Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is a Full Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, specializing in watershed management, soil and water conservation, and erosion control. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, and completed postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan. With over three decades of experience, he has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources. His research focuses on erosion modeling, sediment yield analysis, hydrology, and climate change impacts. Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous national and international awards and is recognized as a distinguished professor in Iran.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is an outstanding scientist with significant contributions to watershed management, soil and water conservation, and hydrological studies. His work has led to important advancements in erosion modeling, sediment yield assessment, and sustainable land-use practices. He has a strong international profile, substantial research output, and recognized leadership in his field. His innovative contributions to cyanobacterization, watershed sustainability, and flood risk management make him a prime candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. SHR Sadeghi obtained his M.Sc. in Watershed Management Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, in 1992. He earned his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, in 2000. He further pursued postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan, specializing in the mechanisms and processes governing suspended sediment yield in forest watersheds in 2006​.

💼Experience

Prof. Sadeghi has held various academic and professional positions. He served as an Expert of Watershed Management Engineering at the Ministry of Agriculture from 1986 to 1988 and later as a Master Expert at the Ministry of Jihad-e-Sazandegi from 1991 to 1994. He joined Tarbiat Modares University as an Assistant Professor in 1994 and later became a Full Professor in 2011. He has served as Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering multiple times, Vice Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, and Dean of the International Campus of Tarbiat Modares University. He has also been a member of various scientific and international cooperation committees​.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Sadeghi’s research focuses on watershed management, soil and water conservation, erosion and sedimentation processes, climate change impacts on soil erosion, flood and sediment hazard mitigation, ecohydrology, and the application of modeling techniques in hydrological studies. His work also includes evaluating watershed health and sustainability, using amendments for soil and water conservation, and developing innovative techniques for sediment measurement​.

🛠️Skills

His expertise spans watershed management, soil conservation, erosion control, hydrology, sediment yield analysis, and sustainable land and water resource management. He has strong skills in research leadership, academic administration, international collaboration, and environmental policy advisory​.

🏆Awards

Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous prestigious awards, including Golden Medals for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He was selected for inclusion in Leading Educators in the World by the International Biographical Center, Britain (2005), and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, USA (2005-2006). He was honored with the Leadership Award from the Soil Conservation Society of India in 2008 and received the Gold Medal from the same society in 2014. He has also been recognized multiple times as a Superior Researcher and Professor in Iran and received the Distinguished Professor of Iran title in 2021​.

📚 Publications

  1. Inhibiting soil and water loss in a saline soil through cyanobacterization

    • Authors: Sudabeh Gharemahmudli, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi
    • Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    • Year: 2025
  2. Comparative effect of traditional and collaborative watershed management approaches on flood components

    • Authors: Ali Nasiri Khiavi, Mehdi Vafakhah, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Changhyun Jun, Sayed M. Bateni
    • Journal: Journal of Flood Risk Management
    • Year: 2025
  3. HOTSED: A new integrated model for assessing potential hotspots of sediment sources and related sediment dynamics at watershed scale

    • Authors: M. La Licata, Alberto Bosino, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Andrea Terret, Michael Maerker
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2025
  4. Improvability of quality main indices of a marl soil using endemic microorganisms

    • Authors: Atefeh Jafarpoor, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Homaee, Behrouz Zarei Darki
    • Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
    • Year: 2025
  5. Significance of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus on the Watershed Health Status

    • Authors: Sanaz Pourfallah Asadabadi, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Vafakhah, M. Delavar
    • Journal: Water Resources Management
    • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Sadeghi is a highly suitable candidate for this award. His long-standing contributions, global research collaborations, practical applications in environmental conservation, and leadership roles make him an ideal nominee. Strengthening his impact through higher citation outreach, policy engagement, and global research initiatives would further solidify his standing as one of the foremost experts in watershed management and soil conservation.

Kaywan Ahmed | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed, Tishk International University, Iraq

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed is a researcher and assistant lecturer at Tishk International University, Iraq. His expertise lies in civil engineering, with a focus on hydraulic structures, water resources, and environmental sustainability. He has taught various engineering courses and held multiple administrative roles, including Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Department and Head of the Exam Committee. His research explores soil-water interactions, scour prediction, and the application of GIS in environmental management. Dr. Ahmed has published extensively in international journals and actively contributes to academic conferences and innovation in engineering education.

Profile

Scopus

 

Summary:

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed’s strong academic and professional contributions to civil engineering, particularly in water management and environmental sciences, make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative research in predicting water quality and the impact of infrastructure on the environment is vital for sustainable development in the field of civil engineering.

🎓 Education

Kaywan Ahmed completed his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at Tishk International University, Erbil, in 2015. He then pursued a Master’s degree (MSc) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Water Supply and Hydraulic Structures at Gaziantep University, Turkey, from 2016 to 2018. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate at KNTU University in Tehran.

