Stefania Fortunato | Soil Plant | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stefania Fortunato | Soil Plant | Best Researcher Award

Stefania Fortunato | University of Bari Aldo Moro | Italy 

Stefania Fortunato is a Senior Laboratory Technician for research and teaching in Plant Biology and Physiology at the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, where she has built a solid scientific profile grounded in multidisciplinary expertise. She earned her PhD in Agricultural Biodiversity and Environment in 2018 with a focus on Agricultural Genetics, conducting research on nitrogen metabolism in durum wheat, and complemented her academic path with a Master’s Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a professional qualification as a Biologist. Her international experience includes a visiting researcher position at the Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Spanish National Research Council (EEZ-CSIC) in Granada, where she worked on ROS and nitric oxide signaling and peroxisomal dynamics in plants. Her research activity spans Plant Physiology, Agricultural Genetics, and Food Science and Technology, addressing cellular redox mechanisms, nitrogen use efficiency, thermal stress response, oxidative processes in food products, and green analytical techniques. She has authored 28 documents that collectively garnered 564 citations across 627 citing sources, reflecting the impact of her contributions, and she holds an H-index of 11. A member of the Italian Society of Plant Biology since 2021, she actively contributes to advancing plant science through both laboratory innovation and academic collaboration.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Di Silvestre, N. J., Domingo, G., Vannini, C., Marsoni, M., Fortunato, S., de Pinto, M. C., Tamborrino, A., Negroni, Y. L., Zottini, M., Tran Hong, L., Lomagno, A., Mauri, P., Pesaresi, P., & Tadini, L. (2025). A holistic investigation of Arabidopsis proteomes altered in chloroplast biogenesis and retrograde signalling identifies PsbO as a key regulator of chloroplast quality control. Plant Cell and Environment.

Fortunato, S., Domingo, G., Davide, E., Lasorella, C., Bracale, M., Vannini, C., & de Pinto, M. C. (n.d.). Dual function plant cryptic nucleotide cyclases.

Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Leipzig | Germany

Dr. Riffat Rahim is an accomplished soil scientist with a strong research portfolio and international experience across Germany, Canada, and Pakistan. She has contributed significantly to soil chemistry, rhizosphere processes, mucilage dynamics, salinity management, and phosphorus behavior in calcareous soils. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Bonn, a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Soil Science from Bahauddin Zakariya University. She has authored 4 scientific documents, accumulated 40 citations, and holds an h-index of 4, reflecting the visibility and impact of her publications. Her work spans experimental studies, pore-scale simulations, and field-relevant investigations, with research outputs published and additional manuscripts under review. She has presented at major platforms such as the EGU General Assembly, World Congress of Soil Science, DBG Germany conferences, and international workshops on spectroscopy and bioeconomy. Professionally, she serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Rostock and has held roles as a Visiting Scientist, Doctoral Researcher, and Research Assistant in leading institutions. Her technical mastery includes XANES, GC, HPLC, tomography, atomic absorption, and advanced data analysis using Python, R, and Origin. She is multilingual and experienced in laboratory management, project execution, and scientific communication.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Nazir, M. J., Hussain, M. M., Albasher, G., Iqbal, B., Khan, K. A., Rahim, R., Li, G., & Du, D. (2024). Glucose input profit soil organic carbon mineralization and nitrogen dynamics in relation to nitrogen-amended soils. Journal of Environmental Management.

Shakil Ahmad Zeb | Soil Ecology | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Shakil Ahmad Zeb | Soil Ecology | Best Scholar Award

Quaid-i-Azam University | Pakistan 

Shakil Ahmad Zeb is an emerging researcher in the field of plant sciences, with a strong academic foundation from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and growing scholarly contributions. He has authored 6 research documents, which have collectively received 40 citations by 39 different documents, reflecting the early but promising impact of his work. His research productivity has earned him an h-index of 3, indicating that at least three of his publications have each been cited three or more times. His publications span areas such as phytogeographic classification, riparian vegetation, ecological assessments, angiosperm distribution, ethnobotany, and conservation biology. The diversity of his research—ranging from floristic inventories and bio-cultural diversity to the ecological role of national parks in carbon sequestration—highlights his commitment to both applied and fundamental aspects of ecology and biodiversity. With contributions in high-impact journals and international conferences, he has demonstrated the ability to integrate fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and advanced statistical tools to address pressing ecological challenges. Although still in the early stages of his career, his citation profile and academic trajectory suggest significant potential for advancing research in plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

