Bekir Sitki Karatas | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Akdeniz University, Turkey 

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas is a seasoned academic and researcher, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at Akdeniz University, Turkey. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as an expert in irrigation systems, water management, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing applications in agriculture. Dr. Karatas’s academic foundation was laid at Ege University, where he earned his B.S., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Agricultural Structures and Irrigation. Throughout his professional journey, he has held diverse roles in academia and governmental institutions, demonstrating a robust blend of scientific knowledge and practical field experience. His work consistently focuses on enhancing the efficiency of agricultural water use and integrating advanced technologies such as GIS and remote sensing to inform irrigation practices. Dr. Karatas has a strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration and has contributed significantly to national and international research projects. His leadership and academic rigor have been instrumental in shaping water management policies and education within his field. With a commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable agricultural practices, he continues to mentor students and conduct impactful research, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world agricultural challenges.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas has pursued a comprehensive academic trajectory entirely at Ege University, one of Turkey’s leading institutions in agricultural sciences. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Structures and Irrigation in 1995, laying a strong foundation in the fundamental aspects of agricultural engineering. Driven by a passion for research and sustainable agricultural development, he continued at Ege University to earn his Master of Science in the same field in 1999. His master’s studies focused on the design and optimization of irrigation systems, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Building on this momentum, he completed his Ph.D. in 2006, with a dissertation that integrated modern irrigation technologies and spatial analysis tools—skills that would later define much of his academic career. His doctoral work involved in-depth exploration of water resource management and the utilization of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing for agricultural efficiency. Throughout his academic development, Dr. Karatas honed a multidisciplinary perspective, blending engineering principles with environmental stewardship. His educational path reflects a strong commitment to agricultural sustainability, precision water management, and academic excellence, positioning him as a knowledgeable and innovative leader in the field of agricultural structures and irrigation systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas has built a multifaceted professional career characterized by academic achievement, government service, and applied research. His journey began at Ege University, where he served as a Teaching Assistant from 1997 to 2006, engaging in both academic instruction and early-stage research. He transitioned into public service as an Agricultural Engineer for the İzmir Provincial Special Administration from 2006 to 2009, where he played a vital role in implementing regional agricultural development projects. Progressing to the position of R&D Specialist in 2009 and later Director in 2010, Dr. Karatas contributed to the strategic planning and execution of sustainable agricultural programs. In 2011, he returned to academia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at Adnan Menderes University, where he later became an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. He held this position until 2020, focusing on teaching and research that aligned with emerging trends in water resource management and precision agriculture. Since 2020, he has been serving at Akdeniz University as an Associate Professor, leading research initiatives and guiding graduate students. His professional trajectory reflects a rare synergy between institutional leadership, public policy, and academic innovation.

Research Interest

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas’s research interests lie at the intersection of agricultural sustainability, technological innovation, and efficient resource management. His primary focus is on irrigation systems and water management, aiming to optimize water use in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Recognizing the growing global concern over water scarcity, he investigates strategies to enhance irrigation efficiency through both traditional and advanced techniques. A significant component of his work involves the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies into agricultural planning. These tools allow for the spatial analysis of land, water resources, and crop needs, facilitating informed decision-making and precision agriculture. Dr. Karatas also explores climate-responsive irrigation strategies, evaluating how environmental variables influence irrigation scheduling and water allocation. His research contributes to sustainable agriculture by promoting smart farming techniques and the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, he is interested in developing data-driven models that simulate irrigation system performance under varying climatic conditions. By aligning his academic pursuits with practical challenges faced by farmers and policy-makers, Dr. Karatas’s research offers tangible solutions to modern agricultural problems, bridging science, policy, and practice for resilient and productive farming systems.

