Xinyu Tan | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xinyu Tan | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

University College London | China

Ms. Xinyu Tan is an emerging architect and researcher from University College London, specializing in environmental and computational design. She holds a degree from The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and previously studied at the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts, where she built a strong foundation in fine arts and digital design. Her research focuses on AI-driven urban design, architectural visualization, and sustainable spatial systems that integrate environmental awareness with advanced digital fabrication. With experience at HKS Asia Pacific Design Consulting in Singapore and Shanghai Rosso Cultural & Art Co., Ltd., she has contributed to international projects such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Stadium and urban renewal programs emphasizing community and heritage. Ms. Tan has received numerous awards including the Archisource Drawing of the Year 2021, the Zijin Award for Architectural Design, and multiple national recognitions for creativity and environmental design excellence. As a Teaching Assistant at DigitalFUTURES 2025, she supported AI-based interdisciplinary workshops. Her academic performance has earned several scholarships and distinctions, with her artworks preserved by the Hubei Institute of Fine Arts. reflecting her growing research impact in architectural innovation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

Tan, X. (2025). Visual perception-informed urban design toolkit: Computational urban morphology optimisation to inform real-time perceived safety. Journal of Urban Management. (Open Access).

 

Zakieh Taghizadeh | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Zakieh Taghizadeh | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Fribourg University | Iran

Dr. Zakieh Taghizadeh Pirposhteh is a scholar of public international law, biodiversity governance, and marine genetic resource regulation. She holds an LL.M in International Contracts & Arbitration (University of Fribourg, 2024–2025), a UN-Nippon Fellowship in the Law of the Sea and Ocean (New York, 2014–2015), and earlier attained a Master of Law in Public International Law and Bachelor of Law in Legal Studies and Jurisprudence (Tehran, Iran). Her professional roles include serving as Legal Counselor at the United Nations Office (Geneva, 2020–2022), Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator at WIPO (2023–2024), and Research Associate on marine biodiversity, law of the sea, and genetic resource governance at the University of Tehran (2015–2020). Her publications include BBNJ Agreement and Intellectual Property Implications for Marine Genetic Resource Management in ABNJ (2024) and Marine Genetic Resources as Common Heritage of Mankind (2024), among others. According to Google Scholar, Her research interests center on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, arbitration in digital sequence information disputes, benefit-sharing frameworks, human rights and indigenous peoples’ rights, intergenerational equity, and international ocean law. She has been recognized as a reviewer for multiple journals and awarded a WIPO–Harvard Certificate in Patent Law and Global Public Health (2025), and was nominated by the Asia & Pacific Group of WIPO as an expert to the IGC advisory boards. Driven by a commitment to sustainable governance and global justice, Dr. Taghizadeh continues to bridge legal scholarship and multilateral policy engagement in marine and biodiversity law.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Taghizadeh, Z. (2025). “Marine Genetic Resources as Common Heritage of Mankind under the BBNJ Agreement: The International Community toward a Pragmatic Benefit-Sharing Approach?” in Biodiversity and Conservation, 34(1), 131–153.

Taghizadeh, Z., & Asgarian, H. (2024). “BBNJ Agreement and Intellectual Property Implications for Marine Genetic Resources Management in ABNJ” in The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law, 1(aop), 1–32.

Taghizadeh, Z. (2025). “Intergenerational and Intra-generational Equity under the BBNJ Agreement: Advancing Accountability toward Sustainable Management of the Marine Environment” in Environmental Management, 1–19.

Taghizadeh, Z., & Asgarian, H. (2025). “From Global Commons to Global Accountability: The Erga Omnes Obligation to Safeguard Marine Biological Diversity as Common Heritage of Humankind” in Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 28(2), 193–220.

Taghizadeh, Z. (2021). “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone: Legal Analysis of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea’s Approach in Its Advisory Opinion” in International Journal of Maritime Policy, 1(1), 5–36.

