Laleh Kalankesh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr. Laleh Kalankesh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award 

Medical science university | Iran

Dr. Laleh R. Kalankesh is an accomplished environmental health engineer and academic whose research integrates environmental engineering, public health, and environmental epidemiology, with a strong emphasis on water quality, pollution control, and human health risk assessment. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, where she is actively involved in teaching, mentoring postgraduate students, and leading multidisciplinary research projects addressing critical environmental and health challenges in Iran and comparable arid and semi-arid regions. Dr. Kalankesh earned her PhD in Environmental Health Engineering from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, where her doctoral research focused on monitoring disinfection by-products (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water distribution networks. Her work also advanced membrane technology by developing graphene oxide–modified polyamide nanofiltration membranes to enhance the removal of DBPs and total organic carbon (TOC). This research built on her earlier MSc and BSc training in environmental health engineering, with a strong foundation in nanoparticle applications for wastewater treatment and heavy metal removal. Her research portfolio spans water and wastewater treatment, membrane processes, nanomaterials, air pollution, and environmental epidemiology. She has made notable contributions to understanding DBP formation and health risks, desalination using microbial desalination cells, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and the application of nanoparticles and composites as bactericides and adsorbents. In parallel, her epidemiological studies examine the health impacts of air pollution, meteorological factors, and socio-environmental inequalities, including contributions to large-scale Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies published in leading journals such as The Lancet Planetary Health and The Lancet Global Health. Dr. Kalankesh has authored 45 peer-reviewed publications, holds an h-index of 21, and is recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists (2025). She has served as principal investigator on numerous nationally funded research projects and is an active peer reviewer for international journals. Her innovative capacity is further reflected in a patented portable device for sterilizing fruits and vegetables. Through her interdisciplinary research and academic leadership, Dr. Kalankesh continues to contribute significantly to advancing environmental health science and evidence-based policy for sustainable development and public health protection.

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Dongdong Wang | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

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Prof Dr. Dongdong Wang | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

University of Science and Technology of China | China

Prof. Dr. Dongdong Wang is a distinguished materials scientist and interdisciplinary researcher whose work bridges chemistry, nanotechnology, biology, and medicine, with a strong focus on nanozyme engineering and metal–organic framework (MOF)–derived functional materials for biomedical applications. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Lanzhou University and earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Following his doctoral training, he conducted postdoctoral research at Nanyang Technological University from 2018 to 2022, where he further expanded his expertise in advanced nanomaterials and catalytic systems. In June 2022, Prof. Wang joined USTC as a Professor and Principal Investigator, establishing an independent and rapidly growing research program. Prof. Wang has authored more than 80 high-impact research articles published in internationally leading journals such as Accounts of Chemical Research, Nature Communications, Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials, Chem, ACS Nano, and Advanced Science. His scholarly contributions demonstrate both depth and breadth, ranging from fundamental mechanistic studies to application-oriented innovations. His research is supported by competitive funding, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation, reflecting strong national recognition of his scientific leadership. In 2025, he was selected as a JMCB Emerging Investigators, further underscoring his rising international profile. The core of Prof. Wang’s research lies in the rational design and synthesis of porous nanozymes, single-atom nanozymes, and MOF-based hybrid materials. He systematically investigates their enzymatic catalytic mechanisms and explores their applications in tumor imaging, diagnosis, therapy, antibacterial treatment, and immunomodulation. A defining feature of his work is the integration of reactive oxygen species (ROS)–based catalytic therapy with modulation of the tumor microenvironment, providing innovative strategies for precision theranostics. Additionally, he explores the use of microorganisms and microbially synthesized nanomaterials in catalysis and tumor immunotherapy, opening new frontiers at the interface of biology and materials science. Beyond research outputs, Prof. Wang plays an active role in the scientific community as a guest editor for leading journals including Molecules, Materials, and Frontiers in Chemistry, and serves as an invited independent reviewer for top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Nano, and Biomaterials. His achievements have been recognized through multiple prestigious honors, including the BaoGang Education Scholarship and the National Graduate Scholarship. Overall, Prof. Dongdong Wang’s research profile reflects originality, interdisciplinary impact, and sustained excellence, making him a strong candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

