Jun Meng | Soil | Best Scholar Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng | Soil | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng is a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Zhejiang University and specializes in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, biochar technology, and microplastic environmental risk assessment. Dr. Meng has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top environmental science journals and has led multiple national and provincial research projects. His work contributes to sustainable soil management and environmental protection through innovative approaches in soil chemistry and pollutant mitigation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Jun Meng is a well-qualified, highly impactful researcher in the fields of soil science, environmental remediation, and microplastic pollution. His body of work reflects a mature research trajectory marked by high-impact publications, successful grant acquisition, and technological innovation through patents. His contributions are both academically rigorous and practically relevant, addressing key environmental challenges in China and globally.

🎓 Education

Dr. Jun Meng earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Zhejiang University in 2014, where he developed a strong foundation in soil chemistry, environmental remediation, and pollutant dynamics. His academic training emphasized interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex environmental challenges, particularly related to soil contamination and restoration.

💼Experience

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Meng worked at Zhejiang University from 2014 to 2018, contributing to several key research initiatives. In 2018, he joined the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology as an Associate Professor. In this role, he has continued to lead research in soil remediation, biochar applications, and microplastic pollution, while mentoring students and managing funded national and provincial-level projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Meng’s research primarily focuses on the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, biochar production and its environmental applications, as well as the environmental behavior and health risk assessment of microplastics. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in environmental risk assessment, soil microbiome interactions, and the development of novel biochar-based materials. His work also includes investigating the transformation and mobility of potentially toxic elements within the soil-plant system.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Jun Meng possesses extensive expertise in soil science, particularly in the areas of heavy metal contamination, biochar production and application, and microplastic behavior in terrestrial environments. His skills include environmental risk assessment, soil microbiome analysis, field experiment design, and advanced analytical techniques for tracing pollutant transformation and mobility. He is also experienced in interdisciplinary research collaboration and the practical application of lab-scale innovations to field-scale environmental solutions.

🏆Awards

Dr. Meng has been recognized for his contributions to environmental research through multiple competitive research grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation. His innovative work has also led to several national and international patents, highlighting his contributions to applied environmental technologies. His publications have garnered significant academic impact, as reflected in his high citation count and H-index.

📚 Publications

Title: Three-year remediation evaluation for arsenic and cadmium co-contaminated acidic and alkaline paddy fields: Insights on availability, bioaccumulation, health risk, and cost
Authors: Liu, Jian; Xu, Xiangxue; Meng, Jun; Yang, Dong; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Title: Novel CS/MIL-53(Fe)/CdS type-II heterojunction with improved charge transfer: Mechanistic insights, photocatalytic activity, and toxicological evaluation
Authors: Yu, Zhuofan; Yang, Ye; Meng, Jun; Shen, Xiaofeng; Xue, Qingquan
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Title: Efficient conversion and deconstruction of waste straw using compound fungal agent: Fermentation optimization, nutrient enrichment and microbial community analysis
Authors: Liu, Bingyang; Wang, Qun; Shen, Linpei; Sun, Pengfei; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Title: Green synthesized nanoscale zero-valent iron impregnated tea residue biochar efficiently captures metal(loid)s for sustainable water remediation
Authors: Wang, Jie; Huang, Junhao; Meng, Jun; Li, Zhangtao; Ok, Yong Sik
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. His research excellence, innovation, and scientific leadership in soil remediation and environmental health place him among the top-tier young scholars in his field. With continued growth in international visibility and mentorship activities, he is poised to make even broader contributions to science and society in the years ahead.

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

Scopus

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.

Liang Zhao | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Liang Zhao | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liang Zhao, Moutai Institute, China

Prof. Liang Zhao is an Associate Professor at Moutai Institute, specializing in microbiology, fermentation science, and plant-microbe interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University and has extensive experience in microbial ecology and brewing research. His work focuses on rhizosphere microbial communities, endophytic bacteria, and their applications in sorghum cultivation and fermentation processes. He has led multiple research projects and holds several patents related to microbial applications in brewing and agriculture. His contributions have been published in high-impact journals, advancing the understanding of microbial diversity and biotechnology in fermentation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Liang Zhao is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to microbiology, fermentation science, and brewing engineering. His work has led to significant advancements in microbial community research, fermentation optimization, and plant-microbe interactions. His ability to translate research into patents and industry applications further solidifies his impact.

🎓 Education

Zhao Liang holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (2009-2015), where he also completed his Master’s degree in Microbiology (2006-2009). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from South China University of Tropical Agriculture, now Hainan University (2002-2006).

