Kamal Taheri | Soil | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Kamal Taheri | Soil | Research Excellence Award

Kermanshah Regional Water Company | Iran 

Mr. Kamal Taheri is a highly accomplished hydrogeology expert with extensive research and professional contributions centered on karst and groundwater systems, particularly in complex hard-rock and covered karst environments. His scholarly output includes 19 research documents, which have received 700 citations across 613 citing documents, reflecting the strong academic and applied impact of his work, with an h-index of 12. His research portfolio spans karst hydrogeology, groundwater sustainability and vulnerability assessment, water quality monitoring, hydrogeochemistry, environmental isotopic techniques, geophysics, and deep water well site selection in karst terrains. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, edited volumes, and a substantial body of technical consultancy reports that bridge scientific research with large-scale water supply and groundwater management applications. His academic contributions extend to graduate-level teaching and training in groundwater and karst hydrogeology, with a strong emphasis on practical methodologies such as drilling strategies, geophysical investigations, and water allocation planning. In addition, he has played a significant role in scientific publishing through editorial leadership in water resources and geology journals. His interdisciplinary interests further encompass sinkhole studies, geoarchaeology, geotourism, and advanced conceptual modeling, strengthening the integration of science, management, and visualization in hydrogeological research.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

1000
750
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0

Citations
700

Documents
19

h-index
12

Citations

Documents

h-index


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Assessment of alluvial aquifer intrinsic vulnerability by a generic DRASTIC model: a discussion on data adequacy and pragmatic results

– Environment, Development and Sustainability


An intrinsic vulnerability approach to assess an overburden alluvial aquifer exposure to sinkhole-prone area; results from a Central Iran case study

– Geocarto International


Hawraman Summer Camps: The Last Legacy of Water Scarcity Adaptation in the Western Zagros Karst Territory

– Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation


Human-Karst Landscape Interactions and the Anthropo-Karstosphere: Toward a Nexus of Geoethics, Groundwater, and a Sustainable Society

– Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation


Assessment of Alluvial Aquifer Intrinsic Vulnerability by a Generic Drastic Model; A Discussion on Data Adequacy and Pragmatic Results

– Research Square

Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

Dr. Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

National Institute of Research in Rural Eaux and Forets | Tunisia

Salma Fatnassi is a researcher in soil science and environmental geochemistry whose work focuses on understanding the behavior of micronutrients and trace metals in agricultural systems irrigated with treated wastewater, generating important knowledge on soil–water–plant interactions and contaminant mobility. Her research involves designing and managing collaborative studies that assess soil contamination risks, nutrient cycling, and the environmental sustainability of wastewater reuse in agriculture. She is skilled in soil and water sampling, geochemical laboratory techniques, environmental monitoring, and the application of statistical and spatial tools for interpreting complex environmental datasets. With strong expertise in data analysis using R, Excel, ArcGIS, and SPSS, she evaluates metal bioavailability, transport pathways, and ecological impacts with high analytical rigor. Her scientific contributions include 4 published documents, 24 citations, and an h-index of 3, reflecting her growing influence in the field. Salma Fatnassi has also strengthened her methodological foundation through training in bibliographic research, pedagogy, statistical analysis, and innovative water treatment technologies, enabling her to support interdisciplinary and international research collaborations. Overall, her work advances sustainable soil and water management, improves understanding of trace element dynamics, and supports evidence-based environmental protection strategies in agricultural ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Fatnassi, S., Hörmann, G., Fohrer, N., Navarro-Pedreño, J., & Hachicha, M. (2025). Boron in soil, drainage water and groundwater in long-term irrigated area by treated wastewater in Northeast Tunisia. Soil Systems.

Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

Dr. Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

Jain University | India

Dr. Shivanand Pawar’s research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing sustainable rural development through evidence-based community education interventions. His work focuses on assessing how structured community engagement can drive measurable progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, particularly within rural settings. By designing and implementing a comprehensive Sustainable Rural Community Development Module, he conducted an empirical study involving women, farmers, and youth, applying quantitative interviews, focus group discussions, observational follow-ups, and pre- and post-intervention assessments to examine shifts in awareness, participation, and community-led action. The study generated valuable insights into how targeted education can strengthen human capital, enhance local capacities, and support long-term sustainability outcomes. His intervention model emphasizes participatory learning, social inclusion, and empowerment as core drivers of development, ultimately positioning community education as a transformative tool for rural advancement. The research has resulted in recognized scholarly contributions, including an award-winning paper on human capital and sustainable development. His academic impact is reflected in an h-index of 2, citation count of 22, and an i10-index of 1, indicating growing influence in the field of social work and sustainable development research. These metrics highlight both the relevance and emerging impact of his contributions toward advancing community-centered development practices.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Pawar, S. (2025). Human capital and stakeholder engagement intervention: A women empowerment pathway to achieve sustainable community development in water, sanitation, and hygiene at Vaijapur Village of Karnataka, India.

Pawar, S. (2023). Influence of decision-making styles and affective styles on academic procrastination among students.

Pawar, S. (2022). Internet gaming disorder among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic: A case report of Kerala students, India

Pawar, S. (2022). Psychological wellbeing status of Schedule Caste during COVID-19 pandemic of Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

Ningsheng Chen | Soil Science | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Ningsheng Chen | Soil Science | Research Excellence Award

Yangtze University | China 

Ningsheng Chen is a second-level Professor and PhD supervisor recognized for his influential contributions to geological engineering, with a strong focus on debris flows, landslides, and mountain flood disasters. His research portfolio includes 210 publications, of which 151 are indexed documents supported by 2,098 citations from 1,739 citing records, reflecting an h-index of 24. He has authored five monographs and secured 25 patents and software copyrights, demonstrating a commitment to advancing both scientific understanding and practical innovation in hazard mitigation. His work has earned multiple national and provincial science and technology awards, and several of his research outputs have been acknowledged as major scientific advancements in ecological and environmental fields. As a Distinguished Talent of Changjiang University and a Kunlun Outstanding Talent, he has provided national-level expertise through 35 advisory reports and continues to lead significant scientific initiatives, including international cooperation programs and major natural disaster research projects. In addition to his research leadership, he contributes to academic governance as Chairman of the Mountain Branch of the Geographical Society of China and as a member of the National Standards Committee, reinforcing his role as a key figure in promoting scientific progress and disaster-risk reduction in mountainous regions.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Wu, Z., Chen, N., Qing, L., Chen, X., Huang, N., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Typhoon–terrain synergy: A critical mechanism driving high-frequency flood disasters in the Beijing region. Water,

Wang, Z., Wen, T., Chen, N., & Tang, R. (2025). Assessment of landslide susceptibility based on the two-layer stacking model—A case study of Jiacha County, China. Remote Sensing,

Hou, R., Wu, M., Chen, N., Wu, K., Chen, X., She, D., Huang, N., & Xiao, M. (2025). Human settlements lie on paleolandslide deposits: Risk, evidence and formation of an ancient river-blocking landslide in the Jinsha River tributary, SE Tibetan Plateau. CATENA,

Peng, T., Chen, N., Hu, G., Tian, S., Ni, H., & Huang, L. (2025). New rulers for estimating the magnitude of catastrophic debris flows. Natural Hazards.

Han, Z., Xie, W., Zeng, C., Li, Y., Chen, G., Chen, N., Hu, G., & Wang, W. (2024). Modelling the temporal-varied nonlinear velocity profile of debris flow using a stratification aggregation algorithm in 3D-HBP-SPH framework. Journal of Mountain Science.

Zhong, Z., Chen, N., Hu, G., Han, Z., & Ni, H. (2024). High-tide hysteresis effect of low-frequency debris flow after earthquake: A case study of Xifan Gully. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment.