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Elucidating the Critical Role of Water in Selective Hydrogenation of N-heterocycles on a Cobalt Catalyst

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Heer Wang | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Heer Wang | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award 

Kunming University of Science and Technology | China

Dr. Heer Wang is an emerging scholar in applied economics whose research lies at the intersection of industrial transformation, climate change, labor mobility, and sustainable economic development. His work explores how evolving economic structures and environmental shocks shape household behavior, productivity, and long-term growth pathways, particularly within developing and transitional economies. By integrating rigorous microeconometric evaluation methods with rich empirical data, he contributes meaningful insights into how societies adapt to climate risks and structural shifts. A major strand of his research investigates the socioeconomic consequences of climate variability, especially extreme rainfall and its implications for rural livelihoods. His publications in leading journals such as Science of The Total Environment and Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy highlight how climate shocks influence labor mobility, household vulnerability, agricultural productivity, and consumption smoothing. His studies provide evidence-based perspectives that deepen the understanding of how rural communities manage risk, adjust labor allocation, and navigate long-term adaptation strategies under environmental uncertainty. Another important area of his work focuses on industrial structure upgrading and technological capability. Through theoretical and empirical analyses published in the Asian Journal of Technology Innovation, his research examines the depth and sophistication of structural transformation, revealing how technological capacity and sectoral linkages drive high-quality economic development. His work contributes to policy discussions on how emerging economies can enhance industrial competitiveness while maintaining sustainable growth. In addition to published work, he has developed several working papers addressing market integration, climate-induced behavioral responses, and the dynamics of agricultural adaptation. These studies reflect a consistent research theme: understanding how economic agents respond to shocks and incentives within rapidly evolving socioeconomic environments. His research portfolio is reinforced by participation in multiple interdisciplinary and national research projects funded by major institutions. These projects span topics such as digital economy development, fertility policy evaluation, labor mobility under technological disruption, climate risk prediction using artificial intelligence, and the economic implications of population aging. His role across these initiatives demonstrates strong capabilities in empirical modeling, policy analysis, and data-driven decision support. He brings expertise in microeconometrics, policy evaluation techniques, and quantitative analysis using software platforms such as Stata, R, and SPSS. His work contributes directly to academic knowledge, policymaking, and practical interventions aimed at improving resilience, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable economic progress. Overall, his research advances critical conversations on how economies can navigate structural change while adapting to environmental and demographic challenges.

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Suocheng Dong | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Suocheng Dong | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Prof. Dong Suocheng is a leading scholar in regional economic geography, ecological economics, and green development studies, widely recognized for his influential contributions to the understanding of resource–environment interactions and sustainable development pathways in China and across Eurasia. As a senior professor at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research (IGSNRR), Chinese Academy of Sciences, he has built a distinguished academic career centered on the theory, methodology, and empirical assessment of ecological economic systems, regional sustainable development, and the coupling mechanisms between urbanization, economic growth, and the ecological environment. His research spans a broad range of topics including regional ecological economic differentiation, circular economy models, eco-city construction, ecological civilization pathways, green development strategies, and the quantitative analysis of urban–environment coordination. He has contributed extensively to the development of frameworks for evaluating ecological risks, optimizing regional resource allocation, and guiding policy for cross-border sustainable development initiatives such as the Belt and Road, the China–Mongolia–Russia corridor, and regional integration across Northeast and Central Asia. Prof. Dong has led nearly one hundred major national-level, ministerial, and regional research projects, including key programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and strategic cooperation initiatives. His contributions have resulted in more than 360 academic publications, monographs, and research reports that have significantly shaped scholarly discourse and policy formulation in resource economics, environmental management, and regional planning. More than forty of his advisory reports have been acknowledged and adopted by national decision-making bodies, demonstrating his strong impact on high-level sustainable development policy. His influential publications include seminal works on the coupling coordination between urbanization and the eco-environment in Mongolia, ecological and socioeconomic risks in international infrastructure projects, spatial–temporal drivers of carbon emissions in interprovincial trade, and assessment of circular economy systems in energy-intensive industries. His research in Land Use Policy, Environmental Science & Technology, Sustainability, Journal of Geographical Sciences, and Resources Science has become central to the advancement of regional ecological economics and spatial sustainable development. Through decades of rigorous scholarship, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strategic policy engagement, Prof. Dong has established himself as a major contributor to the evolution of ecological economic theory, regional green development models, and the science–policy interface essential to achieving sustainable development in rapidly transforming regions.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Dong, S., Chen, C., & Li, Y. (2016). An investigation report on economic and social sciences in Northern China and its adjacent areas. Science Press.

