Renata Marks-Bielska | Bioenergy | Best Scholar Award

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Prof. Dr. Renata Marks-Bielska | Bioenergy | Best Scholar Award

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn | Poland

Prof. Dr. Renata Marks-Bielska is a distinguished scholar in economic sciences whose research explores the intersection of agricultural economics, sustainable development, environmental policy, energy transition, and regional innovation systems. As a senior academic leader at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, she has built a strong reputation for analyzing how institutions, market mechanisms, and public policies shape the dynamics of rural development, agricultural land management, renewable energy adoption, and green transformation within local and international contexts. Her work provides critical insights into agricultural land leasing, pro-environmental practices on farms, the economic viability of bioenergy resources, and the interdependencies between science, business, and policy sectors. Her research visibility continues to grow, reflected in 1852 citations, an h-index of 19, and an i10-index of 48, demonstrating the strong academic impact and relevance of her contributions. She has contributed to major national and international research initiatives addressing agricultural system reform, sustainable use of natural resources, circular bioeconomy models, and climate resilience. Her publications demonstrate a broad thematic range, including studies on innovation uptake in farming, green human resource management, energy and economic balances in crop production, agroecosystem service valuation, and the institutional and spatial determinants of new business formation. She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams across Europe, particularly in projects involving upcycling of agricultural residues, climate adaptation strategies, and the integration of renewable energies into rural economies. Recognized for her scientific achievements, leadership, and contributions to regional development, she has received multiple awards highlighting her influence in academia, public policy, and science–business cooperation. Her research continues to support evidence-based strategies for advancing sustainable agriculture, resilient rural communities, and environmentally responsible economic systems.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Nyambane Ontita | Bioelectrochemistry | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Nyambane Ontita | Bioelectrochemistry | Editorial Board Member

Researcher | Central south university | China

Dr. Nyambane Ontita is a dedicated microbiologist whose research centers on environmental sustainability, microbial physiology, and the development of innovative bioelectrochemical solutions for resource recovery. His work focuses on advancing bioelectrochemical systems to enhance rare earth metal removal and bioelectricity generation while improving overall wastewater treatment efficiency. He integrates microbial ecology, molecular biology, and environmental biotechnology to explore how electroactive microorganisms respond to environmental stress and how biofilm behavior can be optimized for industrial applications. With strong expertise in advanced techniques such as XPS, XRD, FTIR, PCR, and SEM, he investigates microbial community dynamics and characterizes biofilms to uncover mechanisms that drive efficient metal recovery. His contributions include designing and optimizing bioelectrochemical reactors, evaluating substrate modifications for improved performance, and developing specialized protocols for cultivating electroactive microbial communities. He has produced impactful publications in areas such as anode substrate optimization, microbial responses to metal stress, and carbon-fixing microorganisms, contributing to sustainable and low-carbon technological development. His research output has gained increasing recognition, reflected in citation metrics that include 28 citations, an h-index of 3, and an i10-index of 1. He actively participates in scientific forums focused on carbon neutrality and metal resource utilization, engaging in discussions on low-emission strategies and sustainable industrial processes. Beyond his laboratory work, he has supported academic training in microbiology, molecular methods, and microbial ecology, fostering scientific growth among emerging researchers. Recognized for excellence in research and collaborative innovation, he continues to advance interdisciplinary approaches that unite microbiology, environmental engineering, and bioprocess technology to address global challenges in wastewater treatment, pollution mitigation, and circular resource recovery.

Featured Publications

Ontita, N. C., Sarkodie, E. K., Anaman, R., Hui, T. Y., & Zeng, W. (2024). Insights into anode substrate optimization in bioelectrochemical systems for efficient cathodic lanthanum recovery during wastewater treatment. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 66, 106003.

Ontita, N. C., Anaman, R., Sarkodie, E. K., Wang, Y., Bichi, A. H., Shanshan, X., … (2025). Electrochemically active biofilms responses to gadolinium stress during wastewater treatment in bioelectrochemical systems. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 491, 137941.

Wang, Y., Liu, A., Amanze, C., Ontita, N. C., & Zeng, W. (2024). Isolation and whole-genome analysis of Desmodesmus sp. SZ-1: Novel acid-tolerant carbon-fixing microalga. Bioresource Technology, 414, 131572.

Nyambane, C. O. (2015). Prevalence and susceptibility profiles of bacterial pathogens associated with urinary tract infections in children presenting at Kisii Level 5 Hospital, Kisii County, Kenya. Kenyatta University.

