Iagăru Romulus | Sustainable Agriculture | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Iagăru Romulus | Sustainable Agriculture | Innovative Research Award

Professor PhD | Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu | Romania

Prof. Dr. Romulus Iagaru is an accomplished Romanian scholar with extensive expertise in sustainable agriculture, agri-food management, and the transition toward circular economy systems. He holds two Ph.D. degrees, the first in Agriculture (2001, Faculty of Agriculture, Craiova University, Romania) and the second in Economics and Business Administration (2012, Craiova University, Romania), reflecting his rare interdisciplinary foundation. Over his academic career, he has held progressive teaching and leadership roles at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, where he is currently a Habilitated Professor, alongside prior service as Dean, Professor, and Publishing House Manager at Alma Mater University. His professional journey also includes early experience as a farm manager, providing practical insights that inform his research and teaching. Prof. Iagaru’s research interests focus on sustainable resource management, precision agriculture, UAV-based monitoring systems for agroecosystems, and strategies for enhancing productivity in livestock and crop systems while conserving biodiversity. He has contributed significantly to national and international projects, including EU- and government-funded initiatives on sheep adaptability, high-performance potato systems, and grassland improvement, often in collaboration with multidisciplinary partners. His research skills span project management, field experimentation, data-driven agricultural analysis, and the application of strategic economic models to agricultural sustainability. He has published widely in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals, including Sustainability, Romanian Biotechnological Letters, and Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, achieving recognition as a cited author in agriculture, economics, and environmental sciences. Prof. Iagaru has been honored with memberships in professional organizations such as SAMRO and has played an active role in academic publishing and student mentorship. His scholarly record currently includes 20 citations by 19 documents, 8 documents indexed, and an h-index of 3, underscoring his contributions to advancing sustainable agricultural innovation and management practices.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Iagăru, R., Florescu, N., & Iagăru, P. (2016). Strategic management of sustainable development in the countryside of Sibiu Depression—basic of environmental protection. Environmental Engineering & Management Journal (EEMJ), 15(6), 22 citations.

  2. Iagăru, R., Iagăru, P., Ciortea, G., & Chindriş, C. (2016). The management of resource sustainable valorization by tourism in the inter-ethnic rural area of Sibiu depression. *“Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary…, 12 citations.

  3. Nistorescu, T., & Iagăru, R. (2012). Countryside development strategic approach. Annals of the University of Craiova, Economic Sciences Series, 1, 12 citations.

  4. Iagăru, R., & Iagăru, P. (2017). Strategic management of the rural area sustainable development respecting the principle of bioeconomics and ecoeconomics as basics for protecting the environment. 11 citations.

  5. Iagăru, R., Șipoș, A., & Iagăru, P. (2023). Strategic thinking and its role in accelerating the transition from the linear to the circular economic model—Case study of the agri-food sector in the Sibiu Depression. Sustainability, 15(4), 3109. 10 citations.

Ahmed Sabri AYAD | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Dr . Ahmed Sabri AYAD | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP) , Algeria