Dong, S., & Sun, J. (2017). Regional sustainable development of Northeast and Central Asia. Science Press.

Dong, S., Zheng, J., Li, Y., Li, Z., Li, F., Jin, L., & Yang, Y. (2019). Quantitative analysis of the coupling coordination degree between urbanization and eco-environment in Mongolia. Chinese Geographical Sciences, 29(5), 861–871.

Dong, S., Yang, Y., Li, F.*, et al. (2018). An evaluation of the economic, social, and ecological risks of China-Mongolia-Russia high-speed railway construction and policy suggestions. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 28(7), 900–918.

Dong, S., Wang, Z., Li, Y., Li, F., Chen, F., & Cheng, H. (2017). Assessment of comprehensive effects and optimization of a circular economy system of coal power and cement in Kongtong District, Pingliang City, Gansu Province, China. Sustainability, 9(787). https://doi.org/10.3390/su9050787

Dong, S., Cheng, H., Guo, P., et al. (2016). Transportation industry patterns and strategy of the Belt and Road. Bulletin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 31(6), 663–670.

Dong, S., Huang, Y., Li, Z., et al. (2014). Economic development patterns and regional economic integration modes for the Silk Road Economic Zone. Resources Science, 36(12), 2451–2458.

Wu, Y., & Dong, S.* (2018). Quantifying urban land expansion dynamics through improved land management institution model—Application in Ningxia–Inner Mongolia, China. Land Use Policy, 78, 386–396.

 

Heng Liu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Heng Liu | Environmental and Sustainable Materials | Research Excellence Award

Qingdao University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Heng Liu is an accomplished materials scientist and professor at Qingdao University of Science and Technology, widely recognized for his significant contributions to organometallic catalysis and polymer chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in 2015 from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), followed by productive postdoctoral research at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology between 2015 and 2017. Upon returning to China, he served as an associate professor at CIAC before joining Qingdao University of Science and Technology as a full professor in 2020. Throughout his career, Prof. Liu has built an impressive portfolio of research achievements that reflect his scientific rigor, innovation, and leadership in advancing olefin and diene polymerization technologies. His research primarily focuses on the development of high-efficiency organometallic catalysts, the functionalization of polymers, and performance enhancement strategies for synthetic rubber materials—areas that hold major industrial relevance in the rubber, plastic, and advanced materials sectors. Prof. Liu has published 63 high-impact journal articles in prestigious publications such as Advanced Functional Materials, ACS Catalysis, Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Macromolecules, and other leading SCI-indexed platforms. His strong publication record is supported by a robust citation footprint in global scientific databases, reflecting the wide impact and recognition of his work within the research community. He has successfully led and participated in multiple funded research projects, including major grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52573115, 22071236, 21801236), the Shandong Province Natural Science Foundation (ZR2024ME117), and the Taishan Scholar Foundation (202211165), demonstrating his capability to secure competitive funding for frontier research. Beyond academic projects, Prof. Liu has completed six consultancy and industry collaborations, reinforcing the practical applicability of his scientific innovations. He holds 18 patents, underscoring his commitment to translating research outcomes into technological advancements. His editorial contributions include serving on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Chemistry and China Synthetic Rubber Industry, where he supports scholarly communication and peer review in his field. Prof. Liu’s work is strengthened by active collaborations with researchers across institutions and countries, contributing to scientific progress through interdisciplinary engagement. With expertise spanning catalysis, polymer design, and advanced material fabrication, Prof. Liu continues to make substantial contributions to both fundamental science and industrial technology. His achievements, leadership, and innovation position him as a distinguished candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Polymer Chemistry (2025)

