Alexandra Ter Halle | Environmental Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Alexandra Ter Halle | Environmental Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Laboratoire Softmat | France

Alexandra ter Halle is a distinguished French researcher specializing in the environmental fate and impact of microplastics and nanoplastics. She holds a PhD from Université Lyon 1 (2000) and an Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches from Université Blaise Pascal (2008). Since 2004, she has been a Chargée de Recherche at CNRS, currently affiliated with the IMRCP laboratory in Toulouse. Over her career, she has authored 90 peer-reviewed publications, secured 6 patents (PCT extensions), delivered numerous invited talks, and supervised over 50 students, postdocs, and visiting researchers. Her work focuses on the characterization, degradation, and ecological implications of plastic debris in marine and freshwater environments, including pioneering studies on the nanoplastic fraction of marine litter. Ter Halle has led and coordinated multiple national and international research projects, including the Expédition 7ème Continent and programs funded by ANR, Air Liquide Foundation, and European initiatives. She actively contributes to scientific advisory boards, such as the Fondation de la Mer and GDR “Plastique Environnement et Santé.” Her research has garnered significant recognition, reflected in an h-index of 36, over 6,607 citations, and coverage by 5,162 documents, underscoring her influence in the field of environmental science and marine pollution.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

(2026). Py-GC-MS/MS quantification of microplastics in vertebrate tissues: Addressing false positives of polyethylene. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

(2025). Concentration gradient of plastic debris larger than 500 μm detected across the Southwest Indian Ocean. Scientific Reports.

(2025). A membrane cascade for size-based separation and concentration of nanoplastics in environmental waters. Separation and Purification Technology.

(2025). Modeling fouling kinetics for experiments with transmission varying during filtration. Journal of Membrane Science.

(2025). Unveiling marine plastic degraders through DNA-stable isotope probing. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Gennaro Trancone | Environmental Engineering  | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Gennaro Trancone | Environmental Engineering  | Research Excellence Award

University of Naples “Federico II | Italy

Gennaro Trancone is a civil and environmental engineer specializing in environmental biotechnology, waste-to-energy systems, and sustainable solid-waste management. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Systems Engineering from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where his dissertation focused on biological leaching as a sustainable method for treating construction and demolition waste. With 9 scientific documents, 155 citations, and an h-index of 7 (cited by 123 documents), his research spans anaerobic digestion, dark fermentation, biofilm reactors, renewable biogas production, and remediation of asbestos-contaminated materials. He has contributed to national and international conferences and serves as a reviewer for over 20 peer-reviewed journals. His academic experience includes teaching in soil bioengineering and supporting courses in contaminated-site remediation, sanitary engineering, and waste management. Professionally, he has served as a technical commissioner, project engineer, and consultant for wastewater treatment and marine environmental studies. His work integrates microbial processes, chemical characterization, and circular-economy strategies to create scalable, low-carbon solutions for waste valorization and environmental protection. Recognized for his multidisciplinary approach, he aims to advance biorefinery systems, eco-efficient remediation technologies, and predictive tools for environmental monitoring, contributing to sustainable development and next-generation environmental engineering practices.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Bounaas, M., Haouichi, M., Gattal, B., Hamza, W., Benalia, A., Derbal, K., Benzina, M., Pizzi, A., Trancone, G., & Panico, A. (2025). “Optimization of NaOH chemical treatment parameters for biomass-based adsorbents in cationic dye removal processes” in Processes.

Achouri, O., Bianco, F., Trancone, G., & Race, M. (2025). “A critical review of anaerobic biofilm reactors for the renewable biogas production from food waste” in Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.

Trancone, G., Policastro, G., Spasiano, D., Race, M., Parrino, F., Fratino, U., Fabbricino, M., & Pirozzi, F. (2025). “Treatment of concrete waste from construction and demolition activities: Application of organic acids from continuous dark fermentation in moving bed biofilm reactors” in Chemical Engineering Journal.

Ferraro, A., Marino, E., Trancone, G., Race, M., Mali, M., Pontoni, L., Fabbricino, M., Spasiano, D., & Fratino, U. (2023). “Assessment of environmental parameters effect on potentially toxic elements mobility in foreshore sediments to support marine-coastal contamination prediction” in Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Veropalumbo, R., Oreto, C., Viscione, N., Pirozzi, F., Pontoni, L., Trancone, G., Race, M., & Russo, F. (2023). “Exploring the effect on the environment of encapsulated micro- and nano-plastics into asphalt mastics for road pavement” in Environmental Research.