Jiapeng Xu | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jiapeng Xu | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Northwest A&F University | China

Dr. Jiapeng Xu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, specializing in urbanization, industrial economy, and urban-rural sustainable development. He earned his Doctor of Management degree from Huazhong Agricultural University and has established a distinguished career in research, teaching, and policy advisory. With over 11 publications in leading journals such as Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Environment, Development and Sustainability, and Environmental Management, his scholarly impact is reflected in an h-index of 5 and over 203 citations. Dr. Xu has led more than 10 national and provincial-level projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and completed 23 teaching and research initiatives. His policy reports have been recognized at the highest levels of government—four adopted by the General Office of the State Council and three receiving direct instructions from national leaders. A Consulting Expert for World Bank Projects and a member of several academic committees, he also contributes as Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Virtual Teaching Office under China’s Ministry of Education. His research continues to advance sustainable economic policies and educational innovation in China’s western development region, earning him prestigious honors such as the Shaanxi Provincial Higher Education Teaching Achievement Award.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Promoting Balanced Ecological-economic Development in Ecologically Vulnerable Regions: Spatio-temporal Variation and Driving Factors, 2025

The impact of urbanization on carbon emissions of rural households: a study based on micro-level measurement, 2024

Ujjwal Das | Public Health Analytics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Ujjwal Das | Public Health Analytics | Young Scientist Award

Fakir Mohan University | India

Dr. Ujjwal Das is an Assistant Professor (Temporary) of Geography at Fakir Mohan University, India, specializing in social determinants of population health, geospatial analysis, and public health research. He earned his Ph.D. in Geography from Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (2025), following an M.Phil. and Master of Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, and a Gold Medalist M.A. in Applied Geography from Ravenshaw University. Dr. Das has presented his research at multiple national and international conferences, focusing on urban poverty, child malnutrition, elderly morbidity, and maternal health. His scholarly contributions include over 14 peer-reviewed publications, 5 book chapters, and extensive research on mortality, fertility, and population-environment interactions. He is proficient in quantitative and spatial analysis tools including SPSS, STATA, ArcGIS, R, and Mortpak. With an h-index of 3, more than 9 documents, and over 37 citations, his work is widely recognized for its impact on public health and population geography. Dr. Das has received awards for excellence in research and contribution to population studies. His ongoing work integrates geospatial methods with social science approaches to inform policy and improve health outcomes in India, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Das, U., & Mohanty, S.K. (2025). “Urban Poverty and Child Malnutrition in India: A Geographical Analysis” in Health on the Move: Population and Public Health Perspectives.

Ahamad, V., & Das, U. (2025). “Health on the move: cardiovascular disease risk among ageing male migrants in India” in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus.

Das, U. (2025). “Is Virginity a Matter of Dignity or a Lack of Opportunity? Exploring the Paradoxical Relationship Between Premarital Sex and Education Among Youth in India” in Sexuality & Culture.

Das, U., & Kar, N. (2025). “Understanding economic disparities in elderly health outcomes: a decomposition analysis in Bankura district” in BMC Public Health.

Das, U., Kar, N., Riba, T., & Rout, N.R. (2025). “Prevalence of diabetes and disability among older adults in West Bengal and India: A comparative analysis” in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews.

Amanuel Kachiko | Electrica Power Engineering | Best Faculty Award

Mr. Amanuel Kachiko | Electrica Power Engineering | Best Faculty Award

Haramaya University | Ethiopia

Amanuel Kachiko is a Lecturer and Researcher in Electrical Power Engineering at Haramaya University, Ethiopia, with over eight years of academic and research experience. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Electrical Power Engineering, with specialized training in reliability of power systems, renewable energy, grid and off-grid power systems, and optimization of generation, transmission, and distribution networks. His expertise spans simulation tools such as MATLAB, ETAP, PSAT, DigSILENT, and advanced programming for engineering applications. Amanuel’s research interests focus on smart grids, renewable energy integration, power system reliability, and AI-based solutions for energy systems, with several peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Energy (Elsevier). His contributions extend to applied projects such as the design of automated health, insurance, and ambulance management systems, and the development of automated performance management systems for regional utilities in Ethiopia. He has also completed international certifications in AI, data science, cybersecurity, and research publishing, and actively contributes as a peer reviewer for scientific journals. With a commitment to innovation, teaching, and community-focused projects, Amanuel continues to explore solutions for sustainable electrification, smart grid design, and data-driven energy optimization, shaping the future of energy transitions in developing regions and beyond.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publication

“A feasibility analysis of PV-based off-grid rural electrification for a pastoral settlement in Ethiopia”

AbdelKarim AlBataineh | Behavioral Economics Research | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. AbdelKarim AlBataineh | Behavioral Economics Research | Best Researcher Award

University of Petra | Jordan

Assist. Prof. Dr. AbdelKarim Fawwaz AlBataineh is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of economics, with a strong focus on financial and banking sciences. He has built a career that blends teaching, research, academic leadership, and professional service. Over the years, he has contributed to advancing knowledge in areas such as financial inclusion, governance, remittances, sustainable development, and economic growth. His career is marked by scholarly publications, participation in academic committees, and recognition through prestigious awards.

