Sam Ntuli | Agriculture | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Sam Ntuli | Agriculture | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Sam Ntuli | Agriculture | Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | South Africa

Dr. Sam Ntuli is a highly accomplished biostatistician whose academic foundation, including a Ph.D. in Statistical Sciences from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, has shaped his expertise in advanced statistical modelling, quantitative analysis, and epidemiological research. His professional experience spans academic teaching, health data analytics, research protocol development, and evidence-based decision support within public health institutions. Throughout his career, Dr. Sam Ntuli has demonstrated strong capability in designing and analysing health studies, applying complex statistical techniques, and interpreting data relevant to maternal and child health, infectious diseases, health workforce performance, and healthcare service quality. His research interests include maternal health outcomes, chronic disease management, mental health epidemiology, tele-health diagnostic innovations, and public health system strengthening, supported by his methodological skills in categorical data analysis, multivariate modelling, and population-based study design. He has contributed to diverse research projects, including workforce profiling in midwifery, retrospective maternal mortality analysis, tele-audiology feasibility assessments, and evaluation of health system performance. His research skills further extend to data visualization, public health surveillance, and the use of statistical software such as Stata. His work has earned recognition within academic and clinical research circles, and he has been acknowledged for his leadership in promoting rigorous statistical standards and mentoring early-career researchers. His scholarly outputs include multiple peer-reviewed publications indexed in Scopus and other recognized databases, reflecting growing citations and international collaboration. He has also contributed to lectures and workshops aimed at strengthening research capacity in statistical sciences. In conclusion, Dr. Sam Ntuli stands out as a dedicated and influential researcher whose commitment to advancing biostatistics and public health analytics continues to contribute to improved healthcare understanding and outcomes. His solid academic training, strong methodological capabilities, and sustained engagement in impactful studies position him for continued success and expanded global research influence.

Academic Profile: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications:

1. Mlangeni, M. N., Mogale, N. M., Mathibe, M. C., Motshwane, F. M., & Ntuli, T. S. (2025). Awareness and acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among parents in Tshwane, South Africa.

2. Mogale, N. M., Ntuli, T. S., & Chelule, P. K. (2025). Barriers to effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary healthcare facilities. Journal of Public Health in Africa.

3. Collins, Z. I., Siepker, C., Ralehlaka, K. J., Molefe, B. C., Phala, T. C., Vilankulu, S. A., Sibuyi, M. M., & Ntuli, T. S. (2025). Stress factors among physiotherapy students at a university in Gauteng, South Africa. Health

4. Mamashela, T. A., & Ntuli, S. T. (2025). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on forensic pathology services in Limpopo province, South Africa. South African Family Practice.

5. Matshete, M. M., Govender, S., & Ntuli, S. T. (2024). The outcomes of an audiological management programme for neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia. South African Journal of Communication Disorders.

6. Mere, R. A., Simbeni, T. V., Mathibe, M., Mogale, N. M., & Ntuli, S. T. (2023). Job satisfaction among health professionals in a District of North West province, South Africa. Health SA Gesondheid.

Jorge Chalco Vera | Agricultural science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jorge Chalco Vera – Agricultural science- Best Researcher Award 

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas | Argentina

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

He embarked on his academic journey at the Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina, where he earned his degree as an Agricultural Engineer on October 31, 2012. His academic pursuits were characterized by a strong focus on agronomy and zootecnia, laying a solid foundation for his future research endeavors. His early academic years were marked by a keen interest in plant ecophysiology and sustainable agricultural practices, which would later define his career trajectory.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Following his graduation,His professional journey began with an advanced internship in the Section of Sugarcane Breeding at EEAOC Experimental Station in Tucumán, Argentina, from 2012 to 2013. This experience provided him with hands-on expertise in sugarcane breeding, a critical crop for Argentina’s agricultural sector.

In 2014, he expanded his horizons internationally as a graduate intern at CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research) in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. This role involved extensive fieldwork and research, enriching his understanding of global forestry practices and environmental sustainability.

he continued to diversify his professional experience by working as a technical assistant on the project “Plan for the Sustainable Use of Sugarcane Straw” under FOAR (Argentine Fund for International Cooperation) and AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) in Bermejo, Bolivia, during 2017-2018. This project focused on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the sugarcane industry, further honing his expertise in this field.

Contributions and Research Focus on Agricultural science📚

His research has been pivotal in addressing key issues in agricultural science, particularly in the context of sugarcane cultivation. His significant publications reflect his deep engagement with topics such as nitrogen use efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable soil management.

Noteworthy publications include:

  • Increases in nitrogen use efficiency decrease nitrous oxide emissions but can penalize yield in sugarcane (Nutr Cycl Agroecosystems, 2022): This study highlights the trade-offs between enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and maintaining crop yields in sugarcane production.
  • Drivers of N2O Emissions from Natural Forests and Grasslands Differ in Space and Time (Ecosystems, 2020): This paper examines the spatial and temporal variations in nitrous oxide emissions from natural ecosystems.
  • Integrating critical values of soil drivers for mitigating GHGs: an assessment in a sugarcane cropping system (Sci Total Environ, 2020): This research focuses on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through improved soil management practices in sugarcane cultivation.
  • To burn or not to burn: The question of straw burning and nitrogen fertilization effect on nitrous oxide emissions in sugarcane (Sci Total Environ, 2017): This study investigates the environmental impacts of straw burning and nitrogen fertilization in sugarcane fields.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His contributions to agricultural science have not gone unnoticed. His research has garnered significant citations, and he holds a Hirsch index (Scopus) of six, underscoring the impact and relevance of his work within the scientific community. His role as a CONICET assistant researcher at the Plant Ecophysiology Lab, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) in Salta, Argentina, further cements his reputation as a leading researcher in his field.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

His work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and agricultural practices. His research on nitrogen use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions has provided valuable insights for sustainable agriculture, particularly in sugarcane production. By addressing critical environmental challenges, his work contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable farming practices.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, He aims to continue his research on sustainable agricultural practices and their environmental implications. His future work will likely focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. As a member of the scientific community, he is committed to mentoring young researchers and contributing to the advancement of agricultural science.

Notable Publications