Titus Ngmenzuma | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Titus Ngmenzuma | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Titus Ngmenzuma | Tshwane University of Technology  | South Africa

Dr. Titus Yeliku-ang Ngmenzuma’s research focuses on advancing plant–microbe interactions to promote sustainable agricultural productivity through innovative microbial applications. His work spans crop science disciplines including agronomy, plant physiology, soil microbial diversity, and phylogenetic studies, with a particular emphasis on the role of rhizobia in enhancing soil fertility and legume productivity. He has explored genomic biodiversity among native rhizobia in African soils using DNA fingerprinting, coupled with biochemical and functional characterizations to identify strains with strong plant growth–promoting and ecological adaptation traits. His research integrates glasshouse and field evaluations of diverse legume–rhizobium symbioses, assessing nodulation, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass accumulation, and grain yield to determine symbiotic effectiveness. Additionally, he employs nitrogen and carbon isotope analyses to elucidate nutrient cycling and the functional relationships between nitrogen fixation and carbon assimilation in symbiotic systems. Through his interdisciplinary collaborations and mentorship roles, he contributes to developing sustainable biofertilizer technologies and capacity building in microbial ecology and crop improvement. His scientific outputs collectively aim to strengthen agricultural resilience and productivity through environmentally responsible microbial innovations and integrated soil fertility management.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

Buthelezi, H. P., Yeliku-Ang Ngmenzuma, T., Udeh, E. L., & Mohale, K. C. (2025). Symbiotic N₂ fixation and nutrient uptake of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Pseudomonas fluorescens under simulated drought conditions. Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Munyengabe, A., Kamogelo, L. S., Yeliku-ang Ngmenzuma, T., & Banda, M. F. (2024). The potential of Helichrysum splendidum (Thunb.) Less. for the restoration of sites polluted with coal fly ash. Plants, 13(18), 2551.

Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad | Soil | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad | Soil | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad | Drainage Research Institute | Egypt

Omar Badr Mohamed Badr Awad is an accomplished Assistant Researcher at the National Water Research Center, Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt, specializing in irrigation and drainage engineering. His research focuses on improving agricultural drainage systems, enhancing water quality management, and promoting sustainable reuse of marginal water resources. He has conducted extensive applied research on subsurface drainage, open channel hydraulics, and water quality monitoring across the Nile Delta, contributing to national efforts in optimizing drainage water utilization. His academic background in water resources systems supports his expertise in simulation modeling, hydrology, and hydraulic design. He is proficient in advanced tools such as HEC-RAS, WMS, Drainmod, GIS software, and AutoCAD Civil 3D, which he applies to model and analyze water systems for better management practices. He has also participated in several international training programs and workshops focusing on water quality assessment, irrigation and drainage management, and water governance, strengthening his global perspective on sustainable water resources development. His technical proficiency, research acumen, and collaborative approach make him a valuable contributor to advancing water management strategies and innovative solutions in irrigation and drainage engineering.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

Badr, O., Abdelmonem, Y., Sallam, G., & Riad, P. (2025, December 31). Recycled drain envelopes for problematic calcareous soils. Water Science.

Jae Gon Kim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jae Gon Kim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jae Gon Kim | Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources | South Korea

Dr. Jae Gon Kim is a distinguished principal scientist at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), specializing in soil and clay mineralogy, geologic environment studies, and environmental remediation. His extensive research focuses on the chemical and mineralogical processes governing soil behavior, contamination, and restoration, with particular expertise in heavy metal remediation and magnetic separation technologies. With a prolific academic and professional record, Dr. Kim has authored 36 scientific documents, accumulating 985 citations from 963 publications, reflecting his strong global research impact and influence. His h-index of 17 demonstrates the sustained relevance and quality of his contributions to geoscience and environmental research. He has been recognized for his innovation in soil remediation technologies and for developing effective solutions for environmental hazards linked to contaminated soils. Dr. Kim’s work bridges fundamental mineralogical science with applied environmental technology, advancing both theoretical understanding and field-level applications. His leadership in research has earned him numerous professional awards for excellence in technology and scientific communication, establishing him as a prominent figure in the global geoscience community and a driving force in promoting sustainable soil and environmental management practices.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

  • Baek, I., Kim, J., Song, Y., & Kim, T. (2021). Neutralization effect of slag on the acid rock drainage. International Journal of Geo-Engineering.

  • Lee, A., Chon, C.-M., Kim, J. G., & Ryu, J. (2024). Irreversible cesium adsorption capacity of granite-origin soil. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry.