Professional Profiles

Orcid
Google Scholar

Education

Dr. AlBataineh pursued his higher education in the Russian Federation, where he developed expertise in economics and management of national economies. He completed a Master of Science in Engineering of the Economies of Radio and Television Production and later earned his Doctorate in Economics. His doctoral research explored organizational and economic factors shaping the development and efficiency of media industries, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach that connects economic theories with practical applications in technology and communication.

Experience

His academic career began with teaching roles at Al-Zaytoonah Private University before joining the University of Petra, where he has served as Assistant Professor in the Department of Financial and Banking Sciences. Beyond teaching, he has taken on leadership and service roles, including Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and membership in key university and faculty-level committees related to accreditation, academic program management, and quality assurance. He has also contributed to guiding students through academic counseling, examination oversight, and research mentorship. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. AlBataineh gained valuable early professional exposure in media and consulting roles, bridging the gap between economics and applied industries.

Research Interests

Dr. AlBataineh’s research interests lie at the intersection of financial sciences, economic development, and technological innovation. His studies address critical issues such as the role of financial inclusion in promoting investment, the effects of remittances on poverty alleviation, corporate governance under crisis conditions, the impact of smart contracts on land registry systems, and the role of business incubators in fostering women’s entrepreneurship. He has also investigated the dynamics of price policies, financial ratios, and inventory management, offering insights into the functioning of markets and organizations in Jordan and beyond. His commitment to exploring diverse topics highlights his adaptability and dedication to contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Award

Dr. AlBataineh’s scholarly achievements have been recognized through the Al Hussein Fund for Excellence Economic Research Award, honoring his contributions to labor economics and applied financial studies. This recognition underscores his ability to generate impactful research with relevance to policy, practice, and sustainable development in the region.

Publications

AlBataineh, A.F. (2025). The effect of smart contracts (blockchain technology) on Jordan’s land registry and survey department for sustainable development. Discover Sustainability.

Yousef Ali, H.Y.A., Hamshari, Y.M., Alqam, M.A., & AlBataineh, A.F. (2025). Effects of corporate governance at information asymmetry on the presence of COVID-19 pandemic. Data and Metadata, 2(2), Article 672.

AlBataineh, A.K.F., Harb, A.S.M., Alnajjar, A.H., & Alhaj, R.S. (2024). Evaluating the impact of business incubators on promoting growth and creativity in women’s projects in Jordan. International Journal of Management and Sustainability, 13(4), 158–170.

AlBataineh, A. (2024). The effect of remittances on poverty and economic growth in Jordan: Evidence from augmented autoregressive distributed lag model. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 30(4), 915–933.

AlBataineh, A. (2024). The effect of price policy on market share for retail stores in Jordan. Kurdish Studies, 12(1), 45–57.

AlBataineh, A. (2023). Role of financial stability in strengthening the relationship between financial inclusion and investments in the Jordanian financial sector. Journal of Hunan University Natural Sciences, 50(4), 25–34.

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. AbdelKarim AlBataineh is an accomplished academic whose career reflects a balance of teaching excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Through his contributions to higher education, scholarly publications, and professional service, he continues to influence the field of economics and financial sciences. His dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges positions him as a respected scholar and mentor within the academic and professional community.

Neha Choudhary | Environmental Data Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Neha Choudhary | Environmental Data Analysis | Women Researcher Award

Sorbonne Université | France

Dr. Neha Choudhary is a postdoctoral researcher at Institut Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, Sorbonne Université, France, with expertise in materials and inorganic chemistry, particularly in the development of nanomaterials and single-atom catalysts. Her work focuses on designing sustainable catalytic systems for environmentally benign organic transformations and CO₂ conversion into valuable chemicals. With a strong foundation in catalysis and nanotechnology, Dr. Choudhary has contributed significantly to advancing green chemistry and renewable energy solutions through innovative research and international collaborations.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Choudhary earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, where she conducted extensive research on the design and synthesis of bimetallic catalysts for environmentally friendly organic transformations. She also holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from the School of Chemical Sciences, DAVV, Indore, and a Bachelor of Science with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore. Her strong academic background is further supported by her qualification in competitive national-level examinations, which strengthened her expertise in catalysis and materials chemistry.

