Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cryogenicist

Ms. Marianna Vályi Nagy | Sustainability in Cryogenic Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Research assistant at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Hungary

Marianna Vályi Nagy is a research assistant at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Institute of Agronomy, whose academic journey and professional career have been devoted to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong foundation in horticultural engineering, plant protection, and agronomy, she has established herself as a dedicated researcher focusing on mixed cropping systems, crop interactions, and climate-resilient agricultural methods. Her work bridges fundamental agricultural sciences with applied research, producing impactful results that contribute both to academic knowledge and to real-world agricultural innovations.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Marianna began her academic journey at Corvinus University in Budapest, where she graduated as a Horticultural Engineer. Her interest in crop science and plant interactions motivated her to pursue further qualifications, and she later obtained a specialized degree in Plant Protection Engineering from the University of Szeged. Her commitment to higher learning led her to doctoral studies at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, supported by the Young Researcher Training Program. Throughout her academic development, Marianna demonstrated a keen ability to integrate multiple disciplines within plant sciences, aligning her expertise with the pressing challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable farming systems.

Experience

Marianna’s professional experience is rooted in her contributions to both research and applied agricultural innovation. She began her research career at the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, where she gained valuable experience in experimental design and crop management practices. Later, she joined the Applied Agronomy Research Station, which became part of MATE, and contributed to experiments that combined scientific rigor with industry-driven needs. Over the years, she has participated in numerous commissioned research projects, collaborating with agricultural companies to test crop varieties, seeding strategies, and sustainable cultivation methods. This blend of academic and industry engagement has allowed her to create a research portfolio that is both scientifically robust and practically relevant.

Research Focus

Marianna’s primary research interests revolve around mixed cropping systems, with a particular emphasis on winter wheat–winter pea interactions. She explores the development process of companion crops, analyzing both their quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Her studies extend beyond traditional yield-focused research by considering plant development, interaction dynamics, seeding rates, and variety selection, providing a comprehensive understanding of crop coexistence. These investigations address one of the greatest challenges in modern agriculture: identifying cultivation methods that are environmentally sustainable, resilient to climate change, and adaptable to market fluctuations. Through her research, Marianna contributes to shaping agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological responsibility.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Yield and Quality Parameters of Winter Wheat in a Wheat–Pea Mixed Cropping System
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Csaba Gyuricza, Márta Ladányi
Summary: This study evaluated wheat–pea intercropping, showing improved grain yield, protein content, and crop resilience, highlighting ecological and economic advantages compared to monoculture wheat cultivation.

Title: Competition Indices and Economic Benefits of Winter Wheat and Winter Peas in Mixed Cropping
Authors: Marianna Vályi-Nagy, István Kristó, Melinda Tar, Attila Rácz, Lajos Szentpéteri, Katalin Irmes, Gergő Péter Kovács, Márta Ladányi
Summary: Research analyzed competition indices and profitability of wheat–pea mixtures, concluding intercropping enhances land-use efficiency and offers greater economic sustainability than sole cropping systems.

Title: The Effect of Foliar Zinc Application on the Leaf Chlorophyll Concentrations and Grain Yields of the Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Field Experiments of Two Seasons
Authors: Katalin Irmes, István Kristó, Lajos Szentpéteri, Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Mária Katalin Kassai, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Melinda Tar
Summary: Two-season field trials revealed foliar zinc application increased chlorophyll levels and grain yields in winter wheat, emphasizing zinc’s critical role in improving crop productivity.

Title: Effects of Winter Cereals (Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Triticosecale Wittmack) and Winter Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Intercropping on Weed Cover in South-Eastern and Central Hungary
Authors: Attila Rácz, Marianna Vályi-Nagy, Melinda Tar, Katalin Irmes, Lajos Szentpéteri, Apolka Ujj, Klára Veresné Valentinyi, Márta Ladányi, István Kristó
Summary: Field experiments demonstrated cereal–pea intercropping significantly reduced weed cover, promoting ecological weed management and enhancing sustainability in Hungarian winter cropping systems.

