Hyun Je Oh | Climate Change | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Hyun Je Oh | Climate Change | Research Excellence Award

KICT/UST | South Korea

Hyun Je Oh is a seasoned civil and environmental engineer whose academic journey at Yonsei University includes a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, a master’s in Environmental Engineering, and a doctorate in Civil & Environmental Engineering. He has built a long-standing career as a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute of Construction Technology (KICT), while also serving as a Professor at the University of Science & Technology (UST), contributing extensively to education and research mentorship. Over his professional tenure, he has led more than one hundred national research and development projects, focusing on advancing technologies in water treatment, wastewater management, water quality evaluation, and sustainable environmental engineering practices. His scholarly achievements include more than fifty peer-reviewed publications, most of them indexed at the SCI(E) level, and over four hundred academic presentations, demonstrating a strong impact across the scientific community. Additionally, he has driven innovation through numerous patent applications, many of which have been granted, resulting in multiple successful technology transfers to industry. He is a certified Professional Engineer in Water & Wastewater Engineering, and his research efforts continue to strengthen the development of clean water solutions, environmental policy, and infrastructure sustainability, ensuring meaningful contributions to public health and environmental protection.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

(2026). Optimal data pooling from multiple waterbodies to improve machine-learning predictions of cyanobacterial blooms. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology.

(2026). Evaluating circulation-type MCDI as a dual-function system for ion removal and enrichment. Desalination.

(2025). Comparative analysis of MCDI and circulation-MCDI performance under symmetric and asymmetric cycle modes at pilot scale. Sustainability,

(2025). Enhanced desalination performance of pilot-scale membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) system with circulation process. Desalination.

(2024). Performance optimization of a pilot-scale membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) system operating with circulation process. Separation and Purification Technology.

Dani Sarsekova | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Dani Sarsekova | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Kazakh National Agrarian Research University | Kazakhstan

Prof. Dani Nurgisaevna Sarsekova is a distinguished Doctor of Agricultural Sciences and Professor, currently serving as Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment at Kazakh National Agrarian Research University. She completed her forestry education at the Kazakh Agricultural Institute, pursued postgraduate studies at the Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry, and later earned her doctoral degree at the Ural Forest Engineering University. With an h-index of 7, more than 29 scientific documents, and over 153 citations, she has made notable contributions to forestry science and environmental sustainability. Her research covers intensive mini-rotational forest plantations for energy purposes, carbon sequestration, shelter-belt agroforestry, and artificial mycorrhization of forest tree seedlings. She has co-authored significant works on ectomycorrhizal fungi in northeastern Kazakhstan and the role of artificial mycorrhiza in improving Siberian spruce growth. As the leader of major national and international projects—including Astana’s green-belt development, landscape-ecological assessments, and environmental cooperation within the Silk Road Economic Belt—she has advanced ecological restoration and climate-resilient forest management. Her achievements include securing third place in an international competition for the “Best Textbook” in agricultural and forestry sciences, underscoring her lasting impact on forestry education and research.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, G., Ge, X., Lü, D., Zhang, Z., Wang, L., Sun, S., Jia, X., Zhang, B., Kuanysh, K., Sarsekova, D., et al. (2025).
Insecticidal activity of Angelica archangelica essential oil and transcriptomic analysis of Sitophilus zeamais in response to oil fumigation. Biology, 14(11), 1606. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111606

Wang, G., Lü, D., Ge, X., Zhang, Z., Meng, F., Chen, L., Kuanysh, K., Li, X., Zhang, B., Sarsekova, D., et al. (2025).
Insecticidal activity of Eupatorium fortunei essential oil against Schizaphis graminum and its effects on detoxification enzymes. Insects, 16(11), 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111141

Sarsekova, D., & Satybaldiyeva, G. (2025). Field assessment and functional evaluation of agricultural shelterbelts in Akmola Region of Kazakhstan. SilvaWorld, 4(2), Article 373. https://doi.org/10.61326/silvaworld.v4i2.373