Experience

Dr. Choudhary has extensive experience in academia and research, beginning as a guest faculty member in chemistry at Govt. Polytechnic College, Dewas, where she also taught environmental chemistry and mentored students. She further advanced her research expertise as a Research Associate under a DAE-BRNS scheme at IIT Indore, focusing on catalytic applications of nanocatalysts derived from single-source molecular precursors. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Sorbonne Université under the PEPR PowerCO₂ Scheme, she designs and synthesizes three-dimensional structured materials and single-atom catalysts for the conversion of CO₂ into methane and methanol. Her work integrates advanced catalytic materials with renewable energy applications, contributing to global sustainability goals.

Research Interest

Her research interests lie in heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, single-atom catalysts, CO₂ hydrogenation, biomass conversion, and sustainable energy solutions. She specializes in the development of bimetallic and single-atom catalysts for environmentally benign transformations, with a strong emphasis on recyclability, robustness, and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Choudhary’s research also explores electrochemical performance of nanostructured materials for energy storage and CO₂ fixation, bridging the gap between catalysis, green chemistry, and sustainable development.

Awards and Achievements

Dr. Choudhary has actively contributed to numerous international and national conferences, including the European Materials Research Society Fall Meeting, International Conference on Environmental Catalysis, and ICANN conferences. She has presented her research through oral talks and posters in globally recognized events such as the Commonwealth Chemistry Poster Competition and RSC Twitter Poster Conference. She has completed several certified courses from reputed international institutions on nanotechnology, molecular spectroscopy, and nanosensors. Her academic journey is marked by active participation in workshops, webinars, and research symposia focusing on catalysis, renewable energy, and sustainable chemistry. Beyond her academic achievements, she holds accolades in extracurricular activities, including martial arts and cultural events, demonstrating a well-rounded professional profile.

Publications

Chandra, P., Choudhary, N., Lahiri, G.K., Maiti, D., Mobin, S.M. (2021). “Copper Mediated Chemo‐ and Stereoselective Cyanation Reactions.” Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, 10(8), 1897–1937.

Singh, A., Choudhary, N., Mobin, S.M., Mathur, P. (2021). “Cubane Ru₄(CO)₈ Cluster Containing 4 Pyridine-Methanol Ligands as a Highly Efficient Photoelectrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction from Water.” Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, 940, 121769.

Ghosh, T., Choudhary, N., Mobin, S.M. (2020). “Design and Synthesis of Silver Decorated Fe₃O₄@Fe Doped CeO₂ Core‐Shell Ternary Composite as Highly Efficient Nanocatalyst for Selective Oxidation of ….” ChemistrySelect, 5(31), 9601–9606.

Choudhary, N., Parsai, P., Shaikh, M.M. (2024). “3d Transition Metal-Based Single-Atom Catalyst as an Emerging Field for Environmentally Benign Organic Transformation Reactions.” Molecular Catalysis, 565, 114360.

Choudhary, N., Hussain, N., Mobin, S.M. (2023). “Insights on Effect of Different Electrolytes on Electrochemical Performance of CoNi Nanoflower‐Based Supercapacitors.” Energy Technology, 11(10), 2300521.

Choudhary, N., Srivastava, N., Annadata, H.V., Ghosh, B., Da Costa, P. (2025). “The Dual‐Active‐Site Catalysts Containing Atomically Dispersed Pr³⁺ with Ni/CeO₂ for CO₂ Hydrogenation to Methane.” Small, 2504707.

Conclusion

Dr. Neha Choudhary exemplifies a dynamic researcher with a deep commitment to advancing the field of materials and inorganic chemistry through innovative catalysis and nanotechnology. Her contributions toward sustainable CO₂ conversion and green chemical processes align with global environmental objectives. With an extensive publication record in high-impact journals and a strong network of international collaborations, she continues to pioneer advancements in catalytic science for cleaner and greener chemical processes. Her vision includes fostering innovation in renewable energy catalysis, mentoring emerging researchers, and bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application to promote a more sustainable future.