Fateme Aghamir | Soil Biodiversity | Editorial Board Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fateme Aghamir | Soil Biodiversity | Editorial Board Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Fateme Aghamir | Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Dr. Fateme Aghamir is a soil science expert specializing in soil chemistry and plant nutrition, with extensive research and teaching contributions across diverse domains of agricultural and environmental sciences. Her scholarly portfolio reflects strong scientific influence, supported by 23 published documents, over 104 citations, and an h-index of 5, demonstrating the growing impact of her work within the global research community. Her research spans soil mineralogy, soil fertility enhancement, soil–water–plant interactions, nutrient dynamics, environmental pollution mitigation, and sustainable soil and water management. She has conducted notable studies on unsaturated hydraulic functions, soil fertility evaluation using advanced spectroscopic methods, mineral–nutrient thermodynamics, and the role of micronutrients and stress-ameliorating compounds in crop establishment. Her teaching contributions cover soil fertility, fertilizers, pedology, agroecology, and environmental studies. Dr. Aghamir brings strong analytical and technical capabilities, with proficiency in MiniTec, RETC, SPSS, Minitab, MATLAB, EndNote, OPUS, SimaPro, XLSTAT, Google Earth Engine, ARC GIS, and Microsoft Office. Her multidisciplinary expertise supports innovative approaches to soil health, crop nutrition, and sustainable resource management, positioning her as an active contributor to advancing scientific understanding and practical solutions in agricultural and environmental research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Wei wei Zhao | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wei wei Zhao | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wei wei Zhao | Minzu Normal University of Xingyi | China

Weiwei Zhao’s research exemplifies excellence in soil science through her innovative investigations into rhizosphere ecology and plant–soil interactions, particularly focusing on the endangered Paeonia ludlowii in the Tibetan Plateau. Her studies explore how diverse soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial communities influence the metabolic pathways of medicinal plants across different habitats. Employing advanced tools such as high-throughput sequencing and GC-TOFMS metabolomic profiling, her work provides valuable insights into soil metabolites and their regulatory networks, linking soil health to plant bioactive compounds. Her comparative analyses of chloroplast genomes and genetic diversity using ISSR markers contribute significantly to understanding germplasm conservation, hybrid breeding, and adaptive evolution of peony species. Through extensive field investigations, data analysis, and collaboration with regional agricultural and horticultural institutes, she advances sustainable approaches for plateau ecosystem management, ornamental plant domestication, and genetic improvement. Her multidisciplinary contributions bridge soil chemistry, plant physiology, and molecular biology, establishing a scientific foundation for conserving endangered flora and enhancing medicinal resource utilization. Her impactful publications in indexed journals further highlight her commitment to advancing soil metabolomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity conservation within complex high-altitude environments, reinforcing her status as a leading innovator in soil–plant interaction research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhao, W., & Zhang, M. (2025). Microbial diversity of the rhizosphere in different habitats of Paeonia ludlowii in Xizang. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 72, 214.

Xiaobo Zhong | Soil Biology | Distinguished Soil Science Achievement

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong | Soil Biology | Distinguished Soil Science Achievement

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong | Institut Pasteur | France 

Dr. Xiaobo Zhong is a microbiologist whose research explores the structural and molecular mechanisms that govern bacterial morphogenesis and intercellular interactions. His work focuses on the bacterial cell wall, a multifunctional structure critical for maintaining shape, division, and environmental adaptability. Through advanced techniques such as cryo-electron tomography, he investigates how bacterial cell surface architectures enable microbial communication and phenomena like microbial hitchhiking, where non-motile species utilize motile counterparts for dispersal. His studies have revealed key molecular players in cell wall biosynthesis, including cellulose synthase complexes and stomatin-like proteins that organize membrane microdomains under stress conditions. His research contributions, published in leading journals such as Nature Communications, Trends in Microbiology, and mBio, have expanded understanding of cell envelope biology and stress adaptation in filamentous actinobacteria. His work bridges structural biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, advancing insight into microbial physiology and antibiotic resistance. In addition to research, he has supervised and mentored graduate and undergraduate students and contributed to several international conferences through oral and poster presentations. His ongoing investigations at the Pasteur Institute continue to advance integrative structural cell biology with applications in microbial biotechnology and antibiotic discovery.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Zhong, X., & Claessen, D. (2025). Cellulose biosynthesis and function in Streptomyces. Trends in Microbiology.

