Recep Irfan NAZLI | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Recep Irfan NAZLI | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Recep Irfan Nazli, Cukurova University Agriculture Faculty, Turkey

Dr. Recep Irfan Nazli is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Çukurova University, Turkey. His research focuses on bioenergy crop production, biomass yield optimization, bioethanol production, and the combustion characteristics of agricultural residues. With expertise in sustainable agriculture, soil fertility management, and organic farming, he has extensively studied bioenergy crops such as sweet sorghum, miscanthus, and switchgrass under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. Dr. Nazli has published widely in high-impact journals and is actively involved in international research collaborations, including the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Bioenergy and multiple COST Action working groups.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Recep Irfan Nazli has established himself as a leading researcher in bioenergy and agronomy, with significant contributions to biomass production, bioethanol yield optimization, and sustainable agriculture. His strong publication record, international collaborations, and innovative research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While he excels in scientific impact, enhancing industry partnerships, securing larger grants, and influencing policy frameworks could further strengthen his candidacy.

🎓 Education

Recep Irfan Nazli obtained his PhD from the University of Çukurova, Institute of Life Sciences, Department of Field Crops in 2017, where he researched the use of perennial grasses as energy crops in Mediterranean climate conditions. He completed his Master’s degree in 2011 at the same university, focusing on the use of organic residues in sorghum x sudangrass hybrid cultivation. His Bachelor’s degree was earned in 2008 from the Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in Bioenergy, Forage Crop Production, Agroecology, and Organic Farming.

💼Experience

He began his academic career as a Research Assistant in the Department of Field Crops at the University of Çukurova from 2008 to 2019. He was later promoted to Assistant Professor in 2019 and has been serving as an Associate Professor since 2023 in the same department.

🔬Research Focus

His research revolves around bioenergy crop production, sustainable agriculture, biomass yield optimization, bioethanol production, and the combustion characteristics of agricultural residues. He has extensively studied sweet sorghum, miscanthus, switchgrass, and other bioenergy crops under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions.

🛠️Skills

He is skilled in agronomic research, biofuel production techniques, soil fertility management, organic farming practices, and the assessment of plant growth under stress conditions. His expertise includes experimental design, data analysis, and the application of various biochemical and agronomic techniques to improve biomass productivity and energy conversion efficiency.

🏆Awards

He is a contact researcher at the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Bioenergy and a member of multiple COST Action working groups focused on sustainable land use, underutilized crops, and crop resilience to extreme climate conditions.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Assessment of Sweet Sorghum Genotypes for Bioethanol Production Potential and Bagasse Combustion Characteristics in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Climate

    Authors: R.I. Nazli, C. Aslankaciran, D. Yang, M. Polat, A.S. Cavdar, V. Tansi, F.S. Baloch

    Journal: Agronomy

    Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Nazli’s work has had a substantial impact on the scientific community, particularly in advancing renewable energy solutions through agricultural innovations. His expertise in bioenergy and international collaborations position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further engagement in funding acquisition, industry collaborations, and policy influence, he can extend the real-world applicability of his research, further solidifying his reputation as a global leader in bioenergy research.

Houda Oueriemmi | Soil Scientist | Best Researcher Award

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 Dr. Houda Oueriemmi | Soil Scientist | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Houda Oueriemmi, Arid Region Institute, Tunisia

Dr. Houda Oueriemmi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Arid Region Institute of Medenine, Tunisia. Her research focuses on soil fertility, desertification control, and sustainable land management in arid and semi-arid regions. She holds a Ph.D. in Water and Earth Sciences from the Higher Institute of Water Sciences and Techniques of Gabès, specializing in organic soil amendments and their role in improving degraded soils. Dr. Oueriemmi has collaborated on international projects, including the European ISFERALDA initiative, and has published extensively on composted organic waste, biochar applications, and soil health.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Houda Oueriemmi has demonstrated remarkable expertise in soil fertility enhancement and sustainable land management, particularly in arid regions. Her work is internationally recognized, and she actively contributes to high-impact research projects. Her publications and collaborations underscore her scientific excellence. Strengthening her research impact through increased citations, mentorship, and funding acquisition could further elevate her standing in the global scientific community.

 

🎓 Education

Houda Oueriemmi holds a Ph.D. in Water and Earth Sciences from the Higher Institute of Water Sciences and Techniques of Gabès, completed in 2021 at the Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification, Arid Regions Institute (IRA) of Médenine. She earned a Master’s degree in Geology of Sedimentary Basins in 2015 and another Master’s in Valorization of Geomaterials in 2012, both from the Faculty of Sciences of Gabès. She also obtained a Licence degree in Natural Sciences and Applications in 2010 from the same institution and completed her Scientific Baccalaureate at Ibn Roched High School, Zarzis, in 2007.