Aishuk, Y., Sarsekova, D., Sezai, E., & Shegenov, S. (2024). Bactericidal properties of phytoncides of Cotoneaster melanocarpus Fisch. ex. Blytt of the Akmola Region. 3i Intellect Idea Innovation, 4, 128. https://doi.org/10.52269/22266070_2024_4_128

Sarsekova, D. N., Perzadayeva, A. A., Sagin, J., Toktasynov, Zh., & Satybaldieva, G. (2024). Monitoring of forest shelter belts on agricultural lands of KazGer LLP and determining places of accumulation of melt drainage water. Bulletin of the Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University,

Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

East China University of Technology | China

Dr. Qihong Tu is an accomplished researcher and educator specializing in soil and fertilizer science, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Nanchang University, a Master’s degree in Crop Cultivation and Farming, and a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Chemistry from Jiangxi Agricultural University. With over 17 years of professional experience, Dr. Tu has served as a Researcher at the Jiangxi Soil and Fertilizer Technology Extension Station, Visiting Scholar at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center (USA) and the Agriculture Research Center in Okayama (Japan), and currently serves as a Teacher at the East China University of Technology. His research focuses on soil fertility assessment, nitrogen management, green rice production, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Tu has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Scientia Horticulturae, Journal of Food Science, and Minerva Biotecnologica, along with several books and technical standards. He has received multiple national and provincial awards, including the National Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Harvest Prize. With more than 31 citations, an h-index of 3, and over 5 published documents, his contributions to soil fertility enhancement, green agriculture, and carbon sink research have significantly advanced eco-friendly and sustainable farming technologies in China and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Che, Q., Chen, G., Hu, T., Zhang, J., & Tu, Q. (2025). Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and analysis of driving factors in Jiangxi Province’s livestock industry from a life cycle perspective. Sustainability.

Tu, Q. (2021). Effect of reducing nitrogen and applying organic fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield in red soil regions of southern China. Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering.

Tu, Q. (2021). Optimizing conditions for the measurement of soil inorganic nitrogen with a micro-plate reader. Global Journal of Agricultural Innovation, Research & Development,

Tu, Q., Zhao, H., & Chen, J. (2015). Optimization of medium for biological potency of fermentation supernatant of Paenibacillus brasilensis YS-1. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Tu, Q. (2013). The preliminary study on isolation of antifungal active substances produced by Paenibacillus brasilensis. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Milena Hristozova | Radio Ecology | Women Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Milena Hristozova | Radio Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov” | Bulgaria

Dr. Milena Hristova Hristozova is a Bulgarian scientist specializing in radiobiology, radioecology, and environmental protection. She earned her Ph.D. in 2014 from the Military Medical Academy, Sofia, with research focused on radiobiological and radioecological studies of the flora and fauna of Livingston Island, Antarctica. She also holds master’s degrees from the University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski” and the University of Veliko Tarnovo “St. St. Cyril and Methodius.” Dr. Hristozova currently serves at the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnology and Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov,” Sofia, where she works in the Laboratory of Radioecology and Radioisotope Research. Her work involves the assessment of environmental contamination by radionuclides and radioecological monitoring of soil, water, and food systems. Previously, she worked for over 15 years at the Military Medical Academy, contributing to research on radiation protection and low-dose exposure effects. She has also participated in research expeditions to Antarctica and international collaborations with institutions in Japan, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Dr. Hristozova has published over 35 scientific papers and conference proceedings, with an h-index of 1, more than 23 citations, and over 7 documented research outputs across scientific databases. Her research interests include low-dose radiation effects, environmental radioactivity, and Antarctic ecosystems. She continues to advance sustainable approaches to radiological safety and environmental protection.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Hristozova, M., Botev, I., Kalchev, R., & Naidenow, W. (2004). Composition and temporal changes of zooplankton in high mountain lakes in the Rila Mountains (Southwestern Bulgaria). Acta Zoologica Bulgarica.

Kalchev, R., Botev, I., & Hristozova, M. (2004). Ecological relations and temporal changes in the pelagial of the high mountain lakes in the Rila Mountains (Bulgaria). Journal of Limnology.

