sini chen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. sini chen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sini Chen, Polytechnic University of Madrid, China

Ms. Sini Chen is a PhD student in Construction and Technology in Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Originally from China, she specializes in sustainable architecture with a focus on vertical greening systems, timber and bamboo structures, and indoor environmental quality. Her interdisciplinary research aims to integrate nature-based solutions into urban design to enhance well-being and environmental performance.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Ms. Sini Chen has established herself as a promising researcher in sustainable architecture. Her work addresses crucial issues such as climate-responsive design and occupant well-being through the integration of natural systems in building environments. With a balance of academic excellence, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit, she is poised to make substantial contributions to the field.

🎓 Education

Sini Chen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Wuhan University, followed by a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Harbin Institute of Technology. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Construction and Technology in Architecture at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain.

💼Experience

She previously worked as an architect at CCTN Architectural Design Co., Ltd. in China, where she focused on public building design before transitioning into full-time research in academia.

🔬Research Focus

Sini Chen’s research explores the intersection of architecture and sustainability, focusing on vertical greening systems, bamboo and timber architecture, and indoor environmental quality. Her work investigates the restorative benefits and economic performance of nature-integrated architectural systems, aiming to enhance occupant well-being and resource efficiency in the built environment. Through her collaborations in Spain and China, she contributes to advancing climate-responsive design grounded in ecological principles and traditional material innovation.

🛠️Skills

Sini possesses strong expertise in architectural design, sustainable building systems, bamboo and timber architecture, and environmental performance analysis. Her competencies also include daylight simulation, restorative environment evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration in architecture and environmental sciences.

🏆Awards

She has co-authored a book on modern wood architecture and holds a patent for a concealed lighting wiring system integrated with curtain walls. Her scientific contributions include multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals and a growing presence on Google Scholar with international citations.

📚 Publications

Title: Effects of implanted wood components on environmental restorative quality of indoor informal learning spaces in college
Authors: Chen, Sini 
Year: 2023
Journal: Building and Environment

Conclusion:

Ms. Chen is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her evolving body of work, international collaboration, and passion for sustainable, health-promoting architectural solutions reflect the values and vision this award seeks to honor. With continued development and support, she is likely to emerge as a leading voice in ecological architectural research.

Liju Xu | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liju Xu | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liju Xu, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liju Xu is a researcher at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. He specializes in high-performance hydrogels, with a focus on their applications in agriculture and biomedicine. He earned his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry and physics in 2020 and has since contributed extensively to material design and functional innovation, publishing over 20 research papers and holding multiple patents. His work bridges fundamental research and practical solutions for sustainable development.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Liju Xu is a driven and innovative researcher whose work sits at the intersection of material science and agricultural sustainability. His focused expertise in hydrogel development addresses critical challenges in controlled nutrient delivery and biomedical applications. Backed by solid scientific training, interdisciplinary partnerships, and a growing list of impactful contributions, he exemplifies both the depth and breadth expected of a leading researcher.

🎓 Education

Liju Xu obtained his Ph.D. in polymer chemistry and physics from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences) in 2020. His academic training provided a strong foundation in material sciences, particularly in the design and development of polymer-based systems.

💼Experience

Currently serving as an associate research fellow at the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Liju Xu has also completed postdoctoral research in the group of Prof. Dong Qiu at the State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry. With active participation in six completed or ongoing research projects and two consultancy or industry collaborations, he has established himself as a rising expert in his field.

🔬Research Focus

His primary research interests revolve around the development of high-performance hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties. He has introduced the temporal manipulation strategy for noncovalent interactions, opening new pathways for designing smart materials. These hydrogels have shown promising applications in both agricultural settings and biomedical systems, reflecting the interdisciplinary impact of his work.

🛠️Skills

Liju Xu is skilled in polymer chemistry, hydrogel network design, material performance optimization, and cross-disciplinary research involving agriculture and biomedical applications. His technical proficiency spans from experimental design to real-world application of high-performance materials, particularly hydrogels.

🏆Awards

Liju Xu has made notable contributions to science and technology, which have been recognized through several published patents and international journal publications. His achievements reflect innovation and excellence, positioning him as a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the field of soil and material sciences.