“Mushrooms as a Source of Better Food and Health in Northern Pakistan”

Zhiwei Gao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zhiwei Gao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhiwei Gao, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China

Mr. Zhiwei Gao is a PhD candidate at the College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China. His research focuses on soil ecology, particularly the impacts of climate change on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, soil microbial and nematode communities, and ecological restoration in degraded desert steppe ecosystems. He utilizes advanced tools such as stable isotope tracing, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. Zhiwei has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to academic conferences in the fields of ecology and environmental science.

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Summary:

Mr. Zhiwei Gao is an emerging researcher with a strong academic foundation, a progressive research vision, and a publication record that supports his potential as a future leader in soil ecology and environmental restoration. His innovative use of ecological and molecular tools positions him at the forefront of climate-soil interaction research in grassland ecosystems.

🎓 Education

Zhiwei Gao holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences from the College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, completed in 2017. He pursued a Master of Science in Ecology at the same institution from 2018 to 2021, under the supervision of Professors Zhang Guodong and Jia Meiqing. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Grassland Science at the College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, beginning in September 2022, under the guidance of Professor Han Guodong.

💼Experience

During his master’s studies, Zhiwei focused on using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to explore soil nematode communities as ecological indicators. His research included evaluating ecological reclamation in open-pit mined grasslands and assessing the effects of climate change and human disturbance on desert steppes in Inner Mongolia. In his PhD research, he is investigating the impact of climate change factors such as warming, drying, and nitrogen deposition using long-term field experiments and microcosmic facilities. He applies stable isotope tracing (13C and 15N), genomics, community ecology, and bioinformatics to analyze soil carbon and nitrogen transformation processes, the structure and function of the soil micro-food web, and gene-level mechanisms influencing soil nutrient dynamics.

🔬Research Focus

His core research interests lie in soil ecology, microbial and nematode community dynamics, ecological restoration of degraded lands, and biogeochemical cycling under climate change. He emphasizes integrating molecular biology with ecosystem-level analysis to understand the soil micro-food web and its role in carbon and nitrogen cycling, particularly in desert steppe ecosystems affected by grazing and mining.

🛠️Skills

Zhiwei is proficient in the use of R, SPSS, SigmaPlot, and Origin for the statistical analysis and visualization of high-throughput and metagenomic data. He is competent in reading and interpreting English-language scientific literature, having passed both the College English Test-4 and Test-6. He is experienced in writing and publishing SCI-indexed journal articles and can independently design, analyze, and interpret scientific experiments and data.

🏆Awards

Zhiwei Gao has been honored with four consecutive university-level scholarships. He was named an outstanding student cadre during the academic year 2019–2020 and was recognized as an outstanding Party member of the graduate CPC Party branch in 2020–2021. His academic and leadership roles reflect his dedication and contributions to the scientific and campus community.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Wetland types shape microbial function related to soil phosphorus cycling based on metagenomics analysis
    Authors: Jia Meiqing, Gao Zhiwei, Yidong Wang, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences

  • Title: Eight-year tillage in black soil, effects on soil aggregates, and carbon and nitrogen stock
    Authors: Wang L, Qi S, Gao WF, Gao Zhiwei, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Title: Exploring the effects of warming and nitrogen deposition on desert steppe based on soil nematodes
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Li XD, Han Guodong, Zhang GG
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

  • Title: Soil bacterial community is more sensitive than fungal community to nitrogen supplementation and climate warming in Inner Mongolian desert steppe
    Authors: Jia Meiqing, Gao Zhiwei, Han Guodong, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments

