We are pleased to announce the winner of the Agronomy 2024 Travel Award—Dr. Davide Raffaelli.

Name: Dr. Davide Raffaelli

Affiliation: Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy

We would like to thank the award committee for selecting one winner from a large number of exceptional candidates, Dr. Davide Raffaelli. We will continue to reward scholars with the Travel Award to express our acknowledgment of their support for our journal Agronomy (ISSN: 2073-4395). We wish them every success in their careers.

The following is a short interview with Dr. Davide Raffaelli:

1. How did you become interested in your current area of research?

I’ve always loved agriculture since I was a child. With my Ph.D. project, I had the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and tackle the crucial challenges connected to the abuse of water in the agricultural sector, which is the most urgent issue faced by our current rural economy.

2. What are the struggles that come with being an early career researcher?

As an early researcher, I found it challenging to find the funding to properly run experimental trials.

3. Could you describe any particularly interesting or unexpected results that you have discovered in your research so far?

The most meaningful result I’ve seen so far is that a proper analysis of the growing substrate (e.g., pF values) could help us optimize water usage during the cultivation process.

4. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned so far?

Currently, there is a lack of knowledge of “good agricultural practices”. Using modern devices, coupled with researchers’ interventions, will optimize this sector.

5. What is your motivation for research?

 I’d like to adapt my scientific knowledge to “everyday life”, to refine the concept of “sustainability” in our society.

6. We hope that the travel award will open new opportunities for you. How does an Award like this one help to support the career of a young/early career researcher such as yourself?

These initiatives are so important for young researchers. The prize will help me to participate in international conferences and to publicize my results.

7. As a successful young investigator, what advice would you give to early career researchers who are just beginning their careers?

My suggestion is to visit other research groups. Creating new connections will help you deepen your understanding of your chosen research topic.

8. What qualities do you think young scientists need?

Passion, determination, an ability to interact with others, and open-mindedness.

9. What are your plans for the future, and how do you hope to build upon your current work?

My plan is to teach the younger generations. I would like also to help bring innovations to other sectors, like private companies.

10. As the winner of this award, would you like to take a moment to share your thoughts with the readers, or express gratitude towards those who have played a significant role in your research accomplishments?

I want to express my gratitude to my mentors: Prof. Bruno Mezzetti, Prof. Franco Capocasa, Prof. Luca Mazzoni, Prof. Silvia Sabbadini, and Dr. Francesca Balducci. Secondly, I want to extend my thanks to my colleagues, because they continuously present me with new ideas and challenges: Dr. Valeria Pergolotti, Dr. Federica Mecozzi, Dr. Micol Marcellini, Dr. Giammarco Giovanetti, Dr. Rohullah Qaderi, Dr. Luca Capriotti, Dr. Angela Ricci, Dr. Irene Piunti, and Dr. Maria Victoria Sunico. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Agronomy Editorial Office for showing their appreciation of my work. I hope we can forge new collaborations in the future.

“Having a cohesive and stimulating working group is essential to conducting scientific research.”