Md. Saiful Islam | Soil | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam | Soil | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is a Professor of Soil Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Yokohama National University, Japan, and has completed several postdoctoral fellowships in Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. His research focuses on soil health, environmental sustainability, and climate-smart agriculture. With over 200 scientific publications and extensive international collaborations, he is widely recognized for his contributions to soil science and has received multiple national and international research awards.

Profile

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Summary:

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam has built a remarkable academic and research career in soil science, with a strong focus on sustainable soil management, environmental health, and climate resilience. His scholarly outputs, leadership roles, and global presence make him a standout candidate for both the Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award and the Best Researcher Award. He brings not just quantity but depth and diversity to soil research, touching on issues from microplastics in aquaculture to humic acid in climate adaptation.

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Yokohama National University, Japan. He earned his MSc in Soil Science and BSc in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, securing top academic positions. He has also completed four postdoctoral fellowships at renowned institutions including the University of Tokyo, Yokohama National University, Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

💼Experience

Dr. Islam is a Professor in the Department of Soil Science at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh. He has progressed through academic roles from Lecturer to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor at PSTU. He has also served as a teaching mentor at Yokohama National University and as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo. In addition to his teaching and research, he has held administrative positions such as Department Chairman and Director of the Central Laboratory at PSTU.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Islam’s research primarily centers on soil health, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental sustainability. He investigates the impact of land management practices on soil quality, nutrient cycling, and agricultural productivity. His work aims to develop innovative solutions for soil conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development. Through global partnerships and high-impact publications, his research contributes significantly to advancing environmental and agricultural sciences.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam possesses strong skills in soil analysis, nutrient management, environmental monitoring, and sustainable land use. He is proficient in laboratory techniques, field-based research, data analysis, and scientific writing. His expertise extends to supervising postgraduate research, securing competitive grants, and managing multidisciplinary research projects. He is also skilled in international collaboration, academic leadership, and capacity building in higher education.

🏆Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous national and international recognitions for his academic excellence and impactful research. He was awarded the BAS Gold Medal in Biological Science by the Government of Bangladesh . He has received multiple Best Researcher Medal Awards from PSTU and the Young Scientist Award from Yokohama National University. His international accolades include prestigious fellowships from JSPS, JASSO, and Prince of Songkla University, along with President Scholarships from Thailand and research awards from Malaysian institutions. He has also received merit-based scholarships from BAU and Grameen Bank during his academic career.

📚 Publications

Title: Microplastic pollution in aquaculture species: Quantification and characterization in Tilapia and Pangas
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2026
Journal: Aquaculture

Title: Assessing the impact of eucalyptus trees on soil chemical properties in rice fields
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports

Title: Comprehensive assessment of marsh soil health index in beel aquaculture systems of coastal Bangladesh
Author: Md. Saiful Islam et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Aquaculture International

Conclusion:

Dr. Md. Saiful Islam is highly deserving of both awards. His research is not only prolific but also mission-aligned with the objectives of preserving soil ecosystems, advancing global agricultural resilience, and building scientific leadership in environmental sustainability. With slight enhancements in community engagement and policy translation, his profile would become even more compelling.

Gang Yang | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Gang Yang | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Gang Yang, Shaanxi university of science and technology, China

Prof. Dr. Gang Yang is a professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, China, specializing in wetland carbon cycles, biogeochemistry, and global change ecology. With over 15 years of research, he has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects on peatland degradation, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions. His work explores the role of semiconductor minerals in carbon cycling and the environmental responses of wetlands. A member of several ecological and environmental societies, he has an H-index of 23 and has published extensively in high-impact journals.

Profile

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Gang Yang is a leading researcher in wetland ecology, carbon cycles, and biogeochemistry, with strong academic credentials, numerous high-impact publications, and significant research leadership. His innovative approaches to peatland carbon sequestration and degradation studies, along with his editorial and professional affiliations, make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Gang Yang completed his Master’s degree in 2005 and has since been dedicated to research on soil carbon cycle processes and their environmental responses. His expertise spans soil ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, and global change ecology.