Zhang, H., Zhang, X., Zheng, H., Wang, F., Wei, X., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Synthesis of α,ω-end hetero-functionalized polyisoprene via neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerization. Polymer Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY01452A

Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2025 – Nov 05)

Zheng, H., Zhang, H., Zhao, W., Wang, F., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Controllable preparation of hydroxyl-terminated liquid polydiene rubber featuring high 1,4-content by neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer polymerizations strategy. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.57602

Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2025 – Mar 10)

Li, X., Zhang, X., Wang, F., Liu, W., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Neodymium-mediated coordinative chain transfer homopolymerization of bio-based myrcene and copolymerization with butadiene and isoprene. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.56557

Macromolecules (2025 – Feb 25)

Wang, X., Ma, L., Dong, B., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2025). Axial anagostic interaction in α-diimine nickel catalysts: An ultraefficient occupation strategy in suppressing associative chain transfers to achieve UHMWPEs. Macromolecules, 58(?), pages pending. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.4c03244

Molecular Catalysis (2024)

Liu, X., Yang, Q., Zhang, C., Zhang, X., & Liu, H. (2024). 3,4-selective polymerization of isoprene by iron-based system: The key role of borate salts for enhancing catalytic activities and broadening 1,10-phenanthroline ligand scope. Molecular Catalysis, 114082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2024.114082

SSRN Preprint (2024)

Liu, H., Liu, X., Zhang, C., Yang, Q., & Zhang, X. (2024). 3,4-selective polymerization of isoprene by iron-based system: The key role of borate salts for enhancing catalytic activities and broadening 1,10-phenanthroline ligand scope [Preprint]. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4690393

 

Shimelash Molla Kassaye | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Shimelash Molla Kassaye | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Mattu University | Ethiopia

Dr. Shimelash Molla Kassaye is a highly dedicated scholar and researcher specializing in Hydrology and Water Resources Management, with an extensive academic background and a strong record of scientific contributions in the field of environmental and water sciences. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Mattu University, Ethiopia, where he continues to advance research and teaching in hydrology, climate change, and watershed management. His professional journey reflects consistent excellence and commitment to solving pressing environmental and water-related challenges affecting the African continent. Dr. Kassaye earned his Ph.D. in Water Management (Hydrology and Water Resources Management) from the African Centre of Excellence in Water Management (ACEWM) at Addis Ababa University in 2024. His doctoral research, titled “Evaluating the Hydrological Dynamics under Land Use/Cover and Climate Change in the Baro River Basin, Ethiopia,” focused on understanding the complex interactions between climate variability, land use change, and hydrological responses in one of Ethiopia’s key river basins. His research offers vital insights into sustainable water resource management and policy planning under changing climatic conditions. Prior to his Ph.D., he obtained an M.Sc. in Hydraulic Engineering from Jimma University in 2017 with an outstanding CGPA of 3.88/4.00 and a B.Sc. in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering from Arbaminch University in 2011. His professional experience spans over a decade of teaching, research, and academic service. Before assuming his current position, Dr. Kassaye worked as a Researcher and Lecturer at Mattu University (2014–2021) and as a Graduate Assistant at Arbaminch University (2012–2014). Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to the training of young engineers and scientists, supervising research projects, and integrating innovative technologies into water resource education and management practices. Dr. Kassaye’s research expertise covers a broad range of topics, including hydrologic modeling, climate change and variability, drought monitoring and prediction, integrated watershed management, natural resource management, and hydrometeorological risk assessment. His multidisciplinary approach, combining remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and hydrological modeling, enables comprehensive assessments of environmental systems under stress from both natural and anthropogenic factors. He has published multiple peer-reviewed scientific papers in high-impact international journals such as Water, Environmental Earth Sciences, Environmental Systems Research, and Earth. His publications have explored critical themes such as the sensitivity of meteorological dynamics to catchment variability, the integrated impact of land use and topography on hydrological extremes, and the quantification of climate change effects on streamflow dynamics. His academic excellence, combined with practical expertise and a strong publication record, positions him as a leading early-career researcher contributing to Ethiopia’s and Africa’s sustainable water resource management efforts. His dedication to advancing hydrological science underscores his commitment to building climate resilience and fostering sustainable development in vulnerable regions.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., & Hordofa, A. T. (2024). Quantifying the climate change impacts on the magnitude and timing of hydrological extremes in the Baro River Basin, Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 13(1), 1–15.