Zhong, X., Baur, S. S. M., Ongenae, V. M. A., Guerrero Egido, G., Shitut, S., Du, C., Vijgenboom, E., van Wezel, G. P., Carrion Bravo, V., Briegel, A., & Claessen, D. (2025). The stomatin-like protein StlP organizes membrane microdomains to govern polar growth in filamentous actinobacteria under hyperosmotic stress. Nature Communications.

Zhong, X., Nicolardi, S., Ouyang, R., Wuhrer, M., Du, C., van Wezel, G. P., Vijgenboom, E., Briegel, A., & Claessen, D. (2024). CslA and GlxA from Streptomyces lividans form a functional cellulose synthase complex. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 90(4), e02087-23.

Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

Jianling Xu | Soil | Excellence in Soil Research

Prof. Jianling Xu | Soil | Excellence in Soil Research

Prof. Jianling Xu, Northeast Normal University, China

Prof. Jianling Xu is a distinguished environmental scientist and Professor at Northeast Normal University, China. With deep expertise in soil environmental health, pollution remediation, and sustainable resource utilization, she has led numerous national research initiatives and contributed over 30 SCI-indexed publications and 40 patents. Her work focuses on land-sea pollution control and ecological risk assessment. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the MOE Second Prize for Technological Invention and Hainan’s “Sifang Talent,” Prof. Xu also serves as Vice Chair of the Wetland Committee of CSES and an expert for the Basel Convention Asia-Pacific Think Tank.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Prof. Jianling Xu exemplifies the ideal profile for the Research for Excellence in Soil Research Award. Her multifaceted work in soil health, pollution remediation, and ecological risk management is backed by strong publications, innovative solutions, and meaningful impact on both science and society. She bridges the gap between academic rigor and practical application, influencing policy, education, and environmental practices.

🎓 Education

Prof. Jianling Xu serves as a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor in Environmental Science and Engineering. She is affiliated with Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, the College of Ecology and Environment at Hainan Tropical Ocean University, and the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her academic background supports her specialization in soil and environmental systems, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to ecological challenges.

💼Experience

Prof. Xu has led and contributed to numerous national and institutional research initiatives. She is actively involved in high-impact projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Her leadership extends to consultancy work, editorial responsibilities as a reviewer for SCI-indexed journals, and international environmental governance through the Basel Convention Asia-Pacific Think Tank. Additionally, she holds the role of Vice Chair of the Wetland Committee of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences (CSES).

🔬Research Focus

Her primary research areas lie in environmental science and engineering with a focus on soil environmental health, pollution remediation, and sustainable resource management. She has conducted in-depth studies on heavy metal contamination in agricultural black soils, quantified pollutant sources such as coal combustion and mining, and developed mitigation strategies for mercury and cadmium risks. Her work significantly contributes to sustainable soil conservation and public health policy development.

🛠️Skills

Prof. Xu brings expertise in land-sea pollution control, ecological remediation, environmental risk assessment, pollution source tracing using PMF modeling, and waste resource utilization. She is also proficient in environmental planning and management and demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating complex research programs, innovating soil remediation strategies, and applying risk management in heavy metal pollution.

🏆Awards

She has received multiple prestigious recognitions, including the Second Prize for Technological Invention from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the “Sifang Talent” award from Hainan Province. Prof. Xu has been honored as a “Provincial Top Innovative Talent” and is a distinguished contributor to national education through her development of two National First-Class Courses.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Quantification of an integrated approach to heavy metal source apportionment and probabilistic health risk assessment in the black soil region of central Jilin Province, China
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

  • Title: Study of the Relationship Between Nitrogen, Phosphorus Content, and Microbial Community Changes in Deer Manure Compost with Different Conditioners
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Fermentation

  • Title: Study on the Effect of Conditioners on the Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotics in Deer Manure Composting
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Fermentation

  • Title: Removal of sulfonamide antibiotics by constructed wetland substrate with NaOH-modified corn straw biochar under different operating conditions
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Bioresource Technology

  • Title: The efficiency of enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal in a vertical flow constructed wetland using alkaline modified corn cobs as a carbon source
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Environmental Technology and Innovation

Conclusion:

Prof. Jianling Xu is an excellent candidate for this award. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also contributes to sustainable soil management practices essential for agriculture, ecosystem services, and human health. With a few enhancements in global collaboration and outreach, she stands out as a thought leader with lasting impact in the field of soil science.

Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

 Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa | Soil fertility | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Cameroon

Jean Baptiste Biloa is an agro-pedologist and soil scientist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Cameroon. His expertise lies in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling, with a strong background in soil classification, agroforestry systems, and natural resource management. He has contributed to several research projects on soil characterization, cocoa agroforestry, and agricultural sustainability. Jean Baptiste holds a Master’s in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé 1 and is completing a PhD in Agro-pedology. He is skilled in GIS, data analysis, hydrological modeling, and geophysical studies. A member of various professional organizations, he actively works on advancing sustainable soil management in tropical ecosystems.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa is a highly competent agro-pedologist and soil scientist with significant contributions to soil fertility, cocoa agroforestry systems, and environmental modeling. His research has practical implications for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, supported by strong technical expertise and leadership in soil science organizations.

🎓 Education

Jean Baptiste Biloa has an extensive academic background in agro-pedology and soil sciences. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Yaoundé 1 in 2014, followed by a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences in 2015. He has pursued a PhD in Agro-pedology at the same university since 2019, with his defense pending. His academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling.

💼Experience

Jean Baptiste Biloa has accumulated years of experience in soil sciences, research, teaching, and consultancy. From 2023 to 2024, he served as a Soil Resources Expert for the Soil, Water, and Climate Project (ProSEC) at the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR). In this role, he managed soil sample analyses, installed agro-meteorological stations and soil sensors in Cameroon and Germany, and trained IRAD staff in soil water modeling using Hydrus 1D. From 2022 to 2023, he worked as a Temporary Lecturer at the University of Ebolowa, ENSET, and ISABEE, where he taught general pedology, agro-pedology, and environmental science.

🔬Research Focus

Jean Baptiste Biloa’s research interests are centered on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental modeling. His work explores the variability of soil organic carbon and nutrient content across different agricultural systems, the impact of land use changes on soil quality, and the role of agroforestry in soil fertility management. He has conducted hydrological and hydrogeological studies and examined the influence of factors such as cocoa farm age, slope, and shade on soil fertility. His research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and improved soil management strategies.

🛠️Skills

He possesses strong skills in environmental modeling using Hydrus 1D, SWAT, and AquaCrop, as well as mapping tools such as Global Mapper, Surfer, and Google Earth. His data analysis expertise includes proficiency in XLSTAT, R, JMP SAS, JAMOVI, ODK, and Kobo Collect. He is experienced in soil classification systems such as WRB, CPCS, Soil Taxonomy, and FAO standards. Additionally, he has hands-on knowledge of integrated soil fertility management, geophysical techniques for mineral prospecting, and the use of GPS for field data collection.

🏆Awards

Jean Baptiste Biloa has earned several professional certifications that complement his expertise in soil sciences. In 2021, he obtained a Certificate in Environmental Technology. He was also recognized with the Inspire Hackathon Innovation Award in 2020. In 2019, he received multiple certifications, including Open Data Management for Agriculture, Nutrition, and Land (GODAN/FAO), Global Access to Agricultural Research (AGORA), and Agricultural Data Management, Sharing, and Services for Agricultural Development (FAO).

📚 Publications

  • Title: Influence of cocoa farm age, slope, and shade rate on cocoa soils fertility.
  • Author: iloa, J. B., Abossolo, A. M., Giweta, M. H., Onana, A. A., & Masso, M. C. 
  •  Journal: Environmental Challenges
  • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Mr. Jean Baptiste Biloa is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to soil fertility management and agricultural sustainability aligns well with global research priorities. While further enhancing his citation impact, grant funding, and interdisciplinary collaborations could solidify his position as a leading researcher, his current track record already demonstrates exceptional merit and potential for this recognition.