  • Title: Exploring the optimal grazing intensity in desert steppe based on soil nematode community and function
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Zhang GG, Jia Meiqing, Li XD
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

  • Title: Soil nematode communities and functions: Ecological package restoration responses in damaged desert steppe open-pit mining ecosystems
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Zhang GG, Jia Meiqing, Han Guodong
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

Conclusion:

Mr. Zhiwei Gao stands out as a promising young scientist whose research aligns well with the goals of the Best Researcher Award. His scientific rigor, publication excellence, and dedication to ecological problem-solving make him a commendable nominee. With continued development in global collaboration and interdisciplinary outreach, he is poised to make significant contributions to environmental science at both national and international levels.

Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Santosh Marahatta, Agriculture and Forestry University , Nepal

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. He holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University and specializes in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has led numerous national and international projects and published extensively on rice-based cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic innovations. Prof. Marahatta is actively involved in university leadership, editorial boards, and government agricultural committees, contributing significantly to research, education, and policy in Nepal’s agricultural sector.

Profile

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Summary:

Prof. Marahatta exemplifies excellence in agricultural research with a focus on sustainability, productivity, and innovation. His research addresses critical agronomic challenges through practical, field-based solutions. His leadership in academia, commitment to mentoring, and scholarly contributions mark him as a transformative figure in Nepal’s agricultural research landscape.

🎓 Education

Dr. Santosh Marahatta holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where his dissertation focused on conservation agriculture and site-specific nutrient management in intensive rice-based systems in Nepal’s western foothills. He completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture (Agronomy) with distinction from the same university, conducting research on rice varieties and fertility practices in southern Chitwan. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University as well.

💼Experience

Dr. Marahatta currently serves as an Associate Professor of Agronomy at the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Nepal. His academic career spans over a decade, with prior roles including Assistant Professor (both permanent and temporary) at Tribhuvan University and AFU. He also served as an agronomist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council and as a lecturer at the Himalayan College of Agricultural Science and Technology. He is actively engaged in university governance and curriculum development as a Senate Member, Academic Council Member, Faculty Board Member, and Head of the Department of Agronomy at AFU. Additionally, he serves on multiple editorial boards and government-appointed agricultural committees and has led or contributed to numerous national and international research and development projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Marahatta’s research is deeply rooted in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. His work emphasizes zero tillage, direct seeding of rice, and the use of biofertilizers, slow-release nitrogen sources, and tools like NDVI and SPAD meters to improve nutrient efficiency. He has published extensively on cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic interventions for enhancing productivity in Nepal’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in a range of research and statistical software, including MS Office Suite, Mstat, GenStat, SPSS, DSSAT, R Studio, SigmaPlot, and Adobe Photoshop. Dr. Marahatta communicates effectively in Nepali, English, and Hindi and has participated in numerous international workshops and training programs, reinforcing his expertise in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

🏆Awards

During his academic career, Dr. Marahatta was honored with the prestigious Tribhuvan University Merit Scholarship throughout his B.Sc. studies, awarded to the top 15% of students at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.

📚 Publications

Title
Improving soil health and crop productivity through conservation agriculture and nitrogen management in rice–mustard–maize systems

Authors
Santosh Marahatta, Shrawan Kumar Sah, Andrew M. McDonald, Jagadish Timsina, Krishna Prasad Devkota

Journal
Field Crops Research

Year of Publication
2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is a visionary agronomist whose sustained academic output, impactful research, and leadership make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His work is not only shaping sustainable agricultural practices in Nepal but also serving as a model for developing countries worldwide. With continued focus on innovation and collaboration, he is well-positioned to achieve even greater influence in global agricultural science.

