Ezzeddine Mosbah | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ezzeddine Mosbah | Sustainable Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Ezzeddine B. Mosbah is an agricultural and rural-development economist whose academic formation includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development from the National Agricultural Institute of Tunis (INAT, 2007), preceded by a specialized engineering degree in Economy and Rural Development (1996) and an agro-economist engineering degree (1993) from the same institute. With more than two decades of professional experience across ministries of Agriculture, Education, and Employment & Vocational Training in Tunisia and, since 2017, as Assistant Professor at King Faisal University (KSA), and previously at institutions in Tunisia, he has taught courses ranging from Agricultural Economics and Water Economics to Development Economics, Statistics, Operations Research, and Project Feasibility Studies. His research interests revolve around agricultural economics, rural development, labor and employment markets, efficiency and impact evaluation, environmental economics and waste management, food marketing (notably date-palm economics), water desalination, and econometric/operations-research methods. According to publicly available citation data, his h-index is 3 with 33 citations and 6 documented publications — a baseline that signals a career still consolidating its scholarly impact. Among his work is the monograph Rationaliser le Comportement Public: la Formation un Exemple (2015). Through empirical analyses of water-use efficiency, agricultural investment incentives, municipal waste impacts, technical efficiency of farms, and environmental sustainability, Mosbah contributes to policy-relevant knowledge in both MENA and Gulf contexts. His ongoing focus remains on efficiency measurement, sustainable rural development, and socio-economic evaluation of agricultural and environmental systems.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mosbah, E. B., & Dharmapala, P. S. (2022). Evaluating the effects of COVID-19 and vaccination on employment behaviour: A panel data analysis across the world. Sustainability.

Mosbah, E. B. (2021). Assessment of environmental and economic impacts of municipal solid wastes management system: A case study. Journal of Ecological Engineering.

Mosbah, E., Zaibet, L., & Dharmapala, P. S. (2020). A new methodology to measure efficiencies of inputs (outputs) of decision making units in data envelopment analysis with application to agriculture. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences.

Mosbah, E. B. (2025). Assessment of land cover changes and an exploration of their key factors at Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia (Working paper).

Hanna Liventseva | Geological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Hanna Liventseva | Geological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Geosciences Barcelona GEO3BCN, CSIC | Spain

Dr. Hanna Liventseva is a distinguished Ukrainian geologist and researcher at Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC), Spain. She earned her Master of Science in Geology from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and later completed her Ph.D. in Geological Sciences at the Institute of Geological Sciences, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Liventseva has held key academic and administrative positions, including Rector of the PHEI Tutkovsky Institute and Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Association of Geologists. Her professional journey includes leadership roles in the JSC Nadra Group, editorial stewardship of the journal Ukrainian Geologist, and coordination of numerous EU-funded research initiatives such as INFACT, CROWDTHERMAL, REFLECT, ENGIE, and CRM-geothermal under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. Her research interests encompass geological surveying, mineral exploration, geothermal energy, and sustainable resource management. She has significantly contributed to international scientific collaboration, notably promoting Spanish-Ukrainian partnerships through memorandums of understanding and the “Global Vision of Ukrainian Geology” conference series. With over 25 research documents, an h-index of 4, and more than 70 citations, Dr. Liventseva continues to advance geoscientific research and education, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and youth engagement in Earth sciences.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Barylo, A., & Liventseva, H. (2025, October 23). Preliminary zoning of the territory of Ukraine based on the geothermal play types. Geothermal Energy.

Liventseva, H. (2025, May). Science diplomacy in action: Geological museums and collections: Their role in science, education and tourism. Conference paper.

Liventseva, H. (2025, May 22). Geothermal energy of Spain as a part of the green transition. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the XXI Century. Conference paper.

Kitchka, A., Liventseva, H., & Ohar, V. (2024). Fedir Lysenko and discovery of the Dnipro-Donets petroleum super-basin: The lost name of the pioneer. Magazine article

Liventseva, H., & Krochak, M. (2024, September 12). Significance of geological collections for European school education. State, problems and prospects for the development of mineralogical science and education in Ukraine: Materials of the Thirteenth Scientific Readings named after Academician Yevhen Lazarenko.