Lingkui Zhao | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Scholar Award

Ms. Lingkui Zhao | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Scholar Award

College of Environmental and Resources, Xiangtan University | China

Ms. Lingkui Zhao is an accomplished Associate Professor at the School of Environment and Resources, renowned for her expertise in air pollution control and the development of advanced environmental catalytic materials. With an extensive background in environmental science and engineering, she has made significant contributions to addressing atmospheric environmental challenges driven by national economic development needs. Her work integrates innovative approaches to mitigate typical air pollutants including sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen-containing pollutants, and mercury, utilizing diverse techniques such as absorption, adsorption, catalysis, numerical modeling, and mathematical optimization.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Ms. Zhao earned her PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from Hunan University, where she developed a strong foundation in pollution control technologies and environmental catalysis. Her academic training has provided her with the necessary expertise to explore complex environmental processes and design sustainable solutions for pollution mitigation.

Experience

Over the years, Ms. Zhao has successfully led numerous high-impact research projects funded by esteemed institutions such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, the Hunan Provincial Key R&D Program, and the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation. Her leadership in these projects reflects her deep commitment to scientific innovation and applied research. She has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in internationally recognized journals including Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, Chemical Engineering Journal, and Journal of Hazardous Materials. In addition, she holds two authorized invention patents, further underlining her contributions to the field of environmental catalysis. As an educator, she imparts her knowledge to undergraduate students through courses such as “Air Pollution Control Engineering” and “Engineering Design,” nurturing the next generation of environmental engineers and researchers.

Research Interests

Her primary research focuses on air pollution control, with particular emphasis on the coordinated removal of multiple atmospheric pollutants at low to medium temperatures. She specializes in the design, preparation, and application of catalytic materials for the simultaneous control of NO, VOCs, mercury, and dioxins. Her research delves into the mechanisms of synergistic catalytic reactions, structural modifications of catalysts, sulfur resistance mechanisms, and regeneration performance of activated materials. She is also engaged in developing and optimizing core–shell and ordered mesoporous catalysts to achieve efficient pollutant removal under varying industrial conditions.

Awards and Recognition

Ms. Zhao has been recognized for her outstanding research and academic contributions through the acquisition of prestigious grants and funded projects at national and provincial levels. Her research outputs have been instrumental in supporting technical assistance initiatives for air pollution prevention and control across several regions in China, including Changde, Loudi, Hengyang, and Yongzhou. Her expertise has made her a valued contributor to both academic and applied environmental protection strategies.

Publications

(2025). “Multisite CuFeAlOx catalyst enabling high-efficiency synergetic catalytic removal of NO and toluene by enhancing pseudo toluene-SCR pathway.” Chemical Engineering Journal.

 (2025). “Oxygen-containing functional groups coupled Fe sites of FeOx/OAC overcome the trade-off between desulfurization activity and regeneration performance.” Journal of Environmental Management.

(2025). “In situ introduced oxygen-containing functional groups boost the reactivity and regenerability of FeOx/AC for cyclic denitrification-desulfurization-regeneration.” Separation and Purification Technology.

 (2025). “Enhancing the activity and sulfur resistance of CuFeAlOx catalyst via the structure effect for the simultaneous removal of Hg⁰ and NO at wide temperature.” Separation and Purification Technology.

(2025). “Efficient formaldehyde removal by maximizing adsorption/catalytic sites over graphene-Ce modified TiO₂.” Separation and Purification Technology.

Conclusion

Ms. Lingkui Zhao’s professional journey reflects a profound dedication to advancing scientific understanding and practical solutions in the field of air pollution control and environmental catalysis. Through her extensive research, patents, and educational endeavors, she has established herself as a leading expert committed to tackling critical environmental challenges. Her contributions continue to shape cleaner industrial practices and inspire innovation in sustainable environmental technologies, ultimately promoting healthier air quality and ecological well-being.

