Moustapha Lawani | Agricultural Economics | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Moustapha Lawani | Agricultural Economics | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Moustapha Lawani | University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) | Benin

Dr. Moustapha Lawani is a climate change economics researcher completing his Ph.D. in Climate Change Economics under the prestigious WASCAL program at the University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal (2021–2025). He holds a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Operational Research from the Institut of Mathematics and Physical Sciences (IMSP), University of Abomey-Calavi (2016–2018), a Research Master’s degree in Applied Economics from the Faculty of Economics and Management (FASEG), University of Abomey-Calavi (2013–2015), and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the same university (2010–2011). His research experience includes major fieldwork activities such as questionnaire design, data digitization, enumerator recruitment, data mining, and advanced econometric analysis for his ongoing doctoral research. From 2018 to 2020, he worked as a Research Assistant, conducting literature reviews, performing data analysis, and co-authoring research outputs. He also contributed to the Evaluation of Agricultural Policies in Benin (EPAB) project, designing surveys and conducting extensive interviews. Dr. Lawani has significant teaching and mentoring experience, having guided over ten undergraduate students in data collection, econometrics, and the interpretation and presentation of research results. Between 2014 and 2017, he served as a Teaching Assistant in Applied Economics and Mathematics at the University of Abomey-Calavi and several private universities, preparing lectures, leading classes in macroeconomics, microeconomics, statistics, econometrics, operational research, and optimization software, as well as developing and grading assessments. He has participated in several academic webinars and workshops, including programs on Africa’s gas future, climate finance, climate diplomacy, and resilience index measurement organized in collaboration with the African Climate Foundation and the FAO. Dr. Lawani has published and contributed to multiple academic works, including “Determinants de la mobilité de la main-d’œuvre dans les institutions de microfinance: Evidences au Bénin” (2021), the article “Enhancing climate-smart agriculture: stakeholder contributions and cooperation in establishing a policy environment in developing countries” published in Climate Policy (2025), and ongoing or under-review papers on illicit financial flows in Africa and synergies and trade-offs in climate-smart agriculture. His publication portfolio includes 4 research outputs, with 0 citations recorded so far and an h-index of 0, reflecting an emerging researcher actively contributing to climate policy, agriculture, and development economics. His academic journey demonstrates a strong commitment to rigorous research, interdisciplinary analysis, and advancing climate-smart development policies in Africa.

Profiles: Scopus Orcid 

Featured Publications

Lawani, M., Lokonon, B. O. K., & Kane, A. (2025). Enhancing climate-smart agriculture: Stakeholder contributions and cooperation in establishing a policy environment in developing countries. Climate Policy. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2025.2543020

Lawani, M., Avoce Viagannou, F. I., & Acclassato Houensou, D. (2021). Déterminants de la mobilité de la main-d’œuvre dans les institutions de microfinance: Evidences au Bénin. In La microfinance contemporaine: Les frontières de la microfinance (Book chapter).

Louiza Hime | Food technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Louiza Hime | Food technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Louiza Hime | Food technology | Best Researcher Award

Inataa Uiversity constantine, Algeria

Profile

google scholar

👩‍🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Louiza Himed embarked on her academic journey in the field of Food Science, culminating in the attainment of her Habilitation Universitaire, a prestigious qualification highlighting her scholarly independence and advanced expertise. Her academic progression has been strongly aligned with applied research in food technology and biotechnology, demonstrating a clear vision for enhancing food safety and innovation in nutritional sciences.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Maître de Conférences A (MCA) at INATAA - Université Frères Mentouri Constantine, Dr. Himed holds a dual role as both a researcher and academic instructor. Her contributions as an enseignant-chercheur reflect her dedication to both scientific exploration and the academic formation of the next generation of food technologists and biotechnologists.

🔬 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Himed’s research is primarily focused on Food Technology and Food Biotechnology, with a notable emphasis on the bioactive properties of essential oils and their application in food preservation and functional food development. Over the past five years, she has contributed significantly to understanding the chemical composition and encapsulation of essential oils, especially Citrus limon (lemon) essential oil, examining its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

📄 Notable Publications (2018–2021):

  1. Chemical composition and bioactivity of Citrus limon essential oilAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, 2018.

  2. Encapsulation of lemon essential oil in amorphous SiO₂Scientific African, 2019.

  3. Antifungal preservation of tomato concentrate using lemon essential oilAfrican J. of Food, Agri, Nutr and Dev, 2020.

  4. Use of encapsulated essential oils in margarine as natural antioxidantsPlant Cell Biotechnol. Mol. Biol., 2021.

These works highlight her interdisciplinary approach, combining chemistry, microbiology, and nanotechnology for food preservation and health improvement.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Himed’s research contributes to sustainable food systems by promoting natural preservatives and green technologies in food processing. Her collaboration with international researchers (e.g., Joaquín Coronas, Rebeca Monteagudo-Olivan) demonstrates the global reach and collaborative nature of her scientific inquiries. Her work supports innovation in the North African agri-food sector and addresses global health and food safety challenges.

📚 Teaching Experience

As an experienced academic, Dr. Himed has significantly contributed to teaching and curriculum development in food science. She mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students in food technology, biotechnology, and applied research methods, fostering critical thinking and hands-on scientific skills. Her role strengthens the academic quality of INATAA and ensures continuity of expertise in Algeria's food sciences education.

🧠 Technical Skills

Dr. Himed possesses a robust set of analytical and laboratory competencies, including:

  • Essential oil extraction and characterization

  • Encapsulation techniques (e.g., amorphous SiO₂)

  • Antioxidant and antibacterial assays

  • Food preservation technology
    Her integration of biotechnology with traditional food processing places her at the cutting edge of food research in the region.

📈 Academic Citations & Recognition

While specific citation metrics are not listed, Dr. Himed's consistent publication in peer-reviewed journals indicates a recognized and growing influence in the fields of food biotechnology and preservation. Her interdisciplinary studies contribute to both applied science and public health innovation.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Himed is positioned to continue advancing natural preservation systems in food production, especially relevant in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture. Her future projects are likely to explore biodegradable encapsulation materials, synergistic bioactive compounds, and cross-border collaborations to elevate Algerian food science on the global stage.

📚 Selected Publications

  1. Antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Citrus limon before and after its encapsulation in amorphous SiO₂
    Authors: L. Himed, S. Merniz, R. Monteagudo-Olivan, M. Barkat, J. Coronas
    Journal: Scientific African
    Year: 2019

  2. Chemical composition of Citrus limon (Eureka variety) essential oil and evaluation of its antioxidant and antibacterial activities
    Authors: H. Louiza, M. Salah, B. Malika
    Journal: African Journal of Biotechnology
    Year: 2018

  3. Evaluation of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Citrus limon essential oil and its application in margarine preservation
    Authors: L. Himed, S. Merniz, M. Barkat
    Journal: J. Nat. Product
    Year: 2016

  4. Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Citrus limon Peel Essential Oils and their Application as a Natural Preservative in Fresh Cream
    Authors: F. Kehal, L. Chemache, L. Himed, M. Barkat
    Journal: Acta Universitatis Cibinensis, Series E: Food Technology
    Year: 2023

  5. Élaboration d’une nouvelle margarine additionnée des huiles essentielles de Citrus limon
    Authors: L. Himed, M. Barkat
    Journal: OCL
    Year: 2014