Yu Hu | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yu Hu | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hanjiang Normal University | China

Professor Yu Hu is a distinguished researcher at Hanjiang Normal University, specializing in green chemistry and phytochemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, under the mentorship of Professor Hou Zhenshan in 2010. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Hu has made significant contributions to the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts, particularly for water pollution treatment. Her pioneering work on the phytogenic synthesis of iron nanoparticles using pomegranate leaf extract has demonstrated efficient degradation of toxic dyes such as malachite green, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional remediation methods.  Dr. Hu has authored a forthcoming book with China Science and Technology Press and holds three published patents with one under process. She has also led funded projects under the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China. Her ongoing research integrates nanomaterials, plant biochemistry, and environmental catalysis to promote sustainable development. Through her innovative contributions and academic excellence, Dr. Yu Hu continues to advance green nanotechnology and environmental protection.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Hu, Y., Zhou, F., Zhang, N., Pan, X., Li, S., Zhang, D., Li, L., & Zhang, L. (2024). Green synthesis of iron (II, III)-polyphenol nanoparticles and their adsorption of malachite green. Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Materials Science Education.

Hu, Y., Zhou, S., Pan, X., Zhou, F., Sun, Y., Liu, M., Zhang, D., & Zhang, L. (2022). Fe nanoparticles synthesized by pomegranate leaves for treatment of malachite green. Journal of Wuhan University of Technology-Materials Science Education.

He, C., Hu, Y., Lou, S., Liu, X., Zhang, W., & Zhang, L. (2020). Synthesis of segregative, reusable, and high-efficiency spherical chitosan/zirconium macro-biocomposite for removal of aqueous As(V). Separation Science and Technology.

Hu, Y., Yu, Y., Zhao, X., Yang, H., Feng, B., Li, H., Qiao, Y., Hua, L., Pan, Z., & Hou, Z. (2010). Catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds by functionalized ionic liquids-stabilized nickel nanoparticles in aqueous phase: The influence of anions. Science China Chemistry.

Hu, Y., Yu, Y., Hou, Z., Yang, H., Feng, B., Li, H., Qiao, Y., Wang, X., Hua, L., Pan, Z., & Hou, Z. (2010). Ionic liquid immobilized nickel(0) nanoparticles as stable and highly efficient catalysts for selective hydrogenation in the aqueous phase. Chemistry – An Asian Journal

Ayomide Olubaju | Remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ayomide Olubaju | Remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

Abiola Ajimobi Technical University | Nigeria

Olubaju Ayomide Emmanuel is a dedicated and innovative researcher specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, with growing recognition for his contributions to geospatial science. He holds an M.Tech. in Surveying and Geoinformatics (Remote Sensing) and a B.Tech. in the same discipline from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Currently serving as an Assistant Lecturer at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, he combines teaching and research to advance environmental monitoring and sustainable urban planning. His research interests encompass environmental degradation, climate change impact assessment, urban informatics, multi-sensor remote sensing, forest species monitoring, and machine learning applications in geospatial analysis. Olubaju has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications focusing on urbanization, forest ecology, and mining-induced land degradation, accumulating 3 documents, 4 citations, and an h-index of 2. He has participated in national and international conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects addressing climate resilience and spatial data science. A member of professional societies including ISPRS, IAENG, and the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors, Olubaju’s academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary research and data-driven solutions for sustainable environmental management. His goal is to pursue a Ph.D. to deepen his expertise and contribute to innovative geospatial applications in global environmental research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Akinbiola, S., Akinsola, J. E. T., Ajagbe, S. A., Salami, A., Olubaju, A., Awotoye, O., & Awoleye, O. M. (2025). Artificial intelligence technique for prediction of carbon stocks and uncertainty estimates in tropical forests. SN Computer Science.

Akinbiola, S., Salami, A. T., Olubaju, A. E., & Awotoye, O. O. (2025). Assessing the impact of environmental variables on the distribution of keystone tree species in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa forest complex using MaxEnt modelling techniques. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Ibukun, J. A., Olubaju, A. E., Thomas, S. F., Sodipo, E. O., Akinbiola, S. A., Oyetunji, S. O., Shitu, K., Kucher, D. E., & Tariq, A. (2025). Modeling mining-induced land degradation in Itagunmodi: A multi-temporal machine learning approach with random forest and gradient boosting. Trees, Forests and People, 21, 100926.