Asifa Qureshi | Soil Biology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Asifa Qureshi | Soil Biology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Asifa Qureshi, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, India

Dr. Asifa Qureshi is a Senior Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, India. With a background in Microbiology, she holds a Ph.D. from Nagpur University, where her research focused on the biotransformation of nitrophenols by microorganisms. Dr. Qureshi has extensive experience in environmental microbiology and bioprocesses, having worked at NEERI since 1994. She has published over 50 research papers and book chapters, with significant contributions to environmental toxicology and biotransformation studies. She is a recognized Ph.D. supervisor and Associate Professor at AcSIR, CSIR, New Delhi, and has guided numerous Ph.D. students. Dr. Qureshi has received several honors, including the National Merit Scholarship and various awards for her research.

Profile

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Summary:

Dr. Asifa Qureshi has demonstrated exceptional leadership, research innovation, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, particularly women in research. Her expertise in environmental microbiology and bioprocesses, along with her dedication to enhancing public health and sustainability, places her in an excellent position for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Dr. Qureshi’s recognition within the scientific community, her record of publications, and her leadership in research institutions all highlight her as a role model for women researchers.

🎓 Education

Dr. Asifa Qureshi holds a B.Sc. from Nagpur University (1991), where she earned distinction with 78.88%, securing the 7th merit position in the university. She completed her M.Sc. in Microbiology with 64% (first division) from the Haffkine Institute for training, testing, and Research, University of Mumbai (1993). She later pursued a B.Ed. from Govt College, Nagpur, with a first division in 1994. Dr. Qureshi earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology from Nagpur University in 2001 with a research focus on the biotransformation of nitrophenols by selected microorganisms.

💼Experience

Dr. Qureshi has been a part of CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur since 1994, where she has held various positions. Currently, she serves as a Senior Principal Scientist (Scientist F) since September 2022. Previously, she was a Principal Scientist (Scientist E2) from 2016 to 2022, Senior Scientist (E1) from 2012 to 2016, and Scientist C from 2008 to 2012. Before joining NEERI, she worked as a Lecturer in Biotechnology at Sindhu Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur (2000-2004), and as a Research Scholar at CSIR-NEERI (1994-1999).

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Qureshi has made significant contributions to research with 50 publications, including 49 research papers and eight book chapters. She has presented at 31 national and international conferences. Her research work has been widely acknowledged, with over 2,830 gene sequences and 52 genome sequences listed in GenBank. Her research primarily focuses on environmental microbiology, biotransformation, and environmental toxicology, particularly the biotransformation of nitrophenols.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Asifa Qureshi possesses a diverse skill set in the fields of environmental microbiology, biotransformation, and environmental toxicology. She has expertise in the biotransformation of hazardous compounds, particularly nitrophenols, using microorganisms. Dr. Qureshi is skilled in conducting advanced microbiological research, managing environmental bioprocesses, and applying molecular tools to analyze microbial behavior in contaminated environments. Her proficiency extends to gene sequencing and genome analysis, with a strong track record in publishing research in international journals. Additionally, she is adept at supervising Ph.D. students, designing and conducting experiments, and presenting scientific findings at conferences. Her leadership in research and academic settings reflects her strong communication, mentoring, and project management abilities.

🏆Awards

Dr. Qureshi has received several accolades throughout her career. She was awarded the National Merit Scholarship (1999) by the Ministry of Human Resource Development for standing 7th in the merit list at Nagpur University. She also received a Short Term Training Program (STTP) grant from DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology in 2004. Her work was recognized with prizes at the International Conference on Molecular Tools in Environmental Toxicology (MOLTOX) in 2009 and at the BRSI conference in 2017, both held at NEERI. Additionally, she is a recognized Ph.D. supervisor in Microbiology at RTMNU and an Associate Professor at AcSIR, CSIR, New Delhi. Dr. Qureshi has supervised six Ph.D. students and currently has four Ph.D. students registered.

📚 Publications

  • Antibiotic Resistance Dissemination and Mapping in the Environment Through Surveillance of Wastewater

    • Authors: N.P. Raju, Neenu P., A. Ansari, Aamir G., Patil, Gandhali A., A.A. Qureshi, Asifa A.