💼Experience

He has been an Associate Professor at Moutai College, Department of Brewing Engineering, since 2018. Prior to this, he completed postdoctoral research at Kweichow Moutai Distillery (Group) Co., Ltd. from 2015 to 2018, focusing on microbial applications in brewing science.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores microbial ecology, rhizosphere microbe interactions, endophytic bacteria, and fermentation microbiology. His work contributes significantly to understanding how root-associated microbes influence sorghum cultivation and its application in brewing processes.

🛠️Skills

Zhao Liang specializes in microbiology, microbial ecology, fermentation science, plant-microbe interactions, and metagenomics. His expertise includes molecular techniques for microbial characterization, microbial strain development, and biotechnological applications in brewing and agriculture.

🏆Awards

His contributions to microbiology and brewing science have been recognized through patents and research grants. His patented methodologies and microbial discoveries have applications in brewing, soil health, and plant growth promotion, highlighting his impact on both academic research and industrial biotechnology.

📚 Publications

  • Publication Title: Optimization of the fermentation process of Moutai-flavored Daqu with the addition of green tea: impacts on bacterial succession and endogenous factors
  • Authors: L. Zhao, Liang; X. Wang, Xiangyong; Z. Luo, Zhenbiao; Y. Zhong, Yanxia; X. Wang, Xinye
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology

Conclusion:

Prof. Zhao is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening international collaborations, increasing citations, and expanding mentorship efforts would further enhance his research profile and impact.

Md. Ariful Islam | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Md. Ariful Islam | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), specializing in conservation agriculture, soil fertility, and sustainable cropping systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Murdoch University, Australia, with research focusing on conservation agriculture in rice-based systems. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed significantly to agronomic research, integrated nutrient management, and on-farm trials. Dr. Islam has received multiple awards, including the Best Scientist Award (2024), and has published extensively in national and international journals. His expertise includes field experimentation, data analysis, and farmer-oriented technology development.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam has made notable contributions to agricultural research, particularly in conservation agriculture, soil management, and plant health. His interdisciplinary expertise, significant research impact, and collaboration with international experts make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, enhancing leadership in funded projects, expanding international collaborations, and increasing policy engagement could further elevate his research profile.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Murdoch University, Australia, specializing in conservation agriculture. His doctoral research focused on the effects of conservation agriculture on crops and soil in rice-based cropping systems in Bangladesh. He earned his Master of Science in Agronomy from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, where he studied the effects of variety and fertilizer management on wheat performance. His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours), was also completed at Bangladesh Agricultural University, with coursework covering agronomy, soil science, horticulture, genetics, and agricultural economics.

💼Experience

Dr. Islam is currently a Senior Scientific Officer at the On-Farm Research Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Pabna, where he has been serving since June 2020. His role involves designing and executing research programs focusing on integrated plant nutrient management, cropping system improvements, and adaptive trials in drought-prone areas. Before this, he worked as a Scientific Officer at BARI’s Pulses Research Centre from 2007 to 2020, where he contributed to farmer-centered research, soil analysis, crop yield evaluation, and training programs for agricultural professionals and farmers.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Islam’s research primarily revolves around conservation agriculture, soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable cropping systems in rice-based agriculture. His work aims to improve soil health, crop productivity, and farmer livelihoods through integrated and resource-efficient farming practices. His research has significantly contributed to understanding the effects of tillage and residue management on soil organic carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycling, and weed control.

Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous awards for his contributions to conservation agriculture and agronomic research. In 2024, he was honored with the Best Scientist Award in the Mid-career Scientist category at BARI. He received multiple Best Paper Presentation Awards, including at the 21st Bangladesh Society of Agronomy Conference (2022) and international conferences such as the Smart Agriculture for Resource Conservation Conference (2021) and the 2nd Asian Web Conference on Managing Hill Resources (2021). Additionally, he was recognized for his research on conservation agriculture at the 2nd Conference on Conservation Agriculture for Smallholders (2017). He also received the ACIAR John Allwright Fellowship for his Ph.D. and travel grants for international conferences.

Skills

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam has extensive experience in scientific and experimental research, covering planning, design, execution, and reporting. His expertise includes conservation agriculture, soil fertility management, and integrated plant nutrient management. He is proficient in various analytical and statistical software, including MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MSTAT, Statistix 10, STAR, R-program, and GenStat, which he applies in data analysis and research.