💼Experience

Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Arid Region Institute of Medenine, contributing to the European project ISFERALDA, which focuses on improving soil fertility in arid and semi-arid regions using local organic date palm residues. Her research experience includes multiple internships, notably at the Institute of Agrobiological Research of Galicia (IIAG-CSIC) in Spain in 2018 and 2019, under the supervision of Dr. Petra Susan Kidd, Dr. Ángeles Prieto-Fernández, and Dr. Carmen Trasar-Cepeda. She has also conducted extensive Ph.D. research at the Laboratory of Eremology and Combating Desertification at IRA Médenine and completed Master’s and technician internships at institutions such as ECUMED Petroleum, the Cement Company of Gabès, and COTUSAL of Zarzis.

🔬Research Focus

Her research primarily revolves around soil fertility, desertification control, organic soil amendments, and sustainable land management in arid and semi-arid regions. She has worked extensively on evaluating composted organic wastes, biochar applications, and farmyard manure to improve soil fertility in sandy and degraded lands.

Awards

Houda Oueriemmi has been actively involved in international collaborations and research projects, receiving recognition for her contributions to soil fertility improvement and sustainable agricultural practices in arid environments.

Skills

Her technical skills include proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and remote sensing tools like ArcGIS and ArcView. She also has experience with CorelDRAW. She is multilingual, with fluency in Arabic and French, strong proficiency in English, and basic knowledge of German.

Publications

 

  • Publication: Assessment of Earthworm Viability and Soil Health after Two Years of Raw and Composted De-Inking Paper Sludge Amendment
    Journal: Agriculture (Switzerland)
    Authors: Rahma Inès Zoghlami, Wael Toukabri, Khaoula Boudabbous, Mohamed Moussa, Haithem Bahri, et al.
    Year: 2023

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Oueriemmi is a deserving candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to her valuable contributions to soil science and environmental sustainability. With continued efforts in research expansion, funding acquisition, and mentorship, she has the potential to become a leading figure in her field.

Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

 Mr. Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN ,West African Sciences Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Benin

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun is a dedicated PhD candidate at the West African Sciences Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) in Benin. With a strong academic background in soil, water, and environmental sciences, his research focuses on sustainable agricultural systems, agroecological transitions, and greenhouse gas mitigation. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the CLIFF-GRADS and IPCC scholarships, Marcellin contributes significantly to advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in West Africa.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Marcellin Atakoun is a highly promising researcher with a strong foundation in environmental sciences and a focus on addressing climate change challenges through sustainable agricultural practices. His receipt of internationally recognized scholarships underscores his potential and contribution to the field.

 

🎓 Education

Marcellin is a PhD candidate in Climate Change and Land Use at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. He holds a Master’s degree in Soil-Water-Environment and Modeling and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Production Sciences from the University of Parakou, Benin. His educational foundation includes a high diploma in Biology and Geology.

 

💼Experience

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun has diverse professional experiences spanning research, teaching, and project management in climate action and sustainable agriculture. He served as a United Nations Volunteer in Benin, contributing to the prevention of violent extremism. His research assistantships include working on biochar studies under the ProSol Project with GIZ, and at the Permanent Experimentation Center for soil and water conservation. Additionally, he has held roles in crop production management and scientific communication.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research is centered on sustainable agricultural systems, including agroecological transitions, soil and water conservation, greenhouse gas mitigation in cropping systems, and the modeling of production systems for sustainability.

 

Awards

Marcellin has received several prestigious awards, including the CLIFF-GRADS Scholarship for research in soil nitrogen fluxes, the IPCC Scholarship for climate change research, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship. He also holds a WASCAL PhD scholarship in Climate Change and Land Use and earned accolades for academic excellence in his Master’s program.

 

Skills

He is proficient in various software tools, including R Commander, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, and Python, among others. His expertise encompasses modeling, climate data analysis, and agroecological tools like DSSAT and QGIS.

 

Publications

  • Publication: GENDER ROLE IN FOOD RIGHTS AND SOVEREIGNTY IN WEST AFRICA: A RAPID REVIEW
    Authors: Addo, P., Djekic-Ivankovic, M., Abdu, A., Naïm, S., Marquis, G.S.
    Citation: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2024, 24(10), pp. 24725–24773.

 

  • Publication: Evaluation of cover crop contributions to conservation agriculture in northern Benin
    Authors: Atakoun, A.M., Tovihoudji, P.G., Diogo, R.V.C., Hougni, A., Tittonell, P.
    Citation: Field Crops Research, 2023, 303, 109118.

 

Conclusion:

Marcellin’s contributions, particularly in advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in West Africa, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, enhancing his research profile through additional high-impact publications, broader collaborations, and leadership roles will further solidify his position as an influential figure in his field.

Babar Mujtaba | soil erosion | Best Researcher Award

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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.

💼Experience

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.