Yojana Adhikari | Climate Change Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Yojana Adhikari | Climate Change Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Centre of Econics and Ecosystem Managementand, Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development | Germany

Ms. Yojana Adhikari is a dedicated researcher specializing in sustainable forestry, forest microclimate regulation, and climate adaptation strategies. With a strong foundation in forestry and geospatial science, she contributes to advancing ecological forestry practices through interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating field-based measurements with cutting-edge GIS and remote sensing techniques. Her research focuses on understanding how old-growth forests regulate microclimates, buffer against climate extremes, and foster biodiversity resilience. In her professional roles, she manages and analyzes large datasets, develops geospatial tools, and supports applied research to inform sustainable forest management and conservation strategies that align with global climate resilience goals.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Ms. Adhikari holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Nepal and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Tropical Forestry awarded through a joint Erasmus Mundus program at Bangor University, UK, and the Technical University of Dresden, Germany. This multidisciplinary academic background provided her with a strong grounding in forest dynamics, climate adaptation, ecological monitoring, and the application of advanced analytical tools for environmental research. Her academic journey has been marked by a focus on sustainable development principles, with a particular interest in the intersection of forest management, ecosystem services, and climate change adaptation.

Experience

Professionally, Ms. Adhikari serves as a Data Manager and Analyst at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development in Germany, where she coordinates data exchange between project partners, manages and maintains measurement data, and oversees (geo)database systems. Her expertise encompasses GIS and remote sensing analyses, statistical data processing, scientific writing, and presentations at international project events. In addition to this role, she contributes as a GIS Analyst at the Econics Institute, where she engages in geospatial analysis and applied research focused on ecological and sustainable forestry. She has been actively involved in key research projects, including the PYROPHOB project, the UNESCO Beech Project, and initiatives on climate adaptation in working landscapes. Her contributions also extend to peer review activities, serving as a reviewer for prestigious journals like Nature Communications.

Research Interests

Ms. Adhikari’s research spans a range of interconnected themes that address urgent environmental challenges. Her areas of interest include forest stand dynamics and silviculture, focusing on self-thinning, size–density relationships, and growth modeling to optimize forest resilience. She investigates forest microclimates and their role in thermal regulation, with particular emphasis on the buffering effects of old-growth forests. Her work in tree growth and functional traits examines dendrometer data, tree ring asymmetry, and crown structure to understand growth patterns under changing climatic conditions. She is highly skilled in GIS and remote sensing, integrating tools such as land surface temperature mapping, NDVI, canopy height modeling, and GEDI–Sentinel data fusion to advance ecosystem-based adaptation and conservation practices. Furthermore, she actively explores the ecological impacts of road networks, habitat connectivity, and biodiversity within the context of sustainable forest management.

Awards and Contributions

While her work primarily focuses on research and applied forestry, Ms. Adhikari’s contributions have been recognized through involvement in leading international projects and publications in highly regarded scientific journals such as Scientific Reports and Ecological Indicators. Her research on the microclimate regulation of old-growth forests and their role in climate resilience has informed policy recommendations and practical strategies for sustainable forestry. By bridging ecological theory and applied geospatial science, she contributes significantly to conservation planning, ecosystem-based management, and the development of green infrastructure in working landscapes. Her professional memberships include affiliations with the Centre for Econics and Ecosystem Management and the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, strengthening her role in the academic and applied research community.

Publications

Adhikari, Y., Blumröder, J.S., Meier, C., Ibisch, P.L., et al. (2025). “Beech buffers: Microclimate regulation in temperate old-growth forests, surroundings and forest edge” in Ecological Indicators.

Schmehl, M.-T., Adhikari, Y., Balthasar, C., Binder, A., Clerc, D., Dobkowitz, S., Gerwin, W., Günther, K., Hartong, H., Heinken, T., et al. (2025). “Monitoring abiotic and biotic parameters of forest regrowth under different management regimes on former wildfire sites in northeastern Germany – data from the PYROPHOB project” (Preprint).

Jouy, F., Schüle, M., Adhikari, Y., Binder, A., Clerc, D., Gerwin, W., Heinken, T., Raab, T., Repmann, F., Rönnefarth, S., et al. (2025). “Factors impacting the variability of post‐fire forest regeneration in central European pine plantations” in Restoration Ecology.

Heinken, T., Blumröder, J.S., Balthasar, C., Binder, A., Birkhofer, K., Brosinsky, A., Bubner, B., Clerc, D., Djoudi, E.A., Francke, T., et al. (2024). “PYROPHOB – A post-fire ecosystem research project to inform management for resilient forest development” in Tuexenia 44.

