Denitza Zgureva Filipova | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Denitza Zgureva Filipova | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

Technical University of Sofia | Bulgaria

Denitza Zgureva-Filipova is a researcher and academic specializing in thermal and nuclear power engineering, with expertise in combustion of organic fuels, thermal power plant systems, nuclear energy technologies, and environmental protection in energy production. Her research focuses on the sustainable management of industrial by-products, particularly the conversion of fly ash from lignite coal combustion into zeolitic materials and their application in carbon dioxide adsorption and emission mitigation systems. Additional areas of interest include power steam generators, radioactive waste management, carbon emission monitoring, energy efficiency of industrial systems, and the integration of sustainable development strategies within public and private organizations. She has made a strong scientific contribution with 33 peer-reviewed documents indexed in international databases, receiving 540 citations from 391 citing documents, demonstrating wide recognition of her research impact. Her scholarly influence is reflected in an h-index of 12, indicating consistent citation performance across multiple publications. In addition to her research output, Denitza Zgureva-Filipova actively contributes to the scientific community through journal reviewing and editorial activities, supervision of doctoral research, and participation in numerous research projects. Her work combines applied engineering solutions with sustainability-driven innovation, supporting cleaner energy production, reduced environmental impact, and long-term resilience of energy systems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

600
450
300
150
0

Citations
540

Documents
33

h-index
12

Citations

Documents

h-index

View Scopus Profile View Orcid Profile


Self-Sustaining Double-Stage Circularity Through Utilization of Sunflower Agriculture’s Waste in Bio-Fertilizers: Commissioning of a Full-Scale Facility

– Applied Sciences


Harnessing RES Potential in Balkan Peninsula

– IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science


To make a coffee by bicycle riding: Achieving sustainable development in higher education institutions step by step

– IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science


Ensuring Sustainability: Leadership Approach Model for Tackling Procurement Challenges in Bulgarian Higher Education Institutions

– Administrative Sciences


Analysis of the overall potential for electricity production from farm animals manure in Bulgaria

– IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science

Hafis Muhammed | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Hafis Muhammed | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

Amrita School of Engineering Coimbatore | India

Mr. Hafis Muhammed is a motivated and talented professional committed to inspiring students to achieve both academic and personal excellence by fostering a challenging and engaging learning environment. With strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, he effectively combines his educational background with excellent communication abilities and a passion for continuous learning to contribute meaningfully to institutional growth and student development. He has actively participated in multiple workshops and faculty development programs, including industrial training, specialized camps in collaboration with forestry and wildlife departments, FDPs on mechanical engineering fundamentals, and hands-on workshops on IC engines and design software like Fusion 360. Complementing his practical exposure, he has completed various online courses in areas such as engineering thermodynamics, steam power engineering, sustainability science, advanced fluid mechanics, biofuels in automobiles, and renewable energy and climate change. His research engagement is reflected in 9 citations across 1 document, achieving an h-index of 1, highlighting his commitment to scholarly contribution alongside teaching excellence. By integrating technical expertise, continuous skill enhancement, and research engagement, Mr. Muhammed aims to drive innovation, foster a culture of learning, and support the success of both students and the organization.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

20
15
10
5
0

Citations
9

Documents
1

h-index
1

Citations

Documents

h-index

View ScopusProfile   View OrcidProfile


Characterization of Tea Factory Waste Biomass via TGA: Pyrolysis Kinetics and Thermal Behavior


– Chemical Thermodynamics and Thermal Analysis


A Review on Alternative Fuels: Spray Characteristics, Engine Performance and Emissions Effect


– Sustainable Futures


Fuel Extraction from Thermocol Waste


– International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology

Minhsuan Chen | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Minhsuan Chen | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

Department of Environmental Engineering | Taiwan 

Minhsuan Chen is a dedicated environmental engineering researcher whose scholarly presence continues to expand through impactful contributions to waste valorization, sludge recycling, and sustainable resource recovery. With 84 citations, 83 citing documents, and 4 published documents, supported by a developing h-index of 3, his academic influence demonstrates both depth and growing recognition within the scientific community. Chen’s work integrates innovative approaches to circular economy frameworks, particularly emphasizing advanced strategies for organic waste conversion, heavy-metal behavior assessment, and bio-based energy applications. His publication portfolio reflects strong engagement with high-quality journals and collaborative environmental initiatives, reinforcing his commitment to bridging fundamental research and practical environmental solutions. The consistent citation performance derived from his studies illustrates how his findings are becoming essential references in discussions on sludge management, sustainable biofuel development, and integrated waste-recycling technologies. Minhsuan Chen’s research trajectory highlights a clear vision toward environmentally conscious engineering, supported by an evidence-based approach that continues to influence international scientific discourse. His growing scholarly metrics demonstrate both the relevance of his work and its increasing adoption by fellow researchers, positioning him as a promising contributor to advancements in sustainable environmental engineering.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Chen, M., Oshita, K., Mahzoun, Y., Takaoka, M., Fukutani, S., & Shiota, K. (2021). Survey of elemental composition in dewatered sludge in Japan. Science of the Total Environment, 752, 141857.