Alexis Chavez | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Alexis Chavez | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Alexis Chavez | KU Leuven | Belgium

Ivan Alexis Chavez Flores is a dedicated civil and environmental engineer whose academic and professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to sustainable water management and climate resilience. His educational background encompasses advanced training in water resources engineering, hydrological modeling, ecosystem-based adaptation, and integrated watershed management, complemented by specialized certifications in tools such as SWAT, WEAP, ARCGIS, and HEC-RAS. His expertise bridges engineering principles with environmental sustainability, focusing on optimizing water use efficiency, mitigating hydrological extremes, and applying nature-based solutions to address climate change impacts. With international academic experience spanning institutions such as KU Leuven, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Universidad Mayor de San Simón, he integrates global perspectives into local and regional water management practices. His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining hydrology, ecology, and policy to promote resilient ecosystems and community-based water governance. Through his work, he contributes to advancing hydrological modeling, improving watershed management strategies, and fostering climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. His achievements have been recognized through international scholarships and awards that highlight his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to capacity building in environmental and engineering education across Latin America and beyond.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications

Chavez Flores, I. A., Mendoza Paz, S., Villazón Gómez, M. F., Willems, P., & Gobin, A. (2025). Impacts of climate change on the hydropower potential of a multipurpose storage system project in the Bolivian Andes. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies.

Núñez Mejía, S., Villegas-Lituma, C., Crespo, P., Córdova, M., Gualán, R., Ochoa, J., Guzmán, P., Ballari, D., Chávez, A., Mendoza Paz, S., et al. (2023). Downscaling precipitation and temperature in the Andes: Applied methods and performance—A systematic review protocol. Environmental Evidence.

Chavez Flores, I. A., Villazon, M., Inturias, D., Pardo, P., & Aldunate, C. (2024). Tomo 1: Crítica, análisis y relleno de las series de tiempo hidrométricas de la Amazonia Boliviana: Ajuste de curvas de descarga H-Q. FAO Bolivia.

Chavez Flores, I. A. (2024). Tomo 2: Crítica, análisis y relleno de las series de tiempo hidrométricas de la Amazonia Boliviana: Análisis, crítica y relleno de la información hidrométrica y caudales. FAO Bolivia. ISBN 978-9917-0-3689-0

Chavez Flores, I. A., & Villazon, M. F. (2020). Análisis, crítica y relleno de las series continuas hidrológicas de la Amazonía Boliviana

Gopal Ashok Gupta | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Gopal Ashok Gupta | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gopal Ashok Gupta | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | India

Dr. Gopal Ashok Gupta is a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow at IIT Kanpur whose work integrates design engineering, air pollution control, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. His research focuses on developing innovative devices for emission mitigation and worker safety in industrial environments, addressing challenges such as aerosol filtration, heavy metal exposure, and hazardous particulate control. With 3 published journal articles, 26 citations, and an h-index of 2, his scholarly output demonstrates growing academic impact in the domains of clean air technology and green manufacturing. He has contributed several patents covering air filtration systems, emission control assemblies, and pollution mitigation tools, many of which are under review or filed for protection. His publications in reputed journals like npj Clean Air and International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing–Green Technology reflect his multidisciplinary approach combining materials science, mechanical design, and environmental engineering. Through his ongoing projects on industrial filter design and exposure risk analysis, Dr. Gupta’s research contributes significantly to sustainable industrial development, promoting safer and cleaner shop-floor environments. His work stands at the intersection of innovation and public health, advancing both environmental engineering solutions and occupational safety practices for industrial systems.

Profile : Scopus  

Featured Publications

Gupta, G. A., Singh, M., Ramkumar, J., Gupta, T., & Patil, S. (2024). Comprehensive analysis of heavy metal aerosol emissions and health risk from the electrical discharge machining process: A control and mitigation approach for green manufacturing. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing–Green Technology, 11, 1703–1729.

Divya Mehta | Ecology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Divya Mehta | Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Divya Mehta | College of Agriculture, University of Sao Paulo | Brazil

Dr. Divya is a dynamic forestry researcher whose work bridges forest genetics, environmental management, and socio-ecological sustainability. Her doctoral research focused on the genetic improvement of Punica granatum (wild pomegranate), emphasizing reproductive biology, breeding design evaluation, and molecular characterization to enhance genetic diversity and productivity. Her master’s work on identifying forest fire risk factors in Himachal Pradesh integrated bio-physical and socio-economic analyses to develop preventive strategies for fire-prone landscapes. With a strong background in forestry and environmental sciences, she has contributed significantly to projects on climate change vulnerability, agroforestry resilience, ecosystem service valuation, and forest resource management across diverse ecosystems. Currently engaged in postdoctoral research at ESALQ-USP, Brazil, she investigates ecological assessments of vegetation zones to understand plant functional traits, carbon stocks, and biodiversity dynamics in island ecosystems. Dr. Divya’s scholarly contributions extend beyond research to academic service as co-editor of a special issue on sustainable socio-ecological systems and reviewer for leading international journals in ecology, sustainability, and forest science. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing forest conservation, genetic improvement, and ecosystem-based approaches for climate resilience and sustainable development.