Research Skills

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas possesses a comprehensive and highly specialized skill set that supports his work in agricultural engineering and resource management. He is an expert in irrigation design and evaluation, with hands-on experience in developing efficient systems tailored to diverse climatic and soil conditions. His skills in water balance analysis, soil-water-plant interactions, and evapotranspiration assessment enable him to devise irrigation strategies that conserve water while maximizing crop yields. He is also highly proficient in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), employing spatial analysis to map agricultural landscapes, identify irrigation inefficiencies, and support land-use planning. Dr. Karatas integrates remote sensing tools to monitor vegetation health, soil moisture, and land use changes, allowing for data-driven management of agricultural resources. His command of hydrological modeling and decision support systems further enhances his ability to analyze complex datasets and recommend actionable interventions. In addition to his technical expertise, he is skilled in research design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and academic mentoring. These skills enable him to lead interdisciplinary research projects, publish high-impact papers, and guide students in both theoretical and applied agricultural research. His versatile and evolving skill set ensures his continued contribution to advancing sustainable irrigation practices and agricultural innovation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas has been recognized for his impactful contributions to agricultural sciences, particularly in irrigation and water management. Although specific awards are not detailed in the provided biography, his progressive academic appointments and leadership roles serve as significant indicators of his esteemed reputation within the field. His transition from public administration into academia, followed by consistent promotions to Associate Professor positions at two major Turkish universities, reflects institutional recognition of his expertise and leadership. His appointment to lead strategic roles, such as Director at the İzmir Provincial Special Administration, also highlights the trust placed in his technical and managerial capabilities. Furthermore, his long-standing involvement in research and teaching has earned him the respect of peers and students alike, often evidenced through collaboration opportunities and invitations to contribute to national research projects. It is likely that he has received internal university recognitions, grants, and honors for his research achievements, conference contributions, and mentorship efforts. His active presence in platforms like Google Scholar and ORCID also suggests a robust academic footprint, potentially linked to citations, project funding, or national-level recognition. These accolades, both formal and informal, collectively affirm his standing as a respected authority in his field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas stands as a distinguished academic whose work bridges scientific research, public policy, and practical application in the field of agricultural water management. With a career rooted in excellence, he has made significant contributions to irrigation engineering, sustainable agriculture, and the integration of spatial technologies in farming systems. His academic path, entirely shaped at Ege University, has given him a deep understanding of Turkey’s agricultural landscape, while his roles in both governmental agencies and academia have broadened his perspective and influence. Dr. Karatas’s ability to translate complex research into actionable strategies has made him a valuable resource for farmers, policymakers, and fellow researchers. His ongoing work at Akdeniz University reflects his commitment to training the next generation of agricultural engineers and addressing pressing issues like water scarcity and climate adaptation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and maintaining a future-oriented research agenda, he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in his field. Dr. Karatas’s career is a testament to the power of applied science, community engagement, and academic leadership, and he remains a vital contributor to sustainable agricultural development both in Turkey and internationally.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Using satellite remote sensing to assess irrigation performance in Water User Associations in the Lower Gediz Basin, Turkey
    Authors: BS Karatas, E Akkuzu, HB Unal, S Asik, M Avci
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 93

  2. Title: Determination of water conveyance loss in the Menemen open canal irrigation network
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Ünal, BS Karataş
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 81

  3. Title: General irrigation planning performance of water user associations in the Gediz Basin in Turkey
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Unal, BS Karatas, M Avci, S Asik
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 30

  4. Title: Evaluation of irrigation canal maintenance according to roughness and active canal capacity values
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Unal, BS Karatas, M Avci, S Asik
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 24

  5. Title: İzmir Kentsel Arıtılmış Atık Sularının Sulamada Kullanım Olanaklarının İncelenmesi
    Authors: BS Karataş, E Akkuzu, Ş Aşık
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 18

  6. Title: İzmir ili dahilindeki sulama birliklerinin genel sulama planlarına göre işletim performansı
    Authors: E Akkuzu, BS Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 16

  7. Title: Sulama suyu dağıtımına çiftçi tepkileri: Menemen Sol Sahil sulama sistemi örneği
    Authors: HB Ünal, M Avcı, Ş Aşık, E Akkuzu, M Kılıç, BS Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 14

  8. Title: Menemen Sol Sahil Sulama Sistemi su dağıtımında yeterliliğin ve değişkenliğin belirlenmesi
    Authors: E Akkuzu, Ş Aşık, HB Ünal, BS Karataş, M Avcı
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 14

  9. Title: Coğrafi bilgi sistemi ve uzaktan algılama teknikleriyle menemen sulama sistemi performansının değerlendirilmesi
    Authors: BS Karataş
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 9

  10. Title: Menemen sulama sisteminde taban suyunun zamana ve mekâna göre değişiminin jeoistatistiksel yöntemlerle değerlendirilmesi: Maltepe Ana Kanal Örneği
    Authors: G Çamoğlu, MK Ölgen, BS Karataş, Ş Aşık
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 9

  11. Title: Sürdürülebilir Mimarlık Bağlamında Çok Katlı Ofis Binalarında Ekolojik Tasarım İlkelerinin İrdelenmesi
    Authors: B Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 8

  12. Title: Aydın ili koşullarında sera ısıtmasında jeotermal enerjinin kullanılabilirliğinin incelenmesi
    Authors: BS Karataş, ÖF Durdu
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 7

  13. Title: Aşağı Gediz Havzası sulama sisteminde ana kanal düzeyinde su dağıtımında yeterliliğin ve değişkenliğin belirlenmesi
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Ünal, S Karataş
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 7

  14. Title: Gediz Havzası Akarsuları Yıllık Toplam Akımlarına En Uygun Olasılık Dağılım Modelinin Belirlenmesi
    Authors: Ş Aşık, E Akkuzu, BS Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 7

