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.

Neha Priyadarshini | Coastal Environmental Change | Women Researcher Award

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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”.

 

Ying Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang is a renowned expert in atmospheric environment remote sensing at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. She has published over 90 scientific papers and holds multiple patents in the field. Her pioneering work in particulate matter remote sensing and atmospheric composition inversion has been adopted by key institutions, including the China Meteorological Administration. Dr. Zhang has led numerous national and international research projects, received prestigious awards such as the Aerosol Young Scientist Award and China Patent Award, and collaborates globally with top research institutes in advancing environmental and atmospheric monitoring technologies.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ying Zhang’s journey into the world of science began with a deep interest in environmental and atmospheric phenomena. Her academic foundation was solidified at the prestigious Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where she earned her Ph.D. in Remote Sensing. Her doctoral research focused on atmospheric environment remote sensing, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to environmental monitoring through satellite data and advanced algorithms. Her early academic work reflected a blend of precision, curiosity, and a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation.

👩‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS, Dr. Zhang plays a vital role in advancing China’s capabilities in satellite-based environmental monitoring. Her professional journey includes participation in eight major national and international research projects, where she has worked extensively on atmospheric environmental remote sensing, air quality monitoring, and climate change analysis. In addition to her academic roles, she has provided critical consultancy as the Principal Investigator (PI) for three industry-linked projects in the meteorology and environmental protection sectors, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhang is a pioneer in the field of remote sensing for atmospheric monitoring. Her research introduced the Multi-parameter Particulate Matter Remote Sensing (PMRS) approach, a breakthrough in differentiating anthropogenic and natural sources of air pollution using satellite data. This methodology has since been operationalized by the China Meteorological Administration for real-time haze monitoring via the FY-4 satellite. Furthermore, she developed a remote sensing inversion method for determining the chemical composition of atmospheric particulates—now utilized by over ten institutions through the SONET (Sun-Sky Radiometer Observation Network).

Her academic contributions include the authorship of over 90 scientific papers, 70 of which are indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, earning her over 1,654 citations. She has also co-authored two monographs, one in English and another in Chinese, showcasing her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to both domestic and international audiences.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhang’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards that underscore her scientific impact. These include:

  • 🥇 Aerosol Young Scientist Award

  • 🧪 Beijing Natural Science Award

  • 🌱 Environmental Protection Science and Technology Award

  • 💡 China Patent Award for Excellence

These accolades not only highlight her technical excellence but also recognize her contributions to environmental sustainability and public health through improved monitoring systems and methodologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s research has had a significant real-world impact. By advancing remote sensing techniques, her work has strengthened China’s environmental monitoring infrastructure, particularly in tracking air pollution and climate change. Her PMRS method is a cornerstone in national haze monitoring operations, while her composition inversion techniques have empowered research institutions and meteorological agencies to better understand and respond to pollution events.

In addition to her scientific output, she has actively shaped the research community through editorial roles, including guest editor positions at Remote Sensing and Atmosphere, and as an editorial board member of China Environmental Monitoring. Her collaborative efforts span across leading international institutions such as the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, University of Lille, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison—promoting global dialogue and cooperation in environmental science.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhang’s legacy is one of bridging theory and application, with her innovations in remote sensing poised to continue benefiting both scientific communities and policy-making bodies. Her leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration for young scientists, particularly women in STEM, and her methodologies are likely to influence future developments in artificial intelligence-driven remote sensing, big data atmospheric modeling, and international climate change monitoring frameworks.

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhang is expected to further explore multi-source data integration, enhancing the precision and scope of environmental monitoring systems. With 10 invention patents already published and 4 more under process, her work continues to shape the evolving landscape of atmospheric sciences and remote sensing technology.