Ibukun, J. A., Olubaju, A. E., Thomas, S. F., Sodipo, E. O., Akinbiola, S. A., Rebouh, N. Y., Said, Y., & Tariq, A. (2025). Assessing vegetation degradation and thermal effects of artisanal small-scale mining using remote sensing time series data. Land Degradation & Development.

Akinbiola, S., Salami, A. T., Olubaju, A. E., & Awotoye, O. O. (2024). Assessing the impact of environmental variables on the distribution of keystone tree species in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa forest complex using MaxEnt modelling techniques. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Sohail Abbas | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sohail Abbas | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Henan university | China

Dr Sohail Abbas is a dedicated climate-science researcher currently serving as a National Young Talent Researcher at the College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China, with more than eight years of experience in academia and research. He holds a DPhil in Geography/Climate Science from Konkuk University (South Korea), an MPhil in Environmental Science from University of Punjab (Pakistan), and earlier degrees in Science and related fields. His work explores climate change dynamics, extreme precipitation, land-use impacts, geo-environmental modeling, and food-security outcomes—illustrated by studies such as his analysis of extreme precipitation trends in Pakistan’s warming climate. Throughout his career he has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed articles, and currently his indices reflect an h-index of 13 with 604 citations across 34 documented publications. He is proficient in methods ranging from GIS/RS, statistical and econometric modeling, to numerical and physical climate simulation, and he has engaged widely in teaching, lecturing, research-assistancy and referee duties in Pakistan, Korea and China. His academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and rigorous frameworks that link climate-variability, hydrology, agriculture, and socioeconomic systems. He continues to push towards enhanced understanding of climate-agriculture-resource interactions and to contribute to resilient, sustainable development in vulnerable regions.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Abbas, S., Haider, A., Kousar, S., Lu, H., Lu, S., Liu, F., Li, H., Miao, C., Feng, W., & Ahamad, M. I. (2025). Climate variability, population growth, and globalization impacting food security in Pakistan. Scientific Reports.

Abbas, S., Kashif, U., Kousar, S., Noor, S., Lu, H., & Lu, S. (2025, September). Machine learning-based prediction analysis for Australia sustainable transport: Optimal transportation mix equation for long-term policy planning and environmental impact mitigation. Energy.

Kashif, U., Abbas, S., Kousar, S., & Lu, H. (2025, June). Linking of bio-energy and carbon neutrality: Navigating economic policy uncertainty and climate change policy in the USA. Energy.

Ashraf, T., Ahamad, M. I., Mahmood, S., Fu, J., Mehmood, M. S., Rehman, A., Abbas, S., Naqvi, S. A. A., & Zulqarnain, R. M. (2025, January 27). Exploring hotspots of traffic accidents in Chiniot–Sargodha Road, Punjab, Pakistan. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Yaseen, M., Abbas, S., & Latif, Y. (2024). Evaluating the effects of soil physicochemical properties under different land use types in the arid zones of Pakistan. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Karim Solaimani | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Karim Solaimani | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

Professor Karim Solaimani is a distinguished Iranian environmental scientist and hydrologist affiliated with the Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU) under the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Remote Sensing and Hydrology from the University of Glasgow, UK, and has since established himself as an eminent scholar in the fields of remote sensing, GIS applications, hydrology, watershed management, and land use planning. His extensive academic contributions include over 85 peer-reviewed journal articles, widely cited in international scientific databases, reflecting significant impact and global recognition. Professor Solaimani’s research integrates geospatial technologies for environmental modeling, sediment yield assessment, and natural hazard mapping, focusing particularly on Iran’s complex hydrological systems. He has received the Excellent National Teaching and Research Professor Award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to education and research. Over his career, he has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, supervised numerous postgraduate students, and contributed to the advancement of environmental science through innovation, mentorship, and applied research. His enduring commitment to sustainable land and water resource management continues to influence both academic and practical environmental policy developments in Iran and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Solaimani, K., Darvishi, S., & Shokrian, F. (2024). Assessment of machine learning algorithms and new hybrid multi-criteria analysis for flood hazard and mapping. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

Solaimani, K. (2023). A new approach to landslide assessment using Depth-Number fractal model. ECOPERSIA.

