Sandra Hervías-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervias-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervias Parejo, CSIC-UIB – Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados , Spain

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo is a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) in Spain, specializing in ecosystem restoration, invasive species, and island ecology. With a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, she has led and contributed to numerous international research projects addressing biodiversity loss and global change. Her work, published in top scientific journals, is widely recognized for its policy impact and commitment to open science. Dr. Hervías-Parejo is also active in science communication, mentoring, and promoting gender equity in research.

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Summary:

Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo is an accomplished and highly regarded researcher in the field of ecology, with a special focus on conservation science. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in both research and education, with numerous contributions to understanding and mitigating ecological threats. Her interdisciplinary work, international collaborations, and innovative research in island ecosystems make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Sandra Hervías-Parejo holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, Spain, awarded in 2014. She earned an MSc in Invasive Species Management from the same university in 2009. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Teaching Skills from the University of Granada, completed in 2006, and a Degree in Biology obtained through studies at the University of Granada and the University of La Laguna de Tenerife in 2004.

💼Experience

Sandra is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Global Change Research department at IMEDEA (UIB-CSIC), Spain, under an ERC Advanced Grant led by Dr. A. Traveset since November 2022. Her earlier roles include a Vicenç Mut postdoctoral fellowship at the Balearic Islands Government (CAIB) from August 2020 to July 2022, and a postdoctoral contract at IMEDEA from September 2018 to July 2020, which she left upon receiving the fellowship. She also held a postdoctoral research position at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos from February 2016 to August 2017.

🔬Research Focus

Sandra has published 40 articles in SCI-indexed journals, with 90% led or conceptualized by her. Her research has significantly influenced conservation policies and practices, and all her recent publications are open access to promote transparency. She has played an active role in 14 international research projects, leading two of them, and collaborates with researchers from over 20 countries. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally, and she regularly participates in European scientific groups, academic committees, and peer reviews for over 22 scientific journals.

🛠️Skills

Her expertise spans ecosystem restoration, food-webs, global change biology, invasive alien species, island ecology, keystone species, multilayer ecological networks, and functional traits. Sandra’s work is highly interdisciplinary and addresses urgent ecological issues, with a strong emphasis on applied conservation and biodiversity protection, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems.

🏆Awards

Sandra’s projects have received both national and international funding, earning accolades for their innovation and societal relevance. She is dedicated to science communication, appearing on TV and radio, publishing popular science content, and developing educational materials. A strong advocate for gender equity, she works to inspire the next generation through outreach and mentoring.

📚 Publications

Title: On the structure of species-function participation in multilayer ecological networks
Year: 2024
Authors: Hervías-Parejo S., Cuevas-Blanco M., Lacasa L., Melián C.J., Eguíluz V.M.
Journal: Nature Communications

Title: Vertebrates can be more important pollinators than invertebrates on islands: the case of Malva (=Lavatera) arborea L.
Year: 2024
Authors: Robles C., Romero-Egea V., Traveset A., Ruiz de Ybáñez M.R., Hervías-Parejo S.
Journal: AoB PLANTS

Title: Gulls contribute to olive seed dispersal within and among islands in a Mediterranean coastal area
Year: 2024
Authors: Ando H., Martin-Velez V., Tavecchia G., Martínez-Abraín A., Hervías-Parejo S.
Journal: Journal of Biogeography

Conclusion:

Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo’s exceptional academic contributions, leadership in international research projects, and commitment to public engagement make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to lead cutting-edge research and influence conservation policies is highly commendable, and she has consistently demonstrated a profound impact on both the scientific community and society.

Veselin Zarev | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Veselin Zarev | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Veselin Zarev, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany

Mr. Veselin Zarev is a geotechnical engineer specializing in geotechnics, hydraulic engineering, and engineering geology. He holds a Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, and a Diploma in Civil Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) from Vienna University of Technology. With extensive experience in project management and engineering, he has worked at KREBS+KIEFER Ingenieure GmbH, KHP König und Heunisch, and as a Research Associate at Ruhr University Bochum. He is proficient in numerical analysis and geotechnical software and is an active member of the German Geotechnical Engineering Society (DGGT).

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Summary:

Mr. Veselin Zarev is a highly skilled researcher with a strong foundation in geotechnical engineering and numerical analysis. His academic background, industry experience, and technical expertise make him a competitive candidate for research awards. However, increasing his research output in high-impact journals, securing more recognitions, and leading more collaborative projects could further elevate his profile.

🎓 Education

Dr.-Ing. Veselin Zarev holds a Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) from Ruhr University Bochum, where he studied from 2011 to 2014. He also earned a Diploma in Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) in Civil Engineering from the Vienna University of Technology, completing his studies in 2008.