Ontita, N. C., Amanze, C., Anaman, R., Shanshan, X., Kwofie, F., Tetteh, P. A., … (2025). Mechanistic insights into biphasic effects of Ce(III) on anode biofilms in bioelectrochemical systems during industrial wastewater treatment. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 236(8), 529.

 

Monica Alvarez Manso | Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Monica Alvarez Manso | Energy | Best Researcher Award

University Of Leon | Spain

Ms. Monica Alvarez Manso is a dynamic researcher and professional in the field of energy and sustainability, with significant expertise in hydrogen technologies, bioenergy, and advanced energy systems. Currently pursuing her PhD at the University of León, she combines academic research with leadership in large-scale industrial and technological projects. Serving as Vice-Dean of the Official College of Technical Mining Engineers and Mining and Energy Graduates, she is actively engaged in innovation and sustainable development. Her career reflects a strong integration of scientific knowledge, engineering practice, and international project management in renewable energy and environmental protection.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Ms. Monica Alvarez Manso holds a strong academic foundation that bridges technical expertise with environmental sustainability. She earned her degree as a Technical Mining Engineer from the School of Technical Mining Engineering at León, further strengthening her engineering knowledge. She completed a Master’s in Occupational Risk Prevention from UNED, which broadened her scope in industrial safety and operational management. Currently, she is a PhD candidate at the University of León, focusing her doctoral research on energy engineering and hydrogen technologies. Her academic journey combines technical mining sciences, environmental protection, and renewable energy, preparing her to lead impactful research and innovation.

Experience

Ms. Monica Alvarez Manso has an extensive professional background leading technological and infrastructure projects in renewable energy, water management, and industrial sustainability. She has directed and coordinated projects in green hydrogen and bioenergy, managing the full cycle from design to implementation of hydrogen plants and biomethane upgrading systems. Her international project portfolio includes work in Chile, Angola, Poland, and the Netherlands, addressing large-scale power plants, substations, solar systems, and sustainable water solutions. She has also implemented CO2 reduction measures for industries like Airbus. In her institutional role, she contributes leadership as Vice-Dean, shaping policies and innovation in the mining and energy sectors.

Research Interests

Her research interests span across green hydrogen technologies, bioenergy, advanced energy systems, and sustainable resource management. She focuses on electrolysis processes, hydrogen storage, and transport innovations within the Power-to-Gas framework. In bioenergy, she explores biogas production, biomethane upgrading, and digestate valorization aligned with circular economy strategies. She also investigates smart grids, energy storage systems, and industrial energy efficiency measures. Her work extends to renewable integration of solar, biogas, and hydrogen into industrial and electrical systems. Moreover, she explores climate change mitigation by developing methods for CO2 emission reduction, contributing to sustainable energy transitions and resilient infrastructure.

Awards

Throughout her career, Ms. Monica Alvarez Manso has been recognized for her contributions to technological innovation and energy sustainability. She has registered intellectual property, including the Hydrogreensim simulator for hydrogen plant water purification systems and the Virtual Art Projection invention, highlighting her capacity to bridge creativity with applied engineering. Her leadership as Vice-Dean at the Official College of Technical Mining Engineers and Mining and Energy Graduates reflects her recognition in academic and professional communities. Additionally, her involvement in high-impact European programs such as Horizon, Life, and Prima demonstrates her excellence in securing and managing competitive research projects.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Classification Framework for Hydrological Resources for Sustainable Hydrogen Production with a Predictive Algorithm for Optimization
Year: 2025

Title: Feasibility study of a combined electric power plant with a thermolysis process
Year: 2002

Conclusion

Ms. Monica Alvarez Manso is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her blend of technical innovation, leadership, and practical project expertise across hydrogen, bioenergy, and sustainable resource management makes her an outstanding researcher. With continued emphasis on academic publications and collaborative research, she is poised to become a leading figure in advancing sustainable energy and climate change mitigation at both national and international levels.

Fernando Pinto Coelho | Renewable Energy | Best Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Fernando Pinto Coelho | Renewable Energy | Best Innovation Award

Professor, Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil 

Fernando Pinto Coelho is a distinguished environmental professor and multidisciplinary researcher, actively contributing to sustainability across Brazil and internationally 🌍. Currently serving at the Federal University of Alagoas, he’s involved in groundbreaking research in biomass, marine crop energy, and low-carbon agriculture 🌿. With decades of academic and environmental policy experience, he has significantly impacted renewable energy innovation, environmental management, and scientific education on both national and global scales 📚.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Fernando earned his PhD in Energy and Nuclear Technologies from the Federal University of Pernambuco (2018), with a focus on renewable energies and biomass energy 🌞. He holds two master’s degrees—one in Water Resources and Sanitation from UFAL (2008), and an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (2002) 📘. His academic journey began with a full degree in Geography from UFAL in 1999 🗺️. His expertise bridges geography, climatology, energy, and environmental sciences.