  15. Title: Araştırma görevlilerinin sorunları ve çözüm önerileri
    Authors: BS Karataş
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 4

  16. Title: İzmir atıksularının Menemen Ovası sulamasında kullanılabilirliğinin değerlendirilmesi üzerine bir inceleme
    Authors: BS Karataş
    Year: 1999
    Citations: 4

  17. Title: Amerikan Karşıtlığında Güncel Küresel Eğilimler ve Trump Etkisi
    Authors: C Dinç, B Karataş
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 3

  18. Title: Determination of irrigation performance of water user associations in the vicinity of Sarigol and Alasehir using remote sensing techniques
    Authors: BS Karatas, E Akkuzu, M Avci
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 3

  19. Title: Finansal Başarısızlık Tahmini Üzerine Türkiye’de Yayımlanan Lisansüstü Tezlerin Bibliyometrik Analizi (1991-2021)
    Authors: B Karataş, AV Can
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

  20. Title: Determination of adequacy and equity of water delivery in irrigation systems: a case study of the Gediz basin
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Ünal, BS Karatas
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 2

Zongying Zhang | Agricultural Technology | Applied Science Scholar Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zongying Zhang | Agricultural Technology | Applied Science Scholar Award

Associate Professor From Shandong Agricultural University, China

Zongying Zhang is an accomplished associate professor at the College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, with a strong academic background in pomology. His expertise spans fruit breeding, quality regulation mechanisms, and the exploration of germplasm resources, with a particular focus on pears and apples. With over a decade of experience in both research and academia, Zhang has made significant contributions to the field of horticultural science. His scholarly work is widely recognized, featuring numerous publications in high-impact journals. Zhang’s role extends beyond research, as he actively participates in academic editorial boards and serves as a reviewer for several prestigious journals. His dedication to advancing horticultural science has earned him multiple awards, including the Second Prize for National Technology Invention in 2020 and the Provincial Science and Technology Agriculture Development Award in 2024. Through his scientific endeavors, Zhang continues to influence the agricultural sector by enhancing fruit breeding techniques and postharvest storage practices. His commitment to both research excellence and academic leadership highlights his prominent role in the horticultural science community.

Professional Profiles

Education

Zongying Zhang has a robust academic foundation, specializing in horticulture and pomology. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Shandong Agricultural University between 2007 and 2011. During this period, he gained foundational knowledge in plant sciences, agricultural practices, and fruit production. Driven by his passion for fruit breeding and crop improvement, he pursued a Doctorate in Pomology at the same institution from 2011 to 2016. His doctoral research involved in-depth studies on fruit quality regulation mechanisms, postharvest physiology, and genetic analysis of fruit ripening and softening. Zhang’s academic journey equipped him with advanced skills in molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemistry, which form the basis of his scientific expertise. His education laid the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to fruit breeding and storage optimization. With his solid educational background, Zhang has become a leading researcher in horticultural sciences, particularly in the areas of apple and pear breeding.

Professional Experience

Zongying Zhang’s professional career reflects steady academic progression and impactful contributions to horticultural science. Following the completion of his doctorate, he joined Shandong Agricultural University in 2016 as a lecturer. In this role, he was actively involved in teaching and conducting research on fruit breeding, quality regulation, and postharvest storage techniques. Over the next seven years, Zhang expanded his expertise through collaborative projects and prolific publications. His dedication and scientific achievements earned him a promotion to associate professor in 2024. As an associate professor, Zhang leads research teams, supervises graduate students, and collaborates with industry partners to enhance fruit breeding methodologies. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he plays a key role in academic publishing as a reviewer for renowned journals, including Plant Journal, Horticulture, and Food Chemistry. Zhang’s continuous engagement in both teaching and research reflects his commitment to advancing horticultural science and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

Research Interests

Zongying Zhang’s primary research interests lie in fruit breeding, quality regulation mechanisms, and the study of germplasm resources, with a focus on apples and pears. His work explores the genetic and biochemical factors influencing fruit ripening, softening, and postharvest quality. Zhang is particularly interested in identifying key transcription factors and metabolic pathways involved in ethylene synthesis, aroma volatiles accumulation, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. His research also investigates enzymatic activity and phenolic compounds associated with fruit browning, aiming to develop strategies for extending fruit shelf life and enhancing quality. Additionally, Zhang studies the molecular mechanisms regulating lignin biosynthesis in pear stone cells, contributing to improved fruit texture and storage traits. His expertise in transcriptome analysis and metabolomics enables him to identify genes and metabolites that influence fruit quality, thereby facilitating the development of superior apple and pear cultivars. Zhang’s research ultimately aims to address key challenges in fruit production, quality enhancement, and postharvest preservation.