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad is a promising young researcher with a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong background in natural product pharmacology, particularly focused on Algerian propolis and bee health. At just 29, he has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in international journals and participated in several scientific conferences, demonstrating both productivity and engagement with the global research community. His multidisciplinary training, international research experience in Canada, and technical proficiency in laboratory and analytical methods add depth to his profile. Dr. Ayad’s work is regionally relevant and globally significant, addressing issues such as antimicrobial resistance and environmental health. He also brings added value through community involvement and science outreach. While further leadership in independent research projects and broader international collaborations would strengthen his candidacy for senior-level awards, he stands out as an excellent contender for a Young Scientist Award, with clear potential for future scientific impact.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University Badji Mokhtar, Annaba, Algeria, with research centered on applied animal biology and natural bioactive compounds. He earned his Master’s degree in Cellular Physiology and Physiopathology from the same university in 2019, graduating among the top of his class. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Physiology in 2017, following a science-focused baccalaureate in 2014. In addition to formal education, Dr. Ayad has pursued diverse training programs that enriched his scientific and technical skills, including courses in cancer biology from Johns Hopkins University, apiculture, cupping therapy, and natural cosmetics formulation. He also completed several language and communication courses in English and French, enhancing his global engagement capabilities. His commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary development has equipped him with a strong foundation in biomedical research, laboratory techniques, and health sciences education.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad has a diverse professional background combining research, industry, and community engagement. Since December 2024, he has served as a permanent researcher at the Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (CRSP) in Constantine, Algeria. Prior to this, he worked as a medical representative for Frater Razes Laboratory (2022–2024) and Novapharm Trading Laboratory (2020–2021), gaining valuable experience in pharmaceutical communication and marketing. His research experience includes a significant internship at the Centre for Precision Medicine and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, University of Moncton, Canada, where he contributed to cutting-edge biomedical research. Earlier roles include laboratory-based academic training and teaching assistant work with the Red Crescent in Annaba, where he taught first aid. This blend of academic, industrial, and voluntary roles has enabled him to develop strong scientific, communication, and organizational skills, making him a well-rounded and adaptable professional in the fields of biomedical research and pharmaceutical sciences.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad’s research interests lie at the intersection of natural product pharmacology, toxicology, and environmental health, with a particular focus on bee products such as propolis and honey. He is deeply engaged in studying the bioactive properties of these substances, including their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic activities. His work aims to explore the therapeutic potential of natural compounds while assessing their safety and efficacy in both in vitro and in vivo models. He is also interested in the impact of environmental factors and pesticides on bee health, contributing to the conservation of local honeybee populations. His interdisciplinary approach combines cellular biology, analytical chemistry, and animal physiology to develop sustainable, nature-based health solutions. Dr. Ayad’s research is both locally relevant and globally significant, aligning with current scientific efforts to valorize traditional remedies and protect pollinator species critical to ecological and agricultural systems.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad has earned recognition for his academic excellence and scientific contributions throughout his career. During his Master’s studies in Cellular Physiology and Physiopathology at the University Badji Mokhtar, Annaba, he graduated among the top of his class, reflecting his dedication and strong academic performance. He received a certificate of distinction for successfully completing an advanced course in Cancer Biology from Johns Hopkins University via Coursera, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and specialization. His research has also been selected for presentation at various national and international scientific conferences, including events in Tunisia, Turkey, and Algeria, where he highlighted the biological activities of Algerian propolis. These platforms not only reflect his scientific merit but also his ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. His early achievements in research and education, along with consistent engagement in training and public science outreach, mark him as a standout young scientist in his field.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span cellular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, and natural product analysis. He is proficient in various laboratory techniques, including acetylcholinesterase, protein, and lipid peroxidation (MDA) assays, as well as antioxidant activity assessment through DPPH methods. His expertise extends to cell culture, cytotoxicity testing via MTT assay, apoptosis analysis by flow cytometry, and anti-inflammatory testing using 5-lipoxygenase assays. Additionally, Dr. Ayad has hands-on experience in animal handling, particularly with rats and honey bees, and manages small-scale apiculture operations as part of his field studies. He is skilled in the determination of polyphenols and flavonoids in bee products, crucial for evaluating their bioactivity. On the technical front, he is proficient with software such as GraphPad Prism, Zotero, and BioRender for data analysis and presentation. His well-rounded research capabilities enable him to conduct interdisciplinary studies with a high level of scientific rigor and innovation.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Ahmed Sabri Ayad is a highly suitable candidate for a Young Scientist Award, especially given his strong publication record, innovative research on bee products and natural pharmacology, and international collaboration at a relatively early career stage.

He would be a moderately strong contender for a Best Researcher Award if aimed at early-career researchers, but may need a few more years of independent leadership and international recognition for senior-level awards

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Algerian Propolis from Distinct Geographical Locations: Chemical Profiles, Antioxidant Capacity, Cytotoxicity and Inhibition of 5-Lipoxygenase Product Biosynthesis

  • Authors: Ayad, A.S. (Ahmed Sabri), Hébert, M.P.A. (Mathieu P.A.), Doiron, J.A. (Jérémie A.), Loucif-Ayad, W., Daas, T., Smagghe, G., Alburaki, M., Barnett, D.A., Touaibia, M. (Mohamed), Surette, M.E. (Marc E.)

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Chemistry and Biodiversity

  • DOI/Citation: Ayad, A.S., Hébert, M.P.A., Doiron, J.A., et al. (2024). Algerian Propolis from Distinct Geographical Locations: Chemical Profiles, Antioxidant Capacity, Cytotoxicity and Inhibition of 5-Lipoxygenase Product Biosynthesis. Chemistry and Biodiversity. DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301758