Solaimani, K. (2023). Evaluation of effective criteria on flood risk based on network analysis process and GIS in Vazroud basin of Mazandaran province. Ecohydrology.

Solaimani, K. (2023). Investigating alterations in the underground water level of Ravansar-Sanjabi Plain under CIMP5 climate scenarios. Desert Ecosystem Engineering.

Solaimani, K. (2023). Monitoring and forecasting of spatiotemporal changes in land use and the growth of Kermanshah Township using remote sensing and the CA-Markov model. Urban Structure and Function Studies.

Kristen McNamara | Plant Stress Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Kristen McNamara | Plant Stress Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Southern Rural Water | Australia

Kristen McNamara is an environmental scientist and climate change professional with extensive experience in natural resource management, conservation, and policy implementation. She holds a Master of Environment from The University of Melbourne, where she focused on climate adaptation, mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and circular economy principles, and a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) with Honors from The University of Queensland. Currently serving as Climate Change & Environment Lead at Southern Rural Water, Kristen has led initiatives to achieve net-zero emissions, developed the company’s Climate Adaptation Plan under the Climate Change Act (2017), and facilitated multi-unit committees to drive climate action. Her international experience includes serving as a youth delegate at UNFCCC COP25, coordinating coral reef and turtle conservation projects in Malaysia, and engaging in community-led environmental programs across Australia. Kristen’s research interests span climate policy, water resource management, blue carbon ecosystems, and sustainable agricultural practices. She has published multiple papers in environmental science and conservation. Recognized for leadership and innovation, she has received awards including the Dean of Science Leadership Award, the Our Catchments, Our Communities Women in Leadership Grant, and various marine conservation prizes. Kristen continues to advance sustainable environmental solutions while mentoring future leaders in climate action.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

McNamara, K., Greet, J., Mole, B., & Jones, C. S. (2025). Livestock grazing and dense willow shading negatively impact instream plant growth. River Research and Applications.

Kpanoga Kolombia | Forestry Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Kpanoga Kolombia | Forestry Economics | Best Researcher Award

University of Alberta | Canada

Kpanoga Kolombia is a Development Economist specializing in renewable energy, environmental and natural resource economics, with over five years of academic and policy research experience across Canada, France, Germany, and West Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Sherbrooke, with a focus on non-market valuation and climate economics, and advanced degrees from Aix-Marseille University and the University of Lome. His work includes extensive empirical research on willingness to pay for carbon emission reduction, forest restoration, and ecosystem services in Quebec and Togo. Currently, he is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Alberta, a lecturer at ENAP, and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. His research interests span development economics, climate change, forest economics, and public policy. Kolombia has published in peer-reviewed journals like the African Journal of Ecology, and has several articles under review in journals including Ecological Economics and Plos One. He has received multiple scholarships including the Mitacs, FRQ, and Affaires Mondiales Canada Fellowships. Kolombia continues to advance inclusive and evidence-based environmental policy through interdisciplinary and applied economic research.

Profile:  Orcid

Featured Publications

Kolombia, K., & Yovo, K. (2025). Willingness to pay for forest restoration in Togo: Comparison of estimates from choice experiment, contingent valuation and travel cost methods. African Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.70102

Kolombia, K. (2024). Economic evaluation of Mont-Bellevue Park in Sherbrooke using the individual travel cost method. Manuscript submitted for publication, Discover Cities.

Kolombia, K. (2024). Effect of policy consequentiality on willingness to pay for renewable energy in transport in Quebec. Manuscript submitted for publication, Journal of Cultural Economics.

Dupras, J., & Kolombia, K. (2024). Willingness to pay for the forestation of agricultural coulees: A choice experiment and contingent valuation study in Quebec. Manuscript submitted for publication, PLOS ONE.

Kolombia, K. (2024). Willingness to pay for renewable energy: A choice experiment and contingent valuation study in Quebec. Manuscript submitted for publication, Ecological Economics.