Chen, M., Oshita, K., Takaoka, M., & Shiota, K. (2022). Co-incineration effect of sewage sludge and municipal solid waste on the behavior of heavy metals by phosphorus. Waste Management, 152, 112–117.

Oleszek, S., Shiota, K., Chen, M., & Takaoka, M. (2022). Effective separation and recovery of manganese and potassium from biomass ash by solvent extraction. ACS Omega, 7(23), 20155–20164.

Chen, M., Oshita, K., & Takaoka, M. (2021). Feasibility study on the co-incineration of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge in Taiwan. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. G (Environmental Research).

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.

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Hohai University | United States 

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz is a highly accomplished Ph.D. candidate in Management (Strategic Management) at Hohai University, specializing in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and strategic management in emerging markets. His research focuses on green CSR practices and the development of sustainable business models, integrating digital transformation and innovation to enhance organizational performance. With an MBA in Marketing and a Master’s in Educational Administration, Ahmad combines strong academic expertise with over seven years of teaching experience in strategic management and business courses at leading universities in Pakistan. He has successfully designed corporate training programs on CSR, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, bridging theory and practice for both students and professionals. Ahmad has published in top-tier journals, including Sustainable Development (Wiley, Q1, IF 8.2) and Kybernetes (Emerald, Q2, IF 2.5), and presented research at international conferences in China, the USA, and Romania. As a reviewer for several academic journals and a mentor to emerging scholars, he actively contributes to advancing knowledge and promoting research ethics. His interdisciplinary work links strategic management, green HRM, and digital innovation to practical solutions for SMEs in emerging markets, providing actionable insights that balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibility, demonstrating a significant impact on academia and industry alike.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Xu, Y., Faraz, A. Z., Sarfraz, M., Arshad, S., Sun, J., & Ahmad, A. (2025). Strategic capabilities for sustainability: An integrated model of digital inclusion and sustainable performance. Sustainable Development.

  • Faraz, A. Z., Deng, Y., Arshad, S., & Rui, S. (2025). Digital transformation as a catalyst: Linking green CSR to sustainable development through environmental strategy and innovation in Pakistani SMEs. Kybernetes.

Lakshmikanthan P | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lakshmikanthan P | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Lakshmikanthan P | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Fourth Paradigm Institute | India

Dr. Lakshmikanthan P, Senior Scientist at CSIR-4PI, Bangalore, and Assistant Professor at AcSIR, is a distinguished environmental engineer and researcher with a strong academic and professional background. His research focuses on greenhouse gas measurement, climate change modeling, solid waste management, and sustainability engineering, contributing significantly to environmental forecasting and urban health risk assessment. He has published 25 peer-reviewed journal papers, along with several conference papers, technical articles, and book chapters, reflecting a consistent research output and collaborative engagement in the scientific community. His scholarly influence is underscored by 331 citations received from 291 documents, establishing a solid foundation of academic recognition. With an h-index of 11, Dr. Lakshmikanthan demonstrates both the quality and impact of his scientific contributions, particularly in waste management and landfill engineering. His pioneering work on landfill fire prevention, bioreactor performance, and methane estimation has guided practical advancements in environmental protection. As an active mentor, he supervises multiple Ph.D. and master’s students, nurturing the next generation of environmental researchers. Through his interdisciplinary expertise and impactful publications, Dr. Lakshmikanthan continues to advance sustainable solutions addressing critical challenges in environmental systems.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Santhosh, L. G., & Lakshmikanthan, P. (2024, July 14). Quantification of methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfill using Land GEM model.

Haial Alkordi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Haial Alkordi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Haial Alkordi | Kuvempu University | India

Haial Alkordi is a geoscientist affiliated with Kuvempu University, India, specializing in geological sciences with a strong academic foundation and research experience in stratigraphy, petrology, and environmental geology. His work integrates field investigations with laboratory analyses to advance understanding of Earth’s processes and natural resource management.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary

Haial Alkordi is an accomplished environmental and earth science researcher whose work blends geospatial technology with environmental hazard assessment. His applied research addresses critical issues affecting vulnerable regions, producing results that can guide mitigation strategies and policymaking. His academic achievements and technical expertise make him a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his scientific contributions and societal impact.

