IC-AEN 2025 — Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers

The IC-AEN 2025 plenary program features four internationally active scholars working at the interface of land water and energy management in agro-environmental systems. Each keynote is confirmed and aligned with the scientific tracks of the conference.

Portrait of Prof. Hermann de Meer

Prof. Hermann de Meer

University of Passau, Germany

Confirmed

Title of Presentation — Resilient energy and water management for agro-environmental systems

The talk discusses farm-scale microgrids and demand-responsive pumping for irrigation under variable renewable supply. Emphasis is placed on operational reliability, resource efficiency and practical control strategies that reduce emissions while safeguarding crop water needs. Case-based evidence highlights how coordinated energy and water scheduling supports climate-resilient agricultural production.

  1. Food–energy–water nexus in rural infrastructures
  2. Microgrids and demand response on farms
  3. Operational resilience and low-carbon performance
Portrait of Prof. Ștefan Țălu

Prof. Ștefan Țălu

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Confirmed

Title of Presentation — Fractal and multiscale surface analysis for soils and bio-based materials

The lecture introduces multiscale and fractal metrology to characterize soil aggregate stability, erosion resistance and the surface architecture of bio-derived materials used in agri-food applications. The approach links quantitative morphology to hydrological behavior and durability, offering tools for better soil conservation and circular material design.

  1. Soil conservation and erosion control
  2. Surface metrology and fractal descriptors
  3. Bio-based materials performance in agri-food chains
Portrait of Dr. Mauro Salazar

Dr. Mauro Salazar

Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands

Confirmed

Title of Presentation — Optimization and control of low-carbon irrigation and on-farm energy systems

This keynote presents model-based optimization for irrigation pumping, storage and renewable generation at farm level. Methods balance water availability, crop requirements and energy costs while accounting for climate variability. The results demonstrate pathways to reduce emissions and stabilize operations in agro-environmental settings.

  1. Water resources and irrigation efficiency
  2. Energy-aware scheduling for rural operations
  3. Robust control under weather and price uncertainty
Portrait of Dr. Siti Khadijah Hubadillah

Dr. Siti Khadijah Hubadillah

Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Confirmed

Title of Presentation — Waste-derived ceramic membranes for water reuse in irrigation and food processing

The presentation explores porous ceramic membranes produced from agro-industrial by-products and their application to wastewater polishing and reuse. Performance, durability and life-cycle benefits are discussed with pilot-scale insights that support safe water management in agriculture and the food sector.

  1. Water reuse for irrigation and processing
  2. Environmental engineering and circular valorization
  3. Materials selection and life-cycle considerations