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.

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Mohammad Mosaferi | Soil | Soil Toxicology Research Award

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Prof. Mohammad Mosaferi | Soil | Soil Toxicology Research Award

Prof.Mohammad Mosaferi, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Prof. Mohammad Mosaferi is a professor of Environmental Health Engineering at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Engineering from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed a sabbatical at UCL-Birkbeck, London. His research focuses on water quality, arsenic contamination, environmental epidemiology, and wastewater treatment. With over two decades of academic and administrative experience, he has published extensively, achieving an H-index of 20 (Scopus) and 27 (Google Scholar). Prof. Mosaferi is an active member of multiple scientific associations and serves on editorial boards of prominent journals.

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Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Mohammad Mosaferi is a highly qualified environmental health expert with significant contributions to soil toxicology, particularly in the areas of arsenic and heavy metal contamination. His interdisciplinary research approach, teaching, and leadership roles make him a valuable asset in addressing global soil contamination issues. His work effectively bridges the gap between environmental toxicology and public health, emphasizing sustainable solutions.

 

 

🎓 Education

Mohammad Mosaferi earned his B.Sc. in Environmental Health Engineering from the College of Abureyhan, University of Tehran, Iran, in 1996. He completed his M.Sc. in Environmental Health Engineering at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1999 and subsequently obtained his Ph.D. in the same field from the same institution in 2005. During his doctoral studies, he undertook a sabbatical leave with the London Arsenic Group at the Research School of Earth Sciences, UCL-Birkbeck, London, under the supervision of Prof. Karen Hudson-Edwards (2004–2005).

 

💼Experience

Prof. Mosaferi currently serves as a full professor in the Department of Environmental Health Engineering at the Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (since 2014). Previously, he held positions as an associate professor (2011–2014) and assistant professor (2005–2011) in the same department. He has also served as Deputy of Education at the Faculty of Health (2013–2016) and Head of the Department of Environmental Health Engineering (2006–2010). Additionally, he was an honorary research assistant at the Department of Earth Sciences, College of Birkbeck, UCL, London, UK (2004–2009). Prof. Mosaferi has been actively involved in administrative roles, including leadership positions in environmental committees, strategic councils, and research groups at both national and provincial levels.

 

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Mosaferi’s research interests encompass water quality and treatment, the environmental and health impacts of arsenic, environmental epidemiology, wastewater treatment, environmental health impact assessment, waste management, and passive defense. His work emphasizes public health solutions and sustainable environmental practices.

 

 

Awards and Honors

Prof. Mosaferi has received multiple accolades, including being named Selected Researcher in Environmental Protection for East Azerbaijan Province and Selected Young Researcher by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran. He achieved first rank in entrance exams and academic courses at the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels, reflecting his consistent academic excellence.

 

International Participation

Prof. Mosaferi actively engages in international collaboration and training, including participation in the 8th International Course on Alternative Methods for the Reduction of Pesticide Use in Izmir, Turkey (2018). His international involvement underscores his commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.

Skills

Prof. Mosaferi is an expert in designing and managing water treatment systems, assessing environmental and health impacts of development projects, analyzing pollutants using advanced methods, and addressing public health challenges through environmental health engineering.

 

Publications

  • “A comprehensive review of cyclic activated sludge processes in wastewater treatment: Current perspectives and future challenges”
    Authors: Mosaferi, M., Shekoohiyan, S., Behnami, A., Allaeaiea, H., Pourakbar, M.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Experimental and numerical study of efficient sulfate reduction and heavy metal elimination from real acid mine drainage”
    Authors: Afsar, E., Nejaei, A., Mosaferi, M.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Importance of Quality of Groundwater Resources in Transboundary River with Emphasis on Hydro-geochemical Properties, Case study: Aras Transboundary River (Northern Iran)”
    Authors: Ghayurdoost, F., Firouzsalari, N.Z., Nikmaram, S., Baba, A., Mosaferi, M.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Evaluation of cumulative exposures to multiple pesticide residues in three characteristic fruits in the Northwest of Iran: a risk assessment using Monte Carlo Simulation”
    Authors: Abbaszadeh, L., Maleki, N.S., Mosaferi, M., Asl Hashemi, A., Safari, G.H.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

 

  • “Interplay of arsenic exposure and cigarette smoking on oxidative DNA damage in healthy males”
    Authors: Nemati-Mansour, S., Mosaferi, M., Babaie, J., Nikniaz, L., Miri, M.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

 

  • “Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation”
    Authors: Rahmati, F., Sethi, D., Shu, W., Thomson, A., Price, G.W.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

 

  • “Investigating the types and amounts of pesticides used in agriculture in the East Azerbaijan province”
    Authors: Mosaferi, M., Yahyazadeh, J., Mohammadian, Y., Moshtaghi, F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Mosaferi is an excellent candidate for the Research for Soil Toxicology Research Award. His strong academic background, impactful research, and commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges position him as a leader in the field. However, he could further strengthen his application by emphasizing more soil-specific toxicology research and highlighting his recent work through increased outreach and collaborations. Overall, his expertise and achievements make him a compelling contender for this recognition.