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.

Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Graduate research fellow at Pwani University/icipe, Kenya.

Bonface Onyango is a dedicated professional with a passion for bioinformatics and computational biology. With a strong educational background in both biochemistry and bioinformatics, Bonface has honed his skills in data analysis, programming, and research methodologies. His extensive experience includes roles as a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), where he contributed to the development of biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, Bonface has served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int and as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), where he conducted household surveys and field data collection on various research projects. His teaching experience as both a high school teacher and an online tutor reflects his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Bonface has also demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in various bioinformatics projects and hackathons, showcasing his ability to innovate and collaborate in multidisciplinary settings. With a keen interest in leveraging data science and machine learning techniques for biological research, Bonface continues to make significant contributions to the field and is poised to excel in his future endeavors.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Bonface Onyango pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya, graduating in 2019. Subsequently, he embarked on his academic journey in Bioinformatics by enrolling in a Master’s program at Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya, in 2021. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree, aiming to deepen his knowledge and expertise in this interdisciplinary field.

Professional Experience

Bonface Onyango has accumulated diverse professional experiences across various sectors. As a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2021 to 2023, he spearheaded the development of a biocollections database and constructed an integrative digital platform. Prior to this, he served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2020 to 2021. In this role, he meticulously detailed products to doctors, conducted continuous medical education to healthcare professionals, and actively participated in scientific webinars focusing on nutritional products. Additionally, his tenure as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Kisumu, Kenya, from 2019 to 2020, involved conducting household data collection surveys on post-COVID-19 impact and supervising field data collection on the contribution of Non-Profit Institutions (NPIs) to the country’s economy. His proficiency and leadership skills were further demonstrated during his time as a Content Supervisor at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Siaya, Kenya, in 2019, where he supervised enumerators during the Kenya Population and Housing Census.

Research Interest

Bonface Onyango’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of bioinformatics and computational biology. His primary focus lies in leveraging machine learning techniques for the analysis of genomic data, with specific emphasis on predicting the source of pathogens like Salmonella Enterica from whole genome sequencing data. Additionally, he is deeply involved in exploring microbial diversity in COVID-19 patients using AI-driven approaches. His expertise extends to the development of bioinformatics pipelines for ancestry prediction using whole exome data, reflecting his commitment to unraveling complex biological phenomena through computational methods. Moreover, he has a keen interest in reproducible research practices and machine learning applications in diverse biological contexts.

Award and Honors

Throughout his career, Bonface Onyango has received recognition and accolades for his contributions to various fields. Notable among these honors are his appointments as project lead and technical lead in prestigious bioinformatics hackathons and codeathons organized by institutions like the African Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (ASBCB) and Founders Factory Africa. Furthermore, his outstanding performance as a graduate research fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has been acknowledged, reflecting his dedication and proficiency in developing biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, his role as a content supervisor during the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census highlights his commitment to excellence in data collection and management.

Research Skills

Bonface Onyango possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to excel in his field. With a solid foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology, he demonstrates proficiency in data analysis, particularly in handling large-scale genomic datasets and applying machine learning algorithms for predictive modeling. His expertise extends to programming languages such as Python, R, and Bash, along with familiarity with Linux environments. Bonface is adept at utilizing various libraries and tools, including Sklearn, Pandas, Numpy, Git, and Docker, to streamline research workflows and facilitate collaboration. Moreover, his proficiency in citation management software such as Zotero, Mendeley, and Latex underscores his meticulous approach to academic writing and publication. Overall, Bonface’s research skills are instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing complex biological challenges.