiad (OBMEP) in 2011, reflecting his strong analytical skills. These achievements highlight his commitment to excellence in research and education, motivating him to contribute further to the field of agricultural engineering. His dedication to sustainability and efficiency in agriculture continues to earn him recognition within the academic community.

Research Focus:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo’s research focus is centered on agricultural automation and instrumentation, particularly within irrigation management. His work aims to optimize water usage and enhance crop productivity through advanced technologies and systems. Azevedo explores the development of automated irrigation systems that integrate climate and soil data to improve resource efficiency. His current projects include evaluating the adaptability of various crop cultivars under different irrigation techniques and developing intelligent systems for precision agriculture. He also investigates the effects of water quality on crop yield, specifically examining the impacts of high electrical conductivity on lettuce production. Azevedo’s research contributions are vital in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the overall efficiency of irrigation systems, addressing the growing challenges of water scarcity and food security.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Development of an Automatic Weather Station for Irrigation Management via IoT
  • Water Use Efficiency and Canopy Temperature Response of Soybean Subjected to Deficit Irrigation

Conclusion:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, with a robust educational background, focused research initiatives, and a commitment to teaching and mentorship. His contributions to agricultural engineering and irrigation management are significant and impactful. By addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing publication volume and enhancing language skills, Azevedo can further solidify his reputation and influence in the field. His dedication to innovation in agricultural practices positions him as a valuable asset to the scientific community and the agricultural sector.