Belay, H., Melesse, A. M., Tegegne, G., & Kassaye, S. M. (2025). Flood inundation mapping using the Google Earth Engine and HEC-RAS under land use/land cover and climate changes in the Gumara Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Remote Sensing, 17(7), 1283.

Malede, D. A., Elumalai, V., Andualem, T. G., Mekonnen, Y. G., Yibeltal, M., Kassaye, S. M., & others. (2025). Understanding flood and drought extremes under a changing climate in the Blue Nile Basin: A review. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 100638.

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., & Tegegne, G. (2024). Quantifying the climate change impacts on the magnitude and timing of hydrological extremes in the Baro River Basin, Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 13(2).

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., Hordofa, A. T., & Malede, D. A. (2024). Relative and combined impacts of climate and land use/cover change for the streamflow variability in the Baro River Basin (BRB). Earth, 5(2), 149–168.

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., & Tadesse, K. E. (2022). The sensitivity of meteorological dynamics to the variability in catchment characteristics. Water, 14(22), 3776.

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., & Hordofa, A. T. (2024). Integrated impact of land use/cover and topography on hydrological extremes in the Baro River Basin. Environmental Earth Sciences, 83(2), 49.

Kassaye, S. M., Ebissa, T. N., Gutema, B. G., & Gurmesa, G. T. (2020). Site selection and design of mini hydropower plant for rural electrification in Keber River. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 9(5), 82–96.

Ebissa, T. N., Kassaye, S. M., & Malede, D. A. (2024). Hydrological response to climate change in Baro Basin, Ethiopia, using representative concentration pathway scenarios. Environmental Systems Research, 13(1), 42.

Waheed, A., Kousar, S., Khan, M. I., & Fischer, T. B. (2025). Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators.

Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Beijing University of Technology and Business | China

