Alexander Kokhanovsky | Earth | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky, GFZ Potsdam, Germany

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky is a senior scientist at the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. He earned his PhD in optical sciences from the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and completed his habilitation in cloud and snow remote sensing in Russia. With over three decades of international experience, including positions at the University of Bremen, Imperial College London, and EUMETSAT, his research focuses on radiative transfer, light scattering, and satellite remote sensing of snow, clouds, and aerosols. He is a recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky’s career reflects a sustained and impactful contribution to the fields of radiative transfer, remote sensing, and cryosphere science. His international research footprint, prestigious awards, and involvement in major scientific missions underscore his leadership and innovation. His interdisciplinary expertise and scientific rigor make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Dr. Alexander A. Kokhanovsky completed his undergraduate studies at the Physical Department of the Belarussian State University in Minsk, Belarus, graduating in 1983. He earned his PhD in optical sciences in 1991 from the Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. His doctoral research focused on developing analytical approximations for the radiative transfer characteristics of atmospheric aerosols and oceanic whitecaps. In 2011, he completed his habilitation at the Main Geophysical Observatory in St. Petersburg, Russia, with a focus on cloud and snow remote sensing from space.

💼Experience

Dr. Kokhanovsky has held research and academic positions at several prestigious institutions worldwide. From 1983 to 2004, he worked at the Institute of Physics in Minsk, Belarus. He conducted research at the Japanese Space Exploration Agency in Tokyo from 1996 to 1997. He then moved to Clausthal Technical University in Germany from 1997 to 1998, followed by a position at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2000. From 2001 to 2013, he was affiliated with the University of Bremen in Germany. Between 2013 and 2022, he worked with VITROCISET/TELESPAZIO Belgium and EUMETSAT in Darmstadt, Germany. He is currently based at the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences.

🔬Research Focus

His current research focuses on radiative transfer, light scattering, and the remote sensing of atmospheric and surface properties including snow, clouds, and aerosols. His work plays a crucial role in improving satellite-based climate monitoring and environmental analysis.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Kokhanovsky possesses deep expertise in optical sciences, particularly in the domains of light scattering and radiative transfer in complex media. He has extensive experience in the remote sensing of snow, clouds, and aerosols, and in the retrieval of atmospheric properties from satellite observations. His technical competencies span analytical modeling, satellite instrumentation, and atmospheric physics.

🏆Awards

Dr. Kokhanovsky is a recipient of the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung. This honor recognized his significant contributions to the field of radiative transfer in media with optically large scatterers.

📚 Publications

Title: Insights of aerosol-precipitation nexus in the central Arctic through CMIP6 climate models
Authors: Basudev Swain, Marco Vountas, Aishwarya Singh, Hartmut Bösch, John Philip Burrows
Year: 2025
Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science


Title: Editorial: Remote sensing of the cryosphere
Authors: Alexander A. Kokhanovsky, Biagio Di Mauro, Z. Sun
Year: 2025
Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science


Title: The EnMAP spaceborne imaging spectroscopy mission: Initial scientific results two years after launch
Authors: Sabine Chabrillat, Saskia Foerster, Karl Segl, Laura la Porta, Sebastian Fischer
Year: 2024
Journal: Remote Sensing of Environment

Conclusion:

Dr. Kokhanovsky is highly recommended for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His scientific achievements, international collaborations, and contributions to global climate science align exceptionally well with the goals of the award. With minor improvements in outreach and mentorship, his already significant impact could be extended even further.

Ignacio Valverde Palacios | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios, University of Granada/ Buildings Construction Department, Spain

Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios is a Full Professor at the University of Granada, Spain, specializing in soil mechanics, foundations, and seismic engineering. With over two decades of experience, his research focuses on dynamic and static foundation conditions, seismic microzoning, liquefaction, and sustainable construction materials. He has led several national and international research projects, authored 29 scientific publications, and served as a reviewer for prestigious journals. Currently, he is the Director of the Department of Architectural Constructions and a member of the Andalusian University Research Institute of Geophysics and Seismic Disaster Prevention.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ignacio Valverde Palacios is a highly qualified researcher whose work spans critical areas like geophysics, sustainable materials, and structural preservation. His interdisciplinary approach and focus on sustainability make his contributions particularly relevant to modern challenges in civil and environmental engineering. His ability to collaborate internationally, publish in reputable journals, and address practical engineering problems solidifies his credentials.

 

🎓 Education

Ignacio Valverde Palacios holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology (2001) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Technology (2006) from the University of Granada. He also earned a Doctorate in 2010, specializing in engineering and construction sciences.