Research Skills

Zongying Zhang possesses a diverse set of research skills that reflect his expertise in horticultural science and molecular biology. His proficiency in fruit breeding techniques includes hybridization, selection, and characterization of new apple and pear cultivars. Zhang is skilled in transcriptome analysis, gene expression profiling, and bioinformatics, enabling him to investigate gene regulatory networks involved in fruit ripening, ethylene synthesis, and anthocyanin biosynthesis. He is adept at molecular cloning, CRISPR-based gene editing, and metabolomics, which are essential for identifying and manipulating genes associated with fruit quality traits. Zhang also has expertise in postharvest physiology, including the biochemical analysis of fruit metabolites and the evaluation of enzymatic browning mechanisms. His ability to apply advanced statistical and computational tools for gene expression and metabolite data analysis strengthens the reliability of his findings. Furthermore, his editorial and peer-review experience showcases his critical evaluation skills and knowledge of scientific publishing standards.

Awards and Honors

Zongying Zhang’s contributions to horticultural science have earned him several prestigious awards and honors. In 2020, he received the Second Prize for National Technology Invention, recognizing his innovative work in fruit breeding and postharvest quality improvement. His groundbreaking research on pear and apple quality regulation mechanisms significantly contributed to this achievement. In 2024, Zhang was honored with the Provincial Science and Technology Agriculture Development Award Advanced Individual, highlighting his impactful contributions to agricultural advancements in Shandong province. His scholarly excellence is further evidenced by his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Plant Journal, Horticulture Research, and Food Chemistry. Additionally, Zhang serves as a reviewer for top-tier scientific journals, including Plant Journal and Food Chemistry, demonstrating his influence in the scientific community. He is also a guest editor for Moleculars and Horticulturae and a young editorial board member for Agriculture Communications and Fruit Research. His active involvement in academic societies, including serving as the Director of the Pear Branch of the Chinese Horticultural Society, reflects his leadership and dedication to advancing horticultural research.

Conclusion

Zongying Zhang is a distinguished researcher and associate professor whose contributions to horticultural science have significantly advanced fruit breeding and postharvest quality regulation. His expertise in pomology, combined with his proficiency in molecular biology and transcriptome analysis, has led to the development of innovative strategies for improving fruit quality and extending shelf life. Zhang’s prolific publication record, editorial roles, and active participation in scientific societies underscore his influence in the field. His numerous awards and honors reflect his exceptional contributions to agricultural research and technology. Moving forward, Zhang aims to continue his pioneering work in fruit breeding, focusing on enhancing the genetic traits of apple and pear cultivars. His commitment to scientific excellence and agricultural innovation makes him a key figure in the field of horticultural science, driving advancements that benefit both the scientific community and the agricultural industry.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Physiological response and transcriptomic analysis of red-fleshed apple seedlings to low temperature stress

    • Authors: Lingyu Meng, Rui Zhang, Yanping Wei, Xuesen Chen, Wenjun Liu

    • Year: 2025

  2. The regulatory module MdCPCL-MdILR3L mediates the synthesis of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin in apple

    • Authors: Qi Zou, Tiantian Bao, Lei Yu, Nan Wang, Xuesen Chen

    • Year: 2025

  3. ABIOTIC STRESS GENE 1 mediates aroma volatiles accumulation by activating MdLOX1a in apple

    • Authors: Jing Zhang, Yongxu Wang, Susu Zhang, Zongying Zhang, Xuesen Chen

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

  4. Auxin responsive factor MdARF17 promotes ethylene synthesis in apple fruits by activating MdERF003 expression

    • Authors: Tong Wang, Jing Zhang, Shuhui Zhang, Zongying Zhang, Xuesen Chen

    • Year: 2024

  5. Transcription factor MdbZIP44 targets the promoter of MdPPO2 to regulate browning in Malus domestica Borkh.

    • Authors: Jianwen Zhao, Qi Zou, Tiantian Bao, Zongying Zhang, Xuesen Chen

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3

  6. A Functional InDel in the WRKY10 Promoter Controls the Degree of Flesh Red Pigmentation in Apple

    • Authors: Nan Wang, Wenjun Liu, Zhuoxin Mei, Lailiang Cheng, Xuesen Chen

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 6

  7. Advances in Quality and Maturity Breeding of Important Deciduous Fruit Trees in China

    • Authors: Xuesen Chen, Nan Wang, Futian Peng, Yuxin Yao, Zongying Zhang

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 10

  8. The regulatory role of MdNAC14-Like in anthocyanin synthesis and proanthocyanidin accumulation in red-fleshed apples

    • Authors: Tongyao Xu, Lei Yu, Ningwang Huang, Nan Wang, Xuesen Chen

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 6