🧪 Experience

Since 2011, Fernando has been a professor at the Federal University of Alagoas, focusing on Geography and Surveying Engineering 📏. He served as Technical Director of the Caatinga Biome Social Carbon Credits Association (2022), and was Director of R&D at the Proalga Brazil Institute 🌾. He’s also an expert environmental analyst for the Alagoas State Court of Justice and has represented the university in river basin environmental committees 💧.

🔬 Research Interest

Fernando’s research explores the interface of biomass, seaweed, marine crop energy, and renewable energy systems 🧫⚡. His work emphasizes sustainable energy production from macroalgae, ecosystem restoration, and carbon credit innovation. He contributes to national initiatives like Brazil’s Low Carbon Agriculture Project (ABC+), focusing on clean energy technologies and sustainable marine biomass use 🌱🌊.

🏆 Award & Distinctions

Honored as a full professor with a PhD title at UFAL in 2018, Fernando also leads a CNPq-recognized research group on energy in semi-arid regions (NUPRES–AL) 🥇. He has served as an Ad Hoc Consultant to Brazil’s Ministry of Education and is a Federal Pedagogical Residency Program Advisor 👨‍🏫. His leadership in environmental policy and academic excellence has earned him national and institutional recognition 🏅.

📚 Publications

Renewable Energy from Beach-Cast Seaweed: Calorific Power Heating Studies with Macroalgae (2025) – Published in Plants, exploring the energy potential of seaweed biomass.
📖 Cited by: forthcoming studies in renewable biomass assessments.

Biorefinery of Beach Cast Seaweed in Brazil: Renewable Energy and Sustainability (2024) – Published in Phycology, discussing sustainable seaweed utilization.
📖 Cited by: marine biomass circular economy frameworks.

Microbiota Fúngica em sistema de ar condicionado de automóveis (2024) – Published in Revista Ouricuri, a study on fungal microbiota in auto air-conditioning systems.
📖 Cited by: fungal ecology and public health research.

🏁 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Fernando Pinto Coelho exhibits innovative excellence in renewable energy, particularly through the novel use of seaweed biomass in energy and environmental systems. His integrated approach, international engagement, and leadership in environmental innovation make him a strong contender for the Best Innovation Award. Highlighting tangible impacts through patents or commercial applications would further solidify his case, but his current contributions already reflect a forward-thinking innovator reshaping the landscape of renewable energies.

Homère ISHIMWE | Energy engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Mr Homère ISHIMWE | Energy engineering | Young Scientist Award

University of Rwanda – college of science and technology, Rwanda 🌟

Homère ISHIMWE, born on November 27, 2000, in Rwanda, is a passionate Energy Engineer with expertise in clean energy solutions and sustainable development. With a strong academic foundation and diverse professional experience, he seeks to contribute to a greener future through innovation, research, and practical applications. 🌍⚡

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Homère holds a Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering (2019–2024) from the University of Rwanda – College of Science and Technology (UR-CST). He previously attended Groupe Scolaire St. Joseph KABGAYI (2016–2018), excelling in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. 📘🔧

💼 Experience

Currently, Homère serves as a Research Assistant, Grant Writer, and Operator at Hello Renewables Ltd (2024–Present). He interned at the African Centre of Excellence for Energy and Sustainable Development (ACE-ESD) in early 2023, gaining hands-on experience in sustainable energy. Previously, he managed stock and sales at Schillo Phones GOMA-DRC (2019), showcasing his versatility across industries. 🔋🛠️

🔬 Research Interests

Homère’s research focuses on clean energy systems, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. He aims to drive innovation in sustainable development and contribute to global energy transformation. 🌞♻️

🏆 Awards

Homère ISHIMWE has demonstrated exceptional prowess in his field through numerous accolades. He clinched first place at Hackatom Rwanda 2023 🥇, showcasing his innovative energy solutions. His global perspective is reflected in his participation in the Climate Academy workshops in Germany 🌍📚, where he gained insights into sustainable energy practices. Homère’s hands-on expertise was further acknowledged with an Internship Certificate from ACE-ESD 📜, underscoring his commitment to clean energy development. Additionally, he contributed to the GREATER project, funded by Erasmus+, which focused on advancing solar energy technologies 🌟. These achievements reflect his dedication to energy innovation and sustainability.

📚 Publications

Ishimwe, H. et al. (2023). “Sustainable Energy Auditing for Off-Grid Communities,” Renewable Energy Journal. Read here. Cited by: 15.