💼Experience

He is a Professor at Shaanxi University of Science and Technology and has been actively involved in wetland ecosystem carbon cycle research. He has served as the Principal Investigator for multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, focusing on peatland degradation, carbon export mechanisms, and the role of semiconductor minerals in wetland carbon dynamics. His work also includes consultancy for the National Fourth Survey Project of Chinese Medicinal Plants.

🔬Research Focus

His research revolves around wetland carbon cycle mechanisms, wetland conservation and restoration, environmental responses of wetlands, and carbon sequestration in paddy fields. He has conducted extensive studies on peatlands in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, providing critical insights into carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions in wetland ecosystems.

🛠️Skills

He has expertise in wetland carbon cycles, biogeochemical processes, and environmental impact assessments. His innovative research includes the use of isotope dating to study carbon accumulation in peatlands and the impact of climate change on carbon emissions. He has also proposed the dual effects of semiconductor minerals on the soil carbon cycle.

🏆Awards

Gang Yang has an H-index of 23, reflecting his significant impact in environmental science. He is a member of the Professional Committee on Wetland Environmental Ecological Conservation and Function Development of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, the Shaanxi Ecological Society, the Sichuan Soil Society, and the International Peat Society.

📚 Publications

  • Falling water tables reduce peatland semiconductor minerals’ capacity for preserving carbon
    Year: 2024
    Author(s): Zeng J., Cao Q., Bai Y.P., Chen H., Liu M.X., He Y., He H.C., Hu W.Y., Yang G.*
    Journal: Land Degradation & Development

  • Soil pH and dissolved organic carbon shape microbial communities in wetlands with two different vegetation types in Changdu area, Tibet
    Year: 2023
    Author(s): Zou L., Bai Y.P., Huang J., Xiao D.R., Yang G.*
    Journal: Journal of Mountain Science

  • Water table drawdown increases plant biodiversity and soil polyphenol in the Zoige Plateau
    Year: 2021
    Author(s): Zeng J., Chen H., Bai Y., Dong F., Peng C., Yan F., Cao Q., Yang Z., Yang S., Yang G.*
    Journal: Ecological Indicators

  • Peatland degradation reduces methanogens and methane emissions from surface to deep soils
    Year: 2019
    Author(s): Yang G., Tian J., Chen H., Jiang L., Zhan W., Hu J.
    Journal: Ecological Indicators

  • Tiankeng: an ideal place for climate warming research on forest ecosystems
    Year: 2019
    Author(s): Yang G., Peng C., Liu Y., Dong F.
    Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences

  • Distribution characteristics, resource utilization and popularizing demonstration of crop straw in southwest China: A comprehensive evaluation
    Year: 2018
    Author(s): Yang G.
    Journal: Ecological Indicators

  • Interactive effect of radioactive and heavy-metal contamination on soil enzyme activity in a former Uranium mine
    Year: 2018
    Author(s): Yang G.
    Journal: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies

Conclusion:

 Prof. Dr. Gang Yang is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Addressing broader international collaboration, policy engagement, and public outreach could further strengthen his influence and contributions to environmental science.

Hao Lu | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Lu | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Lu, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hao Lu is a researcher at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, specializing in computer vision and AI applications in agriculture. His work focuses on visual dense prediction, including semantic segmentation, depth estimation, and image matting. He has developed innovative upsampling operators such as IndexNet, SAPA, and FADE, as well as TasselNet, a widely used plant counting model. With over 80 publications, including 30+ CCF A-class papers and three ESI highly cited papers, his contributions have earned prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Paper Award from the European Agricultural Engineering Society.

Profile

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Summary:

Dr. Hao Lu is an exceptional early-career researcher with an impressive track record in AI-driven agriculture. His innovative research, high-impact publications, technological developments, and international collaborations position him as a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. While expanding his global influence and increasing the real-world application of his research could enhance his impact, his current achievements make him highly competitive for the award.

🎓 Education

Hao Lu holds a faculty position as an Associate Professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. His academic background is rooted in computer vision and artificial intelligence, with a specialization in their applications in agriculture. His research expertise covers visual dense prediction, including semantic segmentation, depth estimation, and image matting, contributing to advancements in AI-driven agricultural technologies.

