Shunan Zhang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shunan Zhang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award 

Nanjing Agricultural University | China

Associate Professor Shunan Zhang of Nanjing Agricultural University is an accomplished plant scientist whose work centers on nitrogen use and its biological functions in major crops. With a strong academic background spanning a Bachelor’s degree, PhD, postdoctoral training, and international research experience as a Visiting Researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he has built a robust foundation in crop physiology and molecular biology. His research primarily investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms by which nitrogen regulates crop growth periods, flowering time, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), while also exploring how plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere contribute to nitrogen uptake and utilization. He has authored 11 documents, accumulated 397 citations, and holds an h-index of 9, reflecting the growing impact and recognition of his scientific contributions. His publications in leading journals including Advanced Science, Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology Journal, Plant and Soil, Journal of Experimental Botany, Crop Journal, and Current Biology have advanced understanding of transcriptional networks, nitrogen signaling pathways, and nutrient–developmental crosstalk in rice. Through his discoveries on key transcription factors, nitrogen-responsive genes, and mechanisms linking carbon–nitrogen balance, Dr. Zhang aims to provide a strong theoretical framework for breeding high-yield, resource-efficient crop varieties. His work not only deepens the fundamental knowledge of plant nutrient regulation but also supports global agricultural sustainability by targeting improved nitrogen use, reduced fertilizer dependency, and enhanced crop performance under varying environmental conditions.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications 

Jin, Y., Deng, L., Wang, T., Wang, Z., Jing, Y., Du, M., Li, X., Qu, H., Ding, W., Liu, Y., Gu, M., Zhang, S., & Xu, G. (2025). The Nhd1–MYB110–MADS15 transcription factor module regulates flowering time in rice. Plant Physiology.

Wiseman Ndlovu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu, African Wildlife Economy Institute, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu is a seasoned academic and researcher in rural development and agricultural economics. He holds a PhD from the University of Venda and has extensive experience in project administration, data analytics, and business consulting. Dr. Ndlovu has led various research initiatives, mentored students, and contributed to impactful projects, demonstrating a commitment to knowledge advancement and capacity building.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS ID

ORCID ID

🎓 Education

  • PhD in Rural Development/Agriculture Economics – University of Venda 🎓
  • South African National Research Foundation – Doctoral Scholarship (2017-2020) 🎓
  • EXAKT4YOU Hackathon Bar camp, Tanzania – 2020 🌍
  • Baden-Württemberg STIPENDIUM, Germany – Doctoral Study (2019) 🇩🇪
  • EXAKT4YOU Innovation Workshop Award – Tanzania/Germany – 2018 🌍💡
  • University of Venda Work-study Programme – Teaching and Tutoring (2015, 2017) 📚
  • South African National Research Foundation (2014, 2016) 🏅

🔬Research Contributions On Agriculture

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu’s research contributions span rural development, agricultural economics, and business analytics. He has led high-impact projects, including wildlife value chain analysis and the commercialization of medicinal plants. His work bridges academia and industry, showcasing his expertise in data analytics, project coordination, and fostering innovation in economic and environmental development. His research continues to influence both sectors.

💼Experience

Dr. Wiseman Ndlovu has extensive experience in research, project coordination, and consultancy. He has worked as Programmes Director at the African Wildlife Economy Institute and held roles in Redpoint Consulting and Gold Class Group. His expertise includes business analytics, leadership coaching, and mentoring, with a focus on rural development, economic growth, and data-driven solutions.

Professional Roles:

  • Programmes Director: African Wildlife Economy Institute, Stellenbosch University (Jan 2023 – Present) 🦁
  • Associate Consultant: Redpoint Consulting Pty Ltd (Sept 2021 – Present) 💼
  • Associate Consultant & Business Development Partner: Gold Class Group Pty Ltd (March 2018 – Present) 📊
  • Research Technical Expert: Innovation Champions for Local Economic Development Project (Feb 2020 – Dec 2020) 📝
  • Project Coordinator: Institute for Rural Development (Jul 2018 – Dec 2019) 🌱
  • Project Monitoring & Support: United Nations Development Programmes (Sept 2017 – Jul 2018) 🌍
  • Research Assistant: In on Africa Consulting Firm (Feb 2016 – May 2016) 🔍
  • Research Assistant: Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda (May 2016 – Dec 2016) 🧑‍🎓
  • Student Supervision: Over 6 years of supervising Honours, Masters, and PhD students 🎓

🏅Awards and Recognition

  • South African National Research Foundation Doctoral Scholarship (2017-2020): Awarded for his exceptional academic performance and groundbreaking research in Rural Development and Agricultural Economics.
  • EXAKT4YOU Hackathon Bar Camp Award (2020): Honored for his innovative approach in business analytics and project management during the highly competitive Hackathon event in Tanzania.
  • Baden-Württemberg STIPENDIUM, Germany (2019): Awarded the prestigious scholarship for his doctoral studies, facilitating academic exchange and research excellence.
  • EXAKT4YOU Innovation Workshop Award (2018): Recognized for his contributions to innovation and business development at the global workshop in Tanzania and Germany.

📚Publication Top Notes

“Opportunities and challenges in the commercialisation of medicinal plants used in village chicken health management”

Co-authors: Chidembo, R., Mwale, M., Obadire, O., Francis, J.

Published: 2023

Citations: 2

Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development 🌱🐔

“Using a structural equation model to evaluate the roles of traditional institutions in rural agriculture success and sustainability”

Co-authors: Mwale, M., Zuwarimwe, J.

Published: 2022

Citations: 0

Journal: Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development 🌾🌍

“Challenges and critical success factors for rural agrarian reforms in Limpopo province, South Africa”

Co-authors: Mwale, M., Zuwarimwe, J.

Published: 2021

Citations: 2

Journal: Agraris 🌾🔑

“Profiling village chickens, predators, parasites, and medicinal plants used to control the parasites”

Co-authors: Mwale, M., Iwara, I.O., Obadire, O.S., Francis, J.

Published: 2021

Citations: 4

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Ciencia Avicola / Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science 🐔🌿

“Organisational culture and turnover intentions among academics: a case of a rural-based university”

Co-authors: Mashile, D.A., Munyeka, W.

Published: 2021

Citations: 19

Journal: Studies in Higher Education 🎓🏫

“Gender diversity, ethnic diversity and employee performance in a South African higher education institution”

Co-authors: Zhuwao, S., Ngirande, H., Setati, S.T.

Published: 2019

Citations: 24

Journal: SA Journal of Human Resource Management 💼👩‍🏫

“Exploring the role of students in the attainment of Africanisation and internationalisation in post-apartheid South Africa”

Co-authors: Iwara, I.O., Enaifoghe, A.O., Obadire, O.S., Maduku, H.

Published: 2018

Citations: 1

Journal: African Renaissance 🌍🎓