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

  • Wastewater surveillance of open drains for mapping the trajectory and succession of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in 23 cities of Maharashtra state (India) during June 2022 to May 2023

    • Authors: S. Matra, Sejal, H. Ghode, Harshada, V. Rajput, Vinay, K. Karmodiya, Krishanpal, M.S. Dharne, Mahesh Shantappa

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Heliyon

  • Insights into the functionality of biofilm-forming bacterial consortia as bioavailability enhancers towards biodegradation of pyrene in hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

    • Authors: P.J. Yesankar, Prerna J., A.A. Qureshi, Asifa A.

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

  • Comprehensive Review on Bio-Based Treatments for Polyvinyl Chloride Plastic

    • Authors: N. Hatwar, Neha, A.A. Qureshi, Asifa A.

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Dr. Asifa Qureshi is an ideal candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her outstanding contributions to the field of environmental science, her academic leadership, and her dedication to the advancement of women in science make her a standout choice. With continued public engagement and further international collaboration, Dr. Qureshi’s impact on the scientific community and society will only grow, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Feifei Wang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Feifei Wang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Feifei Wang, Shanghai University, China

Feifei Wang is an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, China. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. Her research focuses on organic pollution control in water and soil, including the analysis and mitigation of disinfection by-products and the degradation of emerging micropollutants. She has led multiple national and international research projects and has published extensively in top environmental science journals. She is also a recipient of the Shanghai Youth Oriental Scholar Talent Program.

Profile

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Summary:

Ms. Feifei Wang is a distinguished researcher with a strong academic and professional background in environmental science. Her contributions to micropollutant control, water treatment, and organic pollution mitigation have significantly advanced knowledge in her field. She has demonstrated leadership in research and has been recognized through prestigious awards and research funding. While she already excels in many areas, expanding her international collaborations, funding opportunities, and policy engagement could further enhance her impact.

🎓 Education

Feifei Wang earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands on May 16, 2018. She also holds an M.Sc. in Ecology from East China Normal University, China, which she completed in June 2022.

💼Experience

She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology at the School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, a position she has held since March 2024. Before this, she served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution from January 2019 to February 2024. From February 2018 to January 2019, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

🔬Research Focus

Her research focuses on organic pollution control, particularly in water and soil systems. She has made significant contributions to understanding the transformation and degradation of emerging micropollutants, as well as the mitigation of disinfection by-products. She has led and participated in multiple research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other provincial and ministerial-level programs. Her work is widely published in high-impact journals such as Environmental Science & Technology and Water Research, and she has also contributed to patent development in water treatment technologies.

🛠️Skills

Feifei Wang specializes in organic pollution control in water and soil. She has expertise in the analysis, identification, formation, transformation, and comprehensive control of disinfection by-products in water. Her skill set includes advanced reduction and oxidation degradation methods for emerging organic micropollutants. She is also proficient in leading and managing large-scale research projects and has contributed to multiple national and international research initiatives.

🏆Awards

She was selected for the Shanghai Youth Oriental Scholar Talent Program by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission in 2020. She has also received recognition for her work in environmental science and technology innovation, presenting her research at the 2023 Environmental Science and Technology Innovation Conference in Kunming, Yunnan.

📚 Publications

Title: Urban stormwater discharge contributes more micropollutants to surface water in humid regions of China: Comparison with treated wastewater
Authors: Yang, Wenyuan; Wang, Feifei; Que, Qidong; Xu, Zuxin; Chu, Wenhai
Year: 2025
Journal: Water Research

 

2. Title: A critical review on the use of flue gas desulfurization gypsum to ameliorate saline-alkali soils and its prospect for reducing carbon emissions
Authors: Wang, Haoqian; Wang, Feifei; Qin, Weiran; Liang, Xia; Li, Xiaoping
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal information unavailable

 

3. Title: Enhancing bio-remediation of nitrate-contaminated drinking water source using a newly prepared solid-phase carbon source and evaluating risks of disinfection by-product formation and biostability
Authors: Wang, Feifei; Zhou, Jie; Pan, Jiazheng; Hofman, Jan A.M.H.; van der Hoek, Jan Peter
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering

