Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco | Argentina 

Dr. María Eugenia Salgado Salomón is an accomplished forest engineer and biologist whose career seamlessly integrates research, teaching, and applied science in forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on mycorrhizal fungi, invasive species, and forest health in Patagonia. She holds advanced degrees in biology and forest engineering, complemented by international specialization in governance and integrated water management. Her professional journey includes leadership as head of the Phytopathology and Applied Microbiology department at CIEFAP and a researcher role at CONICET, where she has advanced projects on ectomycorrhizal interactions, fungal invasions, and forest resilience under climate change. She has mentored doctoral and professional students, supervised internships, and trained human resources, while contributing to knowledge transfer for forestry and agricultural producers. Her research, cited by 138 articles and reflected in 14 peer-reviewed documents with an h-index of 8, spans international collaborations, field studies, molecular techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches, yielding numerous publications, book chapters, and technical reports. She has engaged in global initiatives like INTACT, focusing on truffle cultivation and sustainable forest practices, and projects assessing forest biodiversity, post-wildfire resilience, and fungal taxonomy. As a dedicated educator, she teaches courses in biodiversity, conservation, topography, and remote sensing, nurturing future specialists in environmental and forest sciences. Her professional service includes thesis examination, journal peer review, and participation on editorial boards and international scientific committees. Through leadership, scientific rigor, and commitment to sustainable forest management, Dr. María Eugenia Salgado Salomón is a recognized authority in Patagonian forest ecology and mycorrhizal research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Huymann, L., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Rüde, L., Seibl, C., Schön, R., Barroetaveña, C., Siewert, B., & Peintner, U. (2025). Unveiling hidden treasures: A revision of phlegmacioid Cortinariaceae with special focus on edible South American species of Thaxterogaster subgenus Cretaces. Persoonia. In preparation.

Giles, P. V., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Carrión, N. N., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Amanita muscaria invasion in native Nothofagus dombeyi and Lophozonia alpina in Patagonia, Argentina: Unravel belowground associations. Bosques. In preparation.

Giles, P. V., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Pildain, M. B., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Invasive Amanita muscaria in Nothofagus dombeyi forests in Patagonia, Argentina. Biological Invasion Note. In revision.

Arguiano, C., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Barroetaveña, C., & Roy, M. (2025). Wildfire impact on below-ground communities associated with Nothofagus forests in Patagonia. Fire Ecology. In revision.

Salgado Salomón, M. E., García Barreda, S., Mohr Bell, D., Pildain, M. B., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Mapeo de zonas aptas para truficultura en Patagonia Argentina. Forest Systems. In press.

Salgado Salomón, M. E., De Errasti, A., Talarico, S. S., Gianolini, S., Urretavizcaya, F., & Barroetaveña, C. (2024). Evaluation of abundance and viability of arbuscular mycorrhizal spores in Austrocedrus chilensis forests affected by wildfires in Patagonia, Argentina. Wild, 2(3), 36.

Emmanuel Umeonyirioha | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Xiamen University | China

Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies. A former James Currey Fellow at the University of Oxford, he has cultivated an international profile spanning Africa–China studies, climate-smart agriculture, and global governance. His work bridges academic research with policy innovation, focusing on economic cooperation, sustainable development, and historical-cultural analysis. Beyond academia, he serves as Translations Director for Abibiman Publishing, facilitating intercultural knowledge exchange. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing scholarly discourse and fostering equitable international collaboration.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha holds a PhD in International Relations and an MSc in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Xiamen University, where he developed expertise in diplomatic studies and cross-cultural pedagogy. His academic foundation began with a BA in African and Asian Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, providing him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective on transnational relations. He further enhanced his research capacity during his tenure as a James Currey Fellow at the University of Oxford’s African Studies Centre, engaging in advanced seminars and mentorship programs. This rich academic pathway has shaped his capacity to integrate theory with practice in global policy contexts.

Experience

With a professional trajectory bridging research, teaching, and cultural diplomacy, Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha has contributed extensively to the academic and policy communities. As Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Xiamen University’s School of Public Policy, he examines strategic development intersections between Africa and China. He concurrently holds a Distinguished Visiting Professorship at Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of African Studies. His previous roles include tutoring at Oxford’s James Currey Society and leading translation initiatives for Abibiman Publishing in the US and UK. He also supports the Abuja Forum, facilitating dialogue among African leaders, diplomats, and scholars on issues of governance, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.

