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.

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

 

 

Chi-Jung Chung – Environmental Epidemiology – Best Researcher Award 

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Prof Chi-Jung Chung - Environmental Epidemiology - Best Researcher Award 

China Medical University - Taiwan 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Chi-Jung Chung embarked on his academic journey at Taipei Medical University, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Committee on Public Health from 2005 to 2009. This foundational phase of his education equipped him with the expertise and research methodologies that would later become instrumental in his distinguished career in public health.

Professional Endeavors

Over the years, Prof. Chung has held several key positions at China Medical University in Taichung, Taiwan. Starting as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Risk Assessment in February 2011, he steadily climbed the academic ladder. By August 2019, he had risen to the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health. His current roles include Professor in the Department of Public Health and Adjunct Principle Investigator in the Department of Medical Research at China Medical University Hospital.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Chung's research primarily centers on the intricate relationship between environmental factors, such as heavy metal exposure and air pollution, and their impact on human health. His groundbreaking studies have explored the associations between metal exposure and diseases like urothelial carcinoma and Alzheimer's disease. Utilizing methodologies such as high-sensitivity inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and advanced statistical analyses like generalized weighted quantile regression, he has made significant contributions to the fields of cancer epidemiology and molecular epidemiology. Furthermore, Dr. Chung has delved into machine learning and predictive model construction, reflecting his commitment to leveraging innovative technologies in public health research.

Accolades and Recognition

Although specific accolades and awards are not listed in the provided information, Prof. Chung's extensive publication record and academic advancements speak volumes about his contributions to the field. His research has been published in reputable journals such as the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, JAMA Network Open, and Genome Biology, among others. These publications underscore his recognition as a leading expert in environmental health risk assessment and epidemiology.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Chung's research findings have had a profound impact on public health policies and practices, particularly in Taiwan. By identifying the health risks associated with environmental metal exposure and air pollution, he has provided invaluable insights that inform regulatory measures and public awareness campaigns. Moreover, his interdisciplinary collaborations and development of a cloud-based automated statistical analysis platform signify his influence in fostering innovation within the healthcare research landscape.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a prominent figure in the realm of environmental health risk assessment, Prof. Chung's legacy is characterized by his relentless pursuit of knowledge and dedication to improving public health outcomes. His research has laid the groundwork for future investigations into the complex interplay between environmental factors and human health. Looking ahead, Dr. Chung's commitment to raising awareness about environmental pollution issues and advocating for sustainable practices positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping policies and initiatives that prioritize public health and environmental stewardship.

In summary, Prof. Chi-Jung Chung's illustrious career is marked by significant contributions to public health research, particularly in the areas of heavy metals health risk assessment, air pollution, and molecular epidemiology. His academic achievements, research endeavors, and commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations underscore his impact and influence in the field, setting a precedent for future generations of researchers and practitioners alike.

Notable Publication