John Giesy |  Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. John Giesy |  Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Baylor University | Canada

Professor John P. Giesy is a globally recognized environmental chemist and ecotoxicologist, renowned for his pioneering work in identifying and characterizing perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the environment. He earned his B.S. in Biology (Summa Cum Laude) from Alma College, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Limnology from Michigan State University. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Giesy has held leading academic and research positions worldwide, contributing extensively to environmental science, risk assessment, and ecosystem protection. His research focuses on the fate and effects of environmental contaminants, chemical safety, and the development of ecological models for sustainable management. With an exceptional record of 1,304 peer-reviewed publications, over 75,308 citations, and an H-index of 126, he ranks among the most cited scientists in environmental sciences globally. Professor Giesy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) and the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the National Academy of Science of Canada. His numerous honors include the SETAC Founders Award, Environmental Education Award, Global Capacity Building Award, and the Royal Society of Canada’s Miroslaw Romanowski Medal. His lifelong contributions continue to shape global environmental policy and scientific innovation in ecotoxicology and sustainable chemistry.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Lin, T., Zhou, S., He, H., Guo, J., Sturchio, N. C., Rockne, K. J., Giesy, J. P., & Li, A. (2025). Halogenated flame retardants in the sediments of the lower Great Lakes and region-wide discoveries. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Al Naggar, Y., Fahmy, N., Alkhaibari, A., Al-Akeel, R., Alharbi, H., Mohamed, A., Eleftherianos, I., El-Seedi, H., Giesy, J. P., & Alharbi, H. (2025). Mechanisms and genetic drivers of resistance of insect pests to insecticides and approaches to its control. Toxics.

Mahoney, H., Ankley, P., Roberts, C., Lamb, A., Schultz, M., Zhou, Y., Giesy, J. P., & Brinkmann, M. (2025). Correction to “Unveiling the molecular effects of replacement and legacy PFASs: Transcriptomic analysis of zebrafish embryos reveals surprising similarities and potencies.” Environmental Science & Technology.

Engelbrecht, I., Horn, S. R., Giesy, J. P., & Pieters, R. (2025). Quantification of pesticides and in vitro effects of water-soluble fractions of agricultural soils in South Africa. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.

Kim, T., Zhen, J., Lee, J., Park, S. Y., Lee, C., Kwon, B.-O., Hong, S., Shin, H.-M., Giesy, J. P., & Chang, G. S. (2024). Prediction of cytotoxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from first principles. Science of the Total Environment.

Maxime CULOT – Alternative toxicology – Best Researcher Award 

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Prof Dr. Maxime CULOT - Alternative toxicology - Best Researcher Award 

University of Artois - France

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr. Maxime Culot began his academic journey at the University of Artois, where he obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Life Sciences and Cell Biology & Physiology, respectively. His passion for neuroscience led him to pursue a Master's degree in Biology at the University of Lille Nord de France. This diverse educational background provided him with a solid foundation in biological sciences, preparing him for his future research endeavors.

In 2004, Culot embarked on his doctoral studies at the University of Artois, focusing on Neurosciences. This marked the beginning of his deep dive into understanding the intricacies of the brain and its barriers, laying the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Following the completion of his Ph.D., Culot ventured into academia as a Lecturer at the University of Artois, where he shared his expertise with aspiring scientists. His academic journey then took him to Ghent University as a Postdoctoral Fellow, broadening his horizons and fostering collaborations beyond his home institution.

Culot's postdoctoral experiences extended to industry as he joined Medimmune, Cambridge UK, supported by AstraZeneca, Sweden. This industry exposure provided him with valuable insights into pharmaceutical research and drug development, enriching his academic perspective.

Upon his return to academia, Culot assumed the role of Associate Professor at the BBB Laboratory (UR 2465), University of Artois. Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as a Full Professor in September 2023. Throughout his academic career, Culot demonstrated a relentless commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of neurobiology and drug delivery.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof Dr. Culot's research primarily revolves around the use of in vitro models in ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) studies, with a particular emphasis on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). He has leveraged various in vitro BBB models, including those derived from animal sources and human stem cells, to investigate the transport of xenobiotics across biological barriers.

His laboratory's repertoire also encompasses intestinal and neuronal in vitro models, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding drug pharmacokinetics and toxicology. Through his collaborative efforts, Culot has contributed significantly to unraveling the complexities of drug permeability and toxicity, paving the way for safer and more effective therapeutic interventions.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof Dr. Culot's outstanding contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. Notably, he received the International Brain Barriers Society's award in 2011, underscoring his pioneering work in barrier biology. Additionally, his prolific publication record and leadership roles in prestigious academic journals attest to his stature as a respected figure in the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr. Culot's impact extends beyond the confines of his laboratory, as evidenced by his involvement in various EU-funded projects and private research contracts with pharmaceutical companies. His research findings have direct implications for drug development and safety assessment, thereby influencing clinical practice and regulatory guidelines.

Furthermore, Culot's mentorship of junior researchers and supervision of doctoral theses have nurtured the next generation of scientists, ensuring continuity in scientific innovation and discovery. His collaborative ethos and dedication to scientific excellence have fostered a culture of interdisciplinary research, fostering fruitful collaborations both within academia and industry.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Maxime Culot continues to spearhead cutting-edge research at the University of Artois, his legacy as a trailblazer in neuropharmacology and in vitro modeling is firmly established. Looking ahead, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in ADME research, with a focus on harnessing emerging

Notable Publication