Education

Mr. Haial Alkordi holds a Master of Science in Geology from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India under the Faculty of Science and Technology and graduated with an A+ grade demonstrating exceptional academic performance in the geosciences

Experience

He has been actively engaged in geological research and academic work applying advanced knowledge in Earth sciences through both field investigations and laboratory analysis and has contributed to projects involving geological data interpretation and environmental studies

Research Focus

His research centers on geological sciences with a particular focus on stratigraphy petrology and environmental geology integrating field observations with laboratory data to develop a deeper understanding of geological formations and natural processes

Skills

His expertise includes geological mapping and stratigraphic analysis petrological and mineralogical studies scientific data interpretation and preparation of technical reports along with strong capabilities in field surveying and sampling supported by analytical thinking and problem solving in geoscience applications

Awards

Mr. Alkordi earned academic recognition for excellence through the conferment of his Master of Science degree with A+ distinction reflecting his dedication and high-level achievement in geology

Publications

Title: Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Geospatial, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) Techniques – A Study of Wadi Habban Basin, Shabwah, Yemen
Authors: H. Al-kordi, A. Al-Amri
Journal: Results in Earth Sciences

Title: Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping Using Geospatial and Analytical Hierarchy Process Modeling – A Study of Wadi Habban Basin, Shabwah, Yemen
Authors: H. Alkordi, A. Al-Amri

Conclusion

Given his strong track record in producing impactful, methodologically sound research with tangible real-world applications, Haial Alkordi is a suitable and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on expanding the interdisciplinary reach and global dissemination of his work, he has the potential to make even greater contributions to environmental science and hazard management at both national and international levels.

Qurban Aliyar | Environmental Science | Excellence in Innovation

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Mr. Qurban Aliyar | Environmental Science | Excellence in Innovation

Mr. Qurban Aliyar, Bamyan University, Afghanistan

Qurban Aliyar is an Assistant Professor and Head of Research Affairs at Bamyan University, Afghanistan. His expertise lies in climate change, forestry, ecology, and environmental science. He has been actively involved in research on natural resource management, land use change, and climate adaptation strategies, collaborating with international institutions such as ICIMOD, UCC, and UNEP. With an MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Development from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, he has published extensively on climate change adaptation, drought resilience, and environmental policy. His work has earned him prestigious research grants and awards, including the Central Asian Journal of Water Research prize for quality publication.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Summary:

Mr. Qurban Aliyar is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong record in climate change adaptation, forestry, and environmental policy. His contributions are well-recognized in academia, and he has secured notable research funding. His leadership at Bamyan University and his international collaborations further highlight his role as an innovator in his field. While his work is impactful, enhancing interdisciplinary approaches, policy engagement, and citation impact could further strengthen his global research influence.

 

🎓 Education

Qurban Aliyar holds an MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Development from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, where he conducted research on farmers’ perceptions and adaptation measures to cope with drought in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. He earned his BSc in Forestry and Natural Resources from Kabul University, securing first position with a CGPA of 82.47%. During his undergraduate studies, he was actively involved in projects on beekeeping, strawberry marketing, wheat production, and forest nursery management with the Advancing Afghan Agriculture Alliance (A-4).

💼Experience

He is currently an Assistant Professor and Head of Research Affairs at Bamyan University, Afghanistan, where he teaches courses on Climate Change, Ecology, and Environmental Science. He leads research collaborations nationally and internationally, oversees faculty research activities, and evaluates research proposals for funding. Prior to this, he served as a researcher at the University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, under a competitive fellowship, and contributed to research at the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) – ICIMOD. He has also worked as an Assistant Professor at Bamyan University, where he taught Forestry, Environmental Conservation, and Climate Change, supervising 12 undergraduate research projects. His earlier roles include research work at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India, and serving as a Lecturer and Department Chair in Forestry & Natural Resources at Bamyan University. Additionally, he worked as a Livelihood Manager for Action Contre La Faim, leading agricultural, livestock, and nutrition programs in Afghanistan.

🔬Research Focus

His research spans climate change adaptation, natural resource management, forest and land use change, protected areas, watershed management, and rangeland ecosystems. He has contributed to multiple studies on social capital’s influence on poverty reduction, climate change perception, and adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in Afghanistan and India. His work has also examined the impacts of polluting fuels on child health and analyzed long-term climate change trends in Afghanistan.

Awards

He has received multiple awards for his research excellence, including a prize from the Central Asian Journal of Water Research for his publication on Afghan farmers’ drought adaptation. He was recognized by Bamyan University as a top researcher for his publications, research projects, and mentorship. He has secured several research grants, including the UCC Sanctuary Scholarship for studying rural community adaptation in Ireland, an ICIMOD grant for studying polluting fuels and child health, and UNEP funding for research on rangeland communities in Afghanistan.

 

Skills

Qurban Aliyar is proficient in statistical and research software, including SPSS, Stata, and R. He has expertise in climate modeling, data analysis, GIS applications in environmental research, and survey methodologies for socio-environmental studies. He is skilled in research project management, academic mentorship, and policy engagement, facilitating knowledge transfer between academia and governmental agencies.

 

Publications

 

Publication Title: Influence of Social Capital on the Poverty Reduction of Rangeland Communities in the Bamyan Province, Afghanistan
Authors: Qurban Aliyar, Chan-jung Lee, Pone Salimath, Yohan Lee
Journal: Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
Year: 2024

Conclusion:

 Mr. Qurban Aliyar is a strong candidate for the “Research for Excellence in Innovation” award. His contributions to climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and rural development reflect innovation and academic excellence. With continued interdisciplinary expansion and global outreach, he has the potential to make even greater contributions to environmental sustainability and policy-driven research.

Sony Baral | Ecology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Sony Baral | Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Sony Baral, Institute of Forestry Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Dr. Sony Baral is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. She holds a Ph.D. in Green Economy from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in forestry policy, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and climate change. She has worked with organizations like UNDP, IUCN, and UN Women, contributing to policy development, research, and project implementation. Dr. Baral has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and technical reports and has received multiple research grants and scholarships. Her expertise includes green economy, natural resource management, policy analysis, and academic leadership.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Sony Baral is a distinguished researcher and academic leader in forestry, green economy, and climate change policy. Her extensive publication record, leadership roles, and international collaborations position her as a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her research has made significant contributions to policy formulation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management, demonstrating both academic and practical impact.

 

🎓 Education

Sony Baral holds a Ph.D. in Green Economy from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, completed with distinction. She earned her Master of Science in Mountain Forestry with a specialization in environmental economics from the same university, where she secured the first position. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Nepal, passing in First Division.

💼Experience

Dr. Baral is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, responsible for research coordination, policy formulation, Ph.D. program management, and academic excellence enhancement. She previously served as a Member of the City Planning Commission, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and worked with UNDP Nepal as a Policy and Institutional Analyst for Biodiversity Finance. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked with international organizations such as IUCN, UN Women, and ANSAB, contributing to policy development, green economy, impact assessment, and participatory research. She has also been a visiting faculty at several institutions and has led major projects on forest management, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.

 

🔬Research Focus

Her research encompasses forestry policy, green economy, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, climate change, and natural resource management. She has conducted extensive studies on forest carbon assessment, policy analysis, wetlands restoration, and socio-ecological resilience. She has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed articles in national and international scientific journals and contributed to technical reports and policy briefs.

 

Awards

She has received multiple competitive scholarships, including the North-South Dialogues Scholarship for her Ph.D. and M.Sc. studies in Austria, as well as a DANIDA Fellowship for her undergraduate studies. She was also awarded a Postdoctoral Scholarship from the Institute of Silviculture, BOKU University. Her research has been supported by grants from Tribhuvan University, SANDEE/ICIMOD, the Australian Impact Fund, the University Grant Commission, and the Koshi Province Ecosystem Services Assessment Grant. She has also secured funding for international conferences, including IUFRO and FLARE.

 

Skills

Dr. Baral possesses expertise in research methodology, project management, policy formulation, strategic planning, GIS applications, statistical analysis (SPSS, R studio), ecosystem modeling, and scientific writing. She has strong networking and collaboration skills and has played a key role in capacity-building initiatives, faculty development, and academic policy formulation.

 

Publications

 

  • Forest restoration efficiency: A comparative analysis of collectively vs. individually managed forests in Nepal

    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Year: 2025

 

  • The economics of forest restoration: A cost-effectiveness analysis of the leasehold forestry programme in Nepal

    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Year: 2025

 

  • Growth dynamics of Shorea robusta Gaertn in relation to climate change: A case study from tropical region of Nepal

    • Journal: Trees
    • Year: 2022

 

  • Erratum: Form Factors of an Economically Valuable Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) of Nepal

    • Journal: Forests
    • Year: 2020

 

  • Form Factors of an Economically Valuable Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) of Nepal

    • Journal: Forests
    • Year: 2020

 

  • Factors Affecting Fuelwood Consumption and CO2 Emissions: An Example from a Community-Managed Forest of Nepal

    • Journal: Energies
    • Year: 2019

 

  • A Total Economic Valuation of Wetland Ecosystem Services: Evidence from Jagadishpur Ramsar Site, Nepal

    • Journal: The Scientific World Journal
    • Year: 2016

Conclusion:

Based on her credentials, contributions, and leadership in environmental research, Dr. Sony Baral is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. While she already possesses an impressive research and leadership portfolio, further increasing her research visibility, industry collaborations, and gender-focused initiatives in forestry could further strengthen her application. Her work exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher dedicated to sustainable development and climate resilience.