Rohitashw Kumar | Sustainability Strategies | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof Dr. Rohitashw Kumar | Sustainability Strategies | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof Dr. Rohitashw Kumar, SKUAST-Kashmir Srinagar, India

Dr. Rohitashw Kumar (b. 15 August 1973) is a seasoned academic and innovator in agricultural engineering. Currently serving as the Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology and Head of the Division of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), he is a pioneering figure in the integration of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in agriculture. His career spans over two decades of excellence in research, teaching, and institutional leadership, underscored by numerous national awards and impactful publications. 🌾📡

 📘 Profile

Googlescholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur in 2014, focusing on moisture uptake modelling in multi-layered soils. He previously completed his M.E. in Irrigation Water Management Engineering (1999) and B.E. in Agricultural Engineering (1997) from the College of Technology & Agricultural Engineering, Udaipur. His academic foundation is rooted in strong mathematical and scientific principles developed through his schooling in Rajasthan. 📘🧠

🧪 Experience

With rich experience in academia, Dr. Kumar has led multiple high-impact initiatives at SKUAST-K. He was a Visiting Fellow at Western Sydney University, Australia (April–June 2022), contributing to global agricultural research. As a mentor, he has guided award-winning M.Tech. theses and collaborated on national projects in watershed hydrology, protected cultivation, and automation in agriculture. His leadership extends beyond education into policy and applied research benefiting farming communities. 🌍🔬

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Kumar’s interdisciplinary research blends advanced technology with environmental sustainability. His interests include artificial intelligence in agriculture, IoT-based automation systems, protected cultivation, hydroponics, and water resource modeling. His Ph.D. focused on plant-soil moisture interactions, while his ongoing work explores smart irrigation systems and watershed hydrology. His innovative approach continues to bridge engineering solutions with practical agricultural applications. 💧🤖🌱

🏆 Awards

Dr. Kumar’s illustrious career is decorated with national honors. He was awarded the Professor Water Chair by the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, and the National Geospatial Faculty Fellow Award (2024) by IIT Bombay. Other accolades include the Gold Medal Award (2022), Leadership Award (2020), Distinguished Alumni Award (2019), and Special Research Awards (2017, 2015). His excellence in mentoring, publishing, and environmental protection has earned him over a dozen national recognitions. 🥇📜

📚 Publication Top Notes

A review on emerging water contaminants and the application of sustainable removal technologies

Climate change and its impact on plant diseases

Climate change and its impact on agricultural productivity in India

Impact of COVID-related lockdowns on environmental and climate change scenarios

Methods to estimate irrigated reference crop evapotranspiration–a review

Sustainable nanotechnology based wastewater treatment strategies: achievements, challenges and future perspectives

Methods to estimate evapotranspiration in humid and subtropical climate conditions

Biogas: a boon for sustainable energy development in India׳ s cold climate

Desalination: From ancient to present and future

The evolution of agricultural drainage from the earliest times to the presen

Liu Jiaying | biological diversity | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Liu Jiaying  – biological diversity – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s groundbreaking research achievements, innovative methodologies, and commitment to biodiversity and conservation make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions align perfectly with the award’s focus on innovation, impact, and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge for societal benefit.

 

Jimei University | China

 

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Liu Jiaying, an Associate Professor and Ph.D. holder at the Fisheries College of Jimei University, has made remarkable strides in the fields of biodiversity and conservation, fisheries policy, and fisheries economy and management. Her extensive academic and research pursuits, coupled with her impactful contributions to environmental sustainability, have established her as a distinguished figure in the global scientific community.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

As an Associate Professor at the Fisheries College of Jimei University, Dr. Liu Jiaying combines teaching, research, and mentorship to advance knowledge in her field. Her role extends beyond academia, as she collaborates with local and international organizations to develop policies and strategies for sustainable fisheries management. Dr. Liu’s work is particularly influential in Xiamen, China, where she has contributed to the understanding of marine biodiversity and the socio-economic aspects of fisheries management. Her professional endeavors reflect a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical policy implementation.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on biological diversity

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s research interests span biodiversity and conservation, fisheries policy, and the economic and managerial aspects of sustainable fisheries. Her major research achievements highlight her expertise:

  1. Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife
    In the 2025 publication “Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China” (Water, 17(3), 305), Dr. Liu and her team analyzed the illegal trade of aquatic wildlife, proposing actionable management strategies to combat the issue and protect biodiversity.
  2. Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay
    Dr. Liu has contributed significantly to documenting the biodiversity of Xiamen Bay. Her 2023 study, “The Species Diversity of the Genus Echinogorgia in Xiamen Bay and Its New Record in China” (Water, 15(20), 3547), introduced newly recorded species and enriched the understanding of marine biodiversity in the region.
  3. Spatial Distribution and Coral Diversity
    Another notable achievement is her 2022 publication, “Revealing the Coral Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay: Spatial Distribution of Genus Astrogorgia (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea, Plexauridae) and Newly Recorded Species” (Water, 14(15), 2417), where she revealed the spatial distribution and diversity of coral species, underscoring the ecological significance of the genus Astrogorgia.

 

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s work has earned widespread recognition, both in China and internationally. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Water have been lauded for their innovative approaches and practical implications. As a thought leader in biodiversity conservation and fisheries management, she has been invited to present her findings at global conferences and has received commendations for her efforts in sustainable development.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Liu’s research has had a profound impact on marine biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. By documenting new species and assessing the ecological health of aquatic ecosystems, she has provided invaluable insights for policymakers and environmentalists. Her studies on the illegal trade of protected aquatic wildlife have influenced regulatory frameworks, contributing to the preservation of endangered species. Dr. Liu’s interdisciplinary approach has also fostered collaborations between academia, government, and industry, amplifying the reach and applicability of her work.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Liu Jiaying is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of biodiversity and fisheries management. Her ongoing research focuses on developing circular and sustainable solutions to address the challenges of marine ecosystem degradation. As a mentor and educator, she continues to inspire the next generation of researchers and policymakers to prioritize environmental conservation. Looking ahead, Dr. Liu aims to expand her research to include global comparisons of marine biodiversity, furthering our understanding of ecological interconnections and promoting international cooperation.

Conclusion

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s dedication to biodiversity conservation, fisheries policy, and sustainable management underscores her pivotal role in addressing critical ecological issues. Through her academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and impactful research, she has made significant contributions to environmental science and policy. As she continues her work, Dr. Liu’s influence will undoubtedly extend to shaping a more sustainable future for marine ecosystems worldwide.

📚Publications

Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China

Authors: Jia-Ying Liu; Jia-Qiao Wang; Yi-Jia Shih; Cheng-Ye Wu; Ta-Jen Chu

Knowledge Mapping of the Development Trend of Smart Fisheries in China: A Bibliometric Analysis

Authors: Qiu-Yuan Qin; Jia-Ying Liu; Yong-He Chen; Xin-Ruo Wang; Ta-Jen Chu

The Species Diversity of the Genus Echinogorgia in Xiamen Bay and Its New Record in China

Authors: Yun-Pei Wang; Jing Yang; Ta-Jen Chu; Jia-Ying Liu

Revealing the Gene Diversity and Candidate Gene Family for Adaption to Environment Depth in Leucosiid Crabs Comparing the Transcriptome Assembly

Authors: Yi-Jia Shih; Yin-Ming Yang; Si-Te Luo; Jia-Ying Liu

Revealing the Coral Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay: Spatial Distribution of Genus Astrogorgia (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea, Plexauridae) and Newly Recorded Species

Authors: Jiaying Liu