Gom Dorji | Smart agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr Gom Dorji | Smart agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at  College of Science and Technology, Bhutan

Gom Dorji (born 10 March 1991) is a Bhutanese academic and researcher, currently serving as the Head of the Electrical Engineering Department at the College of Science and Technology (CST), Royal University of Bhutan, Chhukha. He is a Lecturer in the Electrical Engineering Department, where he has been a faculty member since 2015, progressively advancing from Assistant Lecturer to his current role.

Profile

Educational Background:

B.E. in Electrical Engineering (2015) from CST, Royal University of Bhutan. MSc in Electrical Engineering (2018) from Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus. Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (2019) from Samtse College of Education

Research and Fellowship:

Indian Science and Research Fellowship at IIT Mandi, India (2019-2020). Notable research includes studying local grid behavior with increased solar PV integration and harmonic analysis of wind farms.

Professional Involvement:

Member of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technical Committee (TC-03) at the Bhutan Standard Bureau since 2023. Involved in numerous projects funded by various grants, focusing on renewable energy, power quality, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Skills:

Expertise in higher education teaching, data analysis, technical documentation, and experimental research. Proficient in MATLAB, AUTOCAD, Openstudio, R programming, and DIALux for lighting designs.

Honors and Grants:

Recipient of several academic honors and research grants, including funding for the development of smart greenhouses and power quality assessment projects.

Research Focus: Smart agriculture

Gom Dorji’s research in smart agriculture is geared towards enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in temperate and alpine regions. He is leading a project focused on the development of smart greenhouses, funded by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). This project, which began in November 2021, aims to leverage advanced technologies to improve farming practices and ensure future food sustainability. The project has received significant funding of USD 54,000, highlighting its importance and potential impact.

Publications Top Notes

  • A case study on power quality analysis for 600 kW grid connected wind farm
    • Dorji, G., Zangpo, J., Pindoriya, R.M., Rajpurohit, B.S.
    • PIICON 2020 – 9th IEEE Power India International Conference, 2020, 9112867
  • A case study on PV system performance and LCOE of 15.6 kW hybrid solar PV system installed at CST
    • Dorji, G., Dawa, R., Tenzin, P., Dema, T., Zangpo, J.
    • PIICON 2020 – 9th IEEE Power India International Conference, 2020, 9112931
  • Optimization of biogas production from kitchen waste installed at college of science and technology
    • Tenzin, T., Wangdi, S., Dorji, G., Pradhan, P., Pradhan, B.
    • 2018 International Conference on Computing, Power and Communication Technologies, GUCON 2018, 2019, pp. 956–960, 8674963
  • A 302 uW CMOS temperature sensor to compensate frequency drift for an oscillator
    • Zangpo, J., Dorji, G., Guilherme, J., Horta, N.
    • IEMECON 2019 – 9th Annual Information Technology, Electromechanical Engineering and Microelectronics Conference, 2019, pp. 56–59, 8877049
  • Harmonic analysis of a 10.8 MW installed capacity wind farm in Cyprus
    • Dorji, G., Christofides, N., Polycarpou, A.
    • Proceedings – 2017 International Conference on Modern Power Systems, MPS 2017, 2017, 7974417
  • Design, modeling and simulation of low cost robust electric fence energizer in LT SPICE
    • Tenzin, N., Norbu, S., Dorji, G.
    • Proceedings of the 2017 IEEE International Conference on Communication and Signal Processing, ICCSP 2017, 2017, 2018-January, pp. 52–55

Youssef Bencharki | Farming | Young Scientist Award

Dr Youssef Bencharki |  Farming |  Young Scientist Award

Research at  International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Morocco

Youssef Bencharki is a dedicated researcher specializing in agricultural biodiversity and crop improvement. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium, he has extensive experience in the field, particularly focusing on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. His multidisciplinary expertise spans socio-economics, agronomy, and entomology.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

📚 Education:

PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium (2019-2024). Master’s degree in Agro Resources, Plant Biotechnology, and Environmental Science from the University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida (2013-2015). Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and Environment from the University Hassan I, Khouribga (2012-2013). Diploma of General University Studies in Plant Science from the University Hassan I, Khouribga (2010-2012). Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences from Othman Ben Affan High School, Berrechid (2010)

🔬 Professional Experience:

Senior Research Assistant at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), focusing on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. Consultant in the Genetic Resources section at ICARDA, specializing in phenotypic characterization and seed viability testing. Short-term appointments at Pasteur Institute Casablanca and Dairy Center El Jadida, gaining experience in food quality control and microbiological analysis.

🌍 Academic and Professional Contributions:

Conducted pioneering research on the impact of FAP approach on various crops and ecosystems, contributing to multiple scientific publications. Developed brochures and manuals to disseminate knowledge on FAP approach, aiming to benefit farmers and enhance agricultural sustainability. Played a key role in training farmers and agricultural stakeholders in sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation. Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and socio-economic assessments related to agricultural projects

🔬 Research Focus: Farming

Youssef Bencharki’s research is primarily centered around innovative farming methodologies aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation. His focus lies in the implementation and evaluation of the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, which encompasses multidisciplinary studies blending socio-economics, agronomy, and entomology.

Through his extensive academic journey and professional experience, Youssef has delved deep into understanding the intricate relationships between pollinators, crops, and the environment.

 

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Sentil, A., Lhomme, P., Reverté, S., …, Ssymank, A., Christmann, S. (2024). “The pollinator conservation approach ‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’: Success and drivers.” Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 369, 109029.
  2. Bencharki, Y., Michez, D., Ihsane, O., …, Rasmont, P., Christmann, S. (2024). “‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ provides benefits also in large-scale fields.” Acta Oecologica, 122, 103978.
  3. Bencharki, Y., Christmann, S., Lhomme, P., …, Rasmont, P., Michez, D. (2023). “‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ approach supports diverse and abundant pollinator community in melon fields in a semi-arid landscape.” Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 38, e6.
  4. Sentil, A., Reverté, S., Lhomme, P., …, Christmann, S., Michez, D. (2022). “Wild vegetation and ‘farming with alternative pollinators’ approach support pollinator diversity in farmland.” Journal of Applied Entomology, 146(9), pp. 1155–1168.
  5. El Abdouni, I., Lhomme, P., Christmann, S., …, Rasmont, P., Michez, D. (2022). “Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems.” Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 866581.
  6. Sentil, A., Wood, T.J., Lhomme, P., …, Christmann, S., Michez, D. (2022). “Impact of the ‘Farming With Alternative Pollinators’ Approach on Crop Pollinator Pollen Diet.” Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 824474.
  7. Christmann, S., Bencharki, Y., Anougmar, S., …, Tsivelikas, A., Aw-Hassan, A. (2021). “‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’ benefits pollinators, natural enemies, and yields, and offers transformative change to agriculture.” Scientific Reports, 11(1), 18206.