Dr. Minglu Zhang is currently a professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Beijing Technology and Business University, having previously served as associate professor (2015–2019) and lecturer (2012–2015) in the same discipline. After completing a postdoctoral appointment in the School of Environment at Tsinghua University (2010–2012) and earlier research experience at the University of California, Irvine (2008–2010), he has built a distinguished career in environmental microbiology and water systems research. His primary research interests encompass microbial ecology and molecular microbiology in water and solid waste systems, with a special focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in drinking water systems. Dr. Zhang has led and contributed to several major national research projects. For example, he is the principal investigator on the “Typing and Traceability System for VBNC State Pathogens of Major Digestive Tract at Ports” (2022–2025, National Key R&D Program), as well as on the “Technology and Equipment Development for Monitoring, Early Warning and Purification of Malodorous Gas Emissions under Classified Collection of Domestic Waste” (2020–2024, National Key R&D Program). Earlier, he also led work on the distribution and migration of antibiotic resistance genes at multi-phase interfaces in drinking water distribution systems (2015–2017, National Natural Science Foundation of China). To date, Dr. Zhang has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications. According to his ResearchGate profile, his publication count is 79, with more than 1,300 citations. His academic impact is further reflected by his h-index, which is listed as 5 on the SciSpace author profile. Among his representative works are: “Metagenomics analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, bacterial community and virulence factor genes of fouled filters and effluents from household water purifiers in drinking water” (Science of the Total Environment, 2023); “Global transcriptional analysis for molecular responses of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in drinking water after low- and medium-pressure UV irradiation” (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024); and “Highly efficient degradation of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate removal by bio-trickling filter reactors” (Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2024). These works illustrate how he combines high-throughput molecular methods (e.g. metagenomics, transcriptional profiling) with applied engineering systems (e.g. drinking water treatment, gas emission purification) to address critical environmental microbiology challenges. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zhang has established himself as a leading scholar at the intersection of environmental engineering and microbial molecular ecology. His work not only advances fundamental understanding of microbial community dynamics and resistance gene behavior in engineered systems, but also yields practical solutions for water quality protection, public health, and waste management. His contributions are broadly recognized in China’s environmental research community and are increasingly cited in the international literature.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., et al. (2025). Adsorption and desorption characteristics of nano-metal-modified zeolite for removal of oxygenated volatile organic compounds. Coatings, 15(10), 1206. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101206

Jiang, J., Zhang, Y., Cui, R., Ren, L., Zhang, M., & Wang, Y. (2023). Effects of two different proportions of microbial formulations on microbial communities in kitchen waste composting. Microorganisms, 11(10), 2605. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102605

Wang, Y., Cui, R., Jiang, H., Bai, M., Zhang, M., & Ren, L. (2022). Removal of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using a biotrickling filter packed with modified composite filler. Processes, 10(10), 2016. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102016

Xu, S., Zhang, L., Lin, K., Bai, M., Wang, Y., Xu, M., Zhang, M., Zhang, C., Shi, Y., & Zhou, H. (2021). Effects of light and water disturbance on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and the release of algal toxins. Water Environment Research, 93, 2958–2970. https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.1644

Amirhossein Nik Zad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Amirhossein Nik Zad | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | Italy

Amirhossein Nikzad is a dedicated researcher specializing in the Food–Energy–Water Nexus, with a strong focus on agro‐photovoltaic (Agri‐PV) systems, photovoltaics, life cycle assessment, renewable energy technologies, CO₂ emissions reduction, energy management, and optimization of hybrid energy systems. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in the Agri-Food program at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (started 1 November 2022) in Piacenza, Italy, where his investigations explore how combining agricultural production with solar photovoltaic installations can sustainably address the intertwined demands for food, clean energy, and water resources. Prior to that, he completed an MSc in Energy Systems Engineering at Shahrood University of Technology (2016–2019, Iran), where he developed skills in modelling, systems analysis, and performance assessment of renewable and hybrid energy systems. Over the course of his academic and research career, Amirhossein has contributed to [number of publications] peer-reviewed articles, accumulating approximately [number of citations] citations across his works, with an h-index of [your h-index]. His publications span Life Cycle Assessment studies, techno-economic and environmental feasibility analysis of Agri-PV, strategies for CO₂ reduction, and optimization of energy systems. He often uses modelling tools such as PVsyst, PVSOL, System Advisor Model (SAM), HOMER PRO, MATLAB, RETScreen Expert, and software for life cycle assessment like SimaPro, reflecting his commitment to combining empirical evidence and computational modelling. Amirhossein has also been active in academic service: reviewing for journals including Energy Strategy Reviews, Energy Research & Social Science, Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, Electric Power Systems Research, Energy Reports, and Renewable Energy Focus. He was appointed Associate Editor (from July 2025) of the American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems. He has gained international experience through his fully funded PhD in Agro-Food Systems and a full‐time research fellowship at Mälardalen University (Västerås, Sweden, Sep 2024 ‐ Jan 2025).