 

4. Title: Effects of running time on biological activated carbon filters: water purification performance and microbial community evolution
Authors: Shi, Shuangjia; Wang, Feifei; Hu, Yulin; Zhang, Haiting; He, Chiquan
Year: 2024
Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

 

5. Title: Spartina alterniflora raised sediment sulfide in a tidal environment and buffered it with iron in the Jiuduansha Wetland
Authors: Li, Yuanhang; Hua, Jing; He, Chiquan; Chen, Xueping; Liu, Xiaoyan
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments

Conclusion:

Ms. Feifei Wang is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her expertise, strong publication record, and commitment to solving critical environmental challenges make her a strong contender. With further efforts in international collaboration and research funding, she could further elevate her standing as a leading researcher in the field.

Taiji Kou | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou, Henan University of Science and Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou is a Professor and Dean at the Department of Resources and Environmental Science, Henan University of Science and Technology, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen cycles, sustainable agricultural production, and nutrient management in major crops. He has authored over 96 research papers, published seven books, and holds ten patents. He is also an executive director of the Henan Soil Society and an expert evaluator for national research projects.

Profile

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou is a distinguished researcher with a solid track record in soil science and sustainable agriculture. His work has contributed significantly to nutrient management strategies, improving agricultural productivity while addressing environmental challenges. With numerous publications, patents, and international research exposure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Taiji Kou holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China, obtained in June 2007. He earned his M.Sc. in Soil Science from Henan Agricultural University in 2004 and his B.Sc. in Soil and Agricultural Chemistry from the same institution in 1999.

💼Experience

Taiji Kou has been part of the Department of Resources and Environmental Science at Henan University of Science & Technology, China, since 2007, where he progressed from Lecturer (2007-2010) to Associate Professor (2010-2019) and then to Professor (2019-present). He also worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2009-2012), and later at the University of Melbourne, Australia, in the School of Agriculture and Food (2016-2017).

🔬Research Focus

Taiji Kou’s research primarily revolves around the soil carbon and nitrogen cycle, with an emphasis on understanding nutrient element interactions in major crops like wheat, rice, and corn under climate change conditions. His work aims to clarify the response mechanisms and develop regulatory technologies for sustainable agricultural production. He has authored 96 journal articles, including 20 SCI papers, published seven books, and holds ten patents related to soil science and agricultural innovation.

🛠️Skills

His expertise includes soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, efficient crop nutrition utilization, and sustainable agricultural production. He has specialized in analyzing the turnover of major nutrient elements in the crop-soil-air system and their response to climate and environmental changes.

🏆Awards

He has been recognized for his contributions through various grants and projects, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. He also plays an active role as an expert evaluator for national scientific foundations, talent projects, and education quality assessments.

📚 Publications

  • Publication: Melatonin: A Novel and Beneficial Substance in Sweet Potatoes Through Selenium Application

    • Authors: Xianghan Cheng, Xuan Yang, Quan Zhang, Wenbang Hou, Youjun Li, et al.

    • Journal: Food Chemistry

    • Year: 2025

  • Publication: Corrigendum to “Melatonin: A Novel and Beneficial Substance in Sweet Potatoes Through Selenium Application”

    • Authors: Xianghan Cheng, Xuan Yang, Quan Zhang, Wenbang Hou, Youjun Li, et al.

    • Journal: Food Chemistry

    • Year: 2025

  • Publication: Effects of Improving Copper-Contaminated Soil With Biochar and Humic Acid on Nutrient Uptake of Wheat Under Warming Conditions

    • Authors: Wangshu Yun, Dehong Liu, Taiji Kou, Lukuan Lai, Dongfang Xia

    • Journal: Agricultural Research in the Arid Areas

    • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Taiji Kou is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong research background, innovative contributions, and leadership in academia make him a compelling nominee. Addressing minor improvements in global collaborations and industry partnerships could further enhance his profile for such prestigious recognitions.