Profiles:  Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Mehta, D., Righi, C. A., Kumar, C., & Pereira, C. R. (2025). Systematic review on carbon and biodiversity in forest ecosystems of Amazonia. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.

  • Mehta, D. (2019). Developing fire danger model using logistic regression analysis for mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Agrometeorology.

  • Mehta, D., Baweja, P. K., & Aggarwal, R. K. (2018). Forest fire risk assessment using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Current World Environment, 13(3), 447–456.

Yousra Mukhtar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Yousra Mukhtar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yousra Mukhtar | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology | India

Dr. Yousra Mukhtar is a dedicated entomologist specializing in Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) and pollinator ecology, with significant expertise in insect biodiversity assessment and sustainable pest control strategies. Her research has documented 75 non-Apis bee species, including over 30 first records from the northwestern Himalayas of India, enriching knowledge on native pollinator diversity and ecosystem services. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications focusing on pest dynamics, pollinator behavior, and eco-friendly pest management approaches that enhance agroecosystem resilience. As a researcher and educator, she has contributed to advancing understanding of the interlinkages between pollination ecology and integrated pest management, promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Her scholarly contributions are recognized through 13 research documents, 19 citations, and an h-index of 2, reflecting her growing academic impact. Beyond research, she has actively engaged in scientific communities through leadership roles, conference presentations, and peer-review activities for reputed international journals. Dr. Mukhtar’s work exemplifies a strong commitment to pollinator conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and the development of sustainable IPM strategies that align with global goals for agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Profiles: Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Pest management practices impact Helicoverpa armigera infestation and foraging behaviour of pollinators in sunflower. International Journal of Pest Management.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Expanding Megachile diversity: First record of nine Megachile species (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from Jammu, India and the broader North-Western Himalayas. Oriental Insects.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Non-Apis bee diversity in Jammu, India, with first records from the region and the northwestern Himalayas. National Academy Science Letters.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2024). Harmonizing pest control and beneficial organism conservation in sunflower ecosystems through integrated pest management. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.

Christopher Eastoe | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Christopher Eastoe | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Christopher Eastoe | University of Arizona | Australia

Dr. Christopher J. Eastoe, a distinguished researcher in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona, has made significant contributions to the fields of hydrogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, and mineral deposit studies. His work primarily focuses on the application of geological, light stable isotopes (S, Cl, C, O, H), and radiogenic isotopes (³H, ¹⁴C) to investigate hydrothermal ore deposits, sedimentary basins, groundwater systems, and atmospheric processes. Through advanced isotope and fluid inclusion techniques, he has enhanced the understanding of geochemical processes shaping Earth’s crust and fluid evolution in diverse geological settings. Dr. Eastoe’s research also emphasizes the development and quality assurance of sulfur and chlorine isotopic methodologies, which have become essential tools in modern geoscientific studies. His prolific scientific output includes 112 peer-reviewed documents, reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence in geochemical research and laboratory innovation. With a strong record of collaboration and mentorship, his scholarly influence is underscored by 3,191 citations across 2,290 referencing documents, demonstrating the global impact of his contributions to isotope geochemistry and environmental geoscience. His research legacy continues to guide new investigations in isotope applications for resource exploration and environmental assessment, solidifying his role as a leader in Earth science research.

Profiles: Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Hibbs, B. J., Eastoe, C. J., & Merino, M. (2024). Issues of bias in groundwater quality data sets in an irrigated floodplain aquifer of variable salinity. Geosciences, 14(3), 66.

  • Eastoe, C. J. (2023). Isotope record of groundwater recharge mechanisms and climate change in southwestern North America. Applied Geochemistry, 153, 105604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2023.105604

  • Eastoe, C., Hibbs, B., Merino, M., & Dadakis, J. (2022). Origins of sulfate in groundwater and surface water of the Rio Grande floodplain, Texas, USA and Chihuahua, Mexico. Hydrology, 9(6), 95.

  • Gu, A., & Eastoe, C. J. (2021). The origins of sulfate in Cenozoic non-marine evaporites in the Basin-and-Range Province, southwestern North America. Geosciences, 11(11), 455.

  • Zamora, H. A., Eastoe, C. J., McIntosh, J. C., & Flessa, K. W. (2021). Groundwater origin and dynamics on the eastern flank of the Colorado River Delta, Mexico. Hydrology, 8(2), 80.

  • Callegary, J. B., Norman, L. M., Eastoe, C. J., Sankey, J. B., & Youberg, A. (2021). Preliminary assessment of carbon and nitrogen sequestration potential of wildfire-derived sediments stored by erosion control structures in forest ecosystems, Southwest USA. Air, Soil and Water Research, 14, 11786221211001768.