💼Experience

Kaywan has extensive experience in academia and civil engineering. He has been an Assistant Lecturer at Tishk International University since 2018, teaching courses such as Fluid Mechanics, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resources, and Water Supply and Sewerage Systems. He has held multiple administrative roles, including Coordinator of the Civil Engineering Department, Head of the Exam Committee, and Interim Head of the International Relations and Diplomacy Department. His responsibilities have included supervising MSc students, managing academic activities, and supporting international collaborations. Before his academic career, he gained hands-on experience as an Assistant Engineer at Zozik Company and as a Volunteer at Qaiwan Company, where he was involved in construction projects, data collection, and technical support.

🔬Research Focus

Kaywan’s research primarily revolves around hydraulic engineering, water supply systems, and environmental sustainability. His published work includes studies on scour prediction at culvert outlets, the impact of COVID-19 on water consumption, and the use of waste materials in construction. He is currently working on several research projects, including the application of Remote Sensing and GIS in waste management, public attitudes toward environmental issues, and predictive modeling of hydraulic structures. His contributions to scientific literature demonstrate his commitment to advancing civil engineering and environmental sustainability.

Awards

Kaywan has been recognized for his academic excellence, ranking second out of 64 students in his Civil Engineering undergraduate program. He has received certificates for his participation in multiple international engineering conferences and was awarded second place in the Fifth National Innovation Competition in Engineering for his contributions with students. His leadership and research contributions have been acknowledged in various academic and professional circles.

Skills

Kaywan possesses strong research and management skills, with expertise in data analysis, project coordination, and technical problem-solving. He is proficient in multiple software applications, including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, ETABS, Flow-3D, SPSS, and Water CAD. Additionally, he has hands-on experience with surveying tools such as Total Station, Theodolite, and Level instruments. His ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, has been instrumental in his academic and professional success.

 

Publications

  • Title: Forecasting of monthly air quality index and understanding the air pollution in the urban city, India based on machine learning models and cross-validation
    Authors: C.B. Pande, Chaitanya Baliram; N. Radwan, Neyara; S. Heddam, Salim; S.C. Pal, Subodh Chandra; M.K. Pramanik, Malay Kumar
    Journal: Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: An efficient data fusion model based on Bayesian model averaging for robust water quality prediction using deep learning strategies
    Authors: M. Alizamir, Meysam; K. Moradveisi, Kayhan; K.O. Ahmed, Kaywan Othman; S. Kim, Sungwon; S. Heddam, Salim
    Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
    Year: 2025

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Kaywan Ahmed’s research has the potential to significantly impact environmental engineering, particularly in the sustainable design and operation of water management systems. His dedication to advancing knowledge in his field, coupled with his leadership skills, positions him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

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

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.

 

 

Ali Sharghi | Earth | Soil and Water Conservation

Mr. Ali Sharghi | Earth | Soil and Water Conservation

 Mr. Ali Sharghi, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Iran

Ali Sharghi is a researcher in the Department of Civil Engineering at Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran. Specializing in hydraulic structure design, his work focuses on climate change, sustainable development, and water resource management. Ali has developed innovative hybrid machine learning models, such as RF-GA, for groundwater level simulation and has published in leading journals, including Environmental Modelling & Software. His research emphasizes proactive strategies to address water crises and sustainable resource use.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Ali Sharghi is a promising researcher whose work addresses critical challenges in water resource management. His expertise in modeling and his focus on climate adaptation demonstrate the innovative potential necessary for the Soil and Water Conservation Award. While he excels in computational methodologies and policy-oriented research, broadening his scope to include soil conservation and enhancing professional engagement would further solidify his candidacy.

🎓 Education

Currently pursuing an MSc in Hydraulic Structure Design at Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Iran, Ali Sharghi combines academic rigor with practical innovation, contributing to solutions for pressing environmental challenges.

💼Experience

Ali Sharghi has authored peer-reviewed articles, including a prominent publication in Environmental Modelling & Software, showcasing his ability to tackle groundwater level projections under climate change scenarios. His role as a researcher and first author underlines his contributions to critical water conservation initiatives.

🔬Research Focus

Ali’s research interests center on climate change, sustainable development, and water resource management. He emphasizes the need for proactive policies to mitigate water crises, combining computational methods and policy-oriented studies.

🏆Awards

Ali Sharghi’s innovative research and scientific contributions position him as a candidate for the Soil and Water Conservation category in international scientific awards. His work, blending theoretical insights and applied methodologies, exemplifies the potential for impactful environmental solutions.

 

Skills
Ali Sharghi demonstrates expertise in the design of hydraulic structures, with a specialization in integrating machine learning algorithms for water resource management. He is skilled in hybrid modeling techniques like RF-GA for groundwater simulation and has a strong focus on climate change analysis.

Publications

  • Title: Variable sensitivity analysis in groundwater level projections under climate change adopting a hybrid machine learning algorithm
    Authors: Sharghi, A., Komasi, M., Ahmadi, M.
    Journal: Environmental Modelling and Software
    Year: 2025

 

Conclusion:

Ali Sharghi is a highly deserving nominee for the Research in Soil and Water Conservation Award. His innovative contributions and focus on sustainable development make him a standout candidate. Addressing the identified areas for improvement will not only strengthen his application but also enhance his future contributions to soil and water conservation.