Zhihua Qiao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a researcher at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, specializing in environmental toxicology and pollutant risk assessment. His work focuses on the ecological effects and interaction mechanisms of emerging contaminants, including brominated flame retardants and pesticides, in soil-plant-animal systems. With a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology, Dr. Qiao has published extensively in top-tier SCI journals and has led and contributed to numerous national research projects. His research integrates multi-omics technologies and advanced analytical techniques to understand the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and environmental fate of pollutants.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a rising research leader in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicological risk assessment. His work on brominated flame retardants, microplastics, heavy metals, and their interaction with soil organisms and plants is both highly relevant and methodologically advanced. His multidisciplinary approach and contributions to top journals signal strong potential for international leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Zhihua Qiao began his academic journey at Shandong Agricultural University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering (Pesticides) from 2014 to 2021, achieving an undergraduate GPA of 3.42/4. He then pursued a Master’s and currently a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology (a national 211 project university), starting in 2021. His doctoral studies are supervised by Professor Zhang Wei and Associate Professor Jiang Xingyin. His academic coursework has included subjects such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, and Environmental Toxicology.

💼Experience

Zhihua Qiao has extensive experience in environmental toxicology and pollutant risk assessment, particularly focusing on new brominated flame retardants and pesticides. He has served as the main researcher in national and provincial-level projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program. His work includes investigating the bioaccumulation, metabolism, and toxic effects of compounds like decabromodiphenylethane and cadmium in complex systems involving earthworms, plants, and aquatic organisms. He has also studied co-exposure effects, soil and rhizosphere microbial responses, and developed insights into pollutant interaction mechanisms using multi-omics technologies.

🔬Research Focus

His research centers on environmental risk assessment and pollution control of emerging contaminants. He specializes in understanding the toxicity mechanisms of brominated flame retardants, pesticides, and heavy metals through integrated approaches involving transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbial ecology. His studies span soil-plant-animal systems and emphasize pollutant interactions, oxidative stress, detoxification, and ecological impact, especially in earthworms, lettuce, rice, and zebrafish models.

🛠️Skills

Zhihua Qiao is proficient in advanced research techniques including transcriptomics, metabolomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, XPS, and XRD. He is skilled in operating large-scale analytical instruments such as GC-MS, LC-MS, atomic fluorescence analyzers, flow cytometers, and qPCR machines. With strong English proficiency (CET-6 certified), he is capable of independently writing and translating scientific papers. His capabilities also extend to data processing, experimental design, and collaborative scientific writing.

🏆Awards

Zhihua Qiao has earned numerous awards for his academic excellence and research contributions. These include the National Scholarship for Master’s Students (2019), Outstanding Graduate and Outstanding Master’s Thesis of Shandong Province (2021–2022), Yu Zunhong Scholarship (2023), Green Seedling Program Scholarship of the Beijing Green Future Environment Foundation (2023), and several first-class academic scholarships for both master’s and doctoral studies. He also received the Second Prize at Zhejiang University’s Doctoral Forum on Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture and the First Prize at the Graduate Academic Forum of East China University of Science and Technology.

📚 Publications

  • Effects of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane and Cadmium Coexposure on Their Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, Root Metabolism, and Rhizosphere Soil Microorganisms in a Soil-Rice System
    2024
    Qiao, Zhihua; Fu, Mengru; Liang, Weiyu; Zhang, Wei; Zhan, Xiuping
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Effect of Biodegradable Microplastics and Cd Co-pollution on Cd Bioavailability and Plastisphere in Soil-Plant System
    2024
    Shao, Xuechun; Liang, Weiyu; Gong, Kailin; Shen, Genxiang; Peng, Cheng
    Chemosphere

  • Microbial Metabolism in Wormcast Affected the Perturbation on Soil Organic Matter by Microplastics under Decabromodiphenyl Ethane Stress
    2025
    Han, Yanna; Fu, Mengru; Yang, Yuhe; Peng, Cheng; Zhang, Wei
    Journal of Hazardous Materials

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His demonstrated commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary environmental research, combined with academic excellence and technical strength, make him a compelling nominee. With continued progression toward independent project leadership and broader global collaborations, his trajectory aligns well with the expectations of this prestigious award.

Xiaolu Tang | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Xiaolu Tang | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Xiaolu Tang, Chengdu University of Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Xiaolu Tang is a Professor at Chengdu University of Technology, China, specializing in forest ecology, remote sensing, and carbon cycling. He holds a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology Science from the University of Göttingen, Germany, and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. His work focuses on ecosystem dynamics, land degradation, and climate change impacts on forests. Dr. Tang actively contributes to high-impact journals as a peer reviewer and has received recognition for his research in environmental sustainability and ecological modeling.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Xiaolu Tang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with extensive contributions to ecological and environmental sciences, particularly in soil carbon dynamics, habitat quality assessment, and remote sensing applications. His research is impactful, multidisciplinary, and relevant to pressing global challenges like climate change and ecosystem sustainability.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Xiaolu Tang obtained his Ph.D. in Forest Ecology Science from the University of Göttingen, Germany, between October 2012 and August 2015, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Christoph Kleinn and Prof. Dr. Juan Gabriel Álvarez-González. He earned his M.S. in Forest Ecology Science from the International Bamboo and Rattan Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China, in July 2012, guided by Prof. Dr. Shaohui Fan. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Forestry Science from Sichuan Agricultural and Forestry University, College of Forestry and Horticulture, completed in June 2009.

💼Experience

Currently, Dr. Tang serves as a Professor at Chengdu University of Technology, College of Ecology and Environment, a position he has held since January 2020. Prior to this, he was a Professor at the College of Earth Science from June 2018 to January 2020 and a Lecturer at the same institution from October 2017 to June 2018. His postdoctoral research experience includes working as a Research Associate at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Germany, from September 2016 to September 2017, collaborating with Prof. Dr. Markus Reichstein and Dr. Nuno Carvalhais.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Tang’s research primarily revolves around forest ecology, remote sensing applications in ecosystem analysis, carbon cycling, and the impacts of land degradation and climate change on forest environments. His work integrates advanced data-driven approaches to understand ecosystem dynamics and sustainable land management.

🛠️Skills

With a strong foundation in forest ecology and environmental science, Dr. Tang specializes in remote sensing applications, carbon sequestration modeling, land degradation assessment, and climate impact analysis on forest ecosystems. His expertise also includes GIS, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling for ecological research.

🏆Awards

Dr. Tang has received recognition for his contributions to forest ecology and environmental sustainability, with multiple accolades for his research and peer-review contributions in leading scientific journals. His interdisciplinary approach has made a significant impact in the field of environmental and forest sciences.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Study on the Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Factors of Habitat Quality in the Yarlung Zangbo River From 2000 to 2020
  • Authors: Chen, Y., Kang, Y., Li, J., Tang, X., Pei, X.
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Ecology and Evolution

  • Title: Estuarine wetland tidal organic carbon activates microbial carbon pump and increases long-term soil carbon stability
  • Authors: Xie, M., Dong, H., Tang, X., Hu, Y., Wang, L.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Catena

  • Title: Accumulation of soil microbial necromass carbon and its contribution to soil organic carbon after vegetation restoration in the Tibetan Plateau
  • Authors: Pei, X., Lei, J., Wang, X., Li, P., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Global Ecology and Conservation

  • Title: Prediction of soil organic carbon stock combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images in the Zoige Plateau, the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
  • Authors: Lei, J., Zeng, C., Zhang, L., Yang, Z., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Ecological Processes

  • Title: Minor Effects of Canopy and Understory Nitrogen Addition on Soil Organic Carbon Turnover Time in Moso Bamboo Forests
  • Authors: Zeng, C., He, S., Long, B., Yang, Z., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Forests

  • Title: Quantifying the relative importance of influencing factors on NPP in Hengduan Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau from 2002 to 2021: A Dominance Analysis
  • Authors: Long, B., Zeng, C., Tao, Z., Chen, G., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Ecological Informatics

Conclusion:

While his academic output and research relevance are commendable, increasing citation impact, securing large-scale funding, and enhancing international collaborations would further solidify his position as a leading global researcher.

Effimia Papatheodorou | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

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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.