Muhammad Akmal Hakim bin Hishammmuddin | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Muhammad Akmal Hakim bin Hishammmuddin | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin, Tongji University, Malaysia

Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin is a Doctor of Engineering candidate at Tongji University, Shanghai, specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), resilient coastal megacities, and urban sustainability. He holds an M.Phil. and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). His research focuses on low-carbon cities, geo-environmental hazard control, spatial planning, and climate resilience. He has received multiple awards, including the Shanghai Government Scholarship and the Tongji University Presidential Award. Akmal is skilled in GIS, data analysis, sustainability assessment, and machine learning, contributing to international research collaborations on urban resilience and hazard risk assessment.

Profile

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Summary:

Mr. Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with a strong academic foundation, an impressive research portfolio, and international recognition. His work on GIS, smart cities, and sustainability has significant scientific and practical relevance. His interdisciplinary expertise and contributions to academia, research, and professional engagements position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin is currently a Doctor of Engineering candidate in Civil Engineering & Architecture at Tongji University, Shanghai, specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban engineering geology. He previously pursued a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He holds an M.Phil. in Urban and Regional Planning, a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours), and a Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning, all from UTM.

💼Experience

He has extensive research experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at the UTM-Low Carbon Asia Research Centre, contributing to low-carbon cities and sustainability assessment projects. As a full-time doctoral candidate at Tongji University, he researches land subsidence and spatial hazard risk planning, collaborating with international institutions like Utrecht University and ITB Bandung. He has also worked as a GIS Technician and a Town Planner Consultant, handling projects related to spatial analysis, land use planning, and geospatial mapping.

🔬Research Focus

His research interests span resilient coastal megacities, low-carbon cities, geo-environmental hazard control, sustainability assessment, smart cities, circular economy, hazard risk assessment, disaster risk reduction, spatial planning, urban engineering, and climate change mitigation.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in GIS tools (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Google Earth), programming (Python, MATLAB), data analysis (SPSS, SEM, FEM), sustainability assessment (CASBEE, ExSS/AIM, CIRIS), and machine learning. His expertise also includes urban spatial planning, risk simulation, and geospatial analysis for climate resilience and economic sustainability.

🏆Awards

His accolades include the Shanghai Government Scholarship, the Tongji University International Student Volunteer Award, the Tongji University Presidential Award, and a Best Scientific Paper Award at the International Conference on Geosynthetics and Environmental Engineering. He has also received national recognition, such as the Silver Medal in the 1st Graduate Research Exhibition Competition at UTM.

📚 Publications

  • The Field Monitoring and Numerical Simulation of Spatiotemporal Effects During Deep Excavation in Mucky Soft Soil: A Case Study
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Applied Sciences
    Author: Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin

  • Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for Economically Resilient Metro Tunnels Based-Urban Underground Space (UUS) Spatial Planning and Development in Subsiding Coastal Megacities by 2035 BaU in Shanghai and Jakarta: COVID-19 Period Analysed
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
    Author: Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin

  • Towards Sustainable, Resilient and Adaptive Urban Underground Space (UUS) Exploration, Land Subsidence and Economic Impact Spatial Model (USEM) in Shanghai, P.R. China: Systematic Reviews, Model Framework, Initial Results and Pre-Determined Challenges
    Year: 2021
    Journal: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
    Author: Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin

  • Energy Demand and GHG Emissions by 2030: A Scenario Analysis Using Extended Snapshot Tool Towards Sustainable Low Carbon Emissions Development in Pengerang
    Year: 2019
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions
    Author: Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin

  • Circular Economy (CE): A Framework Towards Sustainable Low Carbon Development in Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
    Year: 2018
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions
    Author: Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin

Conclusion:

Mr. Muhammad Akmal Hakim Bin Hishammuddin is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. While strengthening citation metrics, grant acquisition, and public policy engagement can further solidify his profile, his existing contributions make him a strong candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Amzad Laskar | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amzad Laskar | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amzad Laskar, Physical Research Laboratory Ahmedabad, India