📚 Publications

  • Shellac-based capsule for long-term controlled releasing urea with a broad soil pH tolerance
    Authors: Liangyu Chang, Liju Xu, Dong Qiu
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Chinese Chemical Letters

  • Heparin-Functionalized Bioactive Glass to Harvest Endogenous Growth Factors for Pulp Regeneration
    Authors: Jilin Wu, Jingyi Li, Sicong Mao, Sainan Wang, Yanmei Dong
    Year: 2024
    Journal: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liju Xu is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His research contributions are original, practical, and forward-thinking, marking him as an emerging leader in applied polymer science. With continued professional development in international engagement and academic service, he has the potential to make sustained, high-impact contributions on a global scale. He is a strong and deserving candidate for this recognition.

Clement Nyarko Opoku | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Clement Nyarko Opoku | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Clement Nyarko Opoku, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

Clement Nyarko Opoku is a graduate researcher in Materials Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. His research focuses on ceramic engineering materials, sustainable building materials, corrosion, and waste management. He has experience as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant, contributing to studies on geopolymer cement and material characterization. Clement has also interned in the construction and civil engineering sectors, gaining practical expertise in material testing and site supervision. He is a recipient of the KNUST Engineering Education Project Scholarship and has held leadership roles in GRASAG KNUST. His skills include XRD, XRF, microscopy characterization, AutoCAD, and research analysis.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Clement Nyarko Opoku is a promising researcher in materials engineering with a focus on sustainable construction materials. His academic achievements, research contributions, technical skills, and leadership roles make him a strong candidate for recognition. However, expanding his publication record, engaging in more collaborations, and securing grants would further solidify his standing as a top researcher.

🎓 Education

Clement Nyarko Opoku is currently pursuing an MPhil in Materials Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where his research focuses on investigating the effect of Gibbsite in Lithomargic Clay on the mechanical and physical properties of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement. He previously earned a BSc in Materials Engineering from KNUST, during which he conducted research on bitumen-reinforced carbon black for pavement applications and material selection for various engineering projects. Additionally, he holds an Advanced Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health from the Imperial College of Mines and Safety.

💼Experience

Clement has gained extensive experience in research, teaching, and engineering practice. As a Graduate Research Assistant at KNUST, he collaborated with researchers on geopolymer cement advancements and gained hands-on exposure to laboratory equipment and experimental protocols. He also served as a Laboratory Research and Teaching Assistant, assisting lecturers with research and guiding students facing academic difficulties. His industry experience includes an internship at Sino Africa Development Company, where he supported construction supervision, safety compliance, and site inspections. He also interned at the Ghana Ports and Harbor Authority’s Civil Engineering Department, working on concrete testing, welding operations, and road material assessments.

🔬Research Focus

Clement’s research interests encompass ceramic engineering materials, sustainable building materials, corrosion, sustainable energy materials, waste management, and water treatment. His work contributes to the development of innovative and eco-friendly materials for construction and industrial applications.

🛠️Skills

Clement possesses strong technical skills, including intermediate knowledge of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and microscopy characterization. He is proficient in software tools such as AutoCAD, Origin, and Microsoft Office. His professional qualities include teamwork and leadership capabilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, strong organizational and time management abilities, and resilience under pressure.

🏆Awards

Clement was nominated for the Graduate Assistant of the Year award during the 30th Anniversary of GRASAG KNUST in 2023. He is also a recipient of the KNUST Engineering Education Project Scholarship (KEEP KNUST) from January 2022 to November 2024. His leadership experience includes serving as the Organizing Committee Secretary for GRASAG KNUST, where he played a key role in planning events and supporting international postgraduate students. He was also a Postgraduate Representative on the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Board, advocating for postgraduate students, and served as a Senator for the Materials Engineering Department in GRASAG KNUST. Additionally, as Deputy Welfare Committee Chairperson for the College of Engineering, he helped implement mentorship programs for first-year students.

📚 Publications

Title: Effect of gibbsite in lithomargic clay on the mechanical and physical properties of limestone calcined clay cement

Author: Clement Nyarko Opoku

Year: 2025

Journal: International Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science

Conclusion:

Mr. Opoku is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly for early-career researchers. While he has demonstrated significant research contributions and leadership, further strengthening his publication record and international collaborations would enhance his competitiveness for such an award.

Qurban Aliyar | Environmental Science | Excellence in Innovation

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

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.