Alyakov, M., Petrunov, P., Kindekov, I., Donchev, R., Jelev, J., & Hristozova, M. (2006). Possibilities for treatment of the radiation injuries through helping of the post-irradiation repair. Military Medicine.

Kindekov, I., Vassilieva, V., Alyakov, M., Nikolova, P., Petrunov, P., Jelev, J., Donchev, R., & Hristozova, M. (2006). Bio-stimulators can enhance the radioresistance of the organism (experimental study). In Public Health and Health Care in Greece and Bulgaria.

Pejchal, J., Vasilieva, V., Hristozova, M., et al. (2011). Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay/CBMN cytome assay in human lymphocytes after in vitro irradiation and its use in biodosimetry. Military Medical Science Letters (Vojenské Zdravotnické Listy).

Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Rattan Lal | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

The Ohio State University | United States

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Lal earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture (1963) from PAU, India, followed by an M.Sc. in Soils (1965) from IARI, New Delhi. He completed his Ph.D. in Soils (1968) at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. He has received multiple honorary doctorates from globally recognized institutions, underscoring his academic impact.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Lal has served in numerous high-impact roles, including Director of the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (OSU), Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for the U.S. Department of Defense (2023–2024), and Member of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD, 2022–2025). He has held academic and research positions across continents—India, Australia, Nigeria, Germany, and the USA. He is also affiliated with institutions such as the UNCCD, IUSS, and IFDC and continues to influence global soil and environmental policy through advisory roles.

🏛️ Academic and Scientific Citations

Dr. Lal has been Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Soil Science, Encyclopedia of Soil Science, and Soil & Tillage Research. He has authored or co-authored thousands of scientific papers and reports, contributing to major IPCC assessments and global initiatives like “4 per Thousand.” His citation metrics place him among the top-ranked agricultural scientists globally.

🧪 Technical Skills

Expertise in soil physics, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, sustainable land management, agroecology, and nutrient cycling. He is proficient in both field and lab-based methodologies, modeling carbon fluxes, and advising on large-scale environmental assessments.

🎓 Teaching Experience

A lifelong educator, Dr. Lal has taught soil science at The Ohio State University since 1989, mentoring countless graduate students and researchers worldwide. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at several institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Iceland, influencing agricultural education across borders.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Lal’s research spans soil health, soil carbon dynamics, climate change adaptation and mitigation, food security, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach connects soil science with climate resilience, human health, and global development.

📖Publications

INTEGRATION OF COMPOST WITH MINERAL NPK FERTILIZERS FOR IMPROVING WHEAT YIELD AND SOIL HEALTH

  • Authors: Abdul A. Basir, Sikandar S. Iqbal, Muhammad M. Adnan, Zeki Z. Erden, Ayman El A.E. Sabagh

  • Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany

  • Year: 2025

No-till systems restore soil organic carbon stock in Brazilian biomes and contribute to the climate solution

  • Authors: João Carlos De Moraes J.C.D.M. Sá, Rattan A. R.A. Lal, Klaus E. K.E. Lorenz, Daniel Ruiz Potma D.R.P. Gonçalves, Jeankleber J. Bortoluzzi

  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Year: 2025

Soil organic carbon stock for carbon credit in smallholder farms

  • Authors: Toru T. Nakajima, Fune F. Mizumoto, Mei M. Akiyama, Carla C. Gavilán, Rattan A. R.A. Lal

  • Journal: Agrosystems, Geosciences and Environment

  • Year: 2025

Restoring Soil Organic Matter Content for Managing Soil Health in Africa’s Agroecoregions

  • Author: Rattan A. R.A. Lal

  • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Soil Science

  • Year: 2025

Effects of biochar and cover crops on physical properties of two soils in Ohio

  • Authors: Sandhya S. Karki, Raj Kumar R.K. Shrestha, Rattan A. R.A. Lal, Klaus E. K.E. Lorenz, Laura E. L.E. Lindsey

  • Journal: Soil Science Society of America Journal

  • Year: 2025