Publications

  • Minimum tillage unpuddled transplanting: An alternative crop establishment strategy for rice in conservation agriculture cropping systems

    • Authors: ME Haque, RW Bell, MA Islam, MA Rahman
    • Journal: Field Crops Research
    • Year: 2016

  • Conservation agriculture for rice-based intensive cropping by smallholders in the eastern Gangetic plain

    • Authors: RW Bell, ME Haque, M Jahiruddin, MM Rahman, M Begum, MAM Miah, …
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Year: 2018

  • Study of seed health, germination and seedling vigor of farmers produced rice seeds

    • Authors: A Haque, MAH Akon, MA Islam, KM Khalequzzaman, MA Ali
    • Journal: Not specified
    • Year: 2007

  • Soil nitrogen storage and availability to crops are increased by conservation agriculture practices in rice–based cropping systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plains

    • Authors: MK Alam, RW Bell, ME Haque, MA Islam, MA Kader
    • Journal: Field Crops Research
    • Year: 2020

  • Responses of rice to green manure and nitrogen fertilizer application

    • Authors: MS Islam, NK Paul, MR Alam, MR Uddin, UK Sarker, MA Islam, SU Park
    • Journal: OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences
    • Year: 2015

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and conservation practices. Strengthening his research leadership, global collaborations, and policy impact will further solidify his standing as a leading researcher in his field.

Pengfei Wu | Soil Ecology | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

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Prof. Pengfei Wu | Soil Ecology | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Prof. Pengfei Wu, Southwest Minzu University, China

Prof. Pengfei Wu is a distinguished soil ecologist at Southwest Minzu University, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Geography from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Forestry. His research focuses on soil biodiversity, ecosystem responses to climate change, and soil fauna dynamics in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. With over 80 publications, including 10 SCI-indexed papers, he has made significant contributions to soil ecology. He has led multiple national research projects and serves as an expert evaluator for major scientific institutions in China.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Prof. Pengfei Wu is a leading researcher in soil biodiversity conservation, with a strong focus on soil fauna diversity, ecosystem functions, and climate change responses in alpine ecosystems. His extensive publication record, leadership in high-impact research projects, and expertise in soil ecological monitoring make him a strong contender for the Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award. While his research is highly influential, expanding his international collaborations and enhancing the practical application of his findings could further elevate his impact.

 

🎓 Education

Pengfei Wu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Xinyang Normal College (1995–1999), a Master’s degree in Ecology from Sichuan University (2000–2003), and a Ph.D. in Natural Geography from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2003–2006). He further expanded his expertise through postdoctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Forestry (2007–2009) and as a visiting scientist at Cornell University (2015–2016).

💼Experience

Since 2006, Pengfei Wu has been a faculty member at Southwest Minzu University, where he is actively engaged in ecological teaching and research. His work focuses on soil biodiversity, ecosystem responses to climate change, and the ecological functions of soil fauna. He has led numerous research projects funded by prestigious institutions, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Sichuan Natural Science Foundation.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores soil invertebrate diversity in the biodiversity hotspot of the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. He investigates the taxonomic composition, spatial-temporal distribution, and functional roles of soil fauna, particularly in forests, alpine meadows, and wetlands. His work also examines the impacts of climate change and land-use alterations on soil biodiversity. Key areas of interest include soil fauna as bioindicators of ecological health, biodiversity monitoring in alpine ecosystems, and innovative methods for assessing grassland degradation.

Awards

Pengfei Wu is recognized for his significant contributions to soil biodiversity and ecological research. His pioneering studies on soil fauna diversity in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau have established him as a leading expert in the field. He has received funding and recognition from major research organizations and serves as an expert evaluator for multiple scientific institutions, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

Skills

Pengfei Wu possesses extensive expertise in soil biodiversity assessment, ecological monitoring, and the application of soil fauna as indicators of environmental change. His proficiency extends to experimental design, biodiversity conservation strategies, and data analysis in ecological research. With over 80 published research papers, including 10 in SCI-indexed journals, he has made substantial contributions to the understanding of soil ecosystems. His collaborative efforts span national and international research projects, focusing on climate change adaptation and sustainable ecosystem management.

Publications

 

  • Title: Decadal warming-induced changes in abiotic factors and multitrophic diversity drive soil multifunctionality in an alpine meadow
    Authors: Zhou, T., Ding, L., Yin, X., … Wu, P., Degen, A.A.
    Journal: Geoderma
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Effects of nitrogen addition on nematode communities in the grazed and ungrazed alpine meadows
    Authors: Qin, T., Wei, X., Ren, X., … Wang, Y., Wu, P.
    Journal: Shengtai Xuebao
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Effects of annual and perennial potted legume forages on soil nematode communities in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
    Authors: Sun, Y., Hou, C., Zhou, L., … Li, X., Wu, P.
    Journal: Biodiversity Science
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Dynamics of soil arthropod communities in the annual cultivated Gramineae grasslands in alpine region, Northwest Sichuan
    Authors: Xu, X., Shao, Z., Xue, J., … Wang, Y., Wu, P.
    Journal: Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology
    Year: 2024

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Wu’s dedication to soil biodiversity research, particularly in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award. His contributions to ecological restoration, biodiversity assessment, and soil fauna monitoring position him as a strong candidate. With slight improvements in global outreach and policy integration, he could further solidify his influence in soil conservation and ecosystem management at an international level.