Ms. Tozhan Zhomartkyzy | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Research Excellence Award

Kazakh Research Institute of Food Processing and Food Industry | Kazakhstan

Ms. Togzhan Zhomartkyzy is an emerging researcher in food science and processing technology, specializing in innovative approaches to food safety and sustainable production systems. Her research focuses on developing advanced preservation techniques, functional food products, and value-added processing methods, particularly in dairy, poultry, and plant-based resources. She has contributed to multidisciplinary projects involving bio-preservation, triticale-based product development, and nutraceutical extraction from natural sources. Her current doctoral work explores functional tonic beverages, integrating scientific innovation with industrial applicability. With a strong foundation in both research and academic practice, she is steadily building a promising profile in modern food engineering and technology.

ORCID

Featured Publications

Development of Technology for Obtaining Extracts from Powdered Herbs and Their Use in Culinary Products and Dishes
– Molecules, 2026

The influence of food coatings on the preservation of the quality of chilled poultry meat during storage
– The Journal of Almaty Technological University, 2025

Dr. Antonio Berardi | Agricultural Award | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Bari, Italy

Antonio Berardi is a highly accomplished researcher and mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience in industrial plant engineering and innovation management, particularly in the agro-food sector. His diverse research experience spans sustainability, process automation, energy production, and waste management, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Berardi has published extensively in reputable journals and has participated in various national and international research projects. His work includes pioneering efforts in Agriculture 4.0, emphasizing sustainable practices through technological innovation. Additionally, he has extensive international teaching experience and has collaborated with private companies and institutions worldwide.

professional profile

ORCID

Scopus Profile

Education

Antonio Berardi holds a robust academic background with degrees from Italy’s prestigious Politecnico di Bari and Università degli studi di Foggia. He completed his PhD in Agrofood Engineering in 2015 at the Università degli studi di Foggia, focusing on innovation management systems for the Mediterranean agro-food sector. His thesis examined prediction models for phenolic content and antioxidant activity in fruits and vegetables using advanced infrared scanning techniques. Before that, Berardi obtained a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2009 and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management in 2010, both from Politecnico di Bari, graduating with top honors. His first academic accolade came in 2004 when he earned his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, again with honors. Berardi’s academic journey reflects his dedication to advancing the fields of engineering management and agricultural innovation, equipping him with a unique interdisciplinary expertise in these domains.

work Experience

Antonio Berardi has a wealth of professional experience, ranging from research to senior management positions. Since 2021, he has been a researcher at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, focusing on eco-sustainable agriculture and technological innovations in the agro-food sector. His previous roles include Senior Project Manager at Tozzi Electrical Equipment, where he led construction and post-sales projects from 2017 to 2021. Before that, he worked as an Engineering Construction Manager at Saipem S.p.A., overseeing major international projects in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Congo. His early career included positions as Project Coordinator at Colia Meccanica and Safety Coordinator at C.M.C. sas. Berardi’s expertise in project management, industrial automation, and renewable energy solutions has been applied in both academic research and large-scale industrial projects. His diverse roles have solidified his reputation as a leader in engineering, sustainability, and process optimization.

Research Focus

Antonio Berardi’s research centers on sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement in the agro-food sector. His focus lies in the optimization of agricultural processes using cutting-edge techniques such as numerical simulations, CFD analysis, and hyperspectral imaging. A major part of his work involves studying the extraction processes in the food industry, particularly in areas such as olive oil production, biogas generation, and water-saving strategies in agriculture. Berardi also investigates the rheology of food materials, aiming to enhance the mechanization and automation of industrial processes. His research contributes to the broader goal of eco-compatible and eco-sustainable agriculture, often referred to as Agriculture 4.0. Collaborating with international teams, Berardi develops solutions to reduce energy consumption, improve waste management, and minimize environmental impacts, thereby promoting sustainable practices across agricultural and industrial sectors. His work bridges the gap between traditional agricultural systems and modern technological innovations.

Awards and honors

Antonio Berardi has received numerous accolades throughout his academic and professional career, reflecting his exceptional contributions to engineering and agro-food innovation. His PhD thesis on innovation management systems for Mediterranean Agro-Food was highly regarded, earning recognition from both academic and industry experts. Berardi has been involved in award-winning research projects focused on sustainable energy and agricultural mechanization, showcasing his role in developing eco-friendly technologies for the food industry. His research in hyperspectral imaging, microwave-assisted processing, and renewable energy applications in agriculture has been published in top-tier journals, further solidifying his standing in the field. Additionally, Berardi’s leadership in managing large-scale international projects earned him accolades within the industrial sector, particularly for his contributions to improving energy efficiency and mechanization processes. His involvement in national and international collaborations has resulted in significant achievements, making him a notable figure in both academic and professional engineering circles.

Conclusion

Antonio Berardi is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his interdisciplinary expertise, global collaboration, and impactful contributions to sustainability and innovation in the agro-food sector. His work aligns with current global challenges in energy conservation, process optimization, and sustainable agriculture, making him highly relevant in today’s research landscape. With minor enhancements in outreach and cross-industry application, he can further elevate his standing in the global research community.

Publications to Noted

Numerical Simulation and Development of a Continuous Microwave-Assisted Pilot Plant for Shelled Almond Processing
Authors: Mescia, L., Leone, A., Lamacchia, C.M., Berardi, A., Tamborrino, A.
Citations: 0
Year: 2024

Energy Analysis and Numerical Evaluation of the Decanter Centrifuge for Wastewater Management to Allow a Sustainable Energy Planning of the Process
Authors: Leone, A., Perone, C., Berardi, A., Tamborrino, A.
Citations: 2
Year: 2024

Optimisation of an Industrial Optical Sorter of Legumes for Gluten-Free Production Using Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques
Authors: Romaniello, R., Barrasso, A.E., Perone, C., Berardi, A., Leone, A.
Citations: 2
Year: 2024

Biomass Recovery from Olive Oil Extraction Line: Opportunities for Reuse of By-Products and Energy Saving
Authors: Romaniello, R., Perone, C., Berardi, A., Leone, A., Tamborrino, A.
Citations: 0
Year: 2024

Hyperspectral Imaging System to Online Monitoring the Soy Flour Content in a Functional Pasta
Authors: Romaniello, R., Barrasso, A.E., Berardi, A., Catalano, F., Baiano, A.
Citations: 0
Year: 2023

Advances in Physical Technologies to Improve Virgin Olive Oil Extraction Efficiency in High-Throughput Production Plants
Authors: Juliano, P., Gaber, M.A.F.M., Romaniello, R., Berardi, A., Leone, A.
Citations: 3
Year: 2023

Using a Continuous Microwave System for Postharvest Almond Disinfestation
Authors: Tamborrino, A., Berardi, A., de Lillo, E., Santino, A., Leone, A.
Citations: 6
Year: 2023

Modelling the Rheology of Olive Paste for Oil Extraction Plant Automation: Effects of the Crushing Process on the Rheology of Olive Pastes
Authors: Perone, C., Catalano, F., Leone, A., Berardi, A., Tamborrino, A.
Citations: 1
Year: 2023

Effect of Enzymatic and Talc Treatment on Olive Oil Extraction Process at the Industrial Scale
Authors: Tamborrino, A., Selvaggini, R., Veneziani, G., Leone, A., Servili, M.
Citations: 1
Year: 2023

Investigation of an Energy-Saving System to Reduce the Energy Consumption of Decanter Machine
Authors: Perone, C., Berardi, A., Dellisanti, C.D., Tamborrino, A., Leone, A.
Citations: 1
Year: 2023

Tozhan Zhomartkyzy | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Research Excellence Award