His projects include participation in the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, notably Value4Farm (since June 2023), which aligns with his interest in sustainable integration of energy generation and agricultural practice. He has also presented his work at major conferences, such as the 6th AgriVoltaics World Conference (Freiburg, Germany, July 2025), where he contributed three posters on topics linked to Agri-PV and the food-energy-water nexus. Amirhossein’s technical skills lie in PV system design and simulation (with PVsyst, PVSOL, SAM), hybrid renewable energy optimization, energy management and model-based optimization, and life cycle impact assessment with tools like SimaPro. His analytical skills are complemented by his experience lecturing in Solar PV system design and offering training sessions/workshops during his time in Iran. With a well-grounded background in energy systems engineering, a growing publication record, and involvement in cross-disciplinary, international projects, Amirhossein is building a strong profile at the intersection of renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and agricultural systems. His goal is to contribute to transformational research that enables decarbonization, sustainable resource use, and climate resilient food and energy systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Nikzad, A., & Chahartaghi, M. (2019). Technical, economic, and environmental modeling of solar water pump for irrigation of rice in Mazandaran province in Iran: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 239, 118007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118007

Chahartaghi, M., & Nikzad, A. (2021). Exergy, environmental, and performance evaluations of a solar water pump system. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 43, 100933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2020.100933

Nikzad, A., & Mehregan, M. (2022). Techno-economic and environmental evaluations of a novel cogeneration system based on solar energy and cryptocurrency mining. Solar Energy, 232, 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.12.049

Bellone, Y., Croci, M., Impollonia, G., Zad, A. N., Colauzzi, M., Campana, P. E., & others. (2024). Simulation-based decision support for agrivoltaic systems. Applied Energy, 369, 123490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123490

Zad, A. N., Agostini, A., Impollonia, G., Zainali, S., Croci, M., Colauzzi, M., & Campana, P. E. (2024). Life cycle assessment of various agrivoltaic systems across Europe. Sustainable Production and Consumption.

Naseraldeen Asadalla | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Naseraldeen Asadalla | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research | Kuwait

Dr. Naseraldeen Asadalla’s research has focused on arid land ecology, invasive alien species, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity assessment in the Arabian Peninsula and the GCC region. He has developed specialized expertise in species distribution modeling (MaxEnt), remote sensing, ecological indicators, and machine learning-based environmental data analysis. His Ph.D. research examined the dynamics of alien bird species, particularly the Common Myna in Bahrain, providing foundational insights into biodiversity trends in urban ecosystems. Building on this work, his recent research has concentrated on ecological modeling of plant and animal species in desert environments, with a focus on the influence of abiotic factors such as precipitation and dust storms on species distribution and habitat suitability. Dr. Asadalla has authored and co-authored over 12 peer-reviewed scientific publications in reputable journals including Restoration Ecology, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, and the Journal of Arid Environments. His work has received over 185 citations (as of September 2025) and he holds an h-index of 7 (Scopus). His research has directly contributed to regional conservation strategies, such as the identification of green water zones using annual plants as ecological indicators and the development of habitat suitability models for native desert flora and vulnerable species like the Asian Houbara Bustard. In addition to his academic contributions, he is an active member of multi-disciplinary research teams at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), playing a key role in nationally funded projects and the formulation of regional environmental policies. Dr. Asadalla continues to pursue applied ecological research by integrating remote sensing tools with conservation science to address environmental challenges associated with climate change, species displacement, and urban expansion across the Arabian Peninsula.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications  

Asadalla, N. B. A., Abdullah, M., Gharabi, Y., Mohan, M., Al Naabi, S., Al Ali, Z., Al Hashash, N., Srinivasan, S., Al Awadhi, T., & Abulibdeh, A. (2024). Predictive modeling of green water availability: The role of annual plants as an ecological indicator in dryland ecosystems. Journal of Arid Environments, 223, 105179.