💼Experience

Dr. Valverde has been a professor at the Department of Architectural Constructions, University of Granada, since 2003 and has served as a Full Professor since 2018. His administrative roles include being Secretary of the Department (2017–2021) and its current Director (since 2021). He is also a research member of the Andalusian University Research Institute of Geophysics and Prevention of Seismic Disasters (since 2016). Over the years, he has contributed extensively to teaching innovation, participating in eight projects and leading one.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Valverde specializes in soil mechanics and foundations under static and dynamic conditions, seismic engineering, and construction materials, including their reuse and sustainability. His research also explores seismic microzoning, liquefaction, densification settlements, and geotechnical effects on urban areas. He is actively involved in studying new engineering applications, such as integrating construction and demolition waste into sustainable practices.

 

Awards

He has received an “Excellent” rating twice in the Certificate on the Quality of Teaching Activity from the Vice-Rectorate for Quality Assurance, University of Granada. Additionally, he has been recognized for his contributions as a regular reviewer for prestigious journals in geological engineering and construction materials.

Skills

Dr. Valverde excels in geotechnics, seismic risk assessment, construction material characterization, project management, and collaborative research. His technical expertise includes indirect geophysical methods, soil-structure interaction, and innovative engineering practices. He is a skilled mentor, guiding doctoral theses, undergraduate, and master’s projects, particularly in architecture and geophysics.

Publications

  • Mechanical Behaviour and Microstructural Analysis of Earthen Materials Reinforced with Intensive Agricultural By-Products and Binders
    • Authors: Cervilla-Maldonado, A., Valverde-Palacios, I., Martín-Villegas, F., Fuentes-García, R.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • A Geophysical Investigation in Which 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground-Penetrating Radar Are Used to Determine Singularities in the Foundations of the Protected Historic Tower of Murcia Cathedral (Spain)
    • Authors: García-Nieto, M.C., Martínez-Segura, M.A., Navarro, M., Valverde-Palacios, I., Martínez-Pagán, P.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Seismic Microzonation Geotechnical and Geophysical Tests: A Case Study of Granada (Spain) Focused on Seismic Risk
    • Authors: Valverde-Palacios, I., Martínez-Pagán, P., García-Jerez, A., Suto, K., Hayashi, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Geophysical Methods for Mining Tailings Deposits Closure: A Case Study at the Lirio Mining Deposit (SE Spain)
    • Authors: Capa Camacho, X.K., Hellín-Rodríguez, J.J., Valverde-Palacios, I., Martínez-Segura, M.A., Mollehuara-Canales, R.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • A Joint Analysis of Rayleigh and Love Waves Using MASW for Site Characterization
    • Authors: Hellín-Rodríguez, J.J., Martínez-Pagán, P., Valverde-Palacios, I., Martínez-Segura, M.A., Hayashi, K.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • The Use of Sierra Elvira Stone According to the Spanish Technical Code
    • Authors: Fuentes-García, R., Valverde-Palacios, I., Valverde-Espinosa, I., Rodríguez, M.A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Earth as a Sustainable Construction Material: Characterization of Different Mixtures and Implementation Using the Projected Earth System
    • Authors: Valverde-Palacios, I., Fuentes-García, R., Cervilla-Maldonado, A., Valverde-Espinosa, I.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Improving Ductility and Bending Features of Poplar Glued Laminated Beams by Means of Embedded Carbon Material
    • Authors: Rescalvo, F.J., Timbolmas, C., Bravo, R., Valverde-Palacios, I., Gallego, A.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 15

Conclusion:

Dr. Valverde-Palacios is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to applied research and sustainability, demonstrated through his interdisciplinary work in geophysics, sustainable construction materials, and structural preservation. To further enhance his candidacy, he could focus on increasing the visibility of his recent works through improved citation impact, broader collaborations, and active participation in high-profile research initiatives and leadership roles in major projects, which would amplify his overall academic and practical influence.

Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï | Environmental Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï | Environmental Materials | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Zoubir Mehdi Sbartai, University of Bordeaux, France

Professor Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï is a Full Professor at the University of Bordeaux, France, specializing in Civil Engineering and Construction. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Toulouse, France, and the University of Sherbrooke, Canada. His research focuses on the development of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques for infrastructure diagnosis and predictive maintenance, with an emphasis on acoustic, electrical, and electromagnetic methods. Professor Sbartaï has published over 45 papers in international journals and has supervised numerous Master’s and Ph.D. students. He is actively involved in national research projects and holds leadership roles in various academic committees.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Sbartaï’s research embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and excellence required for this prestigious award. His work continues to shape the future of civil engineering, making him an ideal candidate for recognition as the Best Researcher in his field.

 

🎓 Education

Zoubir Mehdi Sbartaï holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Materials, and Structures from the University of Toulouse, France (2005), as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Sherbrooke, Canada. He earned his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Materials and Structures from INSA of Toulouse, France, in 2002. In 2016, he was awarded the Habilitation for Research Direction from the University of Bordeaux.

 

💼Experience

Professor Sbartaï has extensive academic experience. From 2020, he has served as a Full Professor at the University of Bordeaux, in the Civil Engineering and Construction Department. Prior to that, he was an Associate Professor at the same institution from 2007 to 2020. His career also includes roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Toulouse (2006-2007) and at INSA de Toulouse (2005-2006). Additionally, he worked as an Assistant Professor during his PhD preparation at INSA de Toulouse (2002-2005).

 

🔬Research Focus

Professor Sbartaï’s research primarily revolves around developing methodologies for more reliable diagnosis of civil engineering structures using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques under uncertainties. His focus is on the optimization of predictive maintenance for infrastructure like bridges, nuclear power plants, built heritage, and wooden construction. He is particularly interested in combining acoustic, electrical, and electromagnetic techniques. His research also includes the development of new sensors for concrete monitoring and advanced radar-based scanning systems to inspect materials.

 

Awards

Professor Sbartaï has a notable academic reputation with over 45 papers published in international journals (Scopus) and more than 50 papers presented at international conferences. He has achieved an h-index of 20, reflecting his influential work in the field. Furthermore, he has supervised 12 Master’s theses, 12 Ph.D. dissertations, and 5 post-doctoral researchers.

 

Skills

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Professor Sbartaï has taken on significant leadership roles. He was responsible for the “Management of Risks in Construction” bachelor program from 2017 to 2022 and has been involved in various national research projects such as C2D2 ACDC, ANR EvaDéOS, and ANR Scaning. He has also led Work Packages in prestigious committees like the RILEM Technical Committee on NDT of Concrete. Since 2018, he has been responsible for WP1 of the BEST project at the University of Bordeaux, further solidifying his leadership in the field of civil engineering research.

 

Publications

  • Method for the Mixing Design and Physical Characterization of Air-Foamed Lightweight Clay Concrete: A Response to the Issue of Recycling Dredged Sediments
    • Authors: Zambon, A., Sbartaï, Z.M., Sayouri, N.
    • Journal: Materials
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 24
    • Article Number: 6248
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Damage Monitoring of Masonry Structures Using the Acoustic Emission Technique – From Tensile and Shear Characterization Tests to Shear Wall Tests
    • Authors: Peng, S., Parent, T., Sbartaï, Z.-M., Morel, S.
    • Journal: Engineering Fracture Mechanics
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 296
    • Article Number: 109845
    • Citations: 2

 

  • New Multi-Objective Optimization to Evaluate the Compressive Strength and Variability of Concrete by Combining Non-Destructive Techniques
    • Authors: Kouddane, B., Sbartaï, Z.M., Elachachi, S.M., Lamdouar, N.
    • Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 77
    • Article Number: 107526
    • Citations: 5

 

  • Influence of the Number of Cores on Concrete Strength Assessment by Nondestructive Tests in Old Existing Structures
    • Authors: Boussahoua, Y., Kenai, S., Sbartaï, Z.M., Breysse, D., Ali-Benyahia, K.
    • Journal: Asian Journal of Civil Engineering
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 24
    • Issue: 6
    • Pages: 1731-1745
    • Citations: 5

 

  • Machine Learning Prediction of Concrete Compressive Strength Using Rebound Hammer Test
    • Authors: El-Mir, A., El-Zahab, S., Sbartaï, Z.M., Saliba, J., El-Hassan, H.
    • Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 64
    • Article Number: 105538
    • Citations: 36

 

  • Pressure-Induced Damage Monitoring in Prestressed Concrete of Nuclear Containment Wall Segments Using Acoustic Emission Technique – Application to VeRCoRs Containment Building
    • Authors: Hamdi, S.E., Sbartaï, Z.-M., Boniface, A., Saliba, J., Henault, J.-M.
    • Journal: Engineering Fracture Mechanics
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 281
    • Article Number: 109089
    • Citations: 6

 

  • A Fast and Robust Method for Estimating the Parameters of Ground Penetrating Radar Waves of Concrete Structures
    • Authors: Kemache, N., Hacib, T., Grimes, M., Mai, T.C., Sbartaï, Z.M.
    • Journal: Russian Journal of Nondestructive Testing
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 59
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 381-391
    • Citations: 0

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Sbartaï is undoubtedly a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific research output, impactful contributions, and leadership in the civil engineering domain. His work significantly contributes to improving the safety, longevity, and sustainability of critical infrastructure systems. By expanding his research network and embracing broader interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Sbartaï could further enhance his already exceptional contributions to the field of sustainable infrastructure and environmental materials.

Dr. Pradeep Rawat | Earth | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Pradeep Rawat | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pradeep Rawat, Asian International University, India

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat is a distinguished Professor of Geography and Geospatial Science at Asian International University, India. With a Ph.D. in Geo-hydrological GIS modeling, he brings over 16 years of expertise in disaster risk management, environmental geoinformatics, and hydrological hazard modeling. His research primarily focuses on using GIS and remote sensing technologies to address climate change impacts, natural hazards, and ecological challenges, particularly within the Himalayan region. A recognized expert, he has served as a consultant for ICIMOD and holds various prestigious roles, including GIS Expert for the Kumaun River Rejuvenation Committee.

 

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat’s research expertise, proven track record in GIS modeling, and contributions to disaster risk reduction make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His focused study on climate impacts, particularly within the Himalayan region, has yielded substantial insights relevant to environmental resilience and disaster preparedness. His collaborative projects and esteemed consulting roles add to his profile as a knowledgeable and influential researcher in geospatial science.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Rawat holds a Ph.D. in Geo-hydrological GIS modeling for disaster risk management from Kumaon University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. He also holds Post Graduate degrees in Geoinformatics and Geography from the same institution.

💼Experience

Dr. Rawat has over 16 years of experience in academic and research roles across national and international institutions. He has served as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), and Research Associate (RA) in various prestigious institutions such as Kumaun University, Nagaland University, and the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Since 2021, he has been a Professor at Asian International University in Imphal, Manipur, India. His work has focused on geospatial applications for disaster management and environmental degradation, particularly in the Himalayan region.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily addresses disaster risk management, geospatial modeling for environmental and hydrological changes, and the impacts of climate change on natural hazards in mountainous terrains. His studies have a specific focus on the Himalayan region, with interests in flood, landslide, and monsoon hazard mitigation using GIS and remote sensing technologies.

🏆Awards

Dr. Rawat has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a GIS Expert for the Kumaun River Rejuvenation Committee (2019), an Editorial Board Member for the International Journal of Satellite Oceanography and Meteorology (2016), and Consultant Scientist at ICIMOD (2011). He has also been awarded Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow positions by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

 

Skills

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat possesses advanced skills in geospatial technology, GIS modeling, and remote sensing for disaster risk management, climate change studies, and hydrological hazard prediction. He is proficient in environmental geoinformatics, geohydrological modeling, and spatial data analysis for ecological and hydrological assessments. His expertise includes GIS applications for natural disaster risk reduction, soil erosion, and geomorphic hazard analysis.

Publications

  • Rawat, P.K., Belho, K., & Rawat, M.S. (2024). Geospatial analysis of alarmingly increasing flood vulnerability and disaster risk within the northeast Himalaya region of India. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 114, 104920.

 

  • Rawat, M.S., Rawat, P.K., & Belho, K. (2024). Geospatial AI solution to monitor and mitigate increasing adverse ecological and hydrological impacts of climate change in Uttarakhand Himalaya (India). Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(39), pp. 52326–52351.

 

  • Rawat, P.K., Belho, K., & Rawat, M.S. (2024). Geospatial analysis of soil erosion and subsequent geomorphic hazards in the Eastern Himalayan Region, India. Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing.

 

  • Belho, K., Rawat, M.S., & Rawat, P.K. (2023). GIS modeling to investigate environmental change and degradation in Kohima district, North East Hill (NEH) region of India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(12), 1553.

 

  • Rawat, P.K., & Pant, B. (2023). Geoenvironmental GIS development to investigate landslides and slope instability along the frontal zone of Central Himalaya. Natural Hazards Research, 3(2), pp. 196–204.

 

  • Rawat, P.K., Pant, B., Pant, K.K., & Pant, P. (2022). Geospatial analysis of alarmingly increasing human-wildlife conflicts in Jim Corbett National Park’s Ramnagar buffer zone: Ecological and socioeconomic perspectives. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 10(3), pp. 337–350.

 

  • Rawat, P.K., Pant, C.C., & Bisht, S. (2017). Geospatial analysis of climate change and emerging flood disaster risk in fast urbanizing Himalayan foothill landscape. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, 8(2), pp. 418–447.

 

  • Rawat, P.K., Pant, C.C., & Nibanupud, H.K. (2016). Environmental geoinformatics of fast-growing Himalaya’s foothill towns and surrounding: concept and implementation. Earth Science Informatics, 9(1), pp. 1–19.

 

  • Rawat, P.K., & Tiwari, P.C. (2014). Climate change and its impacts on community food and livelihood in Kumaun Himalaya: A case study of Dabka catchment. In Impact of Global Changes on Mountains: Responses and Adaptation, pp. 266–297.

 

  • Rawat, P.K. (2014). GIS development to monitor climate change and its geohydrological consequences on non-monsoon crop pattern in Himalaya. Computers and Geosciences, 70, pp. 80–95.

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Rawat’s achievements in geospatial science, his dedication to addressing environmental challenges, and his leadership in the field support his nomination for the Best Researcher Award. By continuing to expand his research influence and interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Rawat has the potential to elevate his contributions and achieve even greater impacts in the field of geospatial science and beyond.