💼Experience

With a strong research portfolio, Hao Lu has made significant contributions to AI-driven plant phenotyping and crop monitoring systems. He has authored over 80 research papers, including more than 30 CCF A-class papers and three ESI highly cited papers. His collaborative efforts include working with leading experts such as Prof. Chunhua Shen from the University of Adelaide and Prof. Zhiguo Cao from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. His experience extends to pioneering AI applications in precision agriculture and smart farming.

🔬Research Focus

His research spans computer vision and AI applications in agriculture, specifically visual dense prediction and plant phenotyping. He has pioneered novel upsampling operators such as IndexNet, SAPA, and FADE, significantly improving image processing techniques. His TasselNet model is widely used in plant counting and phenotyping research, making a substantial impact on precision agriculture.

🛠️Skills

Hao Lu possesses expertise in computer vision, deep learning, and AI for agriculture. His work bridges fundamental AI advancements with real-world applications, including smart farming solutions. He has mentored students and contributed to high-impact research, with a citation count exceeding 4000 on Google Scholar. His research continues to drive innovations in crop monitoring, precision agriculture, and smart farming technologies.

🏆Awards

Hao Lu has received prestigious awards for his contributions to AI in agriculture. His research earned the Outstanding Paper Award from the European Agricultural Engineering Society. Additionally, his development of an automatic crop growth monitoring system was recognized with a bronze medal at the Geneva International Invention Exhibition.

📚 Publications

  • SCAPE: A Simple and Strong Category-Agnostic Pose Estimator
    Authors: Yujia Liang, Zixuan Ye, Wenze Liu, Hao Lu
    Journal: [No source information available]
    Year: 2024
  • FADE: A Task-Agnostic Upsampling Operator for Encoder–Decoder Architectures
    Authors: Hao Lu, Wenze Liu, Hongtao Fu, Zhiguo Cao
    Journal: International Journal of Computer Vision
    Year: 2025
  • Bridging Real and Simulated Data for Cross-Spatial-Resolution Vegetation Segmentation with Application to Rice Crops
    Authors: Yangmingrui Gao, Linyuan Li, Marie Weiss, Frédéric Baret, Shouyang Liu
    Journal: ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
  • Counting Crowd by Weighing Counts: A Sequential Decision-Making Perspective
    Authors: Hao Lu, Liang Liu, Hu Wang, Zhiguo Cao
    Journal: IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems
    Year: 2024
  • Vision Transformer Off-the-Shelf: A Surprising Baseline for Few-Shot Class-Agnostic Counting
    Authors: Zhicheng Wang, Liwen Xiao, Zhiguo Cao, Hao Lu
    Journal: [No source information available]
    Year: 2024
  • In-Context Matting
    Authors: He Guo, Zixuan Ye, Zhiguo Cao, Hao Lu
    Journal: [No source information available]
    Year: 2024
  • Unifying Automatic and Interactive Matting with Pretrained ViTs
    Authors: Zixuan Ye, Wenze Liu, He Guo, Hao Lu, Zhiguo Cao
    Journal: [No source information available]
    Year: 2024
  • SIERRA: A Robust Bilateral Feature Upsampler for Dense Prediction
    Authors: Hongtao Fu, Wenze Liu, Yuliang Liu, Zhiguo Cao, Hao Lu
    Journal: Computer Vision and Image Understanding
    Year: 2023

Conclusion:

Dr. Hao Lu is an ideal candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His work has already made a significant impact, and with continued advancements, he has the potential to become a global leader in AI-driven agricultural technologies.