Wei wei Zhao | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wei wei Zhao | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wei wei Zhao | Minzu Normal University of Xingyi | China

Weiwei Zhao’s research exemplifies excellence in soil science through her innovative investigations into rhizosphere ecology and plant–soil interactions, particularly focusing on the endangered Paeonia ludlowii in the Tibetan Plateau. Her studies explore how diverse soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial communities influence the metabolic pathways of medicinal plants across different habitats. Employing advanced tools such as high-throughput sequencing and GC-TOFMS metabolomic profiling, her work provides valuable insights into soil metabolites and their regulatory networks, linking soil health to plant bioactive compounds. Her comparative analyses of chloroplast genomes and genetic diversity using ISSR markers contribute significantly to understanding germplasm conservation, hybrid breeding, and adaptive evolution of peony species. Through extensive field investigations, data analysis, and collaboration with regional agricultural and horticultural institutes, she advances sustainable approaches for plateau ecosystem management, ornamental plant domestication, and genetic improvement. Her multidisciplinary contributions bridge soil chemistry, plant physiology, and molecular biology, establishing a scientific foundation for conserving endangered flora and enhancing medicinal resource utilization. Her impactful publications in indexed journals further highlight her commitment to advancing soil metabolomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity conservation within complex high-altitude environments, reinforcing her status as a leading innovator in soil–plant interaction research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhao, W., & Zhang, M. (2025). Microbial diversity of the rhizosphere in different habitats of Paeonia ludlowii in Xizang. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 72, 214.

Oussama Baaloudj | Environmental | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Oussama Baaloudj | Environmental | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Oussama Baaloudj | University of Basilicata | Algeria

Dr. Oussama Baaloudj is a postdoctoral researcher and process engineer specializing in sustainable water treatment and environmental process engineering, with a strong focus on the development and validation of decentralized urban wastewater treatment systems under international collaborative frameworks such as the PRIMA Project SAFE. His multidisciplinary expertise spans photocatalysis, adsorption, hybrid oxidation processes, and advanced materials synthesis for pollutant degradation, contributing significantly to the circular water economy and environmental safety. With 43 research publications indexed in Scopus and over 1,619 citations across 1,093 documents, he holds an impressive h-index of 22, reflecting his growing influence in environmental engineering and applied chemistry. His research integrates innovative modeling and process optimization to enhance wastewater reuse and pollutant remediation efficiency. He has contributed as a guest editor for MDPI journals such as Catalysts and ChemEngineering and has served as an active peer reviewer for leading scientific outlets. Recognized for his scientific excellence, Dr. Baaloudj has received prestigious honors, including the Scopus Award and the FEEM Health Committee Research Award, highlighting his outstanding research contributions to sustainable water management and environmental innovation at the global level.

Profiles: Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

Baaloudj, O., Chiron, S., Zizzamia, A. R., Trotta, V., Del Buono, D., Puglia, D., Rallini, M., & Brienza, M. (2025). Efficient biochar regeneration for a circular economy: Removing emerging contaminants for sustainable water treatment. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects.

Giulietti, M., Zuorro, A., Lavecchia, R., Baaloudj, O., Garcia-Segura, S., & Brienza, M. (2025). Synergistic effects of UV irradiation and hydrogen peroxide in the degradation of chloramphenicol: Mechanism and identification of reaction byproducts and intermediates. Journal of Water Process Engineering.

Baaloudj, O., Langerame, F., Iunnissi, R., Buttiglieri, G., Del Buono, D., Khadhar, S., Scrano, L., Trotta, V., & Brienza, M. (2025, December). Biochar-based downflow fixed-bed adsorption systems for water treatment: Process optimization, reusability, and techno-economic evaluation. Separation and Purification Technology.

Kamagate, M., Ali, F. A. A., Traore, L., Coulibaly, G. N., Assadi, A. A., Coulibaly, L., Goné Droh, L., & Baaloudj, O. (2025, November 5). Mechanistic insights into radical-mediated moxifloxacin degradation using ultrasound-assisted persulfate activation by iron-rich soil. Catalysts, 15(11), 1056.

Abdelkader, M., Assadi, A. A., Guiza, M., Elfalleh, W., Khezami, L., Tahraoui, H., Baaloudj, O., Mouni, L., Zhang, J., & Amrane, A. (2025, March 9). Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants in air streams using luminous textiles under ultraviolet light illumination: A pilot-scale remediation study. Catalysts, 15(3), 262.

Bourkeb, K. W., Abdessemed, D., Alaoui-Sossé, B., Chronopoulou, L., Baaloudj, O., & Herlem, G. (2025, February 15). Molecularly imprinted polyaniline/carbon nanotube–modified pencil graphite electrode for selective detection of bisphenol A in various aquatic matrices. Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry.