Effimia Papatheodorou | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

đź’ĽExperience

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.

Babar Mujtaba | soil erosion | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Babar Mujtaba | soil erosion | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Babar Mujtaba, UQAT, Canada

Dr. Babar Mujtaba is a post-doctoral fellow at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Canada, specializing in groundwater flow modeling, mine water management, and tailings reclamation. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, with expertise in hydrological modeling, soil erosion processes, and environmental forecasting. With over a decade of academic, research, and consulting experience, Dr. Mujtaba has contributed to international projects on climate adaptation, hydropower forecasting, and flood risk assessment. His work is widely published in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to advancing water and environmental resource management.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Babar Mujtaba’s research in groundwater flow modeling, mine water management, and environmental forecasting demonstrates a profound understanding of critical global challenges. His commitment to applied research and collaboration across disciplines makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic output and contributions to international projects have positioned him as a thought leader in sustainable water and environmental management.

🎓 Education

He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, with a specialization in Hydraulics, Water Resources, and Environment. His Ph.D. research focused on subsurface hydrological modeling and rainfall-induced soil erosion processes. Additionally, he earned a Master’s in Hydraulics and Irrigation Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan, achieving high academic standing.

đź’ĽExperience

Babar is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, where he focuses on groundwater flow modeling and mine reclamation. His career includes roles as an Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and hydrological modeling researcher in Pakistan and Portugal. With extensive involvement in international projects, he has contributed to climate adaptation planning, wildfire risk modeling, and hydrological simulations.

🔬Research Focus

Babar’s research emphasizes hydrological modeling, soil erosion, and hydroclimatic variability trends. He is dedicated to improving water conservation and flood management techniques, supported by innovative approaches to modeling and forecasting. His extensive publications in peer-reviewed journals underline his commitment to advancing the field of environmental engineering.

🏆Awards

He received Praise and Distinction for his doctoral research, reflecting his excellence in civil and environmental engineering. His contributions to European and Canadian research initiatives have earned recognition for advancing hydrological and environmental studies.

 

Skills

Babar Mujtaba is proficient in hydrological modeling, including surface, vadose zone, and groundwater systems. His expertise includes using advanced numerical tools like HYDRUS (2D/3D), SEEP/W, HEC-RAS, MATLAB, and R, alongside GIS applications such as ArcGIS and QGIS. He is skilled in flood risk assessments, meteorological data analysis, and project management tools, making him an asset in multidisciplinary research and consulting teams.

Publications

  • How sensitive is a carbon-neutral power sector to climate change? The interplay between hydro, solar and wind for Portugal
    Authors: P. Fortes, S.G. Simões, F. Amorim, G. Siggini, V. Sessa, Y.M. Saint-Drenan, B. Mujtaba, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 35

 

  • Investigation for safety performance indicators on construction projects
    Authors: R. Masood, B. Mujtaba, M.A. Khan, S. Mubin, F. Shafique, H. Zahoor
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 25

 

  • Laboratory assessment of the influence of rice straw mulch size on soil loss
    Authors: J.L.M.P. de Lima, L. Santos, B. Mujtaba, M.I.P. de Lima
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 19

 

  • Optimizing reservoir water management in a changing climate
    Authors: P. Beça, A.C. Rodrigues, J.P. Nunes, P. Diogo, B. Mujtaba
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 18

 

  • Laboratory testing of a new thermal tracer for infrared-based PTV technique for shallow overland flows
    Authors: B. Mujtaba, J.L.M.P. de Lima
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 18

 

  • Preliminary laboratorial determination of the REEFS novel wave energy converter power output
    Authors: J.L. de Almeida, B. Mujtaba, A.M.O. Fernandes
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 7

 

  • Adoption of integrated management system (IMS) by construction firms in Pakistan
    Authors: R. Masood, B. Mujtaba, M.A. Khan, T. Ali
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 7

 

  • The role of stony soils in hillslope and catchment runoff formation
    Authors: B. Mujtaba, H. Hlaváčiková, M. Danko, J.L.M.P. de Lima, L. Holko
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 5

 

  • Comparative Evaluation of Factors Influencing Seed Displacement Over the Soil of Nonconventional Perennial Crops
    Authors: C.A. de Lima, J.L.M.P. de Lima, A.A.A. Montenegro, J.R.C.B. Abrantes, B. Mujtaba, et al.
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 3

 

  • Seasonal Forecast Climate Data and Hydropower Production in the Douro Basin, in Portugal
    Authors: P.A. Diogo, P. Beça, S. Simões, F. Amorim, B. Mujtaba
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 2

 

  • An association between exposure to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and mortality rate of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
    Authors: U. Naeem, A. Naeem, M.A. Naeem, K. Naeem, B. Mujtaba, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 2

 

  • Importance of the hydraulics of converging and diverging flows on soil erosion override effects of rock fragment cover patterns
    Authors: B. Mujtaba, J.L.M.P. de Lima, M.I.P. de Lima, M.M. Vargas
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 2

 

  • Washout of Fine Sand Particles From a Ceramic Tile Roof: Laboratory Experiments Under Simulated Rainfall
    Authors: A. Silveira, J.L.M.P. de Lima, J.R.C.B. Abrantes, B. Mujtaba
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 2

 

  • Simulated hydropower production under climate change scenarios at Torrao reservoir, in northern Portugal
    Authors: P. Diogo, B. Mujtaba, P. Beça, S. Simões, P. Fortes, F. Amorim
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 1

 

  • One-Dimensional Numerical Cascade Model of Runoff and Soil Loss on Convergent and Divergent Plane Soil Surfaces
    Authors: B. Mujtaba, J.L.M.P. de Lima, M.I.P. de Lima
    Year: 2024
    Citations: Not yet cited

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Mujtaba is highly deserving of recognition as a top researcher. His contributions align with the values of the Best Researcher Award, emphasizing interdisciplinary research, practical solutions, and global collaboration. Addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing leadership visibility and public outreach, could further solidify his standing in future nominations.