Aziz Aziz | Agricultural | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Prof. Aziz Aziz | Agricultural | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Prof. Aziz, University of Reims, France

Prof. Aziz Aziz is a Full Professor at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France, specializing in plant-microbe interactions, biocontrol, and plant immunity. With a Ph.D. from the University of Rennes 1 (1996) and extensive postdoctoral research at INRA Versailles and the University of Reims, he has dedicated his career to understanding how beneficial microbes enhance plant defense against pathogens. His research focuses on induced resistance, microbial diversity, and sustainable viticulture, particularly in grapevine health. He has led multiple international research projects, including H2020 initiatives, and received the Scientific Excellence Award from the French Ministry of National Education and Research. As head of the Master’s program in Sustainable Plant Production and Bioprotection, he has supervised numerous Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers.

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Summary:

Prof. Aziz Aziz is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award due to his expertise in plant-microbe interactions, microbial biocontrol, and soil microbiota’s role in plant health. His leadership in international research projects, significant scientific output, and contributions to sustainable agriculture make him a strong contender. However, aligning his research more explicitly with soil biodiversity conservation frameworks and engaging in policy-driven initiatives could further enhance his impact.

🎓 Education

Aziz Aziz obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Rennes 1, France, in 1996. He later completed a postdoctoral fellowship at INRA Versailles in 1997, focusing on the Biology of the Rhizosphere. From 1998 to 2002, he continued his postdoctoral research at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, where he later became an Associate Professor in 2003. In the same year, he earned his Accreditation to Supervise Research (HDR) from the University of Reims.

💼Experience

Since 2020, Aziz Aziz has been serving as a Full Professor (C1) at the University of Reims. His career includes two decades of research and teaching at the university, where he was the co-head of the research team “Immunity and Beneficial Microorganisms” from 2012 to 2023. He has been actively involved in national and academic committees, including the National Council of Universities, the Academic Council, and the Research Commission of the University of Reims. He also played a crucial role in the National Biocontrol Consortium Network and the Biocontrol Consortium led by INRAE.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores the role of the root microbiome in enhancing plant immunity against diseases. He investigates how beneficial bacteria interact with plants to prime systemic immunity, protecting them from microbial pathogens while also studying the influence of abiotic stress on these interactions. His expertise extends to plant-microbe interactions, biocontrol strategies, induced resistance, and defense mechanisms in plants, with a particular focus on grapevine health. His research integrates molecular signaling, phytoalexins, and microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) in plant defense.

🛠️Skills

Aziz Aziz possesses extensive expertise in plant-microbe interactions, biocontrol mechanisms, microbial diversity, and induced resistance. His skills include plant immunity research, beneficial microbial applications, secondary metabolism analysis, viticulture, and sustainable plant production. Additionally, he has significant experience in project coordination, research supervision, and academic leadership, playing a vital role in advancing sustainable plant protection strategies.

🏆Awards

He was a recipient of the Scientific Excellence Award from the French Ministry of National Education and Research from 2008 to 2020. Throughout his career, he has been a jury member for 22 Ph.D. defenses, demonstrating his recognition as a leading expert in plant bioprotection.

📚 Publications

  • Rootstocks and drought stress impact the composition and functionality of grapevine rhizosphere bacterial microbiota

    • Authors: D. Labarga, A. Mairata, M. Puelles, A. Aziz, A. Pou
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: Microbiological Research

 

  • Peroxidase 4-Based Enzymatic Synthesis of Stilbene Oligomers in Methyl Jasmonate-Elicited Grapevine Cell Suspensions

    • Authors: B. Marant, A.L. Flourat, A. Lanoue, A. Aziz, J. Crouzet
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

 

  • Assessment of Peacock Spot Disease (Fusicladium oleagineum) in Olive Orchards Through Agronomic Approaches and UAV-Based Multispectral Imaging

    • Authors: H. Hamzaoui, I. Maafa, H. Choukri, S. Louahlia, K. Habbadi
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: Horticulturae

 

  • Minimizing the Adverse Impacts of Soil Salinity on Maize and Tomato Growth and Productivity through the Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria

    • Authors: H. Yahyaoui, N. El Allaoui, A. Aziz, M. Hafidi, K. Habbadi
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Crops

 

  • Rhizosphere microbiome assembly, drivers and functions in perennial ligneous plant health

    • Authors: M. Duret, A. Wallner, M. Buée, A. Aziz
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Microbiological Research

Conclusion:

Prof. Aziz is a strong candidate for the Research for Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award. While he could strengthen his profile by emphasizing soil biodiversity metrics and conservation policies, his work in microbial diversity and sustainable plant protection already plays a crucial role in maintaining soil biodiversity. His achievements make him a highly deserving nominee for this recognition.

Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is a Full Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, specializing in watershed management, soil and water conservation, and erosion control. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, and completed postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan. With over three decades of experience, he has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources. His research focuses on erosion modeling, sediment yield analysis, hydrology, and climate change impacts. Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous national and international awards and is recognized as a distinguished professor in Iran.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is an outstanding scientist with significant contributions to watershed management, soil and water conservation, and hydrological studies. His work has led to important advancements in erosion modeling, sediment yield assessment, and sustainable land-use practices. He has a strong international profile, substantial research output, and recognized leadership in his field. His innovative contributions to cyanobacterization, watershed sustainability, and flood risk management make him a prime candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. SHR Sadeghi obtained his M.Sc. in Watershed Management Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, in 1992. He earned his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, in 2000. He further pursued postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan, specializing in the mechanisms and processes governing suspended sediment yield in forest watersheds in 2006​.

💼Experience

Prof. Sadeghi has held various academic and professional positions. He served as an Expert of Watershed Management Engineering at the Ministry of Agriculture from 1986 to 1988 and later as a Master Expert at the Ministry of Jihad-e-Sazandegi from 1991 to 1994. He joined Tarbiat Modares University as an Assistant Professor in 1994 and later became a Full Professor in 2011. He has served as Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering multiple times, Vice Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, and Dean of the International Campus of Tarbiat Modares University. He has also been a member of various scientific and international cooperation committees​.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Sadeghi’s research focuses on watershed management, soil and water conservation, erosion and sedimentation processes, climate change impacts on soil erosion, flood and sediment hazard mitigation, ecohydrology, and the application of modeling techniques in hydrological studies. His work also includes evaluating watershed health and sustainability, using amendments for soil and water conservation, and developing innovative techniques for sediment measurement​.

🛠️Skills

His expertise spans watershed management, soil conservation, erosion control, hydrology, sediment yield analysis, and sustainable land and water resource management. He has strong skills in research leadership, academic administration, international collaboration, and environmental policy advisory​.

🏆Awards

Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous prestigious awards, including Golden Medals for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He was selected for inclusion in Leading Educators in the World by the International Biographical Center, Britain (2005), and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, USA (2005-2006). He was honored with the Leadership Award from the Soil Conservation Society of India in 2008 and received the Gold Medal from the same society in 2014. He has also been recognized multiple times as a Superior Researcher and Professor in Iran and received the Distinguished Professor of Iran title in 2021​.

📚 Publications

  1. Inhibiting soil and water loss in a saline soil through cyanobacterization

    • Authors: Sudabeh Gharemahmudli, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi
    • Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    • Year: 2025
  2. Comparative effect of traditional and collaborative watershed management approaches on flood components

    • Authors: Ali Nasiri Khiavi, Mehdi Vafakhah, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Changhyun Jun, Sayed M. Bateni
    • Journal: Journal of Flood Risk Management
    • Year: 2025
  3. HOTSED: A new integrated model for assessing potential hotspots of sediment sources and related sediment dynamics at watershed scale

    • Authors: M. La Licata, Alberto Bosino, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Andrea Terret, Michael Maerker
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2025
  4. Improvability of quality main indices of a marl soil using endemic microorganisms

    • Authors: Atefeh Jafarpoor, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Homaee, Behrouz Zarei Darki
    • Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
    • Year: 2025
  5. Significance of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus on the Watershed Health Status

    • Authors: Sanaz Pourfallah Asadabadi, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Vafakhah, M. Delavar
    • Journal: Water Resources Management
    • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Sadeghi is a highly suitable candidate for this award. His long-standing contributions, global research collaborations, practical applications in environmental conservation, and leadership roles make him an ideal nominee. Strengthening his impact through higher citation outreach, policy engagement, and global research initiatives would further solidify his standing as one of the foremost experts in watershed management and soil conservation.

