Rodney Tatenda Muringai | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rodney Tatenda Muringai | Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Johannesburg | South Africa

Dr. Rodney Tatenda Muringai is a climate change and food security scholar with over six years of experience spanning teaching, postdoctoral research, and applied policy work. He holds a PhD, MSc, PGDip, and BSS from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with additional training in sustainability from Beijing Normal University. His professional experience includes roles as Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Ad Hoc Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Research Assistant, and Ecosystem Services Analyst. Dr. Rodney Tatenda Muringai’s research interests focus on climate change adaptation, fisheries and aquaculture, livelihoods, and socio-ecological resilience, supported by strong skills in policy analysis, GIS, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis. He has received NRF, SARChI, and LIMA awards and continues to contribute impactful, policy-relevant research that advances sustainable development in Africa.

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Featured Publications

Vulnerability of inland small-scale fishing communities to climate change and variability: Insights from the Zambezi River Basin, Zimbabwe

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu L. Mafongoya, Romano Lottering – Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2025
Living in the wild: The bidirectional impacts of human–wildlife interaction in Binga and Nyaminyami rural districts, Zimbabwe

Rodney T. Muringai, Walter Musakwa, Phindile Mthembu, Takafara Gozo – Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa, 2025
Sub-Saharan Africa freshwater fisheries under climate change: Impacts, adaptation, and mitigation measures

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu Mafongoya, Romano T. Lottering – Fishes, 2022
Climate change perceptions, impacts and adaptation strategies: Insights from fishers in the Zambezi River Basin, Zimbabwe

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu Mafongoya, Romano T. Lottering – Sustainability, 2022
Unlocking the potential of fish to improve food and nutrition security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Rodney T. Muringai, Paramu Mafongoya, Romano T. Lottering et al. – Sustainability, 2021

Erone Ghizoni Santos – Ecology – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Erone Ghizoni Santos - Ecology - Best Researcher Award 

University of Helsinki  - Finland

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Erone Ghizoni dos Santos began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Forest Engineering, graduating from the University State of Santa Catarina in Brazil in 2014. During this time, he also pursued vocational and technical education in business, showcasing his early interest in interdisciplinary knowledge. This educational background laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in environmental sciences and forestry management.

Endeavors and Contributions

Following his graduation, Erone delved deeper into his field through various internships and short-term courses, gaining practical experience and expanding his skill set. Notably, his internship at Esteio Engenharia e Aerolevantamentos SA provided hands-on exposure to forestry consultancy, further shaping his understanding of the industry's practical aspects.

His pursuit of knowledge extended beyond traditional academics, as evidenced by his involvement in projects such as evaluating the growth and commercial production of Pinus taeda and using organic waste for composting techniques in building vegetable gardens. These experiences underscore his holistic approach to forestry, incorporating aspects of sustainability and environmental management into his skill set.

Research Focus and Accolades On Ecology

Mr. Erone's academic journey took a significant leap forward with his Master's in Remote Sensing from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in Brazil. His thesis on forest biomass estimation in the Amazon biome using multi-stage approaches demonstrated his proficiency in utilizing advanced technologies like LiDAR and orbital image data for ecological research.

His contributions to mapping and monitoring forest degradation using remote sensing data, supported by FAPESP, showcased his commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues. Additionally, his research on dendrochronology, climate variation, and historical use of Araucaria angustifolia highlighted his interdisciplinary approach, bridging forestry with climatology and historical ecology.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Erone's work has left a lasting impact on the field of geosciences, particularly in understanding the effects of selective logging on tropical forest microclimates. His publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences have contributed valuable insights into forest ecology, microclimate dynamics, and carbon estimation methodologies. By combining fieldwork, remote sensing techniques, and innovative research methodologies, he has advanced our understanding of tropical ecosystems' resilience and vulnerability to anthropogenic disturbances.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Erone continues his PhD research at the University of Helsinki, his legacy is marked by a dedication to interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship. His future contributions hold promise for furthering our knowledge of forest ecosystems and their responses to global environmental changes. With his expertise in LiDAR, forest microclimate, and biomass estimation, Erone is poised to make significant strides in sustainable forest management, climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Notable Publication