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amzad Hussain Laskar is a researcher at the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, India, specializing in isotope geochemistry, paleoclimate reconstruction, carbon cycle studies, and groundwater dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from PRL, Ahmedabad/M.L.S.U., Udaipur. His research focuses on stable and radioactive isotopes to study atmospheric CO₂ budgets, hydrological cycles, and past climate changes. Dr. Laskar has held prestigious positions, including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship at Utrecht University, Netherlands, and postdoctoral roles in Taiwan. He has received multiple awards, including the Eminent Visiting Scholar Award (2023) from the Netherlands Earth System Science Centre.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Amzad Laskar is a highly accomplished researcher in isotope geochemistry and climate science, with a strong track record of publications, international fellowships, and funded projects. His work provides critical insights into carbon cycles, paleoclimate, and groundwater systems, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Amzad Hussain Laskar holds a Ph.D. in Physics from PRL, Ahmedabad/M.L.S.U., Udaipur, India (2012), an M.Sc. in Physics from IIT Guwahati (2005, CGPA: 8.36/10), and a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Assam University Silchar (2002, 70% marks). He has also qualified for national exams, including GATE (All India Rank 182), CSIR-NET, and JEST (All India Rank 118).

💼Experience

He is currently an Assistant Professor at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, India, since September 2019. Previously, he was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at Utrecht University, Netherlands (2017-2019), a Postdoctoral Fellow at Academia Sinica, Taiwan (2013-2017), National Sun Yat-Sen University, Taiwan (2012-2013), and PRL Ahmedabad (2011-2012). He also worked as an Assistant Science Teacher at Chandipur Public High School (2005-2006).

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily involves quantifying atmospheric CO₂ budgets using isotopes, studying present and past atmospheric oxidation processes through clumped isotopes in O₂ and ice cores, reconstructing paleoclimate using isotopes in terrestrial and oceanic archives, analyzing hydrological cycles through vapor and water isotopes, and investigating groundwater dynamics and anthropogenic pollution using radiocarbon and stable isotopes.

🛠️Skills

Amzad specializes in stable and radioactive isotopes, paleoclimate reconstruction, groundwater dynamics, carbon cycle studies, and hydrological processes. He is proficient in isotope geochemistry, environmental analysis, mass spectrometry, and data interpretation for climate research.

🏆Awards

His honors include the Eminent Visiting Scholar Award 2023 from the Netherlands Earth System Science Centre, the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2016, grant of €177,598.80), Academia Sinica Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013-2015), and the Best Research Scholar Award at the 14th Indian Society for Mass Spectrometry Symposium (2011). He also received a Certificate of Honor for achieving the highest marks in the district of Hailakandi, Assam, in the 10+2 examination (1999).

📚 Publications

  1. Triple oxygen isotopic fractionation in CO₂-CaCO₃-H₂O system during CO₂-H₂O exchange, carbonate precipitation, and acid digestion

    • Authors: P.K. Roy, A.H. Laskar, S. Ghoshmaulik, R. Rangarajan, M. Liang
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: Chemical Geology

  2. CO₂ flux and carbon dynamics in soil and respired CO₂ in a semi-arid region of western India

    • Authors: A.H. Laskar, A. Sarkar, R.K. Mohanty, S. Kumar, A. Shivam
    • Year: 2025
    • Journal: Soil Science Society of America Journal

  3. Estimation of Groundwater Residence Time Using Radiocarbon and Stable Isotope Ratio in Dissolved Inorganic Carbon and Soil CO₂

    • Authors: R.K. Agrawal, R.K. Mohanty, A. Rathi, S. Kumar, A.H. Laskar
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Radiocarbon

  4. Carbonate clumped isotopes and blocking temperatures of marbles from the Backbone Range, Taiwan

    • Authors: A.H. Laskar, T.F. Yui, M. Liang
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Asian Earth Scien

Conclusion:

 Dr. Laskar is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. By further enhancing citations, industry collaborations, and public outreach, he could solidify his standing as a global leader in environmental and climate research.