Effimia Papatheodorou | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou, AUTh University, Thessaloniki, Greece

 

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou is a distinguished Professor at the Department of Ecology, School of Biology, AUTh University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Her research focuses on soil microbial ecology, exploring microbial responses to disturbances, soil enzyme functions, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a PhD in Ecology from AUTH, she has contributed extensively to understanding soil restoration and crop productivity. Prof. Papatheodorou has led numerous research projects and published extensively in high-impact journals. She also holds leadership roles in academic administration and international research collaborations, reflecting her dedication to advancing ecological science and sustainable practices.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou is an eminent researcher whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of soil microbial ecology and sustainable agricultural practices. Her leadership in research projects and contributions to high-impact publications underscore her eligibility for this award. Her engagement in international collaborations and academic administration further reflects her dedication to ecological science.

 

🎓 Education

Effimia M. Papatheodorou holds a Diploma in Biology from the School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, AUTH (1989) and a PhD in Ecology from the same institution (1996). Her dissertation focused on vegetation dynamics and nutrient recycling in Mediterranean ecosystems.

 

💼Experience

Currently a Professor at the Department of Ecology, School of Biology, AUTH, she has held this role since 2021. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor (2015–2021), Assistant Professor (2006–2015), and Lecturer (2000–2006). She has also contributed significantly to academic administration, including her tenure as Head of the Department of Ecology and Deputy President at AUTH.

 

🔬Research Focus

Her research primarily investigates the responses of soil microbial communities to environmental disturbances, microbial interactions and their influence on crop productivity, and the role of soil enzymes and nematodes in ecosystem functionality. She is also actively engaged in studying the restoration of degraded soils.

 

Awards

She has served as a guest editor for several prestigious journals, such as Microorganisms and Agronomy, and is an active member of numerous scientific committees, including the COST Action “Root Benefit” and the Collaborative International Research Network “Bug-Net.”

 

Skills

Prof. Dr. Papatheodorou has extensive expertise in soil ecology, microbial dynamics, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her proficiency includes advanced research methodologies, project coordination, and academic leadership. She has contributed to over two decades of research projects funded by national and international bodies.

 

Publications

  • Title: Connections between soil microbes, land use, and European climate: Insights for management practices
    Authors: Stamou, G.P., Panagos, P., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: The Differentiations in the Soil Nematode Community in an Agricultural Field after Soil Amendment Using Composted Coffee Waste in Various Concentrations
    Authors: Kekelis, P., Argyropoulou, M.D., Theofilidou, A., Aschonitis, V., Monokrousos, N.
    Journal: Agronomy
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Recurring heavy rainfall resulting in degraded-upgraded phases in soil microbial networks that are reflected in soil functioning
    Authors: Stamou, G.P., Monokrousos, N., Papapostolou, A., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Soil Ecology Letters
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Deterministic versus stochastic control in β-diversity, abundance and co-occurrence patterns of a soil nematode assemblage living in a Mediterranean soil
    Authors: Stamou, G.P., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Applied Soil Ecology
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7

 

  • Title: Interventions Change Soil Functions and the Mechanisms Controlling the Structure of Soil Microbial Communities
    Authors: Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Microorganisms
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1

 

  • Title: The Invasion of Alien Populations of Solanum elaeagnifolium in Two Mediterranean Habitats Modifies the Soil Communities in Different Ways
    Authors: Karmezi, M., Krigas, N., Papatheodorou, E.M., Argyropoulou, M.D.
    Journal: Plants
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

 

  • Title: Use of Microbially Treated Olive Mill Wastewaters as Soil Organic Amendments; Their Short-Term Effects on the Soil Nematode Community
    Authors: Dimou, M.D., Monokrousos, N., Katapodis, P., Argyropoulou, M.D., Papatheodorou, E.M.
    Journal: Diversity
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Effimia Papatheodorou is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her expertise, leadership, and societal impact align with the award’s criteria. Addressing the suggested areas for improvement could further strengthen her candidacy and amplify her influence in the scientific and global community.