Chala Hussen | Agri-Food System | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Chala Hussen | Agri-Food System | Best Researcher Award

Ambo University | Ethiopia

Chala Hailu Hussen is an Ethiopian academic and researcher specializing in Agricultural Economics, currently serving as Assistant Professor and Research & Community Service Coordinator at the College of Agriculture & Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ethiopia. He holds a BSc and MSc in Agricultural Economics from Haramaya University and is pursuing a PhD in Agri-food Systems at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, focusing on agricultural transformation. His professional journey includes teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, agricultural production economics, and climate change economics, along with supervising more than twenty MSc theses and serving as examiner and chairperson in defense boards. He has actively contributed to research on rural credit, market information, farm input commercialization, cluster farming, and climate adaptation strategies, publishing several scientific papers with an h-index of 2, 7 documents, and over 35 citations. In addition, he has participated in national and international training programs on climate information services, decision support systems, and rural development planning, enhancing his expertise in agricultural resilience and sustainability. Recipient of various certificates and recognitions, Chala continues to advance research and education in agricultural economics, with a strong commitment to capacity building, policy engagement, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Hailu, C., Canali, G., & Tabaglio, V. (2025). High-value farm product transformation in contract marketing: Evidence from smallholder farmers in central Ethiopia. Environment, Development and Sustainability.

Besha, T. B., Fikadu, M., & Chala, H. (2022). Marketable supply of honey: Evidence from farmers households in Ethiopia. Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development.

Alemayehu, G., Rikitu, A., & Hailu, C. (2022). Producers’ participation decision in tomato and onion marketing with level of participation in Ejersa Lafo District of West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Malaysian Business Management Journal.

Hussen, C. H., & Geleta, F. T. (2021). Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ participation in cluster crop production: Evidence from selected districts of West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture.

Wakjira, M., Temesgen, F., Hailu, C., & Wegari, D. (2021). The economic impacts of COVID-19 on micro and small enterprises: Empirical evidences from Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture.

Hussen, C. (2018). Factors affecting credit use for rural farming at household level: Evidence from smallholder farmers of Toke-Kutaye district.

Hussen, C. (2017). Effect of access to market information services on supply of major vegetables: Evidence from farm households of Ambo and Toke-Kutaye Districts, West Shewa, Ethiopia. Information and Knowledge Management.

Jean-Baptiste Thomas | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jean-Baptiste Thomas | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden

Dr. Jean-Baptiste E. Thomas is a bilingual and multinational researcher with expertise spanning France, the UK, the USA, and Sweden, specializing in industrial ecology, marine sustainability, and the blue bioeconomy. He earned a PhD in Industrial Ecology from KTH Stockholm in 2018, following an MSc in Sustainable Technology and a BSc in Geography from King’s College London. With a strong academic and professional trajectory, he has worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Kristineberg Marine Research Station and currently serves as a Researcher at KTH Stockholm, while also engaging in consultancy for life cycle and sustainability assessments. His research primarily addresses seaweed aquaculture, circular economy applications, nutrient loop closure, and environmental life cycle analysis. Dr. Thomas has published extensively in high-impact journals, achieving an h-index of 15 with over 24 peer-reviewed documents and more than 562 citations (Scopus). He has been invited as keynote and plenary speaker at major international conferences, including the International Seaweed Symposium (2025), and has led and co-led several Formas and EU-funded projects. Passionately involved in teaching and supervising students, he actively integrates sustainability and biodiversity into education. His contributions continue to shape sustainable marine biomass utilization, with global recognition as a leading voice in blue bioeconomy research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

“Exploring the contribution of multi-use approach in fostering local blue economy: Insights from the Global South”

“Integrating biodiversity impacts into seafood life cycle assessments: pathways for improvement”

“Governance hurdles for expansion of low trophic mariculture production in Sweden”

“Life cycle environmental impacts of kelp aquaculture through harmonized recalculation of inventory data”

“Two decades of research on ocean multi-use: achievements, challenges and the need for transdisciplinarity”

“Life Cycle Assessment of a large commercial kelp farm in Shandong, China”

“Comparative life cycle assessment of conventional and novel microalgae production systems and environmental impact mitigation in urban-industrial symbiosis”