Adhikari, Y., Bachstein, N., Gohr, C., Blumröder, J.S., Meier, C., Ibisch, P.L., et al. (2024). “Old-growth beech forests in Germany as cool islands in a warming landscape” in Scientific Reports.

Conclusion

Ms. Yojana Adhikari represents a new generation of forestry researchers dedicated to addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Through her expertise in forest microclimate studies, data-driven analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, she contributes to shaping sustainable forest landscapes that promote resilience and ecological integrity. Her integration of field-based measurements with advanced GIS and remote sensing technologies enhances the understanding of forest ecosystems and their adaptive capacities. With her ongoing involvement in international research projects and her commitment to knowledge dissemination, Ms. Adhikari continues to build bridges between science and practice, fostering sustainable forestry practices that benefit both nature and society.

Simon William Mkasimongwa | Air Quality | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Simon William Mkasimongwa | Air Quality | Best Researcher Award

The University of Melbourne | Australia

Mr. Simon William Mkasimongwa is a dedicated researcher and climate expert specializing in atmospheric chemistry, climate change, and air quality management. He has developed strong expertise in data analysis, environmental policy evaluation, and sustainable development practices. With a passion for addressing global environmental challenges, he integrates scientific research with community engagement, event coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He has experience in leading environmental projects, delivering academic content, hosting radio programs, and mentoring youth in climate-related initiatives. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing environmental science and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable futures.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Mr. Mkasimongwa has pursued advanced education in the fields of atmospheric chemistry, sustainable development, and safety and health science. His academic journey includes a doctorate in atmospheric chemistry focusing on air quality monitoring and management in urban regions, a master’s degree with emphasis on climate change adaptation and mitigation, and a bachelor’s degree in sustainable development. Throughout his education, he has gained proficiency in research methodologies, data analysis, and the application of atmospheric modeling tools such as HYSPLIT and AERMOD. His educational background has provided him with a solid foundation to analyze environmental challenges and develop actionable strategies for climate resilience.

Experience

Professionally, Mr. Mkasimongwa has served as an air lab manager and teaching assistant at a leading university, where he contributed to climate change adaptation courses, urban air quality studies, and student mentorship. His responsibilities included assisting in research projects, managing laboratory operations, and supporting data collection and analysis for air quality monitoring programs. He has volunteered extensively with international organizations focused on environmental conservation, serving as a youth leader, event coordinator, and radio presenter for environmental awareness programs. His experience spans research assistance, administrative roles, and public engagement, reflecting a multifaceted career in academia, research, and community advocacy.

Research Interest

His research interests encompass climate change, air quality management, extreme meteorological events, and environmental policy evaluation. He is particularly focused on monitoring and managing air pollution in urban environments, utilizing advanced tools such as GIS, SPSS, BenMAP-CE, and other atmospheric modeling systems. His work also explores the impacts of climate-related disasters on urban resilience and community adaptation. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he aims to develop strategies that enhance environmental sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Awards

Mr. Mkasimongwa has been recognized with numerous honors for his academic and community contributions. His accolades include prestigious prizes from international organizations for outstanding leadership in environmental initiatives, multiple academic achievement awards for excellence in research and coursework, and full scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Additionally, he has received recognition for his contributions to youth climate leadership programs, model UN conferences, and community-based environmental conservation efforts. These awards highlight his consistent dedication to both academic excellence and societal impact.

Publications

Mkasimongwa, S. W., Fakour, H., Hassani, H. J., Sultan, B. A., & Lai, H.-C. (2024). “Assessment of Dar es Salaam’s resilience to climate change disasters using the Climate Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI)” in Singapore Journal of Tropical Geography.

Lai, H.-C., Dai, Y.-T., Mkasimongwa, S. W., Hsiao, M.-C., & Lai, L.-W. (2023). “The Impact of Atmospheric Synoptic Weather Condition and Long-Range Transportation of Air Mass on Extreme PM₁₀ Concentration Events” in Atmosphere.

Conclusion

Through his academic, professional, and voluntary engagements, Mr. Simon William Mkasimongwa exemplifies a strong commitment to advancing the field of atmospheric science and climate change mitigation. His ability to integrate research with community outreach and education demonstrates his holistic approach to environmental challenges. With expertise in climate modeling, air quality management, and policy development, he continues to contribute to sustainable development goals and inspire future generations toward responsible environmental stewardship.