💼Experience

Since 2020, Dr.-Ing. Zarev has been serving as a Project Manager at KREBS+KIEFER Ingenieure GmbH in Darmstadt. Prior to this role, he worked as a Project Engineer at KHP König und Heunisch Planungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG in Frankfurt am Main from 2014 to 2020. From 2011 to 2014, he was a Research Associate at Ruhr University Bochum under Prof. Tom Schanz at the Chair of Foundation Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics. His early career includes roles as a Project Engineer at Horner und Ingenieure in Berlin in 2010 and at Risk Engineering AG in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 2008 to 2010.

🔬Research Focus

Dr.-Ing. Zarev specializes in geotechnics, hydraulic engineering, and engineering geology, with a strong focus on numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in various engineering software programs, including RIBgeo, GGU Software, DC Software, PLAXIS, SOFiSTiK, Abaqus, GeoStudio, and MATLAB.

📚 Publications

Title: Model validation and calibration via back analysis for mechanized tunnel simulations – The Western Scheldt tunnel case
Authors: Zhao C., Alimardani Lavasan A., Barciaga T., Datcheva M.D., Schanz T.
Journal: Computers and Geotechnics
Year: 2015

Conclusion:

Mr. Veselin Zarev is a strong researcher with notable contributions to geotechnics and engineering geology, his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award would be enhanced by a stronger track record of high-impact publications, major research grants, and leadership in collaborative research. He is a promising candidate but could further strengthen his application with additional achievements.

Hui Jiang | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Hui Jiang | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hui Jiang, Nanchang Institute of Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Hui Jiang is the Executive Dean of the School of Hydraulic Engineering at Nanchang Institute of Technology, China. He holds a Ph.D. and has completed postdoctoral research, specializing in ecological water conservancy engineering and environmental remote sensing big data. He has led or participated in over 30 scientific research projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Dr. Jiang has published nearly 50 academic papers, including 15 SCI/EI-indexed papers, authored a monograph, and holds 12 authorized patents. Recognized as a Provincial Outstanding Youth, he has also been honored as an Excellent Guidance Teacher for National Water Conservancy Engineering Graduate Students.

Profile

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Hui Jiang has made exceptional contributions to water conservancy engineering and environmental remote sensing. His research has led to multiple patents, high-impact publications, and major funded projects. His work in hydrodynamic-assisted remote sensing and riverbank vegetation technology has advanced ecological water management solutions. His leadership as Executive Dean further highlights his influence in the field.

🎓 Education

Jiang Hui holds a Ph.D. and has completed postdoctoral research. He is a professor and a master’s supervisor at Nanchang Institute of Technology and Nanchang University. He has also been selected as a candidate for the Jiangxi Province Hundred, Thousand, and Ten Thousand Project.

💼Experience

Jiang Hui serves as the Executive Dean of the School of Hydraulic Engineering at Nanchang Institute of Technology. He has led or participated in over 30 scientific research projects at the provincial level and above. He has hosted three projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and two key projects from the Science and Technology Department of Jiangxi Province. Additionally, he has played a significant role as a technical director in water resources projects.

🔬Research Focus

Jiang Hui’s research focuses on ecological water conservancy engineering and environmental remote sensing big data. His studies include hydrodynamic-assisted remote sensing monitoring, riverbank vegetation growth mechanisms, suspended sediment dynamics, and the application of remote sensing in water resource management. He has published nearly 50 academic papers, including 15 indexed in SCI/EI, authored a monograph, and holds 12 authorized patents.

🛠️Skills

Jiang Hui specializes in ecological water conservancy engineering and environmental remote sensing big data. His expertise extends to hydrodynamic modeling, remote sensing analysis, and water cycle monitoring using advanced technologies.

🏆Awards

Jiang Hui has received several prestigious recognitions, including the Provincial Outstanding Youth Project award. He was also honored as an “Excellent Guidance Teacher for National Water Conservancy Engineering Professional Degree Graduate Students” in its first session. Additionally, he holds a “Yaohu Outstanding Youth” designation at his institution.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Characterisation and application of plant growth under stress of Grass‐planting concrete with alkaline variations

  • Authors: X. Gong, H. Jiang (Hui Jiang), Y. Liu, J. Ouyang, Y. Luo

  • Journal: Case Studies in Construction Materials

  • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Hui Jiang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering research, leadership, and innovative contributions. While expanding international collaborations and industry partnerships could enhance his global impact, his existing achievements position him as a top contender for this recognition.