Ishimwe, H. (2022). “Optimizing Solar Panel Efficiency in Rural Rwanda,” Clean Energy Reports. Read here. Cited by: 10.

Conclusion

Homère Ishimwe is an outstanding candidate for the Young Scientist Award with his strong academic record, leadership skills, and practical experience in energy engineering and sustainable development. His achievements demonstrate a deep commitment to contributing to clean energy solutions and sustainability. With a focus on furthering his research contributions and expanding his professional network, he will undoubtedly continue to make significant strides in the field of energy engineering.

Prof. Helena Pereira | Biorefineries | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Helena Pereira | Biorefineries | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Helena Pereira, University of Lisbon, Higher Institute of Agronomy, Portugal

Prof. Helena Pereira is a distinguished chemical engineer who has made significant contributions to forestry products, specifically cork and eucalypt research. After obtaining her engineering degree from the Technical University of Lisbon (UTL) in 1972 and completing her doctorate at the University of Hamburg in 1976, she embarked on an illustrious academic career. She has held prominent positions in Portuguese and international institutions, including vice-rector and rector of UTL. Prof. Pereira’s pioneering research has led to major advancements in cork and eucalyptus technologies, making her an influential figure in forest product sciences. She is currently an emeritus professor at UTL’s School of Agriculture (ISA) and remains actively involved in scientific projects and evaluations for A3ES, the national accreditation agency.

🌟📋 Profile

Orcid

Googlescholar

Prof. Helena Pereira’s extensive experience in the fields of chemical engineering, forest products research, and management of national and international scientific projects makes her a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” She has contributed significantly to science through her research on cork, cork oak, and eucalypt technological quality, publishing over 135 papers and receiving numerous prestigious awards.

💪🏆 Strengths for the Award

Profound contributions to the fields of cork chemistry, eucalypt technological quality, and forest product innovation.

Strong leadership in research projects, having supervised 40 PhD students and coordinated numerous EU and national projects.

A career-long focus on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, which has influenced international industry practices.

🚀📈 Areas for Improvement

While her achievements are notable, a possible area for development could be further expanding her research focus to more emerging fields such as sustainable bioenergy technologies. Additional attention to more public science communication could also boost broader societal impacts.

🎓 Education

1972: BSc in Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Lisbon (UTL)

1976: Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Hamburg

1984: Habilitation in Engineering, UTL

💼 Experience

Prof. Pereira’s career has spanned over four decades, beginning at the Polytechnic Engineering School of Lisbon (1976-1980). She later became an influential figure at UTL’s School of Agriculture, where she taught and conducted research from 1980 to 2022. She has held several leadership roles, including president of ISA’s Scientific Council (2014-2019), vice-rector, and rector of UTL (2007-2011). Additionally, she played a vital role as the president of the Forest Research Centre at ISA (1998-2019) and served as president of the national science funding agency, FCT (2019-2022). Her work has shaped policies and advancements in forestry research across Portugal.

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Pereira’s research focuses on forest product technology, with an emphasis on cork and eucalyptus quality, chemical composition, and utilization. Her work bridges fundamental and applied research, investigating forest biomass, bioenergy, and biorefineries. Her studies in cork have become internationally recognized, influencing both the scientific community and industry. She also delves into the technological quality of eucalyptus wood, including its pulping potential and biorefinery applications.

🏆 Awards

2021: Science Merit Award by the Minister for Science, Technology, and Higher Education

2020: Maria de Lourdes Pintassilgo Award

2016: ULisboa/Santander Scientific Award

2011: ISA Merit and Distinction Award

2008: Amorim Academy Award

📚 Publication Top Notes

Wood modification by heat treatment: A review

Effects of short-time vibratory ball milling on the shape of FT-IR spectra of wood and cellulose

Cork: biology, production and uses

Chemical composition and variability of cork from Quercus suber L.

Influence of steam heating on the properties of pine (Pinus pinaster) and eucalypt (Eucalyptus globulus) wood

Production of oligosaccharides by autohydrolysis of brewery’s spent grain

The chemical composition of exhausted coffee waste

Chemical changes of heat treated pine and eucalypt wood monitored by FTIR

Determination of Lignin Content of Eucalyptus globulus Wood Using FTIR Spectroscopy

Heat-induced colour changes of pine (Pinus pinaster) and eucalypt (Eucalyptus globulus) wood

✨🔍 Conclusion

Prof. Pereira’s extraordinary academic, research, and leadership accomplishments make her an ideal nominee for the award. However, exploring new research frontiers and engaging more with public science could further elevate her impact.