Conclusion

Marianna Vályi Nagy stands out as a promising researcher whose dedication to sustainable agriculture is evident in her academic achievements, applied research, and innovative contributions. Her expertise in mixed cropping systems addresses one of the most urgent agricultural challenges of our time—developing cultivation methods that align with ecological principles while ensuring productivity and resilience. With a growing body of publications, patents, and industry collaborations, she exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher who bridges science and practice. Her membership in professional associations and recognition through national research programs further reinforce her position as an emerging leader in agricultural sciences. Marianna’s work holds significant potential to guide future research directions and agricultural policies, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Birhanu Werku | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cryogenicist

Mr. Birhanu Werku | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer and Researcher at Wollega University, Ethiopia

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku is an accomplished academic, researcher, and administrator serving as Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage Associate Dean at Wollega University, College of Agriculture. With expertise spanning agriculture, ecology, water resources, wetlands, agroforestry, air quality, and environmental health, he has established himself as a versatile scholar contributing both to scientific research and to the development of local communities. His career is marked by impactful publications, interdisciplinary collaborations, and leadership roles that highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Birhanu’s academic foundation reflects a clear dedication to rural development, environmental science, and sustainable practices. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Rural Development and Family Science from Hawassa University, where he developed a strong grounding in agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, and community-based approaches to development. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology at Jimma University, where his training integrated environmental sustainability with practical problem-solving in water resources, agroecology, and natural resource management. His educational journey equipped him with advanced knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, project design, feasibility assessments, and training needs evaluation, all of which have informed his subsequent academic and professional endeavors.

Experience

Birhanu began his career as a lecturer and later took on leadership responsibilities at Wollega University, where he served as Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. In this capacity, he worked to strengthen curriculum development, mentor students, and engage faculty in collaborative research initiatives. His leadership experience expanded when he assumed the role of Associate Dean for Research, Community Engagement, and Industry Linkage, a position that has allowed him to bridge the gap between academia, local communities, and industry stakeholders. In this role, he has been instrumental in designing and overseeing projects that address pressing challenges such as food security, water management, climate resilience, and community capacity building. His work reflects a balance of academic rigor and practical application, ensuring that research outcomes are translated into real-world impact.

Research Focus

Birhanu’s research agenda is broad yet interconnected, addressing key issues in agriculture, environment, and public health. His studies on wetlands and watershed dynamics provide valuable insights into sustainable land use and water resource management. His investigations into agroforestry and indigenous knowledge systems emphasize the importance of traditional practices in ensuring food security and ecological balance. Additionally, his research on air quality and public health highlights the environmental dimensions of human well-being, advancing evidence-based strategies for sustainable urban and rural development. He is also deeply engaged in climate change research, particularly focusing on agricultural emissions and their role in shaping mitigation strategies aligned with global sustainability goals. Collectively, his work demonstrates a consistent effort to link environmental stewardship with social development.

Publication Top Note

Title: Impact of agricultural emissions on Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Agenda: An East African Strategy for Climate Action
Authors: Birhanu Chalcisa Werku et al.
Summary: This study analyzes agricultural emissions in East Africa, proposing sustainable strategies to mitigate climate impacts and advance global climate action.

Conclusion

Birhanu Chalcisa Werku’s career exemplifies the integration of teaching, research, and community engagement. His educational background and professional roles at Wollega University have positioned him as both a scholar and a leader. Through his publications, he has advanced knowledge in areas critical to sustainable development, including wetlands, agroforestry, food safety, and air quality. His interdisciplinary focus connects ecological systems with human development, ensuring that his work remains relevant to both local communities and broader global challenges. By linking academic research with practical application, Birhanu has made significant contributions to the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and public health. His leadership, research productivity, and commitment to community development make him a strong and deserving candidate for recognition through this award.