Research Interests

Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha research explores the multidimensional relationship between Africa and China, with particular focus on trade, investment, and economic cooperation under frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative. He investigates climate-smart agriculture and food sovereignty, aligning sustainability goals with policy action. His work also examines the role of multilateral institutions such as the WTO and UNFCCC in shaping equitable development outcomes. Additionally, his interest in African history and culture informs his holistic approach to international relations, ensuring that economic and environmental strategies remain grounded in socio-cultural realities. His scholarship emphasizes solutions-oriented research with tangible impacts on communities and governance structures.

Awards

Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha contributions have positioned him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting his leadership in cross-continental academic collaboration and policy-relevant scholarship. His role in developing first-of-their-kind degree programs linking Nigerian universities with Chinese institutions marks a transformative step in African higher education. His research outputs, covering poverty alleviation, climate adaptation, and diplomatic reform, have received international citations, underscoring their scholarly relevance. Through forums like the Abuja Forum, he has influenced discourse at the highest levels, engaging with presidents, ambassadors, and thought leaders. This recognition reflects his enduring commitment to impactful, globally informed, and locally relevant research initiatives.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Capturing the Ramifications of Poverty Alleviation Hotspots and Climate Change Effects in Nigeria: A Social Network Analysis
Year: 2025
Cited by: 3

Title: Diplomacy at Crossroads: Challenges of Nigeria’s Foreign Service
Year: 2020
Cited by: 2

Title: The Bretton Woods International Financial Institutions: Perspective of the Underdeveloped States
Year: 2020
Cited by: 1

Conclusion

Based on his diverse expertise, international collaborations, and policy-oriented research addressing critical African and global issues, Dr. Emmanuel Umeonyirioha is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His work is distinguished by its relevance, innovative approaches, and real-world impact, making him well-suited for recognition that celebrates research excellence with societal value.

Maritza Chirinos Marroquín | Sustainability and environment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Maritza Chirinos Marroquín | Sustainability and environment | Best Researcher Award

MSc., Saint Paul Catholic University, Peru🌟

Dr. Maritza Chirinos Marroquín is a distinguished researcher and educator with a focus on sustainability, academic performance, and student well-being. Currently a RENACYT (Nivel VII) researcher at Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica in Lima, Peru, she is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the ecological footprint, happiness, and sustainability in universities. With a profound commitment to improving student experiences, Dr. Chirinos Marroquín’s work bridges the gap between academic success and environmental responsibility.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Maritza Chirinos Marroquín holds the prestigious RENACYT (Nivel VII) qualification, awarded by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (CONCYTEC) in Peru, which she has held since September 2023. Her research explores sustainability in higher education, with an emphasis on enhancing the overall academic and ecological performance of students.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

With a deep commitment to academia and research, Dr. Chirinos Marroquín is currently engaged as an Investigadora RENACYT at CONCYTEC in Lima, Peru. Her academic career has seen her work on several projects aimed at improving sustainability in higher education institutions and fostering better student outcomes in academic performance and happiness.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Chirinos Marroquín’s research interests are centered around sustainability, particularly its integration within universities. She investigates the relationships between ecological footprints, student happiness, and academic performance. Her work seeks to develop models for assessing and enhancing sustainability practices in higher education, focusing on the balance between environmental impact and student well-being.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Chirinos Marroquín’s dedication to advancing sustainability in education has earned her recognition through the RENACYT (Nivel VII) qualification, which is a testament to her outstanding contributions to scientific research in the field of sustainability.

Publications 📚

Sustainability in Universities: The Triad of Ecological Footprint, Happiness, and Academic Performance Among Brazilian and International Students (Sustainability, 2025): 10.3390/su17030950

Characteristics of University Happiness Conditions and Academic Performance: A Case Study of a University in Arequipa, Peru (ICACIT, 2024): 10.1109/ICACIT62963.2024.10788632

A Quantitative Assessment Model for Students’ Sustainability: Evidence from a Peruvian University (International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2023): 10.1108/ijshe-07-2022-0234

Conclusion

Maritza Chirinos Marroquín is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to sustainability research, particularly within the realm of higher education. Her work is not only academically robust but also socially and globally relevant. By broadening her collaborative and outreach activities, she could further enhance the societal impact of her research. Overall, her dedication to advancing sustainability through education makes her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.