Asadalla, N. B. A., & Marafi, M. (2023). Overlooked Colotis phisadia (Godart, 1819) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) – A new record for the butterfly fauna of Kuwait with remarks on host plant. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, 159(1), 66–72.

Asadalla, N. B. A., Abdullah, M. M., Gharabi, Y., Mohan, M., Al Naabi, S., Srinivasan, S., & Al Awadhi, T. (2022). The use of annual plants as ecological indicators to identify locations with high levels of green water in arid ecosystems using remote sensing and MaxEnt modeling. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Asadalla, N. B. A., Abdullah, M. M., Al-Ali, Z. M., & Abdullah, M. T. (2021). Vegetation restoration targeting approach to identify the optimum environmental conditions for the restoration of native desert plants using remote sensing and MaxEnt modeling. Restoration Ecology, 29(6), e13425.

Al-Ali, Z., Abdullah, M., Asadalla, N. B. A., & Gholoum, M. (2020). A comparative study of remote sensing classification methods for monitoring and assessing desert vegetation using a UAV-based multispectral sensor. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192, Article 370.

Abdullah, M. M., Assi, A. T., & Asadalla, N. B. A. (2019). Integrated ecosystem sustainability approach: Toward a holistic system of thinking of managing arid ecosystems. Open Journal of Ecology, 9(11), 493–508.

Asadalla, N. B. A., Abido, M. S., Abahussain, A., & Shobrak, M. (2015). Assembly of optimum habitats for Asian Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii) in the Arabian Peninsula: The vegetation aspects. International Journal of Biodiversity, 2015, Article 925093.

Neha Priyadarshini | Coastal Environmental Change | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Research Awards

Ms. Neha Priyadarshini | Coastal Environmental Change | Women Researcher Award 

NICMAR University |  India 

Neha Priyadarshini is a dedicated Ph.D. scholar specializing in coastal resilience, with a strong academic foundation and applied research expertise. Her work focuses on advancing dynamic shoreline analysis and predictive modeling, leveraging remote sensing, GIS, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) integration to address pressing challenges in coastal systems. With a deep commitment to sustainable and real-world solutions for vulnerable coastal zones, she blends rigorous research methodologies with practical engineering applications. She has hands-on technical proficiency in AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, MATLAB, and SPSS, which supports her multi-disciplinary research in coastal engineering, climate impact assessment, and shoreline management. Her research interests span shoreline change analysis, climate prediction models, coastal vulnerability assessments, and sustainable infrastructure development, making her a versatile researcher at the intersection of civil engineering and environmental science. Neha’s educational background includes a Ph.D. at NICMAR University, Pune, with a research emphasis on shoreline change analysis, ML-driven predictions, and coastal management strategies. She previously pursued her M.Tech in Civil Engineering at Odisha University of Technology & Research, focusing on groundwater quality prediction in Odisha. She also earned her B.Tech in Civil Engineering from VSSUT Burla, where her project involved RCC building analysis using STAAD Pro, and a Diploma in Civil Engineering from KIIT Polytechnic, where she worked on strength and durability of fly ash concrete versus crusher dust. Her accomplishments include presenting at the Indian Science Congress (2018) on concrete research, contributing a technical paper on differentiating graphene and graphite at the School of Civil Engineering, KIIT University, and winning the NIRIMINTEE 2018 Award. She was also recognized with the TunnelFem 2025 Special Jury Recognition Award (Ph.D. Starters Category) for her innovative contributions in sustainable infrastructure. Neha’s publications reflect her growing impact in the field. She authored 3 publications and her publications have started receiving citations, currently totaling 24 citations with an h-index of 1, reflecting both early recognition of her research contributions and significant potential for long-term academic impact.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

“Influence of water binder ratio on strength and acid resistance of concrete made up of mineral admixture as supplementary cementitious material”.

“Simultaneous Optimization of Strength and Acid Resistance in Concrete Composed of Carbonated Fly Ash”.

“Coastal Erosion and Accretion Trends in Gujarat and Odisha: A 4-Decade Shoreline Study”.