Publication Top Notes

Inversion of the global carbonaceous aerosol components (CACs) based on ground-based remote sensing of AERONET

Contributors: Zhuolin Yang; Ying Zhang; Yisong Xie; Hua Xu; Chaoyu Yan; Tong Hu; Zhengqiang Li
Journal: Environment International
Year: 2025

Aerosol Optical Depth Retrieval Over Land from Particulate Observing Scanning Polarimeter (POSP) Using a New Look-Up Table (LUT) Method

Contributors: Zhe Ji; Zhengqiang Li; Ying Zhang; Yan Ma; Zheng Shi; Xiaoxi Yan; Yisong Xie; Yang Zheng; Zhenting Chen
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024

Hossein Abolghasemzadeh | Environment | Best Researcher Award | 12824

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Mr. Hossein Abolghasemzadeh | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hossein Abolghasemzadeh, University of Tehran (UT), Iran

Mr. Hossein Abolghasemzadeh is affiliated with the University of Tehran (UT), Iran. He is involved in research and academic activities at the university, contributing to various projects and initiatives. His expertise and interests include [specify his research area or focus if known, or general academic fields related to his department]. Mr. Abolghasemzadeh plays a significant role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation within his field at the University of Tehran.

Profile

Google Scholar

📚 Education

      B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Babol Noshirvani University of Technology (NIT) in January 2020, graduating with a GPA of 3.21/4 (15.9/20).

M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tehran in February 2024, GPA of 3.65/4 (16.75/20).

💼 Professional Experience

     In his role with the Iranian Scientific Association of Clean Air, Mr. Abolghasemzadeh develops and produces high-quality scientific content focused on air pollution, energy, climate change, and carbon emissions. He also served as the Executive Assistant for the 10th Conference on Air and Noise Pollution Management in 2023.

Mr. Abolghasemzadeh has gained teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant for the “Climate Change and Meteorology” course at the University of Tehran in 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Mohsen Nasseri, and for the “Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Systems in Civil and Environmental Engineering” course at Babol Noshirvani University of Technology in 2019 under the supervision of Dr. Farhad Qaderi.

🔬 Research Focus

  1. Water-Energy Nexus: He has developed a system dynamics model to assess the interplay between water and energy resources, considering regional development programs and climate change impacts. His case study on Isfahan Province aims to evaluate regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, providing insights into sustainable resource management.
  2. Air Pollution and Climate Change: As part of his role with the Iranian Scientific Association of Clean Air, Mr. Abolghasemzadeh focuses on the interconnections between air pollution, energy consumption, and climate change. His work involves producing scientific content and research on reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of air pollution.
  3. Sustainable Civil and Environmental Systems: His background in civil engineering drives his interest in the design, construction, and maintenance of sustainable systems within civil and environmental engineering. His research explores how engineering practices can be optimized to minimize environmental impacts, particularly in the context of urban and regional planning.

🏆 Award and Honor

          Best Paper Award: 10th Conference on Air and Noise Pollution Management (2023)

                    Paper Title: “Assessing the Effects of Development Policies on the Emission of GHGs in the Industrial Sector via                          System  Dynamics: A Case Study of Isfahan Province”

          Ranked 14th in the National Civil Engineering Olympiad (2020)

         Full National Scholarship: Awarded after ranking 93rd in the Iranian University Entrance Exam (2021)

✍️ Publishing Top Notes

  • Best Paper Award: 10th Conference on Air and Noise Pollution Management (2023)
    • Title: “Assessing the Effects of Development Policies on the Emission of GHGs in the Industrial Sector via System Dynamics: A Case Study of Isfahan Province”
    • Summary: This paper presents a system dynamics model to evaluate the impact of development policies on greenhouse gas emissions in Isfahan’s industrial sector, providing insights into sustainable policy-making.
  • Thesis Publication: University of Tehran (2024)
    • Title: “Proposing a System Dynamics Water-Energy Model to Assess Regional GHGs Emission Considering Regional Development Program and Climate Change Effects (Case Study: Isfahan Province)”
    • Summary: This thesis explores the interactions between water and energy systems under the influence of regional development and climate change, using Isfahan Province as a case study to highlight the implications for GHG emissions.
  • Abolghasemzadeh, H., Zekri, E., & Nasseri, M. (2024). Regional-scale energy-water nexus framework
    to assess the GHG emissions under climate change and development scenarios via system dynamics
    approach. Sustainable Cities and Society.