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.

Mustapha Najjari | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari, Faculté des Sciences Gabes, Tunisia

Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari is a distinguished professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Gabes, Tunisia. With expertise in physics, his research focuses on transport phenomena in porous media, PEM Fuel Cells, and renewable energy technologies. He has published over 40 national and international articles and contributed extensively to numerical modeling and fluid dynamics studies. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Najjari is actively involved in teaching, mentoring Ph.D. students, and serving on editorial boards and academic committees.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Mustapha Najjari is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His significant contributions to physics, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and fluid dynamics, position him as a leader in his field. His dedication to teaching, mentoring, and editorial activities further exemplify his commitment to academia. While there are opportunities to elevate his profile through enhanced citations, funding, and industry engagement, his track record demonstrates a strong foundation for recognition.

 

🎓 Education

He holds a Postdoctoral HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) from the Faculty of Sciences, Tunis, focusing on flow in porous media and PEM Fuel Cells (2008). His Ph.D. in Physics (2002) addressed boiling in porous media, and he earned his Master’s degree in 1995 and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1992.

 

💼Experience

Professor Najjari serves at the University of Gabes, Tunisia, and has been a part of the faculty since 1995, progressing from lecturer to professor. He has contributed significantly to research at the Laboratory of Processes, Energetics, Environment & Electrical Systems and other institutions. He has also been involved in national and international academic judging and distance learning initiatives.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on transport phenomena in porous media, PEM Fuel Cells, salt crystallization, and renewable energy technologies. He applies numerical modeling to investigate complex fluid dynamics, phase changes, and heat transfer in engineering and environmental contexts.

 

Awards

He has published over 40 national and international articles, reviewed for renowned journals like Springer and Elsevier, and contributed to the development of cutting-edge AI models for medical and engineering applications.

 

Skills

Mustapha Najjari is proficient in teaching advanced physics topics such as Statics, Dynamics, Electromagnetism, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Waves, and Modern Physics. He has expertise in Numerical Methods, Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Storage, and Surface Physics. His research skills include numerical simulation, phase change analysis, and modeling in porous media, with notable computer proficiency in tools like Fortran, Pascal, MS Office, and specialized graphing software.

 

Publications

  • “Analytical Analysis of the Effects of the Porosity Distribution on Liquid–Water Management in the Cathode of a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell”
    • Authors: F. Khemili, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “Recent advancements in enhancing the efficiency of solar energy systems through the utilization of ferrofluids and magnetic fields”
    • Authors: Z. Mehrez, W. Maaoui, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 3

 

  • “Effects of the Porosity Distribution on Liquid–Water Transport in the Cathode of a PEMFC Fuel Cell” (Conference Paper)
    • Authors: F. Khemili, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “Extracting salt from soil with ceramic sheets”
    • Authors: F. Khemili, C. Gobaa, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “A web-based intelligent calculator for predicting viscosity of ethylene–glycol–based nanofluids using an artificial neural network model”
    • Authors: W. Maaoui, Z. Mehrez, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • “Numerical Modeling of the Influence of Gas Diffusion Layer Properties on Liquid Water Transport and Transient Responses in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell”
    • Authors: F. Khemili, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

 

  • “Estimation of nanofluids viscosity using artificial neural network: application on the lubricant poly-alpha-olefin boron nitride”
    • Authors: W. Maaoui, Z. Mehrez, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

 

  • “Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Wearable ECG for Elderly Patients” (Book Chapter)
    • Authors: N. Sakli, C. Baccouch, B.O. Soufene, S. Hedi, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 3

 

  • “Dielectric Properties of Contaminated Soil by Salt Crystals”
    • Authors: W. Maaoui, F. Mezdari, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0

 

  • “Internet of Things (IoT) System with Matlab Interface for Multi-Patient ECG’s Monitoring” (Conference Paper)
    • Authors: N. Sakli, C. Baccouche, A. Zouinkhi, H. Sakli, M. Najjari
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 0

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Najjari is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His impactful research, academic leadership, and dedication to addressing pressing global challenges align with the qualities of an outstanding researcher. Addressing the